tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9491997486724583322024-03-13T03:47:28.838-07:00Brooke & Zaneand other thoughts and things.Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-27019763266158379452015-02-05T11:12:00.002-08:002015-02-05T11:46:22.059-08:00public dancing and the half marathon no one knew aboutDuring my last California sister visit in October, I decided to sign up to run a half marathon with Bri in February. I've secretly always wanted to cross it off my bucket list, but mostly it was a perfectly great excuse to plan another weekend getaway.<br />
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Well, in October February seems an awfully long ways away. So naturally I didn't feel the pressure to begin "training". (which I desperately needed, as the longest I had run in a good 2 or 3 years was 2 or 3 miles.) Then, like a blessing from heaven, Bri found out she would have to work the weekend of the race. So we called off the trip, and the non-existent training.<br />
Alas, around Christmas we found out that Bri actually wasn't working, and the half marathon was back on. Like a curse from hell I tell you.<br />
So I had basically one month to train, and it turns out there isn't really a "from couch potato to half-marathon in 4 weeks" guide. Sedentary living doesn't exactly transition into long distance running, shocking I know, so I took a very apathetic approach.<br />
This was going to be comical at best, and at the very least, it would be a secret. I told essentially no one, because of course if no one knows than no one can hold you accountable and harass you about "being prepared". blah blah.<br />
I arrived in California. Spent a wonderful day in Disneyland dancing for pictures in front of large crowds with no shame, blissfully ignoring my impending doom the next morning.<br />
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Race day came. I spent the first couple hours of that morning feeling so nervous I was certain I would throw up. My bib says MY NAME! I found this so concerning. I had done such a great job keeping this a secret, and now perfect strangers were going to know the name of the girl who got picked up by the bus who picks up the slow and the sad. This was supposed to be good-humored but anonymous failure, and my name was going to ruin everything!<br />
Then, in a wave of uncharacteristic positivity and maturity, I decided I was officially the worst running partner for Bri, and I was going to be excited, and happy, and at least begin the race with dancing and laughter. Before I knew it, we had ran 6 miles, and I still felt great. I mean, we are SLOW going, and strangers are saying things like "Great job Brooke!" and "Keep it up Brooke!" which makes me extremely uncomfortable and happy at the same time, but I'm feelin' good and I am having fun.<br />
Yes, mile 9-12 were a little rough. It was hot, we lost sight of the ocean. I can feel the blister forming on my heel, but it's nothing I cant handle.<br />
Mile 12-13.1 felt awesome, I was able to sprint it out to the finish line and was honestly surprised with the amount of pride and euphoria I felt. GO ME!<br />
I instantly couldn't bring myself to walk like a normal human being, but I collected my medal, a warm banana and limped my way back to the hotel like a freaking champion.<br />
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There was never a moment during the race that I felt like I couldn't do it.<br />
So far nothing has been as physically, mentally, and emotionally draining as hiking the 17 miles of The Narrows, where I learned my limits the hard way, and was forced to push past them. And because I survived that beautiful hell hole, I can do anything! Except a marathon. Never a marathon.<br />
{I feel like it should be noted that my experience in the Narrows says more about my lack of athleticism, endurance, and mental health than the hike itself. It could be the easiest/best experience of your life, and if so, I commend you.}<br />
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All sore muscles, and blisters in account, I still loved running this race! I will absolutely do another one, ideally with a bit more training.<br />
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-56459820148245248212015-01-15T08:39:00.001-08:002015-01-15T08:41:13.364-08:00Saying goodbye to 2014 and hopefully hello to blogging. again.<div style="text-align: left;">
2014 has come and gone.</div>
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It was a good year, the highlights being a new job for both me and Zane, several trips to California that never get tired, too many late nights watching Batman and Superman cartoons, and lots of laughter and emotional breakdowns that come along with being young, in love, and penniless. </div>
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My personal favorite part of 2014 would have to be the end of it. December 2014 marked three years of marriage, and more important (kind of), December was when Zane officially graduated from college! </div>
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Once upon a time, there was a girl who grew up in a house where education was highly valued, and simply expected. I assumed everyone in america needed to graduate from college otherwise they were obviously lazy, and stupid. Then I went to college and realized it wasn't going to be all smooth sailing and pie eating like high school. Now years later, and blah, blah, and excuses excuses, I have not graduated from college. But Zane has! and I have really come understand the determination, and discipline it took to get him where he is now. I am beaming with pride and excitement for the guy! (I'd also like to give myself a nice pat on the back for being a huge part of making that happen, because what talents do I possess if not the ability to make any situation about myself?)</div>
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So cheers to Zane (and me) for graduating with his Bachelors Degree in Digital Media from UVU!</div>
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What's sexier than having a college graduate for a husband?? NOTHING!</div>
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Bring it on 2015, we're ready for whatever comes next.</div>
<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-76601755846668813922014-07-17T09:39:00.000-07:002014-07-17T09:48:17.746-07:00Kanarraville FallsI couldn't completely walk away from blogging about my hiking trip in southern Utah until I mention Kanarraville Falls.<br />
I have done this hike twice now, and I need to declare how much I love it.<br />
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I LOVE IT!<br />
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It's only about 5 miles round trip, depending on how far into the canyon you go. So you get the beauty of a slot canyon without the suffering that comes along with a longer canyon hike, like say, the Narrows.<br />
It's a fairly easy hike, but there are a couple of obstacles that would make it difficult for the elderly, or small children.<br />
