Mike and Abby Young

Idina Menzel Concert!

2011-08-03T20:33:00.002-06:00

Saturday evening, Mike and I had an AMAZING date night! First, we went to our favorite restaurant, Asian Star. (sigh) Just talking about it makes me want it again. We LOVE Chinese food, but that is definitely one of our most crave-a-licious meals!

We then took off to Deer Valley where IDINA MENZEL was performing, along with the Utah Symphony. We got there pretty early, but we were prepared with Phase 10 in our pockets. :)

Man, the weather was perfect. It was probably low 70's, chance of rain, and not blistering hot. My kind of weather!

The symphony started coming out on stage, and who should I see, but my old violin teacher Jack Ashton! I headed up to him to see if I could say hi, and he totally recognized me! It was so good to see him and catch up. They did SO well, and I miss going to the symphony as often as I used to. (Maybe I could get Mike to take me...)

Mike and I enjoying ourselves!

Mike and his constant chatter on the phone...

The standard kissing-the-cheek photo!

Then, Idina came out with the symphony introducing her with the fun beats of "Life of the Party" from "Wild Party". Everyone was just ecstatic to just see her come out! She was so beautiful, and everyone was commenting on it! I just got tears in my eyes as soon as she sang her first note!

I actually got to see one of her last performances in the original production of Wicked on Broadway, and I never thought I would have the chance to see her live again! She is so amazing and just captivates you with her original tone and her amazing stage presence.

She was so hilarious as well with her personal stories, and was so great at involving the audience! She sang "Love For Sale" by Cole Porter, along with my favorites "I'm Not That Girl" from Wicked, "Funny Girl" and "Don't Rain On My Parade" from Funny Girl. She got emotional as she sang a soft version of "No Day But Today" from Rent and had the audience sing with her. She even sang her version of "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga from Glee! All the while she was just making fun of the song and how ridiculous the lyrics were. She wrapped it up by singing, "For Good" and "Defying Gravity" from my FAVORITE musical Wicked. She then sang her encore "Tomorrow" from Annie.

We were really a lot closer than this, but we weren't supposed to take pictures and had to be discreet!

All in all, it was an amazing concert, and I was SO happy Mike and I got to see that together. If anyone ever has the chance to see her, I would greatly recommend it!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-01-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today is Mike and I's third anniversary! He has to work tonight, so we couldn't really celebrate it today, but we're going to party tomorrow! He did give me flowers-a dozen red roses, so that was so sweet. So beautiful! He is such a great husband-and I pale in comparison as a wife. I do not deserve him. I love him so much and I look forward to the decades of anniversaries to come!

WE ARE WHAT WE EAT

2011-01-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

So, this year I decided I want to do a food blog/cookbook. Whenever I cook something that looks super good, or if I eat something out that looks amazing, I'm going to take a picture of it. If I cook it, I'm going to take the picture and put it in my cookbook so I can see the picture of what I've made and if I liked it or not. So far, I've made a couple of meals and they've turned out really good. The roast was Sunday's and the spaghetti was tonight. More food to come!

Slow-Cooked roast w/ button mushrooms, mashed potatoes, side of veggies and a whole-wheat roll.

Whole wheat spaghetti w/ meat and mushroom sauce and garlic bread.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, another year is about to pass by, and I have really done a bad job at updating my posts and everything. I have decided to come up with my resolutions for the new 2011 year! First, Christmas was really great! Just look below...

The Youngs

Mike and I at my mom's house

Eldredge Christmas!

My sister Lindsay and I

Mike with his loot-Qwirkle and clothes!

Mmmm....

Now, for my New Year's resolutions.

Be more postive-I feel like I'm a Debbie Downer sometimes when it comes to certain things, well-most things, and I think it would help me a lot to be more postive when doing things!
Conquer my fears-I feel like a lot of what I would LIKE to do, I don't, because fear overcomes me. I just need to take leaps of faith-accept the choices and consequences and do it-because most likely nothing bad will really happen to me!
Lose weight-now this one has always been a problem for me. It's the whole self control thing-and the fact that I love food and how it tastes way too much. But I have to just do it-so I feel much better inside and out! It will just make everything more enjoyable.
Definitely take more pictures and videos. This year's video scrapbook was such a let-down. We did things-but did not take as many photos as I would have liked.
LIVE LIFE. This goes with number four. To take photos and videos, we have to do more things that warrant taking photos and videos. I want to have adventures, feel like I'm having a LIFE-especially right now while I don't have kids.

Those are my resolutions. I feel good, positive, and looking forward to the future. This will be a great year in my 25th year of life.

Take Me Out to the Softball Game!

2010-09-20T21:29:00.000-06:00

Tonight Mike had a softball game, one of his last. It wasn't their best, and they didn't win, but it was fun to go!

Jake and Mike!

Park City Fun!

2010-09-20T21:16:00.000-06:00

Saturday, Mike and I went to Park City for a work party! We got to go on the Alpine Slide, the zip line, and the coaster! It was great to be out in the fresh air and experience a little bit of adventure.

Getting ready to go down the slide !! Got my game face on :)

We are in line to go down the zip line. I was so scared! It was way fun though!

While we were in line, Shaun White got to cut in front of us to go down the zip line first. I can't be too annoyed at an Olympic Gold Medalist who cuts in front of me, can I?

Mike and I after we went down the coaster. It was so fun and so fast!! I would totally want to do it again!

I also conquered one of my fears...going on a tramp. I made an exception because I was harnessed in and got to go high and wasn't worried for my life!

This is the highest I've ever jumped in my life!

Summer Trip!

2010-09-07T19:43:00.007-06:00

Last month, Mike and I went to San Jose to get away from the heat of summer, and drove 12 hours in to the perfect temperature of the mid 70's and calm of the Northern Pacific Coast. It was great!

The first day, we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and saw all the cool ocean life. It was such a BUSY day, but it was still lots of fun to see everything.

