One of the things I love most about life is how many new things we learn all the time. Even subconciously. Here is a list of things I've learned the past few weeks:
1. The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and carpal tunnel syndrome MOST often occurs because of paralysis due to inflamed musculature of the manus which is compressed by the retinaculum. However, our anatomy teacher expects 200 students in his class to assume that it actually occurs because of nerve damage. And when 95% of the class fail that portion of the test, he still thinks we are the problem. Not him. Lesson learned: Mark Neilsen believes he is the anatomy god on campus.
2. Redeeming Target giftcards on Black Friday is not only a stupid idea, but can cause death to insects and hard plastic packaging on steak knives. Lesson learned: DO NOT SHOP ON BLACK FRIDAY WITHOUT STRESS BALL.
3. I also learned this week of three new exotic dishes completely new to my world. These were presented on Thanksgiving dinner at Justin's grandmother's house. Frozen mashed potatoes, green bean casserole (canned green beans, campbell's cream of onion soup, fried onions) and carrot casserole (horseradish sauce, baby carrots and sour cream). I still haven't decided what the lesson learned here is.
4. Our upstairs neighbor does three things all day long over and over. Shower, vacuum and smoke outside. The car really never leaves the parking lot. Our neighbor to the right I have only observed a few times. The first time she asked Justin and I if we wanted to join her at a party called "Beer for Boobs." The second time I saw her she was exercising in front of the TV with a sports bra and panties on. Lesson: Apartment complexes are a cheap and fantastic source of entertainment.
5. Recently with the holidays and wedding, Justin and I have been eating out a lot and have gotten lots of yummy chocolatey goey gifts. Needless to say we have both put on a few pounds. A few days ago I mentioned I thought we should start eating less and exercising more because we look a little chubby. He looked at me like I had shot his dog. Lesson: Guys are as sensitive about their weight as women. Maybe even more so.
6. Two days before Thanksgiving my brother-in-law and his wife had their third baby. She is adorable because she's a newborn and because she's 1/2 Hawaiian. However, the night we came to visit she told me a lot about the child birth. I learned for the first time that after giving birth the mother will bleed heavily for 4-6 weeks and that tampons aren't allowed. I think that in itself is enough to make me want to adopt. Justin was also horrified. But for different reasons I think.
7. I learned a new word in the last week. "Niglet." To clarify, I'll use it in a sentence. "Erik, get off me you niglet." These were the words of my Aunt Cathy to my cousin. I still don't know what it means but I know it rhymes with piglet and sounds like chicklet. The lesson I learned was how much more effective made-up insults are than real ones.
8. With each passing day of marriage to Justin I'm learning the 5% rule is inaccurate. The 5% rule says that men only have a 5% chance of being right. However, I have short term memory loss from all the chocolate overdosing and second hand pot smoke (riding a gondola to work everyday this last winter after a bunch of snowboarders got out really sucked) of the past year. With Justin, the 5% rule really is more like a 55% rule.
9. No matter how much I beg him to eat organic healthy food with me, Justin will always love to eat green bean casseroles, pot roasts, coke, snickers and cocoa puffs. In my perfect world our house would be filled with organic produce and exotic spices, recycled furniture and soy clothing. But it's just not attainable. Especially when Target is close and Justin grew up with all that weird food. I resign my post of food nazi.
10. The best lesson I learned this week is actually a serious one. I've spent so much time planning our wedding, trying to keep my head above water in school and trying to get our apartment in order. I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. This last week I didn't do well on two tests that I studied many hours for. Sometimes I feel like I'm so wrapped up in trying to get perfect grades and have the perfect apartment I can't handle anything less than perfect. Yet this week when my new niece Rylee was born, I felt a change. Justin and I went to the hospital in our pajamas. The first time I held her tiny body in my arms it was like a light switch went on inside. I felt an inner peace like I do when I read my scriptures or have sincere prayer to God. My thought was "wow, this is what REALLY matters." Family. Justin held his new niece after me and I saw the look on his face. It was so tender and sweet. I realized I married the perfect guy for me. He is the yin to my yang. It was a really simple moment. Just us holding a newborn. After we left the room, hand in hand walking down the hall in our pajamas, I felt so peaceful.
Yeah, I want to do well in school. Yeah, getting a well paying job would be nice. Yeah, a pretty apartment with new furntiture would rock. But really, as long as I am a good person and dedicate my life to serving my family and friends and strangers, I will have lived a good life. I want to be a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, niece and grandaughter. And I think "that's what it's all about."
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Married!
While Justin naps this lovely Sunday afternoon, I thought I would write a little about our marriage which happened two days ago. It was an awesome day for both of us. Justin was definitely nervous, but he managed to survive and marry me. That morning my sister Caroline and best friend Evelyn came over to help me with hair and makeup. I admit, I am not very girly so I'm grateful they could step in and take charge. While I got ready, Justin went running with his husky, Zoey, showered and got breakfast with his mom from Burger King. I think he just needed to keep his mind off of it. He gets really nervous. Earlier that week we had met with his Stake President with all our concerns. He calmed all our fears and gave us counsel to "make out every night that week." After we left his office Justin said, "Best stake president EVER!"
Before we were sealed in the temple the officiator came out to meet us in the waiting room. He told us we looked like we could be brother and sister. We didn't know how to feel about that. Then he proceeded to give us a brief history of the Salt Lake Temple. We both looked at each other like, "what does that have to do with getting married?" But the he was so old and sweet we couldn't help but listen.
After we came out of the temple, two awesome family friends took pictures. Gene Manookin, Justin's friend's mother was there and my sister's best friend, Erica Newel took our pictures. Here are some of the pictures Erica took... (we don't have Gene's yet).
This is us coming out of the temple. Justin and I really don't like having our pictures taken, but I have to admit that it was fun for once to feel like I had the paparazzi following us. 
Justin's mom picked out this tie for our wedding. It totally fits his personality. I don't know if he's named this one yet, but all his ties have funny names like "Brazillian sunset" or "Orangesicle." 
These are our rings. My dad commented that "with all that bling you could be the wife of a rapstar. You could be called 'Mrs. Jay-zee.'" 
Though we didn't have bridesmaids/groomsman, etc. Justin's brothers Zach and Josh and his best friend Tyrel came in place of groomsman and best men. 
Similarly, my sisters Caroline and Hilary were there and my best lifelong friends Evelyn Mather (the redhead) and Adrienne Tedjamulia (the one that's 1/2 chinese) came.
Erica really did a fantastic job. Here are some really sweet/artsy pictures. I'l post more pictures when I get them from our two photographers. 
Justin's mom picked out this tie for our wedding. It totally fits his personality. I don't know if he's named this one yet, but all his ties have funny names like "Brazillian sunset" or "Orangesicle." These are our rings. My dad commented that "with all that bling you could be the wife of a rapstar. You could be called 'Mrs. Jay-zee.'" Though we didn't have bridesmaids/groomsman, etc. Justin's brothers Zach and Josh and his best friend Tyrel came in place of groomsman and best men. Similarly, my sisters Caroline and Hilary were there and my best lifelong friends Evelyn Mather (the redhead) and Adrienne Tedjamulia (the one that's 1/2 chinese) came. Erica really did a fantastic job. Here are some really sweet/artsy pictures. I'l post more pictures when I get them from our two photographers. Sunday, November 2, 2008
Mawwage is what bwings us togethew today
Well, the big day is 12 days away. Yesterday my client at the spa mentioned, "you seem so calm for getting married in two weeks!" I just smiled. You see, she was experiencing calm, cool massage therapist Adrienne. Not normal wedding planning Adrienne. Normal wedding planning Adrienne went back to Salt Lake that evening. She went to her fiance's house to work on invitations and sleep. Later on she found out her fiance had made plans for Sunday to meet with his ecclesiastical leader. She had, without telling him, expected him to come to her parent's house instead. So, unlike any normal person who would have just thought it to be a minor inconvenience and moved on, wedding planning Adrienne flipped out. She started crying because he didn't "love her enough." Then ten minutes into the tantrum she realized she was in fact, in a tantrum. The mayhem got worse as she realized she was being overly emotional and started crying about how she felt crazy.Poor Justin. I realize that a lot of burden is put on women when they plan weddings because it takes a lot of work. But I must say the load is shared equally when the man has to listen to a crazy, emotional woman all day long flip out when minor details turn into huge deals.
Other updates: We got an apartment! I'm currently living in it, sleeping on a mattress pad on the floor... but hey, whatev. We live in the beautiful Avenues four blocks from my sister, Caroline Hulet and her husband Jordan. We are also two blocks from Justin's grandmother, Iris. It's really a beautiful one bedroom apartment across the street from a bike shop (Justin's dream come true) and a 7-11 (also Justin's dream come true). We are three blocks from a spa, coffee shop and bakery (my dream come true). We live about K street and 3rd avenue.
Also, our engagement pictures are done! Are awesome photographers did a stellar job. I would HIGHLY reccommend them to anyone. ambphotocompany.com is their website. Some of our pictures are posted on their blog.
The other thing I'm way excited for: My Aunt Liz and her son, my cousin Mike are coming to the Open House from New Jersey and Denver! I'm so excited to see them and am so grateful they are willing to travel that far for us.
Invitations are almost done. If you don't get one, it's because you didn't give us your address. So don't be offended. :) Anyone is invited to the Open House. It will be Friday, November 21st from 6-8 pm in Millcreek at the wardhouse. About 3800 South Hillside Lane (2600 East).
Monday, October 27, 2008
Creating a pelvic Model
Well, I never thought I'd say it. But this weekend I made a paper pelvic model. Complete with female genitalia, perineal musculature and a twisty tie to secure it all.
Now really.
If we're paying $700 for a class shouldn't the professor be providing us with a cadaver model? Why do I have to make one myself out of paper and glue? This isn't an arts and craft class. I'm not taking a freaking ceramics class. I'm taking HUMAN ANATOMY.
I want to look at dead bodies to learn the structures. Not a freaking paper pelvis. This stupid project took me THREE hours to make!! Did I learn anything? NO. It was a test on following directions, not actual anatomy.
This is why I'm an ESS major and not a art major. I hate making things. I will never be crafty and never want to be crafty. My talents for arts and crafts is pretty much limited to putting photos in the album. (NOT scrapbooking.) That is why when I got done my pelvic model looked more like a crooked colonial hat than it did a female pelvis. (At least we didn't have to make a male pelvis.) Justin's looked nicer than mine.
I just needed to vent about that. Professors should really think it through when they're creating lesson plans. Does a paper pelvic model help students? Or does looking at a cadaver with the ACTUAL features help?
I felt like I did in elementary school. I was never good at coloring or cutting or pasting. This time I even cut my finger and got blood all over the iliac crest and pubic symphysis.
