Sunday, November 15, 2009

Six Questions

Josh emailed me these questions so I thought I would post my answers on my blog...

A) Four places that I go to over and over:
Work, work (yes two different jobs), Michael's, and the gym.

B) Four people who e-mail me:
The RS, Border's (but I just unsubscribe from that), I guess that's about it.


C) Four of my favorite places to eat:
The Pie, Great China, home, Mom's house

D) Four places you would love to be:
San Diego, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Colorado

E) Four people I'm almost sure will respond:
I'm not emailing this, so it doesn't really apply...but Sandy might post it too. She usually loves these things. And maybe MaryAnn.

F) Four of your favorite TV shows:
The Office, The Biggest Loser...that's about all I watch as far as TV goes.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead

Well, i know it's unheard of for me to blog twice in a week, but here I am once again. Surprisingly I am writing my first Biggest Loser blog of the season...shocking how long it's taken.

So, for those of you who've been watching it, you may know that the least liked contestant this year is Tracey. And she finally got voted off this week. I was surprised, I didn't think they would ever do it. She was for sure a big game player, from the start of the season. I thought she would've been voted off long ago. she lost a lot of popularity early on. After she chose the black and blue teams, I swore I would never watch again. (The show has to be rigged, btw.) But, I did watch the next episode, then I missed one, and then I watched this week's.

The things that drove me crazy about Tracey, were her creepy eyes and her mannerisms. I hated when she would stick her nose in the air and shake her hair back. And she just has really creepy eyes. She did look quite thin when they showed her 'now' pictures. She seems to have lost a lot of weight. My biggest fear is that she'll come back in the next couple of weeks when they bring a contestant back on.

And, how is Daniel still here with all of his low numbers??? With losses (or not) like that, I would have thought he'd be long gone.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Mr. Beaver and Lucy

So, I have a bit of free time on my hands...I know, I can't believe it either. So, I thought, "Now will be a great time to post those fabulous Halloween pictures and blog about the sweet party."

First, I have to thank John and Megan for putting the party together. It was so fun. I love the idea of an adult trunk-or-treat. That's right, folks, we had an adult trunk-or-treat. You should be super jealous. I think we should continue the tradition as long as we continue to be childless...what else will we do for Halloween???

Earlier in the month, Sam and I were trying to think of cool Halloween costumes. I said, "I know! I want to be the White Witch from the Chronicles of Narnia." Sam replied,, "I'll be a potato beaver!" It was the funniest idea and I knew John would love it, so I sacrificed my great idea to make his costume. I didn't think I could make two in time for Halloween. I know, how noble of me, right?!? (For those of you wondering what in the world a potato beaver is, I'll explain quickly. It's the beavers from the old school Chronicles of Narnia...fabulous show. Thank you, BBC. If you don't have time to watch the whole movie, my brother does a pretty superb highlight reel.)

So, the moment you've all been waiting for (pictures):





This is Scott as the drunk Mexican, and Mary Ann as Brigitta...you should've seen her little introduction.



Friends Of mine, Josh and Amber...I think their costumes are obvious.



John and Megan as Mulder and Scully....Great costumes! Especially with the musical entrance.



And two more of my friends, Michael and Nora...again, a pretty obvious costume. If only they'd gone as Bob and Jillian like I suggested.



Sam did win three awards for his costume, 'Best Costume,' 'Most Original Costume,' and second place for 'Scariest Costume.' Good times!

Oh, and I won 'Funniest Costume.' I guess the pickings were pretty slim!

Oh yeah! In case you want to do a side-by-side, check out these pictures from the show:

Lucy, in all her beauty.



And, the original "Mr. Beaver."

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Back to school...or...work

So, this yeah I've been assigned to interpret at a junior high. Today was the first day back. It was just the 7th grade today. The halls were crowded and I had to keep reminding myself that it was only going to get worse. Apparently the 7th grade class at this school makes up almost half the student body...unreal.

