Miss Manda Pants

Bikram Yoga, and las vegas?

2012-01-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

This picture has nothing to do with this post.... but look what I did in my jeep! Terrifying

If any of you follow my other blog (of which you ALL should), you'd know that I've lately been obsessed with bikram yoga. What is bikram yoga? Visit my blog to find out. I've almost now been doing it for a month. I've gone 3-5 times a week for the past four weeks. I am addicted. I absolutely love the way it makes me feel. Wanna know another unplanned perk? I'm in my skinny jeans. Oh, and they look amazing on me. I weigh about 15 lbs more than I did when I was in them last, because I am getting pretty fit. I'm healthy. I'm not starving myself to get skinny. I'm living my life, devoting a lot to exercise and eating right so that my body will never hold me back from accomplishing things. This world really has far too much to offer for me to have my body be a limitation.

My life has been revolving around the bikram studio on the weekdays, and the mountain on the weekends. I try to get as much snowboarding as I possibly can in. I'm signing up for a year membership at bikram, and I'm stoked. I also have decided that I need to put more effort into training for rock climbing, can you imagine how many adventures I could have doing that? Take my mountain bike out, and my climbing gear, and just explore! Gosh, it gives me goosebumps thinking about everything I'm going to be able to do with myself!

Also, on a side note, I got to go to Las Vegas for my birthday and for my best friend's bachelorette party.... Uh-Maze-Balls.... that's all I have to say. My friends took me to an amazing Thai restaurant at the Venitian for my birthday. Then we went on a gondola ride, (hard to do in a dress) and then did the wax museum. We topped off the night at a silly night club and then wandering the strip, ending up eating yummy soup at 2 am. The next day was devoted to the beautiful bride. We explored the strip again, went shopping, went to dinner, went to my first male review (please please please no one ever take me to one for my bachelorette party!) and danced our booties off at club moon (the feeling of just dancing with my besties is hard to top). It was a fantastic trip, easily the best trip I've ever had to Vegas. I'm a really lucky girl to have these ladies in my life!

Why am I stealing everyone's blogs?

2012-01-10T08:00:00.001-08:00

My big sis loves me.... she dedicated an entire post subject to yours truly. Who cares if she's making fun of me? I love any sort of attention I can get!

Stealing my friends blog

2012-01-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

Soooo I'm stealing Nicole's blog, simply because I was there on so many adventures with her AAAAANNNNDDDD I'm too lazy to make my own ;) so go here to see the many different adventures I went on this year.

Disneyland?! And a tattoo?!

2011-12-28T12:55:00.001-08:00

I've been deciding on a tattoo for quite a while, I have the one small "harmony" written in Elvish on my wrist (yeah I'm a nerd, embrace it) but I wanted to do something a little larger. Well I had dated a fella during the summer who just so happened to be an AMAZING tattoo artist, he has his own shop here in Layton, I HIGHLY recommend them. I've had this thought in my head for about a year now. It's gorgeous. It's something that symbolizes who I am, what I value, and how I see my life. I've always been into fantasy, yeah I'm a nerd. However I appreciate what it MEANS, and the beauty of a lot of the art. I decided the Evening Star (Star of Arwin) from Lord of the Rings would look amazing on my back.... So Jared got it done, and I'm in love with it :) It's sexy, and meaningful.

I just realized I forgot to write about an amazing little trip that I took about a month ago. On a Tuesday afternoon, I get a phone call from my bestie Gabby "whatcha doin this weekend, wanna go to Disneyland?"..... and that's what started it all. Gabby's mom found a super cheap flight, and with Gabby's military discount, we were able to do D-Land AND California Adventure for beyond cheap. All in all, the trip should have cost less than $400 total, but I kinda had to buy a lot of clothes and souveniers.... so it ended up costing a bit more, but that's fine :) I took an early flight outta Salt Lake Saturday morning, and went straight fromt he airport to Disneyland! Gabby and I spent our first day going on as many rides as we could. All of the lines were beyond crazy SHORT. I think the Star Tours was the longest, and that was only 20 minutes. We hit most of the rides we wanted to do that Saturday, and ended up calling her mom to come and get us so we could do dinner with Gab's family. Oh, I totally forgot to mention the highlight of Saturday: Lunch with the princesses! We were the only people there WITHOUT children, but that's perfectly fine. I got to meet my favorite princess, Belle. On Sunday some of Gabby's family came out to the park with us again. It was slightly more busy, but due to the fact that we hit all of the rides already, we were quite content to just take it at everyone elses pace. We did Magic Mountain.... HORRIBLE idea.... I was in the front of the boat, my Minnie-ears literally ended up drenched, yep, they were dripping by the time the ride was done. We also were able to see the color show at California adventure that night-- it was so neat! On Monday, it was just Gabby and I again before we had to make our flight. We had done everything we wanted to do, so we basically just walked around D-Land and California adventure, taking it all in, one last time. We flew back home that Monday night, and I had work bright and early the next day. It was a perfect little three day get-away. I'm so lucky to have a best friend that we can share adventures like that on... can't wait for where we go next :)

Lunch with the princesses (cocktails in D-Land?!)

BFF's, waiting to ride the matterhorn I think

Got my Minnie-Ears :)

The Little Mermaid ride

My Favorite Princess!

Life goal

2011-12-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

The boyfriend (it's just easier to call him that) has officially started his training for this:

Photo of Denali's Cassin Ridge in High Resolution

Denali's Cassin Ridge, a month long expedition to climb the hardest route of the highest peak in North America. Extremely dangerious, extremely beautiful, and extremely ambitious. No worries, Shad is a VERY experienced Alpine climber, and has devoted a few hours a DAY to make sure he is as ready as he can possibly be. Plus, Denali has some pretty top knotch rescue crews should anything happen (yeah, I've done my research) I can't wait to see what other expeditions he has planned for himself :) I admire his drive and passion, and am so proud to see him reach for these HUGE goals.

What isn't a necessity

2011-12-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

So I've decided that I'm not satisfied doing only one project/cause a year, I think I'm going to try to work on one a month. This month I've decided to collect clothing for two of Northern Utah's shelters- a homeless shelter, and a women's shelter. That being said, I'll be collecting gently used clothing. This project won't be possible without the help of my friends. So I'm sending a message to everyone I love to please go through their closets and find what isn't a necessity. The most useful things at these shelters are nice clothes because the people there are trying to get back on their feet, and we all know nice clothes are a necessity for a job interview- which is what they need. I'll be collecting from now until the end of next week (though really can always collect if that's easier for you). Please take the time to look at what you have, and don't need, because there are those of us out there who are in need. I love you all, I know you can help make this a successful goal!

Sharing my memories

2011-12-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

So this post is mostly for me. So that I have a spot to post a journal I've been keeping of a guy I'm interested in. (in case my phone goes bezurk) This guy is different. He's completely different. I actually ENJOY dating, everything feels natural. I've known him for about two months, I met him at my gym where he owns the gear shop, we'd been flirting for about a solid month, and I finally did the mature thing-- I had his friend give him my phone number... since then things have just "clicked" So here it is, my "Shad journal" as it's known in my phone. Of course, I'll be adding to it, as I tend to update it once a day or so when I think about things, or after we go out. I'm really thinking this "guy I'm dating" could turn into "boyfriend"

Why I like him?
Watched Harry potter with me and liked it
Has same hobbies but more extreme
He's a goof ball
Very ambitious
He's an adventurer
My friends like him
He's a nerd, moreso than me
He's smarter than me
We have awkward moments
He's taller than me
I know I can learn a lot from him
Same religious point of views
He's a hippie
He's beyond sweet
He's not into me just for sex
He would flirt with me when I went to the gym
He thinks I'm cute
He's very handsome, I'm insanely attracted to him (especially when he climbs without a shirt on)We like a lot of the same shows/movies
He'll go snowboarding with me
A blast to hang out with (no matter what we're doing)
Everything feels natural with him
He doesn't let me down
He makes me feel like he likes me
He does like me
I actually like dating him
I have absolutely no desire to date anyone else
He pushes me to achieve more (snowboarding, yoga, climbing-- yep, some of my biggest passions in life)
Says I'm smarter than him-we discuss wormhole theories lol
Kisses me in public
He is full of passion
I'm myself around him
He gives me butterflies
He took me to yoga
Won't let me pay for dinner
How things have transpired:
First "official" date was nov. 9th to slackwater pizza (beers and hummus) he was so cute when he asked me, I was at the gym and he just came up to me to tell me about a snowboarding movie premier and after party- I didn't know he was asking me out. (he held my hand!!! Super awkward though, you know when you were in middle school and wanted to hold your crushes hand? It felt like that-- but I loved every second of it)
Second date was nov. 11th to a movie and then city club (held my hand again)
Third date Harry potter at my house (cuddles!)
Fourth date was nicoles birthday party. Nov. 19th He drove all the way down to salt lake to go to a bar with me- friends adore him, and our first kiss at huka bar
Fifth date, karaoke at brewskis
Sixth date, boarding/skiing at powder then dinner and back to my place- yeah, he kissed me again- lots, and he told me he liked me so he wanted sex to wait (he's pretty much amazing) Seventh date, dec. 5th bikram yoga and then dinner at slackwater pizza.
Eighth date (yet to happen- but he's going to sushi with my bestie and I in two days)

I haven't kept information like this in a long long long time. I honestly haven't ever dated anyone that it just feels this natural with. He's starting to talk to his friends about me too, and I'm starting to be known as "the girlfriend" at his work :) Yeah, I like this fella.

One and Only - Adele (Lyrics)

2011-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

August, the month of concerts... part 1

2011-08-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well August has turned out to be a month full of wonderful concerts. Concerts that I have been looking forward to for a long LONG time. Concerts I spent so much money on, that I'm on a tight budget for quite a while..... all so worth it. First off:

Italian Elegance

St. Mary's Church | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 8 PM

David Lockington, Conductor
Corbin Johnston, Bass
David Yavornitzky, Bass

Boccherini - Symphony No. 4 in A Major
Albinoni - Adagio in G Minor
Bottesini - Gran Duo Passione Amorosa
Vivaldi - Concerto Grosso in D Minor
Boccherini - La Musica Nottuma di Madrid
Respighi - The Birds Suite
Rossini - Overture to Il Signor Bruschino

This is the concert that Patrick and I went to as part of the Deer Valley Music Festival.... wow was it simply amazing. Absolutely love the Utah Symphony :) It was great to get some culture back into my life. So great, in fact, that I bought tickets for the next night....

Anonymous 4

St. Mary's Church | Thursday, August 11, 2011 8 PM

Anonymous 4, Guest Artists

Renowned for their unearthly vocal blend and virtuosic a cappella vocal ensemble singing, the four women of Anonymous 4 combine historical scholarship with contemporary performance intuition to create their magical sound.

I took my beautiful mother for her birthday-- yeah I'm a good daughter :) These women were astounding. Their blend, their knowledge, the skill... I had goosebumps the entire time. They sang codex's written by nuns for the first part, and then American Folk songs the second. I was in complete heaven :)

This ends the first part of my August concerts... will blog about JG and Adele soon! :)

Blowing off some steam-Chronicles of Dating

2011-08-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

You know what the only thing I dislike about being single is? Dating.... Not the first few dates.. those are always fun and full of adventure. It's around date #10- usually 2ish months into "dating" where it starts to turn from casual, just for fun, dates to .... "are we something more" dates. Since October, there have been 5-6 fellas who have made it to this stage of dating. This is the stage I hate. I can't stand it. Because we all can't be adults and just voice how we're feeling. I feel I have to give all of the space in the world, and have been told recently that I'm not aggressive enough? But then I feel if I'm too aggressive, it just pushes said dating partner away? Confused. Trying to strike the fine balance of knowing exactly where we stand, and being happy. My current fella at this stage is someone I adore (Patrick)... someone I could really see myself with for a long time. (Oddly enough though I almost stopped dating him two months ago- that's a funny story in and of itself) I was convinced that if feelings hadn't started to develop by the second month, that they probably weren't going to-- not so in this case- I started actually having feelings for him about a month ago. He's sophisticated, yet will go out with my friends and I to the piano bar to sing our hearts out. He's also a psychologist.... which makes him sensitive, and not analytical of everything I do as I had feared when we first started dating. He has given me his trust from the beginning. So many times it seems trust has to be earned before given, especially in dating. So it's nice to not have to fight the barriers of past relationships. Anyways. I almost broke everything off with him last night.... and then he must have realized I wasn't happy because all of the sudden he's the sweetest guy ever-- even asking if he can take me to the Deer Valley Music Festival tonight..... and I'm a sucker. I swoon at the thought of classical music in the mountains. Maybe this is how I make the relationships last? Push past the weird 3 month stage, have patience, but always make sure I'm being fair to myself? Grrrrr..... dating is not my most favorite activity. Patience, trust, communication... these are the things I need to keep in mind.

Just for funsies.... Here are some of the pictures of the last little while... I'm sure one day I'll look back on this and think of just how silly my little problems are :)

Kenny: As he stated last week, we'd most likely be together if he hadn't have joined the Navy (lame) Dated from January-April (still friends). Let it also be noted that Kenny was there when I was losing my puppy Oakley, he even helped pay for some of the vet bills-- I'll forever be grateful for his support during this time. Favorite date: Kenny took me out lots-- dinners, movies, sushi... I'd say though it'd be the first time he met my friends AND family- he became my dads instant BFF and won over my friends quickly with buying them drinks :)

Chuck: I never had his trust from the beginning though never did a thing to lose it. Dated from January till about March (still friends) Favorite Date: Breakfast at a yummy diner, and the shopping at RC Willey

Aaron is the epitome of a sexy man. He told me just last week that I wasn't aggressive enough (most likely because he's the sexiest man I've ever even dated. lol) Dated from December till about June (still friends) Funny story: for the longest time I referred to him as "oreo" because I had thought he may have been half white, half black ;) Favorite Date: We did lots of movies and dinners again.... so I'd say our first date- to Sushi

Jeff: A true sweet heart, feelings just never quite developed on my end. Dated from November till about February (again, still friends) Jeff was there for me as well when I was losing Oakley, his support helped so much. Favorite date: Soooo many! Jeff taught me how to snowboard, and for Valentines Day, he took me to ifly (indoor sky diving)- so I'd say that's a tie. I so wish that I would have developed feelings for him. We always have so much fun when we're together!

And dear Patrick: I guess we'll just see how things go! Started dating in May. Funny story: After the first month of dating, I think Patrick was trying to prove a point that he wasn't my sugar daddy, so while at breakfast one day, he made it a point to say that I was paying for my own juice.... that's when I stopped talking to him for a few weeks. lol. He always seems to convince me to see him again. Favorite Date: A double date with Gabby and Jeremy, or when he made me dinner at home followed by a massage.

There's also a fella named Joe in the mix, though I don't have a picture, we've been casually dating since about June, I just sorta lost interest in him, though he still is sometimes in the picture. Favorite Date: His friend's concert or our first long bike ride together.

I can't wait when I look back on this blog in a few years...

T-minus 22 days

2011-07-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to Josh Groban pretty non-stop at work this week, and will continue to do so until I get to see him in 22 more days :) Here's a song that I absolutely love. Mostly because at his last concert, this is the song that he walked down into the audience for. I'm crossing my fingers that he does something similar in this coming concert and his eyes meet mine and we instantly fall in love ;)

In her Eyes:

She stares through my shadow
She sees something more
Believes there's a light in me
She is sure
And her truth makes me stronger
Does she realize
I awake every morning
With her strength by my side

I am not a hero
I am not an angel
I am just a man
Man who's trying to love her
Unlike any other
In her eyes I am

This world keeps on spinning
Only she stills my heart
She's my inspiration
She's my northern star
I don't count my possession
All I call mine
I will give her completely
To the end of all time

I am not a hero
I am not an angel
I am just a man
Man who's trying to love her
Unlike any other
In her eyes I am

In her eyes I see the sky and all I'll ever need
In her eyes time passes by and she is with me

I am not a hero
I am not an angel
I am just a man
Man who's trying to love her
Unlike any other
In her eyes I am
In her eyes I am

Solar Powered Happiness

2011-06-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I came to the firm conclusion that I am indeed solar powered. In the morning it was beautiful outside and I felt great... then came the rain clouds and my energy level went straight down and life wasn't quite as happy.... THEN the sun came out again and bam! My energy was back!
So what have I been up to lately?
Vegas! Once in February, the other time late May. Then Moab!! With my dear friends, it was a blast but the one thing I regret is not getting out more in nature, not in a jeep :) Next time I do moab, I'm taking my bike. Melissa moved out, and I got a new puppy! Her name is Andromeda and keeps me on my toes. I have a new roommate named Lebrian, who is a doll and adores my girls, she helps let them out for me during the day, and is a GREAT roommate. I need to keep more to-date on my blog, I just find it easier to post things on Facebook, so if you're not on my facebook, you's best find me! Lots of pictures, lots of tales, lots of happiness.
It's sun shining outside. I'm a happy girl :)

Night boarding is my passion

2011-03-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

I live in Utah, why shouldn't I take advantage of this awesome snow? My newest hobby, snowboarding, has brought passion back into my life, especially in the depression of winter. I've been able to make it down the mountain now several times without falling, and can carve quite nicely :) If I can't get a sugar daddy to buy me a day pass, I'm forced to buy my own night pass. I night ride Brighton because they have the best deals, plus now, it doesn't get dark until about 7:30, which means about 2 solid hours of daylight, which means you can hit almost any run before it gets dark. It's my goal to hit Brighton once a week before they close night skiing down :) Here are the deals:

Brighton:

Every Tuesday cause it's Truth about Tobacco night. If you go to fighttheugly.com you can print off a coupon good for $17 night skiing.

