Happy Anniversary

 Happy Anniversary to us, a week ago! I can't believe it has been two years. Time flies when you are having fun and in love! It has been the best two years, better than I could have ever imagined. I have experienced more than I ever thought. Life has been so exciting with Adam. I am so grateful for our relationship and all that we have been able to accomplish together.

Reflecting on the past two years

June 20, 2012 | Married

Summer of 2012 | Live in Salt Lake City 

August 20, 2012 | Move to Orem

December 7, 2012 | Morgan finished undergraduate

January 4, 2013 | Moved to Arizona

January 5, 2013 | Adam starts internship at Columbia West Capital

April 25, 2013 | Move back to SLC

April 28, 2013 | Morgan walked and graduated from BYU

August 16, 2013 | Morgan gets and begins her very first teaching Job

August 20, 2013 | Moved to Provo

November 2013 | Adam gets offer at Lazard Investment Bank

April 2014 | Adam finishes Junior year at BYU

May 15, 2014 | Move back to SLC

May 25, 2014 | Adam leaves for NYC for the summer

May 27, 2014 | Adam starts his internship

May 30, 2014 | Morgan finishes her first year of teaching

June 4, 2014 | Morgan joins Adam in NYC

June 2014 | Morgan works along side Prop Stylist

It is crazy to think how many times we have moved in a short 2 years. We have lived in 5 cities and 3 different states. We have gone from the mountains, to the desert, to the east coast beaches. Between the two of us we have gone through 8 jobs. There has been one college graduate and one closely behind. So for one who has a hard time with change has definitely learned to love it.

Here is a little video I made of the last two years. It has been fun to see how much we have changed and the different stages we have gone through in the last two years. 

We are anxious to see what this next year brings! It is sure to be exciting I just know it! 

Experience of a Lifetime

The last two years Adam has been working so hard to get to where he is. It has consisted of a lot of sleepless nights, moving to multiple states for paid and unpaid internships, several networking trips, countless study hours, interviews coming out of his ears and tears (from me). To many it seems crazy and at first I thought it was crazy. Never in my life did I know that these were the kinds of things you had to do to get a quality, good paying job that creates wonderful exit opportunities. To be honest, I never knew these kinds of opportunities were out there! 

I grew up in a town where most go to school, graduate, find a job and move back to where they grew up. My mentality growing up was to do the same. This is definitely not a bad thing in any way, but for us it wasn't what was supposed to happen. At first this was really hard for me. I resented it! All my siblings live within a 10 mile radius of my parents and I was not going to be the only sibling to live away and not attend every Sunday dinner. Also, I am not one who enjoys change and I have this attachment and love for where I grew up. To me it is home and the only true place to call home. There are still times when I think to myself, why can't we just go back to Utah, get a job and settle down and then I am reminded of the many opportunities that have been given to me and the growing experience it has been and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Not only have I grown, but my relationship with Adam has grown exponentially. He is all I have at times and we really have to rely on each other.

We feel we have been so blessed with the path that we have chosen. Our eyes have been open, we have met some amazing people, and we have experienced things we otherwise wouldn't have. One experience that I feel so blessed to have been able to do was shadow a prop stylist here in New York. We connected through my cousin and boy am I grateful she was able to connect us. 

This last month was amazing. I was able to see the amount of work and effort that goes into magazines. I have been able to first hand see the amazing talent so many individuals have. I connected with people I never ever would have otherwise. I worked with people from all walks of life. People from other countries with amazing stories and backgrounds. I was able to work along side some very passionate, driven and creative individuals. I was able to learn through their example not only about the field, but about life in general. Being an intern and rookie can be very intimidating,  I was so welcomed by these individuals and I felt so happy! It was so thrilling to be in an environment where I was excited and anxious to work. Not only did I learn a lot, but I grew a lot and for that I am very grateful. It is an experience I do not want to forget and experience that has pushed me and given me a greater desire to go do what I love! 

New York According to My Iphone

I am going to let my Iphone photos do most of the talking and give my fingers a rest! Here are some things I have been up to. Enjoy!

Chelsea Market + The Milk Bar 

(butter pecan is divine) 

Highline Park | This was created on top of an old railroad track.

Union Square Farmers Market | Aren't those fresh blooms to die for?