7th graders are so sweet and innocent...for now. They go to their classes on time and when the teacher is a little late getting in, usually for taking some extra time in the hall to direct the little lost kids to their class, they just sit there quietly. It is so different from high school and probably even the older ages in the junior high. It was a fun day. I can't believe how old some of the kids look and then there are the others that don't look old enough to be there.

All in all, I really enjoyed my first day back to work, minus the pain the I get in my arms. Guess that's what I get for not interpreting during the summer. It's worth it though. I love my vacations!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sorry,Mary Ann. I was going to include a disclaimer, but I didn't. I do feel bad, and I hope that you don't hate me. But, really, you had to know that was coming, right?!?

And yes, it's the last movie that they are making into 2 parts. Where, apparently, Harry is going to become a genius with the wisdom of an 75 year old wizard who has spent a long time studying the life of Tom Riddle. He's going to magically know that Riddle is attached to Hogwarts and would want to use items from the founders of the school to turn into horcruxes. AND he's going to know all about Voldemort's pet snake and everything else that Dumbledore told him in book 6 that was crucial to the destruction of said wizard. Can't wait to see how they pull that off! Should be interesting.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Harry Potter #6

So, earlier this week I went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I must say I was quite disappointed in the movie, but not in the crowd. As always, the movie seemed to leave out all the important parts. I really don't know how they can merge into the story of book 7 with what they included in the movie.

But alas, the midnight crowd...which is what I went for was delightful. There were some great screams for the upcoming Twilight movie, especially for Jacob. And I loved the lady two rows back who was absolutely sobbing at Dumbledore's death. I mean you had to know that was coming,right? You read the book, I'm sure. Why else would you be attending the midnight showing? Yes, the crowd did not let me down.

I will say that the part I hated the most was the scene with Harry and Ginny in the room of requirement. If you've seen the movie, you'll know why. Wow! That was an awful line. So bad! I think I'll have to read the books again to remember why I like the story so much. The movie...just does not cut it.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Hey! Just thought I'd let you know that we are back from our fun honeymoon cruise and that we just closed on our house! Yay! So we are no longer homeless. Happy Day!

Friday, May 15, 2009

To sum up...

I can't believe how fast/slow this week has been. It was dragging at first, but now as I look back it went fast. Do you realize that I'm getting married in just over a week??? That's weird. But, it still seems unreal to me, so I'm good.

So, Ron did not win the biggest loser...or the at home loser, if any of you thought he actually could. His son didn't win either. It was a surprise victory by Helen...well, sort of a surprise. I always thought she could win. I think the only person who was surprised was Tara. Guess you can win as many challenges as you want, but you didn't have what it took to win the whole thing. I just think it is unreal that Helen lost 54% of her body weight and now weighs 117. Yikes. She's a skinny old lady, that's for sure. Well, she's not too old. And the at home loser, Jerry. He lost a lot too like 45% or something. He looks like a turtle, I think.

As predicted Joelle lost hardly any weight and David lost even less. It was an entertaining season. But I think I might have to give up the show. We'll see. I'm sure I'll get sucked in during the fall. It does make me want to go for a run. Too bad I have to work for five more hours....

Friday, May 1, 2009

I liked this...

Thought you might be bored with looking at wedding accessories...

Rules are, you highlight, bold, or underline any of the following things you have done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis

10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched an amazing lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning...
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Ran a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy

I took a page from Shannon's book, and counted Paris, ID as visiting Paris. Also, do apostles count as famous people? I think so. And I might not have actually prepared the animal I ate, but I've caught fish that I've eaten while camping...one of the few times in my life that I eat fish. And, I didn't really bounce a check, but when I changed banks I had some outstanding checks that I had to go to great lengths to make sure they didn't bounce. Yeah, that was fun...oh how foolish I was when I was younger. Oh and I got 36...not bad...I guess.

