It's A "Cecret"

We went on the prettiest hike recently (8/16) to a place called, "Cecret Lake." It was up Little Cottonwood Canyon. When we arrived, we had to wait for a shuttle to take us to the hike. When the shuttle finally got there, there wasn't enough room for us. We decided to just walk on a trail that was near us, so we wouldn't have to wait another 20-30 minutes for the next shuttle. After walking for quite a while, we realized that our trail connected with the "Cecret Lake" trail. We sure added some miles to our hike. I was happy we didn't wait for the next shuttle though because on our little excursion, we saw 3 moose! Andrew got a pretty decent picture-- see below. I was a little nervous to get too close to the moose, so none of my pictures turned out very well. They sure are big creatures!

Along the hike, we kept wondering if there really was going to be a lake... My Dad kept pointing out little mud puddles and saying, "there it is!" Good one Dad. When we finally got to the lake (4 or 5 miles later), we realized that it was more than just a puddle. It was really beautiful. Here are a couple of pictures:

I would like to add that we did not take the long trail all the way back. We raced to the shuttle and I am glad we did. It was about a 15 minute drive in the shuttle, so you can only imagine how long it took walking. If we would have gone on this hike this past weekend (2 days ago), there would have been snow which is insane! Just a little reminder that winter is coming much too soon. This hike happens to be near the ski resort where I "learned" to ski. We walked right by the hill that I was speeding uncontrollably down while praying that I wouldn't die. Good thing nobody cut me off that day on that hill because they would have been toast. I never thought I would visit that resort again, but I was wrong. I don't think my skis will ever touch that mountain again though. (Not that I have skis.. I rented for a reason) 

After the hike, we saw, "The Giver." I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. I have read most of the book and it followed it pretty well. The ending of the movie was apparently different though. (I'll be honest, I never finished reading the book.) This movie is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and I was really entertained. I'm not a big movie person, so this is saying something. I must admit, I did fall asleep for a brief moment near the beginning of the movie, but this has nothing to do with the movie and everything to do with the 5 mile hike I had just taken. 

Blessed.

I have always loved houses. When I was growing up, instead of playing with bubbles or other normal toys children my age played with, I played "Ivory Homes" with my little sister, Jessica. It was so fun to pretend to be realtors. We even had our own copies of the "Ivory Homes" pamphlet. To this day, I still remember some of the names of the different floor plans/models. My favorite always was and will be the Savonna because it is a rambler. If you know my mother well, you know I can blame her for this hobby.

If someone were to ask me what my favorite TV show is currently I would respond without hesitation, "House Hunters." Call me crazy, I know. I feel bad for the realtors on that show because all of their buyers are always so picky... And then I think about myself and realize I'm probably even pickier. Good thing we won't be buying a home anytime soon.

You would think with my obsession regarding real estate that I have lived in the best apartments. You're wrong. The competition in Rexburg is outrageous and I feel like I'm always just trying to find a place that isn't a million bucks a month. Let me back up here. Andrew and I have moved A LOT since we have been married. I guess we're copying my parents in that way... Don't know if that's a good thing. 

We signed the lease on our 4th apartment in Rexburg today! At this point, we know exactly what we do and don't want in an apartment. The one thing holding us back is me and my constant worry about the budget. (Both a good and bad thing...) I feel like I'm steeling with the deal we got on our new apartment. It is $540 a month with EVERYTHING included. That is unreal in Rexburg. (Our last place was $620 and we had to pay gas and electric.) Do you know what else this means? Now that I don't have to pay my own heating bill, I will actually turn the heat on in the dead of a Rexburg winter. Maybe this winter I won't actually have to wear gloves in my own apartment!

Our new apartment is a basement apartment which I am excited about because we won't have neighbors above us, below us, and sharing every wall with us. Through this whole process of trying to find an apartment (which has been a long one) I have learned what I really need. Do I need covered parking? No. Yes, it would be nice especially when it snows 3ft a night, but I can live without it. A dishwasher is also wonderful, but we don't have a big family right now and our dishes are kept to a minimum. We even made a deal with the Landlords and they are going to let us use their washer/dryer upstairs for a few hours a week. (An added $10 a month which is nothing compared to going to the Laundromat weekly.)

Today I am overwhelmed by how blessed we are. We are getting such a good deal and I still can't even believe it's happening. I feel like now is a good time to explain my money worry... Starting in January, I will be student teaching. I'm excited because that means I'm almost done with my degree, but I am dreading working 40 hours a week for no pay. It is really hard to have a job and student teach, so I want the cheapest rent possible.

 I'm so relieved that I don't have to be constantly watching the "Rexburg Renters" Facebook page or checking the Bulletin Board. Phew! And you know what else, I'm actually kind of excited to go back to Rexburg... (Shh.. don't tell.) I'm excited to make a new recipe every night and decorate our new apartment. I'm eager to see what our apartment looks like in person too. (Thank you Cindy & Derek for checking the place out for us.)