My So Called Life

Another blog

2011-04-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have a pity party blog about all my headaches and my adventure with doctors, tests, and drugs if you're interested.

Here's the link

http://alifeofpayne.blogspot.com/

Nothing too exciting, really!

I Never Listen

2009-12-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

My mom has always told me if you have a loose string in your clothes don't just pull on it.

I never listen.

I pulled on it.

And now my pocket is coming off :-(

Hello blog, have you missed me?

2009-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

To my former blog followers who still check back in from time to time only to be horribly disappointed that I have not posted anything new. Please do not be alarmed. As you may know – I have never been very faithful at posting anyway. But recent events in my life have put a near halt to my posting. First was the loss of my job. I had gone from sitting at a lovely desk in a usually fun office with fascinating people (I know that none of them follow this so I can say nice things about them without giving any of them undeserved and unnecessary ego boosts). I sat at this lovely desk in this fun office with these fascinating (and fun) people and I – oh, I worked, sure, a little, but I also played – I played on facebook, I posted on my blog, I posted on my butterfly girls blog, I researched weight lifting and workout routines, I researched healthy living lifestyles, I IM-ed with my good friends and co-workers in the next room, across the hall in the next office, across the valley in the next county, across the mountains in another state, across the “pond” in another country, and I played on the internet. Doing those sorts of things were easy because they were easily ACCESSIBLE and because I had the TIME.
Then I got laid off. That was a real blow. I’d never been laid off before. I lost my motivation to do anything.
I got back into school within a few months . And I got seriously motivated to not just get my bachelor’s degree, but to go on to grad school – to get a doctorate – to go to medical school. ME! Can you believe it? I definitely can’t. (I still pinch myself over that one.) In August I got a full time job. (It’s a temp position so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I still have a job come January). I’m still in school – nearly full-time. And I’m trying to sell my house and move. I can’t access email or blogger or other blogs from work. So the ability to post and read and keep in contact during down time at work has been taken from me. When I am home I'm doing homework or packing or cleaning. Any tiny bit of free time that I am able to find between school, work, packing, homework, and researching grad schools to make sure I stay on target and get all the right classes in, is spent with Justin and Hiro – and ask either one of them – it’s not enough! (And a little bit of NFL football and you’ve got to trust me – that’s not enough either!)
As for email and or facebook – well, I do get those on my phone. And initially that seemed like a godsend. But then they became HUGE distractions and my homework suffered. So I deactivated my facebook account. NO – I did NOT delete any of you as friends. When you deactivate your account it sort of freezes you, saves all your info, but makes it look like you don’t exist. So you disappear from all your friends lists and posts and walls and such, but as soon as I reactivate I should magically appear again.
So please don’t worry about me. I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth. I am still alive, although I sometimes feel like just barely. And hopefully next semester I won’t fall as far behind, I can better manage my time, I’ll be in a smaller home which will require less time to maintain, and I can pop my head up more often for fresh air.
Thanks for all your love, support, and concern. Really, I’m ok. Just some time, accessibility, and minor brain damage issues I need to work through.

Unemployed

2009-04-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

It just amazes me the lengths that I will go to and the things that I can find to do to avoid doing the unpleasant things that I really need to do. Even things that I don't necessarily want to do or typically enjoy doing. Take blog posting for example. Something that I often put off doing for days, weeks, even months at a time.

Here I am, unemployed for a month now (OMG ... I can't believe it's been a month now!), in desperate need of a job, combing through online want-ads, looking at job postings that aren't real jobs anyway, or are crap jobs, or part-time jobs, or offer no benefits, or pay minimum-wage, or I don't qualify for because I don't have a bachelor's degree, blah, blah, blah - to the point where I can't stand the thought of another moment of job-hunting! so I post on my blog instead.

ARGH! This economy sucks!

Riddle me this

2009-04-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

So here's the thing ... how can a girl who hates running so much miss running so much?

I was struggling. Every second or third day I would get into this horrible mood. I wasn't sure what was wrong with me, why I felt so pissy. I was not PMSing. I was quite happy with my life, job, situation, etc. So what the hell was wrong with me? Turns out - there I was training for an upcoming half marathon - and I hated running. I was pissy every second or third day because every second or third day I had to run. A friend pointed it out to me. Then proceeded to tell me that maybe running wasn't my thing. EXCUSE ME?!?! I am about as stubborn as they get - and a bit rebellious. Challenge accepted! That was all I needed to get me going. I was going to run and I was going to like it! Running was going to be "my thing" even if it killed me, damnit!

But I continued to struggle. I continued to hate it. Much to my dismay.

The 13 mile bus ride up the canyon felt like it took forever! I just kept thinking, "This bus ride is only 13 miles. And it is so long. And this is how far I have to run. All the way back down this canyon." (Interesting to note that the night before the race as I was driving back to my hotel in Green River I saw a sign that read, "Green River 13 miles" and I thought at that time as well, "This is how far I have to run tomorrow". I thought I would NEVER reach Green River!)
I ran it. I actually enjoyed it until the pain set in. And I hurt terribly for the next few days.

I have now taken 2 weeks off to recover. Two weeks of no running. It should be bliss, right? I should be in heaven and happy and no more pissiness. But I'm pissy!

A few days ago I was driving to work and there were runners out on the road and I longed for that. I actually ached to be there with them. How can a girl who hates to run miss it so much?

Canyonlands Half Marathon April 2009

2009-03-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever

2009-03-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

I did it. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't pretty, but I did it. I ran the Canyonland's (Moab) Half Marathon on Saturday. I may not have finished strong, I may not have finished fast, but I finished - and I ran the whole thing. (It wasn't a pretty run, but it was a run nonetheless).

The canyon I ran through was beautiful. The weather and temperature were perfect.
I felt great through the first half of the race. Hip was bothering me a bit by about mile 3, but not too bad. Definitely tolerable. By mile 8 my knees were starting to bother me a tiny bit, but again, tolerable. By mile 9 I got cell phone reception and my phone started vibrating like crazy. It was very encouraging to get voicemails and text messages from loved ones cheering me on. At mile 10 I reached the tribal drums. I could hear them from about mile 9 through mile 11. They were amazing and inspiring. Also by mile 10 my knees and hip were REALLY hurting. By mile 11 I was choking back the tears - unsuccessfully. And by mile 12 - I just let it go. There were several people along the route, aid station workers, race route volunteers, spectators, racers who had already finished - cheering everyone on, encouraging us by telling us we were almost finished and many of which asked me if I was ok or needed help. (God bless them.) I must have looked pretty bad.

Justin and Hiro were waiting for me near the finish line to snap a photo. I put on a brave face for the photo op. (It looks like I'm walking, but I promise I'm not - not exactly).

Once I passed the finish line I had to walk and the pain of walking was excruciating. My knees felt better walking, but my hip hurt so much worse. Justin snapped a few photos and I finally had to ask him to please stop taking photos of me crying and in pain.

I had a medic with me pretty quickly after finishing and she was so sweet and so concerned. She wasn't going to leave me until she knew I was taken care of. She walked with me, told me where the doctor's tent was, and encouraged me to go. Then when we reached Justin she turned me over to him.

Justin took a few photos of me in the doctor's tent. So the good news - it's not a joint issue. The doctor is pretty sure it's a nerve issue...sciatica (just as I suspected). I didn't talk to him about my knees because at that time - I hadn't yet realized the severity of the damage done there.

