"Hit the road Jack...."

This song that is often heard toward the end of the game when the visiting team is down, and the crowd is ready for them to.... well; hit the road is now officially my song for this current winter storm.
It all started just a few weeks ago. The weather had turned into what most people were calling "spring". Weather had suddenly risen to the mid 60's or 70's. Life was good. Utahan's had even started to get to brace for spring and even the wonderful summer months. My sister even put away her snow clothes in preparation for the warm weather. What a time this was. Grass was beginning to show, minds began wandering to when class was over, and when they could hit up the local pools once the weather had remained warm for a few weeks. Things were looking up and Summer was beginning to show...

How wrong was I, as well as all of those who had the same feelings as I. As for my sister, and anyone who knows her; getting clothes out of her "stash", can be quite the project. The bed is raised on cinder blocks because she just has too many clothes. That set aside however, we must again prepare for that horrible thing called Winter. My message to this storm and the others that are "scheduled" to hit Utah this week; "Hit the road Jack, and don't you come back no more. No more. No more." I think I can speak for all of Utah residents when I say; "we're ready for spring, and all the fun activities that come along with it." So, I am looking forward to sand volleyball, swimming, being outside, and enjoying all that Summer has to offer, and not worrying about this horrible thing outside right now called Winter.

Notorius Nashville

"Hey ya'll! Welcome to Nashville!", came the voice over the airport intercom as I exited that jet runway. It was midnight, and I had been traveling for what seemed like forever to get to this place. I mean; really, there are absolutely NO direct flights from Salt Lake City to Nashville? So far, the country music star welcoming people to Tennessee wasn't helping my mood. I left at about 3 PM and had to make a connecting flight in Dallas. When I was hanging out in the airport I thought to myself, "hey, I could see myself spending 5 days here, this is a sweet place!". It seemed as I said that in my head, my group was called to board and to make the next 3 hour flight to... Nashville? "What am I getting myself into?"
Well... Mr. Hank William Jr's voice when I arrived in Nashville didn't do much for my mood. I made my way down to the baggage claim(because the flight was too full for my carry on). Grabbed my bag, and went to meet Phil outside. Surprised he was awake at such an hour in all honesty. We left the "International Airport" and made our way to Hendersonville. I was surprised. Nashville had freeways and highways? Wow. It was pitch black so I don't remember much of the scenic part of the state. A quick tour of the home and I was off to bed. I will say though, what a house my parents found out in Nashville. I had made the trip out there for spring break; and more importantly, to watch basically non stop basketball. I awoke the next morning in time to go out and play basketball at the local baptist church and boy what a work out. I spent basically the next two days in the entertainment room watching basically the teams I picked in my bracket win. But it was a blast! It's literally an entertainment room with a projector blasting sports, movies, or you name it onto a screen the size of a huge wall. For effect you can turn on the "crystal stars" that are built into the ceiling for effect. I hadn't made my way away from the house unless it was to play some hoops or to hit the steam room.
We finally decided to head to down town Nashville to check out the sites. "Shouldn't take long" I thought. But as we drove into the city, I found skyscrappers, a professional football stadium, and basically a place that looked a lot like Salt Lake. The only thing different was a little southern accent that I laughed at everytime I heard it as well as the occasional mullet that would HAVE to be pointed out to my dad. We hit up the Country Music Hall of Fame and other local sites. All in all not a bad day.
As I left Nashville for the day filled with connecting flights and traveling in airports, I thought to myself; "wow, I was really wrong about this place. It's not so bad". So, the next time you are checking places to go, and someone suggests Nashville Tennessee, give it a shot. It's not just country farm land, but rather a growing city that has basically everything we do. And listen for Mr. Hank William Jr welcoming you when you arrive.

Run Ryan Run!

It's officially March and hopefully Spring is coming soon behind. I am not too familiar with the subject I am about to speak because this is only the second year that I have really gotten into it. But with Spring comes the opportunity for running outside. It's hard to run during the winter months due to the fact that in Utah we're stuck with treadmills and us staring at the wall or "mini" T.V. in front of us for who knows how long. With the nice weather however and the sun, and the snow melting, it allows for "us" runners to get outside. There really is nothing better than just heading out and running around taking in the sights.
I really got into running when I returned from my LDS mission. My goal was to start with a local 5K. We'll just say that for each "race" I was supposed to run, something would happen where things just wouldn't work out. This year however will be different. I'm committing to you right now; races will be run this summer. It will all start with the University of Utah 5K that will happen April 11th in Salt Lake City, followed by the Salt Lake City Marathon/mini marathon/5K April 18th. After a short break; including a trip to Europe. training will continue to commence and culminate with the Jordenelle triathlon held August 22nd.
I figure that by putting it here for the whole world to read (said with mostly sarcasim), that it will help moticvate me to keep on pushing and to accomplish it. So, let the festivities begin! We'll keep you up to date and in the loop (because you prob really want to know: again note sarcasim).