Now really.
If we're paying $700 for a class shouldn't the professor be providing us with a cadaver model? Why do I have to make one myself out of paper and glue? This isn't an arts and craft class. I'm not taking a freaking ceramics class. I'm taking HUMAN ANATOMY.
I want to look at dead bodies to learn the structures. Not a freaking paper pelvis. This stupid project took me THREE hours to make!! Did I learn anything? NO. It was a test on following directions, not actual anatomy.
This is why I'm an ESS major and not a art major. I hate making things. I will never be crafty and never want to be crafty. My talents for arts and crafts is pretty much limited to putting photos in the album. (NOT scrapbooking.) That is why when I got done my pelvic model looked more like a crooked colonial hat than it did a female pelvis. (At least we didn't have to make a male pelvis.) Justin's looked nicer than mine.
I just needed to vent about that. Professors should really think it through when they're creating lesson plans. Does a paper pelvic model help students? Or does looking at a cadaver with the ACTUAL features help?
I felt like I did in elementary school. I was never good at coloring or cutting or pasting. This time I even cut my finger and got blood all over the iliac crest and pubic symphysis.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Engaged.
Well, my friends, the time has come. I have foresaken my sworn oath to hate men and live as a free woman, shunning all domestic endeavors. I will no longer spend my money carelessly on makeup, clothing, outdoor gear (well... maybe I'll still buy outdoor gear) and dark chocolate. My selfish whims are going out the window to be replaced with "partnership." Mine and Evelyn's dream of growing old together with millions of cats has been left behind. I will no longer spend hours at night popping zits, eating peanut butter and crackers in bed or taking up my queen sized bed with fourteen pillows and a fuzzy green body pillow. Why?
I'm engaged. Yay!
Justin and I finally reached the conclusion that we like each other enough to start paying bills, clean house and do taxes together. Ahh, the bliss of marriage. I would just like to take the time to answer some commonly asked questions.
Q: How did he propose?
A: It was a beautiful Friday night. He took me to Thaifoon for dinner and then the U of U Homecoming Dance. We danced (and sweat) the night away. Afterward he took a different turn that led us to temple square. We were in front of the Salt Lake Temple when he asked me if I would marry him. Well... being the smart blonde girl I am, I thought he was kidding. So I replied "okay!" When he showed me the "ring" (a ring pop) I freaked out. Eventually I said yes for real.
Q: Where will you live?
A: Somewhere cheap, near the university, with a dishwasher.
Q: When are you getting married?
A: Friday afternoon, November 14th.
Q: Where's your engagement ring?
A: Sigh.... well, you can't really buy a size 3 so it's being custom made at the moment. In two weeks I get a size 5 ring to wear for a while with a plastic sizer so it won't fall off.
Q: How long have you been dating?
A: About 11 months.
Q: How does your family feel about it?
A: My parents couldn't be happier. Hilary doesn't really care. Caroline is way excited and has already begun some of the wedding planning.
Q: Why are you getting married during the semester?
A: Evelyn leaves Nov. 21st. It's really important to me that she be there. Besides, I hate long engagements. It never worked for Pam from the Office. So it wouldn't work for me.
Q: What's his last name?
A: Henderson. I'll be Adrienne Christine McAvoy Henderson. Or maybe McAvoy-Henderson. Haha.
Q: Where is the honeymoon?
A: We're thinking Jackson Hole for the weekend. But come December we're going to Brazil!
Q: What are your colors?
A: I'm not that far into it yet. I think we'll do our favorite colors. Green and orange. It could be like a throw-up motif.
Well, I think that covers it. It'll be a small wedding. But if you would like an invitation to the Open House, feel free to leave me your address and it would really help me.
I'm engaged. Yay!
Justin and I finally reached the conclusion that we like each other enough to start paying bills, clean house and do taxes together. Ahh, the bliss of marriage. I would just like to take the time to answer some commonly asked questions.
Q: How did he propose?
A: It was a beautiful Friday night. He took me to Thaifoon for dinner and then the U of U Homecoming Dance. We danced (and sweat) the night away. Afterward he took a different turn that led us to temple square. We were in front of the Salt Lake Temple when he asked me if I would marry him. Well... being the smart blonde girl I am, I thought he was kidding. So I replied "okay!" When he showed me the "ring" (a ring pop) I freaked out. Eventually I said yes for real.
Q: Where will you live?
A: Somewhere cheap, near the university, with a dishwasher.
Q: When are you getting married?
A: Friday afternoon, November 14th.
Q: Where's your engagement ring?
A: Sigh.... well, you can't really buy a size 3 so it's being custom made at the moment. In two weeks I get a size 5 ring to wear for a while with a plastic sizer so it won't fall off.
Q: How long have you been dating?
A: About 11 months.
Q: How does your family feel about it?
A: My parents couldn't be happier. Hilary doesn't really care. Caroline is way excited and has already begun some of the wedding planning.
Q: Why are you getting married during the semester?
A: Evelyn leaves Nov. 21st. It's really important to me that she be there. Besides, I hate long engagements. It never worked for Pam from the Office. So it wouldn't work for me.
Q: What's his last name?
A: Henderson. I'll be Adrienne Christine McAvoy Henderson. Or maybe McAvoy-Henderson. Haha.
Q: Where is the honeymoon?
A: We're thinking Jackson Hole for the weekend. But come December we're going to Brazil!
Q: What are your colors?
A: I'm not that far into it yet. I think we'll do our favorite colors. Green and orange. It could be like a throw-up motif.
Well, I think that covers it. It'll be a small wedding. But if you would like an invitation to the Open House, feel free to leave me your address and it would really help me.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Favorites of the Week
Favorite things of the week:
Breakfast- sliced farmer's market peaches, plain yogurt, squirt of agave nectar, organic granola and a lot of saigon cinnamon. Yum!!!
Music- "Times Like These" by the Foo Fighters.
Clothing- Chacos! New Prana jacket from www.backcountry.com
Water source- filtered water cooler at work
Deal- tons of organic body products HALF OFF from Smith's Marketplace. (Jason, Alba, Avalon). Best find? Kiss My Face mint shave cream. Best stuff EVER!
Saying- "Taking notes is for suckers" (Jordan Hulet, my brother-in-law)
Political- Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's skit on Palin and Clinton. Definitely a must see.
TV- Jim proposed to Pam!!
School- Referencing Christ in my paper about Greek literature in a very secular class.
Smell- Orange and Cinnamon essential oils mixed and diffused. Also, the smell of deteriorating leaves up Millcreek Canyon.
Anatomy- holding lungs in anatomy lab. I've held them before, but never truly comprehended their density and complexity.
Social- chatting with Evelyn. I'm gonna miss her when she's in Manchester. Also, going to CPK after a LONG day of studying with Justin.
Possession- Bed! Speaking of... GOODNIGHT!
Breakfast- sliced farmer's market peaches, plain yogurt, squirt of agave nectar, organic granola and a lot of saigon cinnamon. Yum!!!
Music- "Times Like These" by the Foo Fighters.
Clothing- Chacos! New Prana jacket from www.backcountry.com
Water source- filtered water cooler at work
Deal- tons of organic body products HALF OFF from Smith's Marketplace. (Jason, Alba, Avalon). Best find? Kiss My Face mint shave cream. Best stuff EVER!
Saying- "Taking notes is for suckers" (Jordan Hulet, my brother-in-law)
Political- Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's skit on Palin and Clinton. Definitely a must see.
TV- Jim proposed to Pam!!
School- Referencing Christ in my paper about Greek literature in a very secular class.
Smell- Orange and Cinnamon essential oils mixed and diffused. Also, the smell of deteriorating leaves up Millcreek Canyon.
Anatomy- holding lungs in anatomy lab. I've held them before, but never truly comprehended their density and complexity.
Social- chatting with Evelyn. I'm gonna miss her when she's in Manchester. Also, going to CPK after a LONG day of studying with Justin.
Possession- Bed! Speaking of... GOODNIGHT!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I'm totally heterosexual
If you read the entry below this, you'll find that I'm happily dating a great guy. So I just want to clarify that before I write this entry. I'm very heterosexual and love men. (Some more than others. Some not at all. Some I'm trying really hard to love.) Anyway!
But I would just like to announce that I am totally in love with ALICIA KEYS. Tonight I saw her in concert at Abravanel Hall. Holy crap. That woman has SOUL! She is amazing on the piano and could totally hold her own in any classical or jazz setting. She write her OWN music. She was friendly, unassuming and HOT. She was totally comfortable in her own body and had AWESOME stage presence.
Sometimes I have dreams where I can sing like a black woman-Aretha Franklin/Mary J. Blige-style. Those dreams are freaking sweet and when I wake up I only wish it were true. Tonight after hearing her belt out "Fallin'" and "No One" on stage I was completely blown away. I want to follow her around and worship her. This isn't possible, obviously, because I have a life. But I just wanted to make it clear that I LOVE ALICIA KEYS!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
10 Months of Dating Bliss
Today marks the 10 month anniversary of Justin and I! We have officially been dating through each of the 4 seasons and I would just like to say that it was been AWESOME! I have never had a more fulfilling relationship in my entire life. We definitely agree that he is the yin to my yang and vice versa. In commemoration, I would like to list some of the top ten most memorable things that have happened during our courtship.
1. Best prank ever! Justin's brother Zach kept pulling annoying pranks on Justin for months after he got back from his mission. He and I carefully plotted the perfect prank to retaliate. One evening we moved his car while he and his wife went on a date so that they would think that was the end of the prank. However, we dumped a TON of very fine pink glitter into his air vents and then turned the knobs so that it would be on full blast when the key was turned in the ignition. At 4:00 am we were hanging out and Zach went out to his car to leave for work. Two minutes later he comes back in the house, sparkling in pink and says "You're dead."
2. This one is kinda funny, kinda depressing. One weekend Justin came to visit me in Telluride. It was a really great romantic weekend and we had a blast. On his way home a storm was predicted for Spanish Fork Canyon, but he went anyway. Upon entering the canyon, highway patrol shut down the canyon for lack of visibility on Soldier's Summit and poor Justin sat in his car for FOUR hours waiting for the canyon to re-open!
3. In the spring Justin, me and my dad decided we want to ride Slickrock Trail in Moab despite me and my dad's lack of mountain biking experience. Justin fairly warned us, but we still insisted. Well, 5 miles into the ride and 2 1/2 hours later my dad and I were miserably walking the trail while Justin tried to lighten things up. The whole trail took a whopping 5 hours to complete and my dad and I were miserable. Justin got heat stroke and I swore I would never ride again. (I did though...)
