Halloween Happenings

Thanks to my Aunt Karen, Chris and I were able to participate in some Halloween festivities. Tonight we went over to their place in Shelly, Idaho for a Halloween dinner. Kudos to my cousin Nikki who diligently stuck with the theme.

On the menu: Swamp grass (salad), Brains (jell-o in a brain mold), worms (homemade gummy worms), Gut Soup (chili), Bones (bread sticks), Bat Wings (chicken wings that had been thoroughly food colored black), and Warewolf Droppings (pumpkin cookies).

I really wish that I had taken some photos...this meal was insanely Halloween-y.
Anyway, thanks to the Nelson family for getting us out of the apartment and celebrating Halloween. It was fun to spend the evening with family. :)

I don't like having Halloween on a Monday. As far as I'm concerned, Monday is the most homework concentrated day. We will, most likely, be spending Halloween at home- doing homework & (hopefully) be answering the door to trick-or-treaters. Next year I will be more on the ball and we will (at least) carve a pumpkin. Halloween just kinda snuck up on us. I'm not used to being the one to make the holidays happen- that was my mom's job and she was very good at it. Thank goodness I'll get some observing opportunities for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Also, my birthday is coming up next Sunday. Its weird to be celebrating it away from home. Chris is planning stuff for Saturday, so I'm sure it will be a great birthday.
Hope everyone has a great week!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Things As They Really Are

My Family Foundations class is divided into 6 two week units. Every two weeks we make a new "Provident Living Plan" to follow that coincides with the unit. The PLP for this unit is Media Management. I have to track all my usage of media outside of homework and work (all time spent listening to my iPod, watching TV or movies, or using my cell phone). In addition I am currently on a "Facebook Fast."
I had Chris change my Facebook password and log me out so that I am unable to log in. I have already noticed a change in my productivity. Instead of checking Facebook in between classes, I worked on some homework. There isn't really much for me to waste time on when I can't get on Facebook (except for blog stalking...but no new posts yet today). I have been kind of amazed how many times I usually get on Facebook during the day.
The above video was shown in class before we formulated our plans. It really made me think about my media usage and how it affects me, my relationship, and the companionship of the spirit. It is really scary how dependent we are on media and technology.
My hope is that at the end of the two weeks I won't really have a desire to get back into my Facebook habits. I haven't missed it so far...
Chris is also in the class with me. He doesn't really like Facebook and doesn't get on much, so he is on a "YouTube Fast" and is limiting time he watches TV. I have a feeling there are a lot of Battleship Tournaments in our future. :)
Wish us luck!

Sleep is Happy

Going to bed early is one of my favorite things. Chris and I went to bed last night at about 9:30. We got up this morning at 6:25---It was surprisingly easy! I learned in my psychology class that college students need 8-10 hours of sleep. Also, people who say they "don't need as much sleep as most people" are full of it. Every body needs sleep, if you've been going without sleep for an extended period of time your body has just adapted to your unhealthy habits. It's still not good for you. Also, little flashy-blinky lights can disturb your sleep cycles. Its recommended that you eliminate any extra light in your bedroom (which means everything but your smoke detector); this means no TV, computers, cell phones, or digital clocks. We cover ours with a black washcloth at night, so we can still use the alarm to wake us up. We've been sleeping great over here in 1523!

Saturday Goodness

So, I have been saving my allowance pretty much ever since it existed (Wow, that wasn't redundant at all...). Today was the day I got to spend it! I wanted some new shirts pretty bad...and there was a gigantic hole in my purse. I had only $35 dollars to spend, so we took a trip down to Idaho Falls so we could spend the rest of our Target gift card money and visit Ross for my allowance spending spree.
We scored at Target- there was a set of flannel sheets on sale for $20! We had been looking online and they were really pricey, so we were very grateful for this find helping us stay warm in the bitter Rexburg cold. We also bought a new pan.
Then came Ross. I am very pleased to say that Ross took my allowance a very long way. I found some amazing deals:

I found a bag that fit exactly what I wanted :)

Nude color heels (in hopes of lengthening my stubby legs)

And 2 cute shirts!

