Jon and Molly

Let It Snow!

2011-12-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Jon and I have been married for almost 6 months (4 more days). Time FLIES! Before I know it, we'll be celebrating our 1 year anniversary!
Jon has been very busy with school and homework and finals lately. He did 2 weeks of a clinical rotation at a nursing care facility, and his next round of clinicals will be starting in January (and will last until he graduates in May).

I have been looking for PTA jobs out of state. I like Utah a lot, but I am ready for a change (plus, Utah is the lowest paying state for PTAs). Texas pays the most, but I am not so sure about that hot weather. I would like to go back east (love snow for Christmas), but I am not picky. I have been looking at some cute houses and real estate in different places around the US, but it's hard to look when you have no idea where you're even going! (I secretly wish Hawaii - the cost of living is higher, but why not have some fun while we have no kids and not a lot of other things keeping us here? And while he works, I'll go to school at BYU-H!) But who knows. It's all up in the air still, and we have 5 more months to think about it.
Mom and dad visited over the Halloween holiday and spent a week here. It was good to see them, and they were able to go to our ward's Trunk or Treat and also to Emma's. It was cute to see Chris, Marian, and JB dressed up in their costumes.
Jon and I went to the Vienna Boys Choir concert in early November. It was up in Salt Lake and it was so beautiful. Those boys have wonderful voices. I especially loved the a capella songs (although their director/pianist was AMAZING and his fingers FLEW over those keys). It was really nice evening/date with Jon - it's fun to dress up and do something classy :) .
Our family ward is good. I still feel pretty new there. I know some people, but I don't feel really close to anyone yet. Jon is in the Elders Quorum presidency and I am a Gospel Doctrine teacher, so hopefully through those callings we will be able to meet more people and make some new friends.

A few months ago I posted about being terrified to substitute Gospel Doctrine (and of course now I am a teacher for it). The more I study and teach, the better it is. I still get nervous every time. I still pray and hope that there is a discussion and people will make comments (with about 90 people in the class, the discussion has been good so far!) But I personally learn a lot every time. So really, this calling is a blessing, even though it terrifies me.

For Thanksgiving we went to Jon's parents' house. It was nice to have a four day weekend to spend time with his family, take a few naps, enjoy the cool weather, and finish decorating the house for Christmas.

Weekend update:

This past week was a busy one - I got my hair done on Tuesday. Jessica gave me some low lights. At first I was skeptical and thought it was too dark, but I always love it a week later, and now I do! It's more of my natural color, and I wanted a change. I love blonde, but this is perfect for winter, and I don't want to worry right now about keeping up with blonde. It's a lot of maintenance!

On Thursday we decorated gingerbread houses with some friends and families in the ward. It was nice to get to know some more people (one of the guys who was there is the co-director of the new New Testament films the Church is making. I wanted to ask him why Mary looked old in the video they played during the Christmas Devotional last Sunday, but I didn't want to offend him or anything. But I did think she looked way too old...oh well).

On Friday we went to my work's Christmas party, then drove around the town and looked at Christmas lights and danced to Christmas music by the tree (Jon can be romantic sometimes!)

Saturday was busy with Marian's dance recital - those 3 years olds were so cute in their costumes! You could tell they were pretty distracted with everybody watching. :) In the afternoon Jon and I visted Elza at The Creamery - it was her last time to work there after 4.5 years! Then we met up with the Butlers (and Elza met us there too!) at the Riverwoods and walked around, looked at all of the Christmas lights, enjoyed some outdoor music, played around with the kids in the toy shop, and got some ice cream at the Provo Beach Resort (it was Blue Bell, so I know that made John Butler pretty happy!)

Sunday was our ward's Christmas program. I sang in the choir, and Jon and I were also the narrators. After church Elza came over for dinner, and then she and I got to work while Jon studied for finals. We made a ton of Buckeyes and Muddy Buddies to give to our neighbors and friends. Elza made the buckeyes, and I made the muddy buddies, then we split them up so we could have a bunch of each to give out. (Of course, at one of the houses Jon and I visited, they had a HUGE platter of muddy buddies on the coffee table! Good thing we had one more bag of buckeyes left! So we just traded and gave the muddy buddies to somebody else.) It was nice to stop and visit with some of our neighbors and get to know them more.

We'll be spending Christmas with Jon's parents again this year up in West Jordan. Unfortunately, there won't be any kids there in the morning to watch open presents, so I am trying to convince Jon that we should just go up a little later, and maybe start our own tradition on Christmas morning or something of making breakfast together or who knows what. (It's just not as exciting with me, Jon, his parents, and his two older brothers sitting around opening presents one at a time. It's fun to watch kids' faces and see their excitement!) So we'll have to come to a compromise on that... :)

So life has been pretty busy. Last night Jon was studying late at the school and I stayed home and wrapped some presents and watched some Christmas movies. I don't think I have cried so much in such a short amount of time as I did last night watching Mr. Krueger's Christmas. I know it's about loving Christ and what Christmas is really about, but he was just so lonely! I think I'll make Jon watch it now...

Anyway, long update. I have a few pictures to post, which I will do later (just of the tree, my hair color, our gingerbread houses, etc.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Update

2011-09-27T09:50:00.000-06:00

Updates

My first week weigh-in was on Saturday, and I was down 3 pounds! Woohoo. But the second week is really the one that counts, because who knows, it could have just been fluctuating, etc. I didn't eat very well this past weekend (I know it's counter-productive, but I was excited that my weight was down, so I ate bad! I know, it's twisted.) But now I have to stick to my 32-34 points per day. I have no more 'extra' points left over. But I have been drinking a LOT of water, so that's good!

Mom and dad come out to visit at the end of October/early November. I'm excited to see them and to see their costumes on Halloween night! :)

Jon and I saw Transformers 3 in the dollar theater last week. Good movie, but too long. I think the "battle" scene lasted over half the movie! I started getting antsy near the end. I was ready for it to be over.

The Vienna Boys Choir is coming to Salt Lake City at the end of October. I have always wanted to see them, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity, so I bought tickets for Jon and myself.
I am excited for General Conference this weekend! The older I get, the more I enjoy it. (Plus it will be fun to watch with the Butler kids). While the boys are at the Priesthood session, Emma, Elza, Emily and I are having a girls night. :)

Work has been pretty busy lately. There were some layoffs last week and a few people were cut back to part time. I am grateful I still have my job, plus I was lucky and will be working 40 full hours, instead of 35 - 38. The other secretary I work with got cut back to 20 hours, so I am thanking my lucky stars. I'll miss a lot of the people who were let go, though.

I can't wait for the fall! I am waiting for the pumpkins to go on sale, and then I will decorate the stairs to the house and make hot apple cider and wear sweaters and my boots. I love love love the fall and the colors of the leaves and the cool, crisp air. I love to bake in the fall/winter, and make lots of warm apple crisp and pies. I'll have to share them, or I'll eat them all! This week the weather says it will be in the 80s, but by the end of next week, the 60s will be here! If I had my wish, it would be fall all year round. And maybe 2 months of winter with snow so I can have a white Christmas. :) UNLESS I lived by the beach, of course. :)

HAPPY FALL!!

Tuesday

2011-09-22T15:07:00.001-06:00

Breakfast: Wheat english muffin, 3
Shredded Cheese, 1
1 fried egg, 2
1 piece of ham, 1
Glass of water
Total: 7

Snack:
Banana, 0 points
Lunch:
Progresso Tomato and Basil Soup, whole can: 8 points
6 saltine crackers, 2 points
Bottle of water
Total: 10 points

Snack:
Piece of white bread, 3 points

Dinner: (same as yesterday)
Corn on the cob: 2
Baked potato with sour cream and shredded cheese: 8 (I added an extra point than yesterday, because I had more sour cream...)
Baked chicken, 3 points
Total: 13 points
Dessert:
Chocolate ice cream (3/4 cup), 6 points
Sugar cone, 1 point
Total: 7 points

Grand Total: 37 points

Food and Points

2011-09-20T12:42:00.002-06:00

I think I will update what I eat on here, so it keeps me more accountable. I promised myself I would not lie about what I ate. I won't update every day, but just to give an idea (and so you can do it too by looking at the points for each item!)

Breakfast at 7:
2 eggs (5 points), one piece of toast (2 points), a sprinkle of cheese (1 point), big glass of water
Total Points: 8

Snack at 10:30:
Small Gala apple (0 points)

Lunch at 12:
Progresso soup (6 points), cornbread muffin (4 points), big glass of water
Total Points: 10

Snack at 2:30:
15 frozen grapes (0 points)

Sugar fix at 4:
Tablespoon of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Total Points: 2

Dinner at 7:30: (I planned for 6, but didn't realize how long it took to bake potatoes)
Vanilla Coke Zero(mmm) (0 points)
Baked potato with sour cream (2 T) /cheese (1 T) (7 points)
Baked chicken breast with herbs and olive oil (4 points)
Chili-lime corn on the cob (2 points)
Total Points: 13

Dessert at 9:
1/2 cup of light chocolate ice cream
Total Points: 3

10:00: Big glass of water before bed

Daily Grand Total: 36

My daily goal is 32 points, and I used 4 of my 'extra' weekly points.

Thoughts:

I have a hard time eating veggies. I have a lot of frozen veggies that I need to warm up and add to a meal but I just don't think about it until afterwards.

I am also supposed to track any activity. I think I sat most of the day yesterday and didn't really do anything that would count as an activity. I sit on my tuff all day.

I sip water at work throughout the day, but I know I need more. I just get tired of it...

I already feel better. I'm sure it's just mental, but to me, my body feels 'cleaner', if that makes any sense. Even though it's only been 2 days.

I calculate everything. Someone offered me a Zinger this morning (I've never had one, but it's like a Twinkies with frosting), and I asked him the 4 questions: Carbs, Fat, Protein, Fiber. I plug it into the calculator. For the whole package, it was 13 points. So for one it was 4 points. I passed and I stayed strong! (And it helps that I don't like Twinkies, ha).

I now take showers at night time, so I have more time in the morning to make breakfast. (I just get my hair wet now in the morning so I can "style" it, haha). I love having the extra time to get ready, too.

I have been trying to go to bed earlier, but I think the perfect time for me is 10:00 for bed, and wake up at 6:00. So far, so good. I've been waking up refreshed instead of groggy with those times.

WW

2011-09-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

I joined Weight Watchers on Saturday morning with my friend Terri and her daughter.

I'm actually pretty excited about it. (I lost some of that excitement when I stepped on their scale and I weighed 8 more pounds there than on my scale at home... But I felt a little better when Terri and her daughter said the same thing about their weigh-in.)

I bought the "Buy One Month, Get One Month Free" deal. I'll try it out for these 2 months and see how it goes. So far, I feel good about it. Terri bought me the PointsPlus calculator too, which I LOVE. I plug in the amount of protein, carbs, fat, and fiber of what I'm eating (I just read the nutrition label) and it tells me how many points it is worth. I check it for everything - a piece of toast, an egg, pasta, milk, etc., and then determine if it is worth the amount of points (I get 32 points per day, plus 49 to use throughout the week.) I think I used about 30 of my extra points at the Utah State Fair on Saturday...!

I'm pretty excited and confident about the plan. All fruits are free (so zero points), and most veggies are too. I need to buy more wheat things - like pasta, bread, rice, and tortillas. But I have a hard time buying new stuff without finishing the old first.

Last night I cooked up some zucchini and squash and I added in some garlic and onion and olive oil. It was only 1 point! (because of the oil) and it was delish! Even Jon liked it (and he really doesn't like zucchini OR squash). Of course, the corn bread muffins I also made were 4 points each...

Anyway, so far so good. It's mostly just eating healthy and the right portion size (surprise, surprise.) But I think it will help to be accountable to stranger, also (and it's fun to have a friend to do it with!).

Yesterday when I was counting the points, I realized that I really did eat a lot of junk, especially when I was bored or when I just craved it. 1/2 cup of ice cream is 8 points! So it's nice to have those extra 49 a week for treats like that. At first I thought that those were a TON of extra points, but I realized they add up quickly. I froze the soft grapes (I HATE soft grapes - only crunchy!) so they will be a nice frozen zero-point treat/snack!

So this morning I had a piece of toast (3 points), 2 eggs (4 points) and a little cheese (2 points) and a big glass of water. In the mid morning I had an apple (0!) and another 16 ounces of water, and right now I'm having soup (6 points instead of 3, because I eat the whole can of Progresso soup, which is 2 servings) and a corn muffin (4 points). So 19 points so far, and I have 13 points left for dinner. I think we'll have baked chicken and more zucchini and squash (thanks to neighbors who share the produce from their gardens!) with some rice. Mmmm mmmm. Jon is very supportive too, which is so nice! He is so positive and cheers me on and is encouraging. I love that man to death!

Burn

2011-09-19T11:15:00.001-06:00

Last night I put some skin cream on my face (because I was starting to break out), and this morning I woke up and my face was BEET RED. It is so blotchy and it itches like crazy. I must have had an allergic reaction (which is weird, because I've used that stuff before and it's never done this before). Jon kept giving me looks of pity all morning while I was getting ready. My face feels all nasty right now - I put a lot of moisturizer on, and tons of cover up, and even more makeup that's green (to balance out the red...) BUT, it still looks bright red with white streaks here and there. I think I burned my skin! It is so hot, too. Of course, the skin around my eyes is all white still, along with the top of my forehead (I must have missed that area! Along with some of my cheek. Haha). Anyway, I look like 2 face.

Jon mumbled something this morning about Beauty and the Beast...I'm sure he was referring to me as the beast. It's alright, he can be Beauty once in a while. ;)

I prefer the first picture,

but this one is probably more accurate.