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Okay. That's all I really need to say, the photos really speak for themselves.<br />
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Photo Cred to my Uncle Brian Borup</div>
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Now go do it!</div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-23461895168859694392014-07-10T09:07:00.001-07:002014-07-10T10:06:31.088-07:00a mistake in the form of a family vacationThe Narrows. Let's talk about it.<br />
For those of you who don't know:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f0dd; color: #464646; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.99997901916504px;">"The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon: 16 miles long, up to 2,000-feet deep, and at times only 20 to 30-feet wide. The Narrows, with its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens can be an unforgettable wilderness experience. However, it is not a hike to be underestimated.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f0dd; color: #464646; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.99997901916504px;">Hiking The Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60 percent of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is cold, and the rocks underfoot are slippery"</span><br />
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Straight from ZPS.gov.<br />
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My dad and sister had this brilliant idea to do a little weekend trip to Zion and hike The Narrows. Surprising as it may sound, I was actually into this idea. So Dad, Bri, my Uncle Brian, and I, did just that.<br />
In general I would say "I love to hike." is a true statement for me. What I had not realized is that this only remains true for about 6-8 miles. And let me tell you, learning this at mile 8 of a 16 mile hike is the definition of learning something "the hard way".<br />
( it's actually 17 miles, you still have to hike a mile once you exit the canyon. And I don't want to get short-changed a whole mile here.)<br />
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<b>Miles 0-5</b>, I was one happy hiker. There was singing, there was dancing, there was even frolicking in the fields.<br />
<b>Miles 5-12</b> I'm getting a little grumpy. My walking stick is ridiculous. The severity of the situation is beginning to settle in. I stopped talking all together somewhere around this point.<br />
<b>Miles 12-17</b> Pure misery. I'm pondering whether or not I'm too far up the canyon for the rescue team to reach me. I'm fantasizing about breaking a leg, or just drowning, whatever it takes to stop hiking. There is absolutely no talking, there are no pictures being taken, only occasional silent tears.<br />
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Now, a week later, I can walk normal again, my blisters are mostly healed, I've received the most necessary pedicure of my life, I can <i>almost </i>say it was worth it. I'm still waiting for those rose-colored glasses to arrive.<br />
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What I can say for certain is, first, I have the best family. Had I asked, my dad would have carried me out of there. Me, my backpack, and my freaking walking stick.<br />
The second, I can do hard things. I can do things I didn't think I could; I mean, I <i>thought</i> I could do this, which is why I agreed to it, but I'm talking about after I realized I actually couldn't do it, I still managed to do it. And that feels pretty good.<br />
But as I explained to my Uncle Brian, a man of never ending positivity and optimism who was trying to get me to come back from the dark side, sometimes being capable of doing hard things doesn't really justify <i>actually</i> doing them. Truth.<br />
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-26203510621678398452014-06-12T11:25:00.000-07:002014-06-12T11:25:44.907-07:00once a bride, and always a bridesmaid I am at the point in my life where my part time job is basically being a bridesmaid.<br />
Especially in the summer.<br />
But I'm not complaining, there are few things I enjoy more than a wedding between two people I love.<br />
This last weekend those two people were Starlee and Colby. They have only been dating as along as I have known Star (about 8 or 9 years now), so it was about time that they sealed the deal, and I feel lucky to have been included in the festivities.<br />
Other than the temple ceremony itself, my favorite part about a wedding is the fact that I have a reason to spend all day with my best friends, no excuses.<br />
After completing our maiden duties (I was in charge of balloons, explanation for the picture below), we all sat around a beautifully decorated table, with delicious crepes, and talked. Is there anything better?<br />
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Another wedding down, and only 4-5 more to go.<br />
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Getting the balloons was quite a feat. </div>
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Starlee was such a beautiful bride.</div>
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PS, weddings wouldn't be half as fun without this guy.</div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-22350922337481542742014-05-22T09:06:00.002-07:002014-05-22T12:47:36.804-07:00utah lake My birthday was on Tuesday.<br />
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Apparently it's not a nationally recognized holiday, so I had to work. </div>
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Zane and I celebrated on Monday instead, which was just as sweet. After a morning spent at City Creek, Zane and I fought the urge to nap, and instead decided to take Red swimming at Utah Lake. </div>
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Before we even got our pup, we knew our dog was going to love to swim. (future <a href="http://www.splashdogs.com/" target="_blank">Splash Dog</a> maybe?) And lucky for us, Red has taken to water like a fish. No hesitation, just pure excitement. </div>
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It's basically the cutest thing, and we're obsessed with her. </div>
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Candid. Could he be any cuter??</div>
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Later this week when the family was out in the backyard throwing around a frisbee, a game Red also excels at, my dad turned to me and said, "This is what life is about. It's not about having a lot of money... Just enough money to buy a dog."</div>
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For all you fellow dog lovers out there, you might agree. For everyone grossed out by dog kisses, and pet hair, what we're really saying is life is about family, and the little moments we get to spend together. The moments we disconnect from the TV, and our phones, stop worrying about work, and just enjoy each other.<br />
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A dog just gives you an excuse to make those moments happen. And a freaking cute excuse at that. </div>