We also went to the beach! We didn't get in the water because it was freezing cold and the weather was overcast, but it was still really beautiful.

Another day we went to San Francisco. We hung out on Pier 39, ate a lot of seafood, went to Ghiradelli Square, and the San Francisco Bay Bridge! It was so cold and windy, as you can see from the picture at the bridge-I could not get control of my hair! We also went to the musical "Wicked" at the Orpheum Theatre, which was amazing as always!

Another day, we went to the Oakland Temple to do a session there. It was such a beautiful day, and the temple grounds were amazing as always!

Thank you to Sam and Nancy who let us stay with them for the week's duration. It was so fun to stay with you, and it was a really fun trip!

New Blog!

2010-06-28T07:40:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Check out our new blog http://intheshoot.blogspot.com/. We're going to try to do photography on the side for different things. If anyone needs any pictures taken, check it out and we can help you out!

Move with Integrity

2010-04-14T06:19:00.002-06:00

Sorry, I haven't written for the past few days. I have been going to yoga every day though, and it's starting to get a bit hard to take the initiative and go. Especially Saturday, I had to do a double class and I was just so tired.

There is one teacher that I go to quite frequently, Janet-who is one of my more favorite teachers to go to. Something that she says during the class is "move with integrity". This phrase really hits me. During this class, you can "pretend" you're trying and doing the pose, but you're lying to yourself. You are not getting the most out of the class that you took the time out of your day for. They tell you too, that "Yoga is something you try, you do not do". As long as you are really trying to do what they're telling you to do, you're moving in the right direction. I may not be able to do everything, and I'm probably very far away from doing the poses all the way. But as long as I "move with integrity" and put the effort into it, I'm not lying to myself and I'm happy with what I've done-just for myself and my health.

Bikram-2nd Day

2010-04-08T09:29:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my second day of my challenge. I didn't stand in the corner from hell, which made it much, much better. My energy was pretty good, and I only had to take a knee for a few minutes during it. There is one pose though, where I feel so lame while I'm trying to do it. You're supposed to clasp all 10 fingers together, and then pick up your foot with your hands, and then balance on the other. I don't know if my arms are too short, or if it's just some flexible thing that will come with time, but it just does not work for me! The picture below is what you're supposed to work up to. Hmm...I feel great, and I'm ready for another day!

Muse Concert/Bikram Yoga 30-Day Challenge

2010-04-06T19:04:00.006-06:00

Hello everyone! So, I pretty much suck at writing on this blog, and since I have deleted my Facebook account, I thought I would update this more often! So much has happened, and I feel bad that I haven't written anything for so long! The only thing to do I guess is just to move forward.

Monday night, Mike and I went to the Muse concert, which is my absolute favorite band. They did not disappoint whatsoever. It will be very hard to top the magnificence that was this concert. Mike gave me the tickets for Christmas and I have been looking forward to this FOR-EV-ER! Matthew Bellamy's voice is just so surreal and beautiful, you can't help but be entranced when you hear their songs. They also had so many cool light installments and digital media going on throughout the whole show, so it was just kind of a non-drug induced trip that your mind went on when looking at the stage! I'm not the kind of person to jump up and down, but my little heart was definitely dancing when they started to play. Silver Sun Pickups opened for them, and they were good as well! I was so happy I went! (I was going to upload a video, but it was taking way too long, so maybe later!

Also, I am starting my 30-Day Bikram Yoga challenge. It means you have to do 30 classes in 30 days. If anyone has ever done this, it's pretty brutal. You are doing yoga in 105-120 degree heat and dripping with sweat and pretty much you're in hell. What is amazing though, is that it actually energizes your body rather than make it tired, as with other exercise methods. I'm getting to be okay, but definitely not to where I want to be yet! So, everyone cheer me on as I head towards the finish line. I will do a day-by-day run of how I'm feeling.

Yesterday was my first day of the challenge. It had been a week since I had last gone, and I had been sick and not eating too great, so I didn't have a lot of energy. I also decided to stand in the "hot corner" where the vent is. That was not a good idea for my first day back. I spent a lot of the time on the ground, but you are still reaping benefits for just staying in the room, so at least I stayed. I'm determined to make this day better, so wish me luck!

Been So Long...

2009-11-06T16:58:00.008-07:00

It has been so long since I have last written. Call it laziness, call it lack of events in my life, call it what you would like. I figured I should write SOMETHING...

I have done quite a few things with my Davinci girls. We went up to my cabin in Brighton and had a movie night with Lasagna. We played this hilarious card game where we just made fools of ourselves. We went to Buca di Beppo a couple of times. We just recently had another "Twilight" watching party, and it's always so fun to discuss the entire movie like a bunch of psychos. One event that is coming up is us going to the midnight, well 12:45 AM showing of "New Moon"! Woot Woot! Can't wait for that to get here, and it's almost here!

Mike and I also participated in the "Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk" earlier last month. It was so amazing to see everyone come together to support this disease. It was fun too, because Edward and Jacob were there to cheer us on!! :)

Halloween has also come and gone, and we really got in to the festive spirit! Especially Mike with his pumpkin carving! His are the skull and the haunted house, and mine was the face and the attempt at a "Boo"! We weren't together on Halloween night, so no pictures there, but hopefully next year!!

I have also read quite a few books! I've read Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol", "Hunger Games" and "Catching Fire", "Shutter Island", and "Have A Little Faith", among others. All of which were pretty good! "Symbol" was a little too predictable, having read all of his books. I loved "Hunger" and it's sequel! A total page turner! "Shutter" was good, but I almost hope the movie's better! (Crossing my fingers). "Faith" was so sweet, but what can you expect from Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie, etc..). His books always bring tears to my eyes.

So hopefully that brought you all up to date! (For those who care) I'm so excited for the holidays!!

