The Chunky Monkey Running Lawyer

A Moment Updated

2012-01-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

This guy is Alex Smith. He was the quarterback for the University of Utah while I was going there. I was reading an article about him today. I like reading articles about him because one time in 2003 we had a moment.

I majored in Human Development and Family Studies in my undergrad and so this involved a lot of child development classes. I don't know what Mr. Smith majored in*, all I know is that we had a class together. I never really paid attention to him because #1. the class was in an auditorium and the professor always had the lights down to use the overhead thingy (yes I said thingy...I forgot what they are called). and #2. I always sat in the back and there were a ton of people in the class so I never noticed him, but knew he was in the class.

Now on to "our moment". One time while in class I happened to fall asleep during class...you know like you do. In my defense the lights were off! So there I was taking a wee nap, getting the info through osmosis, when someone sat down by me. You know when you are sleeping and suddenly you jerk awake? Yeah so that is what I did and I ended up kicking the person who sat next to me. Yup it was Alex Smith. I was really embarrassed and I think I might have choked on a saltine while telling him sorry. He gave me a funny look then joked that he was now injured for the next game. I laughed stupidly and said I'll be sure to not disclose my name so I didn't get attacked by the fans. He laughed and asked something about the class. I felt we had a moment. We connected for that small moment. I'm pretty sure I made a fool of myself like I always do. But I like to think we had something. *sigh* :) And yes Lara it would have been awesome if we had become study buddies! But I'm pretty sure the minute I kicked him that possibility flew out the window.

On another note I enjoy getting together for random lunches with old friends. So thanks Jenny and Steve! Since you both read this. :) It was a good time. I know people that don't really keep in contact with people they knew from high school or college and just drop people as soon as they move. I've never really been like that. I like to keep those connections. So its nice when I am able to. So thanks! And Steve maybe next time we will go to CB.

Alright all peace!

*My dear friend Lara informed me that Mr. Alex Smith majored in Economics AND got a Masters in Econ! He is one smart cookie. I took an economics class and so I feel I am an expert on the subject since I am a little slow when it comes to that. Its about saving money right? Right?!

2011

2011-12-30T22:45:00.001-07:00

The year is almost over so I thought I would do the obligatory end of the year post. This year had a lot of trials and triumphs for me. Trials, I'm honestly not ready to talk about. This Christmas was probably the worst I've ever had without my mom and all I could do was pray it ended quickly. I'm not ready to really address that yet...one day. Triumphs were for sure in abundance. I finished 15 races as I mentioned in my previous post. It was a big accomplishment for me and I've never been more proud of myself when it came to a running goal. Another triumph was having my first case as a lawyer in immigration court. It was an asylum case. Asylum cases are for people that have fear of returning to their home country due to some persecution. These cases are long and a lot of work. My case was fast and a lot of work. My client came to me at the end of May and their hearing was the middle of June. I had 3 days to write a brief and get evidence submitted. Thankfully the hearing turned out well and my client did not need to return to their home country. I have never considered myself a great writer but the judge said my brief was really well written and very persuasive even though he did not buy all of my arguments. He also told my client that if it wasn't for my brief and evidence the outcome of the trial would have been very different. So that's always nice to hear. :) I also got to finish my mentor program and now I am no longer a first year lawyer. Kind of a relief. I haven't been disbarred yet. As my friend Christi said I'm really good at flying under their radar. :) Well for the rest of this post I think I'll let photos say the rest, they aren't in any particular order. Enjoy!

Done and done!

2011-12-14T12:40:00.001-07:00

I accomplished a goal! Yes you read that right. Me. Emily, accomplished a goal AND a fitness goal no less! Needless to say I sometimes struggle with the goals. But I would like to let you all know I completed my goal of one race a month. Woot woot! I ended up doing more than 12 races (one was a proxy run...thanks to Jenny). But let me break them down for you.
January: Draper New Year's Day 5k
February: South Jordan Valentine's 5K
March: Buns up 5K for Colon Cancer (UP Millcreek Canyon, I wanted to hurl for the first 1.5 miles)
April: Adoption 5K and Thanksgiving Point 5K
May: Race for the Cure 5k (Ps. Note to self, Do NOT try to run that next year...way too many people to dodge)
June: Miller 10k for Diabetes and Race for the Women of Congo 5k
July: Katie Mack SIL 5k (I don't remember the official name...that one was a challenge to say the least)
August: The MORE Project 5k (Jen was my proxy since it was the same day as my mom's funeral.)
September: Rivalry Race Utah v. BYU 5K
October: Huntsman Cancer Institute Zombie Run 5K and the Walk/Run Against Violence 5k
November: Going Beyond Borders 5k in Orem
December: Girls on the Run 5k
Total: 15 races
Say what?! I'm actually really proud of myself for doing it and sticking to it. My mom was the reason I started though. I told her I had a goal of doing on race a month but the idea of the races just scared me to death. One day she called me and told me she had registered for the New Year's Day race and I had better sign up to join her. That got me started. She and I also did the Thanksgiving Point race together. all the while she had cancer and we had no idea. But she did two 5k's with me. She was amazing. I love you mom! :) I also have to say a great big thanks to Jenny because she kept me going. I honestly don't think I would have finished my goal if it wasn't for her. So thanks Jenny! You are awesome.As a reward for completing my goals I am getting new running shoes. Woot! Mine are pretty hashed...as you can tell from the photo above. I love those shoes though. They carried me a lot of miles this past year.
So what is the plan for next year? A half-marathon. Yes you read that right. I'm going to try that again. I know what you are thinking "Really champ? Again?" Well yes, again. I've already thrown my temper tantrum as Jenny and Lara can attest to today I just need to find a killer plan and get back out there. (P.S. When did I become SUCH a wuss about the cold?!) But January 1st! Well not first because that's a Sunday and my rest day but January 2nd beware pavement I'm coming for you. :)

G-chat+ Jenny= No work done but loads of entertainment!

2011-11-28T15:19:00.001-07:00

There are days when you just don't want to work (aka today or any other day after a holiday. Or let's be honest almost every day for me. Anyway!). So to kill time I often times goggle chat with the Jenster and/or the Larsipan and occasionally the Christi and Bethy poo. Mostly Jenny and Lara. Well today I was g-chatting Jenny and this played out. Enjoy!

me: Jenny...loads has happened since I last chatted with you

Jenny: haha i'm sorry, i had to reboot and then got distracted

what up?

me: I had tea...and my tea ball popped open in my tea...so I had crap floating in it

I looked for a strainer...no dice

Jenny: ick

hate floaters

me: Decided to fashion one out of coffee filters. Ended up pouring most of it on my carpet and garbage can with some hitting my contraption

Jenny: lol

why are you not video taping these events??

me: Haha! I don't know! But I was just thinking if someone walked into my office right ten I'd have a lot of explaining to do.

