For My Dear Friend

I came home from my vacation only to find out some very sad news. Some of you know my dear friend Emily who I first met at BYU when we were roommates. She is one of my best friends who I care deeply for and this past weekend, she was informed with the devastating news that her husband had passed away. John went missing on Friday and it was on Monday that his body was discovered. You can read more information at the website set up for him http://helpfindjohn.info/



Emily and John would have celebrated their first anniversary this July. My dear Emily is 4 months pregnant right now and can use all the support she can get. A trust fund has been set up in John's name for his wife Emily and their unborn child. Some of you that know Emily have asked if there is anything you can do. If you can make any kind of contribution to this fund for Emily, it will mean so much. Emily is the type of person that will do anything for her friends and family. She is one of the most caring people I know and now it is our turn to show her the support and the love that she so deserves and needs. Details on how to contribute to the fund are also found on the website http://helpfindjohn.info/

Having such a dear friend go through something so devastating really helps put things into perspective. I am so grateful for the hope the gospel provides in situations like this and the peace it will bring to John's family and friends. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Oh..by the way..

Remember how I mentioned I was doing a biggest loser competition with some friends?

Well.....

I won!

(In case you were wondering.....We all pitched in $20...so I won a grand total of $180...lucky me. I'll be spending it in China. :)

Check This Out...

Yep....Those used to fit me. Needless to say....I am in need of a new wardrobe! Shopping, anyone? :)

Before-After

So, I've had a few people ask me for before/after pictures of myself from training for the past 4 1/2 months. I wasn't going to post them, because it's almost embarassing to put up these old pictures of myself. I really can't believe I used to look like that. But it also feels great to look at all the changes I've made. So here are some pictures...

The before picture was taken in October up in Boston. This was right before I started losing weight. The after picture was taken today right before I went to the gym. :)



Here are some of my face.. The before picture is from Joni's wedding last summer. And the after picture is from my recent trip to Florida a couple of weeks ago.






I've lost a total of about 60 pounds in the last 5 months. I find myself looking in the mirror a lot more than I used to. I still get surprised when I see myself and find myself thinking, "is that really me?".. It's a good feeling. I feel so healthy and so great! And I'm damn proud of myself.

Only 9 more days before I'm running on the great wall of China! And I couldn't be more excited!!!

Wicked x3

Joni and Brock were in town this weekend...and of course Joni wanted to see wicked!! And I never pass up an excuse to go to broadway...



So...Joni, Brock, Reid and I met up in Manhattan for some dinner and then went to Gershwin Theather to see Wicked. It was only my 3rd time seeing it! And I still loved it. :)

Oh...and how could I not put this picture of Reid up. He was out cold the whole way to NYC..I'm surprised no drool fell out of his wide open mouth. :)

Rock Band!

Can you tell I was getting really into it? I look a little possessed. uh..yeah...anyway, it's a WAY fun game. :)