Shooting and S'Mores

2009-08-10T16:08:00.007-06:00

Saturday was a lot of fun! That morning, we went shooting down by Utah Lake with Mike's friend Tony. I've been skeet shooting once, and then we went to a shooting range for Mike's birthday, but never really been other than that. It's such a power trip and a release! I loved it! I actually shot a bullseye for one of the targets. I'm very proud of myself! I darn near gave myself a concussion though a few times because one of the guns kicked back a lot, as you can see!!

A couple of outlaws...

I just have to make the "Zoolander" face when I hold a gun!

Just can't help it...

That night, we went up American Fork Canyon with Mike's friends, Jake and Rachael to go eat some hot dogs and s'mores. It was so much fun! I love the smell of a campfire...

S'more Faces!

Marshmallow Faces!

Mike, Me, Rachael, Jake

Las Vegas and California!

2009-06-29T16:06:00.010-06:00

Well...we're back from a ten day vacation from Las Vegas and California...In a way, it was kind of nice to just go back to the routine of every day life and have things set up the way you want them to... On the other hand, it was amazing just to relax and not have to worry about a thing that was going on at home, especially when your home was staying with you (18 people to be exact!) My dad rented a beach house in Newport Beach for the whole family to come and stay. Thankfully, Mike and I were able to have our own room with a door, and a lock (those were my requirements... Thanks Mom and Dad!!) Before we went there though, Mike and I hit "Sin City" to mainly see "The Lion King" that was showing at Mandalay Bay. The show was so amazing! I'm so glad that we did that!

I thought this was a cool picture that Mike took...yes, that's my head.

We gambled a bit...lost a bit...gained nothing... too bad

It was lots of fun. We met Mike's friend Jake and his wife Rachael to see the show. We ate at the Excalibur Hotel, which is where we stayed. Not a great buffet...but what are you gonna do?

After the show on Saturday night, Mike and I headed out to Newport. It wasn't too bad of a drive and we listened to Dan Brown's, Digital Fortress on the way since Mike hadn't ever read it.

One of the days Mike and I went up to the LA County Museum of Art. It was pretty fun. Mike was a sweetheart and went just because he knew it would make me happy. If you've seen Night at the Museum II, you'll recognize this...

Newport was great. We just hung out and relaxed on the beach. The ocean decided it wanted to beat me up and gave me quite a few battle wounds on my legs and my arms. No worries though... Apparently I was the entertainment for the family when a massive wave was coming towards me and the undertow was so strong that I couldn't run out to the shore...I get pulled under...tossed around A LOT... and get washed up on shore. To top the entertainment off was that when I got washed up, I couldn't get up fast enough, so the second wave would pull me back out into the ocean and do the whole thing over again!! This did not just happen once... Stupid ocean... No, it was fun. I enjoyed myself.

I was also proud that Mike somewhat overcame his fear of the water and the ocean. He spent most of the time body surfing and trying to get the hang of it. My brother-in-law Chad did see a sand shark while they were both out there, and after that...Mike was pretty much done for the day...

If you look closely, you can see Mike's board right in the middle of the wake...Poor Mike...

Still smiling though...

We also went up to Disneyland one day, not to go to the park, but just go to Downtown Disney to go see the new Transformers movie and go shopping. The movie was good, but the best part was that Mike got me a new wallet from Fossil. It has such pretty colors and it's so much better than my old frumpy Wells Fargo wallet. I love it!!

The last day we were there, we went to the tidal pools at Crystal Cove (I think that's what it's called) I wasn't too into that, but I went anyway, and it was really pretty. Everyone was exploring looking for crabs and such.

THE WHOLE FAMILY!!

(we were all staring into the sun, so that's why our faces are all squished up)

Well, it was so fun to be with the family and to play games and just have a nice, relaxing vacation. I liked not having everything just be so jam-packed with activities that you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation when you get home! I loved being with Mike and sharing this time with him. He is SO good to me and I appreciate him so much. I also appreciate my mom and dad for taking us on this fabulous trip and making it such an enjoyable time for the whole family!!

Goodbye Utah (For Now...)

2009-06-19T07:06:00.006-06:00

Today we will be leaving for fabulous Las Vegas-and then head on out to Newport Beach with the entire family. I am so excited! So when you think of me this week, picture me...

heredoing this

seeing this

and then driving out to here...

Bon voyage!

Our Excursions (Sort Of)

2009-06-16T16:09:00.005-06:00

So, at the request of my friend Emily, I apparently need to update my life, and not just write book reviews, so here it is.

The past couple of weekends, we (well, I) have been trying to be a bit more adventurous. Which isn't really saying much, because any adventure at all is a big step for me. One weekend, I wanted to drive up to Idaho to see the City of Rocks. It's in my "1000 Places to See Before You Die" book, so I wanted to go. It was pretty fun to just go up there and see a new place. If I was a rockclimber, man, this place would be my Mecca. We went on a couple of walks around the place, and it was really beautiful, and cool to see these huge boulders just in the middle of nowhere. Here's some pictures of that trip we took...

Mike, big man on campus... (or rock...)
Just the two of us

Also, one weekend we decided to go hiking. We just went up Little Cottonwood, and found a short one that went up to a really pretty waterfall. Well, for some reason, my before said "adventurous" side told me to play in said waterfall, even though it was freezing cold water and probably not the healthiest thing to play in any way. So, I walked around the rocks, Mike told me to stay away from the mossy ones. And then, before I knew it I had slipped and fell down into the water and got soaking wet! We went home after that... It was way fun though! Here are some pictures of that excursion of ours ...

Here I am...before I fell in...

I will be going to California on Friday, so I will be able to "update my life" when I come back next Saturday.

Peace...

love...