Every Wednesday is Arctic Circle night. If you buy a value meal at Arctic Circle you will receive a 2 for 1 coupon for night skiing.

Every Friday is X96 night. If you have a X96 Workers Union card, and you present it at the ticket booth you will receive 2 for 1 night skiing.

It's worth the $17 bucks a week, trust me :)

Near to You

2011-02-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

Kinda datin someone again.... this song came to mind (we've been dating since early January, so almost two months now, we're not "serious" yet things seem to be going that way, and part of me is scared to death)

Near to you

He and I, had somethin' beautiful

But so dysfunctional, it couldn't last

Loved him so but I let him go

Cause I knew he'd never love me back

Such pain as this

Shouldn't have to be experienced

I'm still reeling from the loss

Still a little bit delirious, yeah

Near to you, I am healin'

But it is takin' so long

Cause though he's gone and you are wonderful

It's hard to move on

Yeah, I'm better near to you

Well, you and I, it's somethin' different

And I'm enjoyin' it as cautiously

I'm battle scarred, I am workin' oh so hard

To get back to who I used to be

He's disappearin'

Fadin' steadily

When I'm so close to bein' yours

Won't you stay with me, please?

Cause near to you, I am healin'

But it is takin' so long

Cause though he's gone and you are wonderful

It's hard to move on

Yet I'm better near to you

Yeah, I'm better near to you

I only know that I am better where you are

I only know that I belong where you are

Near to you, I am healin'

But it?s takin' so long

Though he's gone and you are wonderful

It's hard to move on

Near to you, I am healin'

But it's takin' so long

Cause though he's gone and you are wonderful

It's hard to move on

Yeah, I'm better near to you

What's been goin on?!

2011-01-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

So what has been goin on in my life other than silly boys you ask?! Oh...... LOTS. Let's retrace back to the end of October. Began living for me again :)
December: CHRISTMAS-MOVIE-FEST...... just another one of our Christmas festivities. I did a party at my house and we had dinner, and watched Christmas movies all day long....

November: My first Jazz game!!!!!!! My company has season tickets but I had never really asked to go until this year. We have GREAT seats and I've found out just how fun these games are!

November: Got a job working at The Buckle in Newgate Mall up here in Ogden for the Holiday Season. I still spent more than I made working there, but that was the goal. I don't NEED a part time job, I just wanted the awesome discount and wanted funds to pay for a new wardrobe..... fantastic idea on my part. I made new friends from up here, and got almost $2 grand worth of clothes for almost half of that :) Kinda sad I'm not working there anymore, but my wallet is thanking me.

December: Got a new roommate! Well TWO new roommates. I adore Melissa and she has a dog that is Bella's new BFF. She looks EXACTLY like Bella, only a third of her size. They never leave each other's side..... it's quite adorable. My roommate is super nice, and respectful so everything is working out FANTASTIC with that as well :) I'm glad to have finally found someone I WANT to live with.

December: Gabby's wedding....... I fell in love with these girls! We started hanging out in about September/October.... they've welcomed me into the group with loving arms! They've quickly become my best friends. I know they'd do anything for me. I love them all to death!

Novemberish....... The blond hair had to go, I've done it far too long so I wanted a change. I'm officially a brunette :) I like it quite a lot, and will keep it for a while longer I've decided.

January: My friend Jeff got me addicted to snowboarding! It's my new passion. I bought myself all of the gear and try to go at least once a week. My legs and butt will be sore for the rest of the winter I've decided. Oh well, next year I hear will be better :)

November: BOSTON!!!!!!!!!!! I'm fortunate enough to have good friends going to school back in

Boston. Travel Buddy, Matt, and I decided to go pay them a little visit. Oh this trip was just what I needed! We spent about 4 days out there. Partied, went to see all of the historical sites, and had amazing food :) I've fallen in love with the East Coast and have decided that one day I'll live there.

Damaged or wisened?

2010-12-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

So as I've officially been single for two entire months I've been contemplating a few things. Is it possible that a relationship that lasted just three months can cause more "damage" to me than a three year relationship? Or am I "damaged" at all. I'm very hesitant when it comes to dating. It's hard for me to believe that someone may actually have feelings for me that I can return. And if someone does show interest, that I'm actually returning the feelings for, how do I prevent myself from holding back, from casting those walls, from not trusting before even given a chance to. How do I stop myself from being Overzealous and chasing this new person away. This is what I'm struggling with right now. I have a lack of self confidence, self love. I have a lack of trust in the opposite sex. In the back of my mind I'm always thinking "yeah, but how can I trust that". How do I stop my past relationships from preventing a beautiful new relationship? Maybe all of this is just proof to me that I'm just not ready for "dating". I have noticed though in someone that I have just started dating that it comes natural to not feel the hurt and mistrust, however I then am terrified that I'm going to say or do something to chase this new person away. Maybe this should be a wake up call to me to get over myself. To get back to where I was this summer. To truly love myself. The only one holding me back from being confident is myself.
This adult thing is tough sometimes.

Love Bi-Polar

2010-11-10T12:44:00.001-08:00

So yeah, Mike asked me if he can take me to dinner tonight....... Just makes me think of this song: PS, I'm letting him :) (as my awesome mom said, let him buy you dinner then get on the plane, forget about him, and just have fun!)

Katy Perry, Hot n' Cold

You change your mind
Like a girl changes clothes
Yeah you PMS
Like a bitch, I would know
And you overthink
Always speak cryptically
I should know that you're no good for me

Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down
You're wrong when it's right
It's black and it's white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up
(You) You don't really wanna stay, no
(You) But you don't really wanna go
Hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down

We used to be
Just like twins, so in sync
The same energy
Now's a dead battery
Used to laugh 'bout the thing
Now you're plain boring
I should know that you're not gonna change

Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down
You're wrong when it's right
It's black and it's white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up
(You) You don't really wanna stay, no
(You) But you don't really wanna go
Hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down

Someone call the doctor
Got a case of the love bipolar
Stuck on a rollercoaster
Can't get off this ride

You change your mind
Like a girl changes clothes....

Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down
You're wrong when it's right
It's black and it's white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up

You're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down
You're wrong when it's right
It's black and it's white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up
(You) You don't really wanna stay, no
(You) But you don't really wanna go
Hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down

Another one Bites the Dust!

2010-11-02T08:39:00.001-07:00

Yep.... I ended things with Mike on Saturday. It just got to a point where we were playing house without having the deeper relationship that should have been happening. I don't know if I've taken a break up this hard, especially one that I ended. My whole emotions have been completely out of whack for the past two weeks, seems like my body knew before my heart that it was time to end it. It just wasn't the right timing for Mike and I. Mike has some serious walls he's set up and is adamant that he does not want a serious relationship, though at times that's just what we had. It was hard because it was a constant roller coaster. We saw each other 5-7 days a week, and then he'd have a breakdown where he needed space and so he'd back off. It was a killer on me and was holding me back and effecting my life negatively. So this is the point where I've decided to not date anyone in particular, not have any attachments to anyone until I've figured out more of who I am. I've hopped from relationship to relationship and that has obviously not worked. Mike and I had true potential, however he was holding himself back from letting the relationship develop. When he'd let go and just let things go with the flow, they were wonderful, but it seems he has some serious issues he's got to work through himself. It doesn't matter how awesome I am, or how well we'd work out together, he just isn't ready. Which is a really hard thing to accept, especially right now. So I'm trying to keep myself busy, hang out with old friends, and make new friends. Focusing on me right now. With every relationship I've been through lately though I am learning so much about myself! And no matter how cliche this seems, everything does happen for a reason (these are the things I keep telling myself).

Good ol' Bob

2010-10-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

"You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She's not perfect - you aren't either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don't hurt her, don't change her, don't analyze and don't expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she's not there."
— Bob Marley

And So It Goes

2010-10-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

This is a song that I performed with the Madrigals in High School.... also Kev and I like to sing it whenever we get together because he knows the tenor, and I know the soprano parts-- pretty dang beautiful! Right now, this song seems to be capturing a lot of how I'm feeling. Basically I've been hurt, quite badly before. And in the end, everyone is going to hurt you, you just have to decide who's worth it. That's where I'm at right now. I know that letting myself continue to "fall" for Mike has the chance of ending in heart ache. However with every minute I spend with him lately I seem to be more and more grateful for him, more and more happy, and the feelings are going deeper and deeper. I see a future that is brighter than I ever imagined for myself. So this is where I'm at. Do I put my heart in his hands? If he chooses to have it, it's his to break. That is a very nerve racking thing for someone who's had relationship problems in the past! (and it's actually the same spot Mike's at). I am not going to rush things, I'm going to wait for MY heart to tell me when I'm ready to take that chance. And when I AM ready to give it completely to him, maybe he'll be ready too. I'm going to enjoy what's in front of me right now... not hold back, but not push. Let it happen :)

I think I'm going to learn how to play it on the piano :)

In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense

And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you
As if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break

And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

The "Sweetheart"

2010-10-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Why is it that my blog always has something to do with a silly boy lately? Oh that's right, because my life revolves around them! I'm trying to find a balance between enjoying dating and getting enough time to myself. I think that may be a big reason that I don't ever seem to be happy with my "romantic" situation. I have to convince myself that I'm happy, but deep down I haven't found that balance yet. Yes, I'm still dating Mike. I adore the heck out of him. But he's a little confused as to what he wants out of dating, as am I. He can't seem to figure out if he wants to date, be friends, or be in a relationship with me. We're currently back in the dating phase of things, which honestly I'm very content with. According to my mom, he is "trigger shy" which does explain a lot about the whole "commitment thing". We're not "serious" with each other though we tend to keep each other occupied enough that we don't really have time to casually date other people. I have a few other men who have asked me out but I just haven't felt up to going out with them, though I know I could if I wanted. It's nice to be able to get to know someone without feeling the pressure a "title" brings. I've never met anyone that I've had this much in common with, or that I could do just about anything with and be happy. This weekend I went out with my new girlfriends on Friday night (dinner and a movie; yay for girls night!) then I went and played video games with Mike and his friends. Saturday we had a shopping adventure where I realized that he freaking likes to shop! How rare is that? We shopped for clothes, dishes, a bed set, and even car oil. I find it fantastic that he can change my oil, actually he was pretty adamant that he change it. That night we went to Sushi and then over to his friends house for games. Sunday he took me to lagoon on a double date... it was such a fun time! I found balance that weekend by calling it a night pretty early on Sunday and heading to my house to play rock band with my new roommate. Normally I would have stayed at Mike's until late, and even though he asked me to stay longer I knew it was better for US if I went home. I'm learning about this dating thing as I go I suppose. When I'm dating someone I tend to rely on them for quite a lot. The key is balance, just like everything else in life. Making sure I get enough "me" time.
I'm learning to be more assertive in life as well. Learning how to go for exactly what I want. Learning to not get walked on. I think a perfect example of this is Tim. I invited him back into my life a few weeks ago because I needed closure on what we went through. Of course he tried to open the door of us dating again however I was very adamant that door could never be opened again. I told him how and why he hurt me, and what I learned from him. However every time he brought up "us" or the possibility of us dating again I was very firm with the fact that I couldn't ever do that. Another example would be my new roommate. She is pulling her life back together after making some bad decisions and so she doesn't have very much of anything. Immediately when she moved in she started eating my food, wearing my clothes, and used up all of my toilet paper. I was strong enough to comminucate with her that that wasn't acceptable, however if she wanted to pay more in rent we could work something out. Normally I would let something like that happen.
I am used to letting other people's decisions drive my life. But I'm learning more and more as I mature that I'm the only driver of my life. That I make the decisions that make up the outcome. I choose who I let in to my life. I choose if I want to see Mike one night or would rather have a night to myself. Just because someone asks or expects something of me doesn't mean I need to do it. I am no one's rug, I am my own person. I will however not let this attitude effect how I show others that I care about them. Or will I let this effect the way I serve my neighbors. That's going to be my next challenge. Once I learn how to be fully assertive, not let that over take my sweet and caring nature. That's just me. I'm the sweetheart. But I can be the sweetheart AND not be the floor mat.
Just random mumblings and thoughts.....

Keeping track of the memories

2010-09-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Last night I went out with my new friend Cassie. I'm sad that after we've finally began to get close she's moving back home. Last night I decided that a girls night was in need. Sushi, walking, talking, a nose piercing, and lots of giggles later I've decided to take some of her excellent advice. Cassie has been married for 1o years. Has three kids, and quite the life. She gave me some tips on how to keep the flame going and some advice on things she wishes she had done. Basically she told me that I should keep a good diary of how I'm feeling at the beginning of my relationship because there will be down times, and it will be nice to look back and remember why and how I was feeling. I really don't expect any one to read this, and I'm sure some parts are boring, but not to me :)

So here it is. I'm in the beginnings of an awesome relationship. I've known of Mike for 2 years. He's a salesman at my work, though he likes to be called a "family friend" instead. I have had a crush on him for the entire 2 years he's been working with my company though I had never really gotten to know him other than a handsome face I got to see around my office sometimes. About two months ago I finally got brave and when he called in I told him that I'm trying to make friends up here, and he should call me sometime to go hang out. He got my number and..... nothing. A few weeks went by and I'd flirt with him on the phone occasionally but nothing big. Finally I told him one time that I had a girlfriend in town and I was trying to find some fun things to do. He told me he'd text me with fun things to do. Unfortunately that night didn't work out, he went out with friends and I was out with other friends. However, the next night he was a little more persuasive. He ended up taking Miranda and I out to a club and we danced the night away. We had an excellent time, and I'll admit it was a little awkward at first. But near the end of the night he had his arm around me and things were going in the right direction. Now I guess is the time that I should mention that I was still slightly dating James. I had decided that I didn't want a relationship, at least not with him. And I thought I didn't want one at all with anyone (can you tell where this is going?). Anyways. On Monday Mike asked me to go hiking with him and his dog Sidney. But on Tuesday he ended up coming over to my house after work just to say hello and then I went and met he and his friends at Brewskies where I met his girlfriends... dun dun dun. They both explained that he brings girls around all of the time and they could never stand them. They made it clear that they look out for Mike and they were very picky, finding it very unlikely that they would care for me. It turns out that both of them actually were pretty impressed with the fact that I went out in my softball uniform. They approved of Mike and I dating :) I told him on his way out that I had had a crush on him for the past two years, which totally made him blush. So we waited till Thursday to see each other. We took the dogs for a walk and played in the river. I was starting to fall for him :) He was taking pictures of us together, of Bella, and of Sidney. Just an awesome date! After the walk, we went to my house to watch a movie (and hello cuddle). I also decided to make him a vegan meal. I burned the potatoes :S He however was a sweetheart and still made me feel like I had succeeded at pleasing him. We watched a movie and after wards neither of us really wanted to call it a night. So this being sort of our third date, it was time for the first kiss. SUCH AN AWESOME first kiss. I still get butterflies thinking about it. I loved how it MEANT something. We called it a night and said our goodbyes. Friday night I had a date with another boy (who I absolutely was not interested in, and I could not get Mike outta my mind). Saturday Mike took me for a ride on his bike. We went with his dad and new step mom. After the ride we picked up Bella and went to chill at Mike's house where we had a snack and movie fest :). Sunday I saw him AGAIN. He made me chocolate chip pancakes.... Monday he came over after Yoga and we hung out. I should also say that at this point James had gotten the point and he was pretty upset that I had started dating someone else since I had told him I wasn't wanting a relationship... odd how it happens. So James is completely out of my life. Tuesday he came to my softball game and then took me out for drinks :) Wednesday I played on his indoor soccer team with him, and he took me out to dinner. Thursday morning he was acting weird. I asked him what was up and he proceeded to explain to me that he felt I was liking him too much.... I was so stinkin sad. I had thought that he had the same feelings for me. At least he had been saying he did. Thursday night I went out with my girlfriend. Friday night I went out with Miranda again and ended up crashing at Mike's party. Saturday Mike had invited me to a BBQ but I'll be honest, I wasn't feeling it. I decided to go anyways. But I had planned to ditch out early and go hang out with some friends in Salt Lake. Awkward again... I adored this man and he just wanted to be single and date and flirt with whoever he wanted. After the BBQ he took me with him to his friend Nikki's friends house. This is where everything changed. Nikki is one of the girlfriends at the bar who fell in love with me. We played Rock Band and Karaoke. Nikki, along with the rest of his friends proceeded to "talk" to Mike about me. They basically said that if he doesn't hold on to me that they're getting rid of him and keeping me. This came from quite a few different people. Later that night Mike told me how listening to me sing Karaoke crushed his walls (I should have prefaced this with the fact that Mike has been through a LOT of bad relationships...). I later even found out that when he talked to me on Thursday morning about ME liking him too much, it was in fact HIM liking ME too much and it scared him. Ever since then it seems like we've been back on the same path, with the same common goal. We're still not officially "together" however that's where this path is headed. Mike is terrified that he's not ready for a relationship and won't be able to give me what I need and deserve. But I'm going to say this: He has made me feel more special, appreciated, and beautiful then any other man I've dated in a long long time. I get butterflies just thinking about him. I wait for his sweet texts explaining how awesome, beautiful, etc I am. His friends all tell me that this is the happiest they've ever seen him and that he's "crazy" about me. So that's where we're at right now. We're getting together tonight. Tomorrow. And on Saturday he's taking me to Park City and then Sunday he's meeting my family :) This is officially three weeks from the day that we started really talking and being interested in each other. I adore the man. He is so many things that I want in a relationship. He's intelligent, a sweetheart, a smart ass, he does well with managing money, he has his own house, he has a great job, he can fix cars, he likes motorcycles, he likes to go camping, he likes to go out, he likes to spoil me, he likes to cook, he likes to take me out, he adores Bella, he treats his dog so well, he's selfless, he's empowered, he's always trying to improve himself, he cares about others, he has an AMAZING body, I can tell he cares just by the way he looks at me, I want to be a better person just because he's in my life, he has a bright future ahead of him, he's a friend to all, he's non-judgmental, he's up to trying new things and thinking out of the box, he let's me be me, he comes to see my softball games, he lets me be independent while still needing him, he is clean, he appreciates family, he WANTS to meet my family, he just wants to be a part of my life. Oh goodness. I'm falling for him.

