Utah In A Week
Well, I’ve been gone since June 30th, just getting back last night (July 4th). So, I figured I’d have a lot to say about my trip. So everyone knows, I went to Utah for my best friend’s wedding.
I flew out early Monday morning, my flight leaving at 8:50am from Baltimore, MD. I landed in Salt Lake City 15 minutes early, my best friend Bryan picking me up at the airport. I’m sure I looked a little giddy being as I haven’t seen him in just about 8 years.
From there we went out to eat lunch, Quizznos. Now, the one in town where I work sucks more than I know how to describe nicely. But they got it right in Utah because it was delicious. I couldn’t get over how good it was, especially compared to here.
After that, we went into Provo and headed to BYU to meet his fiancé, Laura. Walking into BYU was an amazing experience. I can’t describe how I felt walking in, but it felt good. It was a very spacious, clean, calm setting, which I found very much at odds what I pictured a college to be.
Laura was equally amazing as a person, very light, calm, pretty and obviously a perfect match for Bryan. It might seem a little odd to say this based on a 5 second meeting, but having been praying about it prior to meeting her, I felt the answer immediately.
From there, we went to his apartment and I got to meet his roommates. They were all as awesome and kind and fun as Bryan described to me. I wish I had gotten their emails, or phone numbers or some way to contact them prior to leaving at the end of the week because I would have liked to stay in touch.
The next stop was the Alpine Loop (the Loop part I’m a little unsure of). This is a twisting turn of a road/trial that goes through the mountains there and Bryan drove me around through it. The sights were amazing and I have pictures I’ll get uploaded eventually. We even stopped at about 7k feet above sea level just to look out. It was so dead calm, no cars or anything and you could hear the little stream/creek below running as if you were standing right next to it. It was breath taking.
After being there a bit, we met up with Laura and her brother for dinner. They took me to Café Rio (Bryan’s treat) for some authentic (and I mean authentic) mexican eating and it was great! Also meeting us there was Jared Mitchell, a friend I hadn’t seen in an even longer period of time who I knew from the Marshallton 2nd ward in PA with Bryan. It was extremely good to see him as he was an awesome friend. I was stunned to see how much he had changed though. From a skinny, shy meek kid to well, a professional NFL player (in bulk/size/muscle I mean). So, at dinner, I got to catch up with Jared and get to know Laura better. It was a good conversation.
From there, we took Laura back to her apartment and Bryan took us to Orem to stay the night at his parents.
To break this up some, I want to go into details about the family. I haven’t seen them in as just as long as it’s been since I’ve seen Bryan. His parents were as much parents to me as my true ones, infact, more so. Both looked really well, his dad looking actually younger and his mom looking like she lost weight and very happy and carefree.
Heather, Bryan’s sister and second oldest of the children actually didn’t look or act any different than I remember. If there was anyone who seemed timeless, it was her.
Lisa, the third child, certainly grew up and is now married with a child of her own. She looked amazing and her personality hasn’t seemed to change except with the times and outlook from age.
Scott, Bryan’s little brother is perhaps the most drastic change of all. Now grown up with a goatee, driving and actually running a little business of his own, it’s weird to see him all grown up when the last time I saw him, he was in cub scouts and following Bryan everywhere.
And then there’s the youngest child and sister, Michelle. Now ten, I hadn’t seen her since she was about 2 or 3. Last time I saw her she was running around outside in the middle of a sun shower with only a diaper on. Now, she’s really the spitting image of Lisa at that age right down to mannerisms, personality and looks. And quite outgoing to the point I laughed hard at some of the things she said and did over the course of the week. It’s quite eerie. But, she was perhaps the sweetest child and I miss her dearly.
I miss them all really.
So, Tuesday, Bryan went to work early morning so he could get off work early. I stayed at his parents’ house and just got caught up on everyone and everything.
Come lunch time, we all (minus Lisa and her husband) met up with Bryan, Laura and her parents at this authentic Italian pizza place. I wish I could remember the name because it was AMAZING. Brick oven and every ingredient fresh. I loved it. And I couldn’t get enough.
So, we got back and Scott and I played Guitar Hero III for Wii. He was surprised at my skill level (though I can only do medium. I struggle with hard). He also thinks the way I play is weird since I don’t use my pinky really. I don’t know why I never do, I just don’t like to. I feel I have more control when I don’t.
