The Light at the End of the Tunnel

I can see it! I really can!

This last month has been a little crazy here on the pipeline. Things are wrapping up and I have been extremely busy with work and all that goes with it!

I was in charge of putting together a huge list (we call it a "punch list") of things that still need to be done before we can all get out of here. I've been working with the other departments and after days of pouring my heart and soul into it I am ready for it to be presented to the Contractor. Once the Contractor finishes the list we can all go home. 

But there's an elephant in the room. A big one. What if they don't finish before the snow comes? We don't want to talk about that! We don't even want to think about that!

While I was in a meeting last Saturday it started snowing. Like HUGE flakes, real snow snowing! It was wild! Turns out it was just a freak Fall storm and NOT the start of winter!

I told my boss that we need to by in Sydney on December 5th so we can catch a cruise to New Zealand and Fiji. Some days he just laughs and says that it's not gonna happen and then other times he says that it is doable. I don't know what to believe! But in all honesty, he doesn't know when this project will end just like everyone else. So I guess we will have to wait and see!

In non-work related things:

The NFL Season kicked off,

we found a delicious breakfast place where they make this amazing raspberry coffee cake, 

I saw the lunar eclipse this morning,

[picture taken by my coworker]

and Josh and I went to a Dodgers game at the Historic Wrigley Field!

[Getting breakfast before the game]

[Taking the train to Chicago]

[Fall is here]

[Wrigley Field]

I was warned before hand that it would be cold at the game so I brought my jacked and beanie but I was still cold! We sat in the first row of the nose bleed section which was nice because it rained a few times before and during the game and we were protected by the roof.

Overall it was a very fun experience. I was glad that we were able to go to Wrigley Field during it's 100th year, get some hot dogs, and watch the Dodgers beat the Cubs!

I got a little too cold during the game so after the 5th we left and headed over to a local BBQ joint. We hung out there and got some great BBQ and watched the rest of the game on their large TVs. After the game was over we headed back over to downtown Chicago and jumped on the south-bound train.

[My mountain man!]

Rain, rain go away... BECAUSE I NEED A FREAKIN VACATION!

Most people don't realize this, but building a pipeline is a lot of work. A LOT OF WORK. Yes, the pipe is in the ground. Yes, the pipe is transporting oil. So why are we still here? Well, when the pipeline goes through someone's property we make a commitment to restore that persons property. Either we leave it how we found it or we make it better. Sometimes that is easier said then done. We have had an abnormal amount of rain this year which makes it difficult to "clean up" or "restore" (as we call it) the pipeline ROW. Because of the rain, progress is slow and things are taking a lot longer then they should. 

[This nice big "red spot" over Valparaiso dropped so much rain that I got trapped inside a Walmart and the parking lot got flooded. Turns out these storms are nasty and pretty common]

 

OR sometimes we get lucky and get a few nice dry days so we can get things done and then a HUGE storm comes in and floods everything and washes all the seed away AND THEN we have to do it all over again! Ugh!

[All done and beautifully seeded]

 

[Flash floods rip up the ROW]

[Flash flood washing away seed and curlex]

So, yea, we are still here. Things are moving along and we should be done here in the next few months... but we will see...

Anyways, as of today (September 8, 2014) I have officially been on this project for a year. A SOLID year. A whole year of working 6 (usually 7) days a week with only a few days off: one day for Thanksgiving, 10 days off for Christmas, 7 days off for our wedding, and three days off for Luke and Andie's wedding, plus the occasional Sunday or holiday. I have gotten 35 days off in the last year (yep, I counted). I have woken up between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM and been at work everyday between 4:45 AM and 6:00 AM. I work, on average, 12 hours a day and I don't usually have time to take a lunch break.

I guess what I am trying to tell you is that I AM TIRED!

I am. I really am. My temper is getting shorter and shorter by the day and my body is hurting from sitting in my desk chair all day. I try to keep my sanity by reading the news, jumping on Facebook, reading blogs, reading my book, or standing on my BOSU ball. I've been doing my arm work outs while standing on it and then I try to stand on it for 10 minutes every hour while at work. I have been doing this for about 3 weeks now and I can already tell a difference. My balance is getting better (I can stand on it with one leg) and my legs are getting toner (that could also be from going to Spinning class four times a week but who really knows?).

[Me standing on the BOSU ball. I don't work out in my sandals. I usually just stand there and read a book or talk to someone if anyone happens to be in the office.]

[When not in use, the BOSU sits under my desk and I use it as a foot rest]

Gotta keep things interesting around here!