We even have the same waivy hair and red skin!

Homemaking

2011-08-24T12:34:00.000-06:00

Tonight, I am making homemade meatballs and spaghetti sauce. The reviews were (mostly) all great and people especially raved about the meatballs. I've never made homemade meatballs OR sauce, and I have most of the ingredients already in my cupboards! It has to simmer for 3 hours, so our house will smell delish by the time it is done.

(this is the new duvet set, and the new
white sheets have a small pinstripe)

Yesterday I put new sheets on the bed (after I rotated the mattress, because my body is starting to slowly sink into my side of the bed), along with a new duvet cover we got for our wedding. I forgot how nice it is to sleep on brand new, just-washed sheets. The duvet is gray and simple (I always prefer white, but it gets dirty so easily. I think I will get another cheap white one from Ikea again sometime.) My mom will be proud - I make the bed every single day. (Sometimes in the morning, sometimes at night, but it's done daily). I hate when our bedroom looks cluttered or messy - it's nice to hide extra pillows and throw blankets on the floor of Jon's side of the bed, too - you can't see it when you walk in! (I should probably just fold up the blankets and put them away in the closet. That's a novel idea!)

I have been trying to make our house more like a home - Jon also helps out a ton. He always mows and trims the yard, takes out the trash, washes all of the "big" dishes (pot and pans, etc.) and helps me with meals whenever I ask. He tries to help me make the bed, but I like it just right, so I usually like to do that by myself. Haha. He's very appreciative and tells me everything I make tastes good (he even ate the squash and zucchini the other night, and I know he hates it!) I try my best to show him my appreciation for all he does for me. He's a great husband, and I hope I'm a good wife, too.

Sister Knight...

2011-08-22T12:05:00.000-06:00

Last month, Jon and I gave talks in church. For 2 weeks I worked on my talk, spending hours making sure it was just right. We each had to speak for 17 minutes, and I had a hard time making my talk long enough. It turned out perfectly though, and I even had to cut some of it out while I was speaking so Jon had a enough time for his. I was nervous, but I felt prepared and it turned out just fine.

Yesterday in church, the Sunday School president sat in the pew in front of us, and turned around after Sacrament meeting and asked me to teach. I thought he was lying, and I asked him if he was kidding. But he said "No kidding, I wouldn't joke about this. The bishopric asked me to ask you to teach Gospel Doctrine in two weeks."

GOSPEL DOCTRINE?!?!

I looked around the room in Sunday School and counted everyone in Gospel Doctrine. There were 90 people! 90! I am the YOUNGEST in the whole group. Everyone is much older and wiser than I am. I don't feel like I have anything to offer, they all know a lot more than I do. It's a new ward, and I don't know anyone, so I'm not sure if that makes it better or worse...I'm thinking worse.

But then I think about it more and try to remember that we are all brothers and sisters and we're all in church to learn and grow together. I've just never taught anything in my life! I don't know how to conduct a class, ask good questions, dive into the scriptures, etc.
Ha, I remember thinking "Whatever calling I get, I hope it's not teaching adults or playing the piano". It's not a calling, maybe this will be the one and only time! They are testing me! haha.
I have already starting preparing - last night Jon and I read the scriptures from the manuel, talked about the meaning, and I started writing down thoughts/questions for them. I've looked up different talks and quotes. The lesson is on "Your Body is a Temple" with scriptures in 1 Corinthians about Paul's preachings. The three topics I need to share are: Unity in Christ, Listening to the Spirit and not the world, and being morally clean.

So if you have any suggestions, let me know. I don't want it to be boring, so I may bring in a short video if I can find one that's relative, etc. (It's a new ward, I don't even know where the library is, haha!) But I feel like we always run out of time, so I want to time it nicely. It's hard when people keep having comments (but at least it wouldn't be silent!)

The members are very nice there, though. I joined ward choir yesterday (we are singing next week for Stake Conference) and there were 48 people there! It was great. I've sung one of the two songs before, but the other one is kind of a struggle. I may have to mouth the words half of the time. :)

The question is: Do you pronounce the place name COR-inth or Cor-INTH? Jon says the second, because you say CorINTHians. I may have been saying it wrong this whole time.

(Oh yeah, last night I even dreamt that I was teaching this lesson. Except it was at a kiosk in the mall, and I had a big whiteboard and only one person was there listening/watching!)

Places and Things

2011-08-19T12:33:00.001-06:00

My whole life, I've always wanted to travel. I get Travelzoo's Top 20 deals, Budget Travel emails, National Geographic gives me pictures and updates on Facebook, the Global Volunteer Network emails me all of their opportunities, etc. BUT, I want to SHOW you the places I want to visit someday. I could say "everywhere", and leave it at that. But after looking at these pictures, how can you NOT want to go?

Look how small the person looks in the HUGE cave!

Elephants in Kenya

(I love elephants, and have always wanted to go on a safari.)

After watching An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle,

I think the Empire State Building is a must.

GREECE. I've always wanted to visit this place.

This church in Greenland. (It is a replica of the church that

Erik the Red built for his wife when became a Christian.

He built the stone wall to keep the animals/livestock out.)

Ireland...mmm. Jon and I watched Leap Year last week (Jon admitted that

he really liked the movie - "a good chick flick"). Every time I watch it,

I want to go see and stand on the cliffs of Ireland.

I love this walkway in Japan. (As long as I could find a cool stone
stairway like this, I don't care WHERE it is!)

I'll admit, I always worried that I would get into a kayak, flip over, be stuck, and drown.

(This was before I realized that they made bigger, roomier holes for your body, too.)
Don't the rocks and the water look amazing?

I just want to step into this lake
and go for a night swim...

Look at these huge trees in Madagascar! What a sight.

Along with all of the beautiful views, I also want to know all about the culture and the people.

I would love to help these women and carry a basket of tea leaves on my head, too.

I would like to eat at this restaurant...

Infinity pools... I love them! I can't get over how cool they look.

Zip lining! Talk about an adrenaline rush!

A romantic gondola ride. People say it is expensive

and overrated, but I still want to go on one!

See the pyramids, and ride a camel. (This picture

kills two birds with one stone!)

Doesn't this roller coaster look awesome!? Look how

steep that drop is! ( I always wait in the longer

line to get in the front seat. That's the best spot!)

Anyway, that's all for now. There are so many more things to do and places I want to go! I'm sure there will be a "Places and Things II" blogpost coming soon...

Surprise Date

2011-08-15T09:56:00.000-06:00

Jon and I went to the Bingham Canyon Mine last week - he took me there for a "surprise" date, followed by walking around Gardner Village and looking at the cute shops and sampling the fudge.

Unfortunately, we forgot our camera at home, but the open mine was amazing! It is the largest open mine in the world. Look at the size of that truck!! They were HUGE! The workers have to climb a tall ladder just to get to the steering wheel.

If you look really closely, you can see how tiny

the huge trucks look on the road. We saw a semi truck

pass one of them and it look SMALL compared to it!

We walked around the Visitors' Center and watched a few informative videos and put quarters in the magnifying machines so we could see some action up close. (I'll remember not to wear a dress up there again - the wind was blowing around like crazy and I had to hold my skirt down the whole time!)

Here is what the official site said about their huge hauling trucks: "There are about 80 gigantic haulage trucks operating in the mine. These trucks carry from 255 to 320 tons of material in a single trip. The largest haulage trucks have 1,300-gallon fuel tanks and use very low-sulfur diesel fuel. The fleet of trucks will travel more than 10,000 miles a day." CRAZY, huh?! No wonder they have to be so big.

It was a nice 45 - 60 minute drive to get there, and on the way we stopped by Daybreak - a community of newer homes. I drove by this neighborhood once before, 2 years ago, and could never find it again. It's right by the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. I'm so excited we passed it!! I have been wondering where it was located for forever, and I had forgotten what it was called. I love these houses - you usually don't see these kind of houses in Utah. Jon said there are houses just like this in North Carolina, so we may have to settle there. (I really don't like the brick/brown stucco houses in Utah - I like more character and color!)

Daybreak has their own shops, community parks, running trails, lake and the yards are beautiful (because of the HOA).
I always thought I would want to live in a place with a huge, well taken care of yard, but I definitely do not have a green thumb (and I lack the passion for it). They have small yards, but they each look so nice and have flowers/trees/etc. The houses range from small to large, depending on your budget and the size of your family.

Here are a few of the houses they have there:

I just think they are so cute and pretty. They remind me of houses by the beach back home. Someday....!

Wedding Pictures

2011-08-12T14:36:00.030-06:00

(These pictures will be out of order. Blogspot is giving me trouble. So first are pics of the reception, then of the temple!)

I started to write a loooong post about the wedding and reception, but it was getting to wordy, so here are a bunch of pictures and a few comments for some!

Reception: table centerpieces - a mix of candles and flowers

Mom and dad

Jon and I dancing our first dance, to Doris Day's

Dream a Little Dream of Me

Terri took our pictures, and got some

developed right away to have at our reception!

The sky that night - the weather was perfect!

Our "growing up" and "dating" pictures, strung between the trees.
(I found this idea on a website and loved it!)

Jon's dad and mom

Guests enjoying the ice cream bar

Grandma and Grandpa

My girlfriends from the Somersworth ward surprised

me and came to our reception!
Megan, me, Hillary, and Amber

Dancing with dad, to Frank Sinatra's:

They Can't Take That Away

I think Chris was like this most of the night...haha!

Jon's nephews, serving at the ice cream bar

The cake

(We just cut into the cake - we figure the ice cream bar
was good and we didn't need to serve cake also. It was
delicious and I loved the simplicity of it!)

The favor bags
(we ordered salt water taffy from
The Goldenrod in Maine... people could
go fill up their bags with different flavors!)

The day before the wedding, I took my endowments out in the Provo Temple. Afterwards, Jon's family and my family went to Carrabbas for dinner. After dinner, we all went to a local LDS church and Jon and I received father's blessings. It was a perfect evening.
Right after the temple Thursday night

Here we are coming out of the temple - NEWLYWEDS!

(Jon was making sure not to step on my dress...)

Chris and Marian ran right up to us and asked, "Did you guys get married?!"

Bridesmaids!

With Grandma and Grandpa!

Jon and the nephews

Jon with his two *single* brothers

Ring Bling

2011-03-29T12:17:00.006-06:00

"Jewelry takes peoples' minds off your wrinkles." Finally, pictures of my ring. I don't even think my mom has seen it yet! Originally I had chosen a different ring online (the ring that Jon proposed with), but after trying it on and wearing it for a few minutes, it started rubbing my pinkie and middle finger so it was uncomfortable (the outer ring embellishments were just rough or something). Jon insisted I needed a ring that day, (he didn't want me showing family and friends a different ring that I wouldn't be keeping), so right after he proposed we went ring shopping! We went to about 5 stores, but nothing was popping out to me. I didn't want to settle with one that was just "okay", so we went to the mall and looked at JCPenny. We were looking in the jewelry counter case together, and at the same time we saw one said "that's it!" We spoke to the lady at the counter for about 30 minutes (turns out we had some connections through work/school), and she even gave us an extra 15% off! I'm glad we found this ring so I didn't have to "settle" with one that I didn't really love. BUT, I love this ring. The pictures don't do it justice. It sparkles and shines and it is my favorite accessory. :) (The pictures make the middle stone look huge!)

Dang, my fingers need a diet! Ha ha...

Oh They Say When You Marry in June...

2011-03-23T07:44:00.008-06:00

June 17th, to be exact! (Unless we choose the Jordan River temple, which is closed that day. But, probably not...)

Last night Jon and I decided to get marry on Friday, the 17th. We are in the process of calling temples now (Jon has been very proactive and finding out how big the sealing rooms are, what dates are available, etc. - that's good since I'm such a procrastinator!) Right now we're looking at the Oquirrh Mountain and Provo temples, and maybe Draper. I'm already stressed out about the planning - I even dreamt about the invitations last night (well I dreamt that I made them myself and they looked awful! Apparently I can't cut straight lines in real life OR in my dreams.)

The ENGAGEMENT story!:

Last Thursday, Jon picked me up from work at 2:30 and we went to Carrabbas (mmm!) for lunch. (I had a very good suspicion that he was proposing that day. 1, because he doesn't hide surprises or keep secrets very well - I think he gets too excited, 2, he kept hinting that St. Patrick's Day is really lucky, 3, he kept asking how I would like to be proposed to (in public, private, outside, inside, etc. I told him that I was NOT planning the proposal FOR him, haha!) and 4, he asked me if my room would be clean and if I make my bed every morning...kind of an odd question. Anyway, we went to my house after lunch and I was kind of expecting to see something right when I walked in - I'm not sure what I was looking for, but maybe balloons or flowers or any kind of hint. There was nothing there, so I thought maybe he was asking later in the evening. But then I walked into my bedroom and I found this:

The sayings are cute. They read:

"At the end of the rainbow, you'll find a pot of gold.

At the end of a story, you'll find it's all been told.

But our love has a treasure our hearts always spend.
And it has a story without an end.

"At the end of a river, the water stops it's flow.

At the end of a highway, there's no place to go.

But just tell me you love me and you are only mine.

And our love will go on until the end of time."