4. In my ward in Telluride, there was this really old guy who couldn't hear very well and was overly friendly. Justin came to church with me one Sunday and the old guy didn't recognize us. He came up to us and asked for our names and Justin replied, "I'm Justin Henderson." He looked at us and gave a big grin and said, "Welcome! Mr. and Mrs. Anderson!" Justin and I looked at each other and smiled. The next hour, Sunday school, the old guy stood up to introduce us to the entire congregation (who I had already introduced myself to as Adrienne McAvoy) as "visitors named Mr. and Mrs. Anderson."
5. One of my favorite, most romantic dates with Justin are when we go to the temple together. My mom had been doing geneology work for the first time ever in the early spring. We had the opportunity to take my dad's family's names. I watched with tears in my eyes as Justin was baptized on behalf of my great grandfather, Lonnie McAvoy. Then he baptized me in behalf of my great grandmother, for whom I am named after, Christine Brockman Saunders. It was so amazing to do work for my relatives.
6. One Sunday afternoon my family made a typical McAvoy family Sunday dinner. (Oven roasted potatoes, steak, fresh green beans, artisan bread and a romaine salad.) I was feeling a little queasy but ate it anyway. Ten minutes later I was throwing up EVERYTHING. Immediately after I came down with a fever of 104 degrees. It was like a train hit me with food poisoning from the day before. While I lay in bed all day, Justin drove 45 minutes to my parent's house with a can of chicken noodle soup and a bottle of water. I was so happy that he had been thoughtful enough to make the drive. He and my dad gave me a blessing and 15 minutes later the fever broke and I was fine! He and I chilled on my old bed and watched Finding Nemo while I ate chicken noodle soup for the rest of the evening.
7. Our trip to San Diego was definitely memorable! I loved spending 90 hours straight with him. I never got sick of him and realized that I couldn't ever see myself without him. :)
8. One Saturday I had a the worst day at work ever. People were demanding and mean. Then the hotel owner told everyone they had to stay for a multi-level marketing meeting (which had NOTHING to do with massage therapy) despite the fact that I had done 7 massages straight without a break and had another one immediately after. To top that, Parley's Canyon was shut down for construction so I would have to drive all the way around through Provo Canyon and then back down to SLC. I was in a FOUL mood. Justin called me on my way home and everything he said set me off and I totally snapped at him. I was so miserable. Instead of retaliating or getting defensive, I came home to see him sitting in my driveway with a bouquet of flowers and open arms. He said "I'm sorry you're having a bad day. I know you're just upset about your day" and gave me a big hug and forgave me for being a brat. I started crying and felt awful for being a jerk, but thanked him for being so understanding. Am I lucky or what?
9. Here is a funny one that happened today. On our way home from our anniversary dinner a song from his iPod came on the stereo. He asked me "how do you like this song?" I listened to it for a few seconds (Sweet Caroline by Dave Matthews) and RIPPED into it. I went on for about 5 minutes about how horrible it was. Finally, he looked over at me with a sad look and told me he put it on a CD he had made for me earlier that day. I felt SOOO bad!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B6OVkLlyuA
10. I have to tell the story of our first date! So we had gone biking a few weeks before so we knew each other vaguely. First I went to his house in Millcreek. Then he took me to the Training Table for dinner and we both discovered we ate grilled cheese sandwiches the same way. (Pulling off pieces and eating them instead of biting into the sandwich.) He also ordered cheese fries and later admitted he thought I was weird for picking the cheese off. (Little did he know of my disdain for melted hard cheese.) Then we went to Maggie Moos and got ice cream shakes. He finished his and 1/2 of mine. We went to the dollar theater to watch Ratatouille and I totally got him out of his comfort zone by making him sneak in our shakes. He was very scared, but I loosened him up. During the movie I could tell he wanted to hold my hand, but I wasn't interested so I played the "just try and hold my hand" game. Afterwards we met up with a friend from his mission, Scott and Scott's girlfriend Sonya. We all went up Millcreek Canyon and made s'mores. He tried to build the fire, but after Scott and Justin worked at it for a good 15 minutes I stepped in and had a roaring fire in 2 minutes. I think I may have emasculated him. We snuggled together while we enjoyed the fire and ate mallows. Finally we dropped Scott and Sonya off. We went back to his house so I could get my car and when I arrived Justin was extremely tired so we sat awkwardly in my car for a few minutes having a conversation while our minds were on the near-future doorstep scene. I finally got out of the car and went over to him to give him a hug. He didn't let go of me so I stayed put. Finally I asked him "What?" He sheepishly responded "I'm trying to decide if I should kiss you." I was half shocked half bewildered. So I just raised my eyebrow. A second later he leaned in awkwardly and kissed me! Now, in his defense, I was only his second kiss. However, it was definitely not my favorite kiss I've ever had. Despite this, I went on more dates with him and we are still happily dating!
The end!
1. Best prank ever! Justin's brother Zach kept pulling annoying pranks on Justin for months after he got back from his mission. He and I carefully plotted the perfect prank to retaliate. One evening we moved his car while he and his wife went on a date so that they would think that was the end of the prank. However, we dumped a TON of very fine pink glitter into his air vents and then turned the knobs so that it would be on full blast when the key was turned in the ignition. At 4:00 am we were hanging out and Zach went out to his car to leave for work. Two minutes later he comes back in the house, sparkling in pink and says "You're dead."
2. This one is kinda funny, kinda depressing. One weekend Justin came to visit me in Telluride. It was a really great romantic weekend and we had a blast. On his way home a storm was predicted for Spanish Fork Canyon, but he went anyway. Upon entering the canyon, highway patrol shut down the canyon for lack of visibility on Soldier's Summit and poor Justin sat in his car for FOUR hours waiting for the canyon to re-open!
3. In the spring Justin, me and my dad decided we want to ride Slickrock Trail in Moab despite me and my dad's lack of mountain biking experience. Justin fairly warned us, but we still insisted. Well, 5 miles into the ride and 2 1/2 hours later my dad and I were miserably walking the trail while Justin tried to lighten things up. The whole trail took a whopping 5 hours to complete and my dad and I were miserable. Justin got heat stroke and I swore I would never ride again. (I did though...)
4. In my ward in Telluride, there was this really old guy who couldn't hear very well and was overly friendly. Justin came to church with me one Sunday and the old guy didn't recognize us. He came up to us and asked for our names and Justin replied, "I'm Justin Henderson." He looked at us and gave a big grin and said, "Welcome! Mr. and Mrs. Anderson!" Justin and I looked at each other and smiled. The next hour, Sunday school, the old guy stood up to introduce us to the entire congregation (who I had already introduced myself to as Adrienne McAvoy) as "visitors named Mr. and Mrs. Anderson."
5. One of my favorite, most romantic dates with Justin are when we go to the temple together. My mom had been doing geneology work for the first time ever in the early spring. We had the opportunity to take my dad's family's names. I watched with tears in my eyes as Justin was baptized on behalf of my great grandfather, Lonnie McAvoy. Then he baptized me in behalf of my great grandmother, for whom I am named after, Christine Brockman Saunders. It was so amazing to do work for my relatives.
6. One Sunday afternoon my family made a typical McAvoy family Sunday dinner. (Oven roasted potatoes, steak, fresh green beans, artisan bread and a romaine salad.) I was feeling a little queasy but ate it anyway. Ten minutes later I was throwing up EVERYTHING. Immediately after I came down with a fever of 104 degrees. It was like a train hit me with food poisoning from the day before. While I lay in bed all day, Justin drove 45 minutes to my parent's house with a can of chicken noodle soup and a bottle of water. I was so happy that he had been thoughtful enough to make the drive. He and my dad gave me a blessing and 15 minutes later the fever broke and I was fine! He and I chilled on my old bed and watched Finding Nemo while I ate chicken noodle soup for the rest of the evening.
7. Our trip to San Diego was definitely memorable! I loved spending 90 hours straight with him. I never got sick of him and realized that I couldn't ever see myself without him. :)
8. One Saturday I had a the worst day at work ever. People were demanding and mean. Then the hotel owner told everyone they had to stay for a multi-level marketing meeting (which had NOTHING to do with massage therapy) despite the fact that I had done 7 massages straight without a break and had another one immediately after. To top that, Parley's Canyon was shut down for construction so I would have to drive all the way around through Provo Canyon and then back down to SLC. I was in a FOUL mood. Justin called me on my way home and everything he said set me off and I totally snapped at him. I was so miserable. Instead of retaliating or getting defensive, I came home to see him sitting in my driveway with a bouquet of flowers and open arms. He said "I'm sorry you're having a bad day. I know you're just upset about your day" and gave me a big hug and forgave me for being a brat. I started crying and felt awful for being a jerk, but thanked him for being so understanding. Am I lucky or what?
9. Here is a funny one that happened today. On our way home from our anniversary dinner a song from his iPod came on the stereo. He asked me "how do you like this song?" I listened to it for a few seconds (Sweet Caroline by Dave Matthews) and RIPPED into it. I went on for about 5 minutes about how horrible it was. Finally, he looked over at me with a sad look and told me he put it on a CD he had made for me earlier that day. I felt SOOO bad!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B6OVkLlyuA
10. I have to tell the story of our first date! So we had gone biking a few weeks before so we knew each other vaguely. First I went to his house in Millcreek. Then he took me to the Training Table for dinner and we both discovered we ate grilled cheese sandwiches the same way. (Pulling off pieces and eating them instead of biting into the sandwich.) He also ordered cheese fries and later admitted he thought I was weird for picking the cheese off. (Little did he know of my disdain for melted hard cheese.) Then we went to Maggie Moos and got ice cream shakes. He finished his and 1/2 of mine. We went to the dollar theater to watch Ratatouille and I totally got him out of his comfort zone by making him sneak in our shakes. He was very scared, but I loosened him up. During the movie I could tell he wanted to hold my hand, but I wasn't interested so I played the "just try and hold my hand" game. Afterwards we met up with a friend from his mission, Scott and Scott's girlfriend Sonya. We all went up Millcreek Canyon and made s'mores. He tried to build the fire, but after Scott and Justin worked at it for a good 15 minutes I stepped in and had a roaring fire in 2 minutes. I think I may have emasculated him. We snuggled together while we enjoyed the fire and ate mallows. Finally we dropped Scott and Sonya off. We went back to his house so I could get my car and when I arrived Justin was extremely tired so we sat awkwardly in my car for a few minutes having a conversation while our minds were on the near-future doorstep scene. I finally got out of the car and went over to him to give him a hug. He didn't let go of me so I stayed put. Finally I asked him "What?" He sheepishly responded "I'm trying to decide if I should kiss you." I was half shocked half bewildered. So I just raised my eyebrow. A second later he leaned in awkwardly and kissed me! Now, in his defense, I was only his second kiss. However, it was definitely not my favorite kiss I've ever had. Despite this, I went on more dates with him and we are still happily dating!
