My Favorite Time of Year, Not!!!

So Lindsay said I needed an update. Well as many know the end of the year is an extremely busy time of year for me at work. I work longer hours and get kind of grumpy. Sometimes I wish I had a more holiday friendly job!! So you can see where I am at most of the time, here is a picture of me in my office.

The Finer Things Club

My friends and I love Thursdays. We have decided we almost get more excited for Thursday then any other day of the week! As you know already we watch The Office and Grey's Anatomy together. We huddle on my bed because I have Tivo and our schedules are such that we cannot watch the shows live. Our favorite thing to do is figure out our quote for the week from The Office. "Are you kidding me?" is definitely one of our favorites from Kevin. He always has great things to say!! Jeff, Sharalyn and I enjoy the finer things in life by watching these shows! Below is a lovely photo of the club:)

I am furious....

Sorry this is going to be quick but I just have to get it out because I was so irritated watching Grey's Anatomy last night. Who tells McDreamy that they are not ready for marriage and kids and all of that after his little speech. I hope Meredith loses him. That is all I am going to say but I am pretty mad. Probably because this goes a lot deeper then tv but come on.

What a Way to Finish My 28th Year of Life!!!

So last May Lindsay encouraged me to run the Denver Half Marathon with her. At the time I was a bit hesitant but after running a couple of small races I decided I could do it! So this morning, October 14th 2007, we woke up on a very rainy and cold day in Denver to run 13.1 miles. Crazy, I know!! In the beginning of training for this race I was really into it and excited. By the end of training I kind of fell off the wagon and two weeks ago I had a really bad 10 mile run and haven't run since til the day of the race. So needless to say I was a little worried that I would not be able to do it. I had very low expectations and told my family to have very low expectations. However, I decided I was going to do all I could to run the entire race and finish in a good time!!! To my surprise I did both of those things. I didn't stop to walk unless I was drinking at a gatorade station and I finished in two hours and thirty two minutes. I was so happy that I accomplished this and so grateful to Lindsay for pushing me to do this!! Athletically this is the biggest accomplishment I have ever had and am so happy about it. I was soaking wet and cold but it was awesome!!! I would definitely do it again. It was a great way to end my 28th year of life since my birthday is tomorrow!!

My Baby - An Acura TSX

So I have been admiring the Acura TSX for some time now. I wasn't really serious about selling my car but I was fed up with it with all the accidents and bad luck. I know, I know not the cars fault but still was frustrated. During lunch at work I jokingly told my co-worker Ben that he could buy my car. He was looking for an Accord for his wife. Not thinking much of it I just let it go. A couple days later he emailed me and said "Are you serious about selling your car?" and I said "Are you serious about buying it?" He took it for a couple of test drives and was sold. In the meantime I started looking for my dream car (for now anyways). I found one at the same dealership that I bought my honda from. They are great to deal with. So I test drove a couple of them they had and picked the 2006 Acura TSX. I made the deal final on Saturday with the Honda and purchased the Acura Monday!!! Some may think I am really spoiled and I am frankly but my friend Sharalyn were talking and decided we don't have the important things to love in our lives like husbands and children so it is fun to buy the unimportant things to love. We realize we may not get these things when the important things come along but it is nice for now!

There are a few simple rules to my car:

1. I cannot park the car in front of any Subway.
2. Matt Lindstrom and other friends cannot drive it (family can)
3. Don't drive behind moving trucks (I got rear ended while being at a stoplight behind a move a truck.

So there you have it!

Grey's Anatomy

So I am so excited for Grey's Anatomy this week!! I know last year was a bit off but am hoping for a great year of this show. I just recently got Sharalyn converted to watching it and am excited to have a Grey's buddy. We will partake of mormon adult beverages (Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew) as we watch and wish we meet men like McDreamy at bars!! I hope you are all looking forward to it too!!

My Blog Addiction

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JustSayHi - A Free Dating Website

Not quite up there with Julie but close!!

Tagged!

Julie tagged me so here you go!

A- Attached or single: Single, very much so
B- Best Friend: Katie, Lindsay
C-Cake or Pie: Cake
D- Day of choice: Friday’s because the week is over and I can play that night!
E- Essential Item: right now its Water-need lots of it to run
F- Favorite Color: Blue
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms
H- Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
I- Indulgence(s): Lotion and candles have been my new things
J- January or July: July because work is slow and in January work sucks!!
L-Life is Incomplete Without: a husband, wish I had one, the gospel, family, friends
M- Marriage Date:n/a
N- Number of Siblings: 5! 4 brothers one sister
O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: none really I don’t freak out about much
Q- Quote(s): “that just doesn’t do me any good but thanks for the thought” Honeymoon in Vegas
R- Reason To Smile: Well the half marathon is almost here!
S- Season: Fall
T- Tag Three +: Erin and Matt, John
U- Unknown Fact About Me: Don’t have any
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Animal of course
W- Worst Habit: biting nails
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Xray since I haven’t had an ultrasound
Y- Your Favorite Food: 7 Layer Dip
Z- Zodiac:Libra

