the race on the corner

Ever since we decided to move to Arizona I always had big ideas in my mind.  I was determined to make my community what I wanted it to be. I am very aware of both the bad and good of this little town we moved to.  For reasons dating back to my school years, I mostly just see the good.  I see nothing but potential and room to grow.  

Back to my determination, I had this vision in my mind of a road race held right in Winslow.  Nothing of the sort has been attempted for a very, very long time.  I held the idea in my secret place for quite awhile and when we actually set foot on the soil I told Kimmy about my grand idea.  

I wanted to organize a road race in Winslow.  I thought of it as an opportunity to show Winslow what I can do in the community.  The City just dropped a ton of money on landscaping, lighting, and walking paths earlier in the year.  I wanted to utilize those newly landscaped areas to their full effect on the race course.  I also knew that the Standin' on the Corner Festival would be held in September.  While the festival is well planned and brings much business to Winslow, it is nothing more than music and beer.  This community was well overdue for adding a family friendly event to the festival weekend.  

race logo designed by my one and only

So, way back in July, Kimmy and I began our master planning of the race.  We met with the City of Winslow and started working on all the finer points like, race bibs and water stations.  Both of us were very diligent.  We both tried to do something for the race everyday.  I always knew what my assignment was and how I needed to get it done.  That's just how it is when both you and your sister are way too meticulous and organized. 

2 weeks before the race the Police Department called to tell us that the race was a no go.  They hated that our course when right through downtown, the festival venue, and crossed major intersections all during the Stadin' on the Corner festival.  We met with the Chief of Police and laid out all the major reasons why we would be safe and why this race needed to go forward.  The Chief gave his consent after that meeting.  Not only that, he came on board with much more than we had hoped.  A police escort in the front of the race and a fire truck escort in the rear of the race. 

Fast forward to race morning.  As Jason, Kimmy, and I were out at 5 am setting up tables and Gatorade jugs for water stations, I was excited and nervous all at the same time.   What if no one showed up? or is someone got hurt?  or if the course was a bust ?  etc. . . 

By 7:30 there was a sizeable crowd at The Corner.  (For non-Winslow residents, The Corner as in Standin on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona)  The Chief of Police showed up to direct traffic and I'm pretty sure there were over 100 people standing around as The Eagles played on the speaker and racers were warming up.  The Chief grabbed me 5 minutes before the race start and said, "Look at these people!  You need to get a picture of this for the paper!"  Until then, I hadn't realized just what we had accomplished.  He was right, there were so many people and everyone was amazingly happy and friendly.  

I gathered everyone on the starting line and made some thank yous, directions, and tips for all the participants over the loud speaker.  I don't think I could have been more happy than when they all raced off after the whistle blew.  It was so cool to see so many familiar faces, wearing the T-shirt, and putting trust in my sister and I to organize a fun running event.  

All in all, we had 80 runners/walkers compete in either the 10K or 2mile event.  The event more than exceeded my expectations.  The vision I had in my mind, way back in New Zealand, was just how it really happened.  

Afterwards I told Jason that days like today remind me of why I love Winslow, Arizona.  I don't care about the wind or the poverty or the lack of entertainment.  This little town has got it.  

the sunset in my backyard

Compelling evidence of why Arizona truly does have the best sunsets. Taken right in my own backyard.  Thank you Arizona for being truly majestic everyday of my life.

our story. chapter 9

our story. chapter 9
from the honeymoon to the current day


Have you ever said goodbye to your family, friends, and life with uncertainty in your mind about the next time you'd be part of it all in person?  Have you ever left your life behind and had a fear in the back of your mind that the whole Pacific is just too much water in between your life and what is to come?  These things were on my mind as we said goodbye to Arizona.  


Picture this, a cheesy couple who can't quit holding hands toting 908 bags, wedding dress in hand, all while the bride is clearly upset with tears streaming down her face. I am sure the people at Sky Harbour that day were wondering what made a newlywed so upset with her new husband.  If they only knew what was on my mind. 


Our flight to LAX was routine as ever.  The baggage/check-in/immigration lines were expectedly long and depressing in LAX.  I really didn't have much to say.  Jason and I were so happy to be together.  We were even wearing matching T-shirts that said Standin' on a Corner.  


As we waited for our Air New Zealand flight to leave the ground, I had so many thoughts running through my head. I was scared to grow up, be away from my sisters, not pursue the teaching career that I had intended to pursue, and many other things.  Jason was, as expected, supportive and understanding.  When the plane's tires left the ground my heart sunk just a little.  With tears in my eyes, and both a happy and sad heart, I realized that I was no longer in America.  It was dramatic but it was a big deal in my world.