Book Review- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

2009-05-29T07:32:00.004-06:00

When I was over at my mom's this Sunday doing laundry, she recommended that I read this book that she read for her book club. She said that it could probably make the list for her top 10 favorite books she has ever read! I thought with that kind of recommendation, I couldn't go wrong! Now I wouldn't say this would be in my top 10, but it was definitely fun to read and was a wonderful story. It's all written in letter form, with letters going back and forth between characters in the story. It takes place after World War II and is about a writer, Juliet who is written by a man in Guernsey (an island near England) who was intrigued by her books and articles that she had written. He tells her about the society that he ended up being a part of during the war to help them cope with what was going around them while the Germans occupied their home. She ends up getting all kinds of stories of these people's lives and decides to write a book about it. The people of Guernsey end up changing her life for good! The characters are wonderfully written, and there is a love story between a couple of the characters that always helps me turn the pages. You do get emotionally involved with the characters which is always nice, rather than not connecting with them in any way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who would be interested in this delightful novel.

Book Review-The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

2009-05-21T08:57:00.004-06:00

I was at a wedding luncheon one day and one of my friends recommended that I read this book. I'm always a little skeptical about reading World War II books, because after awhile they can become tiresome and the stories are redundant. Not that I am in any way lessening the impact that World War II had on millions of lives, but you can only take so much sometimes. Well this book brought something new to the table. It was told in Death's perspective. And it wasn't about anyone in a concentration camp, it was a story of a German girl and her experiences throughout the war. This book has so much heart, feeling, and love it just inspires your soul. The author himself gives spoilers throughout the novel, so you already knows what happens at the end, but still you can't help but brush your tears away. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, and it was such a breath of fresh air from the others awful books I've been reading. Go and pick this one up!!

Book Review- Q & A by Vikas Swarup

2009-05-11T14:52:00.003-06:00

I have just finished reading Q & A written by Vikas Swarup which the movie Slumdog Millionaire was based off of, and for once the movie is so much better than the book. In the movie you feel inspired and uplifted, whereas in the book, the stories are more perverse and doesn't have the same warm, fuzzy feeling you get at the end. You feel as if you like the characters more and can relate to them more. It's still an okay book, but I would definitely recommend the movie over the book any day. Maybe it's because there's a love story involved and that is his inspiration to win the money in the end in the movie. I would give this book a C, whereas with the movie, a solid A.

Bikram Yoga

2009-05-06T06:56:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I decided to branch out and do something a little different with my workout. I've heard a couple of girls talk about this Bikram Yoga and I thought I'd check it out. I'VE NEVER SWEAT SO MUCH BEFORE IN MY LIFE!! It's a mixture of 26 postures and you are working out in a 100 degree room. Within the first 10 minutes, you are literally dripping!! I can see how this would be addicting for some people because it's probably such a natural high doing this. I am pretty sore, but it's the good kind of sore, the rejuvenating sore. I'm going again tonight to see if I can push my endurance even further since I had to take a few breaks last night. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to switch up their workout a bit, and try something completely different! Words of advice, don't eat anything beforehand, but make sure to eat plenty of calories during the day and stay hydrated.

Sunday Afternoon

2009-05-03T16:35:00.005-06:00

Today Mike and I decided to take a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon and go on a little walk. We ended up going up to Moss Landing, not too far up from the mouth of the canyon, and climbed up some rocks and saw a little waterfall. With all the rain we got yesterday, there was a lot of water coming down. Now anyone who knows me knows I hate hiking, but the temperature was so nice, and I had my amazing husband with me to hold my hand, so it wasn't too bad.
Umm...a little privacy please? :)
My handsome soulmate.

Favorite Songs EVER!!

2009-05-01T08:44:00.004-06:00

I have decided to compile a list of my top 10 favorite songs EVER! I have already chosen two of them. I think my number one will always and forever be Starlight, by Muse. It's got a fantastic beat that just keeps you interested and hooked. The tone of Matthew Bellamy is beautiful, and it's got such a beautiful progression that lights you up from beginning to end!! Second, I have Vega4's Life is Beautiful. Talk about an amazing progression with the melody. It is so simplistic, and it's lyrics are beautiful as well. "Life is beautiful, but it's complicated.We barely make it.We don't need to understand.There are miracles, miracles." It's an amazing song and you should check it out!

Third, I've got Sex on Fire, by Kings of Leon. I've just become a new fan of this band, and what a great song to become a fan on! The sexy tone of Caleb, again it just reels you in and you can feel the passion in it. Like the Muse song, it has a beat that is just pounding and making it just impossible not to like... I wanted to get everyone's opinion on their favorite songs of all time!! I want to compile an amazing list!! Let me know!!

Road Trips

2009-04-28T06:30:00.004-06:00

So, I've never been on a road trip to anywhere but California, and that was mostly with family. Mike and I did go on a couple, but again, that was to California for our honeymoon. We started to think of things that might be fun to see, maybe a bit spontaneous, quirky. We finally started thinking of going to New Mexico. I mean, who goes to New Mexico? We were thinking of going to the Carlsbad Caverns and see the caves and the bats. Roswell is not too far away from that, so we could go make fun of the people that believe in all of that UFO and extra-terrestrial stuff. Does anyone have any other suggestions that might be fun?

Book Review- The Appeal

2009-04-17T08:27:00.004-06:00

Before you start reading, I have completely ruined the ending, so if you want to read this book (which I hope you don't), do not read on. I have just finished reading The Appeal by John Grisham. I kept reading because I thought there would be some sort of gratification at the end after reading line upon line about people suffering through agonizing trials. I guess I was wrong. This book is about the town of Bowmore and how a chemical plant tainted their water for years and eventually people started getting cancer and started dying. One particular woman, Jeanette Baker ends up suing Krane Chemical for the loss of her husband and son due to the chemical poisoning. The jury rules in favor of Baker, but the verdict quickly goes up for appeal. Carl Trudeau, one of the major shareholders in Krane's stock decides he will do anything to reverse the verdict when it goes to the supreme court justices. He hires a company for a hefty price to "purchase" one of the seats up for grabs in the November elections and get rid of the more "liberal" judge in that seat who was up for re-election and get a judge that would be sure to rule in favor of the chemical company. So the book goes through all the motions of the elections and everything, and I'm sorry to say, the bad guy totally wins!! The good guys go bankrupt, hundreds of people lose out on the money that could have helped them with their medical expenses, etc... While this ending probably goes along with more "real life" situations, I can't help but wonder why I read this book just to be completely disappointed. I will probably never read this book again. Come on John Grisham!! Good guys need to win!!