Jenny: yes!

me: Ay...I need a mental institution

Jenny: dpm
that means: dont we all

me: it does?! How did I miss that?!

Jenny: yes, also it means: my fingers can't find the right keys

me: hahaha!!

I like it!

ahhh! there is tea everywhere! I'm a bout to have a flood

Jenny: BAIL! BAIL!!

me: I'm trying to ready the life boats but they won't cooperate!

Jenny: you need to inflate your floatation device, quick!!

me: women and children first! Move it or lose it sister!

Jenny: lol

me: I'm afraid since it is my ship (aka my office) I probably have to go down with the ship....

I need some "nearer my god to thee" on itunes...hold on a sec. uh yup there we go

Jenny: haha

going down with the ship is the only respectable thing to do......

me: It really is...considering I am the one that kind of started the flood...I might as well. My crew abandoned me however

Pantywaists

Jenny: cowards

me: that's the last time I hire Somali pirates!

Jenny: word

me: Ah well that was fun!

and entertaining...which means it might become a blog post!

Jenny: it's a must-post

me: For sure!

Let me add a side note. I have the WORST luck with eating/drinking in my office. We had the hot chocolate fiasco of 2011 (where I spilled hot chocolate all over important papers) then the eclair coup. In my other office I had the pomegranate incident of 2010 where I was eating a pomegranate and ended up squirting red juice up the wall...panicked tried to fix it and ended up smearing it into a big red mess. Then the water flood of the summer of 2011 as well. That one at least cleaned my desk off nicely. I'm pretty sure I should not be allowed to eat nor drink in my office anymore.

An Offer

2011-11-22T23:34:00.001-07:00

So I found this house. Pretty nice house, needs some renovations but nothing major. 4 bed 2 bath. And its a REALLY good deal. I got my mortgage pre-approval letter today so things are good and I can make an offer! Woot! Or is it? I have had all these doubts come flooding in and ended up hanging up on my realtor before telling him to make the offer. Will I be able to afford it? What will dad do once I'm gone? Will he be ok alone? Will my guilt of leaving him in the house alone eventually drive me to the looney hospital? Can I care for a house? What if I still want to travel can I afford to do both? What if you can't make the changes that I want? What if it turns out to to be a really bad house and needs a lot more time and money than I have? (obviously a lot of my concerns are money related) I wish mom was here. She was really good at helping me talk things out. I have my dad, who I love, but he is more practical than I am. I have my siblings, who again I love, but they aren't the same. My mom understood me. She would have seen my vision for the house and given me ideas. Supported me and helped me figure things out. She got me better than anyone else ever has. *sigh* I can't change that situation. All I can do is try to make the decision that she would have helped me make. Wish me luck! :)

P.S. On the plus side, if I buy this house I will not look weird when I creep the home makeover blogs! :D

To personal train or not personal train

2011-11-15T09:35:00.001-07:00

I like Hamlet....but I mostly like tweaking the famous phrase to fit my own desires. :) So Here is my question. I've been thinking about checking out a personal trainer with the gym I go to. But its like $130 for 3 sessions. Is it worth it? I really want to get better at working out for some stupid reason the change of the weather has really screwed me up. Mostly I just need to stop being a whiney pants about it and go running. Jenny dearest and I are planning on picking up the half marathon training in January again. I would like to get in that habit BEFORE I throw myself into that hell again. Granted this time we are going to be smarter about it. Instead of going from 3 miles to the next week 7 we are going to take it slower. :) And we aren't going to run the same course over and over. (still every time I drive past that Thanksgiving Point exit or America Fork Canyon I get grumpy and mean. Bad memories) But my question is would a personal trainer help with motivation? Or would I end up want to junk punch him? I don't know...time to ponder.

Feliz cumpleanos a well mi! :D

2011-11-08T15:34:00.001-07:00

Goooo birthdays! I think next year I'll spend it on a beach somewhere...yeah that sounds awesome.

The Purpose of the Eclair

2011-11-04T12:18:00.000-06:00

I have decided that the only reason an eclair exists (aside from being delicious) is for me to bite into it only to have the filling shoot out the other end to hit my shirt, jeans, desk, important papers (thankfully not the same papers as the hot chocolate fiasco of October 25) and keyboard. I think that this was the eclairs way of telling me I should not be eating it. Well you know what eclair?! You are the only thing I'm having for lunch so shove it!

The Cap and Super Woman...

2011-10-25T22:10:00.005-06:00

Say "Happy Halloween!!"

Captain America plans on killing you with kindness...

Captain America as played by cute my nephew Carson

Super Woman just plans on hurting you slightly.

Super Woman as played by my ultra cool niece Abby

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! :)

Girl sitting in front of pumpkins as played by well...me

Runner Pants!

2011-10-16T20:31:00.003-06:00

First off this photo pretty much sums up how I feel about my running. :D

But speaking of running I figured I better give a summary of my past races. I believe the last time I updated you about them was when I was on race #9 in July. Jenny and I opted to not do the half marathon. Which if you care to read about why you can go here. So that takes us to August. August was the More Project race to help build homes for poor people in Brazil. So my goal was to do one race a month but this race was the same day as my mom's funeral. But my dear, dear friend Jenny ran as proxy for me. She had her number and my number. I know I did not actually do a race in August I'm still counting it. Thanks Jenny. You are amazing. (for more reasons than just that. :)) So that was race #10. Race #11 was the rivalry race in Provo.

It was a breast cancer race and it was between Utah and BYU fans because the annual Utah vs. BYU football game was that same day. This one was probably my favorite race. It was a great course. Not too hot or cold. It was pretty relaxed. I liked it. Then I went to the football game that night and watched the U just own BYU. It was AWESOME! Anyway, Race #12 was on Saturday. It was the Night of the Running Dead. So you either signed up as a human or a zombie. The human's got a 2 minute head start. I actually really liked this race as well. It was a lot of fun to see the people dressed up, but it was SO hot! Ugh awful. I felt like I was so slow and I took forever but actually this race was my best time! :) Next week Jen and I are doing the YWCA run against violence run that is sponsored by the Women's Law Caucas from the Utah State Bar. Should be good. That will be race #13. Then I only have two months left and I've completed my goal! As a reward I'm getting myself new running shoes. Woot woot! I'm really excited about that because I desperately need some. Alright peeps. That's it I'm out!

