a WHOLE decade.

My 10 year high school reunion is this summer. 

Wow. A whole decade. For those of you not-so-savy math minds; that means I graduated in the year 2000--- remember Y2K, that was us.  Anyway this reunion has made me reminisce on high school days. It's funny how at the time everything seems like such a BIG deal. Looking back you realize how care-free, stress-free, worry-free high schoolers are. The most important things were what you were going to wear, if you have a date to the dance, if you have someone to hang out with etc. Oh if only those were my only worries today.  

So what was I like as a high school kid? I feel like I kind of just lied low and did my thing. I had a group of great friends that kept things exciting(Becky, Sheila, Shayla, Emily, Natalie, Joy, Candice.. to name just a few)- we had good times regardless of what everyone else was doing. I kept myself involved in sports (basketball and softball). I did my homework when I was supposed to. I was a good kid. Average. Normal. I couldn't ask for better high school memories---- so Thank You Snow Canyon Class of 2000 or making my high school memories good ones.  We really were the best class Snow Canyon has ever had.... or will ever have. :)

Here are a few pics for all your viewing pleasure. I can laugh at them... so go right ahead.

I believe (not 100% sure) this was at the very 1st, 'First Night.' New Years Eve 2000 - Me, Becky, and Sheila. 

Sexy Huh? Gotta love the pose.  

Natalie, Me, Sheila, Emily, & Shayla... Graduation. 

It has been fun to hear about what some of my other classmates have been up to the past 10 years from our class blog. For you fellow Class of 2000 warriors... I hope to hear from you as well.

Spring Break at 27....

I never thought that I would still be enjoying Spring Break at the ripe old age of 27.  Ten years ago I am sure I was thinking that I would be way out of school-- doing grown-up things (like work or taking care of my kids)... but nope- I guess I am still a kid at heart. You could say that my

Life is just slightly different than I would have ever imagined!  

Most days the life of a student are far from glamorous but when this week in March comes around-- all is worth it.  It helps that the lady I nanny for is a Professor at the University so she gets the same Spring Break as Adam... which results in her going on vacation with her kids... which then in turn results in me getting days off work! Wahoo..  So Adam and I have taken full advantage of sleeping in, making and eating delicious food, visiting family, watching TV and movies, and just chilling together. I even got around to doing some Spring cleaning.  I love it. 

What is even better is that the weather hear in Iowa finally started cooperating with me.  We have had SUNNY days... and even got to 60 degrees.  IT WAS AWESOME. I haven't been so happy since last October when we last saw those type of temperatures.  This place is weird.....  two weeks ago negative weather... now fifties. I'll take it.  The snow has all melted and the grass is already greening up. 

I can't tell you how happy Spring makes me. Green grass, flowers, sun, and just being able to hang out outside.  

A few highlights of the week so far:

1. got to wear flipflops and capris for one day (I am mostly happy that I don't have to wear 4 layers just to walk to my car).

2. washed and vacuumed my car out-- outside with the shining.. My little car can finally thank me for being clean from all that snow, dirt, salt, and sand that built up from the winter months. 

3. made my first Irish authentic dinner for St. Patty's Day- corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots-- actually pretty tasty. We have recently  found out that Adam's direct family line(see#4) is from Ireland so we wanted to celebrate.

4. being able to do Family History work.  I have fallen in love with Family History. We have been doing Adam's Biological Dad's family line. (I want to put a plug in for the New Family Search website... click here to check out your family line).  I have learned so much and have already fallen in love with many of his family member's that I have never met.  

5. had a bonfire with friends..... sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and chatting reminds me of so many good times from the past. 

6. met some of Adam's living cousins and aunts that we hadn't seen since we have moved here....  we visited them in Anamosa(the town Adam was born in). 

7. realized that Iowa isn't so bad.... with a little sunshine. 

Wedding... Friends... Getaway.

I love having excuses to go on vacay..... and if the reason is a wedding for one of my Best Friend's Melissa then the vacay is even better.  Last weekend I was able to fly out to SLC and see the happy day for  

Melissa & Clint Berry... 

(I love that we now both have 'food' last names-- although she def. gets the better end of the deal.... being a berry versus being butter-- Don't ya think?)

One of the reasons why I love weddings is that I get to see so many of my amazing girlfriends from my college days.  Weddings seem to be the only time that we can all get together; so thanks Mis for making it happen.  Friday night we all got together and had a little bachelorette party; although it was more chatting and catching up with everyone than anything. It reminded me of the good ole college days staying up so late just chatting. 