The Biggest Loser!

2009-04-07T06:33:00.002-06:00

Much to my chagrin, I have been sucked once again into what we know as reality television. My two favorites are "America's Next Top Model" (yes...I know) and "The Biggest Loser". A few months ago at work, I suggested that at work we have a "Biggest Loser" competition with those who wanted to participate. Finally we have started and yesterday was the first weigh-in. We each pitched in $5 and whoever wins takes that money and gets a gift card to the clothing store of their choice. Now, thankfully we do not have to weigh ourselves in front of everybody, and we don't have to make some bogus speech that will "inspire" everyone, it's all private. So far in my own personal weight loss I have lost ten pounds, but I have a lot more to go. Does anyone have any fabulous tips they can give me so I can win that gift card? Let me know! The game is on!

Happy Birthday Mike!

2009-04-06T15:23:00.005-06:00

On Friday we celebrated Mike's 23rd birthday with his family which turned out pretty good! I put my faith in a cake recipe I found online, and it turned out to be really great! It was chocolate with a peanut butter frosting (of course...) We played Mad Gab and our side of the team won (Yay!). This is our second celebration of Mike's birthday since we've been married and I gotta say, even though sometimes he might drive me crazy, I love him with all my heart. He's one of the greatest, smartest, and sweetest men I've ever known. I don't know what I would be if I didn't have him in my life. Anyway, so it was a great weekend full of celebrating, conference, and...cake. ( I had to think of another C word...)

Book Review-Redwall

2009-04-02T11:34:00.004-06:00

I just finished the latest book that I've read from my shelves. It was Redwall by Brian Jacques. Mike has kept pushing me to read it, and although I am not into books about heroic mice and evil rats, I decided to give this book a try. It was surprisingly good, but I just kept thinking how great of a book it would be to read to your 10-year old kid (probably boys would enjoy it more than girls). It's a story about a humble mouse, Matthias, whose home is under attack by the evil Cluny the Scourge! He sets out on a journey to save the Redwall Abbey and seek out the sword of the mouse hero Martin the Warrior! He finds his strength by making friends along the way that are willing to help him that include the Basil Stag Hare, the sparrows, the shrews and cat. All of his hard work throughout his journey brought the animals closer together and created unity throughout the land of Mossflower. Again, I would definitely recommend this for boys ages 8-12, or just depending on their maturity with a little violence. It was a fun and fast read!

Is It Over Yet?

2009-03-26T08:19:00.003-06:00

This is just one of those days when I look out of the window at the dark gray, bleak, cold skies of the Sugarhouse neighborhood when I really wish I was laying out at the side of a swimming pool, where it's not too hot, but not at all cold, and I could just take a nice, relaxing nap. Or another scenario, I wish I could be at home and curl up on the couch with my favorite blanket in front of the fireplace (of course I don't have a fireplace, but a girl can dream...), a cup of hot chocolate, and turn on my favorite movies, or read a really good book. Instead, I am here at work stuck at a computer very early in the morning answering calls for people who are not yelling at me, but definitely not pleasant this "fine" day. Now, I really like winter, and I'll probably complain a lot once the weather turns out warm, but it's just today, at this moment where I wish it was a really nice day. I hope that I am not the only one feeling the hate towards the skies this morning and you enjoy my venting. Think good thoughts people!

All About My Honey!

2009-03-23T07:24:00.004-06:00

(1) He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Probably a video game he's playing-his latest infatuation Resident Evil: 5

(2) You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? He is a ranch kind of guy.

(3) What's one food he doesn't like? Although he likes most anything, he definitely does not like pickles, or mustard. He gags if he even smells it.

(4) You go out to eat and have a drink? If he doesn't have just water, he'll order a Coke (but he's been doing so good lately on not drinking soda!)

(5) Where did he go to high school? West Jordan High School

(6) What size shoe does he wear? 12

(7) What is his favorite type of sandwich? At home, peanut butter and jelly, but going out it's The Philadelphian Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

(8) What would this person eat every day if he could? Ice cream and peanut butter

(9) What is his favorite cereal? Maybe Reese's Puffs, but he really likes cereal and Frosted Mini Wheats and Marshmallow Maties are ranked up there too.

(10) What would he never wear? Basically anything that doesn't measure up to his expectations. If the neck is too loose on a t-shirt, he won't wear it.

(11) What is his favorite sports team? He doesn't really have one, but maybe the Utes.

(12) What is the color of his eyes? Very pretty blue

(13) Who is his best friend? Me definitely :) But then Jake would be his best guy friend

(14) What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Probably worry about my appearance too much-and nag :)

(15) What is his heritage? Oohh....that's a tough one. Not quite sure about that.

(16) You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? I'm going to be making one in a couple of weeks! He really likes a bundt cake that I make, but he really likes a chocolate peanut butter cake that I make too.

(17) Did he play sports in high school? A little. He was on the volleyball team.

(18) What could he spend hours doing? Golfing, playing video games, snowboarding.

(19) If he had a $100.00, what would he spend it on? Probably a new game.

(20) If he could go anywhere on a vacation, where would it be? Hmm...I think maybe Egypt, but since he doesn't have money to travel right now, he doesn't talk about where he'd like to go that often.

(21) What is his favorite ice cream? Tracy's Peanut Butter Cup at Leatherby's. He orders peanut butter on the side for that one!!