Easing myself - gingerly - into the cot.

Despite the pain, I am so happy that I did it. I'm not giving up on running....I'm just going to make sure I get in to see a doctor before I continue.

As I have mentioned before in the Butterfly Girls blog - running has always been tough for me. I've never been able to run far - never ran further than a mile and a half before last summer. So to run 13.1 miles was a big deal for me. I've also always admired endurance runners. Saw their ability to endure as a sign of strength. For me to have accomplished this myself is exciting to me. It was an incredible and emotional experience.

(There were photographers along the route taking photos and I'll post those as soon as I get them so please check back!)

I feel like a High School Football Star

2009-03-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

OMG! I have the best friends in the whole world. They have made me feel like a high school football star - and that is a very good thing.

Back in my high school days I decorated many of the football players houses before homecoming with big posters, balloons, etc along with my beautiful BG's. Today, I joined their ranks. Today, I was on the receiving end of that same sort of love and support.

I woke up early this morning and went out to hit the gym for some last minute prep for my half marathon tomorrow and found a very amazing surprise.

(You made me cry you little stinkers!)
Thank you all so much for your love and support. This half marathon is a big deal for me. I realize that to many other people it may be ... half marathon, eh...no biggie. But for a girl who's never been able to run more than a mile and a half until last summer - it's a HUGE deal.

This is my favorite part - hehe ..... Go Rams!

Marcus

2009-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Me, my friend Ashley, her hubby Nick, and a bunch of their friends all went to see Marcus at Wiseguys on Friday, February 13.

I am HUGE Marcus fan. Loved him and cheered for him the first time I saw him on Last Comic Standing last season. Called in as many times as I was allowed to vote for him every week! He is awesome!
We were on the front row and if you've been to Wiseguys before you know what a small venue it is and how close to the stage the front row is - my feet were resting quite comfortably ON the stage. Marcus was just feet from me! Close enough that he could hear my comments during his routine - and then comment back.

Ashley LOVES to take photos - that girl is NUTS! And because the two of us were snapping away Marcus was kind enough to stop mid-joke and pose for us for a few of them.

Well, it was awesome. He was awesome. And I got a nice photo op after the perfomance.

To those who follow my blog religiously ....

2009-01-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

Can you follow my blog religiously if I don't post religiously?

It has become clear to me that I am not a very good blogger or facebooker. I have my days, weeks .... moments. But I am in no way consistent and if you follow my blog you know this. I'd say that I lack the discipline, but I don't think that's the case. I am very disciplined in other aspects of my life - to the point that I get accused of being obsessed, addicted, a maniac, an animal, a machine - these are a few of the terms that have been used with me. Negative connotation or not - I don't mind any of those terms being attached to me with regards to my "gym" routine. In fact, I'm quite proud of my level of dedication and the pay off that I am receiving as a result. But a blogger I am not. Nor will I ever be called a blogger by anyone ...(SHOUT OUT ALERT!) ... other than my good friend Tim "Jimmy".

I admire those of you who are dedicated and commited to keeping us all up to date with your goings-on. But I must apologize for my own lack of commitment. Honestly, I just don't think I have anything exciting or entertaining to say. And my average day is just that - average. No one wants to hear about that - and if you do, please check out the Butterfly Girls blog. (Oh, that's another shout out of sorts!)

To my good friends who have amazing blogs - keep up the good work. To those of you who post infrequently - I get it and I empathize.

So....
That's it. I really just wanted to post and didn't have a darn thing to say- so I made this whole thing up.

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

I hate New Years Resolutions .... yet every year I make them. And every year I break them. They say rules were made to be broken ... can the same be said about resolutions?
Well, as for last years resolutions, I think that my biggest problem was that I made too many of them. I am happy to report that I completed a few of them. I think I made like 15 (there were so many I can't possibly remember them all!) I think I sent out a birthday card to nearly every sibling and in-law and neice and nephew. Although many were late and many were store bought - so I failed there. I didn't read as much as I wanted - I blame Les Miserables. I did however, retain my gym membership, actually use it, develop a new hobby, and lose that 20 lbs I wanted to lose by the time I went to Canada. I am also happy to report that I have not only kept it off, but lost even more!
So this year .... my New Years Resolutions (Yes! I'm making dreaded resolutions.)

--Run at least 3 Half Marathons or Marathons
--Summit Timpanogos or Olympus at least 3 times (I have a love affair with Timp and will probably do my best to summit there all 3 times)
--GO BACK TO COLLEGE!

WISH ME LUCK!

Weightloss Challenge

2009-01-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

Ok....so it's not like I really have any weight to lose, but I joined a weightloss challenge. Now, before you go ballistic on me, let me explain. 1. It's a family deal so it was hard to turn down. 2. I'm going to kill it so again it was hard to turn down. and 3. It's not just about weightloss - it's also about getting healthy and making better choices. (Much like my Butterfly Girls Challenge
For official rules and to track my progress please check out my links at the side of this blog - under the Follow My Progress link.

Here is my "before" photo for the Sander's Losers blog. I began at 124.2 lbs.

New Years Eve with My Butterfly Girls

2009-01-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

I was able to get together with my Butterfly Girls for New Years Eve and we had a blast. The girls spent most of the evening in the kitchen chatting and our poor husbands and kids got stuck downstairs playing the Wii all night. I'm sure they had a miserable time. :-( Sure sounded like it from all the laughter we could hear.

Me and the ladies!

My Janis

The Johnson Fam

The Sanders Fam

We exchanged Christmas gifts and I gotta give a huge shout out to Janis who bought me the most awesome gift ever! Bob Nelson's HBO comedy hour special "Nelson Schmelson". The girls used to watch that show almost religiously in high school and I am such a HUGE fan! So perfect, Janis - you totally rule!

White Christmas

2009-01-08T10:48:00.001-08:00

This is the beautiful scene we woke up to Christmas morning. There is nothing better than a white Christmas.

Poor Hiro has to try and walk through that! It's past his shoulders!

Possible surprise for unsuspecting visitors! That is just above the steps to our front door. Eek!

Certifiably Insane

2009-01-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

I don't know what got in to me. (I blame my good friend Liz and my "uncle" John.) Liz ran a marathon a few years ago and wouldn't stop talking about how great it was and how EVERYONE should do it at some point. So every year I say I'm going to start training and every year I end up putting it off. Or I get to that 1.5 mile wall and just don't get past it. Well, John was telling me at Thanksgiving about the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab in March and how he was registering to race and encouraged me to join him. I thought to myself, "This is what you need - a deadline! You need a race date to get you over that wall!" I registered. And darn it all! I was selected. Am I insane, or what? When I saw that email that said "Canyonlands Half Marathon Lottery Acceptance" I literally wanted to bang my head against the wall.
Well ... it's done. It's paid for - I might as well do it. Heaven help me!

Madison Anne's Blessing

2008-12-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

Justin and I were very fortunate to go to California for Madison's blessing the first week of December. This was our first opportunity to meet her and hold her - I fell in love with her immediately. She is adorable and beautiful and precious and sweet and I didn't want to leave her. And Brayden is such a big boy, now! That kid can rock, too! What a little headbanger - he's such a stud! It was also great to see the Schambecks again. We've been able to spend a few holidays and special occasions with them now and they are such great people and so welcoming to us outsiders. It was not easy to go home after only a few short days with them. I miss them.