Street performers at the Union Square Farmers Market

More fresh blooms at the Union Square Farmers Market

Locally grown produce at the farmers market

Look closely. Do you see the bubbles? Hundreds of people were blowing bubbles at at the Farmers Market. It really was quite magical.

Hidden treasures on this weeks run. 

Panoramic of the Upper West Side on a foggy + misty morning

Yes I am eating my way through this city one chocolate chip cookie at a time and I feel fine about it. City Bakery is supposed to have one of the very best chocolate chip cookies in the city and I do agree it is fantastic, but it just doesn't beat a Levain or Insomnia cookie.

I got caught in a torrential down pour mess both to and from work on Friday. It was really quite hilarious because on my way to work I did not have an umbrella, I was in sandals, and a t-shirt. I looked ridiculous and was about to go meet members of a major magazine. I was mortified running through the elephant size rain drops, until a gentleman outside of a run down convenient store in the area waved me in and led me to his $2.00 umbrellas. Bless is soul. He saved me from looking like a wet dog!

Working with a prop stylist in uptown this week was amazing. It was so fun to be in a quiet quaint little area that you would never know existed in the city. I also got to work in an area in Brooklyn that had homes. Like 3 story homes with backyards, front yards, mailboxes, and driveways. Who knew that existed in New York? I definitely didn't and I was in heaven!

Strand Bookstore

Flatiron District | Whats a trip to New York without a picture here!

While wandering the area of Tribeca I came across this little store. I couldn't help put giggle to myself. The entire store was filled with inflatable floatys. They had everything you could imagine in inflatables.

Not to mention, Tribeca is a beautiful area. If we end up coming back here I wouldn't mind living in that area! 

Cheers to a great week in NYC. Anxious to see what next week brings.

Running this City

So I have this silly obsession with running, anything running. Clothes, shoes, races, routes, latest and greatest. You name it. And really, maybe its not an obsession, but more just therapeutic for me. When life seems upside down I lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement. Its like all worries and stress release like a ribbon behind me. When I am running, the world around me seems prettier, I notice details I wouldn't otherwise, my mind feels free and I have this endorphin rush that makes me feel so good. There are things in life that only running can cure, nothing else, but running. I could do it everyday no questions asked. Even when my body wants to shut down and all those aches and pains are there I still crave that rush running gives and will force my body to go. Sometimes its really not a good thing and then I have to force my body to rest.

While running I discovered Central Park is a small town inside the city. It is crazy how big it is and it is always filled with people!

Since being here in the city running has become my best friend. It is a way for me to escape the craziness of this world and feel free. Feel like there is nothing around me and I can go do and be anything I want. It motivates me and rejuvenates me. And I love it! I realize what a blessing it is for me. It feels as though it completes me sometimes. 

I mean look at this. Can you believe this is hidden deep inside the business of New York City. It blows my mind!

I had this thought the other day while out enjoying my run along the ocean. I have been blessed with some crazy adventures in my life and no matter where my adventure takes me I can still run. Whether it is in a sleepless city or a desert in the middle of no where. I still find a way to run. These feet of mine have created paths in more places than ever imagined and while running I discover more hidden secrets than I would otherwise. It is a thrill for me to run in a new city and find new routes with hidden treasures. I feel like I become one with the city. I learn more about where I am on my feet than I do visiting the most popular sites in the area.

Saying hello to Jersey on my morning run!

Lots of rambling, but it was a thought I had that astonished me and I wanted to remember it. From here on out I hope to take pictures of every hidden secret I find on my runs so that I can remember all the amazing places and miles these feet have taken me.

Lets Talk about Food

Can we just sit and talk for a moment about food? Have you ever sat and wondered how food can bring so much joy to an individual? Like Magnolia Bakery banana pudding. How if no matter how terrible your day might seem, this small cup of goodness can turn it right around. 

Now you see there are so many people who try to imitate this cup of pureness. They think they have found the exact recipe and because of this you believe you have already tasted the famous Magnolia banana pudding, but in fact your wrong. No one can imitate the goodness of this cup. There is something they do that makes it just so perfect. 10 minutes of bliss.

With that being said, I think I will go to my fridge, grab the cup, cuddle up on the couch and eat whats left over from yesterdays stop. I may even lick the cup clean. So much for donuts on National Donut Day...I will stick with my pudding. Cheers!