When we arrived in New Zealand it was cold and rainy.  I was hoping for optimal beach weather to welcome my new life.  Within hours we were going to re-board an Air New Zealand plane for Rarotonga.  Jason had arranged for our honeymoon to be in Rarotonga for a week!!!  (American translation of Rarotonga is Cook Islands).  My dream in life was to honeymoon in a very exotic tropical location away from the annoying American commercialism.  Rarotonga fulfilled that wish in so many ways.  Our room was right on the beach and we slept with our giant glass doors wide open so that we could hear the rushing of the ocean right outside our room.  Perhaps the most memorable part of the whole trip was Jason climbing endless coconut trees so that he could skin and open the coconuts for food and nourishment.  Priceless. 


Before we knew it life began in New Zealand.  No need to give those details, the whole story is laid out in the last 2 1/2 years of this blog.  


Before we knew it we were moving to Arizona.  That story is unfolding.


So, that's our story.  

the update

 I am slowly figuring out what it means to be a teacher.  this has been such a roller coaster ride.  I always knew jr. high was a difficult time but I didn't realize how that affects the jr. high teacher.  one day a kid will be my best friend and the next day the same kid is cussing me out.  I am frustrated with the discipline issues but am loving the teaching.  it feels good to be doing what I am trained to do.  I feel like I am making a difference in this world but I can't help but constantly think about those students who aren't quite reachable.  the kid that's cussing me out all the time needs me to be there just as much as anyone, if not more.  I find myself thinking about those kids day and night, in the store, in bed, at church, and during my 998 prayers that I offer over the course of a school day.  

On the same note, I really feel that I identify well with the student demographics.  I realize that I teach school in one of the poorest counties in the state and country.  I just learned that one of my students lives in a house made out of plywood and lacks a door.  I realize that many of my students come to school by means of a school bus picking them up in the middle of nowhere on the side of a dusty road.  Their commute can be up to 2 hours.  Today I realized that as I described the requirements for our current writing assignment, a process essay, that most students were having a hard time identifying with the example topics I gave.  I was talking about writing a paper on topics like how to straighten your hair, how to wrap a Christmas present, how to make scrambled eggs, and other normal American processes.  When I looked over the topics that students had come up with they were not from my world, but from theirs.  For example, how to butcher a sheep, how to make turquoise jewelry, how to saddle a horse, and how to make frybread.  It was a nice reminder of how much I love, love, love where I am from  and how unique this teaching situation truly is.  

  I am in a denial stage about our new life.   Let's be honest, if I am not thinking about the problem kids in my class, than I am most definitely thinking about New Zealand.  My mind constantly wanders back to my ridiculously wonderful life of working for the church, running on the beach daily, and living in a genuinely exotic and modern place.  When things are tough here it is easy to compare to other life stages.  This is a new chapter for us and there are some roadblocks  that have really tested us since we arrived.  However, in the past 2 weeks our world has brightened in many ways.  Jason has begun work and I have learned to establish a routine at work so that I do not neglect the most important part of my life.  

I still feel like we are in a weird in-between world of becoming established and starting a family.  We haven't put our roots down yet and seem to be the only people on earth who do not have children.  We don't fit in with single people our age and we don't fit in with the kid toting couples either.  I will be honest, it feels so good to not have kids.  

All in all, we haven't quite settled into all of these changes.  It will come. Just like it did in New Zealand. 

Cheers.

our story. chapter 8

our story. chapter 8.

the first happy ending.

Glowing.  That is how I would describe myself during the engagement.  That little piece of sparkling diamonds on my finger made all the difference.  


Long distance became very, very difficult.  Think long lasting phone conversations with all the mushy contents.  "You hang up, no you hang up, I miss you too much, I wish you were here" and my personal favorite, "We see the same moon but we're so far away from each other that we see different stars in the sky."  


Going to sleep was a blessing and challenge all at the same time.  He would wish me a goodnight over the phone and it would make me feel so good.  If only it would last.  The second he hung up I would be laying on my pillow wondering how on earth I'd fall asleep when I missed him so much.  


We got through it.  Anyways, I was so busy planning our July wedding.  It was basically a one man show when  it came to planning.  There wasn't much he could do from Auckland and I cared way too much about the little details to let anyone else help me.  


I wasn't a bridezilla.  I had a few specifics that I knew were necessary and that was it.  I knew it would be black and white and I knew that I would be wearing Navajo turquoise.  Everything else was secondary and not as important.  The plans came together.  Friends and family were supportive and helpful when it counted most. 


Jason flew to America to claim his American bride on the 4th of July.  Fitting.  I was decked out in my stars and stripes when I picked him up at the airport.  