(22) If he went on a reality show, which one would he go on? Fear Factor? I don't know...he doesn't really like reality shows :)

(23) What is he afraid of most? Hmm...maybe failing. But he really is afraid of the ocean.

(24) What is his favorite thing to say? "That's what she said."

(25) What is his favorite food? Probably a chicken salad that I make, or some meatballs that I make.

Book Review-The Fountainhead

2009-03-13T07:53:00.003-06:00

After about two months, I have finally finished "The Fountainhead", the tale of Howard Roark, the misunderstood architect who believes in the integrity of his work and succeeds in not being a "second-hander" and staying true to his independence. I really did enjoy reading it. The story did suck you in and made you very invested in what the characters say and do. It did take me awhile to finish it though because Ms. Rand takes up sometimes three pages at a time just writing that specific characters' philosophies on life. I think this is a book that both men and women would enjoy. It shows the struggle of men in society, whether they be the "second-handers" who are the people who only agree with what others want them to believe they should agree on, and then the egotists who stay true to what they believe for themselves and the world. It also has its romantic elements involving the three title men, Howard, Peter, and Gail with Dominique Francon. They are twisted relationships though, so you have to be open-minded and understand the philosophy behind each of them. That's what this whole book is about really, being open-minded. People are so caught up in what they are told to believe what is beautiful, that they do not leave any room for what is truly beautiful. When anyone creates something that is "out of the box", they fight against it and destroy it. I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for more of a challenge in their reading lives.

Valentine's Day!

2009-02-16T15:07:00.003-07:00

As everyone knows, Saturday was Valentine's Day. It was a really great day for Mike and I. In the morning, I gave him my gift, all he asked for, which was the big Reeses peanut butter cup hearts. I gave him a couple of them. I think they're gone as of now... We went to lunch at Tucano's Brazilian restaurant which was fabulous. We are definitely carnivorous people!! Then we went home, and waiting there for me was a dozen red roses and a letter containing a coupon book that Mike made for me! It had coupons for things such as "evening of fun planned out completely by him", "a thorough cleaning of the house", (that one made me so happy!), "a shoulder, back and head tickle", and more! He was so thoughtful to do that for me! Later that afternoon, we went to the movie "Taken" which we liked pretty much overall. Then we went to Iceberg for some ice cream, then spent the rest of the evening watching the "Harry Potter" movies, four and five. Why? I don't know. The mood struck us in that way for some reason. Anyway, it was a wonderful day overall, and I love Mike so much!

Ski Day!

2009-02-10T16:05:00.009-07:00

On Saturday, Mike finally convinced me that it would be a good time to go night skiing, so we did! I actually didn't do too bad under the circumstances-circumstances being that I haven't been for about a year, and before that, about eight years or so. I have a very cautious personality and so I think that is what makes it so frightening for me to go down an icy mountain of death on long, plastic planks! It was snowing a bit, and the weather was just right (not below freezing is just right...) Mike is such a good snowboarder, and I feel so bad slowing him down all the time! He was very patient with me, and even by the end I was almost going the exact same speed! Anyone who knows me knows that I am absolutely horrible at two things absolutely. Those two things are math and sports. It's so nice to know that there is actually one sport at there that I can do without looking like a total idiot. Anyway, thank you honey for giving me such an enjoyable evening. Love you!

Help Wanted

2009-01-29T06:47:00.003-07:00

This was written by one of my friends who I went to high school with, and I thought it was hilarious! Enjoy!

HELP WANTED

YES this was actually e-mailed by my school. Thank you Westminster! (My commentary is the highlighted stuff.)
Help Wanted for Spring Semester! (well so far good start right…?)
We're looking for a Sitter/Nanny for our 3 year-old boy who is obsessed with diggers, scorpions (not real ones) (wheeewww thanks for the information, what is this a blind date service, oh but wait it just gets better ) and gloves (especially blue latex ones like doctors and TSA agents wear).(Buahhh ha ha ha ha ha is this for real. Latex gloves?? Did they just put that down? Okay I am sorry but if my kid enjoyed gloves I am sorry I am not writing it in my want ad to baby-sit him, maybe to put him up for adoption but not a sitting ad. You don’t need a sitter you need a doctor)
He's your average 3 year-old: jumps around, makes a mess, then jumps around again (yes I feel more relaxed by you writing he jumps around twice in the same sentence. As if being obsessed with gloves wasn't enough please try and entice me by telling me that he has a.d.h.d. While your at the doctors stealing gloves please steal some riddilin and then fill out the want ad.).
He loves books, playing outside, and trying to figure out how to convince you to give him something sweet for a snack. (Okay 2 questions for you. A.) is he a diabetic? and B.) What were you on when you thought this would make someone want to sit your child?)
We're looking for someone who wants to hang out with a little kid and (Yes I do need someone to go clubbing with thanks for the consideration)play on Monday and Wednesday afternoons (2:00pm to 5:30pm) and then any 3-hour time slot on Fridays. You'll need a car, or be willing to take the bus to bring him home from his daycare (have you met the people who ride the bus….. are you sure about that? Oh wait your probably one of the people I have met on the bus)
at the U on M/W (we live just three blocks from Westminster). We'll pay you $10.00/hour. (woohooo thanks)

New Car!

2009-01-20T11:01:00.002-07:00

Last Monday we bought a car! Let me go back though. The night before Christmas Eve, Mike got in an accident. Thankfully, he wasn't hurt, but the car had seen it's last ride. We got a few

thousand dollars from the other guy's insurance and we decided to go out and get a new car! Thankfully my dad had a contact down at Ken Garff Honda, and we were able to take a few test drives. When we were driving back to the parking lot, we passed a Volkswagen Passat that the salesman had not shown us previously in the list of cars that were in our price range. Mike wanted to try that one. We got in, and insantly I was in love. It has a gray leather interior with heater seats, a sun roof, a nice looking dashboard, and it has a lot of space. For someone whose dream car is a van, this was one step closer to my dream! So, my mind was up, but I let Mike make the decision, but thankfully he knew what my mind was set on, so we got it! We got a great discount from those guys, and they were very pleasant to deal with. It's about the color pictured above, maybe a bit greener, but still on the gray side. Mike was going to drive it, but since he drives back and forth so much from school and work, I get to drive it! I'm spoiled I know.