My Big Bro

Mikey's Family

Proud Papa

The Schambeck Clan

Such a Doll

CONSOLED BY COLDPLAY

2008-11-24T20:54:00.001-08:00

Saturday was a day of highs and lows. After the BYU loss we needed something to lift our spirits and the Coldplay concert was just the thing to do it. Coldplay is awesome .... the concert was awesome. I had a great time. It was so worth it! I am so glad we were able to go. I've been a huge fan of Coldplay since I first heard them. And I've seen them perform several times so I knew they could put on a great show. WOW! I love concerts! I think they're so overpriced, but the energy level of the crowd - the excitement of a live performance. Those things are so hard to put a price tag on.
For those of you with your sound turned on. For your listening enjoyment .....

The Season is Over

2008-11-24T20:27:00.000-08:00

Well, the 2008 college football season is over for BYU. It was a bittersweet year. We still finished in the top 25 and that is definitely worth something. We killed UCLA and that was very exciting! But we had two crucial losses. It's one thing to play hard, execute well, and lose to a better team. It's another thing to beat yourself. (Hold on, Ute fans! I'm not saying that Utah or TCU are not great teams, because they were. I'm just saying that I'd like to see how it would have turned out if we'd brought our A game.)
I learned this year what it is to be an emotional fan. I have gotten into football like never before. Felt the passion and excitement for the game like never before. And for the fist time felt truly disappointed and defeated from the losses.
I still haven't decided if being a passionate fan is a positive thing or not. But I guess I have like 10 months to contemplate, right?

No Annoying Fans, One Great Hit, and Great Officiating

2008-10-28T07:59:00.001-07:00

Well, Saturday was another BYU football game. We stayed in our own seats this time for most of the game, but did sneak down two rows eventually to the slightly roomier seats with Justin's parents. The "unbelievable" annoying fan was not there this game - thank goodness! The game was enjoyable. It's always a bit more exciting when it's a close game (although nothing will ever hold a candle to the orgasmic UCLA game - yeah, that's right! I said orgasmic!) But it is still frustrating when it shouldn't be a close game; when we should have no problem at all taking that team out. Justin and I had great seats for that amazing hit by two BYU players on one UNLV player. Anyone who saw the game knows EXACTLY what hit I'm talking about. We could hear the crunch of the pads from our seats and it was sickening!
I also have to say that the officiating was the best that we've seen all year. Especially the referee - he was AWESOME! (It was great to see you, Land!)

My Wall

2008-10-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

My apologies to those of you who follow both of my blogs because I will on occasion post the same thing on both blogs.

I have this wall - Maybe we all have our walls. I've hit my wall twice in my life. The first time was when I was 27 and I stepped on the scale one morning and saw ZZZ lbs. For my height and body type - ZZZ lbs is 5 lbs from clinically overweight. I made the decision right then and there to make some changes in my life. And for the first time EVER I seriously dieted and I lost 25 lbs. I worked out a little, but not really hard, my main focus was on my diet. The weight came off in about 6 months and once it was off - I went back to my same lifestyle. I was very fortunate in that I didn't put it all back on, at least not immediately. The second time I hit my wall was this past March. I had gone from a size X to a size Y and I needed to move up to size Z. I stepped on the scale one morning and I saw ZZZ lbs AGAIN! ZZZ lbs is evidently my wall. My do not pass go, do not collect $200, go directly to unhappy. I had two choices - go out a buy a new wardrobe or lose weight. I had two choices - given in and accept that this was me or get to work. I didn't want to spend money on a new wardrobe of even bigger clothes. But I also wasn't ready to just give in and be completely unhappy with myself, my health, and my body. The difference between this wall and the last one? I didn't want to simply lose weight – I wanted to get healthy, I wanted to get active. I’ve never been athletic and I asked myself why not? Because I never wanted to work for it. (My cross country experience being a perfect example of this.) Now I want to work for it. Now I’m willing to work for it. I didn’t want to just lose weight – I wanted to make a major transformation.
Not only am I down more than 15 lbs and 2 sizes, but just as important - I'm in the best shape of my life. And I'm not even finished yet.

Shout Out - Hubby Tag

2008-10-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks Lyndee for tagging me. I can always count on you! I do like this one because I get to talk about my favorite person – my cute hubby. I always tell Justin to check out my blog because I gave him a “shout out”. Well, baby, this is a serious shout out!

Where did you meet?
At work. We both worked for Convergys and we were in the same training class.

How long did you date before you were married?
We met on December 11, 2000. Our first date was Valentine’s Day 2001. And we were engaged exactly one year after our first date. We were married in September 2002. So about a year and 7 months.

How long have you been married?
Right now? 6 years, 3 weeks, 4 days

What is your favorite feature of his?
The first thing I noticed about him was his broad shoulders and his height. I am very attracted to guys who are built like football players. I love his big broad shoulders, his height, his great mouth, his blue eyes, and his contagious laugh.

What is your favorite quality of his?
He might be surprised to hear this, but his sense of humor. He is hilarious! He’s also amazing with kids. I love to watch him interact with our nieces and nephews – they absolutely adore him.

Does he have a nickname for you?
Oh, sure – lots. Babe and Baby are the most often used.

What is his favorite color?
Green

What is his favorite food?
:-) Just about anything. He is not a picky eater like me. Some of our favorite restaurants are Baja Cantina, Asian Star, Olive Garden, Iggy's.

What is his favorite sport?
Justin loves all sports. He just loves competition of about any kind. Some of his favorites are football, softball, and golf.

When and where was your first kiss?
It was January 25, 2001 on our lunch break at work in one of our cars - I can’t remember which and I think it was in the back seat ;-) What? It's much easier to cuddle and make-out back there.

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
PG answer? BYU football games, watch TV and movies, travel.

Do you have any children?
Just Hiro. But he's awesome

Does he have a hidden talent?
His amazing ability to make anyone feel at ease with him. He is just great with people. But more important – he is great with me. He has the ability to make me feel confident, beautiful, and secure like no one else ever has.

How old is he?
32 years

Who said “I love you first”
I did, but I didn’t mean to. I was certainly thinking it, but I wanted the moment to be just perfect when I first professed my love for him. And at the theatre in the middle of Miss Congeniality was not the perfect moment. I blurted it out and then immediately covered my mouth in surprise.

What is his favorite type of music?
Justin has an amazing voice! He is very musically talented. (I just wanted to throw that in.) His taste in music is very diverse because of his appreciation for music. He likes just about everything except Country and Jazz. Probably more pop, rock, r&b, and alternative than anything else.

What do you admire most about him?
His confidence. He doesn’t seem to be intimidated or afraid of anything.

"Unbelievable!"