Oh and here's my adorable office:

Anyways, I am grateful that I have a job and I try really hard not to complain about it or let it get to me but I need a vacation! :-) Once this project is done Josh and I are heading out on an adventure! We will either be going Down-Under to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji OR to South America. It all depends on WHEN we are finished here.

Alright. Now that we have all of that out of the way... Here are some picture from the last couple of months:

Once a week all of the "Higher Ups" on the project gather at the office to discuss the progress. I get the doughnuts and coffee and the guys chat.

[The guys looking at the map of the project]

 [Doughnuts from a local bakery and pastries and coffee from Panera]

I had a birthday! That was fun. I let myself go home after an 11 hour day, got some great presents (including this Star Wars sun shade from Luke and Andie and a Coach purse and wallet from Josh), talked to family and friends, and then went out to a nice steak dinner with my husband!

Josh and I go out every Saturday night for dinner but it's usually short and sweet because we have to work the next day. However, a few weekends ago, we knew we didn't have to work on Sunday so we went to a winery. We tasted a bunch of different wines before dinner and then got a bottle of Pinot Noir delivered to our table during dinner. It was a lot of fun!

Dinner one day last week. I had a rough day.

 During our last Facetime, Brodee told us about school and the animals he has been learning about. He got really excited when he told us about armadillos so we sent him a big stuffed one! Looks like he loves it! What a cutie!

Not much else to report from here. Oh wait, it's raining again. Ugh.

Me the 5

Hi. My name is Courtney and I am the most average person you will ever meet.

It's true. There is nothing special or exceptional about me.

Looks? A generous 5. Personality? It's there. Talents? Um... I'll get back to you. Intelligence? Medium. Fun? Sometimes. Extrovert or Introvert? Both. Neither. It depends on the situation. Life? Just fine. Athletic? Nah. I can't even touch my toes.

Let's dive deeper.

I'm not pretty. I'm not hideous. I'm not physically fit. I'm not obese. I'm definitely not thin or skinny. I don't have a nice body. I don't have "natural beauty," which is why I don't wear makeup. I've only had three boyfriends (unless you count the one in 3rd grade). I dated one for a month (high school), one for three months (college), and Josh for 3 years. Minus these three guys, I've never had a guy have a crush on me or pursue me in anyway. [The guy that dated me for three months... he told me that the only reason he dated me was because my other two roommates rejected him first. I was a nice backup. And then he cheated. Should we even count him?] The only guy that has ever told me I was beautiful is Josh. Plus, it's gets pointed out to me at work. When did telling the Office Manager that she should "stop eating because you've gained weight" become an acceptable thing to say? Trust me. I know. I look at myself in the mirror everyday. I know when I gain a single ounce. I know what I look like. Big beaver teeth, small jaw, big nose. I'm a 5.

I can be nice. I can be mean. I have a Type A Personality. I care about my friends and family, but people don't consider me generous. I'm just there. I'm highly sensitive. I'm a people pleaser and a perfectionist. I can be fun or I can find fun things to do. But people don't seek me out because they know it's always a good time when I'm around. I've been called an extrovert and an introvert. I've been called sassy and I'm a self-proclaimed nerd. I love Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. My personality is a 5.

When I was in High School I remember going to a church activity with my fellow young women where we had to tell everyone what our talents were. Most of the girls could name multiple talents. Basketball, gymnastics, cheer leading, good student, natural leader, etc. When it was my turn I struggled. "Um, I'm smart. I guess." I did get good grades in HS (if you can call a 4.0 "good grades") while taking AP classes. But of course, the other girls didn't agree with me. We struggled to come up with a talent. Then finally someone said I was a "good listener." So, I'm good at sitting still, looking at you, and occasionally nodding my head. Sweet. *high-five*

I'm not that smart. I can read. I'm informed about what is going on in the world. I'm not a very good writer. I keep getting told that I'm "uneducated" and that I don't "know nuffin' about anything." 

*nodding along* 

Okay, I'm a 5.

I'm good at my job. But my job is easy.

Scan, upload, file, scan, upload, file...

The hardest part of my job is keeping my temper in check and not letting them see me cry.

I'm not athletic. I like to work out because it makes me feel good. I'm not a good runner. I'm a strong swimmer. I can ride a bike. I have no upper body strength. I struggle with pushups. I have no balance, coordination, or flexibility. The hardest part about Insanity for me is the stretching. My calf are pretty nice. I'm a 5.

Nothing about me stands out. When people describe me they don't use very personal adjectives. "Do you remember my friend Courtney? You know... tall, brown hair... with um, eyes."

Yep that's me. 

Me the 5.

