Back to August

Hello once Again!
It's August, and I'm sort of back to where I started....well almost. I'm fast approaching one year spent living in Utah (August 22nd). So to answer the question from this time last year "Are you going to stay in Utah?"...it looks like for at least the time being...yes.
News as of lately. Jason and I broke up around 4th of July...chalk it up to different backgrounds and being in different relationship stages. I've had my share of ups and downs since then. I apologize to those I neglected to call at all, and thank those who let me call and be hysterical. I still think he's an amazing guy I wish everyone could have met him. Hopefully some day we can be friends. The only downside is now I'm back to trying to meet new people outside of work, and here in Utah that's harder than one might imagine! It will get better with time. I keep reminding myself it took me the better part of 23 years to build the amazing group of people I know from back home, so for only being here a year I'm doing ok.
On a brighter note, my job continues to be amazing! If not for that I think I would have moved to Colorado by now. (Why Colorado? From what I hear they still have mountains and the LDS church is much less involved in running the state.) ;) Recently we had two new doctors start at TOSH...Dr. Eric Heiden and Dr. Max Testa. (Yes, Eric Heiden from speedingskating in the 80's). Dr. Testa is heavily involved in the cycling community, and both are very interested in research. If I play my cards right I'll be doing way more lab stuff in the not so distant future, hopefully alongside Dr. Testa and Dr. Heiden.
Last week I spent the day Friday helping do exercise testing for 6 paraolympic nordic skiers on the big skating/sking treadmill at the Olympic Oval. Those are some amazing people! It was a very long day in the 62 degree ice shed (as I lovingly call it), but it was a good break from the normal routine. They are busy putting down the ice for the season. It's quite a complex process. While I was there they were busy painting the decals and lines into the lower layers of the ice, before they add more layers on top. Very cool and very interesting.
I made a short trip home the weekend July 22nd and although I was SO thankful to see friends and family, it was the most nightmareish travel experience I've had thus far. Summary of a long day...Chicago was all messed up and I got home 6 hours later than anticipated after sitting and waiting on the plane, back in the airport, and then on the runway at O'Hare. It could have been much worse I know...but on the flight back the Russian dance troupe that wouldn't stay seated and didn't speak English...or quietly...topped it all off. I've already purchased my Dramamine for the next trip home...which is fast approaching on September 22nd! It cannot come fast enough! I'll let you know when it gets closer, but I'm hoping to do some more visiting and see as many people as possible!
Speaking of which, I've been to WI twice in the last year...how many times have YOU been to Utah? :) Time for a visit I do believe ;) Don't worry about gas prices...it's only $2.75 here, and you can fill up before you head back home. Ok, I will settle for e-mails, phonecalls, letters....whatever I can get ;) It would keep me from missing all of you (which I do) and remind me there is life outside of Utah (or "Mormainia" as cousin Steven deemed it). Be in touch and I hope you're well!
Steph~

PS. (the congrats, good luck, and threat section)
Congrats to Cousin Steven and Mary on their new little girl!!
Good Luck to Jesse and Carrie, and Krisy and Zach on their upcoming weddings!!
Congrats to Leah and Krista on their new jobs (Leah...it's about time!)
Good Luck to Ironman Andy! (wish I could be there)
And finally "threats" to all of you I haven't heard from in way too long! You know who you are, and so help me, when I get back to WI I better not have to hire a private investigator to track you down!
Later! S.~