2008-10-16T08:07:00.001-07:00

Justin and I sat with his parents for the New Mexico game on Saturday. We're only 3 rows behind them so it isn't like their seats are much better, but they are right on the front row and that makes it easier to get in and out if you need to run to the concession stands or the restroom. They also have that lovely railing you can put your feet on to kick back and relax while enjoying the game. And the people who sit next to them aren’t usually using all their seats so we can spread out a bit. Those little luxuries, we discovered, are not worth it! We had the most obnoxious fan behind us. He was part fan, part commentator, part coach, part pessimist. This guy NEVER shut up! Every single play that was run he’d comment on. How many yards they’d picked up, who carried the ball, what down it now was, how many yards we still had to go – you get the picture. He’d also throw out little statistics about the players. Commentator.
Every play we ran was wrong. On offense if we ran, he thought we should have passed, if we passed, he thought we should have ran. On defense someone always missed a block or wasn’t covering their man like they should have. “Unbelievable!” He wouldn’t stop saying that. “Who’s covering the quarterback? Unbelievable!” Coach.
We held Wyoming to 3 points and we managed to score 21, but the way this guy was talking you would have thought that BYU was the dumbest and worst team in college football, that our offense couldn’t score, and that our defense was worthless. They just couldn’t seem to do anything right. Pessimist.
But I couldn’t help wondering – is he even really a fan?
Next home game – if this guy is there – I’ll stay in my own seats even if the “better” seats are available. Unbelievable!

Change in Vocabulary

2008-10-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, I want to clarify on my previous post. No, it's not just about the weight. It IS about being healthy. It's also about being happy with myself. Do I think I need to lose weight? No. Seven months ago when I was near "clinically overweight"? Maybe. And I lost it. Nowadays I may say that I need to lose weight and it isn't about the actual weight it's about being tone. I could never lose another pound and be perfectly happy as long as I continue to get tighter and firmer. But also, even if THAT NEVER happened. I could accept that and be happy as long as I knew I was strong, healthy, and in the best physical condition I was capable of.
I know that when people hear, "I want to lose weight" they equate that to "I'm fat". Because of this I need to make a change. I need to make a change in my vocabulary. I need to stop using phrases like "lose weight" or the word "fat" (not that I use it often). And I need to start using words like healthy, fitness, tone, active, endurance, and strength.
To those of you who have offered and continue to offer me support - thank you!

Why Can't I Be Incredible?

2008-10-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

How much would I have to weigh or how big would I have to get before I can say I'm trying to lose weight and people would be supportive and say "good for you" instead of "you don't need to lose weight"? Am I expected to get to clinically overweight, socially overweight, obese, or morbidly obese? I do know from personal experience that if you're simply approaching clinically overweight you can't expect any support from others. But why is that?
I'm all for loving yourself no matter what size, shape, or weight you are. But why should I have to settle? What if I'm not happy with sitting on the fence of overweigtness? (if I may be so bold as to make up a word here.) Why should I be fine with a weight that is still within "healthy" (albeit JUST barely) when my lifestyle isn't healthy and my diet isn't healthy - I've just been fortunate thus far with my metabolism and my genetics? I don't think I should wait until my metabolism is no longer in my favor to make a decision to change and actually get a little support.
Justin has always been amazing anytime I've decided to "lose weight" by telling me that he thinks I'm beautiful, but that he understands that it's about what I think - that it's important for me to be happy with my body. (BTW - Thanks, Baby, you are wonderful and I love you very much!)
My doctor told me I have an 80% chance of developing diabetes in my lifetime. Do I sit around and wait to see if I’m just lucky enough for that 20%? Do I wait until I’m pre-diabetic or diabetic to start taking control of my health? At what point is it acceptable for me to decide that I’m going to do everything I possibly can to avoid that 80%?
When I've told people I’m trying to lose weight, or I’m trying to make better food choices, or I’m going to the gym everyday they often say, “You don’t need to do that.” “You don’t need to lose weight.” “You can eat this.” “You’re ok.” “You look fine.” What is their purpose to saying those things? Are they just trying to be polite? Do they say that because they think I want to hear that? They certainly aren’t doing me any favors and they come off as very discouraging. Why don't they want me to be the best that I can possibly be? Why should I settle for ok? Why should I settle for fine? Why shouldn't I be amazing? Why can't I be incredible?

6 Random Things

2008-10-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

I laugh when I’m uncomfortable. This leads to much embarrassment and many awkward moments in my life, but it’s true – I laugh when I’m uncomfortable no matter how inappropriate it might be at the time. This has also gotten me into trouble as many people have misunderstood and thought that I was making light of a situation that I didn’t mean to. Or that I was enjoying something when I really wasn’t.

I hate tomatoes, onions, and peppers – and yet, I love SALSA. Go figure! I am pretty picky about my salsa, but still – it makes no sense at all.

I took down a bison in the Henry Mountains with one shot right through the heart. It was the kind of hunt that should have been televised it was so perfect. But you really need my older brother DarRell to tell you the story because I don’t remember much. Besides, he tells it so much better than me - much more animated!

My favorite pet name is “Love”. This is a pet name that is rarely used outside of the UK, but every time I am fortunate enough to run into a Brit and he calls me “love” I just melt.

I joined the cross country team in high school just to get out of town once a week. Honestly, I joined everything I could in high school just to get out of town, get out of classes, meet guys from other schools, or meet back up with my guy friends from other schools. Drama, Speech and Debate, Show Choir, Cheerleading, Dancing, took stats for Baseball and for Football. But this is one that I joined and then didn’t really participate in. I never practiced with the team – I couldn’t even run 1 mile, let alone 3+. And I only ran in one event because the coach threatened to kick me off the team. I came in 2nd to last – was horribly embarrassed and quit the team the next day anyway. Please imagine that I am laughing uncomfortably right now – because I am.

I’m darn cute. Seriously! Have you seen me lately? I am so darn cute. ;-)
And you don’t have to take my word for it – I have references.

TAG

2008-10-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've been tagged twice now - I guess it's time I did something about it. I won't overload you all with two different tags at once so I'm going to space them out. Sorry, Mj, but I was specifically named in this other tag so it goes first.

3 THINGS ABOUT ME

What are the last three things you purchased (aside from groceries?)
1. Halloween Decoration -even though I swore I wasn't going to buy any more Halloween decorations for a LONG TIME!
2. Underwear - how fun am I?
3. Cotton rounds

What are the last three songs you downloaded on your iPod?
1. Leave Out All the Rest - Linkin Park
2. Rise Above This - Seether
3. I'm Going, I'm Gone - Lesley Roy

What are three of your favorite movies?
1. Gladiator
2. Sleepy Hollow
3. Band of Brothers

What are three things you have not done yet?
1. Attended a pro football game
2. Been to Europe
3. Gone skydiving

What are three things you can't live without?
1. My family
2. My friends
3. Chocolate

What are your three favorite dishes?
1. Oval strawberry plate
2. Pedastal cake stand
3. Rectangular white procelain plate
(Oh, is that not what that meant? "Dishes" is sort of vague. Ok, I'll play along.)
1. Justin's dad's pork tenderloin
2. Justin's mom's chicken noodle soup
3. My mom's sour cream potatoes

What are three of your favorite tv shows?
1. Pushing Daisies
2. Survivor
3. The Big Bang Theory

What are three of your favorite desserts?
1. Reeses Peanut Butter Bars
2. Red Velvet Cake
3. Peanut Butter Cookies

What are the last three places you traveled to that are more than 100 miles away?
1. St George, UT
2. Whistler, BC, Canada
3. Maui, HI

What are three things you'd buy if money weren't an issue?
1. A country cottage in Ireland
2. A flat in London
3. An home in Africa

Three people you tag
1. Sarah (this makes two, Sarah, you'd better get on the ball. But you seem to like things in twos, don't you?)
2. Janis - hehe ;-)
3. Anyone else reading this blog who feels so inclined.