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Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-64698889948121802962014-05-15T10:38:00.003-07:002014-05-15T11:04:29.968-07:00supporting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past weekend my girlfriends and I got together to celebrate one of our own getting married. </div>
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We spent a night in Salt Lake City, eating food, chatting, and mostly just laughing hysterically. It was good for the soul I tell you. </div>
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I read an interview with Kate Hudson recently. (she is so wise) She talked about nurturing your relationships with the women in your life. She said at some point, or maybe multiple times, maybe even multiple times a day, you have to decide whether or not your competing against, or supporting your girlfriends. </div>
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The answer <i>should</i> be simple, always supporting. Yet, more often than I'd like to admit, I find myself in an imaginary competition, in which I am the only player, with these woman who I claim to love. (and I do, I really do)</div>
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If I'm being honest, it actually happens with more people than just my friends. It happens with my own family, and perfect strangers too. (I obviously have some issues)</div>
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The silly interview with Kate really hit home. I know that I am guilty, and that the competition only brings me unhappiness.</div>
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Comparison, it's the root of all evil. </div>
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And when we are sitting around in a circle, covered head to toe in 6 cans of silly string, laughing until we cry, it becomes crystal clear that I don't have to be the skinniest, the prettiest, the richest, the smartest, or the most successful for these girls to love me for who I am. And I can love them for the qualities I envy in them, and be genuinely happy for their success. </div>
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Epiphany; Life is so much better when it's not about you. </div>
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Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-27598149181062269582014-04-03T10:02:00.001-07:002014-04-03T10:02:17.261-07:00wedding bells My sister-in-law Caitie got married a couple of weeks ago.<br />
She was the last of the O'Gwins to tie the knot. She dated, and dated, and dated and we all wondered if she would find someone who fits in the O'Gwin family puzzle perfectly. It's a hard puzzle to solve with brothers as close knit as the O'Gwin boys, and a mother-daughter bond as tight as Missy and Caities. Not to mention the perfection that is Sean and Missy's marriage as an example, talk about shoes to fill.<br />
But, of course, things have a way of falling into place, and they did with Derek.<br />
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The wedding day was beautiful. Perfect weather, lots of great company, and even greater food. (waffle's can be found below)<br />
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Caitie <strike>always</strike> eventually welcomed me into the family with open arms, and we have been close ever since. I am so happy for her, and Derek. Three cheers for marriage! hip-hip<br />
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But really, this was probably my favorite part. </div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-87532138398374953622014-03-26T11:09:00.003-07:002014-03-26T11:09:50.135-07:00Morbid and tender thoughts on a dog. You've been warned. Today Dallas the dog died.<br />
I remember going to the pound to look at dogs as a kid. That is where we found dallas. In a room full of barking, jumping, out of control dogs, Dallas was calm and sweet. We loved her right then.<br />
Dallas came from an abusive home, so adopting her into our family didn't exactly go off without a hitch. She was scared of everything, and everyone. But it made it that much more special to watch her ease into the safety of being a part of our family. And she really did become a member of our family, even to our mom who I still don't think knows for certain what gender our dog of 14 years was.<br />
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Dallas was a good dog. She was tender, obedient, and smarter than anything we could've expected. Even if she never could figure out how to play fetch...<br />
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She woke up every morning excited to greet me and Bri. She'd hop up on our beds and lay her head on our heads. She protected us form the imaginary ghosts in the basement. She was our hiking companion. She was our date for many a dateless Friday night.<br />
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But the day came when she couldn't hike anymore, she couldn't come down the stairs to the basement, and she couldn't hop up on any beds.<br />
This morning she could barely even walk.<br />
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Growing old is slow. So slow you hardly notice it happening right before your eyes.<br />
Having a puppy in the house made it impossible to ignore how every move Dallas made was a struggle, how every breath was labored.<br />
14 years is a long life for a dog. It was time to let her go.<br />
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Now we hope she is happy, eating canine manna to her hearts content. We hope she is still protecting us from all the dark, scary basements. Mostly, we hope she is free. Free from the emotional and physical pains that she experienced in this life, and all the limitations of mortality.<br />
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Goodbye Dallas. We loved you as much as anyone could.<br />
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-67717401337750425042014-02-28T09:31:00.002-08:002014-02-28T09:53:06.087-08:00sometimes puppies strengthen friendships <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once upon a time there were two best friends, who just so happened to adopt two cute puppies at the same time. And they all lived happily ever after with their constant puppy play dates. </div>
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That fairytale is actually the story of my life. Surprise! </div>
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Hillary and I have always been great friends, best friends since Freshman year at Utah State, but after I got married, and she got married, we just weren't spending as much time together anymore. It happens. </div>
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But then we got these puppies, and it gave us a reason to get together. ALL THE TIME. And our dog's thank us, because now they are BFF's and it's almost too much happiness to handle. </div>
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8 weeks old </div>
