Hello All,
I've tried to start an update e-mail several times (unsuccessfully)...but this one is going to do the trick.
First off, my apartment isn't on fire, and I'm not anywhere too near where the wildfires are burning in Utah. We do have a heck of a lot of stuff on fire though, as I found out when I started seeing the Utah fires on the national (as well as local) news. It's no wonder with the humidity steadily below 10% (no, that's not a typo) and the temps in the high 90's to low 100's. Here in Salt Lake it has officially been 30 days since we've had any measurable rain and there isn't a cloud in sight in the 10-day forcast. There have been some small wildfires in the south end of the valley, however the large fires on the national news are a couple hours south of where I live. With lots of dry grass, endless nothing, low humidity, 100-degree temps, and lack of water supply it's no wonder fighting them is such a tough job. I've realized it's a job I definitly wouldn't want! On a recent trip through Provo (about 60 minutes south) I did get my first real view of wildfires being fought, where a small fire on the side of the mountain was being fought with helicopters and planes. Apparently it had been started from a stray spark thrown from a lawnmower or something like that. It was an interesting sight firsthand...especially the fires on the mountainside at night, and seeing the helicopters dropping fire retardant out of the sky...the sort of thing you usually only see on the news back in the Midwest. To go along with the problems with fire, we're having some air quality issues due to the smoke. Ironically enough, the smoke we're getting isn't even really from the Utah fires, but is blowing in all the way from Oregon. I'm sure someone in Colorado is thoroughly enjoying our smoke. One thing I can say is that I'm not too upset by the heat anymore. I just wish the air would clear up and I'd get to see a raincloud once in a while. It might sound silly...but the same sunshine and clear skies day after day after day are sort of getting old (especially when combined with the heat). It would be nice to go outside during daylight hours without SPF 50 as well. Dreaded whiteish Wisconsin skin of mine!
Enough about that.
Work has been great lately, and I'm almost sad summer is going by so quickly! We're busy again as usual and now that I've been working here almost two years (next month!) I am getting to see some of our returning athletes grow up. It's excited to see who has changed--grown six inches, put on 30lbs, hit puberty finally etc... ;) It's also great to see how happy parents are with the results they've seen from their last session and are bringing their kids back for more. I'm also gearing up to start grad school at the end of August. When I say "gearing up" I mean that I'm mostly in denial. We just hired a new biomechanist, so the official-unofficial plan is for me to assist he and Steve in the lab this fall so I can work earlier hours and still go to class in the evening. I'm really optomistic at this point since the new guy (Bill) won't be travelling as much as Steve always needs to.
Jason and I have been on some exciting hiking/caving trips lately. I'm going to try to remember to attach a picture or two to this e-mail. Weekend trips since my last update include (in no particular order): Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park (where we hiked through my first slot canyon), Wheeler Peak (in Great Basin National Park), and several honorable mentions to caving trips in remote locations unassociated with any actual populated towns ;). One nice thing about the mountains being so close is that we do have the option to get up around 9500+ feet where the air is clearer and much cooler. This past weekend we went hiking up Little Cottonwood Canyon (about three miles of dirt road up from the top of Alta--for those of you who have visited the resorts up there) where at the top it was about 70 degrees when in the valley it was around 95. I've found that in some instances altitude actually makes hiking MORE bearable! The wildflowers were also AMAZING--pictures don't even begin to do them justice.
I've also had some more company, and made one trip home since my last update. Mark and La had a beautiful wedding in the beginning of June (although I'm still hoping someone will e-mail me a few pictures...hint...hint) ;) I was SO excited to see everyone during my week in WI as well as to be a bridesmaid for La on her wedding day! I also had company from KTP, Melissa, Derek, Chet, Aunt Linda, Cousin Ryan and their friend Norene. I'm beginning to be quite the Salt Lake Valley tour guide...so if you're heading this way do let me know and please come stay on my futon!
I think that about wraps it up. If anyone is interested I am going to try to post new recent pictures of more fun stuff to my flickr page tomorrow evening. http://www.flickr.com/photos/steph_koenig/
Also FYI Jason and I will be spending a weekend in WI from August 9th-13th. Rumor has it there will be a picnic on Saturday most likely at my parents house. If you're around town or we head your direction we might be dropping by. I hope everyone is doing very well!