While I waited in the cell phone lot my heart was beating 99 beats per second.  I had this overwhelming realization that my life was literally about to change permanently, positively, and eternally.  I knew that when I saw him at baggage claim it would mark the beginning of our permanent life together.  


I sat on the edge of the baggage carousel looking nervous and smiling huge.  I set eyes on him walking towards me from quite a ways away.  I ran to him and jumped into his arms.  I remember resting my head right into that perfect spot on his shoulder.  We both commented immediately that it marked the beginning of never ever saying goodbye to each other.  Amazing.


We had a few days to plan our special day.  There was no time to do much of anything besides sort out centerpieces and try on tuxedos.  We were all business. 


The Wednesday before the wedding was a very memorable part of our life.  I went to the temple to get my endowments.  All I need say is that it was the most important part of my preparation to be a wife and companion.  I am so grateful he was there with me.  


Up until the night of the wedding we spent every waking moment together.  We were up late into the night decorating and preparing for tomorrow's wedding day.  In the middle of all the chaos, Jason was rushed off and told that he was not allowed to see the bride until his wedding morning.  We had a sweet goodbye and I couldn't believe that the next time we laid eyes on each other that we would be getting married. 


I didn't sleep a wink.  I was up all night thinking about every little thing.  I was happy and excited.  I was thinking of all the ways my life would change.  You have to remember, not only was I getting ready for my wedding day, but I was also packing my bags to move to a foreign country.      Can you comprehend how many logistics go into an overseas move, a wedding, a honeymoon all in one week???


It was worth it.  My life is so much more meaningful, interesting, and full of love, now that I have taken some chances by living overseas and marrying the man I fell in love with. 

the big chance

USA rugby team during a capping ceremony at a marae in Whanganui

credit: US Embassy New Zealand

We are missing out.  The Rugby World Cup kicks off in New Zealand today.  The whole world is watching; the whole world minus America that is.  

People from all over the world are flocking to New Zealand to watch rugby and also say they've been in one of the most beautiful countries on this earth.

An excerpt from The New Zealand Herald says it this way...

New Zealand in this week, the start of the Rugby World Cup, has a glorious opportunity to sow seeds that will continue to flourish for 20 years or more. If the tens of thousands of visitors who will flock here enjoy an experience without parallel, then the nation will reap a rich harvest.

If they depart for every corner of the globe carrying a message of a beautiful land, a warm, friendly people whose company is to be enjoyed and revered, then the true success of this event should not be gauged by which nation holds up the Webb Ellis trophy at the end, but the long-term value accrued by the host nation. So why wouldn't it be a straightforward task?

Offer all-comers a wondrously warm welcome from ordinary Kiwis, proud of their country and anxious to show those in the world who have not yet been here just why their hospitality can be unique.

our story. chapter 7

our story. chapter 7

Valentine's Day, Spring Break, Engagement

Upon arrival in windy, cold, and dreary northern Arizona, I realized one thing:  my heart stayed in New Zealand on that warm black sand beach.  

From that point forward, we were both giving our all to make a long distance relationship work.  I sent him a good morning email everyday.  Jason called me after school at 3:30 on the dot every week day.   We skyped nightly for our routine good night/ I love you chat.  

My teaching job was going great.  I loved what I was doing but my mind was always thinking about what he was doing and the next time we'd talk on the phone. I feel like our phone conversations just amped up my attraction for him.  That accent gets me every time.  It still does. 

Somewhere between January 1 and February 14 we were desperate enough to see each other in person that Jason decided to come to Arizona for Valentine's Day.  


Jason went above and beyond to show me how he felt about me.  The day before Valentine's Day, the day of his arrival, he had flowers sent to my classroom.  The card read: "II am in the air now and I will see you after school today. Love, Jason"   I really can't top that flower story, though Jason did once buy every single red rose in a flower shop.  The exact number was 46.   That was also up there.  

Jason couldn't believe the size of the snowdrifts on the side of Highway 87.  He had never seen anything like it.  As exotic as my New Zealand experience was, Jason's northern Arizona experience was just as exotic.  Maybe that's why I am still so fond of Winslow.  I see it through different eyes now.  I appreciate it for its uniqueness and bareness.  If you ever want to truly appreciate the place you call home, travel/live overseas.  Not only will you gain more perspective, but you will also realize that home is more awesome than you thought.  


On Valentine's Day we rode the train to the Grand Canyon.  I wrote about that adventure here.  It was fun to see the Grand Canyon through a winter wonderland perspective.  It was also special because I was sharing something amazingly beautiful with my kiwi.  I may not be able to give him black sand beaches and perfectly green hill sides dotted in sheep, but I can show him one of the 7 natural wonders in my own backyard.  


