New Beginnings

Wow! This poor little blog has been neglected for quite some time! 

Let's just say my life has been insanely crrrrrazzzzy!

I can't go into too much detail right now about all the happenings, but let's just say 2013 just keeps getting more and more insane. 

I am happy to announce that my time working at Ifreedom will come to an end in exactly two weeks. I decided it was best for me mentally, physically, and emotionally to take another opportunity and spend more time working on getting my migraines under control and focusing on myself and my mental health. I loved my job at Ifreedom. It was a tough decision to make. I went back and forth for a loooong time. In the end, I needed to do what was best for me, and making some changes and doing things differently than I have been doing the past year is what I decided to do. That meant making some lifestyle changes and focusing on decisions that were best for me, rather than pleasing others. 

I am so excited for the future. Great risk can also mean great reward. If the opportunity fails, it means I will be in for a huge learning experience. Either way, it's time for a change and trying new things!

A few weeks ago, I hiked all the way to the sky with some of the greatest people:

Ask me about it sometime, it pretty much changed my life. 

Thanks to all my love and support on here, you guys are the best!

UV Half Marathon Thoughts

Here's a run down of my thoughts from yesterday's race: 

• I really should start training before I run half marathons. 
• Donuts and energy drinks are the BEST pre-race breakfast. 
• A race without porta potties might not seem like a big deal, but it is a HUGE deal. When you gotta go during a race, your body isn't messing around!! 
• Worst calve cramps EVER = Drink more powerade. More powerade = WORST stomach cramps. This kid just can't win!
• Slowest time ever, mostly because I really didn't care and took a good fifteen minute break to go to the bathroom at a park in the canyon where there were like 30 people waiting in line. 
• Being able to see the finish line for an entire 5 miles at the end REALLY messes with your head. 
• I'm completely insane and went on a 2 mile run today to get the lactic acid out of my legs. 
• I'm even more insane and have been obsessing over signing up for the Big Cottonwood full marathon this fall. 
• Best part about running = eating guilt free all weekend long!

I'm kind of obsessed with the fact that I have wings coming out of my running shoes. Speaking of running shoes...I haven't gotten any new ones since JANUARY! That's gotta be a personal record!

Every runner should have this handy at ALL TIMES! It's an absolute MUST!

I just realized today that I have ran 10 half marathons in the past 1.5 years! That's pretty sweet! I don't plan on slowing down any time soon...even though my acupuncturist told me that I have beat up my body so bad, that I have the body of a 40-year old. WOOF!

Who wants to run Big Cottonwood with me?? Any other insane people out there??

Just Keep Breathing

New song on repeat: Just Keep Breathing,

 by We The Kings

I swear 2013 could not get any stranger. 

About a month ago I became friends with a woman who was hopeless. She was sad. She had no motivation to get out of the dark place she was in. Then something awesome happened: I loved her and accepted her. I told her how awesome she was and how much she mattered every day for about a week. She went from a dark place with no desire to live to and be happy, to wanting to go outside and even making some of the funniest jokes I have probably ever heard. She was beautiful from inside to out. Her smile literally lit up an entire room. Some of the best times I have had in the past 6 months have been with her. 

Then, life happened and I got busy. 

Last night, she called me a few times and I had a terrible feeling in my stomach. I knew something wasn't right, but I didn't know what was going to happen for sure. I talked to her for about a half an hour. I felt strongly to let her know that she mattered and she was loved. She said she was leaving and wouldn't be able to talk to me anymore. That's when I knew. She was going to die. 

All day long I watched closely to the news to see if they found a body of a woman in SLC. I stayed close to my phone in case I heard anything. I don't know how I knew, but I knew. 

Then, sure enough, I got the call. She was found in a coma. She was rushed to the ER and then intensive care. I went and saw her. She was gone. Her body was fighting, but her brain was fried. I left the hospital feeling numb. I hope she wakes up. I hope some miracle happens tonight, because the world needs more people like her around. 