I honestly don't expect any one to read this. This is for me, more so than those in my life. I am happy. I'm content. I'm dating an amazing guy. Someone that I deserve, and that deserves me :) I am one lucky girl :) :) :)

Even MORE summer fun!

2010-08-25T07:25:00.001-07:00

It's been a while so I think I should update my blog. Life is going fantastic! Staying busy, having fun, and learning lessons.
Number one on the list is that I was forced to join my company softball team GRRRRRRR We practiced twice a week all through June and August and our first game was last week. We have been slaughtered two weeks in a row. I play right field, and I'm fairly certain I should just start doing yoga while I'm out there so I'm actually getting SOMETHING done. I don't mean to be a negative nancy, but last night was a tough loss (good thing Mike was at the game and I got to spend time with him afterwords).....
Number two: I have a dear new friend Miranda who has taken me under her wing in my "single" lifestyle. We go out every weekend and meet so many new people! It's always an adventure. Whether it's cliff jumping, boating, or going out we've never NOT had the time of our lives. LOL. It's fun to finally have a girlfriend again!
Number three: Most recent love life interest..... we've only been "dating" for about two weeks but adore the pants outta this guy. He's the biggest sweetheart you'll ever meet and he has a lot of things going for him. This past week we've seen each other every day and tonight he's letting me play on his indoor soccer team! WAHOO!! So it's new, it's fun, we giggle.... a lot. I'm just enjoying the twitterpaited feeling while it lasts :)
So this is my life. Each day is PACKED with things I have going on. Tonight is soccer, tomorrow softball friday is a party and saturday is cliff diving, girls night, then after party.... man.... tough life of a single 23 year old girl :)

Relationships: What's the point?

2010-07-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

So as you all know I've had some serious relationship changes in the past three months. I ended things with my three year long boyfriend and within about a week had started things up with someone new. Yeah, I'd call that a big shift. My mom refers to it as a "rebound" and I do as well.... of sorts. But who's to say that a rebound can't be something more? So let me give you a quick recap of the past two months: Start dating James (cute, fun, smart, VERY positive guy), put him back in the position that Tim was in, because it just seemed natural and what I was used to. RUSHED things. Saw him almost every day. Met his family VERY quickly. Two weeks in, things still going fantastic while I'm healing over Tim. Three weeks in: his little quirks start to annoy me..... REALLY bad. Four weeks in: I put up with them to see where they might go. Five weeks in: starting to get REALLY annoyed with him and try breaking up but let him talk me into sticking it out and working out my own demons while being with him (I have weird control and communication issues that I'm working on). Six weeks in: Head over heels for him, he says he wants to marry me some day. Seven weeks in: Annoys the heck out of me, have another talk where I try to break things off but yet again end up trying to work through them. Eight weeks in: Stay with him because it's his birthday and who would dump a guy on their birthday?! Nine weeks in: I'm grumpy, mean, and just no fun to be around when I'm with him but when I get home I'm back to myself. Decide it really is time to end it after a particularly grumpy camping trip. Today: I've stuck with my decision to be single. He is very hurt that I felt now is the time for me to be single, not in a relationship. We tried doing the friends thing... it worked AWESOME for a week until he started getting jealous about me hanging out with other people. Now he's asked me to just not talk to him anymore while he can detach himself from me (which I completely understand).
So that's where I'm at. Which leaves me asking myself.... what's the point of a relationship anyways? This is not me being bitter, not by any means. I do want to get married and build a family one day. However for me right now in my life I think being single is a FANTASTIC decision. I'm enjoying the attention that I get from men around me. I think I must be putting out an "I'm single come talk to me" vibe because I've never been hit on this much! And again I just stinking love the attention. I've been on two other dates since ending things with James. Both of the guys are extremely cute, athletic, fun, and just fantastic people (and both are rich.... which let's face it... doesn't deter from me being attracted to them). LOL. However both have already asked me out again and seem to really enjoy me. This shouldn't be a bad thing right? I do fully explain before going out with someone that I'm not really looking for anything serious... not closing that door if I do find the right person... however I'm looking to just meet people and have fun. Funny thing is, is that's what I told James as well and he asked me the very first date if he could be more than just a distraction. LOL. So right now I'm just a little frustrated. I seem to connect with people VERY well. However I'm also getting VERY picky. I won't go out with someone who I really don't see things going anywhere. And with both of these recent dates I knew the exact moment when both of them had decided they really liked me. Though I just want to brag about the guy last night..... He didn't try to kiss me!!!!! Although I know for a fact that he wanted to. I dunno, but it impressed me.... I usually feel like the first kiss is pressured on me, but I didn't feel this way at all with Preston. That's why I'm going out with him again sometime this weekend :D Though he did just admit in a text message that he WANTED to kiss me. Man, I'm just LOVING being single right now. Anyways back to my frustration. How come now I'm getting all of this attention? How come I feel that I keep disappointing men because I'm not ready to be in a relationship. Grrrrrr.... How come I had to hurt James...... This is my frustration.... Sad life of a single, 23 year old blond.
PS, James just text me wanting to talk tonight... I wonder what he has decided as far as the staying friends thing goes....

Summer Fun!

2010-06-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

Airbrush Tattoo

Bella, James, and I hiking

My new bike

My new hair (I took this picture yesterday this is my most current)

It's just barely summer and I'm already sportin a flip flop tan line! WAHOO! I've been keepin busy like mad, and I'm lovin it! I bought myself a new bicycle because I've been wanting to get into it for a while. I got a Specialized ariel sport, which is at about an intermediate range. It's a hybrid, so light enough to go on the road, and sturdy enough to take on the trails. So far I've been exploring the pathways that who would have thought it were right outside of my door. I guess I'm at the junction of the Ogden River and the Weber River, and BOTH have awesome paved pathways with beautiful routes around them. This also means that I'm connected to the city without having to ride on the road yet. I'll be honest, I'm not confident and road savy enough to compete with cars yet so I'm glad I've found these pathways. They add a few extra miles on the routes, but the beauty and safety are worth it! One goes over to riverdale, which is where most of the stores I shop are, one goes out to West Haven, and the other goes up the Ogden River to the Canyon, and who's on the other end of this parkway? Yep! James!! I can ride my bike to his house along the pathway, cool beans I must say! I've decided that I'm going to try to drive my car around the city as little as I can, basically only driving to work. I'm even going to start riding to Yoga next week after I get just a tad more experience of road driving. That means that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Saturday I go to the gym for Yoga and Zumba and on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday James and I will be biking around! I can not WAIT for those biker legs!
I've started a new diet/lifestyle that I describe on my other blog. So far, so good! It's based on finding a balance with your food, everything in life is categorized as yin or yang, and finding a balance is what creates a long and healthy life. There are many cancer patients who actually use this diet in means to help support their treatments. It consists mostly of plants, like whole wheat, brown rice, buckwheat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and the occasional fish (shrimp SOMETIMES). I've been doing it for two solid weeks now, embarking on my third and I'm really enjoying it. I'm down to my lowest weight yet, and when I went to try on pants at the store I actually fit into size 5's.... that is a freaking size 5!!! Yeah I was excited. I'm finding however that I'm needing to up my food intake to keep up with my new more active lifestyle. It's all good, I've perfected vegetable fried rice, buckwheat noodle stir fry, and miso soup. I'll sometimes sneak the occasional organic Ogden grown eggs in my diet, but I keep those at a minimum. All in all, I'm pretty happy with this lifestyle and feel it's a good choice for me right now. Though I'll be honest... I miss my chicken breasts, but not as much as I once did!
So this is what I've been up to for the summer so far. Picnics, hikes, bike rides, kite-flying, and just having a good time. I must say it's really nice to have someone in my life that actually helps me and pushes me to get out and be active. Upcoming plans for the summer include: James's birthday this weekend where he's going to take home his brand new Harley Davidson, Boating with my daddy this coming Monday, Lagoon with my work, camping with friends, and lots and lots of bike riding! Man, I love me some summer fun!

Balance

2010-05-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Balance

This is the first thing that popped into my head this morning heading into work. I am ready to start the work week again, grateful for the weekend. I'm excited to go to the gym tonight, excited for this week. I feel in balance. My life had been seriously void of this. I'm rejuvenated and feel that I'm ready to take on work, and perform at the best of my abilities. And I'm ready to appreciate the positives that life has to offer me right now.

I had a fantastic weekend! It started off Friday night getting my favorite chinese food (oh yum), then I went to listen to an album debut with friends, however one of my friends forgot his current license and so they wouldn't let us in. We then decided to go to Piper Down, pretty much the funnest pub in Salt Lake. We had such a blast!

Saturday Miranda came up to my house because she left some stuff in my car and ended up coming with James (my new interest) and I to his roommate's BBQ, which was a blast! I had THE BEST homemade strawberry shortcake and strawberry icecream. After that we went on a hike and then went and played disc golf. That is so much fun! There's a course in Riverdale that is by the river, and a wooded area. After golf, we went and had another BBQ and ended the night off in a hot tub with himalyan salts in it to sooth our muscles.

Sunday is my day of rest. I spent the day sleeping in, got up around noon and went to lunch with James at his restaurant (he's a server at Chili's). After that we did a little shopping. He went disc golfing with the guys so I had a girls night with Bella (yeah I'm lame for having a girls night with my dog). He came back by after golf and brought me some thai pizza from the Pie (oh my goodness yummy).

All in all I had a well balanced, perfect weekend. Life is going fantastic, I feel so alive!

Breakaway

2010-05-13T07:34:00.001-07:00

I do believe that this is one of the most songs to sing to as loud as you possibly can in your car. But the lyrics never hit home really until this morning. I emphasized the lines that most particularly pertain to me... I love you the empowered Kelly Clarkson!

"Breakaway"

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)

Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could break away

[Chorus:]
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway

[Chorus]

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway

*******Sigh********

What I've learned

2010-05-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Going through this experience, I've learned quite a few things about myself and relationships.
#1. I bend over and let MY opinions and hobbies die, while taking on the opinions and hobbies of my significant other. I let myself roll over and get controlled like that. Well I USED to. I'm getting better at standing up for myself and standing up for all of those qualities that make me who I am. No more adopting beliefs and hobbies unless I really REALLY enjoy them.
#2. Love is patience, kindness, honesty, laughs, and companionship.
#3. I don't trust myself. I knew after dating him for just three months that he and I wouldn't work out in the end. Deep down I knew. But I pushed that aside and gave us more of a chance. I honestly knew it, I remember having a conversation to my friends about it. Why didn't I trust my gut instinct? I'm working on trusting myself more.
#4. The people important in my life are smart and give good advice. I never listened to it, I'd just brush it aside. I thought that I had burned many bridges with my friends because of my actions however I'm finding that they were just waiting for me to pull my head out and have welcomed me back with open arms. I need to trust their opinions more!
#5. I have learned patience! In some aspects I still have none, however I've learned to let things go, be patient, and just worry about what really matters.
#6. I've been learning what it takes to have a SUCCESSFUL relationship. Well I guess learning what it takes to have an UNHEALTHY relationship-- but that just reiterates to me what a success is comprised of.
#7. All of my friends are happily married, so if they found someone why in the heck can't I?
#8. I've got to do things for myself sometimes. It's fantastic spending time with my significant other, however I've got to get out and do things for me!
#9. I need someone in a relationship that values family, and has principles and morals. Someone that my family actually LIKES instead of just deals with. I've realized that I don't NEED flowers however I WANT flowers. I want to be told that I am a unique and beautiful person. I need that affirmation.
#10. I need to also SHARE hobbies with my significant other. I actually like being active, going out and doing things and that's what makes me happy.
#11. I LOVE to travel and sing, and I've let my passion for those two die. I need to work on finding what sets me free and go with it!

I'm sure there is so much more that I've learned from everything, however these are the main things for now. I'm working on growing as a person again and finding who I was/am.

Time for a Change

2010-05-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Things are changing in my life. Everything for the better. Thank you all of my family and friends for your support in making a very important decision. I realized that the relationship I was in just wasn't working, and even though it was one of the hardest things I've done, I ended it on Friday. Things have been very hard, and I've been pretty emotional, but that can be expected after a 3 year relationship.
I'm excited to move on in my life! All sorts of doors are opening for me, doors that I had closed off to myself if I would have stayed in the same situation. I will not ever forget the past three years, the bond that I developed, or the memories. It's something that will always be with me.
Soooooooo I need to go out and make friends and start NEW relationships with people. I think that I may join an indoor soccer league up here, however I'm putting the word out that I am available to be set up should anyone feel they would like to introduce me to people hint hint. I'm trying to find distractions to keep my mind off of the hurt and pain I feel while time heals my wounds. I'll move on and become a stronger person, there's no way I can't!
So once again thank you to my family for their support, and to my girlfriends for showing me an amazing time this weekend. You guys really are so awesome!

CARPE DIEM!!

Bi-Polar Weather makes me confused

2010-04-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

I've finally found some free time to sit down and journal what has transpired in my life for the past month or so. I've been a very busy girl! I'll start with the first (and my most favorite) event...

Aleta's Bachelorette Party!!!

Our little Aleta is growing up! She met a wonderful man last year and they decided to make it official. For her bachelorette party we went up to Park City. Stayed the night in a hotel, and went shopping the next day. How could this NOT be five girls perfect weekend? Spending time with four of my absolutely most favoritest people in the world AND Park City?! Yeah I was in heaven. So we started the night off by trying to find an outfit that would embarrass Aleta-- you know possibly a crown or a boa, that sorta thing. We made our way to the Park City Walmart-- and despite being in Park City this was one of the trashiest Walmarts I've been to in a long time (odd right?) But that's beside the point! They did have what we needed. We scoured the isles trying to find something that would work. When we ended up in the barbie isle, we knew we had found the right outfit. Ages 3 and up? Yeah, we'd take our chances this would fit her. We hadn't even gotten to the car when the package had been torn open and was being put on Aleta-- who I might add was quite the sport and was actually SUPPORTIVE of her new attire. Words can not describe the awesomeness of this outfit, hopefully this picture can do it a little justice.