The end!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Congratulations to my rad girlfriends!!!
This is a tribute to my three girlfriends who all got their mission calls recently.
Congratulations, Mandy Reynolds on your call to Independence, Missouri!
I'm so excited for you. Thank you for being one of my closest friends and for helping me through the tumultous times I went through while going through massage school. You were always there for me, even when I was a brat. You will do amazingly well serving the people in Independence! You have a wonderful gift of listening to others and empathizing. You are one of the most compassionate people I know.
Congratulations, Evelyn Mather! Manchester, England!!
What a perfect call for you! You were made for that mission. I'm so excited for all the adventures and service you will experience. However, the thought of not seeing you for a year and a half is a little depressing. You have been an amazing friend throughout the years and continue to be. Your wisdom, depth and humor have been a saving grace for me for many years. I love you so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much I mean it. I know, without a doubt, that all the people you serve in England will fall in love with your personality and because of it, the Spirit will work miracles in those people ready to receive the Gospel of Christ. So, congrats! I look forward to seeing you go through the temple and begin your journey in full-time service to our God.
Finally, congratulations, Adrienne Tedjaumulia! I know you were waiting for your call for a LONG TIME! I was so excited to watch you open your letter and see your expression when you read "Taiwan, Taipei."
That is also a perfect mission for you! You will be speaking Mandarin, something you've been working for for a year now. I'm so excited for you, Adi! You are so ready for your mission. With your patience, love, acceptance and openness to cultural changes/differences, you will serve an amazing mission and I know the people there will love you! I will also miss you. You have been my longest friend through my life. From 7th grade on (although you thought I was annoying then...) you have been someone I can trust 100% . I love you so much and I wish you the best!!
Love you all!! Thank you for blessing my life by being great friends and people I love and trust. You are going to be, and are GREAT!
Congratulations, Mandy Reynolds on your call to Independence, Missouri!
I'm so excited for you. Thank you for being one of my closest friends and for helping me through the tumultous times I went through while going through massage school. You were always there for me, even when I was a brat. You will do amazingly well serving the people in Independence! You have a wonderful gift of listening to others and empathizing. You are one of the most compassionate people I know.Congratulations, Evelyn Mather! Manchester, England!!
What a perfect call for you! You were made for that mission. I'm so excited for all the adventures and service you will experience. However, the thought of not seeing you for a year and a half is a little depressing. You have been an amazing friend throughout the years and continue to be. Your wisdom, depth and humor have been a saving grace for me for many years. I love you so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much I mean it. I know, without a doubt, that all the people you serve in England will fall in love with your personality and because of it, the Spirit will work miracles in those people ready to receive the Gospel of Christ. So, congrats! I look forward to seeing you go through the temple and begin your journey in full-time service to our God.Finally, congratulations, Adrienne Tedjaumulia! I know you were waiting for your call for a LONG TIME! I was so excited to watch you open your letter and see your expression when you read "Taiwan, Taipei."
That is also a perfect mission for you! You will be speaking Mandarin, something you've been working for for a year now. I'm so excited for you, Adi! You are so ready for your mission. With your patience, love, acceptance and openness to cultural changes/differences, you will serve an amazing mission and I know the people there will love you! I will also miss you. You have been my longest friend through my life. From 7th grade on (although you thought I was annoying then...) you have been someone I can trust 100% . I love you so much and I wish you the best!!Love you all!! Thank you for blessing my life by being great friends and people I love and trust. You are going to be, and are GREAT!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Charlie's Triathalon
It started as a joke around a Sunday dinner at my parents' house. I mentioned that next summer I want to train for a sprint triathalon and would love it if anyone would join me. Everyone's blank expressions and Hilary's question of "Why the heck would we want to do that?" was an obvious answer. But then my dad, the most laid back funny guy ever, said, "Yeah... if I could bike downhill, swim downstream and walk a mile at the end." Everyone laughed and forgot about it.
So today he took me out to breakfast between classes and said, "So I'm serious about the triathalon. I want to call it 'Charlie's triathalon'. We would coast down Provo Canyon from the top, float down the Provo river in tubes/whatever, and walk downhill for about a mile. I want to get hundreds of people to sign up, have an entrance fee, give away t-shirts and snacks and have it all sponsored. And I want all the proceeds to go towards a charity, like the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute. I want everyone who has ever wanted to say they've done a triathalon, but who don't want to commit to the training to be able to do it. It wouldn't be about the competition, it would be about the charity."
Now we're really considering the idea of creating this triathalon. Obviously it would be do-able for ANYONE. We are thinking about doing it next summer in June. So I'm blogging about it because anyone who reads this, I would LOVE to hear any ideas you have. We want this to be a big community event. Like radio stations advertising for it, sign ups on college campuses, whole church groups involved, etc. If you have connections in sponsorship possibilities, ideas for how to make the actual race work, where exactly to hold everything, advice from past experience with charity events, what charity is deserving, or ANY idea, we want to hear it!! Even if you just think its a stupid or good idea. We want it to be fun, have a huge element of humor but benefit the community.
So please! Anyone! Tell me what you think. It's only an idea right now, so we're open to anything!
So today he took me out to breakfast between classes and said, "So I'm serious about the triathalon. I want to call it 'Charlie's triathalon'. We would coast down Provo Canyon from the top, float down the Provo river in tubes/whatever, and walk downhill for about a mile. I want to get hundreds of people to sign up, have an entrance fee, give away t-shirts and snacks and have it all sponsored. And I want all the proceeds to go towards a charity, like the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute. I want everyone who has ever wanted to say they've done a triathalon, but who don't want to commit to the training to be able to do it. It wouldn't be about the competition, it would be about the charity."
Now we're really considering the idea of creating this triathalon. Obviously it would be do-able for ANYONE. We are thinking about doing it next summer in June. So I'm blogging about it because anyone who reads this, I would LOVE to hear any ideas you have. We want this to be a big community event. Like radio stations advertising for it, sign ups on college campuses, whole church groups involved, etc. If you have connections in sponsorship possibilities, ideas for how to make the actual race work, where exactly to hold everything, advice from past experience with charity events, what charity is deserving, or ANY idea, we want to hear it!! Even if you just think its a stupid or good idea. We want it to be fun, have a huge element of humor but benefit the community.
So please! Anyone! Tell me what you think. It's only an idea right now, so we're open to anything!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fall Semester 2008
So yesterday I officially started my first semester back at the U of U as a junior for fall semester. I've only been in school for two days, and this may change later on in the semester, but I love it!! Anyone who reads this will probably think, "what? are you insane? are you a masochist? seriously, what is your problem?" I know, I get it. School is rarely something people love or jump for joy over. And having a 7:30 am class three days a week isn't the most fun...
I have been out of the university for 2 years now trying to support someone else and going to massage school. It's so refreshing to be back! Today I was walking through campus looking around at all the other students and professors and I literally thought, "wow, what an amazing place! I get to come here and pay to learn ANYTHING I want!" What a gift! Knowledge at my fingertips. Granted, I do have to pay out the freakin ying yang (what does that expression even mean?) to do it, but I'm happy to.
I declared my major in Exercise Science (which may change to Exercise Physiology, depending...) and began some of my classes this week. Here is my schedule:
-Exploration of the Movement Sciences
-Human Anatomy (YAY!!)
-Sports in American Society
-Intellectual Traditions of the West
-Nutrition
Even though I'm taking 16 credit hours (gulp) I'm really excited to be back in school. I can't wait to learn everything about my major, write papers, speak up in class, etc. I love learning and I love school. I'm so grateful to go to a great university with awesome professors and facilities. And now I'm going to go for a run and then come home and start reading "The Odyssey" for my ITW class. The end!
I have been out of the university for 2 years now trying to support someone else and going to massage school. It's so refreshing to be back! Today I was walking through campus looking around at all the other students and professors and I literally thought, "wow, what an amazing place! I get to come here and pay to learn ANYTHING I want!" What a gift! Knowledge at my fingertips. Granted, I do have to pay out the freakin ying yang (what does that expression even mean?) to do it, but I'm happy to.
I declared my major in Exercise Science (which may change to Exercise Physiology, depending...) and began some of my classes this week. Here is my schedule:
-Exploration of the Movement Sciences
-Human Anatomy (YAY!!)
-Sports in American Society
-Intellectual Traditions of the West
-Nutrition
Even though I'm taking 16 credit hours (gulp) I'm really excited to be back in school. I can't wait to learn everything about my major, write papers, speak up in class, etc. I love learning and I love school. I'm so grateful to go to a great university with awesome professors and facilities. And now I'm going to go for a run and then come home and start reading "The Odyssey" for my ITW class. The end!
Monday, August 18, 2008
The One Word Challenge
Evelyn did it... why can't I? Also, am feeling insomniatic (yes, it's a new word)
One Word Challenge (it's pretty challenging...really.)
One Word Challenge (it's pretty challenging...really.)
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Where is your significant other? home
3. Your hair? beachy
4. Your mother? saint
5. Your father? sinner (jk)
6. Your favorite thing? love
7. Your dream last night? confusion
8. Your favorite drink? h20
9. Your dream/goal? sanity
10. The room you're in? sanctuary
11. Your hobby? fitness
12. Your fear? unworthy
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? TBA
14. Where were you last night? parents
15. What you're not? settled
16. Muffins? nasty
17. Where you grew up? party
18. The last thing you did? injured
19. What are you wearing? underwear
20. Your TV? storage
21. Your pets? cousins
22. Your computer? OOOOOLD
23. Your life? stagnant
24. Your mood? depressed
25. Missing someone? ironically
26. Your car? Harold
27. Something you're not wearing? contacts
28. Last summer? heartbreak
29. Like someone? one :)
30. Your favorite color? green
31. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday
32. Last time you cried? minutes
33. Who will resend this? question?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Jackson Hole
This week we went on a mini-adventure to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We left early- way too early- on Wednesday morning. On the way up we stopped at Salt River pass so Justin could practice riding it (though on his mountain bike) for the upcoming Lotoja. For those who don't know, the Lotoja is a one day ride from Logan, UT to Jackson Hole, WY. It's about a 212 mile ride which takes around 10-12 hours. Pretty insane. This pass is where the competition for "King of the Mountain" takes place. They just take the quickest time to ride up the pass and the winner gets the title. He only brought his mountain bike, but I was his support vehicle. 
After biking we ran the river with three of his friends. I'm not an adrenaline junkie so it was a little scary to hit the rapids. But Justin's BFF did a great job guiding us. 
Even though the raft taco-ed when we hit Big Kahuna, nobody got hurt. And no fish ate me or jellyfish stung me. (Inside joke.) After rafting, we drove home! We took a minute to fry up some steaks on the side of the road, but that was it! Short and sweet! 
