Harper's Ferry

In the 1700's, Robert Harper was given 125 acres of land, which he made accessible for people to live on with a ferry across the Potomac. Since that time, this landing at merging of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and the states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, has become more know for the 1839 John Brown's raid at the armory during the American Civil War.

Harper's Ferry is now a National Park and continues to be a beautiful land with a meager population around 300 people. It is also very close to being the very center of the Appalachian Trail (give or take some miles).
Saturday, a few friends (old and new) and I drove up to Harper's Ferry, which only amounted to about 1 hour. We were greeted by two kind park rangers who helped us choose a couple of hikes to fill our day. The weather was beautiful, the crowds were under peak, the sites were gorgeous, and the hikes were pleasantly hilly (that's not real common in these parts).

Pictures to come (I was not the photographer :) )...

Colors, Family and Running

For Easter, I made these for our landlord and a few friends and coworkers. They took a lot longer to decorate than I thought, but it was a nice break to just exercise the right side of my brain for a little while. The colors I chose kind of reminded me of my high school colors. Bright and cheery!

Charlottesville, VA: Skeens and Running

After a few months of training, I finally made the trek down to Charlottesville, VA to run the Marathon. It turned out to be a heavenly weekend in many ways. To name a few...

1. Friday afternoon I sped down (literally) to Charlottesville just in time to hit "traffic" (I never thought I'd see traffic like this outside of DC!? But I was very fortunate to still catch a ride with two very patient ladies down to Buena Vista to meet up with my cousin, Tanya Skeen, for a RS combined meeting.

Sister Susan B. Beck came to speak to the women of stakes in the region. It was an edifying meeting, and some prayers I'd been seeking answers to were answered as a result. I learned about priorities in a way I had never considered them before, and my courage to stand firm as a "woman who knows" and one who has made sacred covenants with the Lord has increased.

2. Friday evening, as I drove for an hour home with Tanya, our conversation built on the lessons shared by Sister Beck, and Tanya taught me much about the reality of prophesies made in the scriptures by ancient prophets as well as warnings we've been given in recent past by the living prophets in the Proclamation to the World on the Family. There is no doubt that Satan, the father of all lies, has great hold upon the hearts of many men, and if we are not careful and watchful, our families will weaken and soon break. HOWEVER, there are likewise small and simple measures we can take to strengthen homes and families regardless of our marital status or social prominence. We can stand for families by not only supplying love within our own homes, but by actively serving in our communities and upholding the value of families in the way we vote and communicate with others. When it is within our means, we can be advocates on public boards or in community meetings. I have yet to determine what it is that I can do right now to best support the family unit, but I am currently grateful for the opportunities I have had to share what I've learned with a few people in my circle of influence.

An additional source, from which I have found greater understanding of what's happening on a worldwide scale, is this transcript of Bruce C. Hafen's address at the 2nd World Congress of Families in 1999.

I am convinced that the family is central to God's plan for our happiness on this earth, so it's well worth the seemingly uphill battle, to support and defend the family with whatever means I can.

3. Saturday morning, I arose early to get ready for the run. Rachel, my coworker and fearless running friend, came down with her husband and one-year-old, just to do a "training run" with me, as she had a pending race in two weeks. She ran with me for 21 miles!!! It was SO awesome. I have never run a race with someone for that long, and it was so nice since we run similar paces. It was a beautiful course in the country parts of Charlottesville and around through University of Virginia (UVA) campus as well as along a river trail. Nonetheless, the hills got the best of me. Additionally, the "best of me" was really not my best this spring having been sick (to a degree) again for about 3 weeks prior to the race. Let's just say, I was so happy to complete this marathon and happy to have done it rather than dropping out this... better races can only be ahead :)

4. Back to the Skeen home with Jim, Tanya and Tara, we had lunch and talked. Much of our conversation was about our family history and heritage. I learned a lot and grew to have an even greater love for the Skeen name. Perhaps I will later make a post solely on little facts of the name and fame of the original Skenes of Scotland (yes, it was initially spelled "ene" before they immigrated to the U.S. and changed the spelling to "een"). While Jim is my third cousin-once removed, it was as if he was just one of my uncles whom I have know for years. Taryn has such a love for Skeen history even though it's her married name, it was as if I was talking to a close aunt. And, I am grateful likewise to have spent time with Tara, and to be building friendships with their older daughters, Merry Brooke and Katrina up in Northern Virginia.

What a great weekend with family and in a beautiful place. Charlottesville was truly a breath of fresh air, literally in the physical sense as well as spiritually. I will return again before I leave this part of the country.

THIS is my FAVORITE BOOK

Every time I read from the Book of Mormon, I have increased peace, and I learn how things really are. It has changed my life.
It testifies more clearly of Christ than any other book I have read, and I agree fully with Jeffrey R. Hollands message (below).

Welcome Hayden Cali Skeen!

My little brother, Brian, and Megan just welcomed a new baby girl last Sunday, Easter, April 4th!
She was a healthy 6lb 8oz and is trying to grow into her clothes now. She's our family's first "brown" baby, not that we really notice those attributes or anything (haha).

