deja vu

Almost four years ago, this is what was on our minds. Now we find ourselves in a place where we are not quite ready to put down roots, struggling to make ends meet, and looking for our next adventure. We've never been the ones to settle down early, for us it has taken time. Our soon to be 3 years in Arizona have been a much needed blessing of stability. But, it is time to move on, to expand, to reach for our long-term goals. That being said, we recently found out Brett has been admitted to a graduate program, yet again. This time, not so exotic and adventurous as London, but admittedly more familiar and close to home and family.

Some have asked us the simple question of "why." Brett has a stable job here, and he already received a master's degree didn't he? Correct. He received a master's degree in public management and governance from the London School of Economics, meaning he was looking for work within the public sector upon our return. Coming home to a very unsure economy did not help our nerves and fears. Only a couple of short months after returning to the states, he received a job offer in Phoenix, AZ. We didn't even take time to consider it, it was an obvious answer and much needed blessing.

Over these years, however, we have realized that the public sector just isn't for us. Weighing our options, mapping out several different scenarios on our future, and creating endless pros and cons lists, we finally came to a solution for the easiest and most beneficial transition into the private sector. The solution was to receive an MBA in HR (an interest that sparked within the AZ State Government work) the cheapest way possible. That being said, it was obvious where we should apply. We didn't branch out this year at all, thinking that if our #1 choice didn't work out, we could try for more schools next year. So, he took the GMAT, applied and we heard back in the affirmative.

It is daunting to think of doing the grad school thing yet again, but very exciting. I have loved living in Mesa; minus the summers, the close to zero rain, the 2 seasons that seem to blur together, the mountain-less landscape. I have loved it for one main reason: it has been our home. Griffin was born here, Maya has flourished here, we have met amazing people here and have finally lived somewhere for 2+ years!

Now we are preparing for another graduate degree, 2 kids with us this time, and thankfully not boarding an international flight, but rather a longish drive back to where we first met. Provo will be our home again for two years starting this fall. BYU here we come yet again...

my half

I completed my first half marathon last Saturday. I PR'd...wait am I allowed to use cool runner acronyms after only my first race? It was a long time standing goal after fin was born. I trained with my two darling kids in tow, and ran the final race solo. It felt awesome, I'm not going to lie, and I think I may have opened something inside willing me to do it again or maybe even a full. 

I loved running through familiar parts of my neighborhood and especially seeing Brett on the corner of Bashas holding fin in the rain, and Maya's eyes frantically trying to reach mine. Seeing them seriously ignited me and may have brought tears to my eyes. So grateful for them and all of their support. Also a shout out to Stephen Dubner, Steve Leavitt and Ira Glass for keeping my mind occupied during long training runs and the first half of the half.

I was so nervous the night before and morning of because of the predicted torrential downpour that was supposed to last the duration of the race. It turned out it only really rained a little at the starting line and off and on throughout, but brought with it a wonderful, cool, refreshing feeling that nobody expected in Phoenix, Arizona. The weather turned out to be absolute perfection.

Brett was so great the morning of. He woke up at 3:45 with me, made me breakfast, made the kids waffles so we could eat breakfast at this amazing restaurant after the race, walked me to the car and came home to get the kids up and out of the house by 7 AM, which is quite the task. He was nothing short of a miracle worker. He even had to put up with some snide remarks from fellow onlookers at the finish line for putting Maya on his shoulders and blocking views...really? Plus attempting to maneuver a double jogging stroller through a crowd of people makes enough enemies. He and the kids were troopers through it all!

I think now he even feels motivated to do a race with me, maybe a triathlon of some sort. We will see what the future brings. For now, my kids are wearing my medal around thinking I won the greatest prize there ever was.

*Some signs that made me smile: "Smile if you need to poop," "I woke up early to make this sign and stand in the rain for this sh** so run faster!" "This probably seemed like a good idea 4 months ago," "Ryan Gosling is waiting for YOU at the finish line" and the best one of all "RUN MOJO RUN! MEET ME AT EL POLLO LOCO!"