Steph~
ps. Jess-props on your new job/promotion! I do enjoy your updates although I'm not much good at replying.
Mark-you're officially on the update list so you'll have to adjust. Please make La talk to me online more often ;)
Sarah-As if you read my mind...I got your pregnancy pictures...only 30mins ago this note said "I want pregnancy pictures" and before I sent the e-mail out they just miraculously appeared! I'm so terribly excited to see you and Andy when I'm home I can't handle it!
Lastly "Kudos" too all the company I've had in the last couple of months. You all made it a very exciting Spring!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Another Long Overdue Update
Howdy,
It's been forever since I've written (approximately mid-January in case anyone was wondering just how long). I've been crazy busy and a lot has happened.
First off I was accepted into graduate school at the University of Utah. (See Jim, I had not yet broke the news to everyone BUT you.) I will be starting a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology this fall. Tonight I spent over an hour figuring out how to register online for 2 classes. I found the website to be almost frustrating enough to make me regret my graduate school decision (and wonder if I am actually qualified to attend). :) Eventually I got registered so it looks like I'll be starting classes this fall.
Jason has been back in my life as of mid-February, and things have been going well since. I've been on a few caving (and other) adventures with him and his family since then which have been a lot of fun (if you consider crawling around in a cave a lot of fun). I'm looking forward to more outdoor hikes above ground in the near future. Today was a trip to the local zoo with a few of his cousins...I don't think in my entire life I have seen so many strollers. (Those of you who have visited Utah will appreciate that comment more than others may.)
Early in March I had a couple of crazy Iowans and a pair of Wisconsinites come visit the great state of Utah for an extended weekend. We toured around town, they hit the slopes, we got into a minor car accident (I didn't know a person could have so much fun after getting rear-ended), and overall I think everyone had an excellent time. Jason has officially met more of my friends from back home, so you can imagine how amazing he now thinks everyone from the Midwest must be.
Easter weekend my parents came for their second visit to Utah. We toured around and even did some relaxing. Jason met more midwesterners and proceeded to take two sick days from work. (OK, so my parents weren't that hard on him...but it's sort of funny to say it that way.)
Work has been going well. This past week we found ourselves running damage control on a bunch of muttled data from our latest football combine, so the week was long and stressful, but the overtime was nice. I'm planning to continue working this fall when I head back to school. Work has basically guaranteed me 40 hours/week and I will get some tuition assistance so I think things will work out well. My next hurdle is applying for residency. With any luck I will be an official Utah resident by the end of summer.
Speaking of summer, this August I will have been in Utah for 2 entire years! Time flys doesn't it?
Anyhows, I wanted to send a short note to say all is well and that I'm sorry I haven't written anything for so long.
If anyone wants to check out some of my pictures from recently (and over the past year) I now have a page on flickr at: www.flickr.com/photos/steph_koenig please feel free to check them out and comment if you'd like. Hopefully I'll be posting more pictures soon!
I hope everyone is doing well. I'm looking forward to my next visit home June 1-10th for La and Mark's wedding. It will be exciting to see everyone again. Do let me know if anyone is planning a summer vacation that will bring them through Salt Lake (latest reviews say I'm a pretty OK tour guide).
Best Wishes and Be in Touch!
Steph~
It's been forever since I've written (approximately mid-January in case anyone was wondering just how long). I've been crazy busy and a lot has happened.
First off I was accepted into graduate school at the University of Utah. (See Jim, I had not yet broke the news to everyone BUT you.) I will be starting a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology this fall. Tonight I spent over an hour figuring out how to register online for 2 classes. I found the website to be almost frustrating enough to make me regret my graduate school decision (and wonder if I am actually qualified to attend). :) Eventually I got registered so it looks like I'll be starting classes this fall.
Jason has been back in my life as of mid-February, and things have been going well since. I've been on a few caving (and other) adventures with him and his family since then which have been a lot of fun (if you consider crawling around in a cave a lot of fun). I'm looking forward to more outdoor hikes above ground in the near future. Today was a trip to the local zoo with a few of his cousins...I don't think in my entire life I have seen so many strollers. (Those of you who have visited Utah will appreciate that comment more than others may.)
