Sunday, January 10, 2010

the big city...

it was a cold dark November night when I got the phone call.
"Lindsey," he said, "hear me out on this one. You. Me. New York City. Two weeks. What do you say?" well, after going over the financial details (which rule my existence these days), i decided New York at Christmas time? I could NEVER say no.
so, it was official. we packed our bags and we were off on what would be the grandest adventure of our lives!!
Amid the dozen of unexpected misfortunes (which I'll list at the bottom for your entertainment), this was by far the most fun and adventurous trip of my twenty-something years. a forecast for what should be an amazing 2010!!

Manhattan Bridge overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and the City
This is how we felt after dealing with a very frustrating Delta Airlines
(if only we had known what else was to come...)
a piece of art

"those are some freakin' big ornaments!"
"oh hey Lindsey, look! it's Radio City!"
the famous tree
pre-ice skating at Rockefeller

NBC studio tour. Dustin HAD to see the SNL studio...
all the night lights


we had to loosen up a bit before Matisyahu
and there he is in all his Rasta glory
we came out of the concert to this...

these hot dogs... i do not recommend

we waited 2 hours to eat at Serendipity

I fell in love

and here's the list:

1) my luggage was checked too late
2) had to re-book flight - $50 each
3) got to JFK but my luggage didn't
4) luggage scheduled to arrive at hotel that night - it didn't
5) we showed up at the wrong hotel
6) had to walk 4 freezing blocks to the right hotel
7) woke up the next morning to no luggage - had to wear the same stinky clothes
8) button broke on my coat as we were walking out the door
9) got sick - had to telephone doctor for some medicine
10) took the train into Times Square to pick-up meds - meds weren't ready
11) dropped unlimited Metro card on the train tracks 1 day before going home
12) planned to get to JFK wayyyyy early so we weren't late on the luggage drop BUT...
13) JFK was packed and took Delta 3 hours to get organized - so we missed our flight
14) got put on the next flight stand-by - no guarentee we'd be home for Christmas Eve
but then...
15) Dustin all of sudden became SuperMan, got me a First Class ticket on a flight directly to Salt Lake aaaand was the same flight that David Archuleta was taking home.

... I think I am safe to say that THIS was the best trip ever!!!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

better late than never...

so, i was a little late getting on the "I'm thankful for..." boat at Thanksgiving. probably because i was squandering  in my most recent Lala Land that i call the 
"whatamidoinghere schoolisofthedevil" masters program. 
this semester has been by far the most challenging/frustrating/rewarding/you-insert-adjective-here semester. but, folks, I survived! and life is about to go on! i'm off to NYC for a much needed vacation tomorrow! thank you, me! (you are welcome!) 
as I've been coming out of my fall semester trance, i have really begun thinking about all of the things that i'm thankful for. mostly, that includes the people who keep pulling me through and cheering me on through life. regardless of the challenges that are just part of living, life is SO worth every struggle, every frustration, and every heartache. and all because of the people who bless my life...

Here's a list of things i'm grateful for...

1. caffeinated beverages... with or without vanilla
2. fun trips, and FUN people
3. the people at Oakridge - mostly this amazing woman!
okay, and... 
4. my CUTE students who, regardless of the hair
that i've pulled out of my head and the sleep that i've lost, i adore! 
(i'd post pictures of them, but i think that's highly illegal, and i'm grateful for my freedom!)
5. one of the best friends in the world!
6. friends who i can ALWAYS be myself with
7. Brinley Jayne...
8. my health... and my running addiction (who would have ever thought)
9. the most AMAZING mother in the whole world
10. this boy who makes me laugh - especially when i don't feel like it
11. my favorite person in the world!
and most importantly...
12. the 9 most incredible people i know!
(that includes elder bro)
these people are the soul purpose for my life.
I love you guys!!
happy holidays, all ya'll!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

happy holidays...

... from the CRACROFT CREW!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

the big 2-3...

... happy birthday, sarah beth...
november 11, 2009
i hope you have the best year yet! 
thanks for being such a wonderful friend...

i don't mean to brag...

...but I have the best family in the world!
In the world of the Cracroft Family, we have recently been issued some sad news...
the Mini Cracroft's are relocating to Richmond, Virginia!
My studly brother Justin was hunted down by SunTrust bank and offered a wonderful job with them. The only stipulation was that he would have to move the whole fam with him to Richmond. And yes, I've already offered to adopt his children - regretfully, he declined my offer. I am so happy for this little family, but will miss them more than I could ever explain. His kids have grown to be like children of my own. I think that I can proudly say that my best friend is a 4-year old named Caitlin!
The good news is that cute Amanda will be so close to her family and her roots - and after 7 years of living "away from home" she gets to be close to her family. Oh, AND - my mom and I now have a brand new vacation destination. Virginia Beach, here we come!








This one is for Elder Cray! We love you dude! 
Here's to one more year!

...best of luck, J&A!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

easy addition...

st. george + las vegas + bohemian rhapsody + freezing pools + football 
+ winning + truth or dare + back tickles + bumpin tunes 
+ youtube + bear paw 
+ awesome people 
= ONE ROCKIN' WEEKEND!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

my greatest blessing...

Thank you for blessing my life in more ways than I could ever have asked for...



i love you, Kona Bear!