Congrats to Brian and Megan!!! The best news is Hayden and Megan are both doing well.
I have not met her yet, but I am so excited to see her this summer!
Madison (Kristen and Kevin's) holding her newest cousin... she's getting ready to be a big sister (in about a month)!

Spring Break 2010

Time flies when you're with people you love!

Saturday I flew in to San Fransisco, greeted by warm air and sunny skies!
DeEtte picked me up at the airport and we immediately made our way through Bay Bridge traffic and out through the hills to Vacaville. The hills were a bright green with fresh spring grass, which is apparently unique for this time of year before it all dries up and turns brown for the remainder of the year... and I didn't even plan it this way!

Jones Home
The Jones home is coming along very nicely. DeEtte has done a fabulous job making their new house a home while also working from home and traveling for work, and Brandon is making his way well through the rigor of rotations. Simply put, they are both amazing.

Yosemite
DeEtte and I retreated to Yosemite National Park where we stayed a night at her friend's home and when exploring in the park the next day. The supposed 2 1/2 hour drive turned out to be 4 as we were far too engaged in conversation and made two critical navigational errors. Nonetheless, we made it safely and even found the correct home, just in time to realize that the water was turned off by the previous visitors. After searching for the water main with no success, we attempted to call for assistance from other sources to no avail. Water could wait until morning.
After a morning run, I needed to shower, yet with still no luck in getting water to run, I resorted to the slow drip of cold water in the basement. Just as I finished, DeEtte discovered the hidden box in the ground and the key to unlock the desired liquid. WATER!!!! Additionally she found a trapped baby frog and his little friend, so we did our good deed for the day and freed them in a nearby pond (after naming them Skippy and Hops, of course). Soon showered and fed, we made our way into the park and did some hiking. The falls were gorgeous, half dome was spectacular and the deer were many. Lunch was enjoyed on a small "beach" we found on the valley floor. While we did not have time to hike TO Half Dome, it was well worth our adventures to enjoy the sites we did. I would LOVE to revisit this park in the not-far-distant-future.
SAN FRANSISCO
After returning from our Yosemite adventure, we took a short break and headed into the city, San Fransisco. My #1 goal was to get to the Golden Gate Bridge, which we ventured on foot. It was a beautiful day with only mild occasional mild rain showers. We then visited Ghiradelli Square and went to lunch at the Blue Mermaid near Fisherman's Wharf. I really enjoyed the drive through the city- I love the unique buildings and the beautiful bay with the creepy island, Alcatraz, in the middle. We'll visit Alcatraz during another visit... perhaps I need to swim there?
LIVERMORE SKEENS
On Thursday, DeEtte drove me to meet up with Stef and he kids, and I spent a few ways with them in their new home of Livermore!!! I had been to this same town last Fall for DeEtte's wedding, but it was a whirlwind trip, and I am so glad I got to go back, because it's BEAUTIFUL! This time of year was particularly pretty with the the green hills and cows grazing.

Stef, Saida and Harmon showed me a few of their favorite parks (there are so many nearby!) to walk to and play. Scott took us all to one of his favorite burrito places for dinner (mmm... real mexican food!) followed by a visit to Brushy peak where they love to hike and mountain bike.
While Scott and Stef went riding one morning, I got to hang out with Saida and Harmon. It was so much fun getting to know both of them. They LOVE playing outside with their bikes and scooters, but mostly running around on their own 2 feet. Harmon likes running so much that he chooses to push his bike around rather that riding... we've got to work on that if he's going to be a triathlete.

Harmon also LOVES trains! We built a track more than once each day. They both love to READ!!! Any time of day, this was something they would either ask to do or be more than excited about. Saida is even learning how to "read" aloud on her own!
Saida had a princess-themed birthday celebration while I was visiting, so it was fun to be an honorary guest. The girls (and Harmon) ate cupcakes and candy after an intense easter egg hunt and playing in the princess fort.
One evening I went on a long run, for training, up into Brushy Peak hills. It was SO pretty, but after teasing from uncle Scott about mountain lions, then seeing a warning sign at the entrance gate, I was not exactly at peace running through the hills. My fears only broadened as I turned around a bend only to find my path blocked by grazing and resting cows. In attempts to keep peace among the cows by running around them instead of on the path, they quickly rose to their feet and faced me. I'd rather be stared down by a large audience of people than a pasture of cows (shutter). I was SO relieved to reach the exit gate from the hills and latch it shut behind me.
It's about time for me to find a nice gentleman to enjoy these adventures with me.

The morning before I flew out, we all drove to Del Valle, a nearby state park, and went on a hike together. Saida, having just turned 4, was a excellent hiker, and Harmon kept high energy most of the way as well. He only tired after outdoing himself by hiking off the beaten path up a steep hill to a tree he so desired to reach. They are both so funny.

It was SO nice to be with the Skeens. Scott and Stef are such good parents, to say the least. I can't wait to visit them again!