There's more

2008-10-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

It has just occured to me that I have left a few things out of my long list below ...
cry with me, grow strong with me, get through trials with me (yours and mine), show me compassion and empathy, pray with me, pray for me, allow me to pray for you, think about me, be considerate of me, post inspirational and touching things on your blogs for me to enjoy, laugh about, cry over, and learn from, understand me, acknowledge me, listen to me, make me feel beautiful, make me feel sexy, make me feel appreciated, make me feel confident, make me feel invincible, make me feel like a hero, make me feel like a villian (not necessarily a bad thing), tell me I'm cute when I'm being ridiculous, go to lunch with me, go to dinner with me, go to breakfast with me and sit and chat until lunch with me, reminisce with me, and give me much needed attention.

Jumping on the Bandwagon

2008-10-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

A few of my fellow bloggers have recently posted something about friendship and friends. There must be something going around because I have got the bug as well. Yesterday I just felt so overwhelmingly grateful to have the incredible friends that I do. They always seem to be there just when you need them. I'm a bit emotionally high maintenance and it is a godsend to me to have such an amazing group of friends who put up with me, encourage me, support me, laugh with me, make me laugh, shop with me, hike with me, lose weight and inches with me, lift me up when I'm down, compliment and praise me when necessary, go to movies with me, go to chick-flicks with me, go to football games with me, watch football on TV with me, discuss Heroes with me, discuss Survivor with me, discuss Big Bang Theory with me (the TV show - not the scientific theory), discuss Religion with me, attempt to discuss politics with me (you know who you are ;), superpoke hug me on facebook at just the right moment, IM me just to say "hi", comment on my blogger posts, smile at me as you walk by, call me pet names, teach me, debate with me, challenge me, make me think and analyze, and apparently - like me (maybe even love or adore me)! Go figure!
But thank you to you all - for being such amazing and incredible people! I am so glad I have you all in my life.

Another Shut-Out?

2008-09-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Can it be? Can BYU have two shut-outs in a row?

HALF TIME SCORE

FINAL SCORE

Apparently they can! What an awesome game! Go Cougars! I am so glad we got season tickets again this year. It has been so much fun going to the games. And, OMG, I LOVE football!
Interesting little note - the last time BYU won two shut-outs in a row was in 1985 and the final scores? 59 to 0 and 44 to 0.

Les Miserables

2008-09-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

For our anniversary we went to see Les Miserables at Tuacahn. It is one of my very favorite books, but I have never seen the play before. They are both so powerful! We had third row seats right in the middle. Amazing. It was a spectacular performance!

After the play the actors gathered outside the ampitheatre so that you could meet them, talk to them, and have your picture taken with them. These two actors played the Thenadiers - certainly not our favorite characters, but what great actors! They were so fun to watch.

Justin is my best friend and the love of my life. No one has made me laugh like he does. (Even though I tell him OFTEN that he's not very funny - he really can be hilarious. And he's so much fun!) I am so glad that I have had these past six years with him and I am excited for the many more to come!

Welcome Madison

2008-09-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here she is! 8 lbs and 3 oz 21 inches long. She got here on September 16 at 1:30 AM. I think she looks a lot like her big brother.

With her proud papa and curious big brother.

Fitness Challenge

2008-09-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

These are my Ya-Ya sisters (some of you may recognize them - some of you may BE them). We have decided to challenge and encourage each other to reach new heights with regards to our personal fitness levels. We have created a blog for just this event and I would like to invite all of you to check it out. Perhaps if I know that I have family and friends keeping tabs on me, I'll be even more motivated to get fit, tone, and ripped. Oh, and healthy - because that's what's most important.

http://yayasgotoparadise.blogspot.com/

Oh, My Gosh!

2008-09-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

(BTW - That's 5 mins and 31 seconds left in half time)

Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!

That's all I could say during the entire second quarter of the game against UCLA on Saturday. I was practically speechless! "Oh, my gosh!" was all I could get out. Oh, and I screamed - A LOT!

I admit, I was nervous going into the game on Saturday. UCLA was supposed to be a tough team. I had confidence that BYU could win, but it wasn't going to be easy. I anticipated, no, hoped for, a tight game with BYU just pulling off a win in the final seconds of the game as they are known to do. I never imagined a shut-out. I never dreamed of a blow-out. THIS was more than that - this was a slaughter! (Sorry UCLA fans - I'm just being honest here.) This is the worst margin that UCLA has lost by since 1929! That's incredible!

Justin and I have seats on the third row up from the walkway (which is technically the eleventh row) on the 15 yard line towards the south endzone. That means, for the second quarter of the game, we were right where all the action was occuring. It was so unreal! I was in complete shock the entire game. I just couldn't believe that it was really happening.

OH! And I got stuck in a crowd bottle-neck next to LaVell Edwards. I smiled, he smiled back and said "hi" to me. It was pretty cool. (But nothing compared to the game... Oh, my gosh!)

BYU 28 - University of Washington 27

2008-09-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

So it's a controversial win, but a win nonetheless. And you can not prove that the kick would not have been blocked if the penalty had not been called. So I don't care if it's a controversial win - I'll take it!

32

2008-09-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'm 32 now.
People tell me I don’t look 32 - or even 31. They’ll say. “Oh, I thought you were 26 or 27”. Some have even said I look 24 - I like those people! But if I’m 32 and don’t look 32 then I have to wonder – what does 32 look like?
I don’t necessarily feel 32, but then I don’t know what 32 FEELS like either. It’s all very confusing to me. What I do know is that 32 doesn’t feel any different than 31 or 30 or even 29 for that matter. But it does somehow feel different than 21. I couldn’t tell you when it started to feel different; it has been a very slow process.
I’ve heard it said many times that 30 is the new 20. I like that. And I am inclined to believe it because I have felt so much better about myself this past year than ever before. I feel like I have learned a lot about myself which I believe has made me not only more emotionally mature, but more intellectually mature as well. I am a bit more self-aware now. (I said A BIT – there's a long road ahead of me.) I’m back in college again and I feel great about that. I feel like I’m starting to accomplish things. And speaking of accomplishing things – I’m in the best shape of my life! I may not be as light or as thin as I was at 16 or 18, but I am stronger, tighter, and toner than I have ever been. I’m at the gym 5-6 days a week and really pushing myself to get more endurance, to get stronger, to get tighter. I have set goals and feel like I just might actually realize them this time! So if this is how good it feels to be 32 – then I’m excited for 33!

BYU 41 - Northern Iowa 17

2008-09-04T09:11:00.001-07:00

Saturday, August 30

The blessed day has finally arrived! And here we are (with Uncle Tab) at one of my favorite places - Lavell Edwards Stadium. Unfortunately we missed most of the first quarter but the rest of the game was pretty good. We came away a little sunburned, but it was worth it! The team played well, they still have a few kinks to work out, but most important - BYU won!

i love a good book

2008-09-02T14:27:00.001-07:00

How can people not like to read? There are actually people among us who don't enjoy reading! Can you believe it? I just don't understand it!
I just love a good book. You know the kind where you are hooked from page one and dread the moment you have to put it down? I can't think of anything better (obviously, if hard pressed, I could, but please allow me to be dramatic to get my point across) than a book that pulls you in and keeps you enthralled until the end - and you don't want to work or shower or sleep or eat (or do homework!) or do anything, but read! This is my current predicament.
I can't pinpoint what it is about a book that gets me so drawn in - in fact, it's often different with each book. And I can be sucked into books that themselves are so diverse. Last year it was a medical history book. A few weeks ago a fictional novel. Last week it was a historical novel. This week it's another fictional novel. Next week - who knows? But I am excited to find out.
I'm sure I'll finish Child 44 soon and I'll be both excited to have finished and sad to be done. Then I'll move onto something else and I can only hope that it captivates me like the many wonderful books I read before it.