Please tell the people that you love that you love them always. Don't get too busy to do what really matters. Because the truth is, the only thing that matters is how we treat others and how we help lift those around us. I saw this quote today that seemed really fitting:

Even though life can get hectic and we feel like we are just striving to keep from drowning some days, don't forget to stop and remember why you want to be alive. Remember the beauty, remember the people you love, remember that you matter...even if you don't get every award or win every competition. 

Something that has helped me lately is to just get away and run up the mountain and remember God a little bit each day and his creations. 

It really is the little things that make the days awesome. Like finding awesome deals when you go shopping with your awesome mom on the weekends: 

We only get one shot at this, we better make it count!

A Good Way To Spend A Day Remembering

Usually, I hate Memorial Day. Mostly, because I hate thinking about people I care about who have died (both literally and figuratively). After debating all morning (and eating lots of chocolate and ice cream), I decided this Memorial Day would be productive, rather than depressing or self destructive. 

I headed up to Park City and went on a super rad trail run. Trail runs are my FAVORITE!

Then, I did something I have been planning for years and Memorial Day seemed very fitting. I got a tattoo. Not just some dumb tattoo, but one with A LOT of meaning. 3 Years ago, I tore a tendon in my ankle that should have ended my running career. I made sure that it didn't. I have always wanted a tattoo near that scar just to say "suck it scar! I  can do anything I set my mind to!" The Roman Numerals are 26 for 26 miles. And if you look closely in the wings, you will see the letter B, in memory of my brother-in-law Byron who passed away, and I miss every day. It's just a little tattoo, but it means a lot to me, and I am so glad I finally got it!

Back to the Grind this week. BOOOO!

PS--- If you're looking for me, I am probably near some camp fire roasting my FAVORITE summer treat!

I Don't Fit Anymore

I keep asking myself where I fit.

I'm no longer the crazy, fun, spunky girl I once was. 

I'm not longer the perfect child I pretended to be. 

I walked into church for 5 minutes and immediately felt like I didn't belong. 

I am the youngest at work by like 10 years. 

I live in a house full of girls with boyfriends. 

I'm not smart enough. 

I'm not funny enough. 

I'm not outgoing enough. 

Anyone who actually really knows me, seems to learn how imperfect I really am and doesn't stick around anymore to love the imperfect Kelli. 

Simply put: I have no idea where I am supposed to fit in. 

Hurry Up Summer!

I am soooo ready for perma-summer weather. Even if it does mean that I can't wear hoodies and moccasins for a few months. It also means I can longboard, go boating, hike, road bike, and run!! I hurt my knee, so I haven't been running much lately and probably will have to sit out on the UV Marathon June 8th, but it's not worth getting injured even more. Here's some pics from lately:

I got the LOA of the Month award for the 2nd time in the past few months. Biggest perk is getting a parking spot! I actually go to lunch now, because I have a guaranteed parking spot when I get back! It's the BEST! Another cool work-related thing that happened was that Goldman Sachs contacted me and wanted to meet with me about being a financial analyst. Within two minutes of being there, I realized I would never want to work there. It kinda blew my mind actually. I always thought I would want to work there if I had the chance, but it just didn't feel like the right fit for me at all. I love my job at IFreedom WAAAAY too much. I start training in my new position this week!

I don't know whether I should be proud or scared that this kid is my little mini me. Hopefully she is smarter than me at least!

Meet my newest toy! I have been kinda bummed that I can't run because of my knee and I have been working so much lately. I decided it was time to get a new toy I can ride while my knee is taking a little break! I LOVE it!

I got ANOTHER sinus infection. That's two in the past two months. I officially hate my sinuses. Or....I should probably slow down and quit being such a workaholic. Time to stick to a new life motto: Work Hard, Play Even Harder. 

Summer Come Play With Me!!!!

I'm Old

At least my boss got me ice cream bars (since he knows I have the taste buds of a 5 year old) and I got to go to the zoo with my favorite friends. 

Best way to have a quiet car ride, feed children doughnuts and cookies and food coma sets in for a good hour. Such a good Aunt. 

Thanks for all the birthday lovin!