The Power of Balance

All of us have our fears. Pick your poison whatever it may be, spiders... the dark... failure. This weekend I realized I was scared of heights. But if you ask me while I am standing on the ground I will deny it.

While camping this weekend I went on a zip line for the first time. Before being able to reach the zip line you had to cross a 32 foot high wire cable. The minute I saw the cable with ropes dangling above it my stomach sank. I knew it would be so much fun... but I was instantly scared.


I got roped into helping the belayer by holding the rope for all the people in front of me. I didn't get to go until most of the group was done. This totally made my nerves even worse. I just wanted to get it over with. Finally it was my turn after putting on that very unattractive harness. There is just no way to feel cute in one of those things. The belayer even said, "If its not uncomfortable, then its not tight enough."


When I approached the pole to climb toward the wire my hands were shaking. So much adrenaline was running through my body that even though I was only 10 feet off the ground I started to get really scared. Probably because I forgot to breath. Getting it over with was my next goal. As I got off the pole and stepped onto the wire shoots of fear shot through me as I made little glances to the ground. I decided looking down wasn't a good decision so I looked out through the trees and crossed the wire as fast as I could.


Finally I reached the platform where I jumped off the wire. As cliche as it sounds I felt so alive. My legs were shaking and my mouth was dry, but I was so proud. I held onto the pole for dear life as my carabiners were switched for the zip line. For the zip line you have to sit on the edge of the platform and push yourself off.

I was a wee bit scared and I knew if I waited I would get to scared so I just sat down and instantly pushed myself off. As I slide through the air my stomach jumped into my throat and I screamed... opps... I didn't want to do that, but the reaction was quicker then my thoughts. Gliding through the air was a great reward to the traumatic 2 minutes I had just had.


After I was unhitched and walked the rope back my body was shaking ALL over but I was so ready to do it again. I was so proud of myself for doing it. I am sure you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The experience was amazing. I learned by facing my fear bigger blessings are achieved.

New Chapter

Last night I was talking to some friends about the changes in our lives. We became friends years ago in the frigid town of Rexburg. Through out the years we have all followed each other to the next stages in our lives. From college to graduation, from Rexburg to Salt Lake and from grad school to our first jobs in "corporate America."

We have had so much fun together. Many nights of bingeing in front of a movie with Rachel squirming and covering her eyes:) Load of laughs as our Asian Missy Elliot "Wows" us with her amazing rapping skills. Midnight swims in Rigby Lake;) and spontaneous urges to dance on a pool table. These are memories I don't think any of us will forget.

The reason we were all together last night is to say goodbye to the girl who is the glue of our friendship. The girl who plans all the parties, calls everyone and makes sure all things are a go when we get together. Our cute little Rachel who just graduated grad school and is moving to Boston. Just as the saying says, 'All Good Things Come To An End'... well maybe not an end but as Janelle put it last night, a "New Chapter"

For the last three years we have lived closed to each other making the hang out part so easy. Now each one of us will be in different cities and Rachel even in a different state. As you can imagine parts of lasts night were happy and full of laughs, but the other parts were solemn and full of tears. Change is a good thing... just not when it is happening to you... haha.

As each one of us writes the next few pages of our 'new chapter' I am sure we will reflect upon the memories that made us who we are. I know I will. These girls have been my best friends, my examples and my family. Each one of them has helped sculpt me into who I am today. Saying goodbye to those times will not be easy. They have held me while I cry, listened to me when I think I am in the 'depths of despair' and jumped up and down with me when something exciting has happened.

These friends have taught me so much and I hope that the "new chapter" in my life will have friends who are as good to me as they were. I love you guys.

Hello Blogspot

Okay, here we go. I am about to plunge into the deep end. I have been procrastinating this day for months, but it has finally come and here I am announcing my new blog. I kept telling people I wouldn't have anything to say but after realizing how many eye rolls, sighs or uh huhs I get from my friends as I tell them story after story that maybe I should direct that story telling energy somewhere... haha. Hence the name of my blog, "daily phil up."

I don't think I will be able to keep up with my Olympic blogger sister, but I will try. .No more long winded boring stories that seem to go on forever and ever... haha your right who am I kidding? I am sure I will talk just as much as before but maybe there will just be less of them now:)

SPLASH!