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6 months old. </div>
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We had a little date at the park last Saturday. Lindsey was in town so she brought her mom's little dog Rex to tag along. </div>
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He was maybe half the size of Red, and one fourth of the size of Winnie, we thought they might smash him. </div>
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He ended up surviving. </div>
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I feel blessed to still have these high school friends of mine.<br />
They make me happy, and fulfill my life in ways a husband just can't.<br />
Who else would be willing to play hours of Karaoke with me? or put up with my cursing while I lose miserably at cards? or eat an entire bag of captain crunch with me at midnight?<br />
or love that scary make-up-less face you see above?<br />
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Okay, maybe Zane would do all of those things. But having four people that love me that much?<br />
nothing short of a miracle.<br />
<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-14758099104602759432014-02-15T14:10:00.002-08:002014-02-28T09:53:37.246-08:00friends in CaliforniaAbout a month ago, my friend Hillary and I hatched a plan to go to California to celebrate her cute husband Michael's birthday.<br />
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My <a href="http://adultshaveblogs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">sister</a> is currently working in Disneyland, and our good friend <a href="http://jordankmetcalf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jo Metcalf </a> is working at Conan. So basically everyone in my life is doing super cool things, and I felt the need to take advantage of that and live vicariously through them. So we spent one day at Warner Brothers, and two days in Disneyland.<br />
A million thank you's to both of them for making it all possible!</div>
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This was my first grown-up-friends-only vacation, and it was just super great. </div>
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It's similar to a family vacation, but no one cries, and everyone gets along the WHOLE TIME. </div>
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I love Michael and Hillary. I have been friends with them both since I was little, and feel so lucky that those friendships have lasted, and transferred into our marriages. We really had a blast. We got to do a lot of fun things, and take a break from everyday life. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Fresh out of our 10 hour car ride, we went to Disneyland to participate in a little scavenger hunt my sister was working on. The park was closed down for the night, it was so cool to see Disneyland empty! Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. So fun, so magical. </span></div>
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Friday we visited Jo at Warner Brothers. I had already done this with Bri last year, but Zane, Hill, and Michael had not, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity. Pluuus we got to see so many cool things I didn't get to see at my last visit. </div>
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This house used to be the Gilmore Girl home in the glory days. Possibly my favorite show of all time, so this alone was a dream come true. </div>
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It is used now as the back of Spencer's house in Pretty Little Liars. </div>
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Hannah's house on Pretty Little Liars </div>
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Just a set used for shows/movies set in New York City</div>
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Remember the one where Pheobe and Rachel go running?</div>
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The highlight of our trip to Warner Brothers was easily the Central Perk set from Friends. </div>
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Every prop in there is straight from the Friends.</div>
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The famous couch.</div>
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Even the writing on the chalk board was left exactly how it was when the show ended, has not been touched in 10 years. Needless to say, we loved it. </div>
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The rest of the trip was spent at the happiest place on earth.</div>
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Chip & Dale </div>
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we're romantic </div>
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Aren't Michael and Zane such good sports?</div>
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cutest couple</div>
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BFFIES</div>
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Sometimes life is so good. </div>
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Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-23460445916775378042014-02-03T11:38:00.001-08:002014-02-03T11:40:46.372-08:00Commitment Ceremony I have decided I am officially re-committed to blogging again.<br />
In order for me to start fresh, let me sum up everything you've missed in the year I left you abandoned.<br />
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Nothing.<br />
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Okay, just kidding. Here's a quick list.<br />
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1. We are still in my parents basement, and lovin it.<br />
2. Zane is still in school at UVU, but there IS an end in sight.<br />
3. I went to dental assisting school, finished dental assisting school, and got a dental assisting job. I think...<br />
4. Dallas is still alive<br />
5. A plethora of different hair styles and colors<br />
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Which brings us to 6, the final and most important update, we got a DOG!<br />
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How many blog entries did I mention my puppy hunger? too many for you to find it interesting I am sure.<br />
My parents made my dream come true in November by buying a perfect Australian Shepherd puppy for me and Zane. Zane named her Red. She is about 5 months old now, and we are truly obsessed with her. Which anyone following me on Instagram, or Facebook, has been painfully made aware of.<br />
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Let me promise you right now, I refuse to let this blog be taken over by my dog. But she will me mentioned, and photographed, occasionally, so bare with me.<br />
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It's not my fault my dog is as photogenic as Kate Upton, and smizes like a canine Tyra Banks.<br />
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Okay, now that you have been introduced to my dog child, we can move on.</div>
