2010: The Recap

For the past few years I have done a recap of my year and the highlights of said year (2007, 2008, 2009).  This year I don't feel like putting as much work into a recap (much like last year). Mostly because reliving my past year will bring up some sad feelings in my heart and I'm not wanting to do that to myself.  SO! Instead I've decided to give you my favorite post from each month. I do like looking over the past and seeing what I've accomplished. So here you go...a recap of Alishka Babushka and her life.....

January

The best part of January (that month always seems to suck, ya know?) was the fact that I hit my 3-month mark in ACL recovery. Awesome-sauce.

February

impending doom is never a fun thing, but it does lead to some fun conversations with on-line friends. it also leads to fun blog posts.

March

March was kind of a crazy month and some interesting things happened. I had my birthday and that rocked...but I also got a little confused (though that's no surprise to some people).

April

April was a REALLY good month. However, the best part was easily the day when I got told my knee was good as new! woo hoo!

May

May was a roller coaster month. But there was a gem of a blog post that appeared. Makes me happy.

June

June was a fairly eventful month and I had a hard time choosing a post that was my favorite. I really liked the month of June.  However, I forgot that I read one of my favorite reads of 2010 in the month of June. I shared a review of this book with you in conjunction with my Day Zero goals. Go take a looksee!

July

July was a crappy month overall. I'm surprised I survived it to tell you the truth. The best post is probably the wordiest one of the month...i warn you though, it's not necessarily cohesive.

August

well...It seems my summer months were just kind of lame when it came to posting! I think I know why...but anyways. I guess the best post would be just one of mum-drum ones of the month...that's all i seemed to post! Oh well...Moving on.

September

September was a better month, although I did suffer from some nightmares....

October

October was an interesting month. I celebrated the one year anniversary of my new ACL, but I also struggled to find motivation for working out. I have since found said motivation...but it's interesting to me to see when I finally kicked it into gear. :o)

November

The beginning of the holiday rush. I happened to have a good November and was sunny, spunky, and stealthy. :o)

December

this is a hard one. Obviously, the biggest thing to happen to me happened at the very beginning of the month, but my favorite post so far has been the introductions...guess i'll just leave you with both of them. :o)

Well...there you go. A glimpse of 2010. I am already making plans for 2011. I have dreams and plans and so many other things. We'll see what all comes true...but come back tomorrow to find out my Word of the Year - aka my theme for 2011. :o) Happy New Year!

the last Thursday Things of 2010!

Well dear friends, it's the last Thursday Things of 2010. Hard to believe that the year ends in just one more day. Here are some final thoughts before my recap tomorrow.

• My vacation is almost over. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Virginia. It has been a nice break from reality.
• I will not miss my perpetually cold toes and nose. That has been that least fun part of my trip.
• Tomorrow is New Years Eve. I will spend most of the day on an airplane or in an airport.
• I brought the perfect amount of books with me. I love when I guesstimate correctly how much I'll read.
• I think flirting is fun. Makes me giggle.

Hope you all enjoy your final hours of 2010!!

a little something

I am sitting on my parent's couch in Virginia with freezing cold toes and nose. I am doing my best to make sure I keep said appendages, but right now I am not so sure right now.

Anyways, while I try to stay warm I wanted to share a little something with you.

I love music and always have, and right now there is a song that I am totally digging right now: Strip Me by Natasha Bedginfield.  Enjoy!!

Tender Mercy Tuesday

I find it hard to believe that it has been a week already since my last post. It is amazing to me how fast time is flying.

I want to share just one (of the many) tender mercy with you today.  I have been studying my scriptures more diligently as of late and while reading in Alma 38 I had several moments where i thought, this scripture is for me! The whole chapter is filled with gems and encouraging thoughts, but verse 5 hit it home for me when it says: 

"And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

This scripture just hit me in the right place that night while studying and I strongly felt my  Heavenly Father's love for me. It is amazing to me now that I am being more diligent in my studies of the scriptures and reading more with a purpose I am finding answers to my questions. So wonderful!

Anyways, there's my tender mercy for you today. I'd love to hear your thoughts or your own tender mercy from the past week if you're feeling like sharing!

A Christmas Gift to you - Introductions

My dearest Internet friends. I hope this Christmas morning finds you in places you love most with the people you love most.

I love giving presents.  This year, I was most excited for my gift that I gave my parents.  You see, life has not been very easy for them with still having two houses and the such - and I wanted to do something special for them.  So I gathered up my siblings, we all pitched in and purchased a gift certifiacte to the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia. I made my mom tear up (which was totally the goal) and they are excited to use their gift. The greatest thing about it was that when I purchased their gift certificate I entered the drawing for their monthly giveaway....and then I WON! So...My parents got double the amount they would have originally which made it even better. :o) Happy Day.

Now, I have a gift for each of you!!!  Today I am going to introduce you to a new group of characters on my blog and a meme that I would like to call Dating Battle Stories.  Each time I have a fun adventure with dating I will bring up this fun meme.  It won't be a regular weekly thing like my other two memes, but a meme regardless.  Also, each of these Dating Battle Stories will feature a different picture - thanks to my awesome roommate who likes to draw stick figures of me and fun situations with boys.

So...let us begin with the Introductions of the cast of characters from some dating battle stories that I have had as of late. The next couple of weeks will be me playing catch up on the fun times I have had in December and then you can look forward to the occasional Dating Battle Story in the months following as I date and flirt (because I'm really good at doing those things.)

Without further ado....

{artwork by Roommate A}

The Characters:

Sweetums - Named not becuase he looks anything like the muppet....but he does love the Muppets. I know Sweetums from High School. He loves music, pumpkin spice egg nog, and road trips. He's very nice and gives the best hugs. I've crushed on him in times past, but the timing has never quite worked for us.

The Australian - Named because he was born and then lived in (for a few years) Australia. He just got home from his mission in Japan, is Roommate A's boyfriend's friend and is the nicest person ever.