My Job

2011-09-28T19:38:00.004-06:00

I was thinking the other day that I don't really talk about my job that much here. Possibly because there are days when my job is too frustrating to think about again. (like my current case involving a SAW claim. Google it. And by "google it" I mean look it up on the internet, not whatever else you were thinking that meant). But for those of you that don't know I am an immigration working at non-profit here in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was recently hired full time which is GREAT for my bank account. But it also gives me more experience in other areas of immigration law. For example I went to court for the very first time by myself in June to argue an asylum/withholding of removal case (again google it if you are curious what that entails). Thankfully, I won and my client gets to stay in the country (the judge said if I had not helped her it might have been a very different situation for her. so that was good!). Normally I do citizenship for elderly refugees. I enjoy helping them but the medical waivers can be a pain in my back pockets. I also sometimes have clients that can be a pain in my back pockets i.e. this guy.
I certainly have my own opinions on all things immigration but I won't share them right now. :) What I will share with you is one of my favorite stories about a client. This guy was an elderly refugee from Somalia and he was one of the rare clients who took the citizenship exam (FYI to get citizenship you have to speak, read, and write English and answer 10 civics questions, along with some other laws). So this guy was pretty nervous and before we went into his citizenship interview I decided to ask him some of the civics questions. There are 100 questions to study. The officer only asks 10 of the questions and you only need 6 correct. So I was quizzing him before we went in (questions like "who was the Father of Our Country?" "Name one of the longest rivers in the United States." etc.) and he was doing well. He was called to go to the interview and we went in and sat down and the officer went to put the client under oath before reviewing his application. So the officer said "please raise your right hand." My client yelled, "GEORGE WASHINGTON!!". The officer and I were in shock and I tried really hard not to laugh. And the officer was nice enough to say he'd start with the questions instead. So for the rest of the day I went around just yelling "George Washington!". :) My client passed with flying colors though and I was proud of him. Thankfully my job has a lot of positives and only a few sad negative stories. Usually situations where I can't help. But I love what I do and I love where I am working. I'm getting great experience and get to help people. :) Well everyone that's my soapbox. Peace out!

P.S. I recently discovered Instagram for my phone. I'm a fan.
P.P.S. If you are curious what HB 497 is go here.

Flood-It

2011-09-26T16:35:00.004-06:00

I have the game Flood-It on my iGoogle page and when I am waiting for clients I often play it. My score is Won: 42 Lost: 214...oh now 215. I need a mentor for this game.

I also wish I had a chips and salsa dispenser for my desk. You want chips and salsa? *zip blop* done! You? *zip blop* Done! Ingenious.

Good Luck!

2011-09-11T20:35:00.001-06:00

My dear niece Morgan bought this book for me.

I'm pretty sure she has no hope in me finding someone on my own...she's bringing reinforcements...

Nothing but Gratitude

2011-09-11T15:37:00.004-06:00

       This being September 11 and 10 years since the attacks in America I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the military, police, EMTs, firefighters and every day citizens trying to make a change for the better. All I have to say is thank you.
    I had a woman tell me once that I shouldn't care as much about what happened on September 11 because it happened in Washington, New York and Pennsylvania, no where close to me. That was sad to me. I feel like if something tragic happens in a family all the family members feel it. Its the same here. If tragedy hits we all feel it. I also would hate to think that we are a county that doesn't feel pain for the tragedy of another. We are not that type of country and I know this woman was an isolated incident. We do care and I know we always will.
     I hope that today reminds us how we all came together that day and we can hopefully become back together for the good of each other and the country and the world. God bless America and I pray for those still fighting for what's right.

My Addiction

2011-09-10T14:01:00.001-06:00

Hi. My name is Emily. *Hi Emily* And I have a problem. This is my problem

Yup water bottles. I love water bottles! These are only a few of the ones I have. I was thinking of more I have at my second house and yes...there are more. I realized that I usually buy water bottles if I go to the store right after a run. Because I'm thirsty so I want water. Tada! Water bottles. Honestly I love water. I drink a lot and I just love it, love it.
Now this one you all are thinking is not a typical water bottle. Well here is the thing, this is glass and the hippie in me will not allow me to throw it away or recycle it. I have to keep it. Yup my environmental side says no. (I am not one of those people that think they are an environmentalist and they really have no idea what they are talking about. I am a mining engineers daughter so I have other views. :) If you care to hear them let me know. I am never afraid to spout my views about anything.)

This one was purchased because I had my nephew in the car and he wanted some chocolate milk. Well there was no way I was going to let a 2 year old have an open cup in my car. So it was purchased with the idea that I'd let him have it....but I ended up keeping it. I have a problem people!

And this last one is my pride and joy. I have had this dear water bottle since my mission so about 2005 kids! He's 6! I will never get rid of him and if I have to I will have a funeral for him.
Well there you have it...my confession. I have a problem. I need WBA (Water bottles Anonymous) Alright everyone peace out!

P.S. Thanks to all of you who have sent your condolences. I really appreciate it.

Cleaning Off the DVR

2011-08-31T21:02:00.001-06:00

      I realize now that that title might be misleading to what this post is actually going to be about. But that's what got me thinking. As some of you may not know my mom died kind of unexpectedly on August 22, 2011. So as not to make this a total downer of a post the gist is that my mom had been sick for about 2 months. We couldn't figure out what the issue was. We took her to the hospital and she was in ICU for a week. On Wednesday August 17 she had to go in for emergency surgery for abdominal pain. The surgeon told us she had cancer everywhere, stomach, liver, pancreas, bowels, you name it. He told us she might not wake up from this surgery where he tried to remove the worst of it. By the grace of God she woke up and we were able to spend a few days with her before she died on Monday. Her funeral was on Saturday August 27, 2011. An experience I pray most of you will not have to deal with for many years to come.
         Because my dad is now a widow I moved back home to kind of be with him for a bit. I'm the only single childless person in my family so it is easier for me to do and honestly I want to not be alone either. Since I've moved home I've helped my dad clean out a lot of her things. I think for him its easier to not see her everyday things. He has kept a lot of things. Well tonight we were watching a show on the History Channel and while waiting for him to come back I asked him if he wanted me to clean off the DVR. He said yes. So here I am sitting in my mom's old chair deleting all her favorite shows and it breaks my heart to think she'll never sit in this chair. She'll never save me a segment of "Rachel Ray" that she thought I would like to see. She and I will never make fun of the drama of "Chopped".
          This past week has been like a dream to me. I feel like I'm in a fog and one day I'll wake up and she'll be here. But I know deep down she won't. I don't let myself think about it during the day but at night when its quite I can't stop my thoughts. She was an amazing woman and I hope one day to be half the person she was. She was a mom first but my best friend second and I miss her more than anything in the world. But we take it one day at a time and as my dear friend Christi said, we try to find a new normal but never forget the old. One day I hope to get there.
         For anyone interested you can read her obituary here, because I'm not going to lie, my mom was freaking awesome!

