Day 18: The person you wish you could be

Dear KC-

This one is a total no brainer for me, when on the list of letters to write came up #18-The person you wish you could be.  It's you, obviously.  Most people would think that it's because of your awesome job, not going to lie that's part of it.  But it's so much more than that.  Ever since we met 3 years ago, I couldn't be more grateful to have you in my life.  I want to be like you because you are the kindest and best friend to everyone you know.  You don't let haters get to you, and you always know the right thing to say.  You are generous, I mean who puts out on FB that they are bored and offer to create mix CDs for people who comment on the post.  You do.  Then you not only make them but ship them around the country.  You believe in yourself and inspire confidence in those around you.  I could go on and on, you inspire me to be better in everything that I do and I want to do that for others.

Thanks for being great-

Your favorite intern

{KC also gets letter #28}

Day 17: Someone from your childhood

I didn't quite finish the list of 30 Days of Letters that I started in December.  So I thought I'd work on finish it now!

To my skating coaches-

I started skating when I was 12, which is quite late for someone who wants to be competitive in figure skating.  That being said, you never told me the things I wanted to accomplish were impossible.  You encouraged me when I was down and became my therapists on the ice.  My teen years were awkward, that's for sure, but it helped that I had a place where I felt safe.

I would not be where I am today with out each of you.  I wouldn't have some of the best friends of my life, if you hadn't encouraged me to keep skating when I really wanted to quit.  Thank you so much for believing in me and knowing that I could do it when I wasn't even sure!

Plant Based Living

It's been about two weeks since I decided to go plant based, so I thought I'd give you all an update.  I didn't really eat much meat or drink regular cows milk before this decision so that wasn't hard.  The thing I thought would be the hardest, cheese.  I used to eat cheese on everything and normally at every meal.  But honestly, it hasn't been that hard.  Mostly because of how I feel.  I have more energy and overall I feel better.

I am going to preface the results with the fact that I haven't really been able to work out as much as I would like.  I got a cold the week I started my plant-based diet from running myself down in Squaw.  Then I went to Orlando for Josh's graduation, so my immune system was running on empty.  I am over the cold, at this point, but work this week and hanging out with co-workers that are normally not in town kept me from the gym.  I am excited to start Half-Marathon training on Saturday.

Results:
(1) More energy
(2) Not waking up tired
(3) Better mood
(4) Lost 8 lbs since I last went to the doctor (March 8)

I am trying my best but honestly you would be surprised how many things have milk in them!  It's completely unnecessary to have milk in potato chips, but they use it in the flavoring.  Reading labels is key.  The thing that I have found the easiest to do, is just not buy packaged food!  I know that the salad I am having for lunch or the berries that I ate for breakfast are safe because they are whole, unprocessed, foods. 

The other thing I discovered is that I really have to plan what I am going to eat because there are not very many calories in these whole foods-with the exception of nuts and avocados.  The first day I was plant-based I barely broke 1000 calories, which I know is bad for me.  I am trying not to be a crazy person about it but keeping track definitely helps me to make sure I eat enough (never said that on a diet before).

I'll give you all another update two weeks into half marathon training.  I am also planning on a post about what I actually eat in a day, with pictures :)

Half Marathon #3: Utah Valley Half Marathon, June 8, 2013

I've committed to another half marathon in June.  I might be crazy, the race is in 8 weeks so I have to start training today!  Here's the training plan I will be using:

Yes I did make this like a sticker chart to hang on my refrigerator so that I can add a sticker to runs I complete.  I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

Little Brother Graduates

Last weekend I went to Orlando for my little brother's graduation.  Josh entered a digital arts and design program at Full Sail University about two years ago.  Its a very intense program designed to set their graduates up for the real world.  They structure classes like real jobs, and work on a different subject every month. 

Everyone waiting for the ceremony to start: Allison (Josh's GF, Rob, me, Gran Gran, and Dad)

Each degree group had an Advanced Achievement Award.  That award is nominated by the faculty and voted on by the students.  Josh got the award for his class!  The person who go this award had to give a speech.  He did a great job--sorry about the shaky iPhone video!

Smith Kids, looking like grown ups

Everyone minus mom

Typical...

Josh and Allison--the graduates, they're both looking for jobs if you're hiring talented digital artists!

Proud of you little brother!