Book Review-'The Last Lecture'

2009-01-20T08:16:00.004-07:00

So I just finished an amazing book by Randy Pausch titled 'The Last Lecture'. I started crying on the first page, and got teary-eyed throughout the rest. It is a true story that he tells in the last months of his life as he is suffering with pancreatic cancer. He is leaving his wife and three kids behind. He was a professor at Carnegie Mellon and was asked to give a "last lecture". He decides that he is going to do this, despite being weaker from the chemo. He decides to speak about childhood dreams. The great thing about the childhood dreams he had for himself is that he actually accomplished all that he had wanted in life. He was able to be in zero gravity, write a blurb about virtual reality in the encyclopedia, be a Disney Imagineer, and etc... Randy died this year in July, but he left a great legacy along for his kids in the future, and also so many others who have read his story. He really has great philosophies on how to live your life. He talks about being a "Tigger" or an "Eeyore" and how he thought it was such a waste of time to be an Eeyore, and how nothing got accomplished from being down and depressed all the time. I have to admit, I have probably been more of an Eeyore in my life than a Tigger. Some of the events of my life have made me feel like I had a right to be that way. But he writes “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” That is so completely true, and I have something that he didn't. I have the true church, and I have the knowledge that I could be with my family someday and we can live in eternal happiness with each other. So I will try to live my life in the greatest way and try to be as positive as I can be, and also live up to my fullest potential. This is a wonderful book combined with humor, warmth, and love. I would recommend it to everyone! I give it a 4 out of 4 stars!

Book Review- ' Treasure Island'

2009-01-14T11:26:00.004-07:00

I will put the events of Christmas up on my blog at a later time, but I have decided to do book reviews after I have finished a book. It might be boring to some, (like my sister Lindsay who told me to update my blog...) but it's just for fun. I just finished reading 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson, and it was a great read! I'm a woman, but I enjoy a little adventure in the dirt and grime every now and then (at least read about it). In my generation, 'Muppets Treasure Island' the movie came out, and I couldn't help but think of Tim Curry as Long John Silver, and Kermit the Frog as Captain Smollett. I kept imagining these felt characters running around with their green arms flailing about, and in one way, it was pretty funny, but on the other this is a classic novel and deserves it's respect. Later on in the book I did start taking it more seriously especially when the pirates started killing each other and there was not a lot of humor left. Silver is actually not that unlikable of a character. We all love Captain Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Carribbean', and he might be just as deceitful and minipulative as Silver is. And he is one of the major villains of literature of his time. You've also got to wonder how a twelve year old can be so brave, or lucky (maybe both?) during this whole time as much as Jim Hawkins. It is amazing how he gets out of his scrapes, but I guess it would defeat the purpose of his story to have him change it in any way, especially since he is the narrator. There are enough twists and plots to keep you glued to the page. Every ten year old boy should read this though. The imagery in this is fantastic. Stevenson describes the characters' looks and characters, the island, and the scenes so wonderfully, you feel like you might just be on the boat with them! And what boy wouldn't want to hear about buried treasure, and skeletons, and pirates! If this book doesn't increase the imagination of any mind, especially young boys, I don't know what will. I totally recommend it! I give it a 3 out of 4 stars!

Christmas Is Coming!

2008-11-03T16:00:00.003-07:00

On Saturday, we went to Murray Park to take some family pictures with the Young family. Mike and I decided to take some pictures of us since we hadn't taken some in awhile. Let me just say, that I love fall weather! It is so beautiful. I love the crisp, cold air, and just the feeling that something magical is going to happen soon. Everything is so much better when it leaves a bit of mystery. Hot weather holds no mystery whatsoever. All it leaves to the imagination is, "Is this how hot Hell is? It definitely feels like it." Also, the colors are so vibrant with the reds, the oranges, and the yellows. It was a perfect day. I just wanted to tell Mike also how much I am looking forward to the winter with him, and our almost one year anniversary!! That's another reason why winter is great. There is snow, my birthday, Christmas, and my anniversary. Mike is a snowboarder and he cannot wait until it finally snows enough in the mountains so he can go. I ski, (very loosely of the definition of "ski") and even though it does not hold the same enthusiasm as it does for Mike, I do like feeling the rush of going down a not-too-steep mountain hill up in Brighton. I also love the lights that show around the city during this time of year. I always loved the way the lights looked on the street that I grew up on. It always felt like a winter wonderland, the way the trees arched and made it look like you were entering another land, sort of like approaching Narnia when it was covered with snow. I know it's a bit of a stretch to compare where I lived with a fairy tale land from a book, but my lane was really beautiful during the wintertime. My favorite
radio station wanted to be the first to play the first Christmas song last Friday during Halloween, and although many people may have gagged and groan, they played the, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid and I just felt a little chill go up my spine and really looking forward to the holidays this year. Maybe it's because it is the first time that my husband and I are going to have our own place and set up our own little Christmas that I feel a little twinge more excitement than usual. Who knows? I just have a feeling that it is going to be great, and I am going to make it great!

My New Niece!