I love you mom!

Running Wish-list!!

2011-08-15T16:06:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking about this since my post yesterday. I really do have a running wish-list. Who doesn't?! So I decided I'd share a few of them. :)
#1. I really want this skirt for winter running! (yes I shopped around after yesterday and found a running skirt I want)

You can drool over it as well here if you'd like.

#2. I am looking for new running shoes for my end of the year reward. I vote for these!

I used to be only a New Balance girl. (still love that brand) But then I got a Nike+ and went with those shoes (not as much of a fan). But I decided to check out the Salt Lake Running Co. and they did a little run test with me and we found out I run stupid (shocker I know). Meaning I run on the inside of my foot...a lot. So they recommended Brooks to me. And yup LOVE them! Big fan. And thanks to my goal of running one race a month they are getting some good mileage. You can check out the specs of this shoe here.

#3. I want to run this trail.

Info here

#4. I want to run this race.

#5. I want to like these...but I just can't...they are a little awful.

#6. I want to make this my goal for next year

#7. And this one as well!(sprint or Olympic...but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Let's stick to sprint yeah?)

#8. I would like an alternative to this: (and not another sporty drink...gag) but another way to replenish electros without ralphing.

#9. I would like to know what the benefit of these and these are:

P.S. Those are compression socks and arm sleeves.

#10. I want him as my running partner

Haha!! Kidding, kidding (no I think I'm pretty serious about this one) But since THAT will never happen I will settle with this instead.

Although I'm not going to lie. There are days when I wish THIS was my running partner.

Ha! One day Jazzy. One day you will be mine. Oh yes. Alright my crew that took me all day to accomplish (thanks for nothin' work!). But I hope you enjoyed it. Peace out!

Running skirts?

2011-08-14T22:55:00.000-06:00

First off let me start this by saying I am not your typical runner. I don't look like a runner nor am I very good at it. I am a chunky monkey runner but I like it and so I do it. My phlosiphy is that anyone can be a runner. Just get out there! :) Good luck!
So I've been looking into running skirts. I think they are cute. But I've never been one that looks cute while running so would it be worth the price? Gooood question. I'm wondering if anyone uses them or has in the past. My reason for wanting one is because in the winter I run in warm legging thingys. (Sorry I don't know the "official" name. I'm cool like that) But I don't want to make the poor public see my giggly bum as I run down the road. So I wear shorts over them. Which makes me look rather ridiculous. I'm wondering if I should try to save SOME dignity and buy a skirt. Problem is that they come with attached compression shorts and that won't work very well. Hmm...time to shop around I guess. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them! Places to buy or look etc. Looking forward doing some runs this week! Woot! Second thing. I've decided that as my reward for running one race a month for this year I'm going to buy myself new running shoes. Let me tell you I'm REALLY excited about it! I love getting new running shoes. Hmm...maybe its time to make a running wishlist. :) What's on yours? Alright peeps, I'm out. Happy Running!

Blog Stalker!

2011-08-05T09:55:00.002-06:00

So first off this is a picture of my friend Carri from when we were in high school. I took this picture and thought it was funny then and still think its funny now. (Yes I'm THAT lame). But I also thought it fit my title. She is going to luuuv me for using this. Ha!

I have been wasting time at work for the last two days by stalking blogs and I have to tell you I am LOVING it. I have mostly been blog stalking running and foodie blogs. They have been giving me inspiration. Mostly the running blogs. Needless to say I NEED the help! Jen and I decided to not do the half marathon at the end of July. Which looking back was a really good idea. She had been having runner's knee, which I've had before and it is no good. I was in Rexburg, ID for a wedding the night before and I also didn't feel mentally or physically ready for it. So we opted to forgo that one and pick one later. BUT the bad things that I have only been running once since our 11 mile run 3 weeks ago! I've mentioned this before on here that my biggest issue with running is consistency. I also got to the point in our training that I HATED running. I had never had that much dislike for my beloved running before. I feel like I need to get back to the point where I love it and my day is not complete without a run. How do I do that? Well here is the plan:
#1. Go back to the basics. Train for a 5k again. Learn to love the race again.
#2. Run a few times without music. Focus on why I like to run. The challenge and feel of the pavement.
#3. DON'T run at 4:00 in the afternoon in 90 degree heat! Did that on Tuesday. All junk miles.
#4. Add cross training to the plans. I.e. swimming and weights, even though Jenny and I went and did weights and I was ready to go after two machines! That weight room scares me.
#5. Find a strength training plan. :D
#6. Stop finding excuses not to run.
I feel out of sync. But we'll get there.
Oh! In case some of you are wondering what blogs I've been stalking here are a few:
MegaNerdRuns
Chocolate & Carrots
(never home)maker
Nutrition Nut on the Run
Carrots N' Cake
So there you go! Blog on my friends. If you have any others to suggest by all means let me know!
P.S. My blog stalking and blog writing have all been while waiting for a client to show. So I'm not a TOTAL sinnerface.

P.P.S. This is my next race. Looks like a good time. I better register for it! I'd love the company so you should join as well! :)

Race #4,5,6 ok you get the point...I'm a little late.

2011-07-01T23:06:00.000-06:00

Beth! This is for you! Alright I've been slow with the race updates. So here is a quick run down. #4 was the Adoption 5k at Wheeler Farm and this was the first race with my dear friend Jenny. It was snowing the whole race so that was bundles of fun. But still good.
#5 was the Thanksgiving point 5k that I did with my mom, dad and niece Morgan. It was fun! But once again, snowing.

Finally no snow for #6. #6 was the Race for the Cure for breast cancer awareness in downtown Salt Lake. That one was really cool because there were sooo many people. But it was also really difficult to run around people so next year I'll probably just walk it and enjoy it with friends and family.

#7 was the Miller 10k for diabetes. That one was kind of rough mostly because it was my first non-5k. Jen kicked my trash...like she always does. :) But I'm grateful she does them with me and I don't mind her beating me. I wouldn't be doing anything beyond a 5k if it wasn't for her.
#8 was Race for the Women of Congo at Wheeler Farm and so far my best 5k time.
#9 is on July 9th. Its a 5k for the sister-in-law of a girl Jenny and I used to visit teach. Her sister-in-law and niece both died pretty unexpectedly. So I am glad we can go support her.
Race #10 makes me want to hurl. That is the Mount Timpanogos half marathon. Jenny and I have been training for it by running the course and I'm telling you right now I am so ready to get this stupid race over with! Blah. Not a fan. But we'll see if I survive. :)
I also did Raft for the Cure in Moab last weekend. SUCH a good time. I went with my friends Jetta and Trista both who I haven't seen in ages. It was great to get back with the girls. Raft for the Cure is a day long rafting trip that includes lunch and Red Cliff Lodge, a dinner in the park and a concert along with a t-shirt all for $100! Great deal! Once I find my camera thingy that pulls the pictures off I'll post some. (Yes I call it a camera thingy. I don't know what its called). But anyway, Rafting for the Cure and Race for the Cure will become annual things I think. I like doing races for causes. They seem more laid back plus I like giving my money to someone who needs it. :)
Well peeps (mostly Beth since I think you are the only one who really actually reads this) I am out. I hope you enjoyed it! I'll work on bringing back my weekly quotes and things that must go and/or stay. Peace kids!