When we got into town we went to Cache Creek and biked Putt-Putt. It was a shorter, easy ride. (So, essentially, it was perfect for me.) I really enjoyed it after being totally defeated the last time I rode-which was on Slickrock trail in Moab.
When we got to the parking lot we met up with Justin's three friends. Tyrel left Justin a blowfish on his car. So to repay the present, Justin coated his lips with chapstick, ate a few powdered donuts and then left him two blowfish. Haha! Take that!
That night I slept in a tent by the river and Justin slept in his treasured Brazilian hammock and the three boys slept on a tarp. One of the boys-whose bike seat had bent OFF the bike earlier that day, woke up to a deflated air mattress. (Yay for Thermarests!) He wasn't having the best of luck. But I laughed pretty hard when I took this picture of Justin asleep in his hammock in the morning.
After everyone crawled out of their bags we hit up Cache Creek again and did Hagen trail. It was GORGEOUS!
When we got to the parking lot we met up with Justin's three friends. Tyrel left Justin a blowfish on his car. So to repay the present, Justin coated his lips with chapstick, ate a few powdered donuts and then left him two blowfish. Haha! Take that!
That night I slept in a tent by the river and Justin slept in his treasured Brazilian hammock and the three boys slept on a tarp. One of the boys-whose bike seat had bent OFF the bike earlier that day, woke up to a deflated air mattress. (Yay for Thermarests!) He wasn't having the best of luck. But I laughed pretty hard when I took this picture of Justin asleep in his hammock in the morning.
After everyone crawled out of their bags we hit up Cache Creek again and did Hagen trail. It was GORGEOUS!
After biking we ran the river with three of his friends. I'm not an adrenaline junkie so it was a little scary to hit the rapids. But Justin's BFF did a great job guiding us. Even though the raft taco-ed when we hit Big Kahuna, nobody got hurt. And no fish ate me or jellyfish stung me. (Inside joke.) After rafting, we drove home! We took a minute to fry up some steaks on the side of the road, but that was it! Short and sweet!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
My first real vacation in a year
I really love vacations. I love sleeping in, working out at the hotel fitness center, taking long naps on beaches, eating crazy local food, buying worthless junk that ends up in a landfill the following year, taking walks in new places, etc. But for the last year my life has been filled with stress, school, too much work, a family wedding and a horrible breakup.
A year ago my family went to Aruba for a week which was AMAZING. But waking up at 4:00 am and finding out on the hotel internet that $500 had been taken from my bank account by a certain boy who was a jobless druggie was definitely a downer. I was a little stressed out on that vacation. (Especially given that I was in school 40 hours a week and$500 was a month's worth of money!)
Okay, you know what... I'm really sorry for all this history. I just wanted to give a little background to fully express how much I enjoyed my recent vacation to San Diego. Justin's family took me to San Diego for 3 days to go to Sea World, San Diego Zoo and Mission Beach.
Honestly, I really can't stand theme parks/zoos. But getting away from everyday life and spending time with him and his family was totally worth it.
Day 1 we went to Sea World. I love dolphins (my fave animal since I was 6) so I didn't mind it too
much. Justin and I spent most of our time near tanks and indoors since it was so bloody hot. I think the funniest thing that happened was when we went to do a ride at the Arctic exhibit and they brought us in to load. The doors opened and the operator walked through to check before we were seated. Just then he realized someone had thrown up all over the back row. So while we stood there for 15 minutes the janitors cleaned up the mess. Justin and I looked at each other and said, "Glad we're not in that row!"
Day 2 we went to the San Diego Zoo. I think everyone was pretty tired from the day before. I was just glad I got to hold Justin's niece, Oakley.
She's really adorable at only 18 months old and it's rare that I get to hold babies. She fell asleep in 3 minutes while I held her. The rest of the time we just wandered around looking at all the 
animals in cages. My favorite was the reptile house. I also made friends with a baby goat at the petting zoo. I think he liked me because I massaged him. I've learned that I really have no idea how to pet animals anymore. I only massage them.
The last day was the best. Justin and I rented a sea kayak and paddled out through Mission Bay around Vacation Island for an hour. We really sucked at getting it to go straight. But the best part of the trip was when we saw an unanchored sailboat get blown away by the wind.
So someone in San Diego, an hour later, was probably flipping out that their sailboat was no where in sight. I guess Justin and I could have jumped in after it to try and save it. However, neither of us can sail. Oh well! We also spent three hours on Mission Beach.
(Which was a really crappy beach compared to the last three I've been to in Costa Rica, Hawaii and Aruba... but hey! it was a beach nonetheless!) Justin's back and chest haven't seen the sun since before his mission to Brazil (which was over 3 years ago) so he blended in with the sand. I've seen a little more sun than him, but I'm still pretty white!
After the trip I have realized two things:
1. I am so lucky to have Justin. I love him more than ever. And I think he's way hot. :)
2. I need another vacation.
A year ago my family went to Aruba for a week which was AMAZING. But waking up at 4:00 am and finding out on the hotel internet that $500 had been taken from my bank account by a certain boy who was a jobless druggie was definitely a downer. I was a little stressed out on that vacation. (Especially given that I was in school 40 hours a week and$500 was a month's worth of money!)
Okay, you know what... I'm really sorry for all this history. I just wanted to give a little background to fully express how much I enjoyed my recent vacation to San Diego. Justin's family took me to San Diego for 3 days to go to Sea World, San Diego Zoo and Mission Beach.
Honestly, I really can't stand theme parks/zoos. But getting away from everyday life and spending time with him and his family was totally worth it.
Day 1 we went to Sea World. I love dolphins (my fave animal since I was 6) so I didn't mind it too
much. Justin and I spent most of our time near tanks and indoors since it was so bloody hot. I think the funniest thing that happened was when we went to do a ride at the Arctic exhibit and they brought us in to load. The doors opened and the operator walked through to check before we were seated. Just then he realized someone had thrown up all over the back row. So while we stood there for 15 minutes the janitors cleaned up the mess. Justin and I looked at each other and said, "Glad we're not in that row!"Day 2 we went to the San Diego Zoo. I think everyone was pretty tired from the day before. I was just glad I got to hold Justin's niece, Oakley.
She's really adorable at only 18 months old and it's rare that I get to hold babies. She fell asleep in 3 minutes while I held her. The rest of the time we just wandered around looking at all the 
animals in cages. My favorite was the reptile house. I also made friends with a baby goat at the petting zoo. I think he liked me because I massaged him. I've learned that I really have no idea how to pet animals anymore. I only massage them.The last day was the best. Justin and I rented a sea kayak and paddled out through Mission Bay around Vacation Island for an hour. We really sucked at getting it to go straight. But the best part of the trip was when we saw an unanchored sailboat get blown away by the wind.
So someone in San Diego, an hour later, was probably flipping out that their sailboat was no where in sight. I guess Justin and I could have jumped in after it to try and save it. However, neither of us can sail. Oh well! We also spent three hours on Mission Beach.
(Which was a really crappy beach compared to the last three I've been to in Costa Rica, Hawaii and Aruba... but hey! it was a beach nonetheless!) Justin's back and chest haven't seen the sun since before his mission to Brazil (which was over 3 years ago) so he blended in with the sand. I've seen a little more sun than him, but I'm still pretty white!After the trip I have realized two things:
1. I am so lucky to have Justin. I love him more than ever. And I think he's way hot. :)
2. I need another vacation.
Friday, August 1, 2008
I am a food lover
One of the unique things about my family-well, mostly my Dad's side- is that we are complete food snobs. Being LDS in Utah means that typical meals resemble 1950's comfort food or warped versions of what I consider normal meals adorn most family's tables. Dishes like "funeral potatoes," "jell-o salad," "carrot casserole," etc. are common additions to most meals centered around mass quantities of meat and white, refined breads.
My Dad is in the restaurant business. He has worked for Sysco Intermountain Food Service since before I was born. He currently is a sales rep and has clients like the Alpine Country Club, Pizza Factory, Flour Girls and Dough Boys, Ottavios, La Vigna, etc. He has worked with chefs around Utah developing menus and watching them cook. So growing up he was always experimenting with recipes infused with strong spices. I am not a stranger to intensely hot dishes or strong flavors of garlic, onion, cumin, etc.
My Aunt Catherine, who is not in the food business, (she is a judge in SLC) also has a talent with food. I moved in with her my sophomore year in college and haven't been the same since. In a good way. :) She is obsessed with cooking food from any ethnicity. Dishes like shrimp curry, baba ganoush, falafel, etc. are regular meals around here. She has cookbooks on Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and Latin American dishes.
So when Justin and I started dating I felt disappointed to learn that he was a picky eater who hated the things I loved most. Namely fish, strong spices, ethnic food, and sushi. He loves Mexican food (the gross kind with hoards of melted cheddar and beans), milk (I can only stand soy milk), and Mormon comfort food classics. Since we can't seem to agree on food to cook, we eat out quite a bit. A few weeks ago we made an agreement to limit our eating out to conserve money. We also decided it would be best to try and eat at new places each time.
So I thought I would write reviews on the restaurants we eat at. My point of view, however, will probably not be the typical Utahn opinion. I am a food snob and am accustomed to fine dining so I am a demanding customer.
Last week we ate at The Blue Plate Diner for breakfast and Bangkok Talay for dinner.
The Blue Plate Diner:
The location and decor of this diner is really unique. There were vintage bicycles (which Justin appreciated) and typical retro diner embellishments. Althought 21st and 21st is pretty busy, it was a fun place to sit outside with the shaded patio and bustling street. The service was too slow and on the unfriendly side. We waited unreasonably long for a greeting and water. However, the food was tasty and classic. I ordered the heuvos rancheros verde. The verde sauce was extremely spicy, though delicious. My fried eggs were just right with barely runny yokes and the thick tortilla covered in black beans went well together. It would have been better with a side of pico or freshly sliced tomatoes. Although the breakfast potatoes were nothing to write home about, the dish was overall good breakfast diner food. Justin ordered biscuits with sausage and country gravy. His food was decent, but definitely needed more attention. The biscuits were dry, the gravy ordinary and sausage bits tasted artificial.
Overall, if you like typical diner food, I would recommend this place but be prepared to pay more than what the food is worth and to receive slow service.
Bangkok Thai Talay:
This place was a great find. Close to home (Highland Dr. and 33rd S) and excellent, standard Thai made this one of my new faves. The decor is plain, the service definitely is too slow and when we arrived they were unprepared for the dinner rush. But the food redeemed the entire experience. The menu features typical favorite Thai dishes including curries, stir frys, noodle dishes and salads. For appetizers we had fried spring rolls which were hot, crunchy and good with the rice noodles and cabbage and pork dumplings which were also hot, but chewy and flavorful. I ordered the Lemongrass Stir Fry with chicken and brown rice. Justin had the Sweet Bean Noodles. My dish was fragrant and hearty. With coconut milk, thai basil, thai eggplant, baby corn, red pepper, chicken, onion and fresh lemongrass it was perfect. Justin's dish was also fragrant and delicious filled with veggies, steak and flat egg noodles.