Football season is finally here!

2008-09-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting patiently, but I was getting to the end of my rope! I am so freaking excited for football season! Justin and I got season tickets again and our seats are great. We are so psyched to head down to Happy Valley several times in the next three months to spend a few hours with a few thousand of our closest friends. GO COUGARS!

Bungee!

2008-08-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

The adventure continues. I've been doing some pretty bold, daring, and exciting things lately so why not jump off a perfectly good bridge and plunge 160 feet towards the white water rapids belolw only to be snatched back up just before hitting the water by a gigantic bungee cord? Well, for me, it was a true test of will power. Let me tell you - I freaked out. I have no irrational fear of heights, or anything else for that matter, and I was really looking forward to doing this. I was pumped, I was hyped, I was excited, but they got me to the ledge and I was panic-stricken! I took one look down and freaked out! They counted me down from 5 and there was nothing I could do - there was no way I could will my legs to jump. I honestly thought that I wouldn't be able to do it - ever! And the ten drunk guys behind me, along with Justin, Julia, Jennie, and the two or three instructors counting me down didn't seem to matter. (I have very little recollection of everyone yelling my 5 different countdowns. I only remember Paul - the guy who strapped me into my harness - counting me down and Justin telling me he loved me just before I finally jumped. Everything else and everyone else is a bit of a blur.) I had to disregard the wonderful advice Paul gave me to swan dive forward with my arms outstretched and my eyes open. After my fourth failed attempt I decided that the only way it would happen was for me to close my eyes and just fall. (Holding onto my harness was Paul's idea - gave me a better sense of control.) Interesting to note that I found it impossible to scream on the descent as I wasn't even breathing. But I could scream and yell as I bounced up only to lose my breath again as I was falling. And the cycle continued. Next time I jump (yes, there WILL be a next time) I'll go backwards - maybe that will be a bit easier. I am now an official Whistler Bungee member and all my future jumps are 50% off. Can't wait to go back and do it again! What an amazing experience!

Hydro Bronc

2008-08-25T19:31:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, August 20, 2008 we decided to venture out into the cold and Hydro Bronc. If you ever get the opportunity to do this - it's awesome! Unfortunately, we had some technical difficulties with our videographer and I can't show you footage of our experience. But don't we all look sexy in our stinky wetsuits and even stinkier helmets?

(Our much needed wetsuits since it was like 50 degrees outside and the water was frigid!)

Whistler, BC

2008-08-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well, the weather did not cooperate with our vacation plans. It was cold and rainy almost the entire week. (Rainy? in the Northwest? Go figure!) To fight off the impending boredom we had to be ingenius and find other ways to entertain ourselves. There's nothing more entertaining than leg wresting and French braiding each others hair.

---- Even if it IS Dane's hair we're french braiding!

Brandi Carlile

2008-08-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

I am in love with Brandi Carlile!!!!!!!! I thought I was in love with her before, but since going to her concert I am even more enamored with her. She is amazing! This is one of her many amazing songs playing on my blog right now.
Justin, Julia, and I stayed in Seattle (Bellevue, actually) Saturday night so that we could go to her concert. Jackie Greene and Pat Monahan also performed and they were fabulous as well. The concert was spectacular. And never in my life have I felt more straight than I did that night.

BTW - I got in trouble for taking this photo of Julia, Justin, and I (apparently cameras weren't allowed at the concert) and I didn't want to risk getting kicked out by taking a photo of Brandi :(

Seattle

2008-08-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 16, 2008
This is the start of our Canadian vacation. We flew into Seattle where we picked up rental cars to take the beautiful drive to Whistler, BC. While in Seattle we just had to stop at Pike's Place Market. As you can see from Nixon's reaction - it was an incredibly exciting place to be!

New Hair Cut

2008-08-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Friday, August 15, 2008
I have been contemplating a new hair cut since I got my last one, but thought it might be just a little bit TOO drastic. Dara Torres inspired me to go for it - she looks amazing and maybe I can too with the same haircut.

Ok, so my abs and arms and legs look nothing like hers - even with the same haircut! ARGH! Oh, well - give me time, maybe I'll get there.

Here's what mine looks like. Sort of hard to get the full effect with just the one angle, but you get the jist of it.

Abridged Version

2008-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Quick little note here on abridged versions, particularly Les Miserables. It's been about 11 years since I first read Les Miserables (the unabridged edition). This book had such a huge impact in my life and is one of my favorite books ever written. I have wanted to reread it for quite some time, but have been a bit put off by it's size. With tickets to see the play in September, I decided that I had better refresh my memory of the beautiful storyline and amazing characters. And to save myself a bit of time I was going to do it with the abridged edition. By page 100 I was so incredibly frustrated! There was so much that was left out. And if there was THAT much left out that I could remember, then what else was left out that I hadn't remembered? Don't let someone else decide for you what is central to the plot and development of characters. Always take matters into your own hands and read the UNabridged version!
Ok,. maybe not such a quick little note. Just needed to get that off my chest.
Thanks for listening (or reading).

Garrett

2008-08-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

08 06 08
I miss him so much. I think about him practically everyday. Some days I miss him more than others and today is one of those days. He would have just celebrated his 29th birthday a few weeks ago. I stayed at Jody's house when I went home for Pioneer Day. I stood in her family room on the morning of the 24th in front of the photo collages of Garrett and cried. He was so beautiful. I missed him a lot that day as well. Today, as I often do, I wondered what sort of relationship we'd have today if he was still alive. We didn't go through those years of growing apart as priorities changed and we got more involved in activities away from the fmaily. We didn't have to see our relationship change - or didn't get to. Who knows? We may have grown even closer as we got older instead of growing apart. Who would he have married? Would I have approved of her? (Probably not. I probably wouldn't think anyone was good enough for him.) What would he look like now? What would he do for a living? What would be his hobbies and interests? Would he have kids? How many? What would they look like? What would they be like? How would our entire family dynamic be different because he was still with us? How would each of us individually be different because he was still with us? And how would each of us be different because we never felt the pain and the loss of his death? Or because we don't have that constant desire and need to live better lives and ensure we are an eternal family and can be with him again someday? There can be no doubt that he has had a huge impact on my life in many ways. And continues to impact me everyday.

COWGIRL UP!

2008-08-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

I have a great job with a great company and great co-workers. On July 16 we had a company "team building" experience. Basically we all went to Snowbird with all event passes and were able to ride the tram, the zipline, the alpine slide, the mechanical bull, or climb a rock wall as much as we wanted. My favorite - the mechanical bull! I rode it five times and had the awful bruises on the insides of my knees to prove it. (Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of the bruises.)

I thought it was funny that we were all taking photos of the beautiful view with our camera phones. He he.

