Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Hard to believe we're just around the corner from our 2 year anniversary of becoming San Diego residents! The past 7 months have been a typhoon of delight, burns, growth, love, and conquest. Just 5 months from Brady's graduation we're experiencing a little whip lash from the ride while trying to decide which attraction to jump on next.

Brady is at the Art Institute of San Diego and loving it. In the spring he participated in an invitation only National Advertising competition (NSAC). His group took 3rd place in his district, and were also awarded "best creative" on which Brady had been the lead. He's enjoying his Christmas gift of season Padres tickets, and plays on a rec team with a bunch of his buddies. He also spends way to much time updating his fantasy team... ugh!


Currently, Brady is rolling out a campaign for the movie "The Spirit". Yeah, the real deal! Unfortunately it is not paid but his and a group from his school designed and created a number of posters, signs, clips, and gimmicks which the producer loved and decided to roll out nationally! Being this close to Hollywood has had some great perks for Brady's education:).

Staying busy with his calling as ward clerk and working part time at the Container Store, Brady and I have also started training for the San Diego Mud Run in November. It is a 10k obsticle course, and to be honest... I have no idea what we were thinking! We'll be running in a team with our buddies Jared, Elaine, and SD friend Dan. Should be memorable if nothing else!

I'm still working for Organon (now a part of Schering Plough) Pharmaceuticals in women's health. Things have been a bit hectic since our purchase by Schering Plough, but I'm still lovin' it! I was recently made the Computer and Regional Trainer for my district of Southern California, where I help peers with development technically and train new hires. Crazy, I can hardly believe it! I work with so many amazing people who have helped me to grow in many ways professionally and personally. I'm so grateful every day to have a job that has allowed Brady to fully focus on his education and live in such a beautiful place.

My calling as Young Woman's president has also kept me occupied. I love the girls so much and although a lot of work, it has been such an amazing experience and blessing.

We were also just called as Temple Workers! We were a bit shocked but so excited for the opportunity. Every Saturday from 5:30-11:30 am we will be serving in the San Diego Temple (funny, when we chose this time the temple president kept saying, “Now, you know you have to be up here and ready to start by then… are you sure?” We’re going to have to learn some real discipline! Afterwards from 12:00-3:00 we’ll be across the way surfing, sweet double bonus!

Some of my gal pals and I recently started a book/ restaurant club which has been a fabulous estrogen fest! Each month we select a book and restaurant, enjoying the ultimate girls night. Currently we're reading 'Twilight' (which was an insane page turner, I finished the first 2 books in 4 days!) and 'Modoc, the Greatest Elephant that Ever Lived'.

We've made some wonderful friends who have become our SD family. Recently we vacationed with our pals Dan and Autums and their gorgious twins Owen and Giddeon in Arizona over the 4th of July. I know, crazy to be there in heat of summer, but the company made the trip! Brady and Dan were able to catch a Diamond Back's game while Autumn and I hit up my all time favorite store Last Chance. We got some much needed RR, played my new favorite game 'Dutch Blitz' and enjoyed cooling off in the pool.

With some saved up vacation time, we also were able to visit family and friends in Utah. We could hardly stand how home sick we'd become! A definite benefit of changing the proximity to your family from 3 miles to 1,300 is you really begin to appreciate the incredible people they are. Hard to believe we are related to the most generous, loving, selfless, beautiful, and funny people I've ever met, we miss them every day!

Although San Diego has been a dream come true, one thing is for sure... we miss our loved ones! So, after much deliberation we've made the choice to move back as soon once we get all our ducks in a row. Probably some time early 09', we'll keep you posted!

8 comments:

trent and rach henderson... said...

hello hello
we miss san diego already. if you check out our blog you just might see yourself!!!!!!!!

Bean said...

Bout time you guys post an update! Sounds like you're doin great down in So Cal but we are excited you're coming back to the land of Salt!

Jana said...

Next on your list can be visiting Nebraska. Bread, good job with your project! You've always been so talented.

Michelle said...

I'm so excited you guys are moving back! Kepp me posted when! Where do you think you guys will live? I vote for Davis county :)

PhillipsClan said...

OK you guys. July 23rd is the last time you posted? Come on -- that stuff is old news. Your Mom, Glen and Mary and Brandon brought us dinner the other day. We ate like pigs and then rolled our fat bellies down the hill. Wish you had been there.

Denise said...

Cristina-
I linked to your blog from Shalyse's. It's fun reading all about your busy life. It sounds like you and Brady are really excelling in life and you jobs. Congratulations on being called to be Young Women's President. Being your Young Women leader were some of my best times in Young Women's. That's awesome your both Temple Workers. Sounds like your having some great life experiences.

Love - Denise Maddock

The Smyth Family said...

Cristina!! Hey girl! How are you doing? I haven't seen you for such a long time and when I got home from my mission you had left Utah. Do you remember me from the good ol' CPK days? I just wanted to drop you a line and say hello and that I have been thinking about you! HOpe all is well -- keep in touch!

Gina said...

OK. I just found your blog through Aubrie's . . how do you know her?! What a small world. You look awesome. I saw your mom at Walmart the other day . . is she still living in Centerville? You look beautiful and sound like you're doing well.

Gina (Bench) Flanders