After our shopping trip we came back to Rexburg and went to the temple. It was also great! I love doing things with Chris. He really is my best friend (I type this as he makes dinner for us...I'm procrastinating some homework)

Spend More Than You Earn

...when it comes to calories that is!
This morning was kick you butt at the gym time. I'm not going to lie though...its kinda depressing to look down at the calorie count after an hour of busting your butt on the elliptical and only see "600." I realized that you can't go to the gym AND eat whatever you want. I doubt that 600 calories fully covered my ice cream sundae I ate last night. I'm definitely going to have to make some diet changes too.

Imma go eat some carrot sticks. :)

Genuis or Madness?

 So...we bought these chips. And they really taste like a loaded baked potato. I love anything baked potato.The question is...should a chip taste like a potato? Honestly its kind of confusing. Have a try!

The Body Project

Here's the story. I've gained weight. Too much in my opinion. I've never been one to be 100% happy with my body...but the reality is most people aren't. However, I've always put off doing something about it.

"I'll get skinny when I go to college and I'm out on my own."
"I'll lose weight when I get engaged so I look good for my wedding."
"I'll go to the gym a month before my wedding so I'll really be motivated."
"I'll be healthy when Chris and I move into our own apartment and are too poor to eat out."

The list is endless (and somewhat depressing). I've started and fizzled out on endless different weight loss/get fit programs with no avail...Here I am, heavier than I was in high school (I'm definitely not at a point where I'm comfortable with telling ya'all my weight). If I can't take control now...It probably won't happen. Right now I don't have a job, I don't have kids, I don't have a mortgage or any of those things. So...I dragged my butt to the gym tonight (with the help of my wonderful husband of course) and I worked out. Then I came home and weighed in and took some (scary!) motivating pictures.
Let the Body Project begin.
Here's to the "after" pictures.
Wish me luck!

The Cold Water War: Part II

This morning I got some sweet revenge. 

Chris was in the shower & I was getting ready. I filled up a cup full of cold water and waited until the opportune moment. 

Then I threw it at him from the side when he was least expecting it. 

The look of surprise on his face was classic.

Then we both laughed really hard.

Time for me to start locking the door again when I shower.  I know what he's capable of.:)

Fumptastic

So....lately I've been feeling frumpy

meaning basically I hate most of my clothes and I don't like getting dressed

-or getting ready

-or looking in the mirror

It doesn't help that I have beautiful, fashionable friends. 

So, my question is...how do you look cute on a budget?

I get $5 a week for my allowance.

I don't seem to have much luck at DI.

Any suggestions are welcome, so are donations. :)

Maybe someone could nominate me for "What Not to Wear?"

Also, my wise sister-in-law says that "the best thing you can do for your wardrobe is lose 10 pounds."

Weight loss can be free, right?