Now, Aleta had clothes on UNDERNEATH when we went to dinner, however she gave us a show at our hotel room that night. On to dinner: We decided to try something fun in historic Park City. We chose a pizza/italian parlor called Fuego's (or somethin like that). The food was most excellent. They kicked butt at my salad, AND the pizza was some of the best I've had. HOWEVER their service was horrible-- comparable to even AppleBee's service!! Despite them not saying a word about Aleta's attire, we still enjoyed ourselves.
Aleta and Amber

Lyndsey and I

BreAnn and Amber
After dinner we mad our way back to the hotel and decided to go swimming in their pool/hot tub. It was non-eventful (minus eyebrow boy) however very relaxing.

While at Walmart we had purchased a few "treats" to give us energy and to snack on. We had plans up staying up all night! Come midnight, things had changed... two of us were already asleep and the rest were well on their way. We had an interesting night of people snoring, talking in their sleep, and just plain awkwardness (which with us is normal and to be expected). Half of us woke up early the next day and wanted to get the day going-- we just had to convince the other half that 8 o'clock was normal. We had breakfast at the hotel and made our way back to historic Main Street in Park City. We did a lot of window shopping, I think I was the only person who bought something-- and it was a hat. We still had quite a good time though checking out the pet store with collars that were over $100 and the museums we weren't allowed to take pictures in....

Lyndsey

BreAnn lookin mighty fine in her hat

How can you NOT try on hats like that?!
We made our way to the outlet malls after our adventure on Main Street. Is it odd that most of our time was spent at the animal shelter there looking at dogs and even taking one for a walk? With us? No way. We met in the Vet Tech class, it wouldn't be normal if we DIDN'T spend that much time at the shelter. After shopping we found ourselves pretty hungry. Driving around Kimbal Junction we couldn't make up our minds of where we wanted to eat-- good thing they had a Cafe Rio-- who could resist that? Yummmm pork salad.
I just wanted to say to these girls thank you so much for the great weekend, I know that I can ALWAYS count on you guys to make me laugh until my stomach hurts, and just forget about all of the stresses that life brings. I know that we'll always stay close, and I'm so grateful for your friendship. I love you guys!

Aleta's Wedding!!!
The big day came, and I'm glad that I was able to be at the Draper Temple when Aleta and her new husband Paul came out. She looked absolutely stunning, and so happy! After pictures Tim, Taylor and I headed to go to lunch GOLDEN TREE. I was in Riverton-- how could I NOT go to Golden Tree. It was to die for (as usual!), I'm glad that Tim puts up with me because I make him go there with me any chance I can get! After lunch we went and hung out at my parents house while we waited for the reception. It was really nice for my mom to be able to see a side of Taylor that she never gets to see. He was his normal self, doing the robot, talking about his pink pet guinea pigs (imaginary), and just being a ham! When we're usually there he is VERY shy and I don't recall him saying an entire sentence, however my Mom was able to see my little chatterbox who keeps me on my toes. Thanks Mom and Dad for putting up with us for a few hours!
We left my parents to go to the reception at Millennial Falls. BreAnn had just gotten there, and Lyndsey was right behind us. Aleta looked gorgeous once again. The reception was one of the nicest I've been to in a long long time. It wasn't busy. It wasn't crowded. They didn't invite whoever, they invited those who truly cared. I was able to actually TALK to Aleta and Paul, unlike most receptions where you rush through the line, get your food and that's it.

Now we DID rush to get our food-- because it was catered by COLD STONE!! Best idea ever Aleta. It was just plain awesome. We decided to go outside and have a look around. It turns out the backyard was GORGEOUS and made some really good photo ops. Yay for Lyndsey who's prepared with her camera!

Two of my favorite girls.
Aleta's wedding was a success. I'm glad I got to spend so much time with my favorite people AGAIN. I hope I don't have to wait for another wedding to get to see these girls!

Business Trip to North Dakota
We have recently been making a lot of changes to our North Dakota office/area. I was asked to spend a week out there to hire/train a new administrative assistant. I flew out on a Sunday (got to fly in the tiniest plane- a total of 21 seats) to Williston North Dakota. Ron picked me up from the airport at ten that night and we headed back to the house/office. I met a few of the technicians and then I went to bed. Williston is in the middle of an oil boom, and hotels are booked through the end of June- so that means that I got to stay in our office trailer right across from the house. All I need to say is that it felt like I was camping the entire week. On Monday morning I woke up ready to take on the task ahead of me. I had been doing phone interviews the week before and had narrowed my search down into six potential candidates. I had interviews all day, and between the interviews I had to reorganize the office and dispatch the guys PLUS try to do all of my usual work load back in Utah. I was pretty dang busy. I had a total of 84 hours for that week. My last interview of the day I was able to find someone I had a strong feeling about. I hired her and she began the very next day. I know that I made the right decision! She is 10 times better than the other secretarie's we've had over there. I trust her as well, heck it's my name on the line! So she and I worked hard that week to pull the office back together, track down things that had been missing, organize, and re-organize. It was almost like starting from scratch out there because the previous secretary had a system in place- however it was not working. We had rig calls like CRAZY, I was able to get to know my technicians out there, and I can honestly say I loved the work.

The Missouri River (this is the view from the office trailer)

All of the work trucks ready to start the day

Our Rig map
One night before I was getting ready to head to town, one of my technicians asked if I wanted to go out on a rig. UMMMM HECK YES! I had to go buy PPE (personal protective equipment) which consisted of brown boots and gloves. My tech didn't understand why I didn't have any closed two shoes with me, only flip flops. I went to Walmart and bought some little boy shoes for $4.00. I was SUPPOSED to have steal toe boots, however Rich said just as long as I had boots on that LOOKED like they could be the proper PPE I'd be fine. So equipped with my new boots I headed out to the rig. It was only about 20 minutes from our house there. I drove on County Road 10 to Nabors Rig 254. This rig was in the "rigging up" stage where it hadn't quite started to drill however everything was basically ready to go. Rich took me on quite the extensive tour. We went to the Derrick floor, the cellar, the SCR room, Mud Pump room, and all of the other components that make up an oil rig. It was better than any documentary I've seen on the history channel. I learned SO much! Really it was one of the coolest experiences of my life.
I headed back home EXHAUSTED. Tim picked me up from the airport around 11 on Saturday and I ended up sleeping almost that entire day. I missed my little family quite a bit while I was gone, however I was so busy I didn't even have time to realize just how much I missed them!

This is the oil rig I was out on

So this has been my life as or recent. I've decided that this bi-polar weather is confusing me. Other than that, I can not wait until summer, when it decides to actually come!

New Blog!

2010-03-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Just so ya'll know, I've created a new blog that is as I like to call it "a feel good blog". As you all know, I'm not a shy person. I LOVE talking about myself. However one thing I love more is giving to others. As I've gone through my weight loss journey, I've learned a few things that I want to share with others. I have also been learning more and more each day through different means. In my new blog I will be doing posts regarding healthy mind, body, and soul. I invite all of you to take a look to see what it is all about. Thanks for letting me stand on TWO soap boxes now!

The Chronic WHAT cles of my weight loss!

2010-03-16T08:25:00.001-07:00

So! I want to start this blog off as a story. Once upon a time there was a little girl. She was the youngest of a family of 5 siblings. All growing up she was a little "round". When you're 8 years old though, no one cares how much you weigh, children don't make fun. However once you hit 10 years old, that's when things start to change. The other children made fun of her because she was the "fat girl". She matured very early and this just made things worse. The boys would snicker behind her back, and she began to feel envious of all of the other little girls. Middle school came, and along with it came severe depression and a realization of what society expects of women. Her girlfriends were all so pretty, SO skinny, the boys loved them, but this little girl was never given any attention. She went through middle school loathing herself. High school came and she began accepting her own skin. She still didn't get attention from any of the boys, however she didn't care as much. Of course it hurt because all of her friends had boyfriends and she was constantly the third wheel- but she had things going for her in OTHER areas. She excelled in school, she loved the hard work, got good grades and learned that there is more to people then looks. Sure, good looks will get you so far, but your brain carries you the rest of the way. She still though could never shake the loathing of her own body. She did learn to hide it quite well, and to not think about it, but it was always there. After high school she went out to face the world. She could take on anything! She moved out and got a full time job. She began horrible eating habits. Eating out at LEAST once a day, sometimes twice. She wasn't as active as she was in high school. No soccer, no aerobics, just eating out an watching TV. She quickly gained more weight- but refused to see it. When she looked in the mirror she didn't see a fat person, she saw who she was on the inside. She met a young man who treated her like she deserved. Who never treated her like the fat girl like everyone else had. He loved her. She bought a house, bought a dog, and got a new job. She started becoming more active, and started eating out less and less. She quickly lost 10 pounds without even trying! She noticed how good it felt to LOSE weight instead of GAIN weight. Over the summer she had heard of people doing a new diet. One of her co-workers told her about it, and said she was going to do it. This girl had tried working out at the gym, tried eating right, but she could never stick to anything longer than a week. So she thought, why not try this fad diet, see where it takes me........
She started the diet weighing 193 lbs. She went on this diet for 48 days, had some struggles, but stuck to it. She ended up weighing 156lbs! Wow!!! She had really just lost almost 40 lbs. The people in her life were so excited!! She looked fantastic! She decided to take a break for the holidays, eat right, exercise but made a goal to not gain one oz back-- and she didn't. After her 23rd birthday, she started poor eating habits again. She began eating out frequently, and had birthday cake almost every night! She had lost a little weight since stopping the fad diet, but had gained it back after the birthday. She decided to do the fad diet one last time to see how low she could get. She did it for 26 days this time, did not have very many slip ups, and had a great success. She lost another 25 lbs!!!! She was no longer the fat girl! She felt GOOD in her skin. She didn't just accept herself, she felt GOOD with who she is. She has been dealing with the feelings of self hate that have been inside of her her entire life. It is hard to change who a person is-- but it is possible. The physical outside now matches the emotional inside!
So as you've guessed, this story is about me. Losing weight is MORE than just changing your physical appearance. It's dealing with feelings, thoughts, and ideas that you have had your entire life. It's developing a HEALTHY relationship with food, and your body. It's appreciating what everyone else takes for granted. It's re-teaching yourself how to love yourself, how to accept your flaws and just be happy with who you are. So...... here are some pictures of the "new" me. And here are my FINAL stats:

Day:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::The first day of the rest of my life (cliche I know)
Beginning weight::::::::::::::::::::::205
Current weight:::::::::::::::::::::::::130
Weight loss this round:::::::::::::::-25
Weight loss total:::::::::::::::::::::::-75 freaking pounds!!

Measurements:
Bust: Was: 43inches Now: 34inches (-10in)
Waist: Was: 41inches Now: 27inches (-14in)
Hip: Was: 46inches Now: 36inches (-10in)
Belly: Was: 43inches Now: 32inches (-10in)
Thigh: Was: 24inches Now: 16.5inches (-7.5in)
Bicep: Was: 14inches Now: 10inches (-4in)

Finite!

2010-03-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

So technically Friday was my last day on the 500C diet, and this weekend was just FANTASTIC! I will be putting together a summary with pictures, pounds lost, inches lost etc of the whole experience so I won't bore you right now. Just know that I hit my goal of 130lbs!!!! I'm workin on a finding a camera that actually works-- but we're moving back home this Wednesday so I don't foresee anything happening really before then. I will tell you that my final results and how much I've lost is incredible to me-- I never thought I'd make it but I did! So watch back in a week or so, good things will come!

Last Week!!

2010-03-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

So here I am on my final week of HCG. I Must say that I had quite the loss last week. This round has been easier than the first, and I find myself with better results! I have to admit though I have been getting light headed and dizzy quite often, which I know 100% is the diet. I just don't eat ENOUGH. I skip meals all the time and usually only eat about 150-250 calories a day. I'm pretty glad that this is my last week on the diet. It's getting to the point where I feel I need to cheat. BUT I'm not going to, because I can have a pb&j this sunday and I am soooo beyond excited for that! I found my Julian bread (net gram carb 1 per slice) here locally at an even better price then I got it for on the internet! This Saturday I start the low carb part of the diet.... just in time for St. Patty's day-- I have a fantastic new recipe for corned beef and cabbage! Wahoo!!
Here is the best news. Saturday I was feelin grumpy so I decided to go try on some clothes. I went to Kohl's and they were having some killer deals (I mean KILLER deals). I ended up taking home two shirts (size MEDIUM) a jacket (size MEDIUM) and 2 pairs of shorts (SIZE 7 BABY!!!). These were in the junior section, so I know for a fact if I tried on misses I'd be a size 6, and still medium. But with one week left on the diet, and then the gym afterwards I know I'll be at LEAST a size 6-- possibly even a 4. Who woulda thunk that size 16/18 Amanda would work her way down to a size 4/6?! I'm glad I had enough motivation in me to see it!!

Day:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::21
Beginning weight::::::::::::::::::::::156
Current weight:::::::::::::::::::::::::133.6
Weight loss this round:::::::::::::::-22.4
Weight loss total:::::::::::::::::::::::-71.6lbs (wahoo, that's a lot!!)

HCG more than halfway over!

2010-03-01T07:43:00.001-08:00

So I thought I'd do a quick little update of where I'm at. I had a fantastic week as far as weight loss goes, but a horribly slow weekend. I did an experiment this time.... I started my period on Tuesday and decided to stop taking HCG while on it. Thursday woke up at .8 loss. Friday woke up at 1.2 loss. Saturday woke up with .6, Sunday .0, and Today was .4........... I started taking the HCG again yesterday and it takes 2 days to get in your system, so I guess we'll see how I rebound from it. I believe the slow loss may be due to my period, and the lack of HCG in my system. I'm still doing fantastic on the diet, I'm at the point where it is feeling good still, however I know in two-three more weeks of it I would not be feeling this way. I'm keeping my options open more this time around. I made the most delicious shrimp asparagus stir-fry this week, and some yummy chicken nuggets. I made it through a wedding AND a baby shower without a gain! WAHOO!. I have a feeling that I'm not a size 8 in pants but I have yet to go try some one. I'll do that sometime this week! I have read all sorts of reports on this "fad" diet. And yes I do believe it is a fad diet, however I've lost 52 lbs on this "fad diet" and believe that whether or not the HCG is really effective, it is still working. AND it has taught me so much about my relationship to food. The thing about most fad diets is you lose 25 or so pounds, go a month or two, and it comes back. I started in July of last year and I have not gained an ounce back. I do believe that there are HEALTHIER ways to lose weight. However I could never succeed with those ways because I never would dedicate myself like I do to this. I never saw such fast results, never re-taught myself how to eat. So all in all, I believe I have been a success on HCG. So that's my little tangent for the day! Here are my stats!

Day:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::14
Beginning weight::::::::::::::::::::::156
Current weight:::::::::::::::::::::::::141.0
Weight loss this round:::::::::::::::-15
Weight loss total:::::::::::::::::::::::-64.0lbs (wahoo!!)

HCGin it up..... AGAIN

2010-02-22T07:30:00.001-08:00

I wanted to start documenting my HCG journey again, because it helped me in my first round bring everything into perspective, and keep a good dairy of my journey. I decided to do HCG again because of something my sister said... When she asked if I was still wanting to lose weight, I responded no, and she said "why not, no one said I could lose it, but I did". So I thought..... WHY NOT. I had lost about 10 pounds in November because I was sick so often, and I was going to the gym. I managed to keep that off through the holidays, but I was thinking that I was invincible, and began eating VERY VERY poorly. I mean when it was my birthday I had birthday cake and ice cream EVERY night (not a wise decision) and I began eating out almost five times a week (again not a wise decision). I had almost gained all of the weight I lost AFTER HCG back. So I decided to try HCG again to lose that, PLUS some. My ultimate goal is to wear a bikini come summer, and not just wear a bikini, but look damn good in it.
So I started HCG again on February 13, using that saturday and sunday as my load days. I went all out, I even had golden tree as my final meal! I had gone up to 159 pounds with all of the loading (It was hard to be okay with that), but I started the 500 C a day diet on Monday, and come Tuesday morning I had almost lost 5 pounds... CRAZY! I've been stickin to the diet now for an entire week. So far I'm now at my lowest weight since I can seriously remember-- maybe since like elementary school? I'm keeping motivated by using the tricks I used last time, plus incorporating a few new things in. Like tonight I'm making shrimp stir fry with asparagus, I used to HATE shrimp-- but now I'll try it! I'm eating more green beans, and veggies I hadn't even tried before. I'm keeping my chicken exciting with new recipes, not just grilling it and eating broccoli. In fact, I still can't eat broccoli, it just makes me sick to think of. LOL. I had given myself enough of a break (4-5 months after stopping hcg) that I think I am doing well and I'm ready. I'm doing a much shorter round this time, since I have MUCH less weight to lose. I did 51 days total last time, I'm pushing myself to 26 this time, or until my HCG runs out-- which should be right around there. My ultimate goal is now 130-135-- I once said it was 150, but I've reached that, then I changed it to 140-- but I know I can do more. WHY NOT. I've always wanted to be healthy, and have one of those little waists that I've been envious of my entire life. I'm no longer the fat girl, but I still have mountains to move to reach where I'd like to be.
I still have 14ish days left on the diet, and 10-15 pounds to go! I know though if I don't reach it with HCG that I can reach it afterwards. After all, I did lose 10 pounds on my very own! So here are my stats!