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See you on the blogosphere peeps!</div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-36541802548094360082014-02-03T10:26:00.001-08:002014-02-03T15:53:39.512-08:0002.03.2014I was looking through old pictures, papers, and other saved documents on this laptop of mine.<br />
It has begun to run so slow because the memory is so chock full. Thus, I have promised Zane I will work on clearing up some space. While scrolling through some old papers from college, and old church talks, I stumbled upon a document titled "Zane's Ring".<br />
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Some of you who know me may know that occasionally I'll write little silly poems to go with gifts that I feel like need an extra somethin'. It can take a gift from simple, and unsurprising, to a cute little memorable package.<br />
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The Christmas before Zane and I got married, as one of his Christmas gifts I gave him his wedding ring. He obviously knew it was coming, but it's a pricey little sucker, and a symbol of something very sacred. I didn't want it to go over looked I suppose, so I wrote a little poem.<br />
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This morning I stumbled upon that poem, and value it more now than 2011 Brooke realized I would.<br />
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It goes as follows...<br />
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Poems are cheesy, I know. </i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>But it’s supposed to be cute, not a talent show. </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>You already knew I would get you this ring.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>But I want you to remember it’s a special thing.</i></span></div>
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<i><span class="s1"></span><br /></i></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>It means that I’ll love you for better or worse,</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>it means that I’ll never make you hold my purse.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>It means that I’ll kiss you good morning and night,</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>it means I’ll still love you after a fight.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>It means that you’ll have to kill all the bugs,</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>but I will reward you with kisses and hugs.</i></span></div>
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<i>It means you’ll have to check under the bed, and in the closet,<span class="s1"></span></i></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>it means that you will have to fix every leaky faucet.</i></span></div>
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<i>It means I’ll tickle your arms and play with your hair,<span class="s1"></span></i></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>it means “I promise to always play fair.”</i></span></div>
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<i>It means that you never have to be alone anymore,<span class="s1"></span></i></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>It means that we’re blessed, no matter how poor. </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>This ring means that I’m yours forever,</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>and honestly my love, what could be better?</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Looking back on these words, I realize now, I basically wrote Zane vows. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Although I may not have kept my word when it comes to holding my purse, everything else rings truer today than ever before. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1">I am no Keats, but this long lost document just became a very special keepsake, and I think I shall keep it.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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Who knew I was such a romantic?<br />
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Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-30183777178126841842013-03-13T17:04:00.000-07:002013-03-13T17:08:56.693-07:00Viva Las Vegas, kind of<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wednesday night, or at least I am going to claim it was Wednesday night because I don't remember, and it doesn't particularly matter, Nate and Sagan called to ask if Zane and I would be interested in spending a couple of days in Vegas. </div>
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The hotel room, for two nights, was only going to be about $45 total. And though the idea of a $45 hotel room makes me want to take a shower, we just couldn't say no to that deal. </div>
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It was 70 degrees and sunny the entire time, so basically it was amazing. </div>
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If I was to complain about anything (which I would never do because I am incredibly positive and always see the best of every situation) I would complain about the fact that there was too much <b><span style="font-size: large;">damn</span></b> walking. So much walking that I think the d word was completely necessary, and in no way an exaggeration.</div>
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Some might say that if I had chosen more practical shoes, I might not have ended up with 5 blisters.</div>
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But those people would be wrong, it was an unavoidable consequence of all the damn walking. </div>
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But since I never complain, we won't talk about it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ1Rkk3Kg1E/UUEM-ceM0CI/AAAAAAAAC9g/B_t7RU_0tb0/s1600/vegas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ1Rkk3Kg1E/UUEM-ceM0CI/AAAAAAAAC9g/B_t7RU_0tb0/s640/vegas.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XezB4-uNFi0/UUEM9R_xNsI/AAAAAAAAC9M/lAnF7Rc1GRI/s1600/ZaneVegas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XezB4-uNFi0/UUEM9R_xNsI/AAAAAAAAC9M/lAnF7Rc1GRI/s640/ZaneVegas.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyafs0byVmE/UUEM-Ks4gpI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/k5TBLsmK34Y/s1600/BrookeAndSagan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyafs0byVmE/UUEM-Ks4gpI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/k5TBLsmK34Y/s640/BrookeAndSagan.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Okay, okay, curse words aside, it really was a much needed break from the doom and gloom that is life in a cubicle. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm so grateful that sometimes your family can be your best friends too. </div>
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I'm also grateful that I married into such an easy going family, because there is only room for so much high maintenance in a family, and I'm enough work for the whole lot of us. </div>
