Everyone Needs Girl Time

All of my sisters were in town this weekend so we decided to have a shower for my sister Kerri who is soon to be a mom again. But what started out as a fun party turned into an all nighter that lasted until 5:30am (of course I was smart and went to bed at 4:00).
My sisters, mom and grandma are such blessings in my life and I love them so much. I would not have traded this weekend for anything.

I love you girls!

To add to the fun my sister Julie got me an autographed picture of Mike Tee Vee from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I don't know about you but this event could beat out Groundhog Day.

Moab Trip

After the race we had a beautiful trip through Arches National Park. This is Deah in front of the Fiery Furnace.

This is Kelly in front of the Prairie Dawg where Deah spent most of her time.

It was a beautiful day...

with great friends.

Death Wish

I must have a death wish or something. I just got home from running the Moab Half Marathon yesterday and my final paper for my legal methods course is due tomorrow. So I have been up all night completing it. So now that it is just after 1:00am I have decided to Blog (Don't worry the paper is done).

More about adventures in Moab coming soon!

Swim Wear

Shopping for swim wear is my least favorite thing to shop for. I had to find a swimming suit today because next week I am heading to Moab for the half marathon and the hot tub will be calling my name soon there after.
I lost my old suit in the fire, not that it was fabulous by any means. Nothing ever seems to fit right and it just reminds me that I need to stop munching on Charleston Chews to say the least. But lets be honest I don't really see that happening.

Training

I am currently training for the Moab Half Marathon and I have to say that some running days are better than others. For example last week I had no trouble with just over 8 miles and today I could barely pull off 4 miles.
One thing is for sure though, I am so glad I found Sugar House Park. It is the perfect running location. I know exactly how many miles I do and each loop has two good hills in it. Whoever put this park together had runners in mind.

Going Into Hiding

Last semester I had a take home final in December. I told everyone I was going into hiding. After my test was over my dad commented on how he did not see me for eight straight hours. It was true, I only came out when required.

I am now working on a case paper based on the First Amendment. This of course is putting me into hiding for more than eight hours. Who would have ever thought that the First Amendment could put someone into hiding.

Any Ideas...

I am feeling that winter desire to go some place warm. Any ideas? Unfortunately I am on a tight budget so maybe a cruise around the Great Salt Lake will have to do.

Groundhog Day 2009

The Bill Murray Movie, "Groundhog Day" is my favorite movie of all time. Make sure you watch it tonight to celebrate. In the mean time this is the prediction this year.

Wookie

Sad to say our great dog Wookie died today. It is hard to believe, she was such a good dog and she will be greatly missed. Love you Wookie!

Law School Spring 2009

I am really enjoying my classes and instructors this semester. I am taking Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Property and the second half of Legal Methods. It is all very interesting and challenging. Each class is very different and each instructor brings unique perspective and experience.
I plan to read this post when finals come around and I am not feeling so positive!

Craig's List and KSL Classifieds

I never thought I would write about Craig's List and KSL Classifieds but I have to be honest that I am in love with both websites. It has become an exciting game for me to find furniture and items to replace in my house.
I have been able to find a bed, couch, TV, and DVD Player. I have been able to buy all these items combined for under $500.00. Now that is what I call a bargain.
I know I am cheap!

The Fire Part III

Breanne got a call from the people restoring our old apartment building. They stated that they had cleaned out our apartment and they wanted us to come get anything we wanted. When we showed up at the place this is what we saw.

They literally bagged EVERYTHING burned or not. Here is Breanne with her burned temple bag and what was a shoe below.

However I got my church pew, cedar chest, and of course the blue chair back. With a little cleaning they look beautiful. Once again tender mercies!

I Passed!

My Fall Law School grades came out today and I am happy to report, fire and all, that I passed.

Snow

We sure have had a lot of snow lately. This is the deck on the back of my parents home. We measured it at almost two feet!

Christmas Highlights 2008

After Fire Pictures

Click on the link below to see fire aftermath.

http://picasaweb.google.com/AndrewOHorton/TheFireOf2008?feat=email#

Tender Mercies

On Friday, December 12th, I did some reading and went to bed around 10:30pm. At around 12:30am my roommate burst into my room and told me we had to get out because of a fire. At that point there was no smoke or flames in our apartment but there was next door. I grabbed my phone, my thumb drive with some of my computer files, shoes, coat, and my wallet. We left the building not realizing how bad the fire would be.

After 45 minutes and prayers my roommate Breanne and I decided to call family and get out of there. Breanne's dad planned to come get her from Centerville and my parents just so happened to be staying in Salt Lake (Tender Mercy #1) and were there to pick us up within minutes. We had no idea what we would come back to.

After a rough night sleep my parents and I returned to my apartment and found a condemned building. From that point on through phone calls and emails I received more blessings, love and support than I can even explain. I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am (Tender Mercies #2-900).

God is in all parts of my life and this experience has proved that to me. I have felt a great deal of comfort, peace, and more love than I deserve.