 Kacey, Me, Jenni, Joanna, Melissa, and Buffy-- Go Aggies

Sat. was the big day.  They got married in the Bountiful temple. The ceremony was beautiful and the bride was even more beautiful--- Plus she had that Bride Glow about her.

Next up was the dinner reception. Everything was awesome.... I loved it all, especially being able to see everyone and wish Melissa and Clint a happy life together.

We def. missed Kim and Whitney-- but thanks Joanna, Kacey (and Casey too), Buffy, Sabrina, and Jenni (and Brent) for making my weekend awesome. (thanks Jo for taking all the pics)
--- I also got to stay the night and hang out with Erica and Nick. They are both so fabulous and can't wait to hang out with you guys again- hopefully sooner than later.
One last thanks..... which is most important is to ADAM... cause he encouraged and let me take the girl's trip without him. So while I was having a blast in much warmer Iowa he was busy studying for finals in Iowa.  Love him! 

Missing this... and that.

It is one of those days.... maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the bed....really not sure?  I know it's all about attitude, and really I am trying....

but today I just want to VENT.  

I haven't quite figured out why people choose to live here in Iowa?  It just hasn't clicked for me. I usually love new places and discovering new areas.
Maybe these are a few reasons why I haven't fell in love with this place..... YET.

1. The only mountains you see in these parts are the mounds of snow in all the parking lots and on the sides of the street.  Serious.  They are huge. And they aren't melting very quickly.

I miss mountains. All sizes and colors.

Zions National Park- summer '09

 

The Red Mountains of St. George--  I miss looking out my windows and seeing the red dirt beauties.

2. Today when I took Adam to school it was 4 degrees-- with wind chill the radio guy informed me it was -15F.  Lovely. Just checked Weather.com. Here are the results. No improvement in the last hour. 

Iowa City, IA (52240) Weather. 

Updated: Feb. 24, 2010 9:05 am CST 

4° F

Feels like -16°F

Wind: From NNW at 17 mph gusting to 25 mph 

I miss SUN-- and HEAT.  I just want to be able to go outside. Without 4 layers. Without gloves. Without a beanie. Without covered shoes.  

I am counting down the days til moments like this can happen .

 

Shorts. Sandals. T-shirt. Baseball cap. Red Sox. Pure awesomeness. 

3. I miss Family and Friends. I really haven't formed any fantastic new friendships.  

It's a good thing I have Adam around as my best friend or I really would go crazy.

I love all these people!

4. I miss having a real job...  I am sure many would argue that being a nanny is a real job, but it isn't the same for me.  I miss influencing and helping others change their life. I miss using my knowledge and education. I miss being around adults and having co-workers. 

Sorry to be such a downer today.  I am sure tomorrow will be better!

Join Me in Helping Find a Cure.... Walk MS

Yep... It's that time of year again.  What time you ask....  

It's WALK MS time. 

 As most of you know, I have Multiple Sclerosis or MS...... so it's my way of not only raising a little bit of money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society(in hope of helping find a cure), but also to be an advocate for me and others with MS.

So if you live in the Iowa City area.........

I would love love you to join my Team (Team MarSea) and Walk with me... Just click here... (and then click on "Join Marci's Team). It is so easy to do.

There is absolutely NO cost to join my team and walk, although it would be great if you helped out with the fund-raising efforts (hit up your rich relatives for a few bucks).... but even if you don't donate anything, just walking with me would be great as well.  There isn't a walk in Iowa City; so we get to go to Cedar Rapids..... also feel free to invite friends, family, co-workers.
Here are the details of the event.

Date: April 17, 2010
Location: Start at Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Rd SW Cedar Rapids, IA
Event Schedule: Walk starts at 10:00am   A 3 mile walk.

They always have lots of good food and it's a very fun event..... so if nothing else come for the snacks and my good company.  :)
 

If you don't live in the Iowa City area...... 

I still need your help.  

Click here (then click on "Donate to Marci") .... and donate $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 or even more........... really anything and everything is appreciated.  I have a goal to raise at least $1000 as a team.... and I can't get there without you. 

You can also find a walk in your area and start your own team.   Click here to find a walk closest to you. 

I want to THANK YOU all ahead of time.  You are all such great support to me.
Questions on anything just let me know.....
Click here for more info on Multiple Sclerosis.

Some of my team in Boston. 2008.

We ran into Darth at last years walk. 2009.

Dessert Sushi.

Adam loves Sushi......
 so a couple of Christmas' ago his boss gave him this nifty little tool, called the Sushezi that aids in making your own Sushi at Home. This tool really does make sushi making a cinch.  So easy and they turn out to be perfect rolls.