I thought it was pretty cute. Behind the pot of gold was a really nice card that Jon wrote me, telling me how much he loved me and wanted to marry me. It also said to "dig through the gold" to find the real treasure. Of course I knew at this time that the ring would be buried in there. So I dig through and dump the candy out and I found a little green box. I was kneeling on my bed the whole time digging and he was kneeling on the ground watching me. So he takes the box from my hand and opens it and I sat at the edge of the bed and he started shaking really hard. I honestly don't remember everything he said (I wish I did, but I was so caught up in the moment!), but I know he said he loved me and wanted to be with me forever and that he wanted me to be his wife. He started to cry, and I gave him a big hug and said "of course I'll marry you" or something similar. I really don't remember our exact words!

I am so happy and I love Jon so much. I am very excited for June 17th and to spend eternity with him. He's my best friend!

Right after the proposal:

Later that night: (I LOVE my ring!!)

It was a long day, and I don't know why my nose looks bruised...(well, I'm sure I smudged my makeup...or something haha).

Pillows!

2011-02-28T20:21:00.007-07:00

Emma came over with the kiddos this afternoon and delivered the REST OF THE PILLOWS!! YEAH! I am very excited. I love them. I think I maybe helped (or hindered) her with doing about 2% of the cutting and sewing. I don't think I'm "cut out" (haha) to make straight lines or sew 2 pieces of fabric together.

HERE ARE THE PILLOWS and some updated pictures. Emma fixed the lamp shade for me, also... :)

I still need to fix the bookshelf so it's more "aesthetically pleasing".

Makeover

2011-02-27T15:42:00.004-07:00

Emma and I went shopping all day yesterday for fabrics and ideas for the "new" front room. Emma has a great eye and she is so creative and helped me out sooo much.

There are more pillows to come...

Front Room BEFORE:

Front Room AFTER:

My Sister...

2011-02-21T10:27:00.012-07:00

...from another mister.

Elza Ruth Hartung is an amazing girl. (Woman just sounds too old to describe Elz!) She's so fun, energetic, and positive. Patient (she teaches 4 year olds!), hard working (who else can go to school full time and have about 100 part time jobs?), smart, beautiful, popular, kind, gentle, and sensitive. She's an amazing teacher and example to those around her. She's a great runner and can go for miles and miles. I know she is a wonderful granddaughter, daughter, and sister by the way she talks to them on the phone and leaves nice comments on Facebook :) She makes awesome cakes for celebrations and is always willing to lend a listening ear. Elza makes the best out of negative situations. She's fashionable and shares her cute clothes with me all of the time.

Ever since Elza was eleven years old, she would come visit New Hampshire every summer for a few weeks. We'd go to the beach and lay out, swim in the ocean until we were numb, and buy salt water taffy. She'd help weed the garden and mow the lawn and do all of the house chores with us. We dressed up and make music videos. She went on the Pioneer Trek with my stake one summer, helping pull heavy handcarts for 2 days (our picture was in the newspaper for that one, modeling our pioneer skirts and bonnets!)

I visited her in Hawaii last year and spent a week-long adventure going snorkeling, touring BYU-Hawaii, swimming with sea turtles, walking around the temple, going for long bus rides, tanning, eating good food, and looking at fun shops. Thanks for sharing your bed with me and introducing me to many experiences and adventures on a new island!

I think most of these pictures sum up Elza pretty well...

I think Hannah, Emma and I would all agree that Elza is pretty much our sister! I love you Elz!

My Knight

2011-02-17T09:50:00.005-07:00

Or, Jonathan Knight:

For Valentine's Day, Jon wrote down a lot of attributes/reasons why he loves me. So I think I should share some of the reasons I love him!

- very complimentary

- appreciative

- great with kids

- athletic

- outgoing

- spiritual

- a scriptorian (Seriously, I can ask him any question about a scripture and he'll know the verse or where to find more information, etc. I think he should work for the CES).

- kind to parents and siblings

- good listener

- hard worker

- great student

- honest

- doesn't judge (Whenever I complain about someone, he always says that maybe they had a bad day or are going through a hard time. And then he suggests I do something nice for them. Sometimes I hate it, haha)

- funny; makes me laugh a lot

- great hugger

- energetic

- clean; also helps me clean/cook

- safe driver

- a great friend (to me and others)

- drives a long way to come see me

- plans dates for us

- appreciates the outdoors and nature

- handsome

- best hand-holder

- very supportive

- enjoys sports

- likes to go for walks with me

- always texts or calls me to say good night

- willing to help me babysit and loves kids

- asks me how my day was, every day

- stops by my desk at work to see how I'm doing

These are just some of the reasons why I love Jon. He's my best friend and I always love being around him. He makes me smile and I love him more and more every day. :)

"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale."

2/22

2011-02-17T08:13:00.004-07:00

Marian is 2. I am 22. I think I should be looking better than I am...

Why do I always wake up looking extra tired/oily/etc on Christmas morning? Every. Single. Year. Next Christmas I am getting beautified before the camera starts snapping...

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T22:18:00.003-07:00

I love Valentine's Day. I love it when I'm single and I love it when I'm in a relationship.

This year, Jon and I celebrated by going to sushi at The Happy Sumo, walking around the Provo Beach Resort, looking at different stores in the Riverwoods, and going to see a movie.

First off, Provo Beach Resort is amazing. We didn't do any of the activities (they are a bit pricey), but I really enjoyed just walking around. There are so many things available and all seem fun: surfing (really - they have boogie boards and surf boards and water and everything inside), croquet, bowling, a ropes course, simulated golf, a carousel for kids, arcade games, a playground, and a lot more. It all seemed so fun, I felt like I was walking on the boardwalk next to a beach. The atmosphere was great!

To celebrate the day, I got Jon some candy (of course), a grab bag from Mr. E's (football cards), and two tickets to the last home game for BYU basketball. I'm sure that was his favorite.

Jon bought me pretty flowers (he was very proud of himself - he hand picked each one at the floral shop and made the bouquet! And no roses, because I love daisies best), candles (he wrote a very nice letter to go with the candles and the candy), and some chocolates. But the best gift was all of the cut out hearts he made and each one has a quality that he loved about me. I want to share the list with you (not to toot my own horn, but to show you how sweet he is!):

-good with children

-great planner

-fun playmate

-comforting voice (side note: I don't think he's heard my screech yet...)

-soft skin

-good listener

-beautiful blue eyes

-spontaneous giver

-excellent kisser

-gorgeous hair

-punctual

-classy dresser

-tasteful decorator

-inspiring piano player

-faith in God

-polite and well-mannered

-radiant smile

-knowledgeable historian

-patient (especially with my repetitive phrases)

-refreshing smell

-wonderful cook

-adventurous dreamer

-real hugger

Isn't that so nice of him? He printed out each thought and glued them onto individual hearts. That's just one of the many reasons why I love him! He took the time and effort and put a lot of thought into each Valentine.

He couldn't give me a real smile!

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man

2011-02-11T11:44:00.002-07:00

I've been reading this book today at work. (Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man)

My favorite quote so far:

"Act like a diamond, believe you are a diamond, demand to be treated like a diamond and stop allowing men (others) to treat you like cubic zirconium!"

I Have a Dream...

2011-02-03T09:52:00.008-07:00

Actually, this is real!

-Round trip flight to Hawaii

-Car rental

-7 nights in a hotel

All for $1200-$1400 per person.

I've decided that when I get engaged/married, I'm going to elope and go on an amazing honeymoon instead.

Or at least just have a dinner with close family and friends after the wedding instead of a big reception.

Can you just imagine?

Some people have a hard time relaxing. I am definitely not one of those people. Life should be enjoyed! I love relaxing. Ok, I'm lazy. But who wants to go go go all of the time? I think it's crazy when people forward their work phones to their cell phones. I say,when you leave work, you leave work. Who wants to be 'on call' all of the time?

That's my dream. A nice, warm vacation on a beach. Swim, lay out, swim again, read a good book, listen to music on the iPod, eat great food, walk around and see the sites and awesome views, wear flip flops, bury my toes in the sand, and the list goes on an on... A piece of heaven on earth.

New Year Resolutions

2011-01-12T09:39:00.006-07:00

Resolutions: I always make them and never keep them.

I've split my goals up into 3 categories: daily, weekly, and monthly.

Daily:

-exercise for 45-60 minutes

-drink 80 ounces of water

-read scriptures/ensign for 30 minutes

-pray day and night

-do a good deed
-keep a clean car

Weekly:

-learn a new hymn on the piano
-write in journal

Monthly:

-read one book

-save $350

This year, I will also:

-work on time management

-try to be more confident (I do order my own food now...)

-plan a trip

So far, this year is a complete fail. But I'm not waiting for another January 1st to roll around to start. I'll just begin now. I'm keeping my list short and simple.

A Giant Among Men

2011-01-04T08:47:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was my last day off for the holiday season. I spent the day visiting with Jon and his parents in the evening, and for FHE we watched the 2008 Gordon B. Hinckley movie - A Giant Among Men. It's about 50 minutes long and I recommend it.

Throughout the movie there are written quotes. Here is one of my favorites from Victor Hugo, which they included in the movie:

"And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily tasks, go to sleep in peace, God is awake."

I love quotes. Who knows, maybe someday someone will quote me. I need to think of something really witty to say. Although a lot of quotes are just common sense and not jaw-dropping.

Art Exhibit and Temple Square

2010-12-28T14:27:00.009-07:00

Jon and I went to the Carl Bloch art exhibit last night at BYU. I love Bloch's work - he is one of my favorite artists, especially his depictions of Christ. Here are some of the images we saw:

This is my favorite - the angel comforting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This one was not at BYU, but I saw it last week in the Visitor's Center up at Temple Square. It is beautiful, and it was perfect for the time of the year. I walked around the Visitors' Center and started with the picture that depicts the angel telling Mary that she would have a son. Then the pictures went in order from there - Christ's birth (above), His teaching in the temple, getting baptized, healing the sick, the crucifixion, rising again, and speaking to Mary Magdalene. (Plus many more).

We also walked around Temple Square and saw the Christmas lights, and were able to listen to a choir concert in the Assembly Hall (Christmas music!) and to sit and listen to an amazing organ piece in the old Tabernacle. I've never done that before, and I want to go back and watch/hear again. The young man was amazing! His feet moved along the pedals as fast as his fingers moved on the keys!

I am grateful to live in Utah and to have so many opportunities to feel the spirit.

Christmas Bread

2010-12-23T14:56:00.002-07:00

I woke up at 4 this morning and made homemade bread for my coworkers at work. They all turned out well (9 loaves in the oven!) and I added some jam with them. Now I need to make some for myself!

Happiness

2010-12-08T10:44:00.002-07:00

There are a lot of ups and downs in life. Like, a down would be that I spent $75 dollars at Rite Aid last night for things that I needed...and for things that I didn't need. The bill ran up to be $95, which was a major surprise - I should probably add up the prices in my head before I head to the cash register. So I removed the Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Tone Correcting Moisturizer for $20 -something that I probably really did need. But I could have gone without the $2 nail polish (which color I'm pretty sure I already have), or the $3 eye shadow brush, or the nudish-pink lip liner, since I don't even wear lipstick. And instead of buying a cheap razor to make up for the more expensive spending, I realized after shaving this morning that I probably should have binged a little and bought the nicer one. And perhaps the $.88 cent Suave shampoo IS just as good as the $8 per bottle shampoo and conditioner. (Ok, maybe not...) I think I was having an ugly day and I just needed stuff to make me feel good about myself and make me pretty. I also got the Neutrogena Body Oil. My skin isn't looking any more luminous than it did before I put it on. Maybe I'm just being a negative Nancy and need to give it more than one try. I think I just feel guilty for spending so much, especially at Christmas time when I need to be buying presents for other people. BUT, I will focus on the positive and say that I am happy because my hair will smell good and my legs will be smooth and my toenails will be red and my skin will feel soft.
I ordered a new David Lanz piano book. Jon and I went to his concert on Saturday and it was amazing. My new favorite song is called "Her Solitude" so I went to the mall on Monday night and bought the book at the music store. (I love how festive the mall is, with the huge Christmas tree and the lights everywhere!) Growing up, we had a digital piano that started messing up and would play some notes louder and others softer or hold out notes longer than they should. Mine is starting to do that. :( BUT, I am grateful and happy that Emma has a piano and I can practice on hers. And I am happy because he creates such beautiful music and all of his songs sound so good!
I also set up the Christmas tree on Monday night. The house was all decorated for Christmas except for the tree, and even though it killed my hands and ripped them up (seriously, so many scratches and red spots!), I am happy because the house looks so festive now and I love seeing the twinkling tree through the window.
I am happy to have Jon in my life. He makes me want to be a better person, and I love him so much. The more I'm with him, the happier I am. We do a lot of activities together and are getting to know each other more and more. I am excited to see what the future holds, but I'm pretty sure it will be positive. :) He is always giving me compliments. He's a gentleman and opens the car door and store door every single time we go somewhere. He makes me feel good about myself, and he motivates me to do good in the world and be better.
I am happy because of the holiday season. I am happy that I have people to spend it with. It may not be with my immediate family, but I am lucky to have people around me who love me and invite me to be with them during Christmas. I will miss being with my family and parents and nephews and nieces, but I am grateful for the time to spend with and grow closer to others.
I am happy and grateful to be a member of the church. I am grateful for an awesome bishop who loves all of the members in his ward and wants to help them and see them succeed. Bishop Allen is amazing and I can always feel his love for me when I talk to him.
I am happy because I have so many blessings. A job, friends, family, a roof over my head, food to eat, a car to get me places, a church that is close by, for money to buy necessities (and some unnecessary things), for warm clothes in the winter, for good health, and so much more.
It's time to focus on the good instead of the bad. Although I'm a little upset with myself for spending that much money at Rite Aid for things that were not necessary, I am happy that I will feel better about myself and look pretty. (Even though I could still use that Skin Toner Moisturizer stuff...)