Mad Dog - I've known Mad Dog for years and when I first met him swing dancing that is how he introduced himself. He had a hand in creating Blue Tango (my favorite dancing venue) and has crushed on me for a long time.

Blindman - I haven't met Blindman as of yet. Roommate A is setting me up with this person. All I know about him is that he's "cool" and that he lives with Roommate A's boyfriend.


So there you go. The cast of characters for future Dating Battle Stories. I hope you're looking forward to them. I know I am! Now...I must go and run off that apple pie from last night.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Happy Christmas Eve!!!

I love, love, love Christmas Eve. I have posted about it several times in past years. It is just a happy day in our house.  This year I am more excited for what gift my siblings and I got my parents. I could care less as to what I got - I know I will love my gifts, but this year it doesn't seem to matter to me that much.

It has been odd being here in some ways. I have never been out to see my family without leaving a significant other on the other side of the country. I am a little jealous of Sister B and her boyfriend....but at the same time I am okay with it. It feels right and I'm okay being single this year. I know I say this almost every year in my journal - but I can't help but think that this could be the last year of the holidays being JUST our family.  I wouldn't be surprised if there is at least one significant other here next year...or something. I don't know. Someday things will change and it will be interesting when they do.

Enough of me waxing poetic...Happy Christmas Eve!!! enjoy all of your lovely traditions. :o)

Thursday things...in Virginia!!

Well my dear internet friends, I am in Virginia! I am here with my family freezing my toes off. It is really cold (and there's even a tad bit of snow on the ground!) but I am so happy! I love hanging out with my family.  Before I leave you today, let me list off a few things that have happened:

• Part of my flight here included me flying American Airlines. Did you know that AA gives you the whole can of whatever you get when it comes to drink time? This made me heart super happy. One whole can of Coke for me!

• Went and saw Tangled this afternoon. Adorable movie with fun dialog and a cute story.

• I pulled an all-nighter Tue-Wed. It was fun times. 

• I know I've promised an update and nyms on boys and that IS coming...maybe I'll make it my Christmas gift to you. I'll work on that.

• I'm having a wonderful holiday - I hope you do too!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Tender Mercy Tuesday: 3rd Edition

 And here we are with the 3rd edition of Tender Mercy Tuesday! I have started labeling my blog posts (in case you hadn't noticed) so you can click on the label below to see all of the awesomeness that is Tender Mercy Tuesday. Also, if I can figure it out maybe I'll create an extra tab with them all there or something. I don't know.

Anyways. Onward and Upward yes? YES!

Tender Mercies from this week:

1. I had a friend invite me over for dinner and during our conversations I came to some more realizations and conclusions that are helping me each day. It is amazing to me how the Lord inserts little events each day to help us overcome the big overall picture.

2. Speaking of friends, I seriously have the best friends ever. You know when you're dating someone you're not the best friend in the world? Sure you try to keep in contact with people and you'll answer their messages and stuff...but you don't really try to make them a priority. Well, since my breakup all of my friends have been so great to let me back into their lives. Sure, they're not dropping everything for me....but they are willing to make plans with me and do stuff! It makes my heart happy.

3. There was a lot of snow outside this morning when I left for work (and it is still snowing) but I made it to work safe and sound. Yay for nice cars that get me to places safely.


In other news I leave tomorrow morning to go see my family in VA. I hope to keep posting and sharing my adventures with you, but I am only taking George the netbook with me. :o) All that stands between me and getting on the plane is the rest of the work day today, one ballet class (maybe?! I really don't want to drive to the studio in this weather), delivering a Christmas gift to a friend, getting some new books, and watching A Muppet Christmas Carol with my roommate, her boyfriend, and a friend who is yet to have a 'nym. (I'm sorry about that, really, I am. I know how hard it is to keep track of people I keep mentioning on the down-low and not giving you details. The good news is that I am working on the post that explains all....with pictures! be excited!

BUSY!!!

{source}

I am so super busy right now! Basically here's what is between me and leaving for Virginia in 2 days:

• 18 hours of work
• 3 loads of laundry
• packing
• 2.75 mile run at the gym
• a trip to Walmart
• one ballet class
• a visit with Angie
• delivering Christmas presents to some friends
• a Muppet Christmas Carol with a friend (working on the 'nym. sorry)

 Crazy eh? I can't believe how busy I am right now. I had a fabulous weekend and should have a great 2 days and then I'll be with my family! YAY! So excuse me....I have a huge pile of to do items sitting here on my desk. :o)

Thursday Things

Welcome to the second addition of ..... {drum roll}

Today's things are brought to you from a sleep deprived Alishka Babushka. I've been trying to find my wings again in the single world and be the social butterfly I know I can be each and every day. (that sounded so cheesy.) I think I'm doing fairly well if I do say so myself. (I still miss SwingKid. someday I'll write about my experience, but I'm not ready yet to do that here.)

Anyways. let's get on with the things of today shall we?

• Sweaters are warm when it is cold outside. But by the late afternoon it's way too hot in my office to be wearing a sweater. sigh. 

• I get to DANCE and PERFORM again! YAY! Most of the directors from the studio I teach at are going to do a director's piece. I am so so so excited at this opportunity to dance again! I'll keep you posted on ticket buying and stuff, because let's be honest...you're gonna want to see me dance!

• Tomorrow is my day off. This makes me happy.

• I have more stories. I really need to just be brave enough to tell them....once I get a certain thing from my roommate then I will create another meme. Maybe. :o) 

There you go. Thursday Things. What are some of the things on your mind today?

Simplify

Today I am going to simplify.

I plan on turning my to-do list into a what I did today list. I need some completion in my life and not just a continuous "this needs to be done!!"

Anyways.  I mentioned a few things on the docket today earlier on twitter...Here they are plus a few more:

work. gym. clean house. be worry free. enjoy. smile. laugh. breathe. celebrate. create. sleep.

{source}

 how are you simplifying your life today?

Tender Mercy Tuesday

Welcome to the 2nd addition of Tender Mercy Tuesday.