Day:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::8
Beginning weight::::::::::::::::::::::156
Current weight:::::::::::::::::::::::::145.6
Weight loss this round:::::::::::::::-10.4
Weight loss total:::::::::::::::::::::::-59.4lbs (wahoo!!)

Birthday Time!

2010-02-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

So it seemed like this year I had two weeks devoted to me, and if you know me this meant I was in Heaven! I hate to admit it, but I love attention- it's that simple! My birthday celebration started off with a delightful evening of five of my very favorite people-- Tim, Taylor, BreAnn, Aleta, and Lyndsey. This night would be fantastic if it were just us four girls sitting around doing nothing, however we (I) decided to go ice skating! I hadn't been in YEARS. I'm proud to admit that I only fell once! It happened with me wanting to "show off"-- I guess I'm just not as good as I thought! Tim and Taylor watched the show in the stands, and were very good guardians of our shoes (Thanks Tim!!!) After ice skating, we made our way back to my house. Tim had made my very favorite cake (funfettie cake, with funfettie frosting-- YUM). He even got icing to decorate the cake. Aleta and Lynds helped Tim out with the decorations. My cake ended up saying "I heart b-days, and U". It also had stitches on it where the frosting wouldn't stick. The cake was BEAUTIFUL. Thanks so much to my bestest friends for coming up and putting up with me!
The next day (Sunday) was my birthday dinner at my parents. My mom made me cheesy potatoes (YUMMM) and my dad made BBQ chicken. It was quite tasty, and the cinnamon rolls for dessert were just awesome! Thanks ma and pa for that!
Three days later (Wednesday) was my REAL birthday. My co-workers got me a super cute balloon and birthday card, along with krispy kream doughnuts for breakfast! They TRIED to get me a cake, but I left work a little too early for that! I decided that it was time for a change... and I chopped my hair off! About 14 inches total I think. I donated it to locks of love, and said a fond farewell to my hairstyle of the past eight years! Of course I had to go down to SunKissed to get my hair done which meant I got to spend the rest of the day in Riverton! Tim was able to get out of work early too, so he came with me. After my new do, we went to see Avatar in 3-D! Man that was a great show, but it ended up eating the rest of the day! We stopped at my mom's to say hello and then made our way to Golden Tree for my traditional Birthday Feast. We eventually ended up home around 8pm with Bella quite upset with us for leaving her alone for 12 hours (oh she got over it).
Tim was waiting to do presents until we got Taylor on Saturday. But when Saturday came it was well worth the wait! Tim got me a wok!!! (YES), towels that match my bathroom decor, high thread count sheets, and a few of my favorite treats. He definitely spoils me! That night we went to his parents to have dinner and just spend time with his Mom and Jim (his step dad) before they go to Thailand.
On the Thailand note, Tim's mom is from Thailand and tries to go back often. She has just recently became a full American Citizen, so she had to get her passport to go back (ironic?). Jim and Tim's mom leave this Friday for 6 weeks. They'll be going all over Thailand, and I'm very envious because they're ending their trip on a beach in a bungalow. While they're gone, Tim and I get to house sit. Tim's mom has about 9 cats (we think, she takes care of strays around the neighborhood) so she wants Tim to live there for the whole six weeks! I'll be going back and forth between my house and Tim's mom's. But I do have plans to re-crate train Bella. She's been spoiled and has been sleeping on my bed but I don't want that to continue-- it's just that every time I try to re-crate train her she makes the loudest most horrible noises and I can't have that in my townhouse, or with my roommate. So I'll be re-crate training her during the day at Tim's mom's house which has NO close neighbors... just cats.
This is a good summary of my life recently. I can not WAIT for warm weather and sunshine, I've got the winter blues!

Snowed In

2009-12-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

Despite not being able to get Taylor for the weekend, Tim and I had a fantastic time just enjoying each other's company. The snow just made it that much better! We started off the weekend with a lazy Friday night watching a movie together. Saturday we woke up to 4" of snow. Tim began shoveling the drive-way (yeah I live in an HOA and this SHOULD be done by them, but they tend to be slackers). I woke up to the Christmas Tree and Garland's lights on. Bella and I went downstairs and greeted a bundled up Tim (who had just finished shoveling). Right was Tim came in, the HOA shovelers came! Oh well, I have a pretty great boyfriend. We decided that we better not get Taylor because I have had a stomach ache all week, and Tim's throat was sore. We really hate to get him sick, and so we sacrificed our time with him this weekend (which makes me sad, but it's for the best). I had a grand idea to do turkey noodle soup this weekend with the left over turkey Tim's parents gave us. I even went as far as to do home-made noodles! (which are my favorite). I began making the noodles and the broth with the bones at about 10 am. By the time I had finished with EVERYTHING it was 1 and ready to eat! YUMMMMMM I LOVE soup!! Tim had been playing a video game all morning while I cooked. I actually like this one, it's called "God of War" it's all based around ancient Greek Mythology, which is like my favorite historical topic. So after eating he played some more and I watched! We had more soup that night and watched Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Sunday morning we woke up to even more snow! I woke up to my shoulders and back being SOOOO sore from kneading the dough and cutting noodles etc (yeah I'm a whimp, it takes a lot of muscle to make dough and roll it out-- especially when your dough is a little too tough). So I stayed in my jammies for the second day in a row and decided to make the treats that I was handing out to my neighbors and friends this year. I got the idea from Jera. The BEST little oreo balls. It was my first time using almond bark all by myself, and yeah that was an experiment. But they turned out FANTASTIC, and by the time I was done I was ready to relax. Let me just say that Tim really is the best. While I was making the treats he came up to me and started massaging my shoulders. He asked if I would like to watch "White Christmas" when I was done and to get another massage. WOW, seriously?! He knows me all too well. And Tim HATES musicals and HATES Christmas movies. But he put the movie in for me, and gave me a WONDERFUL massage and I fell asleep on his lap. Yeah, that was nice. I wish I could go back to that! While I was sleeping he turned off the movie (he could put up with it while I was awake, but when I dozed off he was done!) and started playing another video game. LOL. Now it may seem like Tim's big into video games-- but this is the most he's played the entire time we've been dating (2.5 years). So that just goes to show you what you can do when it's snowy outside!
We ended our weekend together watching the foodnetwork (my favorite) and cuddled up in bed. It really was such a nice time, and I'm glad we got to spend some quality time together with neither of us being "too" sick. It seems like the only real time we spend together for that long is when one of us is super sick and we can't enjoy it! But this weekend was just fabulous! I'm ready for Christmas already, I'm starting to get impatient! "We've been good, but we can't last. Hurry Christmas, Hurry Fast!!!!" Yeah that's been on my ipod every morning when I wake up for the past two weeks... Now I'm really believing those words!
I don't have any pictures, BUT I do have some great recipes! ENJOY

HomeMade Egg Noodles

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the beaten egg, milk, and butter. Knead dough until smooth, about 5 minutes. Let rest in a covered bowl for 10 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll out to 1/8 or 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired lengths and shapes.
Allow to air dry before cooking.
To cook fresh pasta, in a large pot with boiling salted water cook until al dente.

Fast Chicken Soup Base

Ingredients

2 quarts chicken broth
1 quart water
1 store-bought roast chicken (or left over turkey)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, cut into medium dice
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into rounds or half rounds, depending on size
2 large stalks celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Directions

Bring broth and water to a simmer over medium-high heat in a large soup kettle. Meanwhile, separate chicken meat from skin and bones; reserve meat. Add skin and bones to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer until bones release their flavor, 20 to 30 minutes.
Strain broth through a colander into a large container; reserve broth and discard skin and bones. Return kettle to burner set on medium-high.
Add oil, then onions, carrots and celery. Saute until soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add chicken, broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer. (Can be refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Return to a simmer before adding the extras of your choice.)

Turkey Noodle Soup (or Chicken Noodle)

Ingredients

1 recipe Fast Chicken Soup Base
3 cups egg noodles
1 cup frozen green peas
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare Fast Chicken Soup Base. Bring to a simmer.
Add these, then simmer until tender, 10-20 minutes: 3 cups egg noodles.
Before removing from heat, stir in: 1 cup (5 ounces) frozen green peas and 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley.
Final touch: Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Oreo Balls

Ingredients

1 package regular size Oreo cookies, crushed
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 package white almond bark
1 package chocolate almond bark

Directions

Using a blender or hand held mixer, mix Oreos and cream cheese together.
Roll into walnut size balls.
Chill for an hour.
Melt approximately 3/4 package of white almond bark.
Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white almond bark.
Allow to harden on wax paper.
Takes about 15 min.
While waiting, melt about 1/4 package of chocolate almond bark.
When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and white almond bark.
I just use a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner to drizzle the almond bark.

'Tis the Season!

2009-11-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

It's Cyber Monday! WAHOO! I still have practically everyone to shop for, and I definitely would rather do it online then in the stores. So here's a little re-cap of what my life has consisted of since the last holiday:
Catching up with my friends, a new hair-do, finally got under the 150 lb mark, took a giant step in my relationship, and just had an excellent month all together. I am so lucky to still keep in contact with my good friends. Aleta, BreAnn, and Lyndsey have always been able to make me laugh, and I am so grateful we can still get together and bring our inside jokes along! I just love those girls! I also went down and visited good old Sunkissed. It was great to see everyone at the salon, and to just visit while I got my hair done! I decided to go more blond then I usually do, and I think I made a good decision! I have been going to the gym like crazy! It is my stress-reliever and I just love it! I made my way down to a size 10 jeans, and I hit 148 pounds!!! Wow didn't think I could do that, but I did! My goal is to get to around 135-140 lbs-- it used to be 145, but I am just 3 pounds away from that and I know I can go lower!
The biggest news from this past month is that I met Tim's family on Thanksgiving. The whole gang! We went to his Dad's for lunch where I met his dad, his step-mom Becky, and Tim's half brother Jason (not to mention three HUGE dogs that are just adorable!). Tim's sister Joanna was also there with her three kids. I've heard so much about them and it was nice to get to put faces and personalities with the stories! After lunch, we headed to Tim's mom's house (which ironically is about 1 minute away from his dad's house. lol) There I met Tim's mom and his step-dad Jim. (and about 4-9 cats, I lost track). Joanna and the kids were at his mom's waiting for us. They all made me feel so comfortable! I got along great with Tim's sister, and it just felt like another home for me. Now Tim's mom is from Thailand and has the accent to prove it. At first I couldn't understand a word she said, and when she made reference to her house being small I just nodded and smiled. Good thing I had Tim there to help me translate at first. When dinner was over I could understand what she was saying (for the most part). We played games with the kids, and visited with the family. It was such a nice day, and I really am grateful for them for making me feel so comfortable! (I was SOOOOOO beyond nervous at first, the ride there seemed A LOT longer than the ride home). We weren't able to get Taylor at all on Thanksgiving because he's been sick. Since Tim's dad is in the middle of chemo therapy we didn't want to risk Taylor giving him anything since Tim's dad's immune system is so low at the moment. We were however able to pick him up the next morning.
I have never been in to black friday. This year I got ready for the gym and made a quick stop at Roberts (their ornaments are 40% off and I needed lots of them!) and the quick stop turned in to a few hours of Kohls, and then Walmart. I got everything I needed for my Christmas tree (minus the tree). As soon as I got home Tim and Taylor were waiting there for me, and we went to get our Tree! Now I have been excited about having a real tree since I moved in to my house last April. We went to Lowes (no other tree stands were open) and picked up a BEAUTIFUL Noble Pine for only $40! We got it home and Tim set it up, and I got decorating! I decorated all day it seemed, but in the end my house was beautiful, and most importantly I was happy with the tree. I couldn't stop looking at it because I was just so excited. Bella has done alright with it, she sniffs it but she hasn't pulled down any ornaments so far. I guess we'll just have to see how she does!
I am so excited for the Holiday Season-- it is by far my favorite time of the year. I am busy this week with dinner with friends, and then a Holiday party. I wouldn't change it for the world!

Halloween Spooks

2009-11-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

So I haven't written in a while because there's nothing really new to report! Here's a summary of the month of October. I stuck to my diet, and started goin to the gym. I eat just about anything I want now and haven't gained at all- in fact I've lost just a tiny bit. I try to go to the gym 5 times a week, which is easy because I have a gym buddy! My neighbor across the street Cali has been going with me to Lady Fitness, and it makes it much easier to have someone to go with! So that's my weight up-date.
October has been a really fun month with the holiday! My parents did their annual Halloween party and Lara let us borrow a costume for Taylor-- we all had such a good time! Bella had to stay home though :(. In addition to my parents party, Lara started a new tradition that I think she should continue! We got to go to her house, eat dinner, play games, and take home AWESOME pumpkins. Taylor really did have such a fun time and he could not wait to carve his pumpkin! It was really fun, and saved us money! A few weeks after the pumpkin party we finally got to carve the pumpkins. Bella was scared of them before we carved em, but after she was fine!
The week before Halloween I caught the dreaded swine flu! I got it from my gym buddy! All it took was her coughing ONCE in my car and the next day I started feeling the symptoms and then another day went by and I was home from work and completely miserable! It really was one of the worst flus I've had in a long long time. I recommend the swine flu vaccination if possible, I wouldn't wish what I had on ANYONE. Tim was super sweet and although he got sick too, he ended up still being able to take care of me. I did end up getting a little sick of Bella because she has to be by my side constantly. I should have named her shadow. So I ended up still being contagious on Halloween. Tim and I turned out the lights and watched scary movies all day long, it was really nice! We weren't able to get Taylor though because we didn't want him to get what we had-- I really miss him! But at least we had the two parties before to celebrate Halloween with him. I dressed Bella up as a Lady Bug on Halloween just because I wanted SOMEONE in my house to dress up! She hates me when I do it, but I think it's too cute to not dress her up. So here are some catch up pictures!

Such shame...

She didn't even want to stand up

Our Little Champ!

My handsome boyfriend carving his scary pumpkin

So proud!

Oh I love his faces!

Taylor's ghost, Tim's skull, my kitty

He's pullin out the guts

Looking for more guts

Reachin in!

Do I REALLY have to smile?

Witchapalooza

More Witchapalooza at Gardner Village

And me!

2 weeks in to phase 3!

2009-09-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well it has been just a few weeks since my last post. I got super burned out of the diet-- I stayed on it for 51 days!!! At day 51 I was so miserable and grouchy I just thought it best for all if I stopped. The first weekend I struggled and gained 2.5 pounds! BUT since then I've lost another five pounds-- and have been "maintaining" quite nicely. Here's the skinny of the diet now: Low carb (which is no sugar and no starch), and eat just about anything else! I am still losing a tad each day, between .2-.8 pounds a day which is fantastic because I hit another goal of 155!! (which is 15 pounds shy of my *ultimate* goal). I feel FANTASTIC, I am able to eat so many different things finally, and this diet has made me a..... gasp...... red meat eater!! I actually CRAVE steak. Which has never happened in my entire life. As we speak, I have New York steaks marinading in my fridge for tonight. I have a week and a few days of this diet left and then I can start incorporating regular foods back in SLOWLY. However I'm doing so great and FEELING so great I may do this phase a little longer to see if I can get down a little closer to my goal. None the less I have learned a few things from this diet.
1- I no longer crave things that I used to-- I haven't had chocolate in two months, and I'm quite fine with that.
2- I watch portions-- I no longer feel like I have to go back for a second plate (I use a smaller plate too, which helps trick my mind)
3- I drink at LEAST 72 oz of water a day, because that just makes me feel good!
4- I control what I eat, my theory is that over-processed snacks and foods, although quite tasty at the time, leave you feeling empty and wanting more. However home cooked- or healthy snacks leave you satisfied! Same goes for meals
5- I've worked my butt off (literally) to lose 38 pounds, and don't want to screw that up!
6- It's okay to indulge once in a while, and if you make a mistake you can fix it! It's not "the end" of a healthy life style if you splurge and eat a piece of cake. ENJOY that piece of cake, and understand that you CAN work that off, it's not the end of the world.
7- Food isn't supposed to cause us tummy aches-- if it does, you should think about cutting that food out of your diet. Is a bad night REALLY worth whatever you ate?
8- REAL cooking is quite healthy, it saves money, give you needed nutrients, and cuts out of processed junk.
9- I control my body weight. If I have a bad day (I had chinese food on Monday and gained .8 pounds!) I just start right back to eating healthy the next day (and I lost .6 pounds!). I have been learning which foods my body likes, and which have negative side effects.
10- sleep is key to a healthy diet, that's when our bodies repair themselves from the work we put them through.
So these are just a few of the things I have learned on my journey. I am joining a weight loss support group tonight with one of my good friends. She has been in it and has lost 30 pounds! I think it's important to consciously put effort in to our food, and the way we take care of our bodies. We're only given one-- and I've finally learned how to take care of it! I start at the gym in two weeks with one of my co-workers, I plan to "tone" my new body, and exercise just feels good! Plus, being active allows me to eat a few little treats without feeling guilty!
So here is a picture of me, well just my face, I took it two weeks ago, and since I took it I've lost about 2 more pounds, but you can see how different my face looks. My friend said that I've lost my "baby" cheeks. FINALLY! Oh and I'm almost in to a size 10, I should go and buy them very very soon, I never thought I'd get there!! So here are my stats...... for now!

