the hunger rears its ugly head. again.

My cute sister-in-law is very pregnant, and her baby shower is around the corner. Thus, I started the task of shopping for her future baby girl. Which quickly turned into shopping for my non-existent baby girl.

What I need to know is, how weird is it that, with no baby in sight, I would very much like to purchase thousands of dollars worth, just a few things here and there for myself? On a scale of 1 to crazy baby lady?

But I mean, come on, just look at these things

Are you kidding me? How am I expected to resist this?
The ratio of influence between baby hunger and my little addiction to online shopping at Nordstrom is yet to be determined. But I think it's safe to say none of the above is healthy.

more magic? YES!

Sometimes I have these moments of pure inspiration where I decided I should document a moment in film.
Especially after my previous video of Zane doing magic became such a sensation.

Unfortunately, my little inspiration did not include realizing I should spit out my gum, or at least close my mouth.
Zane said on a scale from 1-10, my gum smacking was only a 5.
I'm afraid it's an 8, and by bringing it to your attention, I think you'll agree with me on this one.
And I'm so sorry. 

confession session

 - I signed up to run a 5k with my sister in October. I know it seems that anyone could run 3.1 miles, in fact, two ladies well into their 50's on the treadmills next to me seemed to do it rather effortlessly,  but I'm not feeling very confident.

- I flip bad drivers off on a regular basis. But only when I'm by myself, and I make sure no one but me sees it. Pointless? basically.

- I will take the stairs, or pretend I need to use the restroom, to avoid riding the elevator with someone. anyone. It's just how Taylor describes it.

- I created a Twitter account solely to follow Miley Cyrus. I am currently fascinated, to say the least.

Glad I got that off my chest.

thats sooo looserly

Why do I think this is hilarious? And why has my blog turned into video's I like from YouTube?

smarty pants dance

Sometimes Zane and I have a hard time agreeing on what to watch.
When I say, "you choose", it always ends with Zane finding himself some science-fiction movie involving aliens, or time travel, and me eating my words.

It is in those moments of disagreement, we settle on America's Funniest Home Videos. Even though I am fairly certain Tom Bergeron is a closet pervert, and everything he does makes me cringe, the actual videos are pretty hilarious.

This was my favorite video we saw last night.

My child will know the 50 states by age 2, and she will have an adorable victory dance.

special days

Since beginning working full time, at the crack of dawn, weekends have become especially special to me.

Saturday, and Sunday, mornings when my body naturally wakes up around 7, and I realize I may sleep as long as I please, I can only explain as pure joy. 

And the time not spent sleeping, is spent finding fun things to fill our day. 

Labor Day weekend was filled with Swiss Days and Sheep Dogs. 

Saturday was spent with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. 

We shopped, ate, gabbed, and sang a few songs from The Sound Of Music soundtrack. Weird since that was set it Austria, and we were supposed to be celebrating the Swiss. But no matter, I'm sure rain drops on roses, and whiskers on kittens make the swiss happy too. 

It was a perfect girls day, minus the fact that the right side of my hair decided it wanted to be straight and the left wanted to be curled. rough. 

Monday was spent at the Sheep Dog Championship at Solider Hollow. 

This was my brilliant idea, and I got Zane and my in-laws to jump on board with me. I am currently going through an animal obsession phase, for the last 20 years. 

It was such a fun atmosphere. I love my fellow dog lovers, they're the friendliest of people. 

The Splash Dogs were my favorite part. Zane and I have officially decided our future puppy will be a Splash Dog. Here's hoping that puppy is here sooner rather than later. 

The weekend was well worth the farmers tan, and peeling that followed. 

It's a little late, but I hope everyone enjoyed their labor day weekend!

school is cool

I had forgotten how much I enjoy school.
I am only going part time, since I work full time and enjoy my sanity, but being back in the classroom is such a great feeling.

I read somewhere recently, that if men and women think that their marriage will fulfill all their social and emotional needs, they are sorely mistaken. You need more than a spouse for a well-rounded life.
I have always valued my relationships with friends, and family, I've even learned the value in working, but over the summer it seems I forgot how fulfilling school can be. As I sat in my English class last night I realized how much my very soul needed to be in that environment again.

So yes, I am the annoying girl in the front of the class, constantly making comments, asking questions and  walking out of class smiling from ear to ear.
Although it seems moving at my pace means I will graduate in 30 years, I feel so grateful for the opportunity to attend college, even in the smallest proportions.

I hope everyone else is enjoying being back to school as much as I am.
I mostly hope I can keep this attitude up all semester.

hungry hungry catipillar

Today, most days, I am hungry.

House hungry, puppy hungry, baby hungry, and just plain hungry hungry.

Hello dream kitchen. You are white, and triple the size of the cupboard I currently call my kitchen.

Herrooo puppy. I adore you, even though my friend Lynn thinks you look like a sweater with eyes.

Hello little nuggie santa. I want you for Christmas.

Helloooo Rice-a-Roni, my San Fransico treat.

So many things to look forward to. One very very far away day. If I'm lucky.
In the mean time, Rice-a-Roni, I will see you at dinner.