1.  I have been so happy this past week and I know why and that's just been the best tender mercy ever.

2.  Reconnected with a high school friend and it was SO MUCH FUN. We have plans for the future. Basically we're going to take over the world one muppet at a time. :o)

3.  The weather has been so pretty as of late! I wouldn't mind a little bit of snow (mostly because I want to play in it) but I have enjoyed the sunshine!

What are your Tender Mercies today?

Forgotten

I had a post idea for today, but now I can't remember what I REALLY TRULY wanted to say.

I have lots of stories. Well. Maybe only two stories. They are about boys. (yes, boys, plural) Said boys need 'nyms. I am not feeling up to coming up with creative 'nyms. I might just use random, weird names. When I do, I will tell the stories.

I have semi-plans for New Year's Eve. What I really have is a girlfriend picking me up from the airport and a boy (from the stories) that wants to hang out and do stuff. We need a game plan. Suggestions for free stuff for New Year's Eve?

I have found music that sort of describes my feelings on how things are now that SwingKid and I are no longer dating. However, one of the songs could be classified as an angry girl song. I am not angry, but the lyrics work. But i wonder if people would really understand if I shared it here.

I am happy.

Utah is having a warm spell. I'm hoping this means VA will have a warm spell when I get there in 9 DAYS.

the end.

It's finally Friday! do do do do...

Growing up I listened to KBULL 93.3 FM. (Yes, I was raised a country girl. deal with it) And at 5pm EVERY Friday they would always play this mish mash thing of a song that included this bit about "It's finally Friday!"

I loved that song.

OH MY GOSH! I just FOUND IT! Please listen and enjoy!!! :o)



Anyways. It's Friday. Even though I'm at work today...It's only 8 hours and then I'm getting a bang trim (with my new style it's REALLY hard to cut them myself.) and then I'll teach ballet and after that it will be off to SLC with Sister B, her boyfriend, and a new friend of mine. It's going to be a blast. I'm rather excited about it all.

And now, for some Friday-Fill in funness!

1. I wish that I had a magic wand for certain aspects of my life.

2. I sort of wish there was snow on the ground...that's what I'm thinking.

3. Please bring fun times!

4. Belgian Dark Hot Chocolate is so amazing.

5. One of my fondest hopes is to get married. Someday.

6. You have been such a help to me, a fabulous friend, and HUGE support and I just wanted to say thank you.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the lights on temple square and good company, tomorrow my plans include teaching, the gym, lunch with HiccupMel and some gift making and Sunday, I want to perform to my best ability in church and at the fireside!

What the What?!

another new meme? why yes. Another meme. This one stemmed from posting the past couple of weeks and me having "thing" posts. So...I've created a cute little banner and today I introduce to you:

a simple meme really. Every Thursday I will post "thursday things" essentially just a few THINGS that I have been thinking about/doing that don't necessarily warrant their own blog post. It should be a fun little meme. Participate if you'd like. Steal my banner, I don't care! Just leave a comment so I can come visit you and your things! :o)

So...onward and upward.

• I have been feeling fairly happy this week. I've still felt like posting - which is amazing to me in some ways and not surprising in others. Writing and expressing my feelings has always helped.

• related the above one - I've started writing more diligently in my personal journal and it has been very....healing.

• I get free lunch today. I'm very excited for this.

• I leave for VA in 13 days. WOOT!

• I have started to notice how the running has been helping my body - I'm a trimmer, more slimmed down version of Alishka. I'm excited about this.

• Also related to the thing above - I am planning on continuing the couch to 5k after i finish next week - but doing it to get faster. At the same time I am also going to implement a strength training workout 2-3x a week. Not sure exactly what that is going to involve yet, but I know it will make feel even BETTER!

what are some of your "things?"

tender mercies

So. I have decided to institute a brand new meme around here. I'm calling it Tender Mercy Tuesdays where in I tell you all about the tender mercies that I have been blessed with in the past week. (or maybe just some of them. but you get the point.) Wonder what I'm talking about when it comes to tender mercies? Read this amazing talk by Elder David A. Bednar - an Apostle of Jesus Christ.

This week's tender mercies:

1. the hymns in sacrament meeting that we sung were my favorite and the ones closest to my heart.
2. I found out last night about something a friend has been doing - without knowing why - and it touched me.
3. My awesome roommate who introduces me to awesome movies.
4. New friends.
5. I completed my workout last night. Felt awesome.

What are your tender mercies?

p.s. I'll still sometimes participate in Ten on Tuesday. Not today, but sometimes. :o)

editor's note:
also. I'm bored of doing the links to past years. while it's nice to link to what happened and reminisce...I tend to forget to do it. Sorry. maybe i'll do it more, but I'm not going to guarantee on anything.

weekend: the good and the ugly

things that happened this weekend that i WANT to talk about:

• i bought new boots. really really cute boots. and they were on sale and then even more on sale when i got to the cash register. which was seriously the best thing ever.

• my sister spent the weekend with me. she's awesome. the end.

• i got a blue-ray player as my christmas bonus from work this year. i'm excited to get it plugged in.

• i bought a router for my apt to get wireless internet and i WAS having issues with it, but i am so smart that i figured it out and now i have wireless. yay yay yay.

things that happened this weekend that i DON'T want to talk about

• the ridiculousness of some people (who will not be named) from the studio i teach for. ugh. politics.

• SwingKid and I broke up. I'll probably be MIA for the next few days. I'm just trying to live each day as it comes...because for now that's all i can do.

(comments off. sorry.)

thoughts today

• my running program is treating me so well. I need something similar for weight lifting. After this program ends, (and I start it again at a faster speed to reduce my 5k time) i hope to add strength training to my workout so I can trim down some fat.

• I really want to dance again. another director and i are hoping to do a "directors" piece this year in the gala. we'll see how that goes down.

• tonight is my work Christmas party. It should be fun....although they are serving fish and I hate fish. so that sucks. but the party itself should be fun. :o)

• i'm going dancing tonight. hurrah! i haven't been to Blue Tango in several weeks and I am much looking forward to tonight's dance.