We did this until Bryan got home from work. From there, we talked a bit and then Bryan and I headed to Fudruckers for dinner (an informal dinner our friend Jared was to treat Bryan to). So, we met up with Jared and Bryan’s friend James and we at some of the best burgers I have ever had. The burgers come in 1/3, ½, 2/3, and 1 pound sizes and you pick the toppings your self (on a sort of salad bar set up). Simply put, it was just great. And cheap.
Afterwards, we went back to his parents and stayed the night.
Wednesday was another of Bryan heading out to work early. I kind of slacked that day, as everyone was pretty much out for the day after breakfast, so I just lay in the camper where we slept and listened to music, even dosing off here and there until 3:25pm. Come 3:30, Bryan called and told me the plans, so I packed my things and got ready for his arrival.
He got back and we headed to Temple Square where I got to see the art Museum of Church History (I bought a print of this HUGE painting I saw which I simply loved to no end which depicted the Tree of Life from Lehi’s vision from God). The museum was my favorite part and I want to go back to spend more time there.
From there, we headed to Provo and met up with Laura and her family (and some extended family) at another authentic Italian restaurant for some amazing pasta. I had the fettuccini with this ragu/cheese sauce which was outstanding. I ate every last bit of that! And Laura’s family was a wonderful meet! They paid for the whole meal for everyone which was outstandingly nice of them.
Next was back to Bryan’s apartment where I got to talk to one of his roommates for a while, later joined by Bryan and Laura. I then helped him pack until 3:30am to both move out of his apartment and for his honeymoon trip.
Then the wedding day, Thursday. We were up at 8:45am and it was steady busy from there. Bryan took me to his Uncle’s and he went to the temple to get married (it’s not the normal ceremony that most people think of when they think of a wedding. It’s like a 10 minute ordeal and done). Unfortunately, I couldn’t go in the actual temple to watch (I don’t have a recommend yet) so I hung out with Lisa and Scott at their Uncle’s until it was time for Bryan and Laura to come out. We arrived a few minutes early and I got to talk more with Jared, meet his wonderful wife and even catch up with Jared’s parents and Bryan’s grandmother.
Once Bryan and Laura came out it was time for pictures. That took half an hour and then we went to the nearby church for a luncheon which was great food and fun. I sat at a table with Jared, his parents, his wife, Bryan’s grandmother and another couple and we just shared great memories of both Jared and Bryan and I got to know Jared’s wife more, who is just a sweetheart.
Once that was over, Scott and family and myself went back to their Uncle’s and rested while Bryan and Laura went off and rested and got ready for the reception later that evening.
The reception was held at this beautiful large home called White Grove Flowers. The food was amazing to say the least and I got to meet up with a few more people I hadn’t seen in a long time as well as meet up again with Bryan’s roommates and meet new people. It ran a good while, starting with more pictures and then just dinning and talking, even a couple dances.
It was a bitter sweet parting with Bryan and Laura that night because it was the last night of the week I’d see them. From the reception they headed off to their destination and Friday to their honeymoon for a 2 week stay in Hawaii. I was very emotional inside.
Friday was even more bittersweet because I wasn’t there too long before I had to get to the airport to leave. Once there, I gave everyone (Bryan’s parents, Michelle and Heather) a parting hug (minus Heather who wouldn’t get out of the car because those type of displays aren’t her style), and Michelle multiple hugs.
I got checked in pretty quick and made it to my gate with more than enough time to spare. Needless to say I missed everyone like crazy and I didn’t want to leave. I was upset and silent tears fell. If it wasn’t for a really wondrous friend I was talking to on the phone, I don’t know if I would have ever stopped crying.
So, now I’m at home and I feel a longing to go back. After the experience I really would like to move out there. Spending a week there really gave me a sense of peace, and spiritual calm that I am severely lacking here. The Holy Spirit truly resides there because it was so thick you could practically feel it like a blanket. Anyone who doubts the trueness of the church should spend a week in Utah and then try and say it isn’t.
I haven’t been doing much since I got back. I played some Guitar Hero III for 360 and some Halo 3 with my brother and son. That’s about it. I got the unpacking done last night. I have to admit, I’m glad I’m off this weekend as it’s giving me a great recoup time after the trip.