Early in March I had a couple of crazy Iowans and a pair of Wisconsinites come visit the great state of Utah for an extended weekend. We toured around town, they hit the slopes, we got into a minor car accident (I didn't know a person could have so much fun after getting rear-ended), and overall I think everyone had an excellent time. Jason has officially met more of my friends from back home, so you can imagine how amazing he now thinks everyone from the Midwest must be.
Easter weekend my parents came for their second visit to Utah. We toured around and even did some relaxing. Jason met more midwesterners and proceeded to take two sick days from work. (OK, so my parents weren't that hard on him...but it's sort of funny to say it that way.)
Work has been going well. This past week we found ourselves running damage control on a bunch of muttled data from our latest football combine, so the week was long and stressful, but the overtime was nice. I'm planning to continue working this fall when I head back to school. Work has basically guaranteed me 40 hours/week and I will get some tuition assistance so I think things will work out well. My next hurdle is applying for residency. With any luck I will be an official Utah resident by the end of summer.
Speaking of summer, this August I will have been in Utah for 2 entire years! Time flys doesn't it?
Anyhows, I wanted to send a short note to say all is well and that I'm sorry I haven't written anything for so long.
If anyone wants to check out some of my pictures from recently (and over the past year) I now have a page on flickr at: www.flickr.com/photos/steph_koenig please feel free to check them out and comment if you'd like. Hopefully I'll be posting more pictures soon!
I hope everyone is doing well. I'm looking forward to my next visit home June 1-10th for La and Mark's wedding. It will be exciting to see everyone again. Do let me know if anyone is planning a summer vacation that will bring them through Salt Lake (latest reviews say I'm a pretty OK tour guide).
Best Wishes and Be in Touch!
Steph~
Sunday, January 21, 2007
It's been a Long Time
So what can I say? There hasn't been an update since around Halloween. Even I didn't realize it had been that long. Time flys I guess!
Life has been clicking right along here in Utah. Thanksgiving was good, aside from a not-so-nice stomach flu over the holiday weekend. This may have been the first Thanksgiving on record where I actually lost weight! ;) I spent Christmas studying for the GRE (which went well), working a bit more than I'd like to admit, and readying my application to start grad school here at the U of U next Fall. I've decided I still really love my job, and since I'm not ready to leave it yet, I should get on with my Master's degree as planned. No use waiting around or I'm afraid it will be even harder to go back to school.
Work is crazy-busy and quite enjoyable lately. We had a new research study come through the biomechanics lab, looking at the long term outcomes of two types of knee surgery techniques. I'm still busy editing the data from that. Around Christmas we hosted a football combine for HS athletes which also gave me about a week worth of "extras" to do. This past week was nuts because TOSH recently became the sport medicine provider for USA cycling. It will be a relationship much like with USA speedskating, and USA skiing, in which we provide sport medicine coverage to the teams. This week 18 members of the USA junior national cycling team spent the week with us doing lab performance testing, nutrition consults, bike-fits....you name it. There were bikes, bags, and computrainers everywhere....and the constant sound of spinning pedals. I admit I was a bit jealous of their bikes...most of which cost more than the average used car. At the same time it will be nice to get back to normal next week; even though these guys are pretty elite athletes they still created the clutter of any average 18-24 year old guy.
The acceleration training schedule is also busy. Thanks to having a marketing guy for our department for the first time ever, our schedule is summer-busy even though it's still winter. Chris and I joke that we're financially stable enough to buy food again, but no longer have time to eat lunch. Just like summer...only colder, and darker.
Speaking of cold, Utah has had way more snow in the valley than last winter....however less snow overall in the mountains. We've also had quite a bit more of the inversion than I remember from last year. "Inversion" refers to a temperature inversion that happens when we get high pressure. The valley becomes cooler and the moutians become warmer. Pollution becomes trapped in the valley and things get rather smoggy until another storm comes through and cleans things out. Luckily it only lasts on and off for a few months each winter. Lately we've been a bit inverted...so it's been a much colder winter this winter than last. I'm ready for spring!!