Moab!

2011-04-06T22:58:00.000-06:00

I have lived in Utah for the majority of my life. A short stint in Colorado when I was a kid. A mission to Tennessee, which also included Georgia and then a year in Florida and a year and a half in Moscow, Idaho. But the biggest part was in Utah. Now Utah has some great things to see. And I really haven't seen a lot of it. So I've decided to change that! I did my first goal of going snowboarding which you can read about here and here. My next goal was Moab. So thankfully Jenny was willing to go with me this last weekend and it was a great time! I knew that things like Delicate Arch and Dead Horse Point were cool but there is a big difference between seeing it in a photo and actually being there. Its pretty amazing to see Delicate Arch in its actual setting. So here are some pics. Enjoy!

Random side note. We decided to stay in Moab instead of Green River. Which all in all was a good decision. But our last night there we had this couple staying next door to us who had an all out yelling match until 6am. 6AM! It was horrible. It made me think what would someone have to do to make me THAT angry. It was crazy. Jen and I didn't get a lot of sleep. But It was a great weekend and I hope to go back for sure.

Race #3!

2011-04-06T22:19:00.000-06:00

Well I completed my third race this year on March 26th. It was a colon cancer research race. I've decided to try to do races for a good cause. If I'm giving my money somewhere I might as well give it to something like cancer research. This race went UP Millcreek Canyon. I wanted to ralph my guts out the first 1.55 up and it took me FOREVER! But I was able to make up huge time on the downhill. I did 1.55 in about 15ish minutes. It was a nice! I didn't reach my goal of under 40 minutes but I figure since I climbed 500 ft. 42 minutes isn't too bad. I have 9 races left. I am running two in April, yes two in April. I'm doing the second one with my mom and dad and niece Morgan. Should be a good time! This is the plan for May, I look forward to that one. I am doing this one in June. That one I really want to do since my mom has diabetes. AND that one is a 10k. Yikes. But this is for July! Yes you read right half marathon. It scares me to death! I also can't seem to find a training plan I like...that's a worry. :-S But thankfully my dear fiend Jenny is running this with me. If she wasn't I would not be doing it. so I'm grateful. My goal for the half is #1. not die! #2. Finish. #3. Finish and feel like I put my all into it. If that makes sense. I was also excited to get nice weather to run outside but then I found out its supposed to snow tomorrow. Snow! No more! I'm done! Lame. Also a side note I want to take my Saturday's and do more trail runs. I like the challenge. Anyway, like I've mentioned before I love to have people to run with so feel free to join any race! :)

Snowboarding Round 2

2011-03-05T20:57:00.001-07:00

Well I did it again. I went snowboarding again and you know I've decided that its just not my sport. I really wanted to go run a couple miles over going down the mountain again. But my awesome nephew Justin called me up last weekend to ask if I wanted to go boarding. Of course I said yes! It was fun and he was tearin it up. He went probably 7-8 times down and I went 1 and a half hahaha! My first run as awful. I hated every minute of it. So then I pouted for a while and watched Justin do a few runs and then I decided that I needed to stop being a wuss and just go one last time. So I did and that run was a lot better. I had a lot more fun. I'm still not sure if I'll ever get to the point where I HAVE to go snowboarding all the time but we'll see. :) Here is a tip though. Hit Park City Mountain Resort later in the day because all the classes and stuff are over by 4 and then by 5 the mountain is empty. The lift stays open until 9 as well. It was nice to just board down and not worry about hitting anyone. I also biffed it hard core once and the glasses went flying and I had to search for them. Ha! But thankfully I'm not as sore today as I was last time. I'm not sure if that's because I didn't run a 5k or what. But I can walk and bend over today so I figure its a victory! :D Anyway, here are some photos. Enjoy!

This was Justin's quote about the whole thing. "My butt hurts but I think Emily is in worse shape." Hmm thanks for telling everyone I'm a wuss and not the greatest boarder! :)

Ay de mi. What was I thinking?!

2011-02-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

My weekend...let's just say I learned something that I should never do again. So my dear friend Jenny decided that we (Me, Jenny and Cami) needed to go try snowboarding. We signed up for a 3 hour class from Park City Mountain Resort. Locals get a deal where we get a 3 hour class which includes rentals and can bounce back 4 more times all for $25! Such a sweet deal. So we went on Friday. Got there early struggled with the botas for a while, got our boards and went and had lunch.

Those darn boots. THAT alone was a workout!!

Then we went to our class. Needless to say my butt hurt. I can't even tell you how many times I biffed it. Not to mention I ride goofy so that seems to make me all turned around and incorrect. I fell backwards soo many times and smacked my head a couple times. Haha!

It was a good time though! We are planning on heading back to give it a go again. Though I'm concerned because here is what happened my friends. So after snowboarding we got back to the valley and I had to go pick up my race packet and then got a wee nap and then cleaned the temple until 1AM. Got home and then got up at 9:30 and went to the South Jordan Rec Center for my 5k race. Yes you heard right. My 5k. Let me tell you I was hurting on Friday and when I woke up on Saturday it was like I was pinned. It hurt to bad to move. But I did and took two Tylenol. I was expecting to walk my whole 5k...the whole thing. I get to the start and its FREEZING! The wind was blowing...no bueno. I decided that my goal was going to be run 5 minutes and then if I had to walk the rest I did. So race starts and I commit the rookie mistake...granted I'm still a rookie this being only my second race. But I started off too fast to try to get away from the pack when in reality the pack thins out on its own. I was worried that was going to hurt me. But surprise surprise! I actually ran the majority of the way and I cut 2 minutes off my race time. TWO minutes! How awesome is that?! I was so stoked. So I got my race card and water and I felt it. The pain was coming. I quickly waddled to my car and just cried for 5 minutes. Haha! It was terrible. I had never been that sore before. Saturday was HORRIBLE! I hated moving and tried not to a lot of the day. Thankfully it got better and today the only pain I have is in my tailbone. But this is what I said to my friend Carri describing my weekend. (She said I inspired her to be more active and I decided that I needed to be honest with her about it! :D) "I'm not going to lie Carri, going snowboarding then running a 5k was probably the stupidest thing I have ever done."And its true it was but I was also so proud of myself for not giving in and not doing the 5k and not only did I do it I kicked butt! Woot woot! But seriously snowboarding + 5k= will NEVER happen again! *maybe* :)

Sigh I can't win

2011-02-04T00:41:00.000-07:00

My Cuban client told me yesterday that I should really brush my hair because I looked like a witch. I'm a little offended because I thought my hair looked halfway decent yesterday! But no apparently I looked like this all day...