2008-10-16T08:41:00.006-06:00

On Sunday, my beautiful new niece was born! Her name is Serenity Leona, and they are going to call her Serry. My sister's family lives in North Carolina, and I am not able to see her until Christmas time, so I have to wait until then to hold her! They have the most beautiful family, and I miss them when they are not here. They each just have the cutest, quirkiest personalities. Mason, my first nephew, is so smart and has so much energy. He always asks questions, he always wants to get more and more information into his brain. Tempe, my first and only niece (until now) is so cute. She just has these eyes that you can get lost in because they are so blue. When I went and visited them last year, she had cleaned up her room and was giving me a tour, and telling me to just clean up after myself so everything was in the right place when I left. She is just organized, and caring and so sweet. Porter is so cuddly. When you hold him, he just nestles in to you, and I love those big brown eyes. I miss my family when they aren't here, and I hope they know I do not take them for granted! Love you!

Twilight!

2008-10-09T06:04:00.001-06:00

A Kodak Moment

2008-10-03T17:17:00.004-06:00

Here is the football game that I had said would be a long, boring football game. It actually turned out to be not so bad. The weather was perfect, and I was with my family, which always makes things more enjoyable. My sister made the assumption that we do not get out much, due to the fact that we brought our video camera. It's not that we don't get out much (although that may be the case by some people's standards...). It is just fun to go to an event that would not be looked at as special in some cases, and record some memories. When we look back at the video, years from now, we'll look at that insignificant event as a wonderful memory. We'll be able to say, "Hey, look how much hair you had then," and "Did you really used to wear your hair like that?", or "Mom, you are pretty lame for taking your video camera to a football game. See how much you made them suffer as you now make us suffer with bringing your camera everywhere, and making us watch this?" Now, what is so wrong with that? I complain a lot when I go to family functions and my mom, (and my grandmother for that matter) whip out their cameras to take a snapshot. But I do see where they are coming from. Although many of the pictures they take are the same as every other one, we can see how we have grown up and matured throughout all these years. And that is something great for a mother, a grandmother and even a great-grandmother to look back at. I'm sure that my family is going to complain when I want to take a minute to snap the Kodak moment that will be going on. Anyway, I love my video camera and I do want to use it a lot more than I am now, so Lindsay... no more comments about my lack of social- going- out-ness. I'm making a memory here.

Music means everything, right?

2008-09-26T10:55:00.005-06:00

At my friend Emily's request, I have decided to update my blog. I don't quite know what to write about, except for random ramblings of thoughts. For the past few days at work I have been listening to Stephenie Meyer's playlists for her "Twilight" series. Talk about choosing songs from bands who are not your typical people. Sure, she has Matchbox 20, U2, and Coldplay on there. But she also has a band called Placebo, and Relient K, among others. She has introduced me to some of my new favorite artists, including Muse, My Chemical Romance, and Blue October. What is great is that she has not picked the typical songs, the songs that are the most popular. She has really been inspired by the songs from these bands, especially Muse and Blue October, that really do go with what the characters are going through. Isn't it wonderful how music can really play a big part in the entertainment that we seek out? She has come out with a completely new concept though. Why not have a soundtrack for a book? I mean, what song is more perfect than "White Wedding" by Billy Idol for Bella and Edward's wedding day during "Breaking Dawn"? Or "Fix You" by Coldplay when Jacob is trying to heal Bella during Edward's absence during "New Moon"?

Anyway, I am really excited about the movie coming out in November, and hope that it has great music in it! Maybe tomorrow I will write about the long, boring football game we are going to tomorrow.

Our Honeymoon

2008-08-20T08:56:00.011-06:00

We took our honeymoon at the end of May this year, and we had so much fun! We decided to drive, since it would be a lot easier than flying-plus I hate to fly. So we took off on the long stretch that goes through Wendover...

After a long day of driving, and a lot of junk food we arrived in San Jose, California to spend the first couple of days with an amazing couple that Mike met when he was on his mission there. Their names are Sam and Nancy, and they are so much fun to be with! We ended up watching the whole series of the "Hannibal" movies, which was such a blast since I had never seen them before. We also went up to San Francisco for the day and went to that Exploratorium museum. We are not that interested in science, so it wasn't the greatest time of our lives, but it would have been fun if we had had a kid with us. Then, we took off to Disneyland! Our hotel had the greatest view of the fireworks that they do every night and they were so beautiful!

One of our favorite rides in Disneyland is actually the Buzz Lightyear adventures where you shoot all the alien targets, then try to compete for the highest score. We went a couple of times to try to get a good picture!

I did feel really bad because I did not go on the Hollywood Tower of Terror, or the California Screamin' because I really hate big rollercoasters! Mike loves that flipping feeling in the stomach that those kinds of rides create, and they make me feel so sick!!! Sorry honey... We did go to the House of Blues one night, and I got their full rack of ribs, and I struggled until the very end to try to eat that whole plate...I felt so awful by the end, but it was so good...

The last day we were there we were stopped by a teenager saying that if we went to this presentation, we would get $100! We were pretty sure it was a scam, but he gave us $20 upfront, and we ended up going anyway. They really wanted us to buy something, but we got our money! So, that was pretty much the bulk of our trip, and I am so excited to go back to Disneyland next summer with my family! I probably have never felt such pain in my legs or my feet though in my life, I really wanted to get them amputated!! They have since recovered though!

First Day

2008-08-20T08:06:00.005-06:00

This is the first day of my blog. I am not very technologically savvy, so I have no idea what I am doing here, but I think it will be fun to have an online journal of some sort to just put my thoughts out there, and my husbands' as well. Yesterday I met a couple of my best friends for dinner and a movie, and it was nice because I haven't seen either of them for quite a while. We went to our usual place, the Olive Garden and talked about wedding plans for Emily, and school for the both of them, and just our lives in general. Then, as only girlfriends would, we went and saw the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants II". It was a happy-go-lucky, warm feeling, fuzzy movie that makes you think about your own friendships. Now I know I wouldn't magically be able to fit into my friends' pants like the girls do in the movie, but it's a nice concept to have something, an object that brings you closer together. Mike is probably going to die when he sees the sappiness of this blog, but that's what I like to do. I am a huge movie buff as anyone who knows me can attest. Well, this is it for now.