My next trip to Wisconsin will be the first week in June for Larissa and Mark's wedding. I get to be a bridesmaid (yay!) It's going to be so much fun! I'm also planning to take enough time to get to catch up with everyone back home again. I just returned from a week at home, and I apologize I didn't get to see as many of you as I'd like. I'll be making the rounds in June though...so watch out!
I think that about sums up what's new in the world around here. I do look forward to hearing what you've all been up to. Take Care!
Steph~
ps. Next Thursday is my Golden Birthday....I'd love nothing more than for any/all of you to call to remind me just how old I'm getting :)
Life has been clicking right along here in Utah. Thanksgiving was good, aside from a not-so-nice stomach flu over the holiday weekend. This may have been the first Thanksgiving on record where I actually lost weight! ;) I spent Christmas studying for the GRE (which went well), working a bit more than I'd like to admit, and readying my application to start grad school here at the U of U next Fall. I've decided I still really love my job, and since I'm not ready to leave it yet, I should get on with my Master's degree as planned. No use waiting around or I'm afraid it will be even harder to go back to school.
Work is crazy-busy and quite enjoyable lately. We had a new research study come through the biomechanics lab, looking at the long term outcomes of two types of knee surgery techniques. I'm still busy editing the data from that. Around Christmas we hosted a football combine for HS athletes which also gave me about a week worth of "extras" to do. This past week was nuts because TOSH recently became the sport medicine provider for USA cycling. It will be a relationship much like with USA speedskating, and USA skiing, in which we provide sport medicine coverage to the teams. This week 18 members of the USA junior national cycling team spent the week with us doing lab performance testing, nutrition consults, bike-fits....you name it. There were bikes, bags, and computrainers everywhere....and the constant sound of spinning pedals. I admit I was a bit jealous of their bikes...most of which cost more than the average used car. At the same time it will be nice to get back to normal next week; even though these guys are pretty elite athletes they still created the clutter of any average 18-24 year old guy.
The acceleration training schedule is also busy. Thanks to having a marketing guy for our department for the first time ever, our schedule is summer-busy even though it's still winter. Chris and I joke that we're financially stable enough to buy food again, but no longer have time to eat lunch. Just like summer...only colder, and darker.
Speaking of cold, Utah has had way more snow in the valley than last winter....however less snow overall in the mountains. We've also had quite a bit more of the inversion than I remember from last year. "Inversion" refers to a temperature inversion that happens when we get high pressure. The valley becomes cooler and the moutians become warmer. Pollution becomes trapped in the valley and things get rather smoggy until another storm comes through and cleans things out. Luckily it only lasts on and off for a few months each winter. Lately we've been a bit inverted...so it's been a much colder winter this winter than last. I'm ready for spring!!
My next trip to Wisconsin will be the first week in June for Larissa and Mark's wedding. I get to be a bridesmaid (yay!) It's going to be so much fun! I'm also planning to take enough time to get to catch up with everyone back home again. I just returned from a week at home, and I apologize I didn't get to see as many of you as I'd like. I'll be making the rounds in June though...so watch out!
I think that about sums up what's new in the world around here. I do look forward to hearing what you've all been up to. Take Care!
Steph~
ps. Next Thursday is my Golden Birthday....I'd love nothing more than for any/all of you to call to remind me just how old I'm getting :)
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
We'll Call it the Halloween Update
Hello once again,
I apologize as a recently realized only half of the list got the last update. It was a small error on my part I like to call "getting distracted". I'm going to try to do better this time.
The past month since I visited home has flown by! I was SO happy to see so many of you when I visited. We should really have weddings and 50th anniversaries more often! I'm already planning my next trip for January. Keep your fingers crossed that the snow stays in the mountains where it belongs so my travel plans don't turn into me sleeping in any airports. :) Speaking of trips...when are you coming to Utah? :)
Life here in Utah is well. I'm really enjoying having Dr. Eric Heiden (http://intermountainhealthcare.org/xp/public/tosh/aboutus/news/article6.xml)
and Dr. Max Testa (http://intermountainhealthcare.org/xp/public/tosh/aboutus/news/article5.xml)
around here at TOSH. It makes things much busier in the physiology lab, which is a welcome sight. I walked into the lab today where Max was doing a bike fit for an athlete to the greeting "What's up boss?" complete with thick Italian accent. Let's just say he's very personable and welcomes all the help he can get.