Today

Today I begin working full time, for the first time. I know, woe is me, you've all been doing it for years. But I'm seriously not confident I will survive the day.
Plus, I'm back to the good ol' 7 AM shift, or as I've dubbed it, Black Mornings. 
Today I also, like everyone else, start another semester of school.

Goodbye summer, goodbye childhood.

On the bright side, hello layering, boots, and the holiday season!

quality television

I've heard the name Honey Boo-boo child a lot lately, and am only sad I didn't youtube her until now.
TLC, you never let me down. Seriously. Watch the entire video, you won't regret it. 

You're welcome.

121 west

With the new Bourne movie coming out, I had a sudden realization that I had never seen the first 3. This was obviously a great travesty that needed to be fixed quickly. So we borrowed the movies from Mama O'Gwin and had ourselves a slumber party.
We moved our mattress out into the family room, and ate overly salted popcorn.

Needless to say, the Bourne movies were totally awesome. The 3rd is my personal fav. Matt Damon before he got old and soft, I'm a fan.

There is something about the whole mattress of the floor thing that Zane and I grew attached to. It stayed out in the family room for 3 nights, returned to it's proper bed frame for a couple hours, and is back on the floor again. It's just so comfy!

Memories like these are good ones, and we're making them quickly because unfortunately we won't be here for much longer.
I have a bitter-sweet announcement, Zane and I are moving into my parent's basement. wah-wah-waaaaaa...

We had our eyes opened up to all the money we could save in a couple months of not paying rent, and we just couldn't ignore it. Plus, Zane's school schedule is looking like an all day, 5 days a week, extravaganza, making working full time a little impossible.
My parents also happen to be pretty great roommies. I thoroughly enjoyed Ben and Beth for 18 years.

In reality, I am so blessed to have a family who supports Zane and me, and is willing to share their home with us. Temporarily.

I love our little condominium, but to comfort myself at this time of need, I'm focusing on the things I loath.
Like the fact that the swamp cooler is the worst thing that has ever happened to my hair, and my clothes. I live in a constant state of frizz and wrinkles. Humidity has never been a friend of mine.
The girl who lives upstairs, who does a lot of what I can only assume is jumping. Not going to miss the daily shaking of our light fixtures.
The office door that we are certain has expanded dramatically since we moved in, it literally will not shut anymore.
The fact that my plates are too big to fit inside any of my cupboards, and my oven drawer falls out every time we open it.
The fiesta's our neighbors throw them selves. every. night. giving me flash backs of the time I spent in Tijuana.

All of the above will not be missed.
but everything else, a list that would be much longer, will.

It was our first home, and I'm confident the memories made here will always be some of my favorites.

weekend

Zane and I treated ourselves to a weekend in Park City to celebrate summer, and his 26th year of life. It was lovely to get away from work, and school. Honestly, even a day away from the family we adore was wonderful.

We mostly shopped, and ate. Which is perfect, because they happen to be my two favorite past times.
Over the last year, Zane has become my best friend. Doing anything, or nothing with him, makes a good day, and doing nothing particular in Park City made a great weekend. 

Shopping Main Street

Zane's dinner

My delicious dinner that looks like it came off the kids menu. 

I day dreamed about living in this house one day. 

 visiting the olympic park. 

you should check it out if you're ever in the neighborhood.

It was short, and simple, and everything we needed. 

blog closed

Because last week Zane's birthday fell on finals week, and a work day, we decided to put off truly celebrating. 

Now Zane is officially finished with summer semester. Thus, we are out forgetting all worries, and simply celebrating this boys presence in the world. After all, that presence is only the biggest blessing in my life. 

Will be back in a day or so.

iphone shmiphone

Lets talk about the ways I thought having an iphone would change my life, but hasn't.

1. Maps. I thought for sure that having the map app on my phone would make it possible for me, being directionally challenged, to drive somewhere other than Orem. False. I've discovered it's really difficult to drive, and look at the tiny map directions on your phone at the same time.
Also, Im afraid if the phone reads left, and I turn right thinking it's left, only revisiting the lesson in kindergarten on how to make an "L" with my index finger and thumb, will fix that 1st world problem. Thus, I am still getting lost is Provo. Easily, and often.

2. I don't have to stare at my drink and internet-less phone while my family and friends play all the cool games around the dinner table.
It turns out Draw Something, and Words with Friends are now "out", making me very last season and only capable of forcing my husband to play games with me.
It's like I finally bought the poncho I've been so excited about, only to realize no one else at the table is wearing a freaking poncho.

3. Siri sucks.

On the bright side, I think I have finally figured out how to "hash-tag", though I'm still clear on the purpose.

what a guy

Saturday morning my dad completed his first century race, the UCLER, at Thanksgiving Point.
In reality, my dad and a few of his friends just signed up for fun. They didn't want to "race". To them this meant a nice long ride with water stops, medical support, and free lunch.
Still, I insisted I would be there to support my dad at the finish line.

 Crossing the very anti-climatic finish line

His super cool finishers medal I insisted he pick up. 

I couldn't be more proud of my sweet dad. The details of his time are still up in the air at this point. What really matters is this 50 years-young guy finished, with no medical attention and a smile on his face.

