Baby Beluga

I was a strange child. I didn't enjoy running, or playing tag. I have a particular memory of sitting in the shade of the school on a hot sunny day during recess with my best friend Holli. In my memory we were surrounded by many books, though in reality I suppose there were only 3 or 4. All of them were on whales and dolphins, and we spent the whole recess spouting off interesting facts we found to each other, and writing things down in our notebooks. We were probably in 3rd grade at the time and fascinated by the creatures. I look back on it now, and realize just how geeky we were, but at the time we thought we were awesome. I remember that our favorites were Orcas (killer whales) and Belugas.

This memory occurred sometime after I went to Sea World in the second grade, but whales had been my favorite animal long before that trip. I soaked up everything I could find about these creatures. I don't think there was a book or movie in the whole library system I didn't check out and read or watch, several times over. There was nothing I wanted more than to spend time playing with these creatures. After 15 years that desire has never faded, and today I finally got my opportunity.

Vancouver has one of the largest aquariums in all of North America, including a fabulous research program on whales and dolphins. I was on their website a few weeks ago and found that besides the typical "dolphin encounter" that most aquariums have, this one also had a "beluga encounter." Heck yeah! No question I was going. Today was the day, and it was amazing!!!

We spent the whole day at the aquarium, and it really was impressive, but the encounter experience was the last thing we did, and the high point of my day. There were 4 of us on the encounter, and we started by going down to the encounter room with one of the marine biologists at the aquarium. She told us all about beluga whales, the history of the 3 we would see in the habitat, how they came to live there, and some basic facts about their environment, and what is affecting beluga populations today. We learned so much, and then we got to go in the food prep area, and see just how much food all of the animals eat. We picked up the herring to feed the belugas during the show, and headed out to play. While Kavna and Qila were entertaining the crowds, we were off in a corner of the exhibit playing with Aurora. Technically she's named after the Aurora Borealis, but being a disney princess fan, I like to think it appropriate that I got to play with the one who shares a name with Sleeping Beauty.

Say "Hello" Aurora! Isn't she beautiful?

Petting her back. She was so rubbery.

Feeling the tail.

Playing with her melon. Belugas make all of their noise through their blowhole on top of their head. They use that sound for echolocation to see whats around them in the dark arctic waters. They can move and adjust the shape of their melon to focus the direction of the sound. It felt like one of those jelly squishy tubes that slip through your hands when you squeeze it.

When we came out to the tank the trainer asked us how wet we were willing to get. Some who wanted to stay dry got to have Aurora pop out of the water and kiss their hands. I said I was willing to get wet...

Best decision ever! It was so cool! and cold. But I loved it so much. This will be a favorite memory of mine for years and years to come.

Directionally Challenged

North. South. East. West. Some people have a difficult time telling where they are, and how to get where they are going. Fortunately I am not one of those people. This is a very lucky attribute indeed because I am here with my mother who is extremely directionally challenged. It has become a daily occurrence for her to stand looking out the windowed walls and say,

"Now Stanley Park is that way?"

"No mother it's the other way."

"Oh, then where is Pacific Center?"

"It's back that way."

"So we can't see it from here then?"

"No"

Or when walking around

"Are you sure we're going the right way?"

"Yes"

"But isn't the condo the other way?"

"No"

"Are you sure?"

"100%"

"Okay... I thought it was the other way."

"No mother, I am positive it over 1 block that way, and up about 3 blocks."

"If you say so."

"I do"

This is not a new thing. I have been in control of the map, guiding us to our destinations on trips for years. As a child I remember being extremely proud because I navigated my sister-in-law, who was dropping myself and a bunch of my nieces off after a play day, to my brothers house in the dark when she wasn't sure where she was going. At 13 I navigated us on a road trip up into Oregon, over to the coast, and down through the redwoods to the Bay Area, and back over. It has always been fun, and more often than not we get there without issue. Other than her questioning me with "are you sure?" a thousand times, and the panicked side of her that shows every time we're in a new place.