3 Months and 2 Days Later...

2010-11-30T19:27:00.006-07:00

Jon said I love you today.

And of course I said it back.

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

2010-11-15T09:08:00.003-07:00

But the fire is sooo delightful...

Wow, I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted last. It's been very cold, I think we DO need a fire...

Update: I haven't been working out every day like I was planning. It's been sporadic. A few times a week, plus Jon and I have been playing a lot of football/baseball lately. Still not enough exercise, though, since I haven't lost anything. I haven't gained either. But the goal is to lose, so it's time to get back on track! I asked Megan if she'd be willing to take some pictures of me so I can post before and after pictures. Maybe we'll take them this week so I can actually see the progression and see my body changing. I think that will help motivate. Unfortunately, nothing much seems to motivate me lately. I don't know what my problem is. I just must not want it bad enough.

Work is going well, but I'm getting a little restless. Answering phones all day and listening to students complain is getting old.

Jon has had the stomach flu for the past few days, and as much as I brag about my 'awesome' immune system, I think I may be coming down with something. I always get the 'annual cold', but something feels different. My throat is scratchy and my stomach is slowly starting to churn. This weather is slowing me down - I've been going to bed early, but when my alarm goes off in the morning, I'm still pushing snooze about 10 times.

I haven't had a debit card for 2 weeks now. I think it's a blessing in disguise. It should be coming this week, and I'm hoping to spread the quarter tank of gas that I have over the next week until it comes in the mail. I have my grocery list ready, too! At least it's safe to walk around the mall lately. There are temptations, but I know I can't give in to them! You can't buy stuff without money. I haven't let myself go into Target, because I may just break out my checkbook in that store... I still think about the emerald green sweater I saw in there a month or two ago...

I did buy tickets to go see David Lanz's Christmas concert. He's a famous pianist and he's coming to the Covey Center on December 4th. Along with Christmas music, he'll also be playing his more famous songs, like Cristofori's Dream (I think of Ernie Scheyder and Tri-City when I hear that song...he used to play it all the time in the chapel, so it would echo all over the school). And of course we girls would also play it over and over again.

I wanted to see The Nutcracker in SLC this year also, but the tickets are very expensive. BUT, Megan and I discovered that they are also showing the ballet at the Covey Center, and it's a lot less expensive. Maybe that can be our Christmas gift to each other. How about that, Meggo? Dinner and a show!

Anyway, here's my Christmas list:

- contact solution
- deodorant
- toothpaste
- gift card (to pretty much anywhere: I love DSW, Target, Maceys, Macys, JCPenny, Old Navy, Sephora, etc.)
- handheld mirror (to do my makeup)
- purse (I love this brown satchel http://www.handbagheaven.com/charley-bowler-satchel.html or this brown messenger bag http://www.handbagheaven.com/sonia-stitched-messenger-bag.html )
- Victoria's Secret 'Sexy Little Things Noir' perfume. It's my new favorite. (Jon knows this, so we'll see...)

And, I would like to know what men like for gifts! I swear, they are the hardest to shop for. I think I know what I'm getting everyone on my list already, except for John Butler and Jon Knight. The two men (other than Dad) are who I have to buy something for. I need ideas. And they say girls are hard...

Mom and Dad are coming out here for Thanksgiving! They fly out Thanksgiving Day, and I can't wait to see them. Mom will need to make some lefsa! Mmm... :) Only a week and a half away...

Day 4

2010-10-22T08:51:00.002-06:00

Day 4: Check

Yesterday was Day 4. I didn't go to bed until 11:30 the night before, so I decided to sleep in and work out last night instead. It wasn't as bad as I thought. BUT, I did the same thing this morning. I slept in and decided I would work out tonight. Friday night, no less. Jon and I are going on a date so I can't work out tonight! And our friend's girlfriend is sleeping on our couch tonight and tomorrow night. I obviously did not think ahead this morning. And I wasn't even able to sleep after the alarm went off. I should have just jumped out of bed. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now.

Jon and I went to the park on Wednesday and hit some baseballs. My hitting is getting a lot better! My pitching and throwing...not so much. Although I did pitch one straight to him, and he hit it so hard the ball whizzed by me so fast I could hear it. I just closed my eyes and put my hands to my face and didn't move. I think I was paralyzed for a moment; it was THIS close to my face! So my pitching got worse after that. I think I was just really nervous that the ball was going to hit me. I couldn't concentrate. Poor Jon. I bet only 3 out of 10 balls that I pitched were actually ok. Maybe even less...

Tonight we are going to Trafalga to play mini-golf and drive some go-karts. (I'm sure we'll do some batting cages as well...) We babysat on Wednesday night and made some good money. I'm pretty excited to go on a date! We go for walks, watch movies, hang out with nieces and nephews, go to the park, study, etc. but I am especially excited to go out. Even though we've been dating for almost 2 months, I feel like I need to dress up and look extra cute! Megan is curling my hair, and Emma and I are going to Nordstrom's after work today - I'm SO tempted to buy something pretty and new for tonight. I don't NEED anything, but new clothes just make me feel good about myself! We'll see. I'm sure I'll return to the car empty-handed. I have enough clothes, and I know it. I just need that to sink in to my brain...

Day 3

2010-10-20T08:48:00.002-06:00

Day 3: Check

I pushed snooze twice this morning. After going to bed at 11 the night before, my body was tired. But surprisingly, it wasn't too hard to get up! It was definitely a mind over matter moment. Again, I considered working out tonight instead. But I'm babysitting and won't be home until 9ish, and my friend is coming over afterwards to make rolls for her class tomorrow. There would be no time, and I knew it.

I only did a 30 minute workout this morning, but I think it worked me harder than a 45 minute workout. It went up to level 8 a few times and would stay there for a few minutes, and that was killer. My legs started to feel like jello jigglers. But it was sweet bliss when it slowed down and went back to level 3 or 4.

I've decided to weigh myself on Sunday mornings. After 6 days of working out, I hope to see a difference, even if it's just a little bit. As long as the number is slowly shrinking, I'll be happy. Checking every day will drive me crazy, especially if I don't see a difference, or if it goes up (!!)

Day 2

2010-10-19T08:22:00.002-06:00

Day 2 - Check

This morning was cold, and my bed was warm. I tried to talk myself out of getting up, and to work out tonight instead. I pushed snooze once, stayed in bed, and thought about my day yesterday:

Jon and I went to the park to study. (Well, he studies. I quiz him, look at magazines,and people-watch). I was watching one happy couple walk across the big stretch of grass and the boy picked the girl up and spun her around and she was laughing and having a good time. Then I thought to myself: I want to be that girl. The kind of girl that a boy can just pick up and spin around. Jon is strong and can pick me up, but it's awkward because the whole time I worry he'll drop me or collapse under my weight. I don't want to feel his arms shake. Before I knew it, I was out of bed and putting my sneakers on.

I watch a movie while I work out. Today's movie was Tuck Everlasting. Half today, half tomorrow. Or split it into three days if it's a long one.

Last night Jon and I were watching Unsolved Mysteries, and when I got off the couch my legs were weak and felt like jello; I had no idea why. I had to think about it for a while. Then I remembered I worked out in the morning. Sheesh, I think my memory is starting to go.

Day 1

2010-10-18T08:04:00.005-06:00

Time to start counting again! The goal is to work out 6 days a week. I'll be getting on that elliptical every morning at 5:15 and go until 6:00. 45 minutes. My next goal is to add strength training at night, 2-3 times a week. But for now, I'll stick with the cardio every morning.

Day 1: Check

Waking up wasn't as rough as I thought. I was sick Saturday night/Sunday morning, and was up all night, so I figured that it would be extra hard to wake up this morning. But, I went to bed extra early last night and only woke up once. I slept in my workout clothes so I would be ready to jump out of bed, put on my shoes and my contacts, and be ready to go. I forgot to weigh myself this morning, so I will tomorrow, and every morning from here on out. Gotta keep track!

Thought of the morning: mind over body. Over and over again. Mind over body, mind over body. The first 5 minutes weren't awful. But the countdown from 39:40 to 12:11 remaining wasn't good. I need to stop looking at the clock! When I hit 22:30, I was tempted to quit. I figured that I already had 22 minutes of a hard workout, that was enough - especially after not working out in over a month. But I pressed forward. I always feels good when I finish working out. Today I burned 515 calories! And who wants to eat any junk food after that? It'd be a waste of a workout.

I need to remember to drink lots of water. This morning I drank about 20 ounces, and right now I'm sipping from another water bottle. But sometimes I just don't LIKE water. Maybe I need to "pump it up" with Crystal Light, just like they do in the commercials.

A Perfect Day

2010-10-14T08:31:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was a perfect day.

Even though work was slow. And one of the kids I babysat last night was ornery and wouldn't stop crying. And I'm on a budget. And the backyard needs to be mowed. And my bedroom isn't the very cleanest.

BUT, yesterday was perfect because:

-I got to hang out with Jon. We opened up some new baseball cards together, and I love to see how excited he is when he gets one that he's been wanting for a long time. We ate lunch together at home, then went to the Provo temple and walked around and enjoyed each other's company. We stayed and sat on the lawn for a long time and talked about everything and anything. Then we went to The Creamery and as soon as we walked in, Elza was right there! She usually doesn't work on Wednesdays, and it was a nice surprise. We bought dinner at the grill - a kid's hamburger, fries, drink, and ice cream - only $3.50 a person, and enjoyed eating it while sitting in the booth and talking some more. Afterwards, we went home and played some Arcade basketball. Best out of 3. Jon beats me every time, but I give him the run for his money. Some games are pretty close...others are not. THEN, we got to babysit Chris and Marian and baby John while Emma and John played softball. I love seeing and playing with the kids, and Jon is great with them. They always love when he comes over to play, and I know Jon loves seeing them, too.

- As mentioned before, I got to see Elza at The Creamery! Elza is always so positive and smiley, it's hard not to just automatically cheer up when you see her face.

- I got to see Meggo! It wasn't for very long, (only a couple of minutes), but any day that we see each other is kind of rare. Opposite schedules, work, boyfriend, school, etc. But Megan is constantly thinking about others. Even when she is having a hard time, she forgets about herself and always asks me what she can do to help me or make me feel better. I couldn't ask for a better roommate. (And, she throws glamorous dinner parties!)

- I talked to mom on the phone. I do this almost every day. So obviously that always adds to the perfect day. Sometimes it's only a 5 minute conversation, sometimes it's 50 minutes. Either way, I love talking to Mumsy. Even when she is very busy and I interrupt dinner or Mexican train, etc, she always talks to me.

- I read some of my book that I got from the library. "It's a Wonderful Lie: 26 Truths About Life in Your Twenties". There are 26 chapters from different female authors. Expectations they had growing up and what they thought life would be in their twenties: a glamorous life filled with gorgeous clothes, the perfect job, beautiful apartment, lots of money, etc. And then they write about the reality of it: debt, mice in their apartment, bar tending, being single. So far I'm enjoying the book; it makes me not feel so bad for being not-so-rich and not having the nicest furniture or decorations in my house. At least I haven't seen any mice!

- I have a budget. It's good and bad. Good, because I'll learn self-control and I'll be able to save money. Bad, because I have materialistic qualities and I like A LOT of THINGS. BUT, I can honestly say that I'm pretty RELIEVED. Before, I wasn't spending more than what I make, but I wasn't saving up much money either. So far, so good. Then again, it's only been a few days. But I always look through home decorating and furniture magazines, and I dog-ear the pages that have things that I love and would like for my future home; those wood floors, a kitchen sink or stove, a certain bathtub, that color on the walls, a particular porch, etc. Obviously, to eventually get those things, I need to have money. I always thought "have the cash first" before buying anything. Unless it's a car or house. As much as I would like those things now, I'm trying to get out of the rut and not expect instant gratification.

Anyway, that's all part of my perfect day yesterday. :)

Mistletoe and Holly

2010-10-14T08:16:00.006-06:00

Two words. Il Divo.

These four men make beautiful music together. They even have beautiful faces to go with their beautiful voices. I mean, LOOK at them. Young, handsome, rich, famous, AND talented.

I'm listening to their Christmas album right now (yes, I know it's only the middle of October. But December just goes by too fast, and I don't get my Christmas music fix. I have to start early!)

I am getting into the Christmas spirit! I just need some snow, some twinkle lights, a mug of hot chocolate, a book filled with Christmas stories, and I'll be all set! (And don't forget the mistletoe...)

A Big Purchase

2010-10-12T09:37:00.004-06:00

This is the one I bought. A Healthrider h90e

I bought an elliptical! After talking and thinking about it for a few months, I finally made the plunge. It's being delivered later this week, and I can't wait! It has an iFit hookup, iPOD plug, and a fan. 20 workouts, and more.
All together I had lost 30 pounds, but have gained 10 pounds back. I stopped working out as much and stopped watching what I ate. I've done this before - I lose weight and feel good about myself, and I think I can start to eat whatever I want again. But it's not so! I can feel the weight in my stomach and I hate that feeling. I'm so excited to start working out again and feeling good about myself. I've decided to wake up at 5 every morning do a 45 minute workout while I watch a show. I hate working out at night, because then I have a feeling of dread all day that I STILL need to work out. In the morning, I get it over with, I feel good the rest of the day, and I eat better because I don't want to waste the calories I just burned! I'm ready to keep lowering my weight. I want to feel and look healthy. I want to feel good about myself and my body. I don't want to 'let myself go' just because I'm dating somebody. I did that last time and gained 20 pounds. No more!

