One
blustery May afternoon as we strode across the busy intersection of South Temple
from the City Creek food court, we four interns, known as the best interns the
Church has known, peered up into the sky at the towering Church Office Building.
As we gazed upon the large structure, Amy remembered something she had heard
once before. She was once told of a mysterious list posted at the very top of
the Church Office Building stairs. When she relayed this information to the
group, a challenge had been delivered in the minds of Ellen and Aubrey. There
was only one way to find out if this mysterious list truly existed, and this
knowledge would only come if we climbed ALL the steps from the third lower level
to the very tip top of the 742nd step. Right then and there we knew
we needed to set a date and follow through with our newly accepted challenge,
and the date we chose was May 17, 2013. Caley and Chanel didn’t really have any
other choice but to agree to this adventure and not all were as gung-ho about
our very own “stairway to heaven” climb as others. We agreed to make this
official we would need matching shirts, bandanas, fanny packs and a playlist to
pump us up. Unfortunately we did not find matching fanny packs but the rest of
the attire came together quite nicely.
We had
originally been under the impression that there were only 26 floors, so we set
out to investigate. A couple weeks before the set date we rode the elevators to
the 26th floor to verify that the list existed. The Sister
Missionaries at the top stopped our search for the mystery list and told us we
would most likely need security clearance. Unsure if this statement was true; we
debated visiting the security office while waiting for the elevator. As we
discussed the possible kink in our plan, a security guard was there listening in
and informed us we did not need clearance and there were in fact 29 floors to
walk up. TWENTY NINE FLOORS! We were not expecting another three levels and our
minds had once again been blown by the inevitable intensity that was sure to
come our way.
As the
day approached, nerves were sore and questions began to arise as to how long it
would take, how sore we would be, and if we would really be able to make it to
the top without dying. Our minds started thinking the worse outcome (which in
the end made the climb a lot easier than expected). The day of the climb, we
left a little early, and headed to the locker rooms and the excitement began.
(Pictured Left to Right: Chanel, Ellen, Amy Aubrey and
Caley)
Once we
had adorned ourselves in our official “COB Climb 2013” uniforms, it was time to
slowly make our journey to the top. We began our climb on the third lower level
and made it to the main level when we realized, we had used the wrong stairwell,
which meant we had to begin again. Our trip back down to the third lower level
was full of laughter and jokes and we soon found the correct stairwell and began
our journey once again. As we rounded each bend in the stairwell we realized it
was going a lot faster than expected and had made it to the 10th
floor within minutes of our start time. Our number one cheerleader, Kathleen
Lewis, greeted us as we made our way to the tenth floor drinking fountain, and
continued on to the top. Fifteen minutes later we were to the 26th
floor and only three more floor away from the elusive list that had peeked out
interest in the first place.
Kathleen
had met us once again and finished off the climb to become our official
photographer as well as cheerleader once we reached the top. We turned the
corner of the last flight, and excitement coursed through our wobbling bodies as
we noticed two white papers attached to the exit door. THE LIST WAS REAL! This
climb wasn’t all for nothing! As we approached the list, we noticed that there
were many names, and many of those who had made the climb, would make it on a
regular basis. Our climb now became somewhat insignificant, at least in the
eyes of those who climb daily, but for us this was one day that would go down in
the books! With one quick stop at the observation deck for a few group pictures,
we began our descent back down to the locker rooms. All in all, we walked over
1,400 steps and it only took us 28 minutes. COB Climb 2013
dominated!
The
lesson that was learned on the afternoon of the 17th was, the task at
hand may seem overwhelming and the climb may seem never ending, but with a good
team of friends, matching shirts, and motivational classical rock music from the
80’s (mixed with some Spice Girls and Lizzie McGuire) anything is
possible.
Janece Krahenbuhl :
May 22, 2013 - 8:22 AM — LOVE IT! You have truly inspired me to start
training for my own Stair Climb.
Aundrea Hill :
May 22, 2013 - 8:28 AM — Darling! Do you sell these awesome t-shirts? :)
Kathleen Lewis :
May 22, 2013 - 8:49 AM — Not only do they climb well (and look good at the
same time), they attack piles of work with the same enthusiasm, skill and
comradarie. You guys are great!!!
Jeannine Erickson :
May 22, 2013 - 8:56 AM — The Fab Five rule! What an inspiration you are to
all of us. Oh, to be young again.....
Shari Quarnberg :
May 22, 2013 - 9:04 AM — Truly awesome you guys! and great write-up Aubrey! I
love you all you're such a fun group! Keep it up!
Sue Barton :
May 22, 2013 - 9:25 AM — Way to go! Loved all the pictures.
Natália Senna Williamsen :
May 22, 2013 - 11:59 AM — You guys are soooooooo inspiring!!!!!
Dan Haltinner :
May 22, 2013 - 12:27 PM — What a hoot! I really enjoyed reading about your
adventure. So what's next - Mount Everest??
Tahnee Nielsen :
May 22, 2013 - 1:04 PM — You guys ROCK! I'm so sad I missed doing it with
you! Next week... :) This really is a spectacular group, I wish we could keep
them all forever! I agree with Kathleen Lewis, they tackle their work with just
as much enthusiasm... tremendous group who have certainly set the bar for future
interns...
Ryan J. Bateman :
May 23, 2013 - 5:43 PM — What? No picture of this elusive list? Are only
those who make the climb themselves allowed the honor of seeing The List? Now
I'm left to question the veracity of the legend!
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