My client also told me I shouldn't be offended because "we were like family". Uh no because if you were my family I would have hit you by now. This is the same client that told me I better have kids soon because I'll be infertile by 30.

Quick Story...because I'm a dork

2011-01-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ok this story involves swimming laps, and me being blind...remember how I had that corneal melt on my eye? Right.
Ok so I was at my gym swimming laps a little bit ago. Now due to my eye, the eye doctor has said no contacts for 6 months. Which blows. But I am virtually blind with out my glasses. Seriously blind, blind. Right so I'm not about to wear my glasses while swimming laps. But I was hesitant due to my previous experience with swimming laps and now glasses. (read previous blog posts) Right. So I was running a little late and I needed to really pay close attention to the clock. But I'm blind remember? So I have had to ask for assistance from other people previously. I get done with this lap and I see this thing that is shaped like a human standing up against the wall. so this is how our dialog went. *ahem* Me: "Excuse me. Can you tell me what time it is?" human shaped form: ..... Me: "Sir? Can you tell me what time it is?" HSF:... Lady in the swimming lane next to me: "Umm...sweety, I can tell you what time it is if you'd like." So this nice lady tells me the time and I just think that that guy was being rude. But then squint and try to get closer and I realized that I had been speaking to the garbage can. Yup the garbage can. And this lady next to me saw the whole thing. It was sure awesome. I laughed about that one for a while. I hope you all enjoyed that as well! :)

New Year!

2011-01-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Wow I am WAY behind but oh well! So I thought I would share with all of you in blog world one of my goals for this year. My friends and I want to run the Florida Keys Ragnar next January, which by the way is this. How cool! And a great challenge! FYI we are still looking for runners so if you are interested in going to Florida in January 2012 (not only Florida but the Keys!) let me know! We seriously need like 6 more runners. Anyway, so I am planning on doing Ragnar but I had/have race anxiety. I made a goal of doing one race a month. But I was scared to death of doing it! There was a New Year's Day 5K and I wanted to do it but I was scared. So my AWESOME mom signed up so I would too. Then my dad did and my brother Dave. It was a lot of fun! I had a better time than I expected and I enjoyed it. I was grateful that everyone did it with me. My mom and dad walked the whole time and they finished. I was so proud of mom for doing it. Want some pictures? Who doesn't?!

The ladies after the race. Woot!

The fam

My next race is the Bountiful Sweetheart 5K. February 12th. March is the 26th, another 5K. April is the Thanksgiving Point run through the tulips (on this one I'm debating between the 5k or half marathon). So those are my next couple races. FYI this is what I'm looking at for July. (Looks awesome doesn't it?!) April is iffy on if I do the half or not. I don't know if I am up to that point yet on my training. I'm thinking June...but half marathon's scare me because people who do half marathons tend to be ubber serious about it. That is what scares me but I need to just not care about them. So we'll see. By the way I love to have others to do the race with so sign up with me! But just so you know I am sloooow so I don't expect you to run with me. :)
Alright everyone! I just wanted to share my goal with you because I think it makes me more accountable. So enjoy! Peace out all!

A Quickie but a goodie! (Maybe)

2010-10-27T11:56:00.000-06:00

I realized that I had not posted here since September. Sinner! I know. There really isn't too much to report. First off I was sworn in as an attorney two weeks ago, I have a corneal melt on my eyeball, and I am waddling like a duck today because I'm sorry from my 5 mile run on MONDAY! Monday! I mean really...I wasn't THAT sore yesterday but today you decide to be sore. Weird.
Speaking of weird. I had to chat online with the Comcast people today and the person helping me was "Francis". That's kind of a gender neutral name. So I ended our conversation with "Thanks sir!" Then I realized that "Sir" might be "Ma'am". I mean really with Francis you never know! So I quickly tried to correct it with "ma'am?". Francis did not respond for a bit and talked about other things. But right before we ended he/she said "I'm in between sir and ma'am". Uh what? So of course I got all sorts of different ideas as to what THAT could mean. I asked Francis what that meant and they never answered. Rude.
Ok last thing is my "Things That Must Stay" list. So here we go.
#1: The snow. I know loads of you are going to hate me for saying this but I'm stoked for the snow. Jen and I are going to try out snowshoeing. So depending on how that goes I might be on the "boo snow" bandwagon if the snowshoeing doesn't pan out.
#2: Jenny. Really I've loved hanging out with this girl again. She's a good time. Church and activities wouldn't be the same with out her.
#3: Larsipan. My day is not complete without hearing from her at least once during the day.
#4: Apple cider!! Yup even my "gross" (I don't think its gross but some people do) sugar-free cider makes me incredibly happy and warm.
#5: This picture. I love it. He didn't know how to use the camera.

#6: Living in the middle of two condos! I haven't had to turn the heat on once, even today with the snow! My neighbors keep me warm. :)
#7: Going to work at 7:30 this morning. I know that's weird coming from me the late sleeper person but really I'm glad because then I can be done at 1:00 and still get in about 6 hours of work. Woot! (Yes I'm still lame part time).
#8: Eleanor's Bake Shop and Janelle's kids. Eleanor's is my friend's family bakery and they do gluten free things. My not having a gluten problem still loves it. I love when I am weak and buy a cupcake there and Janelle's kids are there as well. I usually end up eating about 1/4 of the cupcake and the rest I give to Oliver. Keeps the calories down. Thanks Oliver! Which by the way I am including the BEST picture of him to go along with this. Really its just awesome. He was not happy on Saturday night.

Ok I think that's it. Peace out everyone!

What Constitutes Someone as a "Runner"?

2010-09-22T18:34:00.001-06:00

I was thinking about this question while on my run this afternoon. So what does make someone a runner? Someone who runs 20 miles a week? Someone who runs marathons? Has all the running gadgets? I don't think so. I think a runner is someone who loves the feel of the pavement under their feet. It doesn't matter if you run one minute or one hour. A runner is someone who will get out and hit the road in rain, snow or blistering heat. If you have to walk during your run it doesn't matter you are a runner. So dang it! I'm a runner! I might not look like one but I am. A runner is someone who loves the sport and all they need are some running shoes and open road. I love it! So those of you that think you can't run or you aren't a runner believe me you are and you can do it.