Jewelry

So since the most popular tiara was number two, how do you feel about this jewelry to go with it? I figured it was the best match to go with tiara.





Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Putting it to a vote

So, I am planning on getting a tiara for my wedding...or maybe just borrowing Mary Ann's. But I wanted some feedback on these ones I've been looking at. So, let me know what you think.









Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ron...oh, Ron: the sequel

I wasn't going to post about The Biggest Loser this week, but because MaryAnn commented about I figured I would. First of all, Tara bugs me. Yeah, she's strong, and wins everything. But I seriously get annoyed at her complaining. Everyone picks on me...wa wa wa. Of course they do! You always win, AND you've lost the highest percentage in the house. Deal with it. And, of course Jillian is going to get mad when you eat 4000 calories in a temptation. Sure you're there for you, but Jillian's there to get mad at you when you do stupid things and don't work out. Sheesh! Do these people not know what they signed up for??? I mean honestly, they've all confessed to watching the show before. Did they think that going from their state of inactivity to working out 12 hours a day would be easy? For real!

Secondly...Ron. Oh my. I just can't even express in words how much he annoys me. I think that Kristen said it best when she was talking about how controlling and manipulative he is. He really is the biggest game-player in the house. Just because someone tells you, "You'll be fine," that doesn't mean they are voting for the opposite person to go home. Perhaps it just means that they think you will be fine when you go home. Up until last night I really quite liked Mikey, Ron's son. But alas, he was so upset that people would vote for his father to go home (how dare they!!), that he, too, annoyed me. I would've voted Ron home long ago merely because he is unpleasant to look at with his shirt off. Fortunately, they've reached the point where they weigh-in with those form-fitting tank tops on. Unfortunately, I've seen Ron enough to know what that bulge is that seems to be hiding under his shirt, lurking barely out of sight...his six-pack haunts me.

13.1

So, after watching the episode of The Biggest Loser where they contestants ran a half-marathon as the challenge, I thought to myself, "If they can do that, I certainly can." It became my goal. Of course, I thought I'd work up to it, so the last couple of weeks I've been running longer distances...you know, like 5-7 miles. Just about once a week...outside. On the colder days I've stayed in the gym and ran my usual 3 miles.

Well, yesterday I decided that I was going to run 10 miles. Because I'm too lazy to actually plan a 10 mile route, I just run around the track at the Orem hospital, that Ive been told is a mile plus...I'm going to figure out exactly how long it actually is today (hopefully). Can I just tell you that running that track 10 times was probably the most difficult thing I've ever done?!? (Physically...that is.)

Ironically, it was the 9th time around that was the hardest! I wanted to cry, I'm not even joking. I seriously wanted to give up...but then as I neared my starting point I thought, "I only have one more time to go around to make 10. Are you really going to quit so close to accomplishing your goal for today?" My stubbornness kicked in, and I ran the last lap.

I think I must be getting old, because my knees are killing me today! I can hardly walk. Well, ok that's not really true, but it does hurt. I must commend those of you that have ever done long distance running like that. It's not easy. Yes, I still plan on running a half marathon and eventually a marathon. That is one of my life goals. I am pretty proud of finishing my goal yesterday. It feels like quite an accomplishment. Yay for me!

Shout out

I just wanted to give a shout-out to Tracy for taking, pretty much, the best engagements ever! I love, love, love the pictures. Thanks...you're the bomb.com!!!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Engagements

If you want to preview some engagement pictures, check out the link.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Ron...oh, Ron

OK, so by now you all know that one of my favorite things to do in the small amount of free time I have is to watch the Biggest Loser. So, yes, I am writing yet one more post about that horribly addicting show.

What is the deal with Ron? Is it just me or does anyone else think that he should have been voted off five weeks ago??? I really don't know how all the contestants have fallen into his sympathy trap. HE NEEDS TO GO HOME!!! He drives me crazy! He has been up for elimination five times, and five times the other contestants have done what he's asked. I take you back to the week Mandy was eliminated...said Ron, "Mandy, it's your turn to go home now." Who decided that Ron got to assign the "turns" to go home?