So sometime last year we gave regular sushi making a try.  Ya we had a great time... and they looked half way decent but they didn't taste quite like they do when you order sushi at nice restaurants... actually they were pretty disgusting. We were a bit discouraged so instead of trying regular sushi again, we decided to try out

DESSERT SUSHI....

I think they turned out looking pretty good don't you?  

We found the recipe here.....  and I would say overall they turned out pretty well. Next time we wouldn't put in so much rice.... and instead more fruit. We stuffed ours with 

Mango,

Strawberries, 

Kiwis,

and some coconut.  

Maybe now that we have dessert Sushi making down we will be brave and give regular Sushi making another try.
Oh ya

HAPPY GROUNDHOGS DAY.... 

seeing that I woke up to a few more inches of New Snow..... I am pretty sure that we are going to be having 6 more weeks of winter regardless of shadow seeing or not.  

Ice... and Wrestling.

We haven't been up to really a whole lot....when it is cold in Iowa the best thing to do is

stay inside.

So that's what we've done.... Boring yes.... Smart Yes. It just isn't worth it to do much of anything outside when it is freezing and the wind is gusting in your face. We have not only been blessed with negative degree temperatures this month but also

 ice storms. 

I had experienced them before when living in Boston, but I never really got any pics. So I figured I catch some of the cool things that ice offers.  Ya it may look cool but it sure isn't fun to walk (or more like skate) on.  It takes some real careful skill to not fall on every step.

I am surviving the winter. Everyday I tell myself that we are one day closer to spring.... then summer.  I can't wait.  For now I will continue to stay indoors.

A few other things we have been up to this month.
1. I was introduced to this thing called

WRESTLING.

So Adam is a HUGE wrestling fan. He wrestled all while growing up and still talks about how glorious the days of wrestling were.  Adam was so excited to be moving to Iowa and attending University of Iowa because he would get to go to the universities wrestling matches.

People this is a BIG deal here.

University of Iowa's wrestling team is not only ranked #1 in the nation but have won 52 straight matches. I was still skeptical about going to a match.  Adam promised me that I would enjoy it... as well as one of the wrestlers that is in our ward.  I still didn't believe them..... until I walked into the Arena and it was packed. The entire basketball arena was full of Hawkeye fans,

thousands of them... 

sporting their black and gold and cheering their hearts out for these wrestlers.  It was awesome....atmosphere was amazing and it helped that we had great tickets right down by the mat.(thanks to Luke).  I never thought i would ever hear myself say that I enjoyed going to a wrestling match.  I did...and can't wait to go to the next one. I understand the scoring... and different moves. It helps that Adam is there to explain everything to me.  I am also slowly coming to terms that it will be okay if we have little boys and they decide to wrestle.

2. I am continuing to stay busy babysitting....  This past weekend the lady I babysit for had a conference out of town.  We had the joy of being a full-time parents from Thursday- Sunday.  Let's just say that we survived and overall everything went great. I can say that I now understand when moms and dads complain of never having their own "me" time.  Yep there was none of that.

Here are a few phrases that I couldn't wait to get away from.

-Marci.... come here... I need you. (I have never felt so needed in my life)

-But my Mom says I can. (I hate this phrase more than anything)

-I want a snack. (I thought I liked treats but these kids take it to the next level)

-But she/he got to do it, or have some. (life isn't fair kids)

I am learning patience.... along with multiple things I am going to incorporate when I'm a Mom as well as things that I am going to avoid. It has been a great learning experience

but I have def. felt like doing this a time or two. 

Baby... it's Cold outside.

We made it back to Iowa. Good to be home. and settled back into a routine. It is cold. Real cold. Never knew it could be so cold. But then again I am a wuss when it comes to the cold. So maybe I am making it up that it is cold. but then I am reminded that it really is super cold when I see the negative in front of a number on my car thermometer daily. One day this too shall pass. The spring cannot come soon enough.

The Christmas decorations are down. Things look empty. It makes me want to paint the walls. Too bad we are renters. Adam was lucky enough to start school on Monday. The MBA program feels the need to fit in an additional 2 classes, so they make their students start 2 weeks earlier than the rest of the University. 2 classes. 2 weeks. All day.  Glad it's him and not me. I am back to work. Back to being a mom- part time. Good times and some crazy times.

Congrats to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. Winners of the Orange Bowl.  We cheered loud at the TV. It worked. It's fun living in a town that loves their football.

So I promised pics but then I realized that i only took a total of 4 pictures of us while I was in Utah. 3 snowboarding in Brianhead and 1 at Temple Square.  So that's all you get. I'll have to steal pics from my mom and/or siblings sometime so I don't forget how fantastic this Holiday break really was.

Stay Warm Everyone.