Day:::::::::::::::::::::: I lost track. lol
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 155.8
difference::::::::::::: -38ish lbs

Day 47, oh so close

2009-09-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have app. 7 more days of HCG left in my bottle. That makes me happy!! However I had the worst week as far as weight loss goes :( I only lost 2.4 pounds the ENTIRE week. Of course I was on my period, but that shouldn't make THAT big of a difference! So today I get to do my first apple day (starting at lunch I eat ONLY apples, whenever I"m hungry I eat an apple, and that continues until tomorrow at lunch- you can only eat 6 apples though throughout that day) It's supposed to help your "stall" and with this being the last week that I"ll be on it, I'll be pretty sad if I get another loss of just 2.4. I feel like I"m getting sick too. Which is NEVER good on this diet because it makes it ten times worse! So we'll see what this next week brings. so here are the stats!
Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 47
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 158.0
difference::::::::::::: -35 lbs

Day 41 -- oh good heavens

2009-09-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have officially made a count down chain of the days I have left: 14 days left on HCG and 16 days left on VLCD (very low calorie diet). Every morning I get to break off one chain--- it makes me feel good. So this week I've been trying to get 2 liters of water in every day-- and can I say it REALLY works. I usually average .6 pounds a day, but with that I was around .8 pounds per day! It also probably helped that I can no longer stomach to eat chicken if it's grilled (oh gosh makes me want to throw up) after 40 days of eating chicken straight I can say I'm DONE. I'm even starting to feel that way towards brocolli. Just 14 more days!!! After that I start the portion of the diet I call "the atkins portion" because it's basically no starches or sugars. I do that for 3 weeks, and I'm DONE. But I don't think I'm going to quite hit my goal of 145 pounds so I think I'm going to do weight watchers, especially during the Holiday Season. I've worked my butt off (literally I've lost 11 inches around my hips. lol) and I'm not going to let it slip away! So every day I have to motivate myself to stick to it. Only 16 more days!!! And then I can have Ham, bacon, tuna fish, more fruit, stir-fry, oh gosh things will just get so much better! I have a feeling this will be a VERY slow week-- it's my TOM (time of the month) and I feel like complete pooh! The HCG effects that aspect too-- it makes it WORSE! So I'm a big bloated grumpy girl with a constant headache. Man!

So this weekend we were SUPER busy, but had a ton of fun. Saturday we went shopping and took Taylor to the duck park (in Layton). That night I had a girls night with Bella- we watched Quantum of Solice (not very good) Valkyrie (I was bawling at the end and had Bella licking my face) and Moulin Rouge-- had to get at least ONE chick flick in there! Sunday Tim and Taylor came over and we went to the ZOO!!! I haven't been since high school, and there have been quite a few new additions, like the chinese exhibit (which SUCKED cuz all the big cats were hiding) and the elephant exhibit (which also just had one elephant in it for now because the baby isn't on display yet) We still had a complete blast, I was probably just as excited as Taylor was! Then we went to Del Taco and I got a chicken taco del carbon (only 150 calories!!!-- but a little high on carbs obviously) I figured I had walked SOOO much at the zoo that I had a little wiggle room- and I was right! I lost .4 pounds the next day. Tim and I both had Monday off. We had grand plans to sleep in, but of course Bella had other plans. My roommate moved in last week and she has ODD schedules, so Bella has to bark everytime she comes home (around 1am sometimes 4 am-- YUCK) It's such a pain. But we needed a day for just ourselves. We went shopping, explored Ogden. lol. And went and saw "Extract" It was pretty funny! Then we went home and tried to nap-- once again Bella wasn't up for that! We went shopping and came back and made dinner and then watched a movie together (state of play-- really good!) and just enjoyed each other! I must say he's very VERY supportive of the diet. It's hard when I'm grumpy and get mad when he's eating pizza and I"m stuck with what-- cottage cheese? But gosh only 16 more days of it.

Oh!!! I PAID OFF MY CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel SOOOOOOOOOO good to not have that hangin over me anymore! It's still pretty new-- an 06 with 45,000 miles on it. I paid most of it off with the first time home buyers tax credit (THANK YOU OBAMA!!) and then just finished the rest off this month. I'll be pretty broke for a while, but I'm almost outta debt (except for that HUGE mortgage. LOL).

So I know I"m COMPLETELY random-- but hey, that's just me :D. Here are my stats:
Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 41
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 160.0
difference::::::::::::: -33 lbs

Baby meerkats
Baby Giraffe

Baby Taylor-- Oops! I mean he's as a big as a todler gorilla

My two boys

He LOVED the elephant

Day 33ish- more than halfway there!!

2009-08-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well here we are, more than halfway through this diet. IT'S GETTIN OLD!! And I had a very very very slow weekend so I'm not feelin much motivation right now- but the rest of the week went pretty well, still managed to lose over 4 pounds this week. I'm on a downhill drive from here so that's what's pushin me onwards. Not much happened this week at all, but I'm looking forward to the long weekend coming up. WAHOO!! Oh and I officially can fit into size 12's (but I only have one pair and they're pretty dark so I stick to my 14's with a belt for now). So! Here are the stats!!
Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 26
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 165.8
difference::::::::::::: -27.2 lbs

GOAL!!!!!

2009-08-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well I'll start off by saying I had a very slow week... and a GAIN of 2.5 pounds one day (but that's because I actually ate some food because I was SOOOOOO sick and my body just needed more!) A total loss of 3.2 pounds- which honestly ISN'T bad, but it's no where near where I should be! I was sick starting Monday and by Wednesday it had just gotten worse. I'm finally feeling almost 100% better. Nothing big happened at all this week, but I did measure myself, and I've lost over 10 inches around my waste, over 5 around my hips, and about 5 everywhere else (minus arms-- those are 2 inches lost each). So! Here are my stats!

Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 26 (I decided that I REALLY am on day 26)
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 170.0
difference::::::::::::: -23 lbs

Day 20- Halfway there!

2009-08-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well tonight I'm officially on day 20 of my journey. Everything has been going fantastic. I had another gain this week, due to my period, however quickly lost it and I've lost over 1 pound a day since... that's 3.5 pounds this weekend! Woot. I know it will slow down a bit more, I think I'll average between .5-1 pound a day- mostly .8 so far. So if I continue at the rate I'm going I'll lose another 10-16 pounds by the time I'm finished!! I am finding more recipes, I've even started cooking with to-fu noodles. I'm officially down to a new bra size, AND almost down 2 pant sizes! I'm feeling fantastic, and could continue this diet for a long long time (I'll actually have to continue it. lol) I've also started doing work outs on a balance ball, just to get a little muscle built up after all of my fat has dropped off-- don't want to look sickly! My neighbor is now doing the diet with me and she told me she'll be my work out buddy afterwards. I made delicious lettuce wraps, bison meatballs, chicken noodle soup, asperagus fritatta, and delicious steaks last week. Tonight I'm trying my hand at tuna noodle casserole with my to-fu noodles, so we'll see how that goes! Halfway there, and feelin fantastic!!! Here are my new stats...... DRUMROLL.....
Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 20
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 173.2
difference::::::::::::: -19.8 lbs (I'm gonna round that up to 20 pounds!!!)
20 pounds in 20 days!!!!!!

Side picture, yes I still have a goal to lose 28 pounds more, I've lost 30 since last December, so I am halfway there!!

frontal view, with my new bra! (they look rather perky don't they, and sorta lopsided. lol) but I have a "figure" again! Wahoo!!

Day 13ish

2009-08-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

This reminded me of the Ocean... it's my little mini ocean

Found out later that night that the wind was 84 mph!!!

I was the only one that dared get outta the car!

So I'm approaching my 13th day. It's getting a tad easier to be on this diet, I've come up with some more wonderful recipes, have expanded my protein selection, and just feel fantastic (and feel pretty again!!!) I had a bad weekend in weight loss though :( BUT I'm not discouraged! I lost 1.5 pounds in three days-- which is still pretty great. I had one weight gain AHHH!! But the next lost 1.5 pounds, and then last night I dropped another .5 pounds. I feel that a major portion of this is due to my period and retention of water.. yes yuck I know! But I'm still losing! And I can't wait to have dinner tonight (I have two YUMMY options to choose from, scrambled eggs w/ onions and cottage cheese, OR chicken lettuce wraps-- I stole the recipe from Pei Wei and have revised it just a tad to make it under 150 calories per serving) I had a GREAT weekend, and on Thursday had an Antelope Island mini vacation (for two hours. LOL) Tim took me on a date Friday night, and gave me a WONDERFUL foot massage, and on Saturday he came over and cleaned my bathroom--- spotless. He seems to be a much much happier person, and he told me he really wants to work on our relationship (so good news!)

So here are some pictures from my trip, you can see how much weight I've lost there... my clothes are getting loose on me, and my face is getting much thinner.

Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 13
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 178.4
difference::::::::::::: -14.4 lbs

Day 6ish

2009-08-04T07:41:00.001-07:00

Well! upon weigh in this morning I was very surprised to find that I dropped another 2.4 pounds!!! But let me back up to last night. I showed my extra room to a few people (both seemed interested) and then I made ginger garlic tofu for dinner-- now the recipe called for WAAYYY too much ginger, but the whole meal was less than 90 calories so I figured I'd just never do it again! (though I made double so I could have left overs for lunch today so I'll have to suck it up once again). I went to bed wondering how my weight would be in the morning. Okay now back to this morning... After weigh in and a shower, my door bell rang. It was Tim. We had a long talk on Sunday and I guess this was the next step. He took the rest of his things that he had brought BACK after he moved out the first time. And he left me his key.... Now I'm still pretty dang sad about the love of my past 2 years being gone, and honestly still cry a bit every time I think about it. But this is what I wanted right? I'm the one who told him to make up his damn mind. At first I was excited to get back out in the world and just be me! I've been told that I need to focus not on all of the good times we had right now, but focus on how I've grown as a person, and where I'm going. So that's it! Single again after 2 years, really not looking forward to getting back in the dating scene- so that may take a while. But I AM excited to begin my new life, and not letting the real Amanda get lost in this crazy world. But still super excited about the loss of 10.5 pounds!!! My pants are already starting to not fit, my face looks thinner, and even my bra fits a TAD better (which is GREAT news because I can start shopping at Vicky's secret again!)
So with life comes ups and downs, but the only thing I can do is learn from the downs, and learn how to enjoy the ups even better!
Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 7(well technically day 7 begins at 5 pm tonight)
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 182.6
difference::::::::::::: -10.4 lbs

Day 5ish

2009-08-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well let me start off with some excellent news..... I've lost 8ish pounds total so far! Yes all in less than 5 days. HMMMMM. I wouldn't believe it if it wasn't all happening to me. So here's how my weekend went:
Friday I got off work early so that I could have one "last meal", Tim took me to chinese food (and I could only eat about 1/4 of it because I was just stuffed). Then we went home and my 500 calorie a day diet officially began at 5 pm that night, but I was still so full from lunch/dinner that I just didn't eat anything! Hah!
Saturday morning I woke up and weighed myself..... 189.8 pounds... WOW, I lost a little over a pound the day before-- crazy! Crazy mostly cuz I was eating like someone who wouldn't be able to eat like that ever again. LOL. I went to the grocery store and bought all of my fresh foods and meats for my diet. (strawberries, oranges, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, lettuce, mushrooms, chicken breats, round eye steaks, crystal light, and tofu). I also went to Home Depot and got a gallon of white paint and more tape so I could finish painting my bedroom. My "diet" began with lunch, Tim BBQ'd me a 3.5oz chicken breast and I had fresh veggies on the side (now this meal was TINY however I felt completely satisfied with it, and tha'ts even with sharing part of it with Taylor). We watched Coroline together and shared and orange. Then it was time for Tim and Taylor to go back to Tim's mom's house. I decided that I wanted steak for dinner, but digging out the BBQ for a 3.5 oz steak just didn't sound like fun, so I went and bought a ...... FOREMAN GRILL!! Can I just say that I love this little machine?! For $20, it's just plain awesome. With everymeal I'm supposed to have a veggie, so I decided to saute 1/2C muchrooms, and 1 oz onions, I put in about 1/2 teaspon of soy sauce and 1 clove of garlic to give it a little more flavor. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW this meal was amazing!!!! And the best part was that it was only 158 calories. I decided after that fabulous meal that I was going to tape off my bedroom and try to get a coat of paint on... I can't believe that I had THIS much energy. Total for the day, including 2 things of crystal light I only had 382 calories- but felt absolutely amazing! I even dusted my house. (didn't get to vaccuum, I'll get to that tonight!)
Sunday morning I woke up and weighed myself...... 187.2 Did I REALLY just lose 2.6lbs in just one day?! I had to re-weigh myself quite a few times so I would believe it! But when my pants were fitting a lot more loosely, I knew that it was true! So that morning I finished painting, and made chicken lettuce wraps for lunch, I followed a recipe exactly, however the finished product was not great- too much chinese 5 spice. I think I'll revise this recipe because it had POTENTIAL. After lunch I watched HGTV with Bella and then got ready to make the 1 hour drive down to my parents for my mom's birthday party. I STUPIDLY forgot my HCG for my 5 o'clock dose, BIG mistake. I didn't realize how much the HCG reduced my hunger! I gave in and had a little spinach salad, about 3oz of steak, and a...... CUPCAKE. I kept small portions hoping this would help the scale not jump 3 pounds in the morning. I had a really fun time at my families! The kids had such a good time with a pinata (yeah it's family tradition- and no we're not mexican. lol) It was nice to just spend some time with them all! I went back home, Bella zonked out the entire way which is GREAT for me. I had a long talk with Tim, we talked the entire hour home. (yeah I STILL don't know what's going on there, but I told him I think he needs to get his own place :D) I got home and made my meals for work (just grilled chicken and veggies again)-- man what a busy weekend!!!
I woke up this morning, got on the scale sorta scared of what my earlier mistakes would say on the scale.......... 185.0 NO STINKIN WAY!!!!!!!! I've dropped 5 pounds this weekend alone?! I honestly don't know what to think about it all-- it is PRETTY exciting, but this has got to be too good to be true? I know I won't continue to drop the pounds this fast, that my metabolism will make an adjustment, but it still should be a continuall decline. I think I'm going to try my hand at tofu tonight!
Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 6
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 185
difference::::::::::::: -8 lbs

Notice the tiny black spot near the left side of the pillows-- that's Bella still tired from a day of playing with miles... but check out my paint job!!
here is a little better picture, I think the white adds a bit of depth that my room was missing