• I don't work tomorrow, but I don't feel like I have the day off. See...tomorrow my cute company girls are presenting "Clara's Nutcracker" along with a bunch of jazz Christmas pieces at 4 different elementary schools. It should be fun.

• Three weeks from yesterday I fly to VA. 20 days. CRAZY!!

• I bought SwingKid's present today. I think he'll like it. I sure hope he will.

• My parent's gift is going to ROCK! I got some amazing news about it yesterday but seeing as how they both read this we'll keep it a secret. If I remember, I'll tell you about it after Christmas.

• I decorated for Christmas and my house looks SO CUTE. I love Christmas decorations

• Have I mentioned how GOOD  I feel lately? I attribute it to my running program. It is doing amazing things for me and I am SO SO SO happy I decided to do this couch to 5k program. :o)

one year ago
two years ago

Things

Thing 1: it is VERY COLD outside and my toes are freezing. (still)

Thing 2: I ran the required 2.5 miles as part of my workout program last night. I am awesome. When you add in the warm-up and cool down my total distance was 3.05 miles in 40 minutes. I'm a little sore today, but it feels GREAT.

Thing 3: Pumpkin Pie for breakfast is like THE BEST thing ever.

Thing 4: I bought a Christmas Ballet CD the other day. I'm rather excited to teach with it. :o) Should be festive fun.

Thing 5: The countdown has begun. I leave for VA in 23 days...that is CRAZY.

Thing 6: Ten on Tuesday. Woo hoo!

1. Where are you from? Have you lived there your whole life?
I am from Payson, UT and no, I have not lived there my whole life. Seeing as how my family has moved 15+ times since I was born = many different homes. Also, my family is no longer in Payson, UT.

2. How would you classify your clothing style?
Uh...Comfortable, Chic, and Cute.

3. What kind of car do you drive?
A 2002 Toyota Camry. :o)

4. What would your dream home look like if you could have it (or already do!)?
hmmm. I definitely want a nice kitchen with lots of counter space. I also would love lots of storage space and a decent sized bedrooms.

5. Do you have kids, and if so, how many and how old were you when you had them?
I have zero kids.

6. What is your favorite hobby?
hmm. I love dancing and cooking/baking. oh and if kissing can count as a hobby I love kissing.

7. Are you going to have any New Year’s resolutions for 2011?
I have a lot of goals...but I always have a lot of goals. So I'm sure I'll have some new ones on January 1, but I'm not speaking them out loud. At least...not yet.


8. What is something, if anything, that you’d want to change about yourself?
hmmm....there are several things I would love to change...but then I wouldn't be me anymore.

9. What is something that you love about yourself?
I love that I can be self-motivated (sometimes) and that I DO set goals for myself.

10. Pick one of the following: Someone to cook for you, someone to do your laundry, or someone to do your dishes.
hmm...I love to cook, but having someone to cook for me on occasion would be nice. Laundry isn't the end of the world...and dishes...well. I can get in the mood for dishes, but in the long run - i'd go with someone to do my dishes. :o)



one year ago
two years ago

stupid snow

I'm blaming the snow for the reason why i am so freakin' tired right now.

{source}

See, I have a window in my bedroom. (I love windows. They make my heart happy) and while I don't get a ton of DIRECT sunlight, I do get some of the street lamp/sidewalk lamp light in through my window.  Now, because there is about 10" of snow on the ground, the lights reflect and create this orangish glow in my bedroom that made it SO difficult to fall asleep. Pretty much, it was the worst thing ever. Normally I love the snow-glow. Especially when there are big huge snowflakes falling down and I'm on a walk with SwingKid.  However, last night was not the time for a snow-glow to be lighting up my room. It sucked.

That is all. I have 3.5 more work days to get through + 4 Christmas Elementary school assemblies to get through before my weekend. Joy.

I'm not bitter. yet.


two years ago

things i am doing today

let me just mention....there's about a foot of snow outside that made my travels to church this morning quite adventurous. I did make it safely and didn't die though, so that's good.

and now...things i'm doing today:

• making yummy lunch
• indexing. (this is so easy and awesome! love it!)
• avoiding cheesy Christmas movies. 
• reading a good book
• trying to keep my nose warm
• admiring my adorable tree skirt i made yesterday.

what are you doing today?

two years ago 
four years ago

Holy War Saturday

Well...today was the Holy War. You know, the BYU vs U of U game. We did so well and I'm so proud of our cougars....but we just couldn't pull off the win. We lost by one. So sad. :o(

Now, I'm sitting here with a full tummy of Cafe Rio and soon SwingKid and I will go dancing. :o)

Enjoy your Saturday guys.

one year ago
two years ago 
five years ago

Happy Black Friday!

I have, on occasion, gone shopping on Black Friday. Only when I'm in dire need of something someone has on sale. This year, I'm not in dire need. :o) This year, I'm going to clean my house (it looks like a mini-tornado swept through here), listen to Christmas music and decorate my house for Christmas. I love Christmas. :o)

With that said, here's some Friday Fill-in for you!

1. Three things I must have on my Thanksgiving table: rolls, Turkey, and my mom's Cranberry Jello salad (i made it this year).

2. I love being with SwingKid sacked out on the couch.

3. This is one of the best Thanksgivings without my family I've ever had.

4. I believe it is time to decorate my house for the holidays!

5. Oh, man, thankfully it's my mini-vacation. I need this time off!

6. Someday I want to perfect the art of amazing rolls.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing special, tomorrow my plans include probably babysitting and the BYU-Utah Football game! aka the HOLY WAR and Sunday, I want to enjoy the last little bit of my holiday break!

two years ago

Gobble till you Wobble

{source}

Happy Thanksgiving!!

editor's note: this was supposed to post yesterday. i'm not sure what happened...

waiting...

I am sitting at work here this morning in our VERY empty office (I think I am one of ten people here today) and I'm anxiously waiting for the clock to strike 5pm.

