Month: October 2014

Great Falls x 2 and the Bishops’ Storehouse

MeghanLeave a comment

This past weekend Keri and I hiked the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of Great Falls. I had heard it was rocky, but she said there was only about one mile out of four that would be a little bit rocky. Well, that information was false 🙂 The whole trail was super rocky, except for maybe the first 3/4 mile. However, I really enjoyed it and was so grateful we chose to hike on Saturday. The weather was gorgeous, and the hike wasn’t as strenuous as I would have thought from the amount of climbing over rocks we had to do.

At one point, we had to climb up this rock wall...
At one point, we had to climb up this rock wall…
Keri and I near the end of the hike.
Keri and I near the end of the hike.
Beautiful view while hiking.
Beautiful view while hiking.

Then on Monday I went to Great Falls on the Virginia side with Lacey. Lacey lived here this summer, and we know each other from serving our LDS church missions together. She was in town all weekend and stayed at my house. Monday was the day we spent together, and I had such a great time. I am very thankful for friends who inspire me like Lacey. I felt so uplifted after spending time with her.

Lacey and I at Great Falls.
Lacey and I at Great Falls.

Today I had the opportunity to volunteer with a few of my co-workers at the Bishops’ Storehouse up in Maryland. The Bishops’ Storehouse is a part of the welfare program of the LDS Church. I loved being able to volunteer there today.

Here we are in the back of the storehouse getting ready to stock the shelves in the front.
Here we are in the back of the storehouse getting ready to stock the shelves in the front.

October Moments: Mid-Month Update

MeghanLeave a comment

It’s 10:30 a.m. on Columbus Day and I am still in my pajamas… I haven’t had such a relaxing morning in months. I’ve been up for a few hours, responded to emails, read, and caught up on Once Upon a Time. It’s raining gently outside, and my bed just seems too peaceful to leave, so I figured I would update my blog.

Jen’s Birthday

My roommate Jen just had a birthday. She’s leaving here in a couple of months to return home to Utah. Jen and Keri are the only roommates I’ve had since I graduated from BYU. We’ve lived together for two and a half years. I am sad she is leaving, but grateful we’ve found another great roommate, Lucy. Jen has been such a great roommate. She is kind and a great listener. I was excited we could celebrate one more birthday together. To celebrate, we went to our favorite restaurant — Sweetwater Tavern.

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Institute Fall Board Meeting

The Institute Fall Board Meeting occurs annually in Washington D.C. A lot of prep goes into this two-day meeting. This was my first year serving as the staff liaison to the Curriculum Committee, and I love this new role! Below are some picture from the meetings.

Curriculum Committee hard at work (photo courtesy of Raymond Towle).
Curriculum Committee hard at work (photo courtesy of Raymond Towle).
I wish I could remember what Russ said to make us all laugh (photo courtesy of Raymond Towle).
I wish I could remember what Russ said to make us all laugh (photo courtesy of Raymond Towle).
Institute team after day one of meetings and a delicious dinner at Carmine's.
Institute team after day one of meetings and a delicious dinner at Carmine’s.
This is probably my favorite room at the U.S. Chamber. It's called the Hall of Flags (photo courtesy of Raymond Towle).
This is probably my favorite room at the U.S. Chamber. It’s called the Hall of Flags (photo courtesy of Raymond Towle).
Quick team selfie before the start of day two of meetings.
Quick team selfie before the start of day two of meetings.
Eating delicious chocolates (thank you Nick Kieffer) at the conclusion of day two of meetings.
Eating delicious chocolates (thank you Nick Kieffer) at the conclusion of day two of meetings.

General Conference

Twice a year we “gather” as a church to listen to the Prophet and apostles and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak. Gather is in quotes above because we can’t all fly to Salt Lake to participate in General Conference live in person, but we are able to gather in our homes and watch the broadcasts via the internet. I love General Conference weekend. You can view all the talks from General Conference here.