Stand By Your Man

2010-10-12T08:03:00.005-06:00

I bet Tammy sure knew what she was singing about...

Sometimes it's hard to be a woman
Giving all your love to just one man

You'll have bad times

And he'll have good times

Doing things that you don't understand

But if you love him you'll forgive him

Even though he's hard to understand

And if you love him

Oh be proud of him

'Cause after all he's just a man.

It's Busy at Work Today...Obviously

2010-10-06T09:16:00.006-06:00

Etc...

2010-10-04T08:59:00.004-06:00

Life has been busy lately - work has been a bit stressful, since there are more people starting school in the fall and there were more programs available. Which means a lot more paperwork and scanning and everything in between. Last week I dreaded going to work every day, but this week has gone well so far. Although it's only 9AM on a Monday...
General Conference this past weekend was amazing. The older I get, the more I appreciate and understand and can apply the principles they talk about into my life. I was able to go to the Sunday morning session with the Spoken Word with Jon and Megan, which was very enjoyable. I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and I love listening to them live. You can definitely feel the Spirit in the conference center.
Jon and I watched Sunday's second session at his parents' house and enjoyed lunch and dinner with his family. I like his family a lot, and his parents are great.
It was great to be home a few weeks ago! I'm so grateful that Shauna and the boys stayed for an extra 2 days so I could see them! I have such handsome nephews. Ellie and Abby are dolls and Ellie has the sweetest disposition.
I would post some pictures on here of my adventures, and I'm sure I will later, but I figure everyone has facebook now and can see them on there. They'd be the same pictures, so whatev.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'...

2010-09-10T10:28:00.004-06:00

I'm going home in less than a week. I can't wait! I'm sad that not everyone will be there, but it will be good to spend some alone time with mom and dad and just relax and get away for a while. I plan to do some 4-wheeling, float down the creek, shop with mumsy, walk around the fields with mumsy, take the ranger out for a few rides, and have some of mom's homemade bread. :) I'm considering driving to NH to visit people and see the nephews there, but I haven't decided yet. We'll see when the time comes.

The Utah State Fair is this weekend and all of next week. We were going to go tonight, but Jon hasn't been feeling well. And who wants to go to the fair when you're feeling sick? So hopefully he'll be all better by Monday and we can go then, instead.

Tomorrow night we are going to a benefit concert and the proceeds go to physical therapy for kids with disabilities. Perfect, huh, since he's in the PTA program! I have no idea what kind of music is going to be played, but I'm sure it will be a good time.

I babysat 5 kids by myself this past Wednesday. Kudos to everyone who can do that. I think everything starts going downhill right before the parents get home. It ALWAYS happens. Someone wakes up, someone needs a diaper change, a baby starts to cry, or someone is needing a drink. I probably look so incompetent when the parents walk in the door! Haha. Oh well, I think that happens to everyone, some time or another.

Anyway, that's the update for now. I need to post some pictures that we took from our Nebo Loop trip. I think we may have to do it again, or at least do the Alpine Loop to get some pictures of the leaves changing.

Autumn

2010-09-06T10:11:00.004-06:00

I love fall. It's my favorite season. The tree colors on the mountains are beginning to change! I can't wait to pick pumpkins and have apple cider and go through a cornfield maze and wear sweatshirts and sweaters and my cowgirl boots!

On Friday last week, Jon and I went to SLC and walked around temple square and enjoyed the flowers and scenery. I love that place - it's so peaceful and you can definitely feel the Spirit. I should have taken more pictures! We walked over to the church museum and spent over an hour there; the workers are very informative and I loved hearing the stories and history of a lot of the items (sometimes it was hard to walk away - they just kept talking!)

Megan and I went to the Relief Society service project last Thursday. We went to the local cemetery and helped rake and clean up the grass. It was pretty fun, the ladies in Relief Society are great. I feel a sense of unity with the sisters that I meet with every Sunday and I love joining them every week. It was extra cool because I talked to Jon afterwards and told him that I saw Jesse Knight's grave (his something-great grandfather). I love family history and even at the church history museum we saw letters that were written by some of his family members. I told him to get them back - haha. There are a lot of Knights in the church, and I'm sure a lot of them would love to have a part of their ancestors.

I'm going home in a week and a half and I can't wait! It's time to take a break and just be away from work and Provo for a bit and relax in the country and with family.

Today is Labor Day. Thank you to all of the Laborers out there. That's what I'm doing right now. Working 9-4. Joy. (Then again, it's double pay. So I can't complain!)

Good News

2010-08-29T21:51:00.004-06:00

Good news all around.

First, I'm going home in just 2.5 weeks. I can't wait to see everyone!

Second, I weighed myself tonight. It was the lowest ever. Again. (And hello! It's night time! So it ought to be even lower tomorrow, right?!)

Third, church was great today. Great talks (including an awesome one from my roomie MEGAN!), great lesson by the Bishopric in the combined meeting. We all wrote down one or two goals we want to work on, sealed them in an envelope, and gave them to the Bishop. He's going to read them, and then meet with all of us in the future and see how we are doing on our goals. Bishop Allen is amazing, and I can totally feel the love he has for all of us in the ward.

Fourth, I have a boyfriend. Jonathan Knight. Jon Knight. Mr. Knight(ley), haha... I haven't said the word boyfriend in a year, and it sounds/feels good and funny at the same time. I'm so excited for the future adventures we'll have together. We already have so many ideas and plans! He's great, and I can't wait for everyone to meet/get to know him. :)

Low Ridah...

2010-08-27T07:00:00.003-06:00

Good News:
Every day this week I weighed myself. Every day this week, the number on the scale gets lower. 3.5 pounds to go to get to a whole new round of 10s!

Happy

2010-08-26T20:18:00.005-06:00

Today is a great day.

I'm so happy. With life, with family, with friends, with work, with everything!

(Can you tell that I have a date tomorrow ? Haha...)

Day 10: A Letter to Someone Who Has Caused You Pain

2010-08-25T07:39:00.002-06:00

To the Boy in 2nd Grade Who Put a Tack on My Seat 15 years ago:

THAT caused me pain. I don't think I've ever moved so fast or jumped so high in my life.

-Molly

(I'm in such a good mood today, who can think seriously about pain from the past?)

Day 9: List Some of Your Favorite Blogs

2010-08-24T08:35:00.003-06:00

My favorite blogs include all of the blogs to the left.

I also enjoy The Pioneer Woman. I would like her life.

And I blog-hop a lot. I like cooking/baking blogs, exercise blogs, home decoration, etc. There are so many talented people out there! I love getting new ideas from their ideas.

Day 8: A Photo of Me Taken Recently

2010-08-24T08:28:00.003-06:00

Day 7: A Funny Youtube Video

2010-08-24T08:26:00.003-06:00

Ok, I don't watch youtube. I think I've only seen 3 or 4 videos from there my whole life. So I'm skipping this post, and letting you know that:
Today I weighed my lowest so far in a long time. I was stuck at this one number for about 3 weeks, and I finally got past it! Whoowhee!

Day 6: What I Ate Today

2010-08-17T09:01:00.002-06:00

Breakfast: toast and scrambled eggs, and some Simply Limeade (mmm, the few calories that I will drink, other than skim milk)
Snack: nectarine, and some Red Vines (I'd rather have licorice...)
Late Lunch/Early Dinner: Turkey and spinach sandwich, carrots, and a chocolate pudding
Evening Snack: Popcorn (probably a bit burned...I've lost my touch!)

Day 5: A Letter to My Crush

2010-08-16T20:21:00.003-06:00

To my Past, Present, and Future Crushes,

You obviously made an impression on me. I think you're a babe! You are always willing to help others, and you always have a compliment on the tip of your tongue. You smile or wink when I walk by, which makes me just melt. You help me do the dishes after dinner and don't leave until everything is all cleaned up. You are outgoing, and you always make people around you feel good about themselves. You have goals and ambitions, and know what you want out of life. You are comfortable around kids and can easily entertain them. You are a well-rounded person, and enjoy a variety of activities, whether it be going to a museum or concert, or camping and 4-wheeling. You're always happy to help when I need some guidance or comfort or someone to lean on. You are a positive person, and you always look for the good or the silver lining in negative situations. You support my dreams and push me to be a better person. It takes me forever to get ready if I know I'm going to see you that day. I want to look good for you and I want to impress you. Now, if only you would notice...

Your crush,

Molly

Day 4: A Picture of Me Over 10 Years Old

2010-08-16T20:15:00.003-06:00

Since I don't have a scanner, I am taking these pictures off of facebook. It works.

When I was still cute...

- a frog in "The Snow Queen" ballet
Family Picture

(taken exactly 10 years ago. Sneakers with jeans...what can I say?)

Day 3: My Favorite Movie(s)

2010-08-13T10:21:00.002-06:00

Like my sister Hannah, I don't have just ONE favorite movie. So here are some of my top picks:

An Affair to Remember
Life is Beautiful
Leap Year
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
State Fair
Pride and Prejudice
Lord of the Rings trilogy
Gone With the Wind
Vertigo
Madagascar
The Bourne trilogy

Day 2: Everything That Happened in Your Day

2010-08-12T17:10:00.003-06:00

- Bed at 1AM (that counts for today, right?)
-alarm goes off at 6:30AM, and I push snooze twice (not that I could fall back asleep or anything!)
-shower, get dressed
-straightened hair (that gets it's own bullet - it takes a while)
-eat a bowl of cereal while I watch Psych on Hulu and finish my makeup
-drive to Emma's house
-dance and read books with Marian and Chris while we wait for Emma to get home
-go to Ikea
-bought a couple of things (Ok, I know you want to know: duvet cover with shams, a set of kitchen towels, a spatula, measuring cups, and a glass bottle)
-raced home to change my outfit for work
-work 2-9
-made my bed (just to climb back into it)
-had a craving to make either a turkey sandwich or eggs. Decided to make some hard boiled eggs for breakfast in the morning
-checked out facebook, email, etc
-read some of the book that I'm working on
-in bed with lights out at 10:45

Day 1: Introducing Myself

2010-08-11T10:01:00.003-06:00

My name is Molly. I am a 22 year old SWF. I was born in Portsmouth, NH and grew up in Dover/Somersworth, NH. I am the youngest of four kids. I have one brother, Mike, and two sisters, Hannah and Emma. I have 4 handsome nephews and 3 beautiful nieces.
I have been living and working in Provo, UT for the past four years. I am a secretary (official title: Front Desk Manager) for a college in the area. I like my job and the people I work with.
I like: playing with my nieces and nephews, going for drives, watching shows online, laying out, swimming, cooking/baking, working, reading, going to the library, shoes, church, playing games, singing in the choir, good friends, family, anything w/ chocolate, diet coke (I wish they still had it with lemon!), movies, traveling, service, music, dancing, learning new things
I don't care for: spiders, or bugs, or anything to do with creepy crawlers. And that probably sums it up.
So right now I'm just working, and thinking about going to night school this fall or spring. I have no idea what I want to do with my life! There are so many options. So working right now is just the best thing for me. Who knows where life will take me.

50 First Blogs

2010-08-09T06:58:00.002-06:00

My sister Hannah is doing one of these these 50 entries every day on her blog, so I've decided to follow suit and do the same.

Day 1: Introduce yourself
Day 2: A bulleted list of everything that happened in your day
Day 3: Your favorite movie
Day 4: A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
Day 5: A letter to your crush
Day 6: A list of what you ate today
Day 7: A youtube video you find funny
Day 8: A photo of you taken recently
Day 9: List some of your favorite blogs
Day 10: A letter to a person who has caused you pain
Day 11: Share your favorite recipe(s)
Day 12: Self portrait
Day 13: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 14: A song from your childhood
Day 15: A letter to someone you wish you could meet
Day 16: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes
Day 17: A photo that makes you sad
Day 18: Set or share a goal
Day 19: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 20: A letter to someone that changed your life
Day 21: Your favorite television program
Day 22: A photo that makes you happy
Day 23: Share one of your favorite tunes
Day 24: Time to face morph
Day 25: Someone you judged by their first impression
Day 26: Favorite books
Day 27: A talent of yours
Day 28: Favorite places to shop
Day 29: Your favorite color
Day 30: The friendliest person you knew for only 1 day
Day 31: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 32: A photo you took
Day 33: What you're craving right now
Day 34: Your favorite quote
Day 35: A letter to an ex
Day 36: Some hobbies of yours
Day 37: A song that you like to dance to
Day 38: A photo of your parents
Day 39: Zodiac sign and do you think it fits your personality
Day 40: A deceased person you wish you could talk to
Day 41: Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 42: A bad habit you have
Day 43: A picture of your favorite place in the world
Day 44: Something that fascinates you and why
Day 45: A letter to yourself a year ago
Day 46: Photos of personal things in your life (pets, family, house, etc)
Day 47: Birthday wish list
Day 48: A photo of you right now
Day 49: Hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days
Day 50: A letter to your reflection in the mirror

So tomorrow, I will introduce myself!

Awesome

2010-08-04T08:26:00.004-06:00

So I've been reading on this website throughout the morning: 1000awesomethings.com

The author writes about the simplest, every day happenings that are pretty 'awesome'. He titles each post, then goes into more depth about each subject. And they are so true. Here are some (ok, many) examples: (Click on the line to read more)

#686 When you open your cell phone and there are a bunch of text messages waiting

#682 When your boss leaves early for the day

#588 Tossing garbage in the trash can from far away

#577 Looking at the clock and seeing that it’s 12:34

#464 When characters in movies visit a place you know

#452 Picking things up with your feet

#986 When you pull to a red light and the guy in front of you nudges up a bit so you can make a right turn

#962 Being the guy on the construction crew who gets to hold the Stop sign

#966 Living with someone who doesn’t mind killing spiders

#958 Being the first person into a really crowded movie theater and getting the prime seats

If you're ever bored at work or need some light reading or want a good laugh, go to the website.