I also wanted to do a confessions of a runner:
#1: I HATE running while I am doing it, yet love it at the end when the endorphins show up.
#2: If I see an attractive guy I will run faster until I pass him.
#3: I don't care how unattractive I look with the belly hanging out and flopping all over at least I'm out there.
#4: I love playing AC/DC and pretending I'm Ironman.
#5: I'm not afraid to use my t-shirt as a tissue during a run.
#6: I only wash my running clothes once a week.
#7: I really want to do this race.

Well all I'm out! Enjoy!

A few thoughts on 9/11...take it as you will

2010-09-11T15:32:00.003-06:00

Since this is September 11 I have been thinking about what happened on this day 9 years ago. I am going to divide my musings into two thoughts. The first being my thoughts on that day and where I was and the second on my thoughts today about it.
On September 11, 2001 I was going to school at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. I had graduated from high school earlier in the year and was excited about college. I remember waking that day not really thinking anything but recalling a conversation I had with my friend Carri in her room the night before. We were talking about be prepared for either the end of the world or the end of our life. Were we prepared to meet our maker when that time came? I think all freshman at some point take that spiritual step. Either to keep the teachings we have been taught since we were little or to venture off on our own and explore new avenues. I recall thinking which step I was going to take...and I had decided the night before to stick to what I believed and grew up believing. I walked to my first class of the day psychology. Before class started I heard people say things like "did you hear what happened in New York?" "There was a plane crash." I didn't think much about it. Because at that time in my life New York seemed like such a far away place and a bit of a fantasy. Somewhere I wanted to visit but figured I wouldn't do for a while. (I'm yet to visit NYC to this day). My professor at that time had not heard about the news either so class carried on like normal. Class ended and I quickly went to my next class. I entered my English 2010 class and my professor entered quickly and said "there has been an attack on America. I am canceling class. Please go home and call your loved ones just to tell them you love them." And he left. I walked back to my apartment quickly and my roommates already had the television on. I walked in the door just in time to see the second plane fly into the second building. I don't recall much after that. I remember sitting there with my roommates watching the tv well into the late afternoon. I remember that the normally busy and rowdy college town was unusually quiet. We received a phone call from our bishop telling us that Pres. Hinckely was giving a talk that night and all of my roommates went. Including one who had decided to take their spiritual path away from the LDS church. I don't remember what Pres. Hinckely said but I remember going over that conversation I had had with Carri over and over in my head. I consider two events in my life that really woke me up in regards to my spirituality. The first was when I was a sophomore at Hunter High School. On April 20, 1999 two kids opened fire on their classmates at Columbine High School in Colorado. I remember reading a story about a girl who was killed because one of the shooters asked her to deny God. She would not do it and he shot her. My very first thought that if it was me I would have denied. That was a huge moment for me. Would I really? Could I really deny? Eventually my answer changed I wouldn't deny God. That carried me through until that moment when I sat in the chapel remembering what I had talked to Carri about. How could God allow this? I still don't have an answer to that but I think I understand the principle of agency better. We all make choices and those choices no matter small effect others. The rest of that week, month, year after the attack is a bit of a blur. I moved on I continued with my school and work. But around this time of year every year I look back on to that day. I know that my experience pales in comparison to those in New York who witnessed this horror or lost someone due to a choice of others. For them I pray that one day they will find the answers they are looking for.
The second part I wish to address is what I feel today. I was sitting in the car wash place today waiting for my car when Fox News (I know some of you love Fox News, but I'm not fan so either skip this portion or don't get too offended) had a few people on about September 11. A survivor was one of the guests. At first they started talking about the bravery of the Firefighters and NYPD but then they decided to criticize Pres. Obama's speech he had given earlier in the day. From what I got from his speech was that we do need to be tolerant. Fox News did not agree with this portion of his speech. But here is what I got from his speech. We as Americans need to be the bigger person. Not do things like burn a Koran or hate people because of their religion. That is what the extremists do, not us. We don't need to be like them. We shouldn't be like them. We have a right to do things like that thanks to people who fought and continue to fight for that freedom. Because we have to right to do it doesn't mean we should. We need to be the better person and be more tolerant and loving. I personally do not have a problem with a mosque around ground zero BUT I can understand why others would not like it. I think that their opinions and feelings should be taken into serious consideration. "We will not sacrifice the liberties we cherish or hunker down behind walls of suspicion and mistrust," Pres. Obama. People often think that I am anti-American because I do immigration law. That is so far from the truth. I love this country and I know of the freedoms, rights and values that we have and are blessed to have and I want others to have those opportunities as well.
There is evil every where in this world and there is hate everywhere. I don't want to talk about that evil when I talk about September 11 to future generations. That essentially is what those that attacked America want. They want to be known as the ones that hurt Americans. Why give them that pleasure? We shouldn't. I want to tell future generations about the bravery of those first responders and the unity that we as Americans finally found but have since then lost. I want to tell them that there are people fighting to keep us safe from other attacks and while there is evil out there there is also much more good. I want to tell them that while the terrorist hoped to put terror into our hearts we did not let them. We have stood tall and strong and continue to do so. I want to tell future generations that I am proud to be an American. I am thankful for those people that lost their lives to save others and I am grateful for those in Iraq and Afghanistan and other areas in the world that are fighting for me, my family, friends and to make things better for those that so desperately need our help. Thank you and I pray you all will stay safe.

Update: I just had a thought...would I still be this tolerant if I had lost a loved one? I would hope so but I can't say for sure.

Cake Shop

2010-08-04T12:05:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that my friend Janelle and her family are opening a bakery on August 21st! They specialize in gluten free treats. But honestly I have eaten plenty of Janelle's gluten free things and they are tasty! So here is the blog and they have a facebook page as well. eleanorsbakeshop.blogspot.com
Go and support local businesses! :)

What a Weekend!

2010-08-02T21:41:00.000-06:00

Actually my weekend wasn't that exciting. Ha! Psych! Sorry. I did go to Antelope Island though. Which for those that are not familiar with this island it is in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. They have loads of trails and you can get int he water if you wish...its really salty...hence the name Great Salt Lake. Now I was dog sitting this weekend and so I decided to take him with me. He however was not allowed on a lot of the trails. That was sure awesome. But we did hike Buffalo Point...it was only .41 miles one way. Lame. But we were hiking back down and it had been cloudy and stormy well we are going down and I feel the hairs on my arm stand up and I think ut oh! No bueno so I have us start to run. Right when we did a huge flash of lightening hit over head followed immediately with thunder. Needless to say I got great exercise running down the mountain. Considering I was the tallest thing up there I opted to not chance getting struck by lightening. Got some great pics though. :D Now for those of you that don't know me I am scared of cows. Yup you read right scared of cows. So Antelope Island is home to over 700 buffalo and they have had buffalo since 1893. (yes I stopped and read every information sign...I'm a nerd) So seeing buffalo was a little unnerving especially since they are much bigger than cows. But I got pictures of ones close to my car AND I even got out and took one outside of my car! Whoa! Needless to say it wasn't an ubber exercisy day but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I have big plans to go for a run today with the heart monitor. Which I still love by the way. :) Eating hasn't been too terrible but I need to work on it. Mostly portions. I want to lose almost 30 pounds by the end of October. I can do that right? Sure I can! Anyway, here are some photos for you all.

