GRADUATION!

Hello, old friend...

We've got a lot of catching up to do. Paul and I have been busy, busy, busy the past couple weeks, and it's time to play catch up on our blog. Here's some of what we've been doing...

Zion National Park

As part of Paul's birthday present, I bought him a backpacking tent and planned a suprise trip to Zion National Park. We got there Friday night, set up camp, made tin foil dinners, and then s'mores. We got up early Saturday morning and made breakfast burritos and then started on a full day of hiking. Our first hike was Angel's Landing. The last .5 mile of the hike is extremely narrow- part of it is only 3 feet wide with steep cliffs of 800 feet on your left and 1200 feet on your right! And the worst part? No railing whatsoever. Instead they offer a mere chain to hold onto for dear life. At the beginning of this treacherous terrain, a sign warns that only really hot, studly husbands should attempt the last part of this hike. And so, I let Paul do it by himself, and I waited for him on safe ground.

And, I have to give a special shout-out to the Seavers and the Glausers for helping me with all the preparations. Thanks, guys!

This is the last part of the hike that Paul traversed- scary!

Here's a view from the top.

Hello, Boston

Paul had the exciting opportunity to interview at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine last weekend, and I had the exciting opportunity to go with him! Other than its chilly temperatures, we loved Boston- there were so many things to see and do. It was neat to see hundred-years-old buildings integrated with massive skyscrapers.

After his interview, we drove to Rochester, New York to visit Paul's sister Dakin and her growing family. It was so much fun to visit them. We especially liked playing with Dakin's little boys, staying up late to talk to Dakin and John, and eating the delicious food they made us. The night before we left, Paul and the boys made up a game where Paul would launch them into the air and they'd land on the love sack. I've never heard these little boys giggle so much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BERT!

On March 26, Paul officially achieved old man status... he turned 24!!! It's funny to think that by that age, my dad already had two kids and Paul's dad had one. But don't worry, this isn't a post to announce a pregnancy, it's just funny to think that Paul could be a daddy right now. Sadly, Paul had to take a Biochemistry exam the night of his birthday, but as soon as he was done we raced over to Red Robin to redeem his free birthday burger and have their "Mountain High Mudd Pie." YUM! After we got home, Paul opened his presents...

Here's Paul opening his birthday card and birthday cash-ola from his parents.

Here's Paul trying to sing on pitch with his guitar tuner.

And here he is with his new capo.

RUN FROM (or for) CANCER!!!

Last Saturday Nate (aka Kojisan) (aka Boo) (aka Boo Bear) Itoga made a sizable donation to fund cancer research. Although paying to run doesn't appeal to most, Nate couldn't help but throw money down. He also paid Paul's entrance fee for the Rex Lee Run. Paul finished in an amazing time of 22 minutes (give or take a few minutes... the times aren't actually up yet). Nate won the race in the category of Hawaiian-Asians-Wearing-Nike-Shoes. Paul's friend and future USC dental school alum, Bradley Thompson, motivated every runner with his sweet faux-hawk and massive calves. We have confidence that this financial contribution will cure at least five cases of cancer.

THE REAL ELECTIONS 2008

As the official assistant to the south of campus regional campaign manager, I feel it my utmost responsibility to publically pledge my support to Brother Steele Kizerian and Sister Amanda Kizerian. If you have any sense of dignity and self-worth (and a BYU net ID), you as well would rally behind this pillar of integrity by casting your vote. As a long time leader at this university, and a longer-time dear friend of ours, the choice is clear. Head to byusa.byu.edu and vote before Friday at 5pm. PS As an official in the campaign I can promise free tuition to all and world peace if Steele becomes president.