I was asked to speak in church around Thanksgiving about gratitude and I focused on being grateful in all things including those that are not what we desire. I am so thankful that we got out safe but more importantly I am so grateful to God for the many amazing Christlike people I am blessed to know and have come to know through this experience. Most importantly I have faith in the Savior and his love for me because he has filled my heart with peace.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=5089475

Waking Ned Divine

I have been working on outlines and studying for my Torts Final all day. I needed a short breather during dinner time so I turned on one of my favorite get a giggle movies.

If you have not seen Waking Ned Devine I highly recommend it. It has a British humor flare that is so well done. If you don't believe me check out the picture below and take time to see this movie!

Seven Things

Seven Things I Can Do.
1. Cook
2. Run
3. Sing like a chipmunk.
4. Turn my tongue upside down.
5. Hike
6. Avoid homework.
7. Drive

Seven Things I Can't Do.
1. Ski well.
2. Cartwheels
3. Read Braille.
4. Pat my head and rub my stomach at the same time.
5. Make Baklava
6. Roller Blade
7. Ice Skate

Seven Places I Would Like to Visit
1. Australia
2. Polynesia
3. British Columbia
4. New York
5. Europe
6. South Africa
7. A massage therapist.

Seven Things I Commonly Say
1. You know what I mean?
2. Fabulous
3. I know you are but what am I
4. Ok
5. Like
6. Match in the Gas Tank Boom Boom
7. Hello

Seven Favorite Foods
1. Sea Food
2. Mexican
3. Thai
4. Yams and Marshmallows
5. Asian
6. Cookie Dough
7. Peas

Seven People I Want to Meet
1. Hyrum Smith
2. Mother Teresa
3. Abraham Lincoln
4. Thurgood Marshall
5. Joseph Smith
6. Nelson Mandela
7. Jim Henson

Seven People I Tag
1. Keena
2. Kris
3. Malia
4. Sarah
5. Robyn
6. Stephanie
7. Breanne

Back in the Saddle Again

After an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend it is time to get back in the saddle again. Unfortunately this means I am heading into finals!

Top Ten Reasons Thanksgiving is One of my Favorite Holidays

Top Ten Reasons Thanksgiving is One of my Favorite Holidays

10. Turkey sandwiches for days to come.

9. Macey's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

8. Everyone is welcome to the feast.

7. Yams with Marshmellows on top.

6. Football

5. Pumpkin Pie, Lemon Merugie, Chocolate Pie, Coconut Cream....

4. It is not commercialized.

3. Laughter

2. A holiday spent with those you love.

1. Focused on gratitude.

The Duel (Not the Movie About the Truck)

As the U of U beat TCU tonight I find my self in more of a quandary than ever.
Who do I cheer for on November 22nd!
Either way I win!
Stephen Covey would be so proud of my win/win situation.

Walker Tower (101 Ways to Avoid Homework)

My roommate told me that the Walker Tower in downtown Salt Lake lights up according to the weather. Apparently it use to do this back in the day but then in the 80's some laws were passed that forced the owner to take it down.

Following a building renovation the city gave permission for the tower to be rebuilt and be lit again according to the weather. So if you are in Salt Lake watch for Walker Tower.

Here is a key to the color forecast:

Solid Blue = Blue Skies

Blinking Blue = Cloudy Skies

Solid Red = Raining

Blinking Red = Snow is on the way.
Put that in your book Kevin Eubank!

Halloween is Coming

My Sister Kerri threw a great Halloween party!

Beware of Spooks!

Art

Cousin Jethro had a wonderful art show in downtown Salt Lake. It was part of the Salt Lake gallery stroll. I love the fact that I am related to so many talented people.

Going to the show was like a mini family reunion with a flare of beat neck poetry. If we would have all been dressed in black and Thad would have played the congo drum it would have been just about right.

I have a great extended family and it was fun to enjoy the evening with them.

www.jethrogillespie.com

Three brothers in love....

The Super Baruba Success Book

When I was in sixth grade my teacher, who wrote this book, gave me a copy for Christmas. The title of the book is The Super Baruba Success Book for Under Achievers, Over-Expecters and Other Ordinary People. At the time I really did not fully understand the title and pretty much considered my self quite ordinary so I read the book.

Now 22 years later, yes that is 22 years later, I see this book in a whole new light. I think that is what going to law school does to you. I connect much more now with the part of the title the lists under achievers and over expecters.

The funny part about this book is after all this time I have no idea what baruba means.

Ode to Fall

So I am now officially avoiding homework with an ode to fall. I love fall in Utah the colors are spectacular and the temperature outside could not be better. When I lived in Washington the pine forests were unbelievable but they brought a different type of joy than the colors of fall in Utah.

Camping in southern Utah in the fall is something I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys camping. Though it gets cold at night, there is nothing like the red rock filled in with fall leaves early in the morning. I also highly recommend taking a drive into the mountains. A popular favorite is the Alpine Loop in Provo Canyon or the Squaw Peak Drive. Either one is well worth your time but you better hurry because snow is on the horizon.

As I walk to school each day I enjoy watching the change in nature. The cool breeze, the change in color, the birds chirping in the trees. I know I live right downtown but it is amazing how God blesses us even in the most unusual places.