So, in last nights episode they brought back a contestant, Nicole. Unfortunately Nicole gained weight and was up for elimination. Ron, once again was up for elimination. How he managed to get by, yet again, I have no idea. I mean, from the game-player perspective, Nicole was a bigger threat. But, I sure liked her much better than I like Ron.

Sandy's fun list!!!

Here's the scoop...post a comment in response to the following questions about me. Feel free to copy the whole list into the comments if that is easier for you.

1. Where did we meet?
2. Take a stab at my middle name?
3. Color of my eyes?
4. Do I have any siblings?
5. How many?
6. What's one of my favourite things to do?
7. What's my favourite type of music?
8. Am I shy or outgoing?
9. Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
10. Any special talents?
11. If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?
12. What is my favourite color?

Thanks for playing!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

March

I just realized that it's the last day of March today and the post I just published is my first one of the month. Wow! Where has the time gone?!?

Busy!!

So, I know that I have been promising for months now that I would post more pictures of my ring. If you thought this would be the time, you thought wrong. Really, I have been busy. But, I am not going to bore you with those details. Instead, I thought I would share a story.

So, this last weekend Sam and I went to Target with his sister. Who doesn't love a good trip to Target?!? While we were there I decided to peruse the clothing section. I'm not going to lie, I've seen a look that I am growing fond of. Hopefully you'll know what I'm talking about. It may be difficult to describe. It's basically skinny jeans folded up to capri length...if you know what I mean. It's just one fold, not like they roll them up, but it makes like an 8" (or so) cuff on the bottom of the jeans.

While in the clothing section I found some skinny jeans and decided I would try them on...and fold them up. So I did. Sam said it looked good...but I think he's biased. I kind of liked it, but following my usual policy, I put the jeans back and decided to give myself a week or so to think about it. If you know what look I'm talking about, I'd like some feedback. Obviously you don't know what it would look like on me, really, but the fact that I am considering buying skinny jeans scares me a little. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned how they are so not made for bigger girls or girls with any kind of curves. Of course, we always end up doing things we swear we never would...at least I've found that to be true in my life. I suppose I should follow the advice given to young Feivel of 'An American Tail,' "Never say never again!"

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

So...

Just read my last post...something I should have done sooner. What is the deal with that first sentence? (If it can be called that.) I guess that's what I get for writing something so late at night.

Basically I just wanted to let you all know that I'm still alive. I haven't found much time to blog. Guess it's not high on my oh-so-long list of things to do. Not that I'm stressed, cause I'm not...yet. Things are still going well and I promise I will post more pictures soon. I really will. I'll have to schedule it in sometime....

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Engagement

So, no one ever tells you this when they're engaged...but you (at least this happens to me) I get really paranoid that I'm going to lose my ring. AND I've even already had a nightmare that some of the diamonds have fallen out of my ring. Yeah, it was not a good night. I think I woke up all panicky...love it.

Other than that, I am so far enjoying being engaged. I get to spend a lot of time with my best friend, and we are trying to get everything done early so we won't be so stressed later...closer to the date. (Which is May 23rd for those of you that don't know...mark your calendars!) Good times!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Love, Twoo Love

OK, so I'm not really sure if that's how you would spell "true" the way the priest on "The Princess Bride" says it, but you get the idea. So, as most of you probably know by now, I'm engaged! Yay! I know. I am so excited. And so, as to some requests I'm blogging about it so you can see some pictures of my fabulous ring! I love it! And I love to show it off.

But, before the pictures comes the story. Alrighty...so we were planning to go to dinner and the temple on Friday the 13th. (By the way, I have always loved Fridays the 13th.) So, we were driving toward the Bombay House...great restaurant...probably my favorite. But instead of heading toward the restaurant, Sam went left to go up Provo Canyon. I looked at him and he said, "We're just going to go up the canyon for a little while before we go to dinner."