I would definitely recommend this place. It's affordable, delicious Thai food. (All things I love.)
My Dad is in the restaurant business. He has worked for Sysco Intermountain Food Service since before I was born. He currently is a sales rep and has clients like the Alpine Country Club, Pizza Factory, Flour Girls and Dough Boys, Ottavios, La Vigna, etc. He has worked with chefs around Utah developing menus and watching them cook. So growing up he was always experimenting with recipes infused with strong spices. I am not a stranger to intensely hot dishes or strong flavors of garlic, onion, cumin, etc.
My Aunt Catherine, who is not in the food business, (she is a judge in SLC) also has a talent with food. I moved in with her my sophomore year in college and haven't been the same since. In a good way. :) She is obsessed with cooking food from any ethnicity. Dishes like shrimp curry, baba ganoush, falafel, etc. are regular meals around here. She has cookbooks on Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and Latin American dishes.
So when Justin and I started dating I felt disappointed to learn that he was a picky eater who hated the things I loved most. Namely fish, strong spices, ethnic food, and sushi. He loves Mexican food (the gross kind with hoards of melted cheddar and beans), milk (I can only stand soy milk), and Mormon comfort food classics. Since we can't seem to agree on food to cook, we eat out quite a bit. A few weeks ago we made an agreement to limit our eating out to conserve money. We also decided it would be best to try and eat at new places each time.
So I thought I would write reviews on the restaurants we eat at. My point of view, however, will probably not be the typical Utahn opinion. I am a food snob and am accustomed to fine dining so I am a demanding customer.
Last week we ate at The Blue Plate Diner for breakfast and Bangkok Talay for dinner.
The Blue Plate Diner:
The location and decor of this diner is really unique. There were vintage bicycles (which Justin appreciated) and typical retro diner embellishments. Althought 21st and 21st is pretty busy, it was a fun place to sit outside with the shaded patio and bustling street. The service was too slow and on the unfriendly side. We waited unreasonably long for a greeting and water. However, the food was tasty and classic. I ordered the heuvos rancheros verde. The verde sauce was extremely spicy, though delicious. My fried eggs were just right with barely runny yokes and the thick tortilla covered in black beans went well together. It would have been better with a side of pico or freshly sliced tomatoes. Although the breakfast potatoes were nothing to write home about, the dish was overall good breakfast diner food. Justin ordered biscuits with sausage and country gravy. His food was decent, but definitely needed more attention. The biscuits were dry, the gravy ordinary and sausage bits tasted artificial.
Overall, if you like typical diner food, I would recommend this place but be prepared to pay more than what the food is worth and to receive slow service.
Bangkok Thai Talay:
This place was a great find. Close to home (Highland Dr. and 33rd S) and excellent, standard Thai made this one of my new faves. The decor is plain, the service definitely is too slow and when we arrived they were unprepared for the dinner rush. But the food redeemed the entire experience. The menu features typical favorite Thai dishes including curries, stir frys, noodle dishes and salads. For appetizers we had fried spring rolls which were hot, crunchy and good with the rice noodles and cabbage and pork dumplings which were also hot, but chewy and flavorful. I ordered the Lemongrass Stir Fry with chicken and brown rice. Justin had the Sweet Bean Noodles. My dish was fragrant and hearty. With coconut milk, thai basil, thai eggplant, baby corn, red pepper, chicken, onion and fresh lemongrass it was perfect. Justin's dish was also fragrant and delicious filled with veggies, steak and flat egg noodles.
I would definitely recommend this place. It's affordable, delicious Thai food. (All things I love.)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
"This is the new deep"...
Yesterday Evelyn and I made the final step into our quest for musical nirvana. In April I bought two tickets to see today's god of guitar. The man who successfully brought blues and soul back into the mainstream. Who pulled himself out of the wreckage of his pop hit "Your Body is a Wonderland" and was reborn. After 'Room for Squares' he created a deeply emotional and intimate sound with 'Heavier Things.' But no one really expected the alternative artist to jump headfirst into blues with his Trio. He blew us away with his live album "Try." What an incredible leap for a pop artist to make! But he pulled it off and everyone embraced it. After that, working with Alicia Keys, they wrote "Lesson Learned." Maybe the soul queen inspired some of his R&B rifts in his next album, "Continuum." His Jimi Hendrix covers rocked, his guitar and vocal skills were more refined and he had brought blues to a new crowd who were illiterate to the genre. But in this fan's opinion, no album was quite as satisfying as his latest. "Where the Light Is" (lyrics from 'Gravity') was a live album that blew us away. With five acoustic songs, including a soulful version of Tom Petty's 'Free Falling', eight songs with the Trio and six songs with his new eight member band, this was a masterpiece. His guitar skills more complex and intense, vocals deeper and precise and the band's revival of old songs, "Where The Light Is" is definitely this summer's best album. And I'm not just talking about a great pop chart hit. I'm saying that no one today has the same appreciation and respect for music the way that Mayer does. He takes it to a level we haven't seen in decades. He fuses jazz, blues, and rock with emotional intensity and intellectualism.
Last night Evelyn and I got to see John Mayer for the first time, live. After seven years of music worshiping, we finally saw him in concert! I would just like to say that after all these years, seeing Mayer was unbelievably satisfying. His music was just as brilliant and touching as it as has been. Yet at one point when the lights lifted onto the audience and all you saw was the band sillouhetted on stage while "Gravity" was taken to a new level the lyrics "Just keep me where the light is, love the perfect you, just keep me where the light is..." I felt this euphoric connection to the universe and to everything in it. I knew I was in musical nirvana. And now I know I need to see no other artist to experience that feeling.
I don't really know how to end this blog entry other than to say, if you haven't listened to anything but Mayer's pop hits, it's time to experience his music. "Where the Light Is" is also a DVD for anyone that has a short attention span. So do it!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
*Disclaimer*
It has been brought to my attention that maybe I got a little too personal with my "More on Running" entry. Here is a statement for all, but one fellow from Arizona in particular:
This blog is a online journaling website. All that is written here is stuff going on in my life. If you are unable to handle it or are embarrassed by health details, feel free to abstain from reading. I have NO problem if you don't want to read this. I'm doing this blog for myself, mostly, but also for any friends/family to keep up with me. I personally feel that I have done a good job leaving out the intimate details in my life. However, coming from an open (maybe too open) family has made me realize that life is too short to have so many hidden windows. I'm an open book.
There. I apologize if that sounded harsh/rude. I just want to be clear that I am not really a closed off person. So if you don't want to know, don't read. :)
That's all!
This blog is a online journaling website. All that is written here is stuff going on in my life. If you are unable to handle it or are embarrassed by health details, feel free to abstain from reading. I have NO problem if you don't want to read this. I'm doing this blog for myself, mostly, but also for any friends/family to keep up with me. I personally feel that I have done a good job leaving out the intimate details in my life. However, coming from an open (maybe too open) family has made me realize that life is too short to have so many hidden windows. I'm an open book.
There. I apologize if that sounded harsh/rude. I just want to be clear that I am not really a closed off person. So if you don't want to know, don't read. :)
That's all!
Friday, July 18, 2008
My Fun Job! Nannying...
I watch three kids. They are surprisingly fun to watch. Grayson is 8, Luke is 6 and Quinn is 3. Grayson is the typical quiet, responsible oldest sibling. Luke is the most challenging being the middle child who finds it his personal goal in life to torment is younger sister. Quinn is adorable, smart and manipulative. I love them all. They have been an awesome break for the me this summer because massage therapy can get really annoying if it's all you do. My job with them ends next week. But here are some pic uploads from my cellphone.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
More on running....
So I'm a fourth of the way into my training for the marathon. I thought I should write SOMETHING about how it's going in order to keep track of myself with my own progress and maintain more accountability.
So.... so far so good. As far as my body goes, I'm doing well. I've almost got my time down to a nine minute mile. It's just being consistent about it. I've found that my ankles and shins bother me after long runs or if I don't properly stretch. Particularly my tibialis anterior and peroneal muscles. I do my best when I'm really well hydrated (like 2-3 L an hour before) and when I have complex carbs in my system two hours before hand. Last Saturday I drove 8 miles up Millcreek Canyon and ran down the canyon and two more miles to Justin's house. However, I did quit 1/2 mile early because I started to recognize that I was experiencing heat stroke. (Nausea, no sweating, chilly.) I had Justin pick me up. That run felt great through the canyon though! Lesson learned.... don't run in July at 3:00 pm when it's 93 degrees.
The hardest part so far is the mental aspect. I do so much infinitely better when I have someone running next to me. My running partner hasn't been running with me for the last month and there really aren't any takers to be a new running partner. (Hmmm... I wonder why...) Caroline, Justin and work friends have all declined. To be honest, I don't blame them.
Anyway, I just need more motivation to keep with the training. It's tough for me to get out there after a long day of work and go "yeah, I'm way excited to run 6 miles tonight!" when I could instead be watching episode after episode of "Lost" with my hot boyfriend.
What else?? I'm noticing that running is really hard not only on my muscles, joints and ligaments, but also on my body systems. My digestion is much more sensitive. I get way sick if I drink milk or have more than one serving of dairy a day. I also can't handle more than three ounces of meat or else I have horrible stomach cramps. It's also really messed up my menstrual cycle. I have no idea what's going on in that department. The doctor didn't know either. She suggested putting me on birth control... like all the other OBs in the world. I personally feel that I should only be on that if I'm using it for what it's intended for. And since I'm not married, I really have no use for it. Natural, normal cycles are healthy and I feel emotionally and spiritually unstable without them. Anyway, I think it's just the running sending it out of whack.
Welllll.... that's all I have about running. Lets see... what else is coming up? I'm going to San Diego with Justin's family in August for a beach/Sea World trip. Yay! My nanny job ends in two weeks. That's both good and bad. School starts at the end of August and I'm enrolled in 16 credit hours. Justin and I are looking at the possibility of going to Brasil in December. Provided that we're married by then.... maybe the trip could even be a honeymoon.... we'll see.
Tchau!