Eric seems great as well. We did a motion analysis session with him a few weeks ago to explore the possibilities with cycling in the biomechanics lab. That guy is in phenomenal shape! There was also some discussion of me owing him a case of beer after removing some leg hair along with the removal of the sticky-backed motion analysis markers. Oops. ;) At least he has a good sense of humor.
I'm getting to be a little more lab-savy. It's taking some time since Steve travels like a mad-man, but we're making progress. With any luck, I'll be a biomechanice lab pro in say 10 years. :) (OK...not that bad...maybe in a couple more months). My first yearly job review is coming up in a week or two, hopefully I'll have some more insight soon about where my position is headed.
I'm gearing up to apply to grad school(s). Most likely I'll stay here and go to the U of U. It seems like a no-brainer of sorts, since my job will pay a bunch of my tuition, I can do my thesis using the resources of TOSH, and keep working to boot! No cost of moving...no brand new city...I think I can handle Utah for another couple of years...then again ask me tomorrow ;)
I've switched up my routine and joined the morning workout crowd. I realized that I felt sad and dragging a lot lately and realized not working out probably had something to do with it, so now I'm hitting the gym at 7am. It's a good time of day since I can't really make the excuses that I did at the end of a work day. Basically I role my butt out of bed, get dressed and then wake up mid-way through my stretching warm-up wondering how I got to the gym :). Good times.
I have no plans for Halloween, but I'm already eating the candy. Darn those sales at Target! A big thanks to Miss Kahler for bringing the "black cat punching cat pen" into my life just in time for Halloween. I can't explain this nifty writing instrument adequately via e-mail, but let's say it's a real hit with the kids at work (and most of my co-workers as well.) Nice job Sarah!
I hope this e-mail finds everyone doing very well. I also hope I hear back from every single on of you! I know these aren't very personal, but I do my best to reply back to anyone who e-mails me :)
Take Care!!
Steph~
I apologize as a recently realized only half of the list got the last update. It was a small error on my part I like to call "getting distracted". I'm going to try to do better this time.
The past month since I visited home has flown by! I was SO happy to see so many of you when I visited. We should really have weddings and 50th anniversaries more often! I'm already planning my next trip for January. Keep your fingers crossed that the snow stays in the mountains where it belongs so my travel plans don't turn into me sleeping in any airports. :) Speaking of trips...when are you coming to Utah? :)
Life here in Utah is well. I'm really enjoying having Dr. Eric Heiden (http://intermountainhealthcare.org/xp/public/tosh/aboutus/news/article6.xml)
and Dr. Max Testa (http://intermountainhealthcare.org/xp/public/tosh/aboutus/news/article5.xml)
around here at TOSH. It makes things much busier in the physiology lab, which is a welcome sight. I walked into the lab today where Max was doing a bike fit for an athlete to the greeting "What's up boss?" complete with thick Italian accent. Let's just say he's very personable and welcomes all the help he can get.
Eric seems great as well. We did a motion analysis session with him a few weeks ago to explore the possibilities with cycling in the biomechanics lab. That guy is in phenomenal shape! There was also some discussion of me owing him a case of beer after removing some leg hair along with the removal of the sticky-backed motion analysis markers. Oops. ;) At least he has a good sense of humor.
I'm getting to be a little more lab-savy. It's taking some time since Steve travels like a mad-man, but we're making progress. With any luck, I'll be a biomechanice lab pro in say 10 years. :) (OK...not that bad...maybe in a couple more months). My first yearly job review is coming up in a week or two, hopefully I'll have some more insight soon about where my position is headed.