1 Down 2 To Go

2008-07-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

I made a New Year's Resolution to summit Timpanogos 3 times this year and here is evidence of my first summit of the year. Justin and I took Hiro and hiked ALL DAY long on July 12. It was fun, exhausting, exciting, painful, thrilling, and scary!

I was certain we killed Hiro sliding down the glacier. Justin held him in his lap as he slid down the glacier, but without the use of his hands to stable himself Justin lost control and then lost Hiro. I laughed my head off watching Justin slip and slide and turn, but when he lost Hiro my laughs turned to tears and I watched in horror as Hiro start tumbling. I kept thinking "We just killed our dog!" But once Hiro came to a stop he got up and started walking the rest of the way down the glacier and I knew then that he was alright.
In the end we all survived and what an amazing experience it was.
Justin is glad he did it, but says he won't go again - so I am looking for a hiking partner for my other two trips. Do I have any volunteers?

Moose Volleyball

2008-07-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Justin and I went camping with his family at Jordan Pines Campgrounds up Big Cottonwood Canyon for the long Independence Day weekend. My New Years Resolution to take more pictures has obviously not yet been realized, but it's only July, I have plenty of time to get better. The only pictures I took of the entire weekend were of the moose.
Justin and I got up one morning at 6:30 to use the restrooms and came out of the latrines to find this cute (and intimidating) little family enjoying a nice breakfast just a few yards away from us.

Jaylee

2008-07-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Nolan officially became a dad on Father's Day this year. This is Jaylee Joy Sanders.

My New Ride

2008-06-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Or maybe more appropriately, my new toy.

In a desperate attempt to minimize my carbon footprint I have opted for a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Whatever!
At $4 a gallon I just wanted something that would get me between 60 and 80 miles per gallon. So this is what I ended up with! And it is a blast to drive.

Blue Eye Baby Girl

2008-06-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Rianne has the most amazing blue eyes and I have gotten a few great shots of her in the past. This one is incredible with the sky behind her! And totally on accident. I had no idea it would turn out so well.

Same Hair

2008-06-10T07:57:00.001-07:00

Rianne and I have the same haircut! She just donated 12 inches to Locks of Love and I cut mine a little shorter so now we have the same hair. The fact that we're wearing the same color shirts - well, that's an accident.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I was able to stand at your grave on memorial day to remember and honor you. But that doesn't really matter because I remember and honor you everyday. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. And there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss you terribly. I love you always, Garrett.

National Anthem

2008-05-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth year that Julia has been able to sing the National Anthem at a Bees baseball game. It's sort of becoming a tradition. She sounded amazing, as usual. And I wish I could share the video with you so you could hear, but it's apparently too big to post.

2008-05-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Julia isn't the only singer in the family. This is a video of Jace singing Spider Pig (or Fider Pig, as he sings it) from the Simpson's Movie.

Sam Turns 2!

2008-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

Sam had a party for his 2nd birthday in the firehouse. One of his favorite presents was the puching balloons Jo bought to give out as party favors. He would grab two or three at the same time and just go to town!

Bethany's Hiro & Harry Potter

2008-05-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

May 3rd was Bethany's birthday. She is 3 years old now and is getting so big and grown up. And she was so cute with her presents on her birthday. She really seemed to take to her new puppy named "Hiro", and her musical Harry Potter card.

2008-05-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Art

2008-05-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

One of my new friends at work is an amazing photographer and I wanted to share only a few of my favorite photos of his. I have included a link to his portfolio as well as a link to an internet site he also posts to in my friends blogs and websites. Please check him out he is amazingly talented!

Easter 2008

2008-04-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Justin and I were very fortunate this year to celebrate Easter with both our families in their own ways. We spent Saturday in Monroe on the "hill" with the Paynes and Sunday in Sandy with the Sanders.

Jayden & the Payne Boys

2008-04-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Friday evening before Easter I got to shoot this cute picture of Jayden and the boys.
(Tucker, Jayden, Cade, Logan, Gage, Cooper)

TAG!

2008-04-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Tagged
I have been tagged a few times and I am finally getting around to posting my own.

Things on my to do list:
1. Loose a few pounds
2. Read more
3. Get my backyard presentable
4. Grow a vegetable garden
5. Get my home office organized

5 Jobs I've had:
1. Cemetary Lawn Mower
2. Livestock Handler
3. Art Model
4. Bookseller
5. Administrative Assistant

5 Places I have lived:
1. Monroe, UT
2. Richfield, UT
3. Sandy, UT
4. Layton, UT
5. Riverton, UT

5 Favorite Snacks:
1. Brownies
2. Cake
3. Cookies
4. Take 5 candy bar
5. Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

5 Things I would do if I was a billionaire:
1. Finish College
2. Travel, travel, travel, travel - leave no stone unturned
3. Take care of my family
4. Buy a few kids
5. Invest

5 Things you don't know about me:
1. I have two tattoos
2. I am about to change jobs - again
3. I graduated from Snow College Magna Cum Laude
4. I desperately want to get my Bachelor's Degree
5. I took down a bison with a single shot

I tag Noelle and Katie.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-20T12:56:00.001-08:00

Despite the looks on the faces of some of our younger party goers, we really did have a good time at Jody's house for New Years Eve. We had an ice cream sundae party (Tory's brilliant idea) and played cards.

New Years Resolutions

2008-01-20T12:54:00.001-08:00

Well, I have been thinking lately about my New Years Resolutions. I can only remember one resolution I made last year and that was to be a full tithe payer and I am happy to say that I accomplished it. I know that the year before I made the resolution to send a birthday card to all my siblings and their spouses and I think I did alright, but I am not sure it was a complete success. Maybe if I put mine down on paper this year (or on-line) I'll be more likely to accomplish them and remember them. Maybe if I post them where everyone can see them and hold me to them I'll be more successful this year. So check out my New Years Resolutions section of my blog. It's over there on the left hand side with all my other misc stuff. And to those of you who have also made resolutions this year - good luck!

Monroe Visit

2008-01-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Justin and I got to go spend New Years Eve and the proceeding weekend in Sevier County with my family.

I was fortunate to snap this adorable picture of Bethany.

Here is Talmage with one of his favorite Christmas presents – it’s a remote control robot and it is very cool!

Sam was walking around one morning in his pj's with a severe case of bed head. He was just so cute that I couldn't resist getting a picture of him. This one makes me giggle everytime I see it.

Hiro got tangled up while we were at my parents house. I had to walk out onto the front lawn to get him untangled and Justin's shoes were the closest I could find. I slipped them on and went out to rescue Hiro. Justin thought I looked pretty silly so he snapped this photo of me wearing his big shoes.

New Camera

2008-01-09T19:16:00.001-08:00

I got a new camera for Christmas this year. Nothing really fancy, but it has a few really cool features that I am excited to learn how to use. This is the first picture I took with my new camera. My cute Hiro. Now that I have a new camera I am feeling some pressure to start taking more pictures. And I am hoping that with this new camera my photos will also be better.

Locks of Love

2007-12-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

BEFORE:

Well, I decided that I had had enough of my long hair. It was always getting in the way. When it is SO long it is difficult to keep it off your neck, out of your face, and out of the way. I have been growing it out for over 5 years now and it is just time for a change. Since I was going to get rid of it - I wanted to do something meaningful with it so I donated it to Locks of Love. I cut off nearly 18 inches and was able to donate nearly 17 inches of it to Locks of Love.