Two Month Update

Welp! We made it! The two month mark! Happy anniversary to us!

Just a few things have happened in the last two months (in no particular order):

(1) Josh and I went back to work.

You gotta pay the bills right?! Josh is still Inspecting on the pipeline and I am Office Manager-ing away!

(2) Luke and Andie got married!

(3) I dyed my hair.. Ombre with blonde. I think I'm going to add some red at my next appointment.

(4) Brodee sent us some of his beautiful art work and we continue to Face Time with him everyday.

(5) Emily and Kenny (one of the most amazing couples I know!), after a long battle, were finally able to announce that they are pregnant! I am so excited for them! :-)

(6) We paid off the Raptor!

Now we can start saving for a house!

Luke and Andie's Wedding

I made a quick trip to Utah to attend Luke and Andie's wedding celebration!

I was nervous to ask for time off since I had just been allowed to go home for a week to get married but I figured it would be better to try then not. I asked and my Chief figured things would still be slow so taking a few days off would be fine! Sweet! However, Josh was needed at work... he is more important than I am.

On Thursday, June 19, I headed to the airport to catch my flight to SLC where I would pick up my rental car and then meet everyone at Tucanos for the rehearsal dinner. I was very much looking forward to eating at Tucanos (the grilled pineapple is AMAZING!) and visiting with my family, but then my flight got delayed. And then delayed again. And then delayed again. And again. 2 1/2 hours delay when it was all said and done! 

After sitting at the airport for almost 5 hours (yes, I'm always early), we finally boarded the plane. I was so tired (since I wake up at 3 AM everyday) and all I wanted to do was take a nice long nap, but NOOOOO! that's too much to ask for! The guy next to me wouldn't stop moving, the dudes behind be felt like they needed to be loud and funny (teenagers! *shakes fist*), I got sneezed on (GROSS!), and at the 2 hour mark a baby started screaming. I mean like really screaming! She screamed so loud and so much that it actually made herself hoarse. After listening to that for about 5 minutes I asked the flight attendant how much more time we had. She said about 50 minutes. Five-oh! Fifty minutes! Fifty minutes of that baby screaming and the dudes talking and they guy next to me moving around constantly! Well, at least I was able to sleep for the first two hours because the last 50 minutes was painful!

Anyways, we finally landed, I got my rental, and then headed to the restaurant in Provo. I arrived just a few HOURS late but was welcomed to the room with applause (they all knew the "program" would start once I arrived). I said hi to a few people, joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to my cousin, and grabbed a seat.

My mom and dad, Andie's parents, the "Coto Boys", and Luke and Andie all gave little speeches. It was very nice to hear from everyone. Andie's dad even wrote a poem. It was very cute!

After dinner (no, I didn't get any Tucanos!) we all headed outside where Andie's family put on a dance for us. I think it was impromptu... Who knows? But it's a good thing that family has energy because it takes a lot of that to keep up with the Neilson's!

Next we headed up the Mountain to Park City where my family and I would be staying. I went to my parents hotel and grabbed a bite to eat before heading over to my own hotel.

The next morning (Friday, June 20) my mom and I had appointments to get our hair and makeup done so I went and picked her up and we headed to the salon.

[Beautiful Park City and it's construction!]

After we were done at the salon my mom and I headed down the Mountain to the Provo Temple for the wedding. I sat outside and watched my cousins baby and hung out with my other cousins while the ceremony went on inside.

Once people started to filter outside we knew that the bride and groom would appear shortly so we gathered around the doors and waited.

And then the came out and we all cheered!

[Ryan fixing Luke's tie. What are big brothers for huh?]

[HUGS]

[Ryan, Luke, and my dad]

[me and Luke]

[Missy and Brady]

[Getting a cute picture with my SIL and nephew]

[Brady was struggling while we were at the temple]

[Andie and her parents]

[Luke, Andie, and my parents]

[Luke and the groomsmen]

[The Coto Boys: Kevin, Luke, and Kody. Friends Forever!]

[Luke and the adorable baby Dane]

[Luke and Andie with their parents]

[Missy, my mom, and I. Can you tell we all struggled with the sun? It was very bright and hot!]

[Helping out our new sister]

[SISTERS!]

[Me, my mom, Andie, and Missy]

After pictures at the Provo Temple we went over to Cafe Rio (YUM!) for lunch with some of the Neilson cousins. I love Cafe Rio and I get excited when I get to go to CA or UT because it's always on my list of places to eat!

We had some time to kill after lunch so we went over to my Aunt and Uncles house in Alpine to hang out and take naps.