After 5 pm I am free from any kind of work obligation until Monday morning at 7am.  I don't have any ballet classes, no work, nothing. I am very much looking forward to my time off. After going to the gym tonight I'll head home and make the cranberry-jello salad that I'm bringing to dinner tomorrow. Tomorrow morning is dedicated to pumpkin pie making and then eating lots of yummy, yummy food with SwingKid's family.

Our winter storm came and went without leaving much of anything in Cougar Town. SLC got pounded, as did much of the northern part of the state all the way down to Lehi...but we got nothing. :P It like skipped over me completely. I was a little sad about this because I was very much looking forward to an adventure, and it just wasn't as exciting as anticipated. :P

Oh well. At least I was safe. :o)

Have a great day y'all! Happy Thanksgiving!!

tuesday!

well guys there's like this huge storm coming my way and stuff. Winter warnings, blizzard talk...it should prove for an exciting evening in with SwingKid. (canceled the ballet classes for tonight. no driving on the crazy I-15 for me!)

anyways. I'm getting very excited for the rest of this week (just have to get through 9 hours of work tomorrow!) and then the rest of the holiday season. :o)

And now I bring you (before I get back to my crazy busy desk) Ten on Tuesday.

1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?
This year I am spending Thanksgiving with SwingKid and his family. Sister B is spending the holiday with HER boyfriend's family...so it will be a very different year for everyone involved.  I am traveling to VA to see my family at Christmas time and I am very much looking forward to that because I get 10 whole days to be with them! (well...more like 8 when you minus two days for flying...but still!)

2. How do you make the plans for the holiday? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?
I make plans on how I feel. SwingKid hasn't ever come out to VA for the holidays...it's really expensive and until we're engaged it will probably stay that way. We just...decide I guess?

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?
I'm a fan of having the meal in the early afternoon. Around 2pm. Which is exactly when I'll be eating this year. :o)

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
uh. no. eating good food and being with family is about as crazy as I get.

5. After a big meal do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?
hmm. usually I lounge. Maybe play a game or two of something festive.

6. Do you shop on “Black Friday” or do you avoid it?
Sometimes I shop on Black Friday, sometimes I don't. It honestly depends on what deals are out there and if I want anything bad enough to get up that early in the morning.

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?
Early. I'm a planner and very organized with my Christmas shopping. I should have it all done before December 10th this year. (probably the latest yet...but SwingKid is HARD to shop for and he's being difficult this year)

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? Is there a budget?
Yes we do. We don't have a set budget...seeing as how one of us has always been in school while we've been dating the budget has been "don't go broke."

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?
Thanksgiving weekend. After Thanksgiving. I plan on doing it Friday/Saturday/Sunday this year. :o)


10. Do you go “all out” with the decor or do you keep it simple?
um....I live in an apt. so I can't really decorate the outside...but I do go pretty "far out" in the living room. I love christmas decor!


one year ago
two years ago

drum roll please....

and the winner is.... (via random.org).........

commenter #4!!! Which just so happens to be HiccupMel!!! Yay! I'll get your email address off to CSN and they will get you your $35 gift certificate. :o) Enjoy your prize!

In other news...I have a 3-day work week this week. I am really stoked about this. I have plans to go to SwingKid's family's house for Thanksgiving and it should be so much fun.

That's about it. Life is pretty good right now. The end.

two years ago
three years ago

space case

i'm a space case.

i totally forgot to post something yesterday! I fail. oh well.

yesterday was a busy day, but successful. I bought two new adorable shirts, finished a sunday school lesson, went grocery shopping, and delivered something to Sister B.

that is all.

Today has been good. My sunday school lesson went really well and I'm really happy with how it ended up turning out. Now I get to go to choir, get visit taught and enjoy some reading before dinner w/SwingKid and his family. woo hoo.

Enjoy your sabbath.

p.s. Today's the last day to enter the giveaway. don't forget!!

two years ago

just a quickie

so i don't have much time. but i just have to stop by to say a few things.

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY! :o)

2nd....I got to see Harry Potter #7 today! IT WAS AWESOME

Through my twitter account, and Harper Teen....I won a copy of Darkest Mercy. I am very, VERY excited by this. :o)


The end. more details tomorrow. maybe.

two years ago

sunny, spunky, and stealthy

SUNNY: my disposition, the outside, life...etc.

SPUNKY: me, my mom, my sister, my outfits (on occasion)

STEALTHY: me and christmas presents, the sun (sometimes it hides, sometimes it comes out)

guys. work has been crazy. i'm dying. really. so tired. mouth hurts. etc. etc. etc.

HOWEVER! I have a 3-day weekend this weekend. (THANK YOU FOR THE DAY OFF WORK!) and I have so many awesome things planned for tomorrow. including but not limited to: early morning temple trip, HP7 w/SwingKid, a waxing appt., a ballet class and sleep!

also. next week is Thanksgiving (YAY! MORE TIME OFF! MORE SLEEP!) and then the week after that is another 3-day weekend for me (MORE DAYS OFF! LOVE MY JOB!)

so basically. life is awesome. don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY. (there are like, 3 entries right now. it would be sad if you didn't win because you were too lazy)

have a good weekend guys. i know i will. i'll keep you posted on what i'm doing. :o)

A little something special...

because it is Wednesday and because my mouth still hurts (although it is feeling better, thanks for you concern guys) AND because I am awesome and stuff....I'm giving away a $35 gift certificate to CSN stores!!!

I'm really excited about this gift certificate! From CSN's awesome bathroom shelving, to their funky wall art and one can't forget the fact that you can even purchase SHOES! from CSN stores. :o)

Awesome right? Best way to spend a Wednesday right? Entering a giveaway for a chance to win $35?! Think of the awesomeness you could buy for yourself! Or...you could even use that money for a Christmas gift for a parent, sibling, significant other...you get the idea.