I remember spending hours curled up in my daddy's recliner as a little kid reading the atlas. I studied maps, learned every state, and where it was, and many capitals. I didn't play video games like normal kids, but my favorite computer game was called "GeoSafari", and basically consisted of all sorts of geography games. I could place where every country in South America was in seconds, and was very proud of it. I got a new atlas as part of a geography course I took this semester, and its amazing how quickly it has become a favorite book of mine.

I can't explain why I love geography and directions so much, but it has definitely saved our butts a time or two while on vacation. My mother doesn't even listen when the front desk gives directions anymore, she just turns to me and says "are you getting this?" then turns to the desk person to let them know "she's my navigator."

Yogurt

I'm moving here to Canada. Now I just need to find a job, and a place to live... Ok maybe I'm not moving to Canada, at least not right now, but the yogurt I'm enjoying for breakfast makes me want to. How can yogurt be a deciding factor, you say? We have yogurt in the US, you say? Well it's quite simple really.

The first time I had yogurt I hated it. I was maybe 4 years old, and my sister-in-law Teri gave me some when we lived in Ephraim. It was bitter, and strangely textured, and I swore it was the nastiest thing I'd ever tasted. I may have tried it once or twice after that, but I pretty much avoided it like the plague for many, many years.

My second encounter with yogurt came after I graduated from high school. I went on a two-week tour of Europe with a group from my school. We arrived in Spain, and every night at dinner they served us french fries, dry burgers, or for me a dry salad. They apparently didn't have high esteem of our palates as American high school students. After dinner they would always give us a cup of yogurt. Since dinner was dismal and not very filling, I always downed my yogurt, and was surprised to find that I actually like it. I came home and tried to eat yogurt again. It wasn't as nasty as my four-year-old self remembered, but it still wasn't all that fabulous, and I ended up throwing a lot of cups away that went bad in the fridge, because they just didn't appeal to me.

The summer of 2009 I did a study abroad living in France. I stayed with a strange older woman who was very cynical, and set in her ways. She had her prejudices, and nothing I could say would change her closed mind. Madame was a bit stand-offish but she was an amazing cook. Dinner was always wonderful, and included a salad course, a main course, a cheese course, and dessert which was almost always yogurt. She bought the most fabulous yogurt, and every flavor I tried just hit the spot perfectly. Sure there were the normal Strawberry, Raspberry, and Peach, but there was also Apricot, Black Cherry, and my favorite Pineapple. I loved them, and when she was going to be gone for a few days, and was leaving me food, I asked if she could leave some yogurt for breakfast. The look she gave me was one of complete and utter bewilderment. She tried to explain to me that yogurt was a dessert, not a breakfast food, and I, with my limited skills, tried to tell her that in the US it was very normal for people to eat yogurt for breakfast. She ultimately gave in, but thought I was very weird for it. I chalked it up to a regional thing, from the way she was talking, and enjoyed my breakfast while she was gone.

A few weeks later I went with my church's local institute group based out of Geneva to the temple in Bern, Switzerland. Because of bus schedules, and driving to Bern, I ended up spending the night before at the house of one of the other girls from the institute. Before we left early in the morning we got up and had some breakfast. She asked if I wanted some yogurt, and I of course was thrilled. I told her about Madame, and our conversation, and she was totally shocked. She thought Madame was off her rocker, and said it was definitely not a regional thing (Geneva is only about 40 minutes from Annecy).

I learned from that trip that the Europeans make yogurt with real ingredients like milk, and yogurt cultures, and not all of the corn starch, and sugars that Americans do. I came home, and after some searching found some fruit yogurt, Kroger brand actually, that doesn't have fillers as its main ingredient, and have somewhat enjoyed them. When we got to Canada a few days ago, and did some grocery shopping I decided to see if their yogurt was more like that of Europe. It is, and it is glorious. It was something I didn't realize how much I was missing, until I had it back again. Yesterday as I was eating breakfast I told my mother not to buy me any yogurt when we got back to Utah. I don't know if I can go back, at least for a few weeks. I have been eating at least 1 or 2 cups of yogurt a day while we've been here, and I love it.