I'm gearing up to apply to grad school(s). Most likely I'll stay here and go to the U of U. It seems like a no-brainer of sorts, since my job will pay a bunch of my tuition, I can do my thesis using the resources of TOSH, and keep working to boot! No cost of moving...no brand new city...I think I can handle Utah for another couple of years...then again ask me tomorrow ;)
I've switched up my routine and joined the morning workout crowd. I realized that I felt sad and dragging a lot lately and realized not working out probably had something to do with it, so now I'm hitting the gym at 7am. It's a good time of day since I can't really make the excuses that I did at the end of a work day. Basically I role my butt out of bed, get dressed and then wake up mid-way through my stretching warm-up wondering how I got to the gym :). Good times.
I have no plans for Halloween, but I'm already eating the candy. Darn those sales at Target! A big thanks to Miss Kahler for bringing the "black cat punching cat pen" into my life just in time for Halloween. I can't explain this nifty writing instrument adequately via e-mail, but let's say it's a real hit with the kids at work (and most of my co-workers as well.) Nice job Sarah!
I hope this e-mail finds everyone doing very well. I also hope I hear back from every single on of you! I know these aren't very personal, but I do my best to reply back to anyone who e-mails me :)
Take Care!!
Steph~
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Short and Sweet September
It looks like trying to write at the beginning of the month didn't work out as planned...since it's already the 17th! Where is September going??
I thought I'd send a quick update to let you know I'll be home in WI from September 22nd-October 1st for anyone who might be available for a visit. I'll mostly be around Reedsburg, but may be attempting some day trips (to LaX for sure) and we'll see about where else. I'd love to know who's going to be around and/or would like to see me :)
So we've gotten our first cold snap of the season. Today it is cloudy and there was some rain/sleet earlier...the high temp will be around 50. We got our first snowfall in the mountains last night. They were talking about snow above 8000 feet, but I can't tell how true that was by just looking at them. The ski bums are starting to get antsy so it must be fall. Temps should rebound into the mid to upper 60's by midweek so this snow won't stick for long. Good weather for jeans, sweatpants, and hoodies...so I guess I'll be happy as well ;)
Work continues as usual. We're finally making some progress in teaching me how to use the motion analysis system, so my job should become increasingly interesting (hopefully in the near future). I'm now working with Steve (research stuff) most mornings, and all day Tues/Thurs. We're also going to start serving as the sports medicine provider for USA cycling, so we're seeing new athletes all the time. Monday I'm helping with more physiology testing in the lab, and it's only a 4 day week for me this week so it should go fast.
Sorry to be so boring, but not much else is new to report. Hopefully I'll be seeing a lot of you VERY soon. Do e-mail and be in touch!
Steph~
I thought I'd send a quick update to let you know I'll be home in WI from September 22nd-October 1st for anyone who might be available for a visit. I'll mostly be around Reedsburg, but may be attempting some day trips (to LaX for sure) and we'll see about where else. I'd love to know who's going to be around and/or would like to see me :)
So we've gotten our first cold snap of the season. Today it is cloudy and there was some rain/sleet earlier...the high temp will be around 50. We got our first snowfall in the mountains last night. They were talking about snow above 8000 feet, but I can't tell how true that was by just looking at them. The ski bums are starting to get antsy so it must be fall. Temps should rebound into the mid to upper 60's by midweek so this snow won't stick for long. Good weather for jeans, sweatpants, and hoodies...so I guess I'll be happy as well ;)
Work continues as usual. We're finally making some progress in teaching me how to use the motion analysis system, so my job should become increasingly interesting (hopefully in the near future). I'm now working with Steve (research stuff) most mornings, and all day Tues/Thurs. We're also going to start serving as the sports medicine provider for USA cycling, so we're seeing new athletes all the time. Monday I'm helping with more physiology testing in the lab, and it's only a 4 day week for me this week so it should go fast.
Sorry to be so boring, but not much else is new to report. Hopefully I'll be seeing a lot of you VERY soon. Do e-mail and be in touch!
Steph~
Sunday, August 6, 2006
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.~
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.~
Sunday, July 2, 2006
Happy 4th of July
Hello once again,
It seems lately I have more pieces of news than actual news, but I've decided if I keep waiting for actual news it may be a long time coming.
After surgery and lots of time, my knee is doing much better. After being lazy in the name of rehab for some time now I had my first semi-official workout at 100% on Friday. Being sore has never felt so nice! Looks like my legs are good going to do well but my lungs have forgotten how to work, so that will take awhile.