Then we went to the reception at this cute little garden place in Alpine. They had a nautical/Disneyland theme going on and it was so cute! Andie's dress had a princess-feel to it and it was perfect for her!

[Table center pieces with sand from Newport Beach, CA]

[Me and baby Dane]

[Mom helping dad]

[Pictures inside were easier to take]

[Ryan, Missy, and baby Dane]

[Luke and Andie]

A lot of people I knew came to the wedding and it was a lot of fun to chat and catch up with everyone especially one of my oldest friends Jessica!

[Trying to capture a cute moment with Jessica and baby Dane]

[Dane's face is classic!]

[There you go!]

"The Line" went from about 7-8:30 and then Luke and Andie cut the cake. And yes, they had a Disney cake topper :-)

Then the group moved into another room where they had the father/daughter and mother/son dance.

[My mom and Luke]

And then the dance party started!

After just a few minutes of dancing, the group headed outside to send off Luke and Andie. They passed out sparklers and Luke and Andie walked through the row of people, got into their car, and headed off! I love my new SIL and I am so happy for the both of them!

My family and I had planned on spending all day Saturday (June 21) in Park City having fun but my body decided that that wasn't an option. 

We all got up and met at Kneaders for breakfast (DELICIOUS!). After enjoying our french toast we decided to go to the Outlets for a little shopping. The Outlets were literally a mile away from Kneaders but the construction was so outrageous that we decided to can that idea and to just head up to Main Street.

My mom, dad, and I strolled around Main Street for a few minutes when I started to feel really light headed and nauseated. I sat for a few minutes and then thought I was fine so we continued walking. I was wrong. I needed to throw-up and I couldn't wait. My dad steered me into an ally way but to my horror I saw the Banksy! It was the same one I took a picture with in 2011 and I couldn't puke in front of it! I moved to the opposite wall and the rest is history. I hate throwing up, especially in public, but I had no choice. You understand, right?!

[Me and baby Brady in front of the Banksy in 2011]

After that episode we went and got some tea and I thought I was feeling better but it just kept with me.

[The No Name Saloon on Main Street]

My parents ended up taking me back to their hotel room where I slept and had flu-like symptoms for the next few hours. When my dad mentioned to me that we were going to go to Ruth's Chris for dinner I tried so hard to feel better but in the end I surrendered. You know I've only been to Ruth's Chris once? My mom and dad took me there to celebrate my High School graduation . I still talk about the creme brulee and the steak! YUM!

I just ended up going back to my hotel while my family went out to dinner. Turns out their night wasn't that great and the restaurant wasn't really up to the Ruth's Chris standard. So I didn't really miss out.

The next morning we were all heading home. My mom and dad drove home to CA and Ryan, Missy, the kids, and I went to the airport to catch our flights. Ryan had to drive me in my rental car because I still wasn't feeling well. I felt so weak and tired!

[Ryan and Missy got me the "Got Oxygen" magnet from Park City. Very appropriate]

The flight home wasn't the best. I sat behind a mother and her two-year old and in front of said mothers two young daughters (probably ages 7 and 9?). The mother kept telling the kids to be quiet when they weren't being loud but when they were whistling and singing Frozen and arguing who would be a better Elsa, she didn't make a peep. Strange. Oh well. I didn't have any flu-like symptoms while on the plane so I count that as a victory. 

I landed in Chicago got my truck and then started the 1 1/2 hour drive home. I got about 30 minutes from home when my stomach started cramping. I tried to keep going but I was forced to stop at a truck stop that was only 20 minutes from the Raptor. I had a fever, I was shaking, and my whole body was cramping. I called Josh and asked him to come and get me. While I waited for him I seriously considered asking strangers for help. I was in so much pain and I couldn't walk. I was extremely dehydrated and needed something to drink but I couldn't even get out of my truck. Right before Josh arrived I started throwing up, my vision was blurry, and the world was spinning. Josh arrived after what seemed like an hour (it wasn't) and I asked him to get me some Gatorade. He ran into the truck stop and got me two! We sat there for the next hour trying to get my body working again. 

We finally decided to try and drive home. I made it on one piece and then took some meds, ate some bread, and crawled into bed.

It's been a few days now and I am still having stomach issues and my energy is low but things are getting better. I know it sounds like flu (it could be) but I am pretty sure I just can't handle that much altitude change in such a short amount of time. Bummer. I was reading online about it and they said that most who get altitude sickness get it when they go over 8,000 feet from their current altitude. There is medication you can get for it. I think I am going to talk to my Dr if we decide to go to Peru. Macchu Picchu is at 8,000 feet and I am NOT missing out on that adventure!