The conditions:

1. leave a comment telling me the ONE thing you want most for Christmas. This will enter you into the giveaway. (make sure I have a way to contact you if you're the winner. in other words, leave an email or address or make sure your profile has an email address on it. If you leave a comment with no way to be contacted I will pick another winner.)

2. enter by Sunday, November 21st at 11:49pm MST.

3. I will pick a winner using random.org on Monday morning (because what better way to start a Holiday week then by picking a WINNER?!)


I hate dealing with extra entry stuff on any giveaway I ever enter so I'm not giving you this option.  However, I won't tell you to not spread the word to your friends through twitter, or facebook, or your blog or whatever, but you won't get any extra entries for doing such things. However, the extra happy karma couldn't hurt right? PLUS! I'd love for your friends to meet me so I can meet them and have more internet friends. I love internet friends.

Speaking of which! This is the perfect time to make yourself known if you're some kind of lurker or whatever. Make your presence known!

And finally....may the luckiest commenter win. :o)


one year ago
two years ago
three years ago

teething

several years ago I got my top two wisdom teeth out.  (there was room for the bottom ones, to they left them in)

then a couple of years ago my bottom wisdom teeth started to come in. I remember the pain...sort of.

and now, either my tooth sunk and is recoming in, or it's just coming more or something...but my bottom left wisdom tooth is coming in and it HURTS. seriously y'all....I'm dying. I'm taking tylenol and using orajel....but nothing seems to be helping. It hurts to eat. (which is no fun)

so today at work i'm a little ornery and I'm tired but that's because i'm stupid. no worries. i learned my lesson. maybe.

in any case, i am not feeling like participating in ten on Tuesday today. maybe I'll use the questions for a post later this week. all i know is that i feel like crap. sorry. hope your day is  better than mine.


one year ago
two years ago

mondayness

So...I felt pretty sick at times this weekend. Right now I don't feel awful  but I don't feel 100% either. I hate that feeling.

So basically I don't feel like posting anything here...but since I'm TRYING to post every day...I thought I would leave you with this video that one of my other friends shared with me. It's all sort of hilarious and I hope you like it. :o)






two years ago
five years ago

sunday link

my daddy sent me this link yesterday. While this is someting that I have seen before, I just love it. I probably have even shared it on here some time ago...but I don't care. Enjoy this little bit of awesomeness.



two years ago

Sick Saturday

really it ended up being a sick Friday. I felt SO SO SO sick last night. I came home from teaching and changed into sweats, cuddled in a blanket and still felt cold. It was a sad night. So I canceled all my plans for last night. I'm not doing anything with Sister B today (she's been sick and doesn't want to be sick again...plus i shouldn't make food for others....) and I'm just chillin on the couch doing some crafty things and watching the BYU football game.

Hope you have a fabulous Saturday.


one year ago
two years ago
three years ago
four years ago
five years ago

a friday fill in....

well. It's finally that time again. Does anybody else feel like it took AGES to get to today? I'm pretty sure this week was like 6 days instead of 5. Ugh.

SwingKid got on another flight. There was much rejoicing. (although it does mean I'm without him until late Saturday evening...) I will survive. Last night was actually a really good night (so much sleep!) and today/tonight should prove to be just as relaxing. :o)

Anywho...on to a little Friday Fill-in meme-ness. :o)

1. When pigs fly I will be the first to capture this on film so that I can get lots of money for this famous shot.

2. Sometimes I just sit there and stare thinking: seriously?!

3. Call me little miss wonderful.

4. Sometimes a girl just needs a little "girl time," if you know what I mean.

5. The most entertaining person in my life is my sister because of all the funny things she says/does.

6. Well another one bites the dust... who's next?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to CPK w/former Roommate R and a little bit of crafting, tomorrow my plans include the gym, ballet, and pretzel dipping with Sister B and Sunday, I want to get my visiting teaching done!

yawn

I am soooo sleepy. I have had too many late nights with SwingKid this week. (late night = 11pm or later bedtime)

I have lots of plans to get lots of sleep tonight and tomorrow night and the next night....etc etc etc. We'll see how this really works out for us. :o)

Also. It is Thursday and so far it has been crazy in the office. I'm going to die I'm sure of it.

In other news SwingKid was supposed to be on a plane this morning to meet his family in Disneyland....but he missed his flight. We're crossing our fingers hoping he'll still make it so he can enjoy a few days in the sun but it is not looking good right now. sad day for him. :o(

finally...I have some awesome things planned for the next couple of days since SwingKid was going to be/hopefully will be in Disneyland. Dinner with a friend, sister bonding time, sleeping....:o)

That is all. Random thoughts I know. but I'm tired. that's what you get. Randomness.


one year ago
two years ago
five years ago

Wordless Wednesday

{source}

{source}

{source}

one year ago
two years ago

Tuesday!

I am rather excited today is Tuesday! Tuesdays are awesome because they are not Mondays (which aren't ever SUPER awesome. They don't suck, but they don't rock either.) and they are not Wednesdays (and we all know how much I hate Wednesdays).

I teach a ballet class on Tuesdays that I LOVE and I'm excited for my lesson plan tonight.

Also, tonight I am getting my hair done. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do...but I'm thinking something between this:

and this:

 I am thinking the bangs from Rory Gilmore and the Haircut from Veronica Mars. We'll see though. I always ask my hairdresser's opinion first (and she's always super honest with me) so we'll see what she says. Also, I have ZERO ideas on color. I think I'll let her surprise me when it comes to that. :o)

Finally. Because it is Tuesday, we've got the Ten on Tuesday meme below. Enjoy your Tuesday y'all!


1. Who makes your Thanksgiving dinner?
well. It depends. the past couple of years I've gone to a family friend's house for dinner. Last year I also made my own dinner the day after for SwingKid because he had to work on Thanksgiving. I'm not sure what's happening yet for this year.

2. What is your favorite recipe the includes pumpkin? (bonus points for including the recipe)
oh i love love love pumpkin crumble. It is delish. I also LOVE my mom's frozen pumpkin pie.