We drive for a little longer and then he pulls into the parking lot for Timpanogos park. We get out of the car and he starts leading me towards a pavilion. So, it's still quite snowy in the mountains, and there is a definite path where you can see people have walked. The closer we get to the pavilion, the more he kinda pushes me off the path into the deeper snow on the sides. I'm thinking, "Does he not realize that the snow is pretty deep here? Does he think the path is only wide enough for one?" I'm pretty focused on watching where I'm walking and eventually I just started walking behind him. We walk a bit further and as we get closer to the pavilion, there are stairs leading up to it. On the ground where the stairs start there were rose pedals sprinkled around. We get to the pavilion and there is a table set up. It had a nice white cloth and this gorgeous bouquet of flowers, some wine glasses, chocolate covered strawberries, a space heater, and a blanket. I sat right by the heater and put the blanket on. Then he poured some hot water into our glasses and we made some cider (there were packets of cider too...obviously). We just talked for a while, while drinking our hot cider, and eating some strawberries and then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was great! Seriously, it could not have been more perfect.
I apologize. You can't see the ring very well in this one. I'll get some pictures from Sam's Mom's camera and then you'll get a better look at it.
The flowers that were on the table! So pretty!

Oh, and the reason that he was pushing me off the path was becuase he could see the table up ahead of us. I didn't notice it until we were right there becasue I was looking down the whole time. I just thought that was a funny part of the story.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I promised my mom that I would let you all know via my blog that John and Megan now know. So, breathe easy folks. If you don't get that, I guess you are out of the loop...sucka!!!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Pie

For those of you that don't know, the best pizza place in Utah is, by far, The Pie Pizzeria. Oh so delicious! I love it! Seeing as how I love pizza anyway, it's not too hard to please me. But, when my family did the conference weekend pizza challenge, the pie did win. And by the time it was entered in the challenge it was kind of cold. The closest one is in Sandy, I think. But I go to the one in Salt Lake by the U campus. It is great! It's in the basement of a building and it's a pretty unique place.

So, tonight, a group of us, 14 to be exact, made the trip to The Pie. It was definitely worth the wait. I don't even know how long we waited. The line was pretty long. And then when the workers found out that it was a group of 14 of us, they were kind enough to kick other people out so we could all sit together. Well, they maybe didn't kick people out...they were already on their way.

I used to have a philosophy about The Pie, and I think I need to remind everyone what it is. You can only eat there once a year. It's true. I'm pretty sure that it could be the death of me if I tried to eat there more often. Don't worry, I haven't. Let me just say this, after eating two or three pieces of the cheese pull-apart and one slice of pizza, I was ready to burst. It was delicious though. Their pizza is loaded with toppings. I'm not joking. You take a slice out of your pie, and the cheese and toppings from the surrounding slices ooze onto the pan...and there are still plenty on the pizza. It's fantastic! Mmm...so good. Can't wait until next year!

By the way, some people I have met are disillusioned about pizza places. Navoli's does not hold a candle to The Pie. For real people?!? What are you thinking. It's like comparing...well it's too late for me to think of an analogy. It's just ludicrous, that's what it is!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Random Facts About Me!

I was inspired by John's post of random things about himself. It was amusing so I decided to give it a try. It's a lot harder to think of things like this than I expected. Thus, you only get a list of 15. Enjoy!

1. I'm named after an actual Princess...it's true.

2. I like to run to screamo...thanks Sam.

3. I have the tastes of a 3 year old...some of my favorite foods are pizza, and macaroni and cheese (with or without hot dogs in it).

4. I have an obsession with coats...to date I have 7 winter coats...yeah I know. No one really needs that many. They are quite fabulous however.