Road Trip

So, on Thursday my husband met me at the Crossroads (BYU-I cafeteria) for lunch. He sits down across from me and says: "Do you want to go to The Pie this weekend?"
[For those of you who aren't aware....The Pie is a pizza joint in Salt Lake City. It has the best pizza and these amazing cheese pull-a-parts. Chris and I went on many a date there when I was at Westminster and we still harbor a deep love for the restaurant]
Slightly confused I said: "I always want to go to The Pie." He then proceeded to tell me that he needed some Chemistry help and that he had set up a 5-hour tutoring session with his sister, Teresa (who is a PA), for Saturday. I was so excited. I had been missing my family and Utah a lot, so of course I agreed to the trip.
So, we worked tirelessly the rest of Thursday and Friday morning to get our homework done and we headed out on Friday afternoon. It was so nice to have no homework and a weekend full of friends and family ahead of us. We talked, listened to music, and ate yummy yogurt on the way down. We made a pit stop in SLC and had our favorite meal: cheese pull-a-parts and soda, and made our way down to Pleasant Grove. We checked in with my family and then met Teresa and her husband Jonathon for Baskin Robbins. She also shared her good news: she got a job working at the clinic at University of Utah. :) We were so happy for her.
After visiting with them for awhile (until about 12:30am) we went back to my parent's house and crashed. The next morning we woke up early and took Megan with us to breakfast at Kneaders with my two best friends Kara and Rachel. We had a good catch up and ate yummy french toast.
Then, Chris rushed off to do his Chemistry and I went to the wards women's conference. They had a few speakers talking about emotional health, marriage and family relations, and just all around good stuff. The talks were great and I got to hang out with my mom and other home-ward friends.
That night Chris and I doubled with my parents. We went to Brick Oven. I forget how awesome that place is. Then, Megs and Chris and I went to a movie at the $3 movie. Unfortunately, the movie wasn't so great...but it was good to be out to the movies and eat some popcorn and blue slushee.
[Don't watch "Crazy Stupid Love" with Steve Carrell. Its a big suck of a movie.]
Once again we got home after midnight and crashed....then we were up again for 9:00 church. We went to church, came home and had a power nap; and off we were to Grandma and Grandpa John's for Sunday dinner. After completely stuffing ourselves with rolls, roast, potatoes, and brownie sundaes it was time to hit the road and get home.
I was sad to leave my fam and all, but the ride home might have been one of the highlights for me. Chris and I talked almost constantly. We talked about our school plans, house plans, children plans...all of it. I was so grateful for this little reminder that Chris is perfect for me. He is my very best friend, and makes me so happy. I can't wait to live the rest of my life with him and to reach all of our goals together. There's no words to describe how happy I am.
Chris, who drove the whole time (both ways), has completely conked out. But I'm too happy to sleep. :) I hope everybody had a weekend as great as I did. :)

Boo

Today is one of those days; when anything and everything seems to take too much effort. 

Most of the time I like having curly hair, but lately I feel like this:

or this:

Either way, its not working for me. 

I'm just looking forward for being home, with my blanket and hot chocolate.

On the upside, Chris made me waffles for lunch...with honey butter and whipped cream.

He takes great care of me. 

While we're talking about how great my husband is I must document what happened last night.

I had a Psychology test that was really stressing me out. 

We had been at school since 7:30am (it was now 6).

I was going home only to take a quick shower, eat something, and cram some more before heading back up to campus to take my test. 

Not to mention our apartment was less than presentable.

I got home hopped in the shower and returned to my desk to study.

I went into "tunnel vision mode" and noticed nothing going on around me.

When I went to find Chris to drive me up to school I found him on his hands and knees scrubbing that hard-to-reach place behind the toilet. 

He had cleaned the bathroom, our bedroom, and the kitchen. 

I hadn't even dropped a hint.

He cheerfully drove me to the testing center and was there when I needed to be picked up.

When I got home I was exhausted. I went to sit at my desk with a hotpad on my shoulders and Chris said: "Let me rub your shoulders."

I love that man.

Now, I think its time I do something(s) nice for him. Any suggestions?

Fro Yo

So today Christopher lost a bet. It was awesome. You must know that Chris is always making bets with me that he knows I can't win. He likes to tease/taunt me.

We were walking to our car from the Library in the rain. I was ready to be home (we had been on campus since about 9am and it was almost 7). Chris was walking slow, trying to be funny. We got about 10-15 feet within our car. "Open the trunk!" I said wanting to throw my backpack in it and get out of the rain, slightly annoyed at his sluggish pace.

"I bet you frozen yogurt that I will have the trunk open before you get to it." said Chris.

So I ran. And I got there just before he pushed the button and slammed the trunk shut as it started to open. I turned around to look at Chris, who was shaking his head. Victory was sweet.
We went to Twizzlberry (Utah people- its the equivalent to Yogurt Bliss). I ate 20oz of happy pink spoon yogurt.

7 Random Things

Miss Cami Peterson tagged me in her wonderful blog to post 7 random things about myself. Here goes nothin'
#1 I love school supplies, mostly pens. I like to walk around in the "Home Office" section in Walmart for fun. If you want to make me instantly happy- give me a new pen or highlighter.

#2 My (most consistent) favorite TV show is The Biggest Loser. I honestly don't know why I like this show. I don't enjoy exercise and I don't like eating healthy. Maybe its my arteries crying out for help underneath all the fry sauce and cookie dough.