Come Fall...

So, the decision has been made, and I am so very happy about it! Come Fall, I'll be starting the IP&T Graduate Program as a returning BYU Cougar... more true and blue through and through :)

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to pray about and search out which of my two VERY GOOD choices is the best for me right now.
With confidence, I will make the trek back west and look forward to what is in store! With sadness yet INCREDIBLE friendships and memories made to keep (and still many yet to be made) I will depart from the people and place I have made home....

It it not yet time to consider the plan of departure. It's time to live in the moment :) and continue to grow where I've been planted! Details will be worked through in time :)

Thank you, family and friends, for your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement and wise counsel over the past 8 months!

"Rise and Shout, the Cougars are out!"

A Successful Half

A beautiful yet bitter winter has passed! Hooray!

Just in time...

Friday night registration
7:30 pm - catch the metro into Stadium-Armory
8:00 pm - arrive at RFK stadium
8:00 pm - Pre-race expo is closing
8:15 pm leave the stadium as one of the last with race tags in hand
9:30 pm - prerace spaghetti dinner
11:30 pm - sleep

Saturday morning was the DC Marathon.
5:00 am - Arise
6:00 am - arrive at the metro station
6:05 am - catch the metro into Stadium-Armory (De ja vue?)
6:31 am - arrive at RFK stadium
6:55 am - bags checked in before the race
6:58 am - run to the start line
7:00 am - the race begins
7:02 am - cross the start line
8:43 am- race complete

... just in time.

Having only run full marathons in the past, this was my first half ever, and it was FANTASTIC! Reaching the 10-mile marker, I only had a 5K left- what an INCREDIBLE feeling in a race! :)

Additionally, my coworker, Rachel ran it with me, so I had company for pretty much the entire race! It was so much fun!
She had her husband and little boy as her fan-club at the finish line taking pictures for us.
In short... Beautiful day, familiar local race route, great company, fabulous race, and satisfying pace... 1:41 finish time, making about 7:45 minute miles.

Now it's time to get ready for the full marathon in Charlottesville next month. Perhaps avoiding the "just in time" theme for this next race is a good goal :)

Spring Visitors WELCOME

A week before the sun came with its warmth, two dear friends met each other (one from work and one from church) and we had a really nice visit and walk into DC to the Jefferson Memorial where we learned about the reconstruction of some of the platforms around the tidal basin! The sun was beautiful and the wind was bitter. I am truly grateful for such girls friends to associate with.
I nearly caught the moon as I awaited the perfect moment to catch an airplane as they were taking off from Reagan National... Always in aw of the beauty of airplanes defying gravity with such power. Miraculous, really.
A week or so later another girlfriend came in town on her spring break from California. We caught up while roaming a few of our favorite monuments in DC that we used to run to together. It was a warm enough night that she even wore shorts!!!
Another friend came into town a week later for part of his spring break. After a long run in the District, we dried off from the rain (having been soaked to the bone), and visited the National Botanical Garden Smithsonian to enjoy the jungle in the heart of DC.

to want what He wants

Just when I think I've learned that lesson...

Transition time is on the rise. Thinking I had figured out my decision and what I really needed and wanted, an assumption was made that this decision would be quick and simple.

"If BYU says yes, then my bags are packed, and I'm ready to go!"
Is there more to it than that? I'm learning day-by-day that the Lord wants to teach me more. Another life experience.

So, in recieving an acceptance email from GMU's IT Program, I certainly feel contentment that they want me as a student, yet I still lack assurance. I trust the decision and assurance will come at the right time.

For the moment, this shall wait. BYU has not decided if they want me this year or not. I felt it was a stretch for me to apply with my test scores but I jumped in anyway. It's a program that I love on many levels, certainly not the least being that I love the people in the department and know they have attributes and talents that I could really learn a lot from.

In all truth, BYU's decision is not the deciding factor anymore. The question must be, as it ought to be, is what does He want? Afterall, I want to want what He wants. No more, no less.

I will know in His time. Knowing this brings peace :)

The Other Washington-home Sick

So close to home, yet so far. I love seeing the mountains of Vancouver BC! If I was not trying to be a responsible adult, I think I know where I would choose to be. Not in DC, but rather BC. Growing up we went on a family Thanksgiving ski trip up to Whistler and visited Vancouver and Victoria BC during various seasons. It's surely grown SO much since those days... still beautiful as ever! Watching the Olympics is so inspiring. It's become a daily tradition for a girl who grew up asking Mom if we could set some family rules to limit how much time we watched TV.

I love watching while I am at the gym trying to bear the treadmill, I love watching it while eating dinner (not a good habit, I must say), I love watching it when it's past my bedtime, I love watching it when I should be headed out the door.... Go team USA!!!

Goals for when I return to a land of mountains and snow: take up cross-country skiing as a winter hobby and continue to enjoy snow shoeing adventures... snowboarding is also a dream skill I'd like to work on with my brother.

My roommate, Aubrey, was watching this video again this morning, and I just love it too. If you have already watched it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it again :)