New journey

2009-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since my last post, a lot has changed in my life since then however I'm still not at a point where I know what's going on so I can't explain! BUT I want to keep a journal of the new diet that I'm doing, and I thought there's no better place!
On Wednesday night I began taking a form of HCG (yes the hormone found in pregnant women's urine). The idea is that the hormone triggers your body to start using up it's fat storage, most people who stick to it lose an average of 1lb a day, or 20-30 pounds in a 30 day period. It's no walk in the park, you have to stick to a very strict 500 calorie a day food consumption, and only eating certain things allowed. Here is a website that can explain everything a tad better than I can http://diyhcg.com/mm5/index.html
The first three days (which I'm just finishing up with today) are the "gorge" days where you eat anything you feel like, with absolutely no restrictions (sounds odd but keep reading). When you deprive the body of food that it's used to consuming, it sends it in "fasting" mode and will hold onto everything. However with HCG, it is almost the opposite, it triggers the body to start using the stored up fat. The reason they say "gorge" for the first three days is to trick the body, let the HCG get in your system and begin work before your body even has a chance to start holding onto it all. Anyways, sounds like too good to be true right? Well I started at (I feel perfectly comfortable telling my weight) 193lbs on Wednesday, on Thursday morning I was at 192, and then this morning when I woke up I was at 191. That's 2 pounds in not quite 2 days (and that's with eating donoughts for breakfast, fast food for lunch, and candy bars in between). Today is my last day on the "gorge" and I can think of no better "last meal" than CHINESE FOOD!!!
I start the 500 calorie diet at 5 tonight and will continue that for app. 30 days. There are very very strict guildines for everything in a book I have by the doctor who "created" this diet. This will be my basic day: Wake up, weigh in, take 1st set of HCG (did I mention you can take it by shot, or orally? I'm doing the oral) have a quick breakfast of crystal light (they say you can have tea or coffee but since neither really hit the spot with me I'll be having just a yummy bit of crystal light) at around 10 am I'll have a light fruit snack-- an apple, an orange, a few strawberries, whichever I feel like. At 12:15 I take a second dose of HCG and 20 minutes after that I can have a lunch which will consist of 1 protein of 3.3 oz, 1 veggie, and one "starch" (but a starch on this diet is like a wheat thin, or melba toast-- yuck). At around 2 or 3 I can have another fruit snack (not an actual fruit snack, but a REAL fruit. lol) and at 5 it's my last HCG dose followed by dinner about 20 minutes later (which is the same as lunch). The only "protiens" allowed are: chicken, veal, fresh white fish, shrimp and lean lean lean lean lean beef. People who do the 500 calorie a day diet without the HCG typically lose about 1/2lb per day, but combine the diet with the HCG and people lose between 3/4lb and 1 lb a day.
I have two other people doing this with me at work, which will help out QUITE a bit. Tim eats healthy most of the time anyways so I know being at home won't be hard. The thing that's hard about sticking to the diet is the "social" eating-- which is a major factor of our society. I have put together books for myself and the people at work that includes all of the information regarding the diet, daily logs, diet trackers, and recipes of the foods we can consume. I know that if I stick to this, I can do quite well. They recommend taking a break after about 30-35 days on the diet and slowly bringing back foods that were restricted before. They also recommend doing a 2nd cycle should you wish to lose more weight, and dependant upon how I do the first time, I feel I will try the 2nd cycle. However this diet isn't a cure all, you have to maintain a good life style, exercize, and self monitor.
So, in summary I'm very excited to begin this new chapter of my life, it has needed to be done for quite some time, and with enough motivation and control I believe I'm capable of almost anything. I'll be updating on this blog how everything is going throughout this process. I'd also like to throw an apology out there in case I may be a little "snappy" while on just 500 calories a day. I will try my hardest to not let it effect me. But come on, no chocolate? That's enough to make anyone a LITTLE cranky once in a while.

Day:::::::::::::::::::::: 2
Starting weight:::::: 193
Current weight:::::: 191
difference::::::::::::: -2 lbs

July = happiness

2009-07-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

I just noticed how tight Taylor was gripping onto Bella... he gets a little excited. lol

I love my little Family!

Yay! He has a chip in his hand!

Another weekend has passed and though I'm exhausted today, it was all worth it!

On Friday Tim and I went to my company party at Lagoon. I hadn't been in YEARS and so many of the rides were new to me! It was such a complete blast. Sadly Tim didn't do so great on one of the rides and was sick for the rest of the day, leaving me to ride a few rides on my own. (Though one of those rides was Wicked which was FINE because I got to skip to the very front of the line!) I had such an awesome time, it was great to be able to visit people from my work, and just relax! I think I'll try to make it back to Lagoon sooner next time I go so that I can find my way around the park!

On Saturday we went and met my family up American Fork Canyon at the Granite Flats campground. IT WAS SO NICE! It was only an hour and a halfish drive there and we met for lunch. Taylor had a blast watching for "chickmonks" with Sier and Kip, and I had fun playing a card game with my fam. Taylor opened up immensely this trip! He's always very very shy, but it's hard when there are so many people around! I think my family was able to see what a little chatterbox he really is! I convinced Lara and Mark, and my Mom and Dad to stay for dinner so that we could have a fire! I suck at the whole camping thing because I just don't have anything to go camping with! Luckily Lara reminded me to buy some camping chairs so that we had a place to park our butts on. Bella LOVED being in the wild, she ran around sniffing everything for a few hours, and then was completely out of it by the time 4 o'clock rolled by, and slept for most of the weekend after that! We were home by 10 o'clock that night and everyone was pretty pooped from the awesome day. Thank you so much to my family for putting up with me, I know I'm not very prepared, but I'll collect more stuff as I grow up ;).

I forgot to mention that while Tim and I were at Lagoon all day Friday that we left Bella and the cat home alone-- both outside of their kennels....... they did GREAT!! No one was bleeding, the house was in the same condition of how we left it, and both seemed quite pleased with themselves. Bella and kitty are getting along better and better each day. Last night the cat was in the kitchen while Bella was on the porch with Tim and Taylor. The cat saw Bella come in and try to find him (though Bella isn't very good at finding people-- she honestly does suck at hide and go seek-- and yes we do play that with her) and started to run into the bathroom. He ended up side swiping Bella and knocking her to the ground! They're honestly probably about the same size, but the cat is a TAD faster then Bella. It was just so stinkin funny to see the cat take Bella out. I love my animals!

So that was my wonderful weekend! It seems like every week I have awesome things planned in July. I convinced a co-worker to go to Harry Potter with me at the 3 am showing on Wednesday morning (it's tradition for me) We get Taylor that night for his Birthday. And then Tim has some sort of surprise in store for me this weekend! I just stinkin love July!

I LOVE the Fourth of July!!

2009-07-06T07:44:00.001-07:00

This weekend began sooooo great, and ended great as well! It all started with a surprise day off from work on Friday. (which I really REALLY needed to catch up on some sleep and get ready to head down to Riverton). So Friday I had to go and get some canned cat food for Mr. Kitty (who has yet to be re-named) because he hadn't eaten since the night we brought him home. Thank goodness for hats, I threw one on and ran to Target. As soon as I got back, I went by the side of my bed (where kitty was hiding) and opened the can. Sure enough he popped his little head out and started eating! YAY! My cat wasn't going to die of starvation! I then let Bella out of her cage because she was going CRAZY knowing that I was spending time with the cat while she was stuck all by herself. I spent most of the day re-arranging kitty stuff and Bella stuff so everyone would be happy with each other. Kitty spends most of his days hiding behind the toilet in the upstairs bath, and Bella has to check on him every now and again. They are fairly civil to each other. Bella barks at him because she just wants to play, and he'll hiss if she gets right in his face, but all in all it's going ok for them just starting out! So that's how I spent most of my Friday before my boys got home. As soon as Tim and Taylor got home around 4:15, we had to start getting ready to head down to Riverton for the parade and BBQ at my aunt Melody's house. There wasn't any traffic like I had feared, and we made it just in time for the BBQ. Good food, and family. What more can I ask for?
After the BBQ we walked up the street to the parade. Of course I forgot to bring a blanket to sit on! And we don't have any camping chairs, so we were a little ill prepared for the whole thing. Luckily Jera's dad let me use his chair and Taylor sat on my lap while Tim stood behind us. Can I just say that the parade is NOT as fun as I remember it being as a kid? What's up with businesses piling people in the back of their trucks? That's not exciting! Taylor only got 3 pieces of candy because all of the kids kept running in front of us.
So we sat through the entire parade and made our way back to the Lindleys. Time to swim!!! We had such a great time with all of my cousins. They really are SO great! I have missed all of them, and it was good to be able to catch up. The only cousin's of mine Tim hasn't met are Tam's three boys who live pretty far away.
After a night of swimming we made our way back home. We were greated by a crazy Bella who had been in her kennel for 6 hours straight! (poor baby) She definatelly kept us awake for quite a while. And of course kitty had his usual meowing session once Bella was finally asleep. We ended up shutting our door so the cat coudn't come in and meow under our bed, however he'd stick his head under our door and meow so it's just the same!
We had to take Taylor back to his mom's that Saturday afternoon, so it was just Tim, me, and the animals for the fourth of July. I had a whole bag of fire works that I could not wait to light! I put on a little firework show for Bella and Tim (I think I had more fun then they did). And we made our way to bed. Of course kitty made his way upstairs meowing meowing meowing. At this point Tim and I were both sleep deprived and could not take it! So kitty ended up in his kennel in our downstairs family room for the rest of the night.
We were able to pick up Taylor again Sunday morning. We spent the entire day playing outside with the chalk and bubbles. Man was it hot! We had a very relaxing day, a GREAT way to end the weekend. When it was time for bed, I decided that I did not want to go through meow fest again, however I didn't want kitty forced to stay in his kennel. I made him a neat little set up in the bathroom DOWNSTAIRS so we couldn't hear his meowing (we could still hear it but it wasn't loud enough to keep us awake).
I think after the cat opens up more to us and starts moving around in the day time we won't have to be locked away at night for being too noisy. So we'll just see how it goes! He's starting to be more outgoing too! He'll actually sniff Bella (as long as she's not being hyper) and he'll even play with her a little (if he's under the bed he'll paw at her). I'm excited to see his personality finally open up!
So that was my fantastic weekend! I just love life!

Kitty foster mom

2009-07-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well I did it.... if any of you really know me, you know that when I want something- I get it-- even if it's not the BEST idea. I have in my house a 1 year old Russian Blue cat. I picked him up last night, along with everything a cat would need. We brought him home and got his new room settled (he gets the washroom until he and Bella can get along) and I opened his kennel and he RAN out! He got a drink of water, started eating, and just started exploring. This gave me false hope that he felt comfortable, so I let Bella in......BAD idea. She chased him downstairs, around the couch, and back up. Bella was put outside and poor kitty was back in his kennel, as far as he could get from the door. It was almost Bella's bedtime, so we put her away, and decided to leave Slate's door open hoping he'd come out and explore. Well.... he DID come out and started MEOWING! At first it was cute because he could make all sorts of different noises, but then it just became horrible. He would not stop. Tim and I both tried to get him to play with us, but he still wasn't comfortable. So we decided to shut our door and go to bed. Not such a good idea either, he came out of the washroom finally and started meowing and scratching our door. Needless to say this went on the ENTIRE night. And when I"d go to try to talk to him to comfort him Bella would wake up and start whining and crying. Tim went downstairs on the couch eventually because there was just no way to sleep with all the animal noises. Slate finally came in my room, and got brave enough to jump on my bed. (this was around 4:30 this morning) He actually fell asleep at the foot of my bed! He would wake up a few times and meow a little, but would go back to sleep. Tim came back up around 5:30 to check on us, which woke up the cat who began meowing again, which sent Tim BACK downstairs. Slate ended up UNDER the bed asleep and when I woke up I put him in his room and got Bella out of her room. Now I know this was his first night home, and he's probably beyond stressed with what he's been through, so I'm trying to be patient..... The whole point of fostering a cat that's GREAT with little dogs is so that Bella will have company and someone to play with! I guess I just play the waiting game until they realize they like each other. IF that doesn't happen, I can luckily take him back to the shelter (a no kill shelter here in Layton) and they will find a home he'd be happier in. so for now, if anyone has any ideas on how to get a cat to stop meowing at night, I'd GREATLY appreciate it! Here's a picture of him that was listed on Petfinder.com. He really is the prettiest cat I've ever seen! And he's very friendly, let's just hope he'll adjust to a new house!

New Pet!

2009-06-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

When we were getting ready to head out to Craig and Jera's this weekend, I took Bella potty in our front yard, where she spotted something laying in the dirt. I sent Bella and Taylor inside while I did some investigating. On the side of my driveway, this little guy (or girl?) was just laying there. First thoughts were that this was a small cat that may have gotten hit by a car and came to rest there. However, upon further investigation, I discovered that it was a raccoon! I got my phone out, and tried to find the number for animal control. At this point I still thought the poor thing was dead..... until a fly landed on his back and SWAT, his tail moved! He began rolling over, took one look at me, and rolled back into his first position. He moved his back leg up onto the driveway, it looked like he was just relaxing! He rolled around a few more times, and that's when I got the pictures. The little guy was covered in mud, but I couldn't find any outside indications that he was hurt. I tried calling Ogden Animal Control, however no one answered, and at that point the raccoon stood up and started walking away. My neighbor came out, and was watching him stroll down the street onto our other neighbors driveway, where he parked himself one more time and fell back asleep. I think he may have had some internal problems, because raccoons don't just move like that! However Tim and I were running late and we had to get on the road, so I tried animal control one more time- and of course no answer. When we came back, the raccoon was gone, hopefully on his way back to his house. Here are a few pictures that I snapped of him. Good thing for the ZOOM option on my camera!

He looks dead in this one.... but he was just sleepin!

His eyes are open!

Close up of his face

Posing for the camera

I love this one! He's just chillin with his foot up on the driveway

This is what we do for fun!

2009-06-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Let me explain.... It rained all day Saturday which meant we had to come up with entertainment in the house for me, Bella, Tim and Taylor. Well I have given Bella all of my old stuffed animals since she LOVES to carry them around with her everywhere. On one of my build-a-bears I have some "joe-boxers" and Tim decided that if I can put sweaters on Bella that he should be able to put some underwear on her..... Of course they fit just right! And looked HILARIOUS. After we had taken all of the pictures, she decided that she had had enough fun and laid down on the couch..... So for your enjoyment, here is my Bella in her new boxers! Oh! And a random note, I got my $8,000 for being a first time home buyer!!!!! All of it went into paying off my car though
:( So I was rich for a day!

Wahoo!

What are you doing to me daddy?

She says she's done with me

doesn't her face just say "I hate you"

Summer time, and the livin's easy!

2009-06-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

I have some super cute pictures to share of my two little ones. Memorial Day Tim and I took Taylor and Bella to a park, and they LOVED it. Summer is going fantastic, and I just can't be happier.

How awesome is this picture? Yes I'm a horrible person, but the sweater was only $3.00! And look how cute it is!

Bella actually kinda liked it. It was a tad small so won't be able to fit for next winter :(

Swingin @ the park, he likes to stick his tongue out in pictures!

My two boys!

They co-exist rather nicely MOST of the time.

Pictures of my House!

2009-05-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was absolutely fantastic! Tim and I picked up a BBQ and a cute swing at Lowes on Friday night and spent practically the whole weekend outside with Taylor (we lured him inside some times with a sponge bob movie). Tim made DELICIOUS burgers Saturday on the grill, and yummy BBQ chicken for Sunday night. I also picked up some flowers for my front porch to add a bit of color. Needless to say I LOVE summer and I finally remembered to take some pictures of my new house!

Master Bath

Back patio w/new swing & Taylor

Downstairs bath

Front Porch

Bella jumped on the swing while we were all inside

This is my house from the street! Grass coming soon!

Upstairs Hallway full Bathroom

Bella's room/my office

Laundry room (Taylor didn't want to be in the picture)

Stairs

Foyer

Kitchen

Tim's art of our names with the sidewalk chalk, or as Taylor called it "pork chops"

Family Room

My jetted tub in Master Bath!

Master Walk-in Closet

Hallway into fam room (Taylor likes to be in pictures)

Two bedrooms, Taylors on the left, Bella's on the right

Master Bedroom

Another Kitchen picture

I'm an old dog lady :S

2009-05-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend I watched my friends Carin Terrier (same kind of breed To-To from Wizard of Oz is) and Bella just LOVED it! On Sunday they had finally warmed up enough to each other that we had a constant wrestle mania at my house! When not wrestling, they'd play tug-a-war, eat out of each others bowls, or lay on my lap. I had a complete blast with Charlie and I'm going to have to set up play dates for them in the future! Bella was the one who always started the wrestling matches, however Charlie was clearly the champion (Bella was on the floor for most of the time). Here are some cute pictures, and some funny videos! BTW, why are most of my posts about my dog? I'm totally becomming that old Dog lady.

She has me wrapped around her little paw!

2009-05-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a quick picture of my puppy and me cuddlin on my couch! She knows exactly how to get to me! (Pretty sure she was doing something naughty-as is the Bella way- right before she got tired and snuggled up to me)

What's goin on in my life now?!