So.... so far so good. As far as my body goes, I'm doing well. I've almost got my time down to a nine minute mile. It's just being consistent about it. I've found that my ankles and shins bother me after long runs or if I don't properly stretch. Particularly my tibialis anterior and peroneal muscles. I do my best when I'm really well hydrated (like 2-3 L an hour before) and when I have complex carbs in my system two hours before hand. Last Saturday I drove 8 miles up Millcreek Canyon and ran down the canyon and two more miles to Justin's house. However, I did quit 1/2 mile early because I started to recognize that I was experiencing heat stroke. (Nausea, no sweating, chilly.) I had Justin pick me up. That run felt great through the canyon though! Lesson learned.... don't run in July at 3:00 pm when it's 93 degrees.
The hardest part so far is the mental aspect. I do so much infinitely better when I have someone running next to me. My running partner hasn't been running with me for the last month and there really aren't any takers to be a new running partner. (Hmmm... I wonder why...) Caroline, Justin and work friends have all declined. To be honest, I don't blame them.
Anyway, I just need more motivation to keep with the training. It's tough for me to get out there after a long day of work and go "yeah, I'm way excited to run 6 miles tonight!" when I could instead be watching episode after episode of "Lost" with my hot boyfriend.
What else?? I'm noticing that running is really hard not only on my muscles, joints and ligaments, but also on my body systems. My digestion is much more sensitive. I get way sick if I drink milk or have more than one serving of dairy a day. I also can't handle more than three ounces of meat or else I have horrible stomach cramps. It's also really messed up my menstrual cycle. I have no idea what's going on in that department. The doctor didn't know either. She suggested putting me on birth control... like all the other OBs in the world. I personally feel that I should only be on that if I'm using it for what it's intended for. And since I'm not married, I really have no use for it. Natural, normal cycles are healthy and I feel emotionally and spiritually unstable without them. Anyway, I think it's just the running sending it out of whack.
Welllll.... that's all I have about running. Lets see... what else is coming up? I'm going to San Diego with Justin's family in August for a beach/Sea World trip. Yay! My nanny job ends in two weeks. That's both good and bad. School starts at the end of August and I'm enrolled in 16 credit hours. Justin and I are looking at the possibility of going to Brasil in December. Provided that we're married by then.... maybe the trip could even be a honeymoon.... we'll see.
Tchau!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
ABC Game
Everyone is doing this. So I am hopping on the band wagon. Yay! (I have an hour of free time and this is how I'm spending it!)
A-Attached or Single? No ring no string! Haha. Just kidding. I'm dating Justin. Eight months and no horrible catastrophes yet! We've been talking about marriage, but who knows!
B-Best Friend? I have a few. Justin, Evelyn, Amanda, Adrienne Tedjamulia, my sisters
C- Cake or Pie? Pie. Cake has icing. Icing is gross. I love pecan, coconut, and raspberry pie most.
D-Day of Choice? Sunday! The only day of rest for me.
E-Essential Items? I never leave the house without: Keys, wallet, cell phone, 2 liters of water, chap stick, sunglasses and allergy medicine
F- Favorite color? Green. I love love love love love green.
G-Gummy Bears or Worms? Gross. I don't like gummy candy. Give me some dark chocolate and I'm happy.
H-Hometown? Highland, UT
I-Favorite Indulgence? French fries. With lots of fry sauce. I think it's cuz my dad's side of the family is southern and fried foods are the vice of the McAvoys.
J-January or July? Definitely July. I love summer so much! But I do enjoy snowboarding too...
K-Kids? Well, being a nanny for someone else's children is good birth control. I don't have to be with them 24/7. But someday I would like my own or to adopt. I only want 2-3 though.
L-Life isn't complete without? Good music, good food, yoga and massage.
M-Marriage Date? If you ask me, December 20th sounds great. Ask Justin and he has no idea.
N-Number of brothers and sisters? 2 baby sisters. I love being the oldest. :)
O-Oranges or Apples? Valencia oranges or pink lady apples.
P-Phobia and Fears? I am terrified swimming in deep water I can't see the bottom of.
Q-Quote? "Today is a gift. That's why it's called present." -Kung Fu Panda
R-Reason to smile? Because I am happier than I've been in 2 years.
S-Season of choice? Summer. Swimming, hiking, outdoor yoga, backpacking, cycling, barbeques, flip flops, what more could you ask for?
T-Tag ten people? What's that?
U-Unknown fact about me? I hate pizza. I also have the strongest forearms ever.
V-Vegetable? Asparagus. Preferably from my grandparent's farm/plantation in Virginia.
W-Worse habit? Eating chocolate or cereal before bed.
Y-Your favorite food? Too many to count. But current top five: Grapefruit, sushi, creamy tomato basil soup, dark chocolate (70% cocoa), raspberries
Z-Zodiac Sign? Gemini.
the end
A-Attached or Single? No ring no string! Haha. Just kidding. I'm dating Justin. Eight months and no horrible catastrophes yet! We've been talking about marriage, but who knows!
B-Best Friend? I have a few. Justin, Evelyn, Amanda, Adrienne Tedjamulia, my sisters
C- Cake or Pie? Pie. Cake has icing. Icing is gross. I love pecan, coconut, and raspberry pie most.
D-Day of Choice? Sunday! The only day of rest for me.
E-Essential Items? I never leave the house without: Keys, wallet, cell phone, 2 liters of water, chap stick, sunglasses and allergy medicine
F- Favorite color? Green. I love love love love love green.
G-Gummy Bears or Worms? Gross. I don't like gummy candy. Give me some dark chocolate and I'm happy.
H-Hometown? Highland, UT
I-Favorite Indulgence? French fries. With lots of fry sauce. I think it's cuz my dad's side of the family is southern and fried foods are the vice of the McAvoys.
J-January or July? Definitely July. I love summer so much! But I do enjoy snowboarding too...
K-Kids? Well, being a nanny for someone else's children is good birth control. I don't have to be with them 24/7. But someday I would like my own or to adopt. I only want 2-3 though.
L-Life isn't complete without? Good music, good food, yoga and massage.
M-Marriage Date? If you ask me, December 20th sounds great. Ask Justin and he has no idea.
N-Number of brothers and sisters? 2 baby sisters. I love being the oldest. :)
O-Oranges or Apples? Valencia oranges or pink lady apples.
P-Phobia and Fears? I am terrified swimming in deep water I can't see the bottom of.
Q-Quote? "Today is a gift. That's why it's called present." -Kung Fu Panda
R-Reason to smile? Because I am happier than I've been in 2 years.
S-Season of choice? Summer. Swimming, hiking, outdoor yoga, backpacking, cycling, barbeques, flip flops, what more could you ask for?
T-Tag ten people? What's that?
U-Unknown fact about me? I hate pizza. I also have the strongest forearms ever.
V-Vegetable? Asparagus. Preferably from my grandparent's farm/plantation in Virginia.
W-Worse habit? Eating chocolate or cereal before bed.
Y-Your favorite food? Too many to count. But current top five: Grapefruit, sushi, creamy tomato basil soup, dark chocolate (70% cocoa), raspberries
Z-Zodiac Sign? Gemini.
the end
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
My life is a machine
June, the best month of the year, is almost gone. Que triste! But it's okay because my birthday was fabulous. I'm making good money. I'm in shape.... for me. And my boyfriend still rocks.
However! I'm feeling like I'm in the rat race. Like a hampster in a wheel. Last Saturday I ran 7 miles, did 7 hours of massage in PC, and drove to Hilary's birthday party in Highland all in one day. The next morning I did 6.5 hours of massage and tried to enjoy the Sabbath, feeling like I couldn't really enjoy it after working all day. The next day I watched the kids for 8 hours, went running and crashed around midnight. Tuesday I went to the temple, did 5 hours of massage and rode up Millcreek (as some cross training) with Justin. Today I worked 8 hours with the kids and ran 5 miles. Tomorrow I work 8 hours with the kids, run 3 miles and massage for 3 hours. Blah blah blah. My life has officially become consumed by running/cross training, massage, watching the kids and hanging out with Justin.
I shouldn't complain though. I was so stressed to find a job when I moved back to Utah. I fasted and prayed and went to the temple. My resume probably went out to 15 different places. I just desperately wanted to make as much money as I could to pay for school in the fall. Now I'm making lots of money but paying for it by not having a moment of down time. Also, training for 26.2 miles isn't helping.
I need an attitude adjustment. I want to be grateful for the Lord giving me what I asked for. Here is a list of things I'm grateful for.
1. A healthy, strong body
2. Free rent! (Thank you Aunt Cathy and Uncle Karl!!)
3. An amazing boyfriend who I fall more in love with everyday
4. Strong wrists (you have to have them for massage)
5. Soy milk (I found out I'm a little lactose intolerant)
5. The beautiful view of downtown from our house in Canyon Rim
6. My bike Gabrielle
7. My new sleeping bag Taylor
8. Watching Quinn (3 year old girl I nanny) take bubble baths. She is SOOOO cute.
9. The scriptures, especially Alma's stories
10. Having 2 temples 15 minutes away
11. Memory foam mattress
12. "On Guard" essential oil from doTERRA (it's saved me so many times from getting sick)
13. Internet access in my room
14. Having and LDS spa director
15. Clients with lots of money to spend on massage (cuz 50% of it goes in my pocket!)
16. My new chaco sandals
17. Mineral Makeup... it's amazing!
18. Having a really traumatic past 2 years. Because I have so much more confidence now.
19. Being 5 minutes from I-215 and I-80.
20. Most of all, for the Atonement.
I would write more, because I could probably list 100 things, but I'm tired and need sleep. So I'll post an update on Sunday with some pictures of me recently. Tchau.
However! I'm feeling like I'm in the rat race. Like a hampster in a wheel. Last Saturday I ran 7 miles, did 7 hours of massage in PC, and drove to Hilary's birthday party in Highland all in one day. The next morning I did 6.5 hours of massage and tried to enjoy the Sabbath, feeling like I couldn't really enjoy it after working all day. The next day I watched the kids for 8 hours, went running and crashed around midnight. Tuesday I went to the temple, did 5 hours of massage and rode up Millcreek (as some cross training) with Justin. Today I worked 8 hours with the kids and ran 5 miles. Tomorrow I work 8 hours with the kids, run 3 miles and massage for 3 hours. Blah blah blah. My life has officially become consumed by running/cross training, massage, watching the kids and hanging out with Justin.
I shouldn't complain though. I was so stressed to find a job when I moved back to Utah. I fasted and prayed and went to the temple. My resume probably went out to 15 different places. I just desperately wanted to make as much money as I could to pay for school in the fall. Now I'm making lots of money but paying for it by not having a moment of down time. Also, training for 26.2 miles isn't helping.
I need an attitude adjustment. I want to be grateful for the Lord giving me what I asked for. Here is a list of things I'm grateful for.