3. What are 5 things you want for Christmas?
a nice hair straightener, a blender, many books, some new ballet music for teaching, and.....some new clothes.

4. Does your family draw names or do you buy for everyone?
well. we "draw names." but this year (and probably every year here on out) we're going to just rotate names, so that we have someone different every year and get everyone at some point.

5. How do you feel about motorcycles?
sigh. I think they are hot and sexy. they are fun. SwingKid loves them and wants one REALLY REALLY bad. They do make me a little nervous, but overall I think I'm okay with them.

6. What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy Saturday?
cuddle on the couch next to SwingKid watching a movie and drinking hot chocolate.

7. What is the coolest thing to do in your city?
well...there are some fun things to do depending on what you like the most. Personally, I like going to artsy events.

8. Do you paint your fingernails?
Yeah. I do. Although nail polish just doesn't seem to last very long. I'm trying to figure out how to fix that.

9. Who is your favorite actor over the age of 50?
um...I really suck at the favorite actor/actress business. I don't really have a FAVORITE. Although I always did have a thing for Robin Williams growing up. He's just SO funny!

10. Do you have a high school letter jacket?
nope. I didn't care about it enough to do it.


one year ago
two years ago

HARD

this writing every day stuff is sort of hard when you work full-time, teach ballet part-time, and have a boyfriend on top of all that.

sigh.

but I can do it! and I will!

random fact: I learned how to play poker this weekend. It was a lot of fun. We played with starbursts and mini-candy bars.

that is all. I started to get sick this weekend, so I feel like I have no brain. I need my brain for work...so this post is pretty lame. sorry about that.


one year ago
two years ago
four years ago

the end....

of daylight savings.

I am such a fan of the ending of this. An extra hour of sleep? boo-yah!!!! PLUS! Now it will be LIGHT when i drive to work at 6:50am. I have hated the DARK DARK DARKNESS that has been my mornings.

And that is just about all i have to say today. see...i have this cold and it makes it hard to think. so, i apologize, but that's all you're getting out of me today.

Enjoy your Sunday.

two years ago
three years ago
five years ago

Things I love today

It is Saturday. I love Saturdays. So today I present


THINGS I LOVE TODAY

• my gym time. Saturdays at the gym are so nice, I don't feel rushed to get home. I can just run on the treadmill and enjoy myself. It is great.
• Football. Specifically BYU football. I love game day.
• Rehearsal. Even though I have to be at the studio early, Saturdays at the studio are usually pretty productive.
• food. On Saturdays I tend to sort of snack and not eat lots of real meals. While this is bad for any kind of diet/eating right that I might be doing....I sort of like being able to just eat whatever, whenever. :o)

What do you love today?

one year ago

two years ago

four years ago

The 5th of November

Guy Hawkes day.

I celebrated this once. This year? not so much. I do have the day off of work today, so that's nice. I'm getting things done around the house. Also nice. That's about it.

I am so boring sometimes.

Anyways. Friday Fill In stuff. Here we go!

1. Sometimes, I like the idea of staying in bed all day long.

2. I don't like worrying about the whole thing.

3. Small and simple is sometimes the best way to go.

4. Life challenges are very enlightening.

5. I keep meaning to do certain things and then 

6. No. I'm not married ...yet.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sweet and sour pork, tomorrow my plans include ballet, the gym, BYU football and poker night! and Sunday, I want to make something of my day!


two years ago

Thankful Thursday

Seeing how it's November and Thanksgiving is coming up I am going to do a Thankful Thursday every week between now and THanksgiving. I've done Thankful Thursdays in the past, but it's been a long time since my last one.

There aer so many things that I am Thankful for that it is really hard to figure out a place to start..  I have lived (so far) a very blessed life and I have a lot to be grateful for each and every day that I live.

I think I will start with a list of my top 5 things that I am thankful for today. We'll see what next week brings. ;)

In no particular order:

1. Having a job - seriously. I have a great job. Even if I do complain about it from time to time, I really do have a great job with great people. I am so grateful for my job!!!

2. My family - Oh my family rocks. They really do. :o)

my family on a trail in Virginia

3. The gospel - aka my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4. SwingKid - oh how I love this  boy. He's great. :o)

5. Having a car - as much as I hated my car at first. I really do like it. And the fact that I'm paying for it myself makes it even better. My car gets me to where I need to go every day and keeps me warm or cool while doing it! It's awesome. :o)

There you go. Some of the things I am thankful for today. :o)


two years ago

thinking abstractly

{source}

{source}

{source}

{source}

{source}

two years ago
three years ago

NaBloPoMo 2010

Looking at the archives it has been 2 years since I last participated in NaBloPoMo. I think I'm going to try to participate this year. You'll find the same normal memes...and then other random things. But then, I'm a random person so it will seem pretty normal. :o)

First off, I have to say that last night's workout was HARD. There was at least 2x that I remember that I wanted to give up and just stop or slow down but I didn't do it! I wanted to complete that workout, and complete it I did! I feel pretty good this morning (if not a little sore) and I am actually looking forward to doing said workout again tomorrow evening.

Second off, It's Tuesday. But it's also kind of Wednesday because I don't work Friday this week (HALLELUJAH!) I am hoping today and tomorrow go by fast, because I am really looking forward to Thursday. :o)

Finally, because it is Tuesday we get the lovely Ten on Tuesday meme. You're welcome. :o)

1. Do you color? If you do, is it with markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.?
hmmm... I love to color, but I can't remember the last time I really sat down and colored. I am a crayon girl. Love Crayons.

2. What’s the most organized part (or system) in your house?
my closet. it's done by color. :o)

3. What’s the most unorganized part (or system) in your house?
hmmm..this one kitchen drawer. It's driving me nuts. I think I'll fix that this week....

4. If you had unlimited amounts of time and money, what museum would you want to see and why?
Hmmm...I'm not sure I'd pick a museum as the first thing I'd go to...but I think I would want to visit some famous art museum in Paris. Or Italy. If only because then I could tour the rest of the country....