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Seriously, if we were pioneers, I'd be eaten before the family cow, because after 3 days of walking on the strip, I can promise you no one wants to trek it with this lady. </div>
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p.s. just looked up the definition of high maintenance, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">a system which requires a high degree of maintenance to ensure proper functioning and without which it is likely to break..."</span></div>
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I think I just found my new Instagram bio.</div>
Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-50691506684801398412013-03-13T09:41:00.003-07:002013-03-13T09:42:52.868-07:00heroI never blog, it's fine.<br />
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but my sister did, and I just think she is the coolest thing.<br />
She is my hero in so many ways.<br />
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<a href="http://adultshaveblogs.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-spontaneous-road-trip-by-myself.html" target="_blank">READ HERE FOR A GOOD TIME</a><br />
Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-52386361362833485002013-01-22T13:43:00.003-08:002013-01-22T13:47:09.732-08:00a long weekendThis past weekend was a weekend of firsts for me.<br />
My first night away from Zane, and my first time flying by myself.<br />
I was pretty nervous about both, but having a sister weekend out in Burbank out weighed the cons. Thus, I left Zane to sleep alone, and braved the airport all by my lonesome to visit Bri in California. <br />
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Unfortunately, in addition to being a terrible blogger, I am a terrible photographer. I took hardly any pictures, and even less worth sharing. (two new resolutions right there, add'em to the list)<br />
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My favorite part of the weekend, other than seeing my sister's pretty face, had to be touring the Warner Brothers lot where Bri works. Between being able to set foot on the set of one of my all time favorite shows, Gilmore Girls, and pretending I was a celebrity, it was basically a dream come true.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39rSkY3fisc/UP8GGAIrNaI/AAAAAAAAC60/SVPkJvJhG4Y/s1600/starshallow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39rSkY3fisc/UP8GGAIrNaI/AAAAAAAAC60/SVPkJvJhG4Y/s640/starshallow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hello Stars Hallow. </span></div>
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Other highlights include hot-tubing, giant pancakes, a comedy show, shopping, multimillion dollar house stalking in Beverly Hills, and last, but not least, the grilled cheese and pickle found below. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4GwMgMxS0I/UP8GGP19fMI/AAAAAAAAC64/9ThWuYVj3p8/s1600/grilledcheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4GwMgMxS0I/UP8GGP19fMI/AAAAAAAAC64/9ThWuYVj3p8/s640/grilledcheese.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
It was a very laid back weekend of exploring Burbank, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and sisterly bonding.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uimU9Ve2G5Q/UP8HlPJHXNI/AAAAAAAAC7s/Q09JyQv0kvk/s1600/flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uimU9Ve2G5Q/UP8HlPJHXNI/AAAAAAAAC7s/Q09JyQv0kvk/s640/flowers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Though I was very sad to leave a sister behind, I am very happy to be home with Zane, </div>
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who buys me pretty flowers to show he missed me.<br />
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I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend!<br />
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-67069715632725323462012-12-29T17:04:00.000-08:002012-12-29T17:10:00.888-08:00anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zane and I have officially been married for 1 year. I can hardly believe it. </div>
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I' can't remember the moment where I said to myself, okay, this is forever, what's it gonna be?</div>
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Being with Zane has always just been second nature. And here we are, 365 days of marriage later. </div>
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He makes it easy, that Zane of mine. </div>
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So happy anniversary to me. </div>
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We celebrated with a weekend in Salt Lake City, and some very old wedding cake. </div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-14939286063113831282012-12-27T10:42:00.001-08:002012-12-27T10:42:10.138-08:00happy holidaysWe have been thoroughly enjoying the holiday this past week. <br />
It basically felt like a little piece heaven to take off a couple days of work to sleep in, and spend time with family. Plus the non-stop snow is just the icing on top of my winter cake.<br />
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Lately I have been kind of terrible at taking pictures. Please forgive me and enjoy my favorite 2 pictures of the few I did take this Christmas. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEAgqdhjnQg/UNyPqg1806I/AAAAAAAAC4M/PTCwSUaCF6k/s1600/snowy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEAgqdhjnQg/UNyPqg1806I/AAAAAAAAC4M/PTCwSUaCF6k/s640/snowy.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
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I hope everyone had a happy holiday!</div>
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ps. I instagram more often than I blog, so if you're missing me something terrible, you can find me at @brookeogwin </div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-25180209378331251132012-12-20T13:58:00.000-08:002012-12-20T13:58:06.481-08:00I'm still here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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just neglecting the blog. </div>
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Do you ever read other people's blogs? Their fabulous, witty, adorable, original blogs, and think... </div>
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"I'm totally out of my league over here on the blogosphere."</div>
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I do. </div>
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It's in these moments, like every time I face decisions and chores in life, where I choose to ignore the problem completely, and hope when I hope my eyes the problem somehow solved itself. (rare.)</div>
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Well I opened my eyes today, and this old blog is as plain Jane as it was when I left it. </div>
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Would you let it go for awhile if I told you I'm still figuring out my blog identity? </div>