5. I got ran over by a bicycle when I was 14 (I think) years old...it did leave a pretty sweet scar, which has virtually no feeling in it. Ooh and it was my best friend's brother on the bike so then I thought I was really clever and when he would make fun of us after that I would say, "Oh I'm so hurt. You've scarred me for life!"

6. When I was 24 years old I found myself semi-waiting for a missionary...24 people. Heavenly Father likes to make you eat your words sometimes I think.

7. I like to eat cheerios in my yogurt...that's an Arly-ism. It's delicious. Try it. Granola is also fantastic!

8. I've worked at a fabric store for nine years...taking a year and a half break. It's only very part-time now, but I just love the people. And I think my mom would kill me if I quit!

9. Due to my work experience, I have a whole lot of fabric. Seriously, a lot. And not a lot of time to sew. I did get rid of some recently...it went to a good cause so I don't feel too badly.

10. I like to scrapbook. This may not be that random to a lot of you, but it is to me. I never thought I would be a scrapper...but I am. And I like it.

11. I love, love paper. I get that from my mom. I like the smell of it and they make some wicked cool paper these days. That is originally how I got into scrapbooking...I guess.

12. I was among a small group of women that were told, by a prophet, that some of us would not get married in this life. Some of 20...that makes my chances of fulfilling that prophecy a little higher than I would like.

13. I love the smell of office supply stores. I could also look around an office supply store for hours. I also love the smell of shoe stores. Good stuff.

14. I can stick my finger way down my throat without gagging. I guess my gag reflex is pretty non-existent. I don't gag when I get a throat culture either. Weird.

15. I went through a phase where I would watch "Oklahoma" everyday with my sister, Karen. Well, maybe not everyday, but we watched it a lot! We would sing along with all the songs, taking turns to be either the boys or the girls. We would fast forward over the dream sequence...awful! I don't know how they ever thought those were a good idea.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Apparently I shouldn't go to the gym between the hours of 2 and 5 pm...what a disappointment.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

I use the predictive word setting when I text. For some reason if I'm trying to say "snowing," the first choice is "ponying." Is that a word? Who decides those things?

The Biggest Disappointment

So, as you may recall, I'm kinda a sucker for The Biggest Loser these days. It's strange because before I was totally an Idol fan, but I dropped it for The Biggest Loser. I think I might have to go back. For those of you that don't watch the show, you won't really relate to this, you can just stop reading now if you don't want to waste your time.

Last night there was an opportunity for the most annoying contestant ever to get voted off the ranch. We all thought that she would be gone, she thought she would be gone, and yes, even Bob thought she would be gone. But in a shocking twist the votes were a tie, which means that the lowest percentage had to go...it wasn't her. What the crap?!?

I now believe that the show has to be rigged. The producers of the show, I believe, made half of the contestants vote for the other option to go home. They had to. It's the only explanation for why she will be on next week. I think that she is just so dramatic, and annoying, that they needed her to stay on to boost the ratings. It's a load of crap! For real. She doesn't even want to be on the ranch. She hardly works out, and complains the whole time that she's in the gym. And when asked if she wanted to be on the ranch, after a long hesitation, she spouted some nonsense. I honestly don't even know what she was talking about. They obviously edit the show to make you think one thing (they trick me so often...it's pathetic really), but still she should have been sent home.

Perhaps she was literally afraid for her life if she would have gone home, and that's why she's still on. Her teammate would have killed her, I'm pretty sure.

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Gym

I don't know what it is, but when people are working out they think that allows them to show their worst-self...my interpretation, more skin than we want to see. So, today, since I didn't work I had free time to go to the gym at an earlier hour. I saw, for the second time, one lady who dresses fairly odd. She's quite petite, and I guess in her mind, that means she doesn't need many clothes. She wears a halter top shirt that barely covers, black leggings pulled so low...well you don't want to know, and of all footwear, boots-pink and black fluffy boots. I can understand some skimpy clothing in the gym if it was really hot or something. But it's winter. It's not that hot in there and I've never seen her do cardio, only weights. She does have nice tone in her arms, I will give her that much.