New York State of Mind

Before coming out to New York I made a list of everything I want to see, places I want to eat and things I wanted to do. There is so much to do here and although I have been slightly intimidated by the city I knew there was not much time to waste. After spending a day walking around, I am quickly realizing there is not much to be intimidated by. You just have to act and think like a New Yorker and you will fit right in! Just like Billy Joel said you need to have a "New York State of Mind."

I was so excited to start my morning off with a nice run through the city, but quickly found out the weather here is just as bipolar as the weather in Utah. It was cool and pouring rain. I turned around, walked right up stairs, did a little at home workout, took a shower, got ready, walked down stairs and well the weather was perfect! Sunny and only a few clouds blanketing the sky. Oh well!

First stop, the temple. This building just randomly popped up right next to me. I was really heading for Columbus Circle when I looked over my shoulder and realized I was standing right next to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints temple. It is so wonderful to know that this is only a few blocks away from our apartment. Also, how cool is it that this special place is among all these sky scrappers.

Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle 

Levain Bakery. 2 streets up from our apartment and may be the death of me. The picture above might not look appetizing, but oh boy was it a heavenly 4 dollars. I had heard so much about this little bakery and was dying to try it. This dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie definitely lived up to all the rage. Warm, gooey and delicious.

Hello New York City

We are here! The O'Briens made it to New York City or I guess more like Morgan made it to New York (Adam has been here for almost 2 weeks).

Picture taken from here

You know what they say, this city never sleeps. Well the city may never sleep, but I have been sleeping all day long. That red eye flight really got me good. I had plans to go see all the wonderful things in our neighborhood (I have heard we live on the best street in the best part of Manhattan), but man that all nighter really showed me up. I got to our apartment at 7 am EST time, snuggled Adam before he left to work and then passed out. Now to give myself credit, I did make it to the grocery store and back (that is a story for another day) before needing to take another nap. I didn't make it to the pharmacy to get shampoo and conditioner like I needed, so I guess that means a top knot one more day.

If you know me well, you know I really need my sleep or I basically can't function. Between you and I that could have been my very first all nighter. Don't judge!

Here is to a summer in New York!

#obrienNYC14

Fitting It All In

Well the time has come and I have said good bye to family, friends and Utah. Before I left we tried to fit in as much as we could. My family and I had a complete blast. I could not have asked for a better last hurrah. Boy am I going to miss those Utah summer nights with the fam, but I must admit I am excited for my adventure in the city.

Tacos, Ritas and a bucket of balls with my parents. Probably one of my favorite summer evening activities! Especially with my old man.

Family dinners at our favorite spots! Dodo is just one of the many places we go frequently. I love these people with my whole heart!

Snuggling, playing and laughing with this cute boy as much as I could before I left. Missing him would be an understatement. I don't know if I can go a few months without his hugs and kisses. They make me so happy!

Finished my first year of teaching. Yahooo. Blog post for another day!

Spent as much time up in the mountains as I could.

Fitting in my trail runs before I begin my park runs in the city. That view never gets old.

Of course I had to fit in a few swim days, snow cone runs, lunch dates with friends and so much more. The endless amounts of fun and running around I had each day before I left made it so hard to leave loved ones, but I am so anxious to get to know this city for a few months and experience more than I could ever imagine. See you in a few months Utah!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is such a special holiday. Being able to recognize the one who gave us life and who spends countless hours cooking, being a chauffeur, a nurse, a maid, a financial advisor, therapist, and cheerleader is such a gift. The number of jobs a mother has is innumerable. The selfless acts they administer ever day is unfathomable. There is nothing more we should do than make our mother's feel like a queen for a day. This past weekend we tried to do just that! Here are a few pictures from our wonderful celebrations with Adams mom!

I wish I had more pictures from my moms celebrations! We had a delicious dinner made by my sister and brother in law that I still crave to this day. Although I don't we still love both our moms just the same and are so incredibly grateful for everything they do!

Tulips Galore

This year as a 3rd grade we grew tulips at our school. Because of this, Thanksgiving Point so graciously gave us free tickets to the Tulip Festival. Good thing they did! We had fun together and the tulips were beautiful, but we were so glad we did not pay $15.00 each to see them. 

Adam especially loved every minute of it! The Thanksgiving Point golf course was in view the entire time while wandering the gardens and I think you could say it looked very appealing to him. He was such a good sport to support me on my little adventure through fields of flowers.