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Thanks. </div>
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In the meantime, the real life identity just got herself some bangs. </div>
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That literally is the most exciting thing that has happened around here in weeks.</div>
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And that's fine by me. </div>
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Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-13974319125469668242012-12-10T18:40:00.000-08:002014-02-28T09:53:37.243-08:00that one time I went to Disneyland, again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it was filled with pure Disney joy..</div>
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I was team Donald,</div>
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I saw this pretty sister of mine, </div>
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we had tender marriage moments,</div>
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We ate churros, and wrapped sweatshirts around our waists,</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQDrNCN13F0/UMaYpko8hKI/AAAAAAAAC1E/8z4YqB0tSiE/s1600/cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQDrNCN13F0/UMaYpko8hKI/AAAAAAAAC1E/8z4YqB0tSiE/s640/cars.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We went to cars land,</div>
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I got pretty excited about it,</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nTiG1MZINA/UMaYy9MqZ1I/AAAAAAAAC2U/iFVyLxByAqA/s1600/tinytaco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7nTiG1MZINA/UMaYy9MqZ1I/AAAAAAAAC2U/iFVyLxByAqA/s400/tinytaco.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I ate this tiny tiny, delicious, taco, </div>
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I got sick of looking chubby and greasy, so this became the go-to pose,</div>
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we tried to look cute, </div>
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we hid from the rain,</div>
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Zane rode Splash Mountain by himself, ruining some poor families photo,</div>
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And this guy, looked this handsome, the whole time. </div>
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What've you been up to?</div>
<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-24430913214833373612012-11-26T14:19:00.003-08:002012-11-26T14:23:00.814-08:00things I should probably never say out loud This wonderfully long holiday weekend was <i>supposed</i> to be fabulous, like all your pictures I watched pop up on Instagram, but, well, it wasn't. Blame it on my Uncle Jon.<br />
Zane got a nasty stomach bug Friday night. The first of our marriage.<br />
I think I handled all the grossness pretty well, if I do say so myself. Except for the fact that I spent most of the weekend feeling sorry for myself.<br />
Granted, I wasn't the one sleeping on the bathroom floor, so like any normal human being, I should of been grateful. Except I was bored out of my mind.<br />
I couldn't just leave Zane home alone on the bathroom floor. What are spouses for if not to wait on your hand and foot, and medicate you, when sick? Thus, I sat at home, and watched a looooooot of television. Which led to the extreme boredom, and the sulking.<br />
(Being able to twist <i>any</i> situation till it becomes about me is one of the few talents I possess. Something I inherited from both of my grandmothers I'm sure.) <br />
I mean, at least if <i>I</i> was the sick one my mind would be preoccupied with my own suffering, and I would lose a couple LB's, right?<br />
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So there it is. The cat's out of the bag. I'm a horrible person. <br />
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On the bright side, where I rarely find myself, we were able to decorate for Christmas before all the vomiting began.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYI-b1r7SbU/ULPquhGSLrI/AAAAAAAACzg/I_wzzcBCHYo/s1600/tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYI-b1r7SbU/ULPquhGSLrI/AAAAAAAACzg/I_wzzcBCHYo/s640/tree.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our first tree.</div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-15303009712020317992012-11-20T08:23:00.000-08:002012-11-20T08:25:28.809-08:00hellooo babyFriday Zane's brother Sonny, and his wife Kara, had their first little baby, Noel.<br />
I have a lot of cute, special little people in my life, but I think I am going to have a soft spot for this one.<br />
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She is the first one I'm able to be a part of from start to finish, and be old enough to appreciate it all.<br />
She is the first one I will get to watch Zane adore from start to finish. (Which is pretty dang sexy)<br />
She is the first one to make the old uterus ache. Yeah, I said uterus. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kxt14bSLU0/UKusFQMWrmI/AAAAAAAACyY/C_f7vjKNU0I/s1600/meandnoel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kxt14bSLU0/UKusFQMWrmI/AAAAAAAACyY/C_f7vjKNU0I/s640/meandnoel.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rC2DfdLvgcM/UKusHJXNi-I/AAAAAAAACyo/HrmFxdr1zgE/s1600/zaneandnoel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rC2DfdLvgcM/UKusHJXNi-I/AAAAAAAACyo/HrmFxdr1zgE/s640/zaneandnoel.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Seriously, how cute is that picture? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFn4QwLHAaU/UKusGdPgyYI/AAAAAAAACyg/WnyLkSJ4XJg/s1600/noel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFn4QwLHAaU/UKusGdPgyYI/AAAAAAAACyg/WnyLkSJ4XJg/s400/noel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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With a new baby in the family, Christmas, and a tuition payment around the corner, I have too many conflicting desires. My goals in life seem to be mutually exclusive. <br />
Ain't that the way it goes. <br />
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<i>Welcome to the world Baby Noel!</i></div>
Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-18005226730399589512012-11-19T11:19:00.000-08:002012-11-19T13:56:43.593-08:00lets talk about breaking dawnBreaking Dawn part 2 has come and gone. It's bitter-sweet to see it end.<br />
Hopefully Kristen Stewart's career goes no where from here. I'd like to avoid her, and Taylor Lautner, for the rest of my movie-going life. <br />
Robert Pattinson, on the other hand, can stay. <br />
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To no surprise, I loved the movie. I laughed, I <strike>cried</strike> laughed some more, I smiled awkwardly at the plethora of vampire love scenes. It was an epic finale to the last 5 years of my life.<br />
I am going to miss having such a great a reason to get my friends, and my dad, together.<br />