During our Arizona time together, we discussed marriage.  Jason was so ready to put the ring on my finger.  He had even brought the ring with him.  At that point I was STILL not ready.  I loved him and thought of him as my future husband but was still not ready to say yes.  


A few days later we celebrated our one year anniversary together at La Posada.  It was a special date that will forever remain one of my all time favorites.  That date, among other events from the Valentine visit, are mentioned here, in a post titled, "the kiwi boy loves arizona."


Our goodbye at the airport was,  you guessed it, dramatic and emotional.  By this point we had been through far too many goodbyes at airports.  


The next weeks were just as challenging as the weeks after Christmas and before Valentine's.  I was so twitterpated because of that kiwi.  It was during this small window that I felt completely ready to say yes.  I felt like I had reached a place in my life, and heart, that allowed me to freely give myself.  It was bad timing because he had just left Arizona.  


The planning for the next trip began.  This time I was headed to Aotearoa.  Spring Break was the logical choice because it gave me a full week.  Jason bought my ticket and I flew to New Zealand on a Friday afternoon.  


As the plane made its final descent into Auckland I had nothing but happy thoughts.  I knew that by the end of the day I would be engaged.  Jason held out purple and pink roses for me as I greeted him at Customs.  I thought he might be planning to propose right than and there but he didn't.  I later found out that he had the ring in his pocket.  He planned to, but I was sooo tired and out of it that he decided to wait until I got a little bit of rest.  


I did just that.  I took a nap at his house for several hours.  Jason came in and softly woke me up.  As I stood up he grabbed both of my hands and got down on one knee.  Even though I knew it was coming at some point, I was still shocked.  I froze for a second, though it probably felt like a year to him, and said yes.  When I said yes he slipped the ring on my finger and we both got on our knees and hugged, cried, and smiled.  Here is the post that I wrote. 


It had been a long road.  There were bumps, hills, setbacks, and everything in between for us.  We had been through much and it legitimately felt like an accomplishment for both of us.  


As newly engaged people do, we showed off the news (and ring) to anyone who would listen.  I called everyone from my family back in the States.  I didn't tell anyone that I was going to New Zealand with the intention of getting engaged.  It was probably obvious but I still think I caught people off guard.  


I do have to mention that I ended up trading the ring that Jason picked.  The ring was great but I was really hoping to have one that was flat on my hand.  That is what I had always wanted.  Jason agreed to take me to Michael Hill to see if there was anything suitable.  There was.  We traded the rings out and I walked out with my perfect, dream come true ring.  Picture of the ring from the link above.  


We had an engagement party in Auckland the day before I left.  Many people from Jason's family came along with friends from the singles ward (the one where I met him in Sunday School).  I was even lucky enough to have Carol and Natalie attend.  After all, they are my New Zealand family.  


It was so fun to open presents together.  We received towels, an iron, and cute little wall decorations that had "home" sayings.  To us, they were the most exciting gifts we could have gotten because they represented our life together.  


We worked hard to plan as much as we could for our special day.  We decided on a date, July 11, and a temple, Snowflake.  That gave us 2 1/2 months to plan a wedding.  The challenge was that I was in one hemisphere and he was in the other hemisphere. Literally, at opposite sides of the earth.  


It was the best spring break ever, even my blog post about it says so.  As always, we had our dramatic airport goodbye.  There was something a little more tender this time though.  He was my husband-to-be and that made it more intense.  The first few hours of the flight I did nothing but stare at the shiny diamond encrusted ring on my finger.  I felt so good.  I was smiling and the lady next to me noticed.  She told me I was glowing.  


March 28 brought me home to Arizona.  I was all business. Wedding preparation began immedatley. 

our story. chapter 6

our story. chapter 6
Christmas reunion


Larissa


I was sweating bullets.  As the flight attendants prompted me to prepare for landing at Auckland International, I was filled with nervousness.  
1)  I was returning to this beautiful gem in the South Pacific just 8 short months after I had spent an entire semester there.  I had never planned on returning so soon.
2)  I was about to see Jason face to face.  I knew it would be different and on the awkward side.  
Was I supposed to run and jump in his arms? No. The last time he had seen me in person I had explained how I was breaking up with him permanently.  Did I pretend like nothing had happened?  Did I begin begging for forgiveness?  These are the thoughts that filled my mind as the beautiful turquoise blue water and the familiarity of the Auckland skyline became within eye shot of my plane window.  