Unfortunately I happened to see her bend over to adjust some equipment today, and yes, she had, what some might call, a "plumber's butt" (no offense to any plumbers). But it sure wasn't cause she had a big belly. Ultimately I would like to see people wearing more clothes at the gym, show some respect for those of us who accidentally look your way! (Note to self, do NOT go to the gym between 3 and 5 pm).

Forgot Some Things

OK so I forgot a few great things about my trip. First of all, if you haven't heard it yet, you need to hear Lauren bark like a dog! So funny! Man, I have cute nieces. Secondly, one of my favorite Megan moments: we were eating lunch before church on Sunday and Megan's last bite of macaroni and cheese fell onto her bib, when she realized what had happened she exclaimed, "Oh crap!" I died. MaryAnn admits to teaching her that one. So, to echo Megan Carter's post about "Apple Bottom Jeans," kids do listen and repeat. Megan is especially good at that these days. "What people in the white car?" LOL! One more reason not to have kids folks, they can cause havoc!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Oh and MaryAnn is the one who set up this new background for me. I think it's pretty great and festive! I'm a sucker for Valentine's day paraphernalia.

Las Vegas

I know I have totally been slacking on the blogging. Did ya miss me? Yeah, I thought so. Some of you may know that my life has been a little crazy.... So I took a vacation. I came to Las Vegas to visit my sister and her cute kids. They are so cute! It has been a good time and very relaxing, which is what I was looking for. Maybe a little too relaxing...I think I'm going to have to spend 3 hours in the gym tomorrow and I'm not getting on a scale for at least a week. Anyway...

Here are some of the highlights...sorry there are no pictures. I totally left my camera in Utah...oops. Anyway, mostly what we did was shop. We went to a new mall here in Vegas, Town Square. It is really nice, an outdoor mall. They have a great play area and we had a lot of fun playing with the kids. Also MaryAnn and I scored some sweet deals at the Ann Taylor Loft store. Clearance with an extra 25% off...too good to be true. But, since I had just paid tuition before leaving, I didn't over spend. Most of the money I spent was on MaryAnn and kids and food. Yeah, our lunches were the most expensive parts of our shopping sprees. Pathetic.

My favorite parts were the warm weather. I think I'm thawed out now...just as I'm about to return to home. Hearing Lauren say her new words, "Ariel" (this one you have to see, she holds her mouth in an O when she says it...so cute!), hearing Lauren's low grunty-laugh, seeing Megan answer for Lauren when in the car (she does a really high voice when she's being Lauren), and hearing Megan sing the Little Mermaid songs. Yes, folks, we have another niece headed that way. Thanks to: Tim, for buying that movie for Megan, it is well watched, and Shannon, for the infamous princess book. Without these two items my trip would not have been what it was. Megan only wants to hear the princess stories and only the ones with princes in them. So funny!

So, knowing that I am going to have to wake-up wicked early tomorrow to catch my plane and looking forward to the homework that I didn't even bring with me, this trip draws to a close. I am glad I had the opportunity to get away for a while, although things are still as confusing as ever. What can ya do?!?

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Christmas

In keeping with tradition, I took no pictures during the Christmas break. I will refer you to Sandy's and Dad's blogs to check out some photos. I don't know what it is, but I'm just not a picture taker. It's something that I have to make a concerted effort to do. So, anyway. Christmas was great! I love my family! My friend told me that playing games with my family is my "happy place." It's true. I love it!

So, the other highlight of Christmas was that my niece, Lauren, learned to say my name. Has she been asking for me, MaryAnn? She's cute, and despite what you all think, she does not just call me "Di." (That's an easy one for kids to say, so they usually pick it up fast.) She calls me some version of "Ana," it maybe sounds like "Iana" a little bit. Guess I'll have to go to Vegas for a visit soon so she doesn't forget it.