I might just have to go buy the book, too.

Who's Who?

2010-07-30T20:23:00.004-06:00

Finally, a picture of me and a baby born in the summer while I still look tan...

Baby Boy Butler 2

2010-07-30T20:09:00.001-06:00

Baby Boy Butler!!

2010-07-30T14:33:00.005-06:00

Peanut Butter Kisses

2010-07-29T10:00:00.008-06:00

The Goldenrod

I'm having a craving.

Peanut butter salt water taffy from The Goldenrod in York Beach, Maine.

My mouth is watering just thinking about those golden kisses with peanut butter in the middle.

Every time we went to Short Sands in the summer, we would stop at The Goldenrod and stare through the big glass window and watch the taffy be pulled. A few feet over, in the next window, we'd watch every little piece of confection be wrapped in wax paper and go down a slide to join the other pieces of candy.

I'd buy a small box - half full of the peanut butter kisses, and the other half mixed with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Mmmm.

And I've discovered that you can order them online.

Here is how the taffy kisses are made - don't they just sound delectable?

The Art & Science of Salt Water Taffy: (from their website)

Cooking: Using the recipe created in 1896 by Edward Talpey, the taffy is cooked to a precise temperature in big copper kettles. Cooking time and temperature vary depending on weather conditions, and the secret of perfect taffy is knowing how to read the New England weather.

Cooling: After reaching the precise cooking temperature, the boiling taffy is poured onto special cooling tables. The taffy is cooled into sheets and when it has been cooled to the right temperature and consistency, it’s transferred onto the pulling machines.

Pulling: This process was once performed by throwing taffy over a hook mounted on the wall and then pulling by hand. Today the taffy is pulled and fluffed to twice its size by the Goldenrod’s highly-polished chrome plated, mechanical pulling machines.

Wrapping: After being pulled to the proper consistency, the candy is rolled and fed into the kiss cutting machine. 180 pieces per minute of chewy, bite-sized kisses are twisted into Goldenrod’s distinctive wrappers.
The peanut butter ones, right in the middle...

I think some drool just slipped out of my mouth.

How 'Bout Them Cowgirls

2010-07-28T22:17:00.004-06:00

I need to get over my fear of horses. Especially since I've decided that I want to live in the country when I grow up. Acres and acres with horses and wooden fences and rolling hills. So I'll need to marry a farmer or rancher or something. Why does everyone laugh when I tell them that? Ha. They respond with "Um, but you like nice things" or "You won't be close to any shopping places!" etc. Ok, I do give off that impression I guess. BUT out of all of my shoes, (and I'll admit, I have a lot of heels and I like them all), my FAVORITE pair of shoes are my COWGIRL BOOTS!

And, there are some pretty well-off ranchers out there, right?

Every Mile a Memory

2010-07-28T21:39:00.004-06:00

Kyle and I broke up one year ago last night. I can still recall it pretty well. I called mom at midnight, right after he left, and just cried and talked to her for a long time. It was probably one of the hardest nights of my life. The next day at work I didn't tell anyone, but I went into the bathroom a couple of times and just cried. I can't believe how fast time flies, though. He's had a couple of relationships since. I've had a couple of dates. I know there will be more falling in love, more crushes, more heartaches and breakups, etc. Some people can move right along, and others take years to get over a person. Most days I'm perfectly content with the path my life has taken. I am not perfect. I made many mistakes in our relationship. I'm trying my best to change and I feel that I have had a change of heart this past year. But, I also think I have been holding on to some grudges. I've finally forgiven myself. I've finally forgiven him. I think he's forgiven me. It's such a release to let go of those hurtful feelings. It's like the slate has been wiped clean, and I can finally move forward and be open to new things. I took the Marriage and Family Prep class at church this last semester, and I have learned so much about relationships and growing together with someone and becoming better together. A relationship isn't about one person. It's such an unselfish thing! It's about making the other person happy (which will turn around on you, and you'll be happy, too). I'm looking forward to putting what I learned into action.

Bouncing Back from Adversity

2010-07-27T08:16:00.003-06:00

Every day, the president at work sends out an email (or sometimes three) with a thought by a certain public speaker, Lou Tice. Usually I read the title and delete it without actually opening the email. But the thought this morning caught my eye.

When adversity strikes, whether it be loss of your job, an illness, a natural disaster or when you take a big hit that really knocks you off your feet for a while, how fast you get up again depends on a number of things such as:

· How good your support network is,
· How solid your self-esteem is,
· The extent to which you believe that you can control your own destiny, and
· Your experiences of overcoming adversity in the past.

If you want to shorten the time it takes to get back on your feet, try this:

· Ask yourself how it will look when you no longer have your current problems.
· Spend time visualizing yourself in that picture and imagining how you'll feel.
· Do it over and over, day after day, week after week.
· List your strengths and past accomplishments and add to that list on a daily basis.

At the same time,

· Set and prioritize some immediate, short-term goals to improve your situation.
· Write a detailed plan of action for the top three, including day and time.

Once you've accomplished a few short-term goals, you may feel ready to do some long-term visioning and goal-setting. Finally - and this is important - no matter how much you've lost, take time to help someone else who is struggling. Even the worst adversity can be used to learn and grow.

I appreciate the line 'even the worst adversity can be used to learn and grow'. When the same negative experience happens time and time again, you'd think that we would learn from it. I think we definitely grow from it, but man! I have a hard time learning my lessons. Why do I make the same dumb decisions? How does the line go? "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Like my post last week, I will try my best to stay positive and focus on the good. And to take the lessons that I have learned to heart...(again - because obviously they didn't sink in the first time).

As much as I would love to wallow and feel sorry for myself, listening to Patsy Cline and Celine Dion (and all of the other female crooners out there who sing about heartbreak/love/being a woman), last night was my night to do that. (Thank you, Elza and Megan, for listening to my hateful words and especially thank you to Megan, who puts up with my music and my crazy talk.) Time to bounce back and move on to bigger and better things.

Choices

2010-07-26T09:28:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball that would tell me what I should do with my life. I have so many options and choices right now. School, work, move, etc. Right now I have a great job that I enjoy and I like the people I work with. The hours are great (7:30 - 2:30/3), but I'm starting to want something more. I've been thinking about PTA (Physical Therapy Assitant) school right now. PTA's start out making at least $40,000 a year, and the job openings outnumber the job applicants, so it's not too hard to find a job. The program takes about 2 years, and there are only a few schools around here that offer that program. The only problem is that they are both in the day time. I know some things have to change if I want to move forward with my life, but I'd hate to quit my job. Especially when the program starts in just about a month. That doesn't give me much time to decide. Plus finding a new job, etc. And what if I change my mind and decide that the program really isn't for me? And what if I can't find a part time job at night? I wish I could see into the future. I am grateful, though, when people don't push my about school. It drives me nuts when people always ask about it or tell me I need or should go, etc. I know these things, but I'll go when I want to. And now that I'm getting the itch to go, I still don't know what to do!
I've been in Utah for four years now. I've enjoyed my time working. But I've been living in my comfort shell for too long now. It's time to break out and do something more. I'll still stay in Utah - I love my ward and my friends and the people I know, and the convenience of where I live. Somebody just needs to invent a crystal ball or a modern-day liahona for me, or something...

25:38

2010-07-23T20:46:00.003-06:00

Tonight, Emma made me a deal and said that if I could run 2 miles in 28 minutes, I wouldn't have to do a third mile. But of course John overheard that, and said it has to be 27 minutes. Well, of course I had to up John and I did it in 25:38 minutes. I shaved off 1:22 seconds! Haha, so about a 13 minute mile. Not great, but hey, yesterday I went 3 miles in 45 minutes. So it's a lot better. A 15 minute mile to a little less than a 13 minute mile. Ooooh yeeeeah. I'm nervous already for September, though...only 2 more months to get ready! Plus with obstacles? Man, my body already aches... :)

The Diiirty Dash

2010-07-23T09:31:00.006-06:00

On September 25th, there is a 10k (6.2 miles) called The Dirty Dash up in Salt Lake City. Just take a look at that obstacle course! Man oh man!! I'm nervous but excited already! Emma, Elza, and I are going to do it! Bring your cameras! I started 'training' last night. 3 miles. 45 minutes. Not very good. I would walk, run, walk, run. But then again, that's only Day 1. I better start building up my resistance now, though. Emma was right - if you start out running, it's much easier to just keep going. Take breaks, but then start running again. When I stop and start walking, I hate starting to run again. So I'll try that next time.

Those obstacles are going to make it pretty rough! It's going to be muddy, sweaty, hard, dirty, long, and FUN! (At least, those are my expectations...)

Blondie

2010-07-21T20:00:00.003-06:00

I got my hair cut and colored yesterday. I think this is the blondest I've ever been. I like it, but it takes some getting used to! Of course I didn't take any pictures of it yesterday after the stylist made it look so nice and straight...just my luck. So here's my 'signature' wavy look. :)

I Can Do It!

2010-07-21T08:52:00.006-06:00

Have you noticed that I never finished up my 30 Day Shred saga? Well, that's because I still have 4 days left. I've had 4 days left for the last month or so. I haven't stopped working out, I just stopped doing that particular workout. I had no reason to stop. I've just been going to Emma's and using her elliptical more lately. (I have really made up my mind to buy one. I love it - so many different workout options and different lengths and strengths, etc.). Time to start saving my pennies! And I'd be saving gas to just have it at my house. Seriously. Why not spend money on something that will help me live a longer and healthier life? 45 minutes every morning sounds great. I feel so good when the timer hits 0:00. I did a Firm video yesterday - a strength training one. Man, the instructor was so annoying. And is it bad that I get annoyed when all of the girls behind her are so smiley when I just about want to die and I'm grunting like an animal? Oh well, maybe when I'm really in shape and can do any workout I will be smiling and happy, too.

So I had gained a couple of pounds back since my lowest weight. I knew I was getting lazy with the way I was eating, and even my workouts were becoming less and less. BUT I've been doing much better the past 2 weeks (hello, I even said no to banana splits at FHE on Monday. I had the banana...sans ice cream). And when I weighed myself this morning, I lost those few pounds I had gained back, plus one more! So NOW I am at my lowest weight in a long time. And it will just keep getting lower.

Because I can do it.

Being Loved and Staying Positive

2010-07-20T18:36:00.005-06:00

I am loved. And I've been feeling it more and more lately. By people around me, by my family and friends, by members of my ward (especially the bishopric), and the love that Heavenly Father and Christ have for me. I don't think anything has changed drastically in my life. But I feel that I have had a change of heart. My heart has been full of gratitude and appreciation recently. In church, members of the Stake High Council always bring the love of the Stake Presidency when they come to visit our ward. The bishop always expresses his love for the ward members pretty much every time we see him. I think I always listened to the words, but I'm not sure if I ever really felt them before now.
I know the Lord loves me with an incredible love. I know He is always there for me and watches over me. I know that I am a daughter of God. I know that the Bishop cares for each member in the ward, and is interested in the ways we conduct our lives. He is there to help us and to give counsel and words of encouragement. He wants us to succeed.
I feel the love that family and friends have for me; helping me in the yard, fixing my car, letting me come over to their house all of the time, making me laugh, feeding me words of encouragement, giving me compliments, listening to my stories, allowing me to cry on their shoulder, inviting me to activities, telling me that I'm not crazy, hearing that I'm missed when I don't go to something, supporting my dreams, hanging out with me just to be with me, and so much more! There are so many good people in this world, and I think that too often we find or seek out only the negative in our lives.
A study found that for every ONE negative in our life, it takes ELEVEN positives to cancel it out. Can you believe that? About a month ago, I attended a conference where the public speaker spoke about 'self-talk'. (Words and thoughts we have throughout the day about ourselves.) He said to try to go just 24 hours without giving yourself any negative self-talk. You could only say and think positive words and thoughts about yourself. He then concluded "It's going to be a very quiet day." How often do we look at ourselves and think how awesome we are? Or how pretty or handsome we are? Or tell ourselves that we are smart and confident? I don't think that happens very often.
So here's to being grateful for everything in my life (even the negative experiences, because I grow from them = positive). It may be hard to be thankful for my bad experiences, but I know they only make me a stronger and better person in the grand scheme of things. This earth life is so short, why hang on to the negative experiences? Learn from them and move on. And try not to repeat the same mistakes. And that is just what I intend to do.

MoTab's Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert!

2010-07-17T07:06:00.004-06:00

Last night I went to see a concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was AWESOME. I have never seen them in concert before; I've only seen them sing in General Conference. A concert is a lot different. There's a lot of clapping, standing, whistles, etc. Everything you don't do at conference. I'm not used to that in the conference center! They sang some great songs, including "It's a Grand Night for Singing" from State Fair (probably my all time favorite movie), Battle Hymn of the Republic, Handel's Hallelujah chorus, Amazing Graze with bagpipes, Look for the Silver Lining (I had never heard this song before last night, but I really liked it), and so many more great songs.
Since the choir is commemorating 100 years of recording, there were stories stories and videos of the choir's recording history in between every few songs. Very interesting facts about how they first started recording, and how they record now, etc. Also some stories about the organ pipes and the choir travelling all over the world.

Now I've just got to find a way to get tickets for their Christmas concert! I heard that's a sell-out!

Happy Birthday, Mumsy!