I suppose that’s it for now. I’m sure there’s something here and there I’m forgetting which I’ll put in my next entry. Till later!
I flew out early Monday morning, my flight leaving at 8:50am from Baltimore, MD. I landed in Salt Lake City 15 minutes early, my best friend Bryan picking me up at the airport. I’m sure I looked a little giddy being as I haven’t seen him in just about 8 years.
From there we went out to eat lunch, Quizznos. Now, the one in town where I work sucks more than I know how to describe nicely. But they got it right in Utah because it was delicious. I couldn’t get over how good it was, especially compared to here.
After that, we went into Provo and headed to BYU to meet his fiancé, Laura. Walking into BYU was an amazing experience. I can’t describe how I felt walking in, but it felt good. It was a very spacious, clean, calm setting, which I found very much at odds what I pictured a college to be.
Laura was equally amazing as a person, very light, calm, pretty and obviously a perfect match for Bryan. It might seem a little odd to say this based on a 5 second meeting, but having been praying about it prior to meeting her, I felt the answer immediately.
From there, we went to his apartment and I got to meet his roommates. They were all as awesome and kind and fun as Bryan described to me. I wish I had gotten their emails, or phone numbers or some way to contact them prior to leaving at the end of the week because I would have liked to stay in touch.
The next stop was the Alpine Loop (the Loop part I’m a little unsure of). This is a twisting turn of a road/trial that goes through the mountains there and Bryan drove me around through it. The sights were amazing and I have pictures I’ll get uploaded eventually. We even stopped at about 7k feet above sea level just to look out. It was so dead calm, no cars or anything and you could hear the little stream/creek below running as if you were standing right next to it. It was breath taking.
After being there a bit, we met up with Laura and her brother for dinner. They took me to Café Rio (Bryan’s treat) for some authentic (and I mean authentic) mexican eating and it was great! Also meeting us there was Jared Mitchell, a friend I hadn’t seen in an even longer period of time who I knew from the Marshallton 2nd ward in PA with Bryan. It was extremely good to see him as he was an awesome friend. I was stunned to see how much he had changed though. From a skinny, shy meek kid to well, a professional NFL player (in bulk/size/muscle I mean). So, at dinner, I got to catch up with Jared and get to know Laura better. It was a good conversation.
From there, we took Laura back to her apartment and Bryan took us to Orem to stay the night at his parents.
To break this up some, I want to go into details about the family. I haven’t seen them in as just as long as it’s been since I’ve seen Bryan. His parents were as much parents to me as my true ones, infact, more so. Both looked really well, his dad looking actually younger and his mom looking like she lost weight and very happy and carefree.
Heather, Bryan’s sister and second oldest of the children actually didn’t look or act any different than I remember. If there was anyone who seemed timeless, it was her.
Lisa, the third child, certainly grew up and is now married with a child of her own. She looked amazing and her personality hasn’t seemed to change except with the times and outlook from age.
Scott, Bryan’s little brother is perhaps the most drastic change of all. Now grown up with a goatee, driving and actually running a little business of his own, it’s weird to see him all grown up when the last time I saw him, he was in cub scouts and following Bryan everywhere.
And then there’s the youngest child and sister, Michelle. Now ten, I hadn’t seen her since she was about 2 or 3. Last time I saw her she was running around outside in the middle of a sun shower with only a diaper on. Now, she’s really the spitting image of Lisa at that age right down to mannerisms, personality and looks. And quite outgoing to the point I laughed hard at some of the things she said and did over the course of the week. It’s quite eerie. But, she was perhaps the sweetest child and I miss her dearly.
I miss them all really.
So, Tuesday, Bryan went to work early morning so he could get off work early. I stayed at his parents’ house and just got caught up on everyone and everything.
Come lunch time, we all (minus Lisa and her husband) met up with Bryan, Laura and her parents at this authentic Italian pizza place. I wish I could remember the name because it was AMAZING. Brick oven and every ingredient fresh. I loved it. And I couldn’t get enough.
So, we got back and Scott and I played Guitar Hero III for Wii. He was surprised at my skill level (though I can only do medium. I struggle with hard). He also thinks the way I play is weird since I don’t use my pinky really. I don’t know why I never do, I just don’t like to. I feel I have more control when I don’t.