New York City/US Open 2007

So as most of you know, I went to the US Open in New York for 8 days!! It was soooo fun! We stayed in the upper west side of Manhattan and trekked out to Flushings to see tennis!!! I finally got to see Andy Roddick play and got to see Roger Federer win the finals. Plus there were other fun matches in between. Heidi and I got really used to riding the subway and walking and were worn out by the end. I also got to see the Manhattan temple, Central Park, and did some shopping in China town. We also went to see Grease on Broadway with the reality show winners. They did a great job! I am not much for writing but here is a montage of the trip!!

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Useless movie Quote

Alison Brinkerhoff's Random Movie Quote: 'I feel like the floor of a taxi cab.' - Dr. Egon Spengler, Ghostbusters Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

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Obituary

'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Relief Society President

So I am sorry I have not posted for awhile but I have been a bit out of sorts. I just got called as Relief Society President in the midst of Katie and her engagement being called off and then being put back on plus having Matt and Erin in town and on and on and on. I have been on the run for about two weeks straight but I enjoy being busy!! I am very excited and overwhelmed by my new calling. It will be challenging but I know I have a lot to offer to the sister's in my branch. I have a great presidency and my mom is an RS President too so she will be good to vent to and get advice from! I think I could use a vacation. Oh Wait!! I get to go to New York in two weeks.....I can hardly wait!!

Snow Patrol

For my Monday night activity I went to see Snow Patrol at Red Rocks. I am not familiar with all of their songs but enjoy the song "Chasing Cars" which I am sure most of you have heard. It reminds me of when Denny died on Grey's Anatomy and Izzie is on the bed with the dead body. It was a great time and what can beat Red Rocks in the summer!! Enjoy the video!!

Back to the Future!

So this week for FHE our branch went to Red Rocks to see "Back to the Future". In fact I usually don't go to activities anymore but Brandon (non-member friend) wanted to go and so I thought he should be around my friends and see that we are normal. Well we got there after a lovely dinner at Monterrey House and it decided to start raining so we sat in the car for a long time (hence the picture below from boredom). We finally braved the rain and it did stop in time for the movie. Katie had never seen the movie before and loved it. In fact we have now watched the 2nd movie and will see the 3rd shortly so she gets the whole story. I haven't seen the movies in a long time so it has been a treat. I also went and saw Hairspray tonight. Sometimes I wish I grew up in a time when people actually danced. Not the lame stuff we do these days. I think it would be fun to take a dance class. I may have to look into that!!

Lots of Fun Things!!

So this summer has been a lot of fun and the last two weeks have been pretty eventful! First, I moved apartments to get cheaper rent. On that same day Katie and I went up to the Greeley Stampede to see Brad Paisley. He is a great country singer we like. Our favorite songs were "Ticks" and "She's Everything". Concerts are fun but we were both pretty tired (me from moving and Katie because she went to Water World with Bryce). For those who know Katie, she is going to be engaged soon to Bryce and is moving to Utah to be the wife of a BYU student. I am sad she is leaving but know that her and Bryce are meant to be!!
This past weekend I went to Water World with the fam. It was a good time and we got Josh to go on a few cool rides. You are never to old for Water World!
I have seen several movies recently. I saw Transformers, License to Wed, and Ocean's Thirteen. I won't mention the rated "R" one I saw because it was awful and know that I need to have better judgement in that regard.
Fourth of July was great and started off with the Independence Day 11k. John and a couple of friends joined me. However, the course was not well marked and I missed running a whole mile. Oh well, 6 miles in 80 degree weather is still an accomplishment. John beat me but maybe I will catch him in the half marathon :) So here is a montage of my fun summer thus far!!

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I Love My Dad!

I love my Dad! I love him because he loves music and will quiz me on who is singing a song. I love my dad because he knows how to fix cars. I love my dad because he is a great cook and I love his bean burritos. I love my dad because he likes to stay up late with his kids and watch movies. I love my dad because he likes to play sports with his kids. I love my dad because he can sing really well. I love my dad because I got great hair from him. I love my dad because he is an honorable priesthood holder. I love my dad because he cares so much for me and my siblings. I love my dad because he loves my mom. I love my dad because he is a teddy bear to hug. I love my dad for all that he has done for me in my life. I know who he would do anything to help me. I love that my dad calls me and tells me he is thinking of me and prays for me often. I love you dad!!

My New Niece!