2010-07-16T08:39:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, wonderful, awesome mom! Thanks for always putting up with my daily phone calls (I can't believe you still answer every time!), my boy troubles, my begging for a dog every few months, my calls at midnight to say rabbits, my usually late rent checks, my whining about lack of money, my shoe addiction (which leads to the lack of money...), my stories about work and fun and friends and weight and everything in between (and I'm sure a lot of boring stories are mixed in there, too. But you listen anyway).

You are a great mom, a loving wife to dad, a gardener, sewer, volunteer, an example, quilter, cook (can I request the zucchini and squash chicken pasta when I come home in a few months?), Otis-caretaker, friend, leader, pianist and organist, a hard worker, listener, teacher, a fun grandma, aunt, and sister, a puzzle solver, a lover-of-books, wise with money, you have great taste in music (Il Divo, MoTab, Eva Cassidy, John Denver, etc...), a chic dresser, one of the kindest people I know, a singer, a great public speaker (think about all of those talks you give in church!), and so much more!

Thanks for always being there, mumsy. You're amazing and I hope to be like you someday! I love you so much! Happy Birthday!

Rodeo

2010-07-11T21:22:00.005-06:00

This past weekend, my friend Ashlee and I went to visit our friend Holly in Roosevelt, UT. Population: 50. (Ok, maybe a little more than that...) The drive was beautiful, I love the country. I've decided I need to to live there when I'm older. I love lots of land and great views. Anyway, Holly is Ashlee's roommate, but went home for the summer to 'ruff' (as Holly pronounces it), or 'roof' (the way I pronounce it). Her family has a roofing business and she goes home every summer to help out and work. She gave us the 5 minutes tour of her town when we first got there, and showed us the roofs that they have worked on. Man, some of those things are so steep and high, I could never do that job! It makes me nervous just thinking of people walking around up there, not to mention working on them! After the tour and dinner at Cafe Rio (mmmm pork salads...), we headed over to the rodeo in Vernal. I love rodeos. And when you see the picture of my future hubby below, you may understand a little why I like them so much...

Me and Holly. I love this girl, she's hilarious.

Mmmm. Cowboys.

On our way to the rodeo!

(Thank you, Emma, for letting me borrow your shirt)

Ashlee found us some great seats!

A bucking bronco...

The best part of the night.

My future husband.

Then again, I think I've seen 4 or 5 potential future husbands lately. I must be getting the fever.

Some for the Grandparents

2010-07-07T21:38:00.004-06:00

So the first 3 pictures of Chris are old, but they are some of my favorites. I can't believe how much he's grown! Time needs to slow down...

Swimming (tanning) on Monday

Happy Birthday, Elza!!

2010-07-07T21:07:00.008-06:00

Best cousins 4ever!

Elza's 21st Birthday!! Whoohoo! On Monday night, Emma, Elza, and I went out to Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Elza's big day. The food was delish, and we had a great time talking and laughing. Probably one of our favorite things to do. We ordered our cheesecakes to go (we were so stuffed), but ended up eating them in the car, since we were stuck in traffic on the way home. After dinner we walked around the mall, and tried on lots of shoes...

Happy Birthday, gorgeous girl!! We love you!!

Bedroom (and Hair), Before and After

2010-07-05T10:00:00.005-06:00

A few months ago, Emma helped me out (a lot), fixing up my bedroom. It's amazing what some new curtains, pillows, and headboard can do!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

HAIR BEFORE:

RIGHT AFTER:

TODAY: (Time for a trim and some highlights...)

Obviously I am partial to wearing black and white lately...

4th of July

2010-07-04T17:37:00.012-06:00

The 4th of July is my second favorite holiday (following Christmas). I started off the 4th of July holiday last Sunday. There was a Freedom Festival devotional at the Marriott Center in the evening. It was aaamazing. There were a ton of singers and patriotic songs, the military songs were played by the orchestra (during which those who served in our military stood up and were recognized), guest speakers, including Steve Young, a young man who was badly wounded in Afghanistan, a slideshow of two young men from Mountain View High School who were killed in the war last year (their mothers stood on the stage while the slideshow was going on, and members of the military folded and presented them each with an American flag - very touching), bagpipes, stories of our forefathers, etc. I wasn't sure if I was going to go or not, and I'm sooo glad that I did. It was definitely the right kickoff for the upcoming holiday weekend.

Yesterday morning, Elza and I woke up around 6 and headed over to the park across the street and watched the hot air balloons being inflated. It was pretty cool to see, although it was too windy for them to take off, so we also got to see them deflate. (I saw them flying later that day, so the wind must have cooperated). Then after a little shopping, we headed over to Jim and Julie's house for some swimming and a BBQ. (Man, I have lots of girl cousins!) Following that, I joined Emma and John and the kids for fireworks down by Helaman Halls. I got there around 6, and the fireworks didn't start until 10, so there was a lot of running around with kids, especially Adam and Chris. Man, those boys have some crazy imaginations. It's so fun to hear what they make up and pretend! Here are some pics I took while we waited for the fireworks:

I'll probably go to the parade tomorrow downtown, but today I was driving by around 4 and the streets are already crowded with chairs and blankets and tents. It's crazy! I love living in Provo at this time of the year, and we have the most convenient location. No need to find parking!

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July!

Dance Your Pants Off

2010-07-01T11:51:00.004-06:00

I'm going to Emma's tonight to babysit. And workout. She has a nice elliptical that I love to use. My legs feel a bit like jello jigglers afterwards, but it's all worth it. :) (At least it better be!)

Sometimes people choose one part of their body to work on at a time, or focus on one thing. Someone might want nicer arms, smaller thighs, or a flatter stomach. But I want all of that! I just want to shrink and tone all of my bodaaay.

I'm thinking about having a 'dance your pants off' moment every night before bed. Just choose a couple of songs to dance to and burn off some extra calories. Just in my room. In private (obviously...). I lie in bed and listen to music beforehand, I might as well get up and move for a few minutes, right?!

Tons of people are wearing blue at work today. Why didn't I get the memo?

Shorty Got Low, Low, Low...

2010-06-28T13:33:00.003-06:00

As in, my weight is getting lower. This morning it was the lowest yet since this weight loss 'journey'. 24.8 pounds lower.

Did I mention I bought a smaller pair of jeans?

Yup. I did.

(Ok, they may be a bit snug. But I still fit into them!)

Just more motivation to make them fit even better, right?

Another One Bites the Dust

2010-06-25T13:16:00.002-06:00

Well, another pound bites the dust, anyway. Clap on the back.

I even said no to the bagels at work today. (We hardly get bagels, and they were from Einsteins. So be proud, because they are some of the most delicious bagels around!) I'm more aware of what I eat, and I'm trying to stop when I'm full. Like this morning for breakfast.

I still can't hit the ceiling when I jump. I tried last night. A lot. Megan was able to (it must have been her super sneakers...or she's just talented). Probably the latter.

Tonight is the rodeo. I'm pretty excited, I love it. Especially the bulls and bucking broncs! I bought tickets closer to the shutes (I like that part better than the roping, etc). Good thing I've got my cowgirl boots!

Oh life...You are definitely a roller coaster ride. Que sera, sera.

Yeehaaaw

2010-06-21T11:55:00.002-06:00

Today I am at the lowest weight that I've been in 3 years. (I got to my lowest a little over 3 years ago when I practically lived on crackers and applesauce the two weeks leading up to Big Band Night - I needed to fit into my dress! Obviously I gained it right back...)

It's a whole new round of 10s. (I mean, I'm hardly in there, but I'll take it!)

So, from my highest weight, I've lost 21.6 pounds. :) I'm staying positive, and it's totally motivating to see the scale have a lower number. Sometimes I rationalize and say to myself that BECAUSE I've lost weight, I can eat bad (because I'm doing so 'good'). But this time it's motivating me to eat right MORE often and exercise even MORE.

Can't wait for the next round of 10s.

When I reach my goal weight, and I look smokin' hot, I will tell you my start weight and my final weight. I'll even post before and after pictures. Because it won't matter to me by then. I'll be healthy!

When I'm Smaller...

2010-06-15T08:05:00.005-06:00

When I reach my goal and when I have smaller calves, a pair of these will be my reward:

A pair of Frye boots. That fit nicely around my calves. With jeans tucked in.

(If that will still be in fashion by then, anyway...)

Day 26

2010-06-14T22:03:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 26 - Check

By the time I got home from Ashlee's (I was watching The Bachelorette, where Ali made some dumb decisions, by the way), it was getting too dark outside to go for a walk/run. Sooo, we did Jillian. Megan did great - her first time, and on level 3, too!! Way to go!!
I should take before and after pictures of my workout.
Before: my face still looks normal, my hair is tied nicely back in a perfect ponytail, and my shirt is dry and unwrinkled.
After: my face is bright red and sweaty, my hair is a mess and there are fly-aways galore, and my shirt is wrinkled and damp.

You get the picture.
4 more days. :)

Ok, Jillian...

2010-06-14T15:41:00.002-06:00

I only have 5 more days left of the 30 day shred, why am I being such a slacker all of a sudden?!? Seriously. Time to shape up. Haha....

Good news: Megan and I jogged/walked 4.5 miles on Saturday. It was right by Utah Lake and it was beautiful! We went 1.5 miles in the morning before I left for work, and another 3 in the evening. We also noth got some new workout pants, which totally motivates me. I feel better and just want to work out more when I have cool workout clothes. Weird? Whatev. It helps me. I feel like a pro or something.

My goal is run a 5k in September. 3.2 miles. Not bad. BUT I'm definitely not a runner. I can walk it, easy. But run? Eh, another story. But I want to run the WHOLE 3.2 miles. No stopping, no walking. I AM going to run the whole thing.

Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?

2010-06-10T09:05:00.003-06:00

I never was a big fan of the summertime...it's just too hot. I love the spring, winter, and especially the fall, but the summer? It's ok. Why did I move to the desert?

BUT, when I REALLY think about summer, I think of all of the activities going on, and I get so excited!!

For instance:
- going to the zoo
- Thanksgiving Point activities and flower gardens
- going to the Scera Shell for all of the outdoor musicals(this summer: Funny Girl, Willy Wonka, Annie Get Your Gun, and Hairspray!) And lots of outdoor movies, too!
- driving the Nebo Loop/Alpine Loop
- going to rodeos and fairs (can't wait!)
- going swimming
- having BBQs
- laying out and tanning
- yard work (who would have thought?)
- visiting home in September
- going to museums
- going to San Francisco/San Diego (don't know which one yet. I think San Diego this summer, and San Francisco this fall...to see Wicked! And ride a trolley. And see the Full House house. And visit fisherman's wharf. And go to Ghirardelli square. Haha, can you tell I really want to go there?)
- exploring Antelope Island
- visiting my friend Holly in Roosevelt
- going to the library more, and reading some great books outside
- hanging out with my cute niece and nephew (I do that anyway, but whatevs)
- 4th of July activities. Provo is just buzzing that time of the year!
- discover Provo more; they have tours going on this summer of some of the old, historic homes. I'd love to see what they look like inside! Also, tons of parks and other activities, etc.
- work (ok, not so fun. But a girl needs money to do most of this fun stuff!)

So, in other words, I'm just going to enjoy life and have a wonderful summer!

Day 25

2010-06-03T16:17:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 25 - Check

So, there's this little joke that runs in my family. One of my sisters can't jump. Family members convince her to jump and try to touch the ceiling, and then she finally gives in and tries (knowing we'll all laugh at her, because she can't). It is funny, and I laugh too. Except...I can't jump either. So I just don't jump in front of people. Anyway, the point is, every time I jump with Jillian Michaels (which we do a lot, like the rockstar kick I talked about yesterday), I'm going to try to hit the ceiling with my hand. I tried today. Fail. So I'll try again tomorrow. In 5 days, I hope to be able to slap the ceiling. Or at least just hit it with my fingers...

Only 5 more workouts!!

Day 24

2010-06-02T20:44:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 24 - Check

Tonight I worked out in my house (like always). So hot. It was 78 degrees inside! It may be time to turn on the swamp cooler soon. Although I kind of like sweating all of those toxins out of my body...

In Level 3, there is a move called the Rockstar Jump. Which basically means you jump in the air and your kick your feet behind you. In the beginning, I hated them. I hate jumping (warning: If you hate jumping, you're in for a not-so-good surprise when you start Jillian's workouts). But tonight, I actually LOVED them. I was looking forward to them the second time around. I don't know what it is, but I felt light as a feather! I won't lie, I like to watch myself in the mirror when I do the jumps. I want to see how high I can get!

Anyway, only 6 more workouts left, then it's time to move on. I'm kind of nervous, I've liked Jillian. And I know I'm nervous to move on to harder and longer workouts. Especially the longer part...ha. I'm so lazy, I know I can do so much more!! But I'm getting there!!

Day 23

2010-06-01T21:48:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 23 - Check

Tonight wasn't too bad! Abs are still killer, though. But I was able to do all of the cardio and weights, etc.

Yesterday I weighed my lowest. I didn't weigh myself today. So we'll see if I'm still holding strong tomorrow!

Rabbits!!

2010-06-01T08:51:00.003-06:00

It's June 1st. So we say Rabbits!

This is an English tradition that my family always does. I don't know what it means or why we do it, but on the first of every month, whoever says the word "rabbits" first, wins. So this morning I woke up at 3:30 and sent out a big text. :) And then called mom and dad at 8:30 their time. I think I won this round...