We will have to come up with a new tradition that requires us come together for at least one magical night a year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">From 7 friends down to 3. It's a dying tradition, but a tradition nonetheless. </span></div>
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What we really need to talk about is the best and worst at the Breaking Dawn part 2 premier. </div>
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A. WTF Stephanie Meyer? You make way too much money to be wearing something so hideous. The top looks like a Relief Society president about to give a talk on the importance of motherhood at General Conference. And the bottom looks like half of an embarrassing Halloween costume.</div>
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B. Kristen Stewart went in a nude number. And even though its kind of bizarre (I don't even want to talk about the back view) I like it. 1 Point to Kristen; making her score -4, since her face, those teeth, her acting, the cheating scandal, and her overall personality, had her at a whopping -5. </div>
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And that's all I have to say about that.</div>
Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-14707055774300909592012-11-12T08:32:00.001-08:002012-11-12T18:31:59.819-08:00the weekend that seemed to last a lifetime This weekend we decided to pick up, and road trip it down to St. George with Zane's mom.<br />
She needed someone to keep her company on a little business trip, and we were up for the challenge.<br />
If only we knew what a challenge it would be... just kidding Missy!<br />
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Friday we spent behind the scenes at the Tuachan, watching Katherine Nelson, and The Nashville Tribute Band sound check before the show. I thought it was pretty neat. It was like I was famous, or maybe more like a groupie...<br />
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There is a band hiding from the bitter wind under that tarp. </div>
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And that little nugget down there is Zane enjoying a little sound check.</div>
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Saturday we spent in Beaver.<br />
I don't know if any of you have ever had the privilege of visiting Beaver, but it is a ghost town.<br />
We were trying to find somewhere, other than Dairy Queen, to eat, and I kept telling my mother-in-law to keep driving, there has got to be more of a selection once we get further into town. I mean, people can't live like this.<br />
False. They can. 3 miles later, we hit the bottom of Beaver. Top to bottom, 3 miles, and nothing but Dairy Queen, Butch Cassidy Inn, and this lovely place called Arshels.<br />
Where we ate dinner, and just soaked up the ambiance. <br />
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Just some light reading on each table, to pass the time. </div>
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And the lovely pink lace window coverings.</div>
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After dinner we spent the rest of the night at the local high school. Watching more sound checks, and sitting on our little bums.<br />
The music was amazing, and Katherine was very nice, so it was worth all the time on our pockets.</div>
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Most of the time, at least it felt like, was spent in the car. Like this. </div>
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He tried to blackmail me with a picture of me sleeping, but it didn't work. </div>
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Muahahaha. {Probably a video we only find hilarious.}</div>
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If I am being honest, which I try to be, I spent a lot of time this weekend being rather bored. Like watching paint dry, and grass grow, bored. Still, I would do it again in a heartbeat if Missy needed. I love my family, and being bored with them is a blessing. </div>
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Once home, Zane and I made sure the first thing we did was finish season 3 of Vampire Diaries on Netflix. Yeah, we've got our priorities straight.<br />
It's over now, and I feel a little part of myself has died. </div>
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I want to continue living vicariously through fictional characters, preferably extremely attractive vampires. </div>
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I'll have to pay for Hulu Plus to continue living out my fantasies now. That, or live my own life. </div>
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I think we all know who's going to win that battle...</div>
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Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949199748672458332.post-21485319783219364862012-11-08T08:29:00.002-08:002012-11-08T08:42:08.987-08:00unorganized thoughts on the current season<br />
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Zane and I are still thoroughly enjoying fall. The colored leaves covering the trees, and the ground, are more beautiful than freshly fallen snow, or the blossoms of spring.<br />
The concept of raking leaves is completely lost and us. Other than creating a pile to jump in, of course.<br />
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Halloween has come and gone. Rather anti-climatically. I dressed up for work, but later came home, removed my nose, and spent the night in. Which was fine with me, the truth is, nothing makes me happier than watching Vampire Diaries on Netflix with Zane, and our fireplace. I mean, if I had to describe fall in one word, it would probably be cozy.<br />
cozy. cozy. cozy. Just the way it's supposed to be.<br />
Which is why I am rather tired of this 70 degree nonsense, it's time for 60 and below. This girl isn't getting out of bed unless it involves knee high boots, and a sweater. Can I get an amen?<br />
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The next couple weeks hold great adventures, I can feel it. A best friends sealing, Thanksgiving, a trip to California, and quite possibly the most important, Breaking Dawn part 2!<br />
Then, before we know it, Christmas will be around the corner! I can hardly contain the excitement. Christmas radio may, or may not, happen daily. So shoot me. <br />
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<b>I hope everyone's fall season is feeling as magical as mine.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**On a very irrelevant side note, 91 followers? are you kidding me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I can't believe 91 people want to read this little thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, this isn't your cue to tell me that you actually hate this blog, and possibly me, but <i>my</i> opportunity to say thank you. I feel like I might be in love with all 91 of you.**</span></div>
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<br />Brooke Ashley O'Gwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12018083152628467339noreply@blogger.com1