We did this until Bryan got home from work. From there, we talked a bit and then Bryan and I headed to Fudruckers for dinner (an informal dinner our friend Jared was to treat Bryan to). So, we met up with Jared and Bryan’s friend James and we at some of the best burgers I have ever had. The burgers come in 1/3, ½, 2/3, and 1 pound sizes and you pick the toppings your self (on a sort of salad bar set up). Simply put, it was just great. And cheap.
Afterwards, we went back to his parents and stayed the night.
Wednesday was another of Bryan heading out to work early. I kind of slacked that day, as everyone was pretty much out for the day after breakfast, so I just lay in the camper where we slept and listened to music, even dosing off here and there until 3:25pm. Come 3:30, Bryan called and told me the plans, so I packed my things and got ready for his arrival.
He got back and we headed to Temple Square where I got to see the art Museum of Church History (I bought a print of this HUGE painting I saw which I simply loved to no end which depicted the Tree of Life from Lehi’s vision from God). The museum was my favorite part and I want to go back to spend more time there.
From there, we headed to Provo and met up with Laura and her family (and some extended family) at another authentic Italian restaurant for some amazing pasta. I had the fettuccini with this ragu/cheese sauce which was outstanding. I ate every last bit of that! And Laura’s family was a wonderful meet! They paid for the whole meal for everyone which was outstandingly nice of them.
Next was back to Bryan’s apartment where I got to talk to one of his roommates for a while, later joined by Bryan and Laura. I then helped him pack until 3:30am to both move out of his apartment and for his honeymoon trip.
Then the wedding day, Thursday. We were up at 8:45am and it was steady busy from there. Bryan took me to his Uncle’s and he went to the temple to get married (it’s not the normal ceremony that most people think of when they think of a wedding. It’s like a 10 minute ordeal and done). Unfortunately, I couldn’t go in the actual temple to watch (I don’t have a recommend yet) so I hung out with Lisa and Scott at their Uncle’s until it was time for Bryan and Laura to come out. We arrived a few minutes early and I got to talk more with Jared, meet his wonderful wife and even catch up with Jared’s parents and Bryan’s grandmother.
Once Bryan and Laura came out it was time for pictures. That took half an hour and then we went to the nearby church for a luncheon which was great food and fun. I sat at a table with Jared, his parents, his wife, Bryan’s grandmother and another couple and we just shared great memories of both Jared and Bryan and I got to know Jared’s wife more, who is just a sweetheart.
Once that was over, Scott and family and myself went back to their Uncle’s and rested while Bryan and Laura went off and rested and got ready for the reception later that evening.
The reception was held at this beautiful large home called White Grove Flowers. The food was amazing to say the least and I got to meet up with a few more people I hadn’t seen in a long time as well as meet up again with Bryan’s roommates and meet new people. It ran a good while, starting with more pictures and then just dinning and talking, even a couple dances.
It was a bitter sweet parting with Bryan and Laura that night because it was the last night of the week I’d see them. From the reception they headed off to their destination and Friday to their honeymoon for a 2 week stay in Hawaii. I was very emotional inside.
Friday was even more bittersweet because I wasn’t there too long before I had to get to the airport to leave. Once there, I gave everyone (Bryan’s parents, Michelle and Heather) a parting hug (minus Heather who wouldn’t get out of the car because those type of displays aren’t her style), and Michelle multiple hugs.
I got checked in pretty quick and made it to my gate with more than enough time to spare. Needless to say I missed everyone like crazy and I didn’t want to leave. I was upset and silent tears fell. If it wasn’t for a really wondrous friend I was talking to on the phone, I don’t know if I would have ever stopped crying.
So, now I’m at home and I feel a longing to go back. After the experience I really would like to move out there. Spending a week there really gave me a sense of peace, and spiritual calm that I am severely lacking here. The Holy Spirit truly resides there because it was so thick you could practically feel it like a blanket. Anyone who doubts the trueness of the church should spend a week in Utah and then try and say it isn’t.
I haven’t been doing much since I got back. I played some Guitar Hero III for 360 and some Halo 3 with my brother and son. That’s about it. I got the unpacking done last night. I have to admit, I’m glad I’m off this weekend as it’s giving me a great recoup time after the trip.
I suppose that’s it for now. I’m sure there’s something here and there I’m forgetting which I’ll put in my next entry. Till later!