5. What is your favorite part of the fall season?
the smell of Fall in the air. Crunching leaves. Hot Apple Cider. Cuddling under a blanket.

6. Did you dress up for Halloween?
Yes I did! I was two things: one, a pink lady w/my coworkers and two, a flapper w/SwingKid dressed up in his zoot suit. We were awesome.

7. Have you started Christmas shopping?
I know EXACTLY what I'm getting my parents. I'm not sure what sibling I have yet and SwingKid always gives me heartburn when it comes to picking presents. He loves the practical gifts that he doesn't like to go shop for, but I believe Christmas/Birthday presents are for FUN things, not necessarily needs (at least, not all the time!)

8. Do you crack your knuckles?
yup.

9. If you had to live in another city for a year (all expenses paid), which city would you choose?
easy. New York. I'd love to go to Broadway all the time and I would go see every professional ballet company at least once. (probably more than once). OR! I'd want to live in a foreign city. That would be awesome.

10. Do you have any reoccurring dreams?
not really. I have had reoccurring dreams in the past, but not any as of late.

So there you go. A few fun facts about me on a Tuesday. Now...go forth and conquer! (or something equally awesome)


one year ago
two years ago
five years ago

a little bit more...

Well. I've found a little bit more Motivation. This is good. VERY good in fact.

Last week's week 1 of my couch to 5k program went very well. (remember, I started on week 3). I felt SO good while doing my workouts and after I felt fantastic. This week should be even better because I'll actually go Monday, Wednesday, Saturday instead of last week's Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday. This week features 2 mile workouts in a jog/walk fashion. I'm really excited. So, that is good.

So while it's still hard to force myself to get to the gym, once I'm there things have been good. :o) Now I just need to hold on to this glimmer of motivation and keep working. hard. :o)

two years ago
four years ago

Then and Now

One Year Ago Today:

photo taken by Aaron one year ago

Today:

photo taken by me. awesome right?

Quite the difference eh? Hard to believe my knee has come so far in a year...sigh. (stay tuned for a recap of my fabulous weekend. :o) )

Also - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

two years ago
three years ago

Happy Halloween Weekend!!!

It's Halloween weekend you guys! YAY!!! Yesterday at work we celebrated by eating lots of yummy food and dressing up. My coworkers and I coordinated our costumes and did a Grease theme. All of us customer service ladies were Pink Ladies and our boss was one of the T-birds. Wig and all. It was awesome. :o)

Tonight, SwingKid and I have a Halloween party to go to and we are also coordinating costumes and going as a 1920s couple. I am SO SO SO excited. This is the first year, in a long time, that I have ever coordinated costumes with friends and/or a significant other. It makes my heart really happy.

Also. Tomorrow is going to be awesome. My mom sent my outfit back to me (after my sewing machine and I got into a fight) and it looks GORGEOUS on me. I'm so super excited about it. PLUS the ballet should be INCREDIBLE and I am very much looking forward to that as well.

With that, I'll leave you with a Friday Fill-in and hope that you have a spooky Halloween!!! :o)

1. While the cat's away the mice will play. Hard.

2. This weekend is going to be mucho fabuloso!

3. Children say the darndest things.

4. I always like to sit on the couch and veg for a few minutes when I get home from work or shopping or what have you.

5. This may seem odd, but I really love dressing up.

6. Since Halloween falls on a Sunday, I'm celebrating tonight and that seems like a fine idea to me!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to an awesome Halloween party, tomorrow my plans include Ballet West's Carmina Burana and the Four Temperments and Sunday, I want to enjoy the final day of the month!

 five years ago

Snow??

So I woke up to find 2 inches of snow on the ground this morning. I was not so happy about this. Also...my coworkers came in singing Christmas music. I am one of "those" people that doesn't like Christmas music until AFTER Thanksgiving. Not to be a scrooge or anything, but I like my holidays to each have their own moments. So I am not a fan of listening to Christmas until after Thanksgiving is over. :o)

In other news I went to they gym yesterday and started day one of MY couch to 5k program. It felt pretty good. The downside is that I was supposed to go Monday - but something got in the way (read: SwingKid) so I went last night, but I can't go tomorrow so in order to get my 3x in this week I have to go tonight and then Saturday morning (which I was already planning on). So...two days in a row! Today will be hard. BUT I WILL DO IT.

Finally, I have a really good Thur-Sunday planned and I'm very much looking forward to all of my awesome plans. I first have to get through today - the ever hated Wednesday. :P

Have a good day y'all!!


two years ago

Motivation? zero. zilch. nada.

{source}

So. I'm trying to be healthy. I really am. I've lowered my red meat intake, I try not to eat the sweets offered at work and I try to keep desserts at home to a minimum. (minus special occasions of course)

but going to the gym? it's just not happening. I missed ALL of last week. The week before was a lame week. i haven't been to a cycle class in ages.

sigh. i'm not fat. I'm really not. However, I do have more fat then muscle. my % body fat is a little high. I would love to not have those rolls around my tummy. (i mean, who does?!)

And that should be enough motivation, but the fact is that it isn't. After working a 9-hour day, teaching an hour + ballet class (where I don't dance too much, I give corrections, but I rarely break a sweat.) and driving to and from said activities makes me TIRED! I don't WANT to got to the gym after all that. I want to curl up on my couch next to SwingKid and read a good book. Working out in the mornings isn't an option seeing how I have to be in the office at 7 am. And there is no way I'm getting to the gym at 5 am. NO WAY.

I've tried going during my favorite tv shows and watching them while running away on the treadmill.

I've tried giving myself rewards when I hit certain goals.

I've tried lots of things and I just don't know what to do anymore.

Today, today I'm going to start the couch to 5k program. Except, I'm not quite in "couch" condition. So I think I'm going to start on Week 3. We'll see how this treats me. I just wish there was some easy way to find that motivation button. It's hiding and sometimes I hate playing hide and go seek. Today is one of those days.


three years ago