Last I wrote my wallet had been stolen. The good news is they seemingly stopped using it after writing just one check, the bad news is they were never caught...and some more people have lost wallets/cash/etc at work in the coming weeks. Fingers are starting to point to a few creepy cleaning people...the only ones with access to some of the behind desk areas. I hope they catch whomever it is.
My job as a trainer is going well, I enjoy the kids and find it to be a very stress free situation. Come fall this may all change, as there has been some discussion of changing me over to a full-time research position...which is great for the experience, but slightly more stressful than training 12 year olds ;). I hope more stress=more money, but we'll see. Summer has been hectic, so at least for the time being it looks like I'll continue training athletes and goofing around with Mike and Chris.
Jason and I are well and went to Arches National Park last weekend for two days of hiking and camping. We slept out on cots under the stars in the middle of nowhere (when i say middle of nowhere I'm not joking!) It was about 98 degrees at Arches, but thanks to tons of drinking water, and SPF 50, the weekend was a lot of fun. In the upcoming weeks we are trying to plan a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
After being green for at least a month, the mountains and most of the landscape is starting to brown as we hit the dry season. It's been unusually warm (even for Utah) although right now the low 90's we're having for daytime highs are about average. At least it's dry heat and none of the forest fires are in my neighborhood!
I'm planning on being home from September 22nd through October 1st. With any luck Jason will be coming along for a few days as well. I'm really looking forward to visiting home, as I've found that almost 9 months is a long time to go without seeing the family.
No huge 4th of July plans. Jason spent the weekend hiking up around his grandparents' house, but I had to work Saturday so I stayed home and got some cleaning done. Tomorrow night we're having dinner...hopefully there will be some fireworks to see on Tuesday.
I hope everyone is doing very well! Happy 4th of July and do be in touch!
Steph~
P.S. I'm going to send some pictures very soon!
It seems lately I have more pieces of news than actual news, but I've decided if I keep waiting for actual news it may be a long time coming.
After surgery and lots of time, my knee is doing much better. After being lazy in the name of rehab for some time now I had my first semi-official workout at 100% on Friday. Being sore has never felt so nice! Looks like my legs are good going to do well but my lungs have forgotten how to work, so that will take awhile.
Last I wrote my wallet had been stolen. The good news is they seemingly stopped using it after writing just one check, the bad news is they were never caught...and some more people have lost wallets/cash/etc at work in the coming weeks. Fingers are starting to point to a few creepy cleaning people...the only ones with access to some of the behind desk areas. I hope they catch whomever it is.
My job as a trainer is going well, I enjoy the kids and find it to be a very stress free situation. Come fall this may all change, as there has been some discussion of changing me over to a full-time research position...which is great for the experience, but slightly more stressful than training 12 year olds ;). I hope more stress=more money, but we'll see. Summer has been hectic, so at least for the time being it looks like I'll continue training athletes and goofing around with Mike and Chris.
Jason and I are well and went to Arches National Park last weekend for two days of hiking and camping. We slept out on cots under the stars in the middle of nowhere (when i say middle of nowhere I'm not joking!) It was about 98 degrees at Arches, but thanks to tons of drinking water, and SPF 50, the weekend was a lot of fun. In the upcoming weeks we are trying to plan a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
After being green for at least a month, the mountains and most of the landscape is starting to brown as we hit the dry season. It's been unusually warm (even for Utah) although right now the low 90's we're having for daytime highs are about average. At least it's dry heat and none of the forest fires are in my neighborhood!
I'm planning on being home from September 22nd through October 1st. With any luck Jason will be coming along for a few days as well. I'm really looking forward to visiting home, as I've found that almost 9 months is a long time to go without seeing the family.
No huge 4th of July plans. Jason spent the weekend hiking up around his grandparents' house, but I had to work Saturday so I stayed home and got some cleaning done. Tomorrow night we're having dinner...hopefully there will be some fireworks to see on Tuesday.
I hope everyone is doing very well! Happy 4th of July and do be in touch!
Steph~
P.S. I'm going to send some pictures very soon!
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