I got off the plane and prepped myself big time. I changed my clothes, applied make up, brushed my teeth, etc. . .After all,  international travel is not the most hygienic activity in life. 


By the time I retrieved my bags and was greeted by an ever friendly Kiwi customs official, my heart was beating at an unusually fast pace.  I said a prayer in my heart that he would actually be there and want me to be there.  


He was there.


Waiting patiently and ready to give me a nice warm hug and a big toothy smile.  That's Jason.  He is the most forgiving person in the world. I didn't know it at that time--but I do now that I'm married to him.  


As we left the airport the conversation remained a little on the stiff side.  It was awkward.  There was a huge elephant in the room.  We found a bench (of course) and took a few hours to talk.  We needed to catch up and talk through the horrible events of the prior months and weeks.  


To this day,  I believe the conversation that took place there on that bench, overlooking the ocean, was one of the most meaningful and integral parts of our relationship.  Both of us had gained much insight into what it takes to have a good, working relationship.  My lesson mainly had to do with learning that my life was more rich and meaningful with him at my side.  I felt like our prior break up helped me learn just who I wanted and needed in my life as an eternal companion.  


I had arrived on Christmas Eve and we had every intention of making it a Christmas to remember.  We drove to the Hamilton Temple that night to enjoy the Temple Lights and Christmas Program on the temple grounds.  The date was oozing with romance.  Scripture reading under a white lighted palm tree, holding hands and listening to Christmas Choirs--see, I told you, is that not oozing with romance?  Isn't the Christmas date everyone's dream?


By the end of that date we were back in business.  That fire had been rekindled and we were determined to make my New Zealand week meaningful and eventful.  


Christmas morning was fabulous for so many reasons.  I was experiencing my first summer Christmas. Jason and I exchanged presents before the festivities began with his family.  A boy had never bought me a present before.  I felt so very special to have received a thoughtful gift from him.  We had a lovely summer Christmas BBQ-- you know, chicken on the barbie.  


The remainder of my trip was dedicated to road tripping.  Jason and I packed up for a getaway to the top of New Zealand.  We drove all the way to the very top of the island, Cape Reinga, and stayed several nights in Paihia. 


We rented a kayak and spent several hours zooming around the bay near our hotel.  I could barely pull my paddle through the water and was basically no help.  Jason sat in the back and pushed both of us around by paddling like a mad man.  I remember that the front of the kayak was sticking straight out of the water on my side.  We made some jokes about how it was comparable to marriage.  In all seriousness, that little water activity confirmed in my mind that I truly could marry this boy.  I loved being around him.  He is virtually always happy.  I loved how big and strong he was. I loved how he is up for anything, always outgoing.  


The rest of the weekend went a similar way.  


The highlight of the trip was making the trek to Cape Reinga. I know you have heard me talk about Cape Reinga in this forum.  I have done so here, here, and here.  It is just that good.  And here I go, another speech about Cape Reinga.


I love Cape Reinga.  It is beautiful, majestic, and inspiring.  Turquoise blue ocean water meeting the very northern tip of New Zealand.  It is reason alone to see New Zealand in person.


Jason and I packed our lunches and drove the 4 hours to the top of the North Island.  When we got there, we decided to take a path off the beaten track.  We wanted to have a more personal view of the ocean cliffs and oceans meeting away from the tourists at the lookout point.  


During our lunch, Jason brought me close to him and told me some things that really touched my heart.  He said he knew he loved me and that he knew he wanted to marry me.  Out of nowhere, he got down on one knee!!!  He even pulled a ring out of his pocket!!!


I was totally shocked and surprised.  I had no idea that was coming.  I wanted to say yes so bad.  But I was so scared.  I didn't think I should get engaged just months after I broke his heart. I felt like I needed to prove myself even more.  Not to mention, move forward at a snail's pace so I didn't back out again. 


He didn't put the ring on my finger that day.  Though, I probably should have let him.  Please look at one of the above links to see why I am an idiot.  Cape Reinga is too good to be true.  




Overall, the Christmas trip to New Zealand was monumental in our relationship.  I came back.  There were also many firsts on the trip.  


--first summer Christmas, first trip with Jason, first time to be proposed to, first time to travel overseas by myself, first time to be away from my family for Christmas, first time I felt like I could truly marry him--


We said goodbye at the same place.  Muriwai.  We drove back to that black sand beach and took a nice long walk.  We weren't sure when we would see each other again but we knew it would be soon.  We also knew that  we were getting married at some point but we were going at a snail's pace.  


The month of January in Winslow was a total bust.  We were back to the long distance thing.   It was summer where he was and winter where I was.  We needed to see each other again asap.  


Then came Valentine's Day.