(The lighting in this picture makes my hair look like it is really dark on top and then a completely different color on the bottom. Those of you who have seen me know that this isn't the case. Those of you who haven't seen me recently will just have to trust me that it really is just one color from top to bottom.)

AFTER:

Well, you will just have to wait and see me in person to see the "after".

But Justin says that he really likes it - and that is all that really matters to me. (Oh, and that I like it too - and I do.)

Maui September 2007

2007-11-01T20:13:00.001-07:00

Justin and I went to Maui for our 5th anniversary and we had an incredible time!

While we were in Maui we attended the "Taste of Lahaina" annual festival; went snorkeling in Molokini Crater; snorkeling with the sea turtles at Turtle Town; hiked Waihe'e Ridge; drove around the upper side of the island where we were able to see many villages like the tiny, but beautiful village of Kahakuloa; hiked the inside of the Haleakala volcano; visited Iao Valley and Kepaniwai Park; drove the Road to Hana and saw many waterfalls; visited Waianapanapa State Park's amazing black sand beach and sea arch; visited the Seven Pools; drove up the backroads into Maui's mountains to Polipoli State Park; got beat up by the waves at Makena Beach; and swam at several different beaches including our own private beach (it sure felt like it was our own private beach).

Brayden's Haircut

2007-09-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Brayden got his first haircut! He looks so mature now - and he's not even two, yet!

(September 2007)

FOOTBALL SEASON

2007-09-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

The 2007 football season is finally here! Justin and I got season tickets to BYU football and we are so excited! We went to their first game against Arizona on Saturday, September 1, 2007. There were some mistakes made and they could improve in a few areas, but all-in-all a good game and a good team. We are really excited to see if they can pull out another season like last years! By the way, BYU won 20 - 7. I was hoping for a shut-out, but I'll settle for the win. (I forgot my camera, so I wasn't able to get a game photo).

Two Princesses

2007-08-24T07:48:00.001-07:00

Here are two beautiful little princesses.

LEAH
Leah, age 2

BELLA

Bella, 11 months

Lake Powell

2007-08-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe, but this was our first trip to Lake Powell.

These pictures were taken on August 3, 2007. We are on top of the houseboat as we are docked in Iceberg Canyon. It is so beautiful there.

And here is the whole clan. We had a great time swimming, tubing, riding the wave runner, playing games - especially the iPod game, doing "Happy/Sad" each night, and just spending time with family. To our gracious hosts: Thank you for inviting us and letting us share this time with you.

Jadyn & Dixie

2007-08-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist snatching this photo from Logan and Jayme's blog. This photo is just too cute!

Couch Potato Returns

2007-08-21T20:17:00.001-07:00

This picture looks a little familiar.

How cute, he's feeding Sully and Mike.

Hiro

2007-08-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hiro doesn't like to hold still for very long and he suspects the camera is a toy and I am just playing "keep away" from him so we have a very hard time getting good pictures of him. I don't think he's very photogenic either because he seems so much cuter in person.

I just love his little curly pig tail.

Rianne

2007-08-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Rianne after her dance recital.
I love this picture of Rianne as she squints against the sun with her pink sunglasses sitting on top of her head.

Best Friends

2007-08-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

I think if they lived closer together these two would be best friends. They just love to play together.

My boys

2007-08-21T19:49:00.001-07:00

Those are my boys! This picture was taken the day after we got Hiro.

Daylon

2007-08-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Daylon, age 9

Couch Potato

2007-08-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

He's the cutest little couch potato I've ever seen.

Brayden, June 2007

Big Sister

2007-08-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Jadyn's a big sister now. Cooper was born April 26, 2007.

He was a big boy at 8 lbs 4 oz and nearly 23 inches long.

Sam

2007-08-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Sam. He is so adorable!

1 year old!

2007-08-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Nadia

2007-08-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

I got these two photos from Nadia's blogspot. Isn't she adorable?

Brown Eyed Girls

2007-08-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

What can we say? We're gorgeous!

My shirt says "Brown Eyed Beauty" and Bethany's says

"Everyone Loves a Brown Eyed Girl".

Easter Egg Hunt 2007

2007-08-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Gage

Rianne

Bethany

Talmage

Sam and Grandpa

relax in the Blazer.

Nadia kicks back. Content with her egg.

Bethany

2007-08-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Right side up. Upside down. It makes no difference. Either way, I make these look good.

March 2007

Cousins

2007-08-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

Sam, DarRell, and Brayden

Believe it or not, but these two cousins are only a few months apart.
Sam is about 8 months old in this picture and Brayden is about 11 months old.

Yoda

2007-08-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Very cute, I am. Halloween 2006, this picture was taken.

Cute Kids

2007-08-21T17:59:00.001-07:00

These are some of the cutest kids on the planet.

Daylon, age 8

Rianne, age 5

Sam, 5 months

Mighty Hunter

2007-08-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Justin got to go deer hunting for the first time in September 2005. With Caleb as his guide, Justin was able to bag this "trophy" buck within the first few hours.

Quaking Aspen

2007-08-21T17:48:00.001-07:00

It's Payne family tradition - you have to put your name on a quakie. While deer hunting we ran across this tree where we had put our names in 2001. It is still a little difficult to read because it is still a bit new, but it says Justin & Maria August 18, 2001.

2nd Honeymoon

2007-08-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

For our third anniversary we went to New York, Maine, and New Hampshire. I guess you could call this little vacation a 2nd honeymoon. We spent about 3 days in New York City’s time square, 3 days in Maine, and 1 night in New Hampshire with Justin's best friend from high school.

While in New York we took a harbor tour and got to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium and so many other cool sights.

Ground Zero

2007-08-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

We visited Ground Zero. This is a portion of the mememorial that surrounds the grounds. It contains the names of every victim of that dreadful day. Across the street from Ground Zero is a small firehouse and on the side of the building is a memorial to the heros of that company who gave their lives on 9/11. Being at Ground Zero was such an amazing and humbling experience.

Guggenheim

2007-08-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

We got to visit the Guggenheim, the Met, and the Museum of Natural History. We also got to walk around Central Park, saw Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and went to the top of the Empire State Building. I think visiting the Met was my favorite part of New York - I was within a foot of the masterpeices of Van Gogh, Monet, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many others. (I got a little verklempt.)

Portland Head

2007-08-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Since I love lighthouses I couldn’t go to Maine without visiting as many lighthouses as possible. This is Portland Head lighthouse in Portland where we spent our first night in Maine.

Pemaquid Point

2007-08-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

From Portland we drove up to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Forest where we spent the rest of our time in Maine. On the way to Acadia we stopped at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse near Bristol, Maine. It was also near here that we stopped for lunch and I had the best clam chowder in my life!

The shore line at Pemaquid Point is spectacular! This photo was taken from the shore line up towards the lighthouse.

Bass Harbor Light

2007-08-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Bass Harbor Lighthouse is located on Mount Desert Island. This is a picture of the light as seen from the parking area.

This is a picture of the lighthouse as seen from the rocky shore below. You cannot go inside this lighthouse as the captain of the coastguard and his family live there. I should have joined the coastguard!

Sandy Beach

2007-08-19T17:11:00.001-07:00

This is where we finally able to put our feet into the Atlantic Ocean, sort of. It was really much too cold to get in, but we walked along the small beach for a while. And we were able to snap this nice photo.