He may have thought me coming to see him finish was a silly idea, but I know he was happy to have me there at the end to give his disgustingly salty cheek a congratulatory kiss, and a hug. 

My parents are still young, but when the hopefully very far away day comes that they are no longer here with me, I will be comforted by the fact that I am able to honestly say, I knew them, I supported them, and I loved them. 

whether its life, or just swimming, always do your best

I haven't been watching the Olympics.
I know, it's like admitting you don't keep up with the news. Doesn't exactly make me sound like a well educated, or involved American citizen.

This is what I do know about the Olympics this year. Ryan Lochte, athletic, pretty, but mostly pretty stupid.

This has been entertaining my co-workers and me all morning.

Is it weird that I like him even more after this video? 

Turns out being empty between the ears is kind of endearing.

"I can't wait till I finish swimming, so I can go to the market to, do a little shopping"

some new habits

Recently I've grown into a habit watching way too much Private Practice on Netflix. I already flew through Grey's, so it's only natural I've found myself here.
I am also currently enjoying watching old seasons of The Biggest Loser. Team Bob!
It only takes so many episodes of ridiculously skinny actresses, and ridiculously large people getting skinny, before I finally get myself to the gym.

In addition, Zoo Story, Bakery Story, and Pet Hotel Story are currently taking over my life and killing my phone battery. worth it.

Apparently the only thing not consuming my time, is blogging.
Must. Find. Motivation.

lately according to my iphone...

which I can now say, since I finally got an iphone!!! Three exclamation points necessary.
I may, or may not, be one of the last people in america, but better late than never I always say.

a shopping date with miss Sue. 

a new dress from my cute mom. 

date night with Zane. 

These boys. Best friends since elementary school, and brothers for life.

so much love in the room. 

Last, but not least, my sister worked the Teen Choice Awards. 

I realize this has absolutely nothing to with for me, or my week, 

but she is amazing. 

I am filled with so much pride, and a bit a of jealousy, for this girl. 

I mean, look at her! She's adore. 

So I've been a little obsessed with the new phone. With all the instragrams, and of course my pet hotel, and zoo, and my bakery, I've neglected the blog.
The infatuation is going strong, but I'm determined to find balance.
More consistant blogging to come.

home sweet home

hello blog. Long time no see.

Growing up I was blessed to be able to vacation with my family to all sorts of fabulous places; New Port Beach, Hawaii, a Mexican Riviera Cruise, and my all time favorite, Greece.
I have been spoiled.
I hope one day I can spoil my future family the same way.
Currently my bank account says not a chance.

But I started realizing months ago, there is so much in my little state of Utah that I've yet to see. How can I desire to know the world, before I know my own home?
Thus, I have written somewhat of a to-do list.
A list of things of adventures, silly and amazing.

This weekend was the perfect opportunity to knock something off the list. My adorable sister was in town with some friends for the weekend. Her friends, one from Indiana, one from California, have never been to Utah.
She took them to Zion's on the way over, and the next day we made a plan to hike to Timpanogos Cave.

I have hiked to the caves before, but it's been at least 12 years. I was overdue for a visit. A visit I will actually be old enough to remember.

It was amazing. It is kind of eerily beautiful. As cliche as it sounds, caves are mysterious to me, and I find them so interesting. Or I find "it" interesting, since I've only been to one.
Going through the tour I am as eager to understand as the 8 year old boy standing next to me.

If you haven't been, GO! It's a good hike, and it's a beaut.

The group outside the cave entrance. 

Why is my husband's $10 target sweatshirt my favorite thing I've worn in months?

 I love my tan tis. 

The heart of the cave. 5'6 and 4,000 pounds. what!?

Matching

I loved waking up super early feeling satisfied with how I spent my weekend.
Utah has so much to offer, and I love exploring it with my family.

Anyone have anything I need to add to my Utah adventure list? 

Suggestions welcome.

I like you

Recently I was reunited with a very special game. 

A game no one except my Utah State friendsies will play with me, and boy have I been missing it. 

More importantly, I was reunited with some very special people. 

Even though it means Lindsey wins. again. pre-freaking-dictable. Losing is worth it for a couple hours with these friends. 

For a moment, it's like nothing changed. We are all living in the same city, with no responsibilities, playing our favorite game into the wee hours of the morning. 

Except we watch our potty-mouths a bit more under Zane's roof, and it ends around 10 PM. 

And though it smells, and they evacuate the wave pool every 15 minutes because another kid pooped, I will even go to Seven Peaks if it means a couple hours of quality time with these people. 

"If we were to go there, which we're not, but if we did"... long story short, 

matching glasses and proud of it. 

Marriage. Jobs. School. It all takes up a great deal of time, and energy.
Priorities have to be rearranged sometimes.
I love my friends. I love their gorgeous little faces.
I know they are apart of life's plan for happiness, and quite frankly I just need them.
Whether it's weekly or monthly, I'm glad they instantly make me feel at home with insulting jokes laced with love, and the latest gossip.
Thank you, thank you, for getting me through the high school days, and continuing to love me now that I'm a married bore. I like you guys.

So here's to good friends, who make life exactly how it's supposed to be.