If I move to Canada someday the yogurt won't be my driving force, but it would be a nice side benefit. In the meantime, I think I will be looking at vacationing here more often. Because it's a beautiful city of course! (and because the yogurt is fabulous).

Up to the Mountains We Go

Vancouver is set in a beautiful part of the world. Today we got out of the city and drove up into the mountains. We followed the highway around the bay, and up along the water line straight into the mountains towards Whistler. It was a beautiful drive. Along the way we stopped at the Canadian staple of Tim Hortons. We got some doughnuts for our drive. Most were just alright, but the sour cream glazed doughnuts were amazing!

The beautiful inlet

Such an incredible view over this valley on the way up to Whistler

This is a cool waterfall called Shannon's Falls that we didn't even know was there. We passed it on our way up to Whistler, and on the way back we stopped and enjoyed the whole park area, and a small part of the hike.

More of the park area around Shannon's Falls

Some beautiful flowers we saw along the side of the road.

I love it up here so much! I love the city, the ocean, and the mountains. I got tired by the end of our drive, and was ready to be done simply because I've spent so much time in the car already over the last few years, and particularly the last few weeks, but it was a beautiful drive for sure. Now we're watching a little bit of my shows (NCIS) and a little bit of my mothers (Goodbye Mr. Chips). It's been a relaxing day, and the weather could not have been better; a little on the cool end, but bright and sunny, and mild. A gorgeous day for sure.

Oh Canada!

I sure do love it up here. It is absolutely gorgeous! This is my graduation present; my last family vacation I don't have to pay my own way on. We're in Vancouver, and I can't believe how gorgeous it is. I have been to Victoria before, but this is my first trip to Vancouver. We're staying in our condo up here, and it's in a high rise right in down town. I love coming to these condos because we have two bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a living room, small but fully stocked kitchen, and dining area. I have my own space, and a good home base. This one is on the 20th floor, and has floor to ceiling windows along the whole side of the condo. It's gorgeous.

It's not hard getting up and making a bed to a beautiful view like this.

We went on a silly tourist trolly tour of the area to get a lay of the land, and saw a good amount of stuff. Stanley Park is absolutely gorgeous, and had such beautiful views of the bay.

We got off in Chinatown to do a little shopping. The area was awesome, and I found some fabulous pieces. We went into the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens which were so peaceful and green. That's something I am loving about this city. It's not just an urban jungle. There are gardens and parks of varying sizes all over the place, including on rooftops and balconies.

We made one more stop at a touristy shop so that I could pick up this fabulous sweatshirt. Besides being cute, it is my favorite hockey team so I really love it. :)

Pomp and Circumstance

I heard the most rockin' jazzed up version of Pomp and Circumstance this weekend. Unfortunately it was at my niece Chelsea's graduation from the U, and not my own. In all honesty I was so focused on trying to keep the stupid cap on my head, I'm not even sure they played Pomp and Circumstance when we entered.

It was quite the weekend with Chelsea's graduation from the University of Utah on Friday in Vocal Performance (the music department, hence the jazzy procession and recession.) Saturday was my turn. There were times in the weeks leading up to graduation I wasn't sure I was going to make it. Thanks to everyone who gave me words of encouragement in person, or via some other technological format. I reflected back on comments made on facebook from those who had survived similarly painful final papers and stressors many times while trying to make it through my own, and pack up to move.

Though time seemed both agonizingly slow and astonishingly fast simultaneously throughout the semester, eventually May 5th did indeed come, and with it graduation.

I seriously had the hardest time getting the cap to stay on my head.

I knew there would be a lot of names to get through, so I took my ipod, and played sudoku and hangman during the interim.

So excited to get my empty case

My daddy and me :)

My mother and me.

