Finals, Running Errands, Flat tires & Family Parties...oh and Merry Christmas!

I know. The title is exhausting. Living it was even more so. But I finished my first semester of finals! I'm so glad to have that behind me. One semester down, three to go. Not sure if I passed my classes but they keep telling us that 1) grades don't matter and 2) everyone survives so I am holding them to their word.

I found out last week that I got into the Moab 1/2 marathon to be held in March so I'm now trying to work up my endurance and speed. During finals I decided to multi-task by running my errands. Literally. So, I ran 1 mile to the post office then another 1/2 mile to the bank (3 miles round trip) and decided to keep going awhile longer and ended up running 6.5 miles! Not too bad, I think. Now I just have to double that and I'm good.

So, my friend Lynne was in town from Michigan this week and a couple of us drove up to Salt Lake Friday night to see her. We chatted until 11pm when we decided we should head back to Provo. On the way home I started to hear a strange noise and then came the strange shaking. I started to freak out and the girls riding with me at first thought it was just the road with construction and all. Well, long story short we finally made it off the University Parkway exit and I pulled into the closest gas station. When I got out I could see and smell my back tire smoking. Flat. Three girls, two guys (a new friend, Parker, and a not so new friend, Broderick, joined the ranks to help) and 45 minutes later we were on our way. Monday will now be devoted to getting my tire and oil changed. Merry Christmas to my car!

Sadly, our family Christmas party to be held on Saturday was canceled due to inclement weather but some of us still had an impromptu get together at my place. Pauline was driving to Nephi so she came the rest of the way to Provo with Jadon and some darling North Pole cupcakes. Danette came down with a sewing project. Glen stopped by with Ilham and the adorable Brody. Rebecca dropped in last with Lainie, Morgan and Nicole. We ate, held the baby and all had a great time. This is when I learned from Morgan taught me that "a hypothesis is an idea you can test." She's four, mind you. I also discovered how very un-kid friendly my condo really is but both the kids and my carpet survived so we're good.