In the early morning of Thursday June 7th my sister Lindsay had her second daughter Brooklyn. Since I live in town I was invited to come to the festivities. Some think it is weird that I would want to see someone give birth but ever since I worked in the Labor and Delivery unit in Provo I have wanted to be a nurse. I am fascinated by how the whole process works. Anyway all went well and she delivered a beautiful baby girl. I am excited that there is a newborn baby for me to hold who lives close by. Then I can brainwash her that I am the favorite aunt. Madison is also beginning to love me more and more which is saying a lot. I love Madison and Brooklyn tons and glad they are nearby. Thanks to Lindsay and Colton for great kids!!! I love you guys too!

Below are pictures of Lindsay and Colton in excruciating labor pains, the final result Brooklyn, etc.

Wicked, The California Edition

This past weekend my mom and I went to see "Wicked" with the Brinks 3 in California. Erin had invited us a few months ago to come and go with her family because they had extra tickets. Of course we decided to go because we are always up for a trip away and to see "Wicked". For those who don't know my mom and I first saw the musical in 2004 on Broadway with the original cast. It was amazing! We also saw it in Denver and now California. The Pantages theatre was beautiful and it was a great show again!

We arrived Friday evening and went to Chili's with Matt and Erin. We then came home and watched a couple of Wonder Years episodes before we went to bed. Matt and Erin graciously gave us their bed and they attempted to sleep on an air mattress that quickly deflated and they ended up on the couch and the floor. Thanks again for the use of your bed Matt and Erin!!

Saturday was filled with a multitude of activities. Mom was anxious to hit the beach, Disneyland and Universal studios before the show but had to settle for other things. I convinced all parties to go to 24 hour fitness with me for the daily workout. Then we went home for some time at the pool with a lovely In and Out burger lunch. After this we cleaned up and went out for Pedicures and Manicures. Always a good time!!! Just a side note gas in Denver is the same price as gas in California. Crazy, huh? Well anyways, we went to BJ's for a lovely dinner before the show and then we were off. After the show we went to Cheesecake Factory to totally ruin our morning workout.

Sunday, we slept in and cleaned up and went to the airport. It was way fun to see Matt and Erin and happy to report they are doing very well. I am thankful for their hospitality!!

Ps: I ran the Bolder Boulder 10k on Memorial Day. It was the farthest I have ever run and did it in 1 hour 10 minutes. I don't think my time was that accurate though because I had to fight against walkers the whole way but it was a ton of fun. On a sad note though at mile 2 of the race an older gentleman was getting CPR and ended up dying. He was the first person to ever die at this race in 29 years. At least he went out making history I guess!

Chris Calvin

This week's post is on my personal trainer Chris Calvin. He is the man responsible for getting me in shape. As you can tell from the picture he can be pretty entertaining! He is what you would call maybe a man-whore. He seems to have a new girlfriend every week. Must be a hazard of the job as a personal trainer. He is always giving me tips on dating and what not. He wants me to buy a book called, "Why men marry Bitches". I don't why I need to be a b**** to find a guy but who knows, men are stupid (at least the ones I have to deal with). Well it has been a good time getting to know him and is good to have as a friend. He will soon be my neighbor too in my new apartment complex!
PS: I ran another 5k this week and completed it in 31 minutes which is 6 minutes faster then the last one! I think have runner's knee though and will be purchasing a knee brace to help when I run.

I love my mom!

I love my mom for so many reasons. I love my mom because she makes laugh even if it is at her own expense. I love my mom because she is forgiving even when I have hurt her she still loves me. I love my mom because she made me great chocolate chip cookies growing up. I love my mom because she enjoys the same television shows I do. I love my mom because she is always willing to help in time of need. I love my mom because she loves her family. I love my mom for driving me where I needed to be. I love my mom for her strong testimony. I love my mom for her strong example in serving in the church. I love that she has 6 kids aging from 31 to 8. I love my mom because she is great example of how to be a grandma. I love my mom because she keeps herself young. And today on this Mother's day, I love my mom because she made it a point to give me a Mother's day present. I may not have my own children but recognizes that I am a mother in other ways. This meant so much to me because on holiday's like this I tend to feel left out. I hope someday that I am able to be a good mother to my children like my mom has been to me but if I don't get this opportunity I will do my best to be a mother to my brothers and nieces and nephews!!!

Cinco De Mayo 5k

To celebrate Cinco De Mayo my friend Heidi and I decided to run the Highlands Ranch Cinco De Mayo 5k. We are running the Bolder Boulder 10k Memorial Day weekend and we wanted to get in a prep race. Now for those who don't know me that well, I have never been the biggest fan of running like my sister Lindsay. I just have never enjoyed it but I know it is good for me so I am trying to make it a new hobby. I have gotten better at it and am starting to enjoy it! In fact I ran the entire 3.1 miles which is huge for me. Now I just need to start going a bit faster because I was running like 11.5 minute miles. Nevertheless, I didn't stop to walk. We also had our names announced when we finished. I felt kind of like Lindsay at her marathon but I didn't run 26 miles only 3. After the 10k I run the end of this month I will decide if I can run the half marathon with the Smith's!!! We shall see!