My Heros the REL's (nephew Ben, sister-in-law Carrie, brother Bob)

Besides being so amazing for driving up to support me, the RELs then went above and beyond the call of duty, and helped me pack up, and load up my apartment, including all of the furniture. I honestly can not thank them enough for what they did. The moral support meant the world to me, and the physical help was something I honestly couldn't have done on my own. I had been worrying about getting my stuff moved for several weeks and I had never come up with a solution. Carrie also took a lot of the pictures I have from this day, for which I'm also grateful. Additionally I couldn't have gotten moved without my brother Dave and sister-in-law lending me their truck, and then Dave meeting us at the house that night to unload everything. I honestly have the most amazing family. I love them so much.

It's been 5 years of hard work, and long hours, but I am actually a college graduate, thanks in large part to the amazing people I am surrounded by. I've got Elle Wood squealing "We did it!" running through my head. Now if I could just figure out what I'm doing with the rest of my life. Heck I'd settle for knowing what I'm doing with the next 6 months. For now I'm content to know what I'm doing for the next week: a fabulous vacation to Canada. I'm really excited. The real world can wait for a week while I play with whales, and do some retail therapy.

Reflections

I am officially a college graduate!!! It still doesn't quite feel real. In trying to soak it all in I've reflected on when I graduated from high school. My how things have changed in 5 years.

The following is a list in no particular order of the changes I've noticed.

Back then I wanted my eclectic music taste to appeal to everyone. Now I still love all sorts of music, but I have no qualms admitting that my favorite music would fall under the cheesy girly bubble-gum pop category that most people like to make fun of.

Back then I had contacts for vanity reasons, but had so much trouble getting them in I rarely wore them. Now I really like my glasses, I think they're cute, and I can actually see the world around me.

Back then I wanted to travel the world. Now I have! (though there is still way more I'd like to see)

Back then I wanted to be pop-culturally literate, and know every movie quote by heart. Now, I like the character development and the less immediate time commitment of TV shows, and rarely ever sit down to watch a movie.

That being said, back then my favorite movie was Charade starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Now, my favorite movie is Charade starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. (Not everything changes)

Back then I drove a 1994 Chevy S10 pick-up truck with flip down, child size seats in back. Now I drive a 2003 Saturn Vue with 5 full size seats, and separate cargo and passenger space inside the cab. (In all actuality the Saturn Vue was on my list of dream cars as a senior in high school.)

Back then I was planning on going to the University of Utah. Now I'm thrilled to say that I changed my mind and went to Utah State University. It was totally the right place for me, and I couldn't imagine having had a better college experience.

Back then I planned to major in just International Studies with a minor in French, and graduate in 2 years. Now I've been through half the Psych program, and switched French to a major, gone back and forth on whether to get a teaching certificate, and ultimately graduated after 5 years with two bachelors degrees in International Studies and French Teaching without licensure (the indecisive option.)

Back then I'd never shared a room. Now I have (though only for one semester).

Back then I really wanted my own apartment. Now I've had that, and want to buy my own place. Because you've got to have a dream right? :)

Back then I loved stilettos, but mainly wore converse. Now I love stilettos but mainly wear converse.

Back then the temple was an "if I have time" once in a while activity. Now the temple is a deep set part of who I am and what I do, and a priority of mine each month.

Back then I actually read books for fun. Now I haven't read a book for fun in years. I might actually get to do that again now that I'm graduated though, so that might change back.

Back then I knew everything. Now I know nothing.

Back then I had a plan of where I wanted to live (Paris) and what I wanted to do (work as an Ambassador, or for the UN, or something large and diplomatic.) Now I know kind of where I want to live (I have my eye on several cute small condos and townhomes in the Salt Lake valley) but have know clue what I want to do.

Back then I was a teenage who wished everyone saw me as the adult I considered myself to be. Now everyone sees me as an adult, and I'm the one who struggles to see myself as such.

I'm still the same red-headed, stubborn as a mule, kind of kooky girl I've always been, but I hope I've mellowed out a bit, and matured into a better person than I was 5 years ago.