My New Dress

2010-05-31T09:32:00.004-06:00

Megan and I went antique shopping on Saturday in American Fork, and I found this vintage dress at Mona Lisa's. I love it and it fits like a glove! Sorry the pics are small, if I make them any bigger, I get pixel-y. I got a ton of compliments at church and everyone wanted to know where I got it. Even the sweet old ward clerk (in his 70s) came up to me and told me how nice I looked and how my hair and dress were 'just beautiful'. They had a green one at the store, too, just in my size. I may have to go back...

The back

The front (ok, I could have sucked in a bit more)

Now I just need a picture with the shoes so you can see the full effect... :)

Day 22

2010-05-29T07:32:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 22 - Check!

I can't believe I'm already on Day 22. Today wasn't as bad as Thursday. I still struggle with some moves, especially the last abs movement. I can't seem to do it right, it hurts my arm and shoulder and I don't even feel my abs working since I'm struggling just staying up on my side. I need to work on it. Maybe I'll ask Emma what I'm doing wrong. I'm probably just week. But hello! I can do some push ups without even dying! Success.

Today is going to be a good day. I have no plans so far, and I'm loving it. I think a nice drive, perhaps. But then I remember it's Memorial Day weekend...Maybe a picnic in the park, who knows. All I know is that it is going to be beautiful!

For my goal, I need to lose 3 pounds in 2 days. Fail.

Oh, Jillian...

2010-05-28T08:04:00.004-06:00

Last night during Workout 21, Jillian told me that I should be starting to see my 6-pack by now. Ha.
First, I need to get rid of the fat that is lying on top of this so-called 6-pack. Second, I know I'm still not eating right, which means more fat around my midsection.

So when I went grocery shopping yesterday I bought a lot of healthy things. I realize that my issue is that I buy way too much food. It all may be good and healthy, but I just don't eat it all. I end up tossing out half of the grapes, a bag of spinach, slimey carrots, old eggs, sour yogurts, etc. (I do not eat anything past the expiration date. Especially milk. It's a mental thing, I guess. Mom would try to trick us sometimes and fill up the empty milk gallon with powdered milk. HELLO! I can tell the difference between skim and powdered milk!) So anyway, I need to eat what I have! I was talking to my mom last night, and she was saying that Macey's is so close, I could just get fresh food daily. I can walk (extra exercise points!) and just buy what I need for the day. So true. So I might try that this week...(after I use up all of the food I bought last night).

Smooooth

2010-05-27T20:01:00.002-06:00

I just shaved my legs using my new quintuple (5) blade razor. Ahhhmazing. Finish off with some cocoa butter lotion = heavenly. (I also no longer buy shaving gel. I shave almost every day and it's just too expensive. So I use the 88 cents Suave or White Rain hair conditioner as my shaving gel. I like it even more than gel, anyway, so it's perfect! And way cheaper!)

I wear skirts/dresses 6 days a week. (Well 95% of the time. Once every few weeks I throw in a pair of nice dress pants for work...) So smooth legs are important....Since I sit behind a desk all day...Whatever. I enjoy the smoothness, and if they are prickly I feel grubby all day. So there. A new razor was a good purchase. Plus, I can't justify spending $15 on cartridges. I know it's an 'investment', but I'd rather just buy a brand new razor. (It comes with an extra cartridge anyway, and it's only $7 or so).

Soon they are going to have 20-blade razors. Just you wait. And I'm sure I'll buy that one, too.

Day 21

2010-05-27T19:22:00.001-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 21 - Check

I think I just went to hell and back in 30 minutes.

Day 20

2010-05-27T08:40:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 20 - Check (I think that the 30 days have dragged out to be more like 40 days...)

Yesterday I felt 100% better! I went to my friends' house to watch the finale of American Idol (GO LEE!!), which is two hours long. I don't care so much about any of the singers or the extra shows because seriously, all I wanted to know was who won. So instead of sitting on my bottom for two hours, I left around 7:30 to go home and work out, and then went back to my friends' house for the last 10 minutes. Then we played the Wii Fit for about an hour and half. It's so fun and we kept laughing and laughing. I am totally an amateur. Hello, I thought I was great at the hula hoop! It was great...except when they showed me what my BMI was. That was definitely not fun to see.

Ok, drum roll please...I actually enjoyed working out last night. Maybe it was because it was the last workout on Level 2, or maybe because I hadn't worked out in almost a week. But the burn and sweat felt good!! And I kept up with Jillian and did all of the moves. No cheating, I swear! (Ok, I had to take a few seconds' rest when I was doing the last round of abs. It's killer).

Today feels like a Friday. I wish it were. This week has been draaaaagging. But, I'm in a great mood today. I straightened my hair (AKA it looks decent and not a straggly rat's nest like it does on most days), and I just feel good. And it's gorgeous outside. And I slept well last night. (I've been thinking about doing the PTA [physical therapy assisting] program at my school, and I had some weird dreams about that. A sign? Who knows.) But anyway, it's going to be a great day.

I work on Memorial Day, which isn't too fun, BUT I get my pay, plus holiday pay. So who's complaining? I had no plans , anyway. And I'll be done at 4, so I'll still have all evening to do whatever!

Bumming Around

2010-05-25T08:41:00.003-06:00

Man, I haven't worked out since last Thursday. I missed Friday, Saturday, and yesterday!! I still feel sick. I got into my workout clothes last night, ready to work out, but then opted to take a hot bath and go straight to bed. So I slept in my workout clothes, planning to work out this morning instead. Still no go. I don't know what I have - if it's the stomach flu, if I just ate something bad, or if it's just mental! Haha. I've been lying around all weekend for the most part. I did feel better on Saturday and I thought that I was all better, and I went to work's graduation at the Provo Tabernacle. And I fulfilled one of my dreams... I got to play the organ!! I played after most people were out of the room, but the organ sounds amazing in that room (pictures to come). Next goal: to play the organ in the Conference Center!
I also saw Ironman 2 this weekend. I liked it better than the first. And that's all I really have to say about it. Haha. It was enjoyable and action-packed and entertaining. Very loud, though. I think I may have taken a few years off of my hearing when I grow old.

PS: Dear HGTV, I would love to win your Dream/Green Home Giveaway. And that's it.

Sicko

2010-05-21T13:05:00.002-06:00

I am so sick. I don't know if I'll be working out tonight... I just want to take some medicine and curl up in a ball and fall asleep. At least it hasn't been too crazy at work today. But man. I can hardly function! And I hate to leave work early, I always feel like such a bum (and it's be less money and I don't want to take any more PTO right now...)

I'm going to the school's graduation ceremony tomorrow, I better feel good by then! Emma is playing the organ for it (Pomp and Circumstance over and over and over and over again....)

And it's Friday night, I have no plans, so it's good that I'm sick now, right?

Day 19

2010-05-21T08:13:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 19 - Check

Last night I did workout number 19. It wasn't too bad. Jillian doesn't allow breaks or anything (or, if you really have to take a break, it can be, at the longest, 5 seconds). I take these breaks. Sometimes it's just 2 or 3 seconds, but it helps me! I also sip water throughout the workout. My mouth gets so dry and I just need hydration! Yes, I know. It's only 30 minutes of intensity, you don't get breaks for that short of a time. Yeah yeah. 3 seconds here and there won't ruin my workout. I haven't checked my weight in a couple of days (probably because I know I haven't made the best food decisions lately...) Maybe I'll check tomorrow.

I have to work out tonight for number 20. I'm feeling pretty sick this morning. I found a Wendy's 2-cracker packet of saltines in my desk drawer and ate those to see if they would help. They tasted disgusting - I think they sprinkled them with sugar instead of salt. Or my tastebuds are just acting funny...haha.

I've been talking to my neighbor a lot lately and he knows everyone in the neighborhood. I don't know anyone! So my goal is to get to know some people. Like the old man next door that weeds my flowers. I found out he is Portuguese, grew up in Yugoslavia, and was a Nazi who worked in concentration camps during World War II. I would love to talk to him and hear his stories. Although the neighbor says he's kind of hard to understand. I've only said 'hi' and 'thank you' to him in the past 4 years! Except for the time I was digging up dirt to plant flowers. Then he came out and started doing it for me and said "This is a man's job. Next time, a man should do this for you".
I also found out that the house three doors down is Provo City housing, where abused women and children go when they need a safe place to stay. So maybe it would be nice to visit the families there (they move new people in and out every few months, I heard). So it's time to step out of my comfort zone and get to know more people!

Day 18

2010-05-20T08:16:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 18 - Check

Last night was workout number 18. This time I put on some Michael Buble' and Dianna Krall, instead of the hip-hop/R+B music that I've been listening to. It wasn't too bad, and it kept me calm, even when I was out of breath and dying. I felt as light as a feather when I was doing something they call double jump rope. (Just a lot higher of a jump, and your arms swing around twice instead of once. AKA - moving your arms a lot faster and jumping a lot higher). Well, light as a feather for the first round anyway. The second round...not so much. But I still felt good! And I'm stronger. When I flex I'm still embarrassed, but at least now I actually have something to flex.

I've been watching American Idol off and on this season, but Lee has been my favorite since the way beginning. And now he's one of the top two! So don't forget to vote for my man next Tuesday. :)

I saw Letters to Juliet last weekend. It was pretty cute. It makes me want to go to Italy sooo bad. And fall in love. And make some great friends while I'm there so I will always be welcomed back. And go for drives in the countryside (or mountainside...maybe it's time to do Nebo Loop again!) Can life really be like the movies? Can I make it that way? I need an exciting job where I can travel and enjoy lots of different cultures and meet lots of new people, and just have tons of great experiences. So if you find one, please let me know. I would like it. I used to want to work for National Geographic - writing articles or taking pictures and they just pay for my travel. Seriously. Or start my own non-profit organization. I would love to go help others, and I know I would needs funds, etc. But looking online at different organizations, I don't want to pay $2500+ (not including airfare, food, etc). And the Peace Corps is a long commitment, too. So who knows. I'm still young. I have time. I am just impatient.

Speaking of impatient, the talks on Sunday were about that. Everyone did a great job, and I realized that, man! I'm impatitient about a lot of stuff! I need to work on that...

My Dream Home

2010-05-18T12:07:00.003-06:00

I love HGTV. It always gives me great ideas and makes me want to buy/build my dream home. While I'm watching it, I plan: (I get so giddy thinking about this!)
Dark brown, wide plank (not too shiny) wood floors throughout the house. A farmhouse sink in the kitchen with black concrete counter tops. An island with a small sink in the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances. A double oven. A gas stove. Colors consisting of grays and whites and blues (and some yellows thrown in there) throughout the house. A big claw foot tub (with a separate shower), and wainscoting around the walls of the bathroom. Plenty of bedrooms for all of my children (the number is 7 right now, but we'll see how I feel after baby number 1), and of course a room or two for all of my guests. A wrought iron canopy bed in my room with white bedding and lots of pillows. A baby grand piano. Lots of windows for natural light. Enough bathrooms (4? Who knows...) A mud room with pegs for coats and cubbyholes for boots and shoes. The house will be white and have a wrap-around porch (with 4 or 5 rocking chairs, of course) and old fashioned lanterns will hang down from the ceiling of it. A 3 car garage (perhaps one for my boat...?) An American flag on my porch, waving in the wind. A long driveway. Lovely landscaping. A beautiful vegetable garden. Fruit trees. 10+ acres of land. And the land will lead right to the ocean! 2 dogs and 1 cat. A beautiful detached barn for storage and whatever else (maybe a bride will want to have her reception in a country barn, who knows! And I'll let her use it for free, because I'll be so blessed with all of this other stuff!!) Somewhere in New England, or at least on the east coast. Snow in winter, sun in the summer. And lots of crunchy leaves in the fall.

Man, what a dream! Now where's my sugar daddy?

Day 17

2010-05-17T21:42:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 17 - Check

Last night was number 17. My bed was waaay too comfortable yesterday morning to get up. Sometimes it just happens, ok? You lie there and you just...can't......move. I pushed snooze about 8 times. It was great. I've been going to bed around 1 AM this past weekend, so I needed some extra minutes to snooze.

The workout last night wasn't awful. But not awesome, either. I keep huffing and puffing. Looking back, Level One seems like a dream. Jumping jacks? No problem. Regular sit ups? Easy peasy. Punches? A breeze.

I dread the day when Level 2 ends. I can't imagine what Level 3 will be like.

Day 16

2010-05-15T07:42:00.002-06:00

30 Day Shred

Day 16 - Check

It's Saturday morning. I went to bed at midnight, and of course I woke up at 6 AM. I sat around for a little, read some of Elza's running magazine, read an Ensign article, and decided that I couldn't put off the workout any longer. Seriously, I just like to get it over with! Then I don't have to think about it all day...which is nice. Sometimes I have to leave my friends' houses earlier than I want, just so I can still work out and get a decent amount sleep.

I saw a movie last night...no soda or popcorn, but water and...hot tomales! My moment of weakness. I had a small, individual bag in my hand at the gas station...and then opted it for the big box. Good news - I didn't eat the whole box. Bad news - I still ate way too many. I least I downed them with some water, right? Haha, the good and the bad. Seriously though, what's my problem? Why didn't I just settle with the small bag? Selfishness because I didn't want to share a small bag? I was hoarding the box through the whole movie! I think I shared maybe 5 cinnamon candies. No more big boxes of candy at movies. Or ever. Not even on road trips.

I want to go here. It's Antelope Island on Salt Lake. Tons of trails, beachy parts, wildlife, and it looks just beautiful! I read it in the running magazine this morning. (Who would have thought I'd ever pick up that magazine.) So one of these upcoming Saturday mornings I am heading up. With a friend. You're welcome to come with me.

PS: I love Elder Holland's talk from April's conference, 'Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul'. Read it here. One of my favorites.