#3 Red Creme Soda is the bomb! If you have never tried Barq's Red Creme Soda you are missing out. I also call it "Red Rootbeer." For those of you currently Residing in Rexburg...the Subway in Walmart has it in their fountain drink selection.

#4 I am extremely squeamish. I passed out at work after cutting my finger (small cut- no stitches). I passed out at the doctor when I was getting a freckle removed. I passed out during my lifeguard class while we were watching the first aid video. Oh dear...whats next. (No photo for this one :)
#5 I ALWAYS take the survey's on the back of receipts. In the last month or so I have entered to win $3,000 cash, a $500 gift certificate to Ross, a $500 gift certificate to TJMaxx, a $5,000 Walmart gift card, and a $5,000 dollar Target gift card. Oh, and I got $2 off a crispy chicken sandwhich from Wendy's. Laugh all you want, one day I will win. :)

#6 If I'm at home, I'm in sweats. My husband and I actually refer to them as "fat pants." Usually when we get home from school or church we run from the front door to our bedroom yelling/singing "Fat pants! Fat pants! Fat pants!" Its good times.

#7 I go through journals like water. I am currently on my 3rd journal in a year. I got a new journal in mid-September and I'm over halfway through it. I usually have it with me anywhere I go.

There you have it. I know that not so many people read my blog...but you if you do and you have a blog post your 7 things & let me know so I can read them! :)

[Awkward]

Today I got a small peek into dating life in Rexburg. Although it was entertaining, it made me very relieved and grateful to have my dating days behind me.
Chris and I were out to eat and I was getting some dipping sauce and I overheard the following conversation:

Guy: "Hey, sorry....but you look really familiar. Where are you from?"
Girl: "Nebraska....?"
Guy: "Huh, we'll I've never been there. (Long, dramatic pause) I guess we must've known each other in the Preexistence."
Girl: "...."

I wasn't sure if I should gag or laugh really hard....holding both in, I coughed a little and walked away.
Really? Did the poor guy really think that was going to work? Or was he being serious. I'm honestly not quite sure. I hope she let him down easy though. I wish him luck in all his future dating endeavors.

The Tongue of Angels

So, I was recently assigned to read Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk entitled The Tongue of Angels.
In reading it, I realized that this is something that I (and in my opinion everyone else in the world) can always be working on.

"The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones." I don't think we can count the times someone has said something hurtful to us; nor can we erase the effect its had on us. I still remember in 7th grade TLC class when this boy (who will remain nameless, although I do remember his name) told me I was fat and had "kindergarten teacher hair." Now, know that I have forgiven this individual and have since moved on- but thinking back on it, it still stings.

How many times have I said something hurtful or mean, without even realizing it? This, to me, is a scary thought. I don't think anyone enjoys hurting peoples feelings or being blatantly mean, but often we are all insensitive without even realizing it. We have all heard the saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" countless times. Maybe its time to revisit this and think about what comes out of our mouths. I hope I'm not coming off as self righteous or like I'm attempting to passive-aggressively tell someone they've hurt my feelings. I'm really not. :)

Part two of the talk was my favorite, and also very applicable. "No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse." My default to many unpleasant or inconvenient situations is just this (complaining/whining/being negative), just ask my husband. We are so accustomed to luxury and convenience that when something slightly unpleasant comes our way its the end of the world. Then we make it worse by complaining. Somehow this doesn't make sense to me.

So! I am trying to counteract my negativity with a gratitude section in my journal. Every day I'm going to write about 3 (specific) things I am grateful for. I did this over the summer when I was away from home and constantly struggling with homesickness and it worked wonders. Here is my gratitude list for today:

1. I am grateful for making productive use of my time. Being in the library and crossing off my To Do list items like mad is such a great feeling. So is knowing I will have more free time tonight.

2. I am grateful for Reese's Pumpkins (like Reese's Eggs). It was a perfect "pre-test" pick-me-up. Chocolate has that effect on me. :)

3. I am grateful for my husband. He drove me to yoga last night even when he had a lot of homework to do. He always makes time for me and for us even when he's crazy busy. 

What are you grateful for?