1. A healthy, strong body
2. Free rent! (Thank you Aunt Cathy and Uncle Karl!!)
3. An amazing boyfriend who I fall more in love with everyday
4. Strong wrists (you have to have them for massage)
5. Soy milk (I found out I'm a little lactose intolerant)
5. The beautiful view of downtown from our house in Canyon Rim
6. My bike Gabrielle
7. My new sleeping bag Taylor
8. Watching Quinn (3 year old girl I nanny) take bubble baths. She is SOOOO cute.
9. The scriptures, especially Alma's stories
10. Having 2 temples 15 minutes away
11. Memory foam mattress
12. "On Guard" essential oil from doTERRA (it's saved me so many times from getting sick)
13. Internet access in my room
14. Having and LDS spa director
15. Clients with lots of money to spend on massage (cuz 50% of it goes in my pocket!)
16. My new chaco sandals
17. Mineral Makeup... it's amazing!
18. Having a really traumatic past 2 years. Because I have so much more confidence now.
19. Being 5 minutes from I-215 and I-80.
20. Most of all, for the Atonement.
I would write more, because I could probably list 100 things, but I'm tired and need sleep. So I'll post an update on Sunday with some pictures of me recently. Tchau.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Run like the wind Bullseye
This week is the first week of hell... I mean training. Top Of Utah marathon is September 20th and there are 16 weeks of training. Monday I ran 3 miles. Wednesday I didn't run due to excessive rainfall. Thursday I ran 4 miles and Saturday I will run 5 miles. This is really a monumental thing for me for two reasons. #1 Being that I was always the fat kid. #2 Being that I have always loathed running. Not just hated running. But LOATHED it. As in deep, concentrated dedicated loathing of the entire sport. I just considered myself a recreational swimmer and yoga guru. Last summer I started biking when my dad bought Gabrielle (my Trek mountain bike). Last winter I started seriously snowboarding when I bought Kenna (my Burton Ginger- yes, the girl's board). Because I started trying new sports, it's opened me up to the possibility of other new sports.
But when I got home from Telluride my girlfriend Amanda Messenger suggested we started running together. Not only running. But with a goal in mind of marathoning. She knew, of course, to ask me. Why? Because I am the most spontaneous and sometimes naive person she knows. She knew she could lure me with the phrase, "Do you want to try something new?" Unless it's life-threatening, I'm all about trying something new. She also knew I would commit without fully comprehending the consequences. Like 16 weeks of hellish training. My mom always tells me I look before I leap. She's right.
So after running for a month to build of enough stamina to run 30 minutes without stopping, I have started the training schedule. Without Amanda here it's harder to run. She's gone for a month teaching essential oil classes. I'm pretty competitive and having someone next to me always gives me that competitive edge. Now I just try to keep in sync with my r&b hip-hop trash. So far so good.
I'm noticing that my gastroc and soleus muscles are getting chronically shorter. That will be fixed by doing more yoga and stretching consistently pre and post training. I also notice that running is more about mind over matter than anything. My loathing wore off the day I ran through Cedar Hills golf course and realized how much of the world I had missed by never experiencing it on foot. As long as I let my thoughts roam freely and avoid calculating the remaining duration or my latest mistake, I do fairly well.
Considering my fun-run time in junior high was usually over 13 minutes (don't laugh, I'm serious) I'm doing really well. I ran 4 miles yesterday in 40 minutes. Averaging 10 minute miles is huge for me. My goal is to shave off a minute per mile by mid-July. I'll blog in a month about it to find out if I did it.
If anyone has any training/running/moral support advice I would LOVE to hear it. Tomorrow I will go 5 miles. I'll run up 33rd south along wasatch blvd. Hopefully I won't die doing it. Lots of hills mean lots of work. Well, gotta go to work. Maybe I can snag someone into doing a massage trade with me. My lower body needs it!
But when I got home from Telluride my girlfriend Amanda Messenger suggested we started running together. Not only running. But with a goal in mind of marathoning. She knew, of course, to ask me. Why? Because I am the most spontaneous and sometimes naive person she knows. She knew she could lure me with the phrase, "Do you want to try something new?" Unless it's life-threatening, I'm all about trying something new. She also knew I would commit without fully comprehending the consequences. Like 16 weeks of hellish training. My mom always tells me I look before I leap. She's right.
So after running for a month to build of enough stamina to run 30 minutes without stopping, I have started the training schedule. Without Amanda here it's harder to run. She's gone for a month teaching essential oil classes. I'm pretty competitive and having someone next to me always gives me that competitive edge. Now I just try to keep in sync with my r&b hip-hop trash. So far so good.
I'm noticing that my gastroc and soleus muscles are getting chronically shorter. That will be fixed by doing more yoga and stretching consistently pre and post training. I also notice that running is more about mind over matter than anything. My loathing wore off the day I ran through Cedar Hills golf course and realized how much of the world I had missed by never experiencing it on foot. As long as I let my thoughts roam freely and avoid calculating the remaining duration or my latest mistake, I do fairly well.
Considering my fun-run time in junior high was usually over 13 minutes (don't laugh, I'm serious) I'm doing really well. I ran 4 miles yesterday in 40 minutes. Averaging 10 minute miles is huge for me. My goal is to shave off a minute per mile by mid-July. I'll blog in a month about it to find out if I did it.
If anyone has any training/running/moral support advice I would LOVE to hear it. Tomorrow I will go 5 miles. I'll run up 33rd south along wasatch blvd. Hopefully I won't die doing it. Lots of hills mean lots of work. Well, gotta go to work. Maybe I can snag someone into doing a massage trade with me. My lower body needs it!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I'm new to blogging
Alright. Honestly, I thought these were a bad idea. But after reading my friends' (Charise and Evelyn) blogs, I decided it might be cool to have one too.
So for now, I don't have much to blog. I will just give a re-cap of the last 8ish months to catch other people up. That is, if anyone actually reads these. Here it is:
-September: My annulment finally went through with David so, officially, I'm not married anymore. In case you weren't aware of what happened, I can sum it up in one sentence. Lying about drugs is not cool. I guess I'm probably the first girl of my graduating high school class to get un-married. Yay.
-October: Graduated massage school. Yay!
-November: I went on a few dates with old friends and this guy I met on facebook. Yeah, weird. I also got a job in Telluride, CO as a massage therapist at one of the top spas in the country, The Golden Door.
-December: I went on a few more dates with facebook guy and decided I liked him a lot. So we became official. Whatever that phrase really means. I moved to the hippy town of Telluride where the sun literally set at 4:30 and started working. Justin (facebook guy) stayed in Utah where he attended the U of U.
-January-March: Work continued and I made lots of money. My roommate, a 60-year-old b-word, became increasingly more anal and annoying. One Sunday I blew up at her and after that things were awkward at our apartment. However, the hovering while I ate meals stopped and I didn't get as many annoying notes asking me to shovel the deck at 5 am. Also, I got a LOT better at snowboarding. I became addicted at one point and realized that the reason I had hated it so much before Telluride was because David pushed it on me and loved snowboarding more than me. All my life I had hated the winter because of the cold and darkness. But being in the mountains with tons of snow all winter brought me to love it. Justin and I dated long distance during that time. We would drive out to visit each other as often as we could. The 7 hour drive started to go by faster. When my job was hard and my roommate was driving me crazy, the two days of seeing Justin was enough to get me through the week.
-April: I moved home to Highland with my parents. While my Caroline planned her wedding, I looked non-stop for a good job. In Utah it's hard to find a lucrative massage job. Park City is one of the best places to make money so that's where I aimed for.
-May: Caroline got married. It was a beautiful wedding and reception. I took the wedding photos, was a bridesmaid, did the bachelorette party and tried to stay sane. It was very exhausting, but so rewarding to watch her be sealed in the temple over a sacred altar. In a way, I felt a little sad remembering my own sealing. I'm so grateful for Justin and he has brought so much healing to my life. Being sealed by the right authority in the house of the Lord is amazing, but it's heart breaking when your partner doesn't keep their covenants. I still haven't gotten over it. After the wedding I got offered a job at Hotel Park City and also as a nanny for a family near Park City. Yay! Needless to say, I will be working two part-time jobs this summer and look forward to being exhausted.
Well, that's all I have for now. I hope that I can keep in touch with old friends this way. Whoever reads this, please send me a note to say hi. I would love to keep in touch. Peace!
So for now, I don't have much to blog. I will just give a re-cap of the last 8ish months to catch other people up. That is, if anyone actually reads these. Here it is:
-September: My annulment finally went through with David so, officially, I'm not married anymore. In case you weren't aware of what happened, I can sum it up in one sentence. Lying about drugs is not cool. I guess I'm probably the first girl of my graduating high school class to get un-married. Yay.
-October: Graduated massage school. Yay!
-November: I went on a few dates with old friends and this guy I met on facebook. Yeah, weird. I also got a job in Telluride, CO as a massage therapist at one of the top spas in the country, The Golden Door.
-December: I went on a few more dates with facebook guy and decided I liked him a lot. So we became official. Whatever that phrase really means. I moved to the hippy town of Telluride where the sun literally set at 4:30 and started working. Justin (facebook guy) stayed in Utah where he attended the U of U.
-January-March: Work continued and I made lots of money. My roommate, a 60-year-old b-word, became increasingly more anal and annoying. One Sunday I blew up at her and after that things were awkward at our apartment. However, the hovering while I ate meals stopped and I didn't get as many annoying notes asking me to shovel the deck at 5 am. Also, I got a LOT better at snowboarding. I became addicted at one point and realized that the reason I had hated it so much before Telluride was because David pushed it on me and loved snowboarding more than me. All my life I had hated the winter because of the cold and darkness. But being in the mountains with tons of snow all winter brought me to love it. Justin and I dated long distance during that time. We would drive out to visit each other as often as we could. The 7 hour drive started to go by faster. When my job was hard and my roommate was driving me crazy, the two days of seeing Justin was enough to get me through the week.
-April: I moved home to Highland with my parents. While my Caroline planned her wedding, I looked non-stop for a good job. In Utah it's hard to find a lucrative massage job. Park City is one of the best places to make money so that's where I aimed for.
-May: Caroline got married. It was a beautiful wedding and reception. I took the wedding photos, was a bridesmaid, did the bachelorette party and tried to stay sane. It was very exhausting, but so rewarding to watch her be sealed in the temple over a sacred altar. In a way, I felt a little sad remembering my own sealing. I'm so grateful for Justin and he has brought so much healing to my life. Being sealed by the right authority in the house of the Lord is amazing, but it's heart breaking when your partner doesn't keep their covenants. I still haven't gotten over it. After the wedding I got offered a job at Hotel Park City and also as a nanny for a family near Park City. Yay! Needless to say, I will be working two part-time jobs this summer and look forward to being exhausted.
Well, that's all I have for now. I hope that I can keep in touch with old friends this way. Whoever reads this, please send me a note to say hi. I would love to keep in touch. Peace!
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