He was my hiking buddy! Thanks Sammy!

Making an Effort and Things That Must Stay

2010-07-15T14:47:00.000-06:00

I know, I know! It has been ages since I wrote a post. Yes well things have been busy. Or I have nothing to say...take your pick. But I'm posting now so snuggle down and enjoy. My friend Larsipan and I were talking about how we should maybe make an effort to be more personable. Meaning we would do our hair and makeup on a daily basis. Let me tell you I was not stoked at the idea. I have perfected, perfected I tell you, the "roll out of bed, quick shower and go" look. Let me tell you that look of a hair in a bun and lotion on my face took months to get just right! I mean I mixed it up sometimes...I did my hair in a braid once in a while. Not buying it are you? Me neither. So Lars and I are making an effort. Today is day three of making an effort. Day two and three went well. I did my hair and makeup. (I honestly don't know what we are supposed to have happen by doing this but whatever I'll go with it) Today did not go well because I forgot to set my alarm so no makeup but I think I still looked ok. Better than no effort so I'm counting it. In actuality I do feel better about myself since I've started making an effort so we'll keep it up.

Now on to "Things that must....stay". I've decided I tend to be too negative about things and too annoyed about things. I've decided to be more positive. So I'm finding things that are good and must stay opposed to must go.
#1: Me finding was to never have to use a razor ever again. Using wax and veet. Woot woot!
#2: Fresh cherries
#3: My CSA farm share that I get every Wednesday.
#4: My friends and family
#5: Utah...I know I complain a lot about Utah but I really do love it. I just need to explore a bit before I make it my permanent home.
#6: My new backpacking backpack for Havasupai.
#7: My awesome tan line!
#8: Cakeballs...if you never had one you are missing out!
#9: Janelle getting her bakery!
#10: My tomato plant moving from the critical condition stage to stable condition.
#11: Going to a movie with my cousin.

There you go all! Peace!

Janelle's link button

2010-06-02T16:47:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone! So this little picture is a button I made Janelle (with some input from her :)) for her cake website. It is so she can have people put it on their blog and have a cute way to link to Just Eat It! Cakes. So as you can tell I have one on my page as well. ~~~~~~~~~> If you would like the button you can copy the html in the box below and put it on your blog. If you need to know how to do that let me know and I can help. If you have never been to her website you are missing out! Just click on the button on the right and it will link to her site. Fancy isn't it?

By the way the reason it is on my blog is because that is part of the process of making a button...I was going to delete it but why not make a post out of it?

The Return of "Things That Must Go"!

2010-05-27T12:15:00.001-06:00

So I have decided to bring back "things that must go Thursday." Hooray! :)
#1: People thinking the pool at 24Hour Fitness is the country club pool. Listen missy you and your boyfriend are taking up a lane I could be using to swim. This is not a place for you two to be all flirty and kissy playing around. You want to do that? Go to the community pool! I know who you are too. You are these girls that come in a skimpy little bikini. Which is fine for the hot tub but for the pool I don't buy the fact that you are a serious swimmer in that. From my experience (read my last post) you won't be able to hold too much in with those pasties you are wearing. I learned a new offensive word from my dear friend Abby yesterday. Don't make me use it on you.
#2: My eyes hurting and not being able to wear contacts.
#3: Swimming with no contacts or glasses. Would be fine right? You follow the line right? Wrong.
#4: Running into a guy swimming in a lane that I thought was empty because I could not see him in the lane with no contacts...
#5: Paying full price for books 1-5 of Harry Potter only to find out I could have been getting them at Barnes and Noble.com for 50% off!
#6: Barnes and Noble delaying my shipment of book 6 but not book 7. I need book 6! 7 can wait!
#7: Christi's stupid sorting hat that keeps saying I belong in Hufflepuff...stupid Hufflepuff.
#8: Having that stupid "I wanna be a billionaire" song in my head. I HATE that song! Get out!
Ok I think that's it for now! Feel free to contribute!

Two Things About Swimming

2010-05-10T22:40:00.003-06:00

#1: There is a guy at the gym that I see swimming laps while I am there. He doesn't swim as long as I do but he usually goes to the sauna and the hot tub while I'm still swimming. I swim for a full hour. That is 40 laps. 1 lap equals one up and back. So if we are counting one way I do 80 laps. So this guy after my swim tonight asked if I had a good swim and how many laps I swam. I said 40. He said "that's not bad." Then I realized that he probably only counts a lap as one down not two like I do. So now this guy thinks it takes me an hour to swim 40 laps which in reality it takes me an hour to swim 80! Boo...

#2: The second one is a story. Whilst swimming tonight I felt some weird tugging on my swimming suit on one side. But I'm trying to stay focused and not worry about it right? So I do a few more laps and decide I can't handle it anymore so I have to stop. I don't really like to stop because once I get into a rhythm I like to stay with it. So I stop at the shallow end of the pool stand up look down and well let's just say I had a Janet Jackson Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction. Thankfully there was no one in the pool at this time. I quickly corrected the situation and went back to swimming. I have such issues sometimes!

Update!

2010-05-02T21:51:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! So this is going to be a short post so enjoy this little nugget! So here's a quick update on what is going on. First off I got a calling in the family ward. Now let me explain something here. I was not wanting to go to the singles ward and I was fighting it. Well I decided to go with my friend Monica to the ward she is supposed to go to. So I went a few times and hated every minute of it. So then I decided I needed to have a better attitude about everything. I worked on it and I chose to go to the ward I am supposed to go to last Sunday. So I went I finally decided I could do the singles ward and get involved and maybe even enjoy it. My reason for deciding to go tot he singles ward is because that is what we are supposed to do as young single adults right? Right. So I finally have a good attitude and ready to do the whole single thing. Wahoo! I'm ready to do this! Yeah not quite. Last Tuesday I got a call from my family ward and they called me to be in the Young Women's presidency as the secretary. So much for the singles ward and my goal. Awesome.

The second thing is that this Saturday my mom and I went to Empty Bowls. It is a fundraiser to help St. Vincent's soup kitchen in Salt Lake City. There are local artists who make clay bowls and donate them to the