2009-04-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Okay so I do realize that most of my posts for the past three months have been about my house-- the different phases it was in and what not. But it's finally done, and I've been LIVING in it for the past three weeks..... the honeymoon stage has ALMOST worn off, but not quite yet. My house warming party went fantastic! Of course practically everyone arrived at the same time, people from work AND a lot of my family, so it made it hard for me to give individual attention to everyone and to just be a good hostess (which I'm still learning how to do). I really am glad that so many people made the drive up! Especially my sisters Lara and Cami, and my parents! They are so supportive of me! I'm also overly glad that BreAnn, Lyndsey, McKay, Marcus, and Annie made the drive too! It was good catching up with them! It seems like the important people in my life (other than Tim and Taylor) are all now an hour away from me :(. That's been the hardest part about the house so far. Anyways, I was eating left over chicken sandwiches for the next few days, but I won't complain because they were delicious. If anyone wasn't able to make the party, don't worry if you're ever up in the area, just stop by to see it! So that's that on the house!
I'm getting together with my girlfriends from middle/high school this Friday! All are married and have babies (come August all of them will have TWO babies each!) But I'm not worried, I really like being un married and only having a house and a dog to be responsible for! So they're coming up and that will be a lot of fun to play catch up!
Bella is no longer able to reproduce (thank heavens!) I finally had her spayed on Tuesday. The night I brought her home she wasn't fully awake and so spent most of the night on my lap making weird noises. However the very next morning she was almost back to her crazy and wild self..... Tim checked on her on his lunch break and said that she was becomming more and more herself and by the time I got home, I had my monster Bella biting my feet! She seems to be doing a lot better and you can't even tell that she just had surgery! (she's so tough sometimes).
Tim and Taylor are great as usual! Both are still loving the new house, and I'm glad that they were both there for the party (they tend to be a little shy as you know).
I had my hair done right before my party (which is a big deal for me because I haven't had it colored since I left Sun Kissed about two years ago! and I hadn't even had it cut in about a year) I look pretty much the same, I just put some light blondes and reds in the top-- nothing too much. It was fun to go back to the salon and gossip like the old days! I really miss working at Sun Kissed!
I think that's about all for now, I promise I'll take more pictures of my house sometime! For now you'll just have to deal with a neat picture I took of myself this morning at work (yeah it's totally facebook material).

House Warming Party

2009-04-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I've scheduled my house warming party for April 25th from 1-5pm-- it will be an open house style. I'm trying my hand at the e-vites, so let me know if you'd like me to send you one for more details and to RSVP! I just need your e-mail addys!

The weekend is over, and I have a new house!

2009-04-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone that helped with my move this weekend.
Jera and Craig, you guys are awesome, thanks so much for the help, you guys totally came by and re-energized me!
Mom and Dad, thanks for bringin my junk up and helping of course
Lara, thanks so much for watching Craig and Jera's kids!
We were able to knock out all of the big stuff Friday night, and I was even able to sleep in the new house that very night! I snuck in a quick bubble bath before going to bed that night as well-- I love my new tub! Saturday and Sunday I spent putting everything where it goes and getting situated. I still have a few things left at my old apartment, but my landlord is absolutely great and she's letting me move the rest a little at a time, and get it all cleaned by the end of the month. I feel like everything came together just right! I now have a BEAUTIFUL house, that's quite empty in some spots, but I have a feeling that as time goes by, I'll take care of that. Bella LOVES the new space and has found a spot on the kitchen floor where the sun shines through. She is still getting used to all of the smells... but her running around sniffing everything wears her out! Tim was very very helpful in the move too, and as always he's my rock! He always seems to be able to pick me up when I have no energy left. It makes a move a lot easier when you have two people working at it. All of my other moves have taken me DAYS to get situated, but with Tim, he's always seeing what needs to be done, and just doing it! Taylor loves the new house as well! We only had him for a little bit this weekend, but he loved the fact that he gets his very own space, and that Bella's room is right next to his! He woke up Sunday morning and smiled and said, "Manda, I like this new house". I put all of my pictures/decorations in the spare bedroom so I can get a feel of where things should go, and then I'll be able to go shopping in the spare bedroom for the pictures and shelves and such that would look great throughout the rest of the house! I'll be having a little get together for everyone to come over once I get everything a little more situated! I don't have any good pictures yet, but here's one of my kitchen, trust me I'll be taking more once everything is squared away!

The Big Move!

2009-04-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well today is the day. Yesterday closing went well--- my wrist is still a little sore from all of my signatures! I should be getting the keys today which means I start the move tonight! My awesome big brother Craig is going to help with his trailor so I should be able to get most of everything done today (It's not like I'm moving an entire house-- just a one bedroom apartment! But we all know me, I'm a collector of "stuff"). My house looks AMAZING. I went on the final walk through yesterday and I can just say that everything has turned out better than I could have expected. I am emotionally and physically DRAINED and I can not wait for this to be over and just relax on Sunday with the fam. I'll be having a house warming party soon enough so everyone can see my big girl house!
P.S. THANKS SO MUCH JERA for volunteering Craig to help! It really is helping me so much!

Oh so close!

2009-03-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well we're ALMOST there! My house should be done by April tenth... which means I MIGHT be in a new house by Easter-- which would be the best Easter gift of all! All that's left is putting in carpet, finish concrete, and all of the hardware. It feels SO good to almost be there. And with the new grant the governor signed, I should have even more money to put as a downpayment, or even buy down my rate! I also will qualify for the $8,000 first time home buyers tax credit, and have my new washer and dryer all ready to be delivered to my house when I move in! I still will need to get a lot of things for the house, especially the kitchen. And I'll have to get used to cleaning THREE bathrooms instead of one-- but I can tell you all that it will be so worth it to have my OWN space, my own kitchen, my own garage, my own nice bubble bath tub! And I can paint it, or put shelves up, and gosh dangit do whatever I want, because it will be mine!!!! Bella will get a good deal outta this too, because I'm having the back porch fenced in so that she'll have her very own outside space (we'll see how the neighbors like it!). If anyone might be able to help with the move, I would appreciate any sort of help! Tim has a truck, but it's a short bed and I'll have some stuff that will require a long bed :S Hopefully mom and dad will be able to help with some of it! But if anyone is available, I would love you FOREVER!

Needed: IT person

2009-03-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

My company is in need of a new IT person. If there is anyone who knows someone that may be interested in the position, please let me know! We're located up in Layton and just aren't happy with who we have now.
Thanks!

Love

2009-02-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

Well I just have to share this.... Tim is amazing. Last night I got home from work- I've been putting in a ton of over time lately and have been overly stressed with work, Bella's teething, and the new house. He has made me dinner every single day this week. But last night, he went all out. He made chicken Parmesan and penne with garlic bread and side salads. Now you may think this is an average dinner, but Tim is no fan of Italian food, and I KNOW that he heard me say I was craving Italian food on Tuesday (I've been on the tightest budget and haven't been able to go out to eat). It just shows me how much he really does love me. He communicates through his actions, which to me mean more than words. I love him, and I really am excited to see what the future has in store for us! Oh, and Taylor absolutely adores Bella, and believe it or not, she's been really good with him. He carries her around the family room and has to be around her at all times. Sometimes they play a little rough with each other, but hopefully it's building a relationship for them both so that they BOTH have patience for each other. Other than my tiny little family, the only updates I have are on the house and work- I picked out the colors last week and went to see my new house. Unfortunately, the economy has finally caught up with my work, and we've made major layoffs. And even MORE unfortunately, I'm one of the only NON family members in the office, which means I'm one of the most expendable, which is really starting to worry me. I can honestly say that I am a good employee and have always tried my hardest, so hopefully they can recognize that. We will see!

I have a price!!!

2009-02-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

Last night around eight, I got the call from my realtor that we had ANOTHER counter offer. However, this counter-offer is one that I could definatelly live with. Seller agreed to pay all closing costs, and include $2,250 worth of upgrades! The townhouses were listed at $129,900- we got the selling price to $132,900. not too shabby! The seller's realtor said that was the lowest he'd seen the builder go! So now it all starts to unfold, I have MOUNDS of paper work ahead of me, 55ish days of waiting, colors to choose, and then the fun of moving in!

A house?!

2009-02-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

So for any of you who haven't heard, I'm in the process of buying a new house! I just am getting sick of paying someone else's mortgage, the market is right, and heck- I want my own space! I have found some DARLING brand new townhouses up in West Haven. I'm pre-qualified, and am working out the sales price as we speak. I put an offer in on Friday that was counter-offered, and so we've put another one of which I should hear back today if they accept or counter again. The houses are about 60 days out, and I'll be able to pick practically EVERYTHING. Tile, paint, up-grades, countertops, counters, etc. I'm very very excited, and will post more when I have some updates! Here is a link to check them out!
http://www.tourfactory.com/480023

New Mommy!

2009-01-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce everyone to the newest addition of my little family. Her name is Isabella! (But goes by Bella or Bells) It is so fun to have her! She has a super sweet personality, loves to cuddle, and is very smart! (hasn't had an accident in the house yet!) She is a new breed called a Carlin. They are bred to look like miniature rottweilers, however since the breed is so new, ya never really know what you're going to get. I think she'll look more along the lines of a miniature pinscher, and should get to be around 10-15 pounds. She's so tiny right now, and sleeps for most of the day (which is normal for an 8 week old). My manager is letting me bring her into work with me until she's able to spend more time alone. She sleeps in her kennel about 80% of the time, so I really am able to get a lot of work done, and I'm coming in a little earlier so I am truly working my eight hours a day. Right now she goes potty every 1-2 hours and doesn't have much control of her bladder (which means 5-7 potty trips at night!) Tim's still warming up to the idea of a little dog and honestly, I am too, I'm used to big dogs and honestly like them better. I chose little Bella because she'll stay small and will be able to move with me practically everywhere I go. Plus I'm going to get her into different training programs to avoid the "small dog syndrome". Right now I'm loving her to death, the constant potty trips are a tad annoying, but she's worth it! The way she looks at me when she wakes up in the morning is just priceless (and so is the puppy breath!) I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us!

Christmas Time is Coming!

2008-12-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this time of year. I volunteered to decorate the office for Christmas, and must say that for my budget, I did an AMAZING job! The tree looks amazing, I have garland hung with bright red bows, there are snow flakes hanging from the ceiling,(of which I did myself and one is pictured) and even the bamboo tree has lights! How lucky am I that I get PAID to shop and decorate? Of course I went back to my normal duties of billing and HR when I was done, but I got to play for almost a full day! I decorated my house the day after Thanksgiving. I was more excited to put up my tree than Taylor was! He helped hang a few snowflakes on the tree and then lost interest and went to play with his dad. I always consider myself so lucky to have Taylor as part of my life! I get to play "mommy" on the weekends, which is just fine for me... for now. Here's what I'm asking Santa for this year:
A ring from Tim
New tires
and a new bra!
One is a want, the other two are necessities! We'll see what's under my tree come Christmas morning. I have all of MY shopping done for everyone else, all I have to do is wrap everything! This is absolutely my favorite time of the year (and my busiest!) I have multiple parties planned with different groups of friends, family, work, and old high school buds; I'm fairly certain I won't be able to attend all, or get Tim to attend half. lol. He's the grinch in the relationship, or as he says "an adult" So what if I get excited to turn my Christmas lights on everyday? So what if the presents have to be wrapped in the cutest way imaginable under my tree? And so what if I LOVE the feeling of Christmas morning! I'm an adult (mostly) and I can still appreciate the holidays. So I'm wishing Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all in my life!

Wendover Fun; sleep-over madness

2008-11-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted, so I thought I'd go ahead and write about my fun Wendover trip a few weekends ago. I went with Bryn and Lacey (both of which I hadn't seen in about a year). We stayed at Montego Bay for just one night, but in my opinion, one night is PLENTY in Wendover. I ended up getting the game of Black Jack down pretty tight, however still ended up $70 in the whole when I left! Lacey, who had never played and had asked advice the entire time from me, ended up more than $100 up! But it was still a complete blast. I love those girls so much, and it seems like they were forced to grow up a little too fast. I'm glad that we can still slow it down and just go out and have a nice weekend to ourselves! That's about all that's going on in my life. Halloween was a great night. I spent it with Tim and Taylor (two of my very favorite people), and was just able to appreciate time I got to spend with em.
I had my niece Nicole sleep over last weekend. We played Hannah Montana (I'm sure it's spelled wrong), tea party, ate ice cream, and watched a movie in my bed! I love that little girl so much, she seems to like the exact same things that I do, which makes it even more fun to have her over!

Life=Happiness

2008-10-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make a quick post to let everyone know just how happy I am with my life. I have a great job, that I really enjoy going to everyday- GREAT people I work with, and just a really positive part of my life. I'm totally and completely in love with Tim, he does so much for me, treats me so well, and loves me very much. He's one of the main reasons I'm so content and happy in my life- words honestly can't describe the kind of love I have for him so I'm not even going to try. I love where I'm living-- Karlene is just great! Cheap rent, and a safe, cute house- what more can I ask for? So everything in life is going really really well. I'm contemplating going back to school at Weber state-- we'll see how far that goes. But this weekend I've had a lot of time to just think about how great life really is(snow still sucks, but hopefully me living 5 minutes away from work will help with that this year). Anyway! I know that life can't always be peaches and cream-- but it is right now, so I'm not going to take it for granted. I love all of my family and friends very much- thank you for all that you do to contribute to my wonderful life!
Here are some pictures from my family Halloween party-- my camera was having problems, but still super cute! (notice how stinkin cute Taylor is-- if any of you don't know, Taylor is Tim's 2 year old little boy who is also one of the loves of my life).

Blogging Pro

2008-10-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have succesfully made my page cute-- eh? Halloweeney!
Check me out, I'm kick-butt!
Another day successfully wasted at work. I honestly spent the entire afternoon figuring out this blog stuff, and can now say that I'm pretty confortable in the world of blogging-- until I figure out HTML even better that is. But honestly, I don't think that I want to. Life is far too short to waste on the internet ALL day-- maybe possibly while I'm at work with not a thing to do! Anyways, I'm about to pack up to head home to Tim- the office is on tonight! I can't wait to watch, it honestly is one of the highlights of my week! (Besides my Friday night dates of course!)
Much love to all!

www.creedthoughts.gov

2008-10-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

Hopefully some of you out there got the title! If not, you should possibly consider borrowing my seasons of the office. Anyways, I thought I'd finally create a blog to keep my family and friends in touch with me, since I'm so far from everyone (or so it seems) So I'm at work, my workload for the day has drastically decreased since the office manager is in Wyoming managing the office there and I'm left with not a lot to do, except work on getting a contractors license in ND, of which I've jumped through about 15 different hoops and I'm now at a spot where I can't possibly go further without someone of more knowledge here. The office is severly quiet today as well since half of the people here are at Lagoon for the day (not fair huh).
I'd say that is the only thing I have really going on. I'm finally getting better from a major head cold, and getting ready for a trip to Wendover with my friends from middle school (Bryn, Lacey, and Sheila) that should be fun! Other than that, my life is the same. Work till 4:30 then go home and spend a nice night with Tim. It's not complicated, but it is a very happy life.

Miss Manda Pants

Bikram Yoga, and las vegas?

Why am I stealing everyone's blogs?

Stealing my friends blog

Disneyland?! And a tattoo?!

Life goal

What isn't a necessity

Sharing my memories

One and Only - Adele (Lyrics)

August, the month of concerts... part 1

Italian Elegance

St. Mary's Church | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 8 PM

Anonymous 4

St. Mary's Church | Thursday, August 11, 2011 8 PM

Blowing off some steam-Chronicles of Dating

T-minus 22 days

Solar Powered Happiness

Night boarding is my passion

Near to You

What's been goin on?!

Damaged or wisened?

Love Bi-Polar

Another one Bites the Dust!

Good ol' Bob

And So It Goes

The "Sweetheart"

Keeping track of the memories

Even MORE summer fun!

Relationships: What's the point?

Summer Fun!

Balance

Breakaway

What I've learned

Time for a Change

Bi-Polar Weather makes me confused

New Blog!

The Chronic WHAT cles of my weight loss!

Finite!

Last Week!!

HCG more than halfway over!

HCGin it up..... AGAIN

Birthday Time!

Snowed In

Ingredients

Directions

Ingredients

Directions

Ingredients

Directions

Ingredients

Directions

Using a blender or hand held mixer, mix Oreos and cream cheese together.

Roll into walnut size balls.

'Tis the Season!

Halloween Spooks

2 weeks in to phase 3!

Day 47, oh so close

Day 41 -- oh good heavens

Day 33ish- more than halfway there!!

GOAL!!!!!

Day 20- Halfway there!

Day 13ish

Day 6ish

Day 5ish

New journey

July = happiness

I LOVE the Fourth of July!!

Kitty foster mom

New Pet!

This is what we do for fun!

Summer time, and the livin's easy!

Pictures of my House!

I'm an old dog lady :S

She has me wrapped around her little paw!

What's goin on in my life now?!

House Warming Party

The weekend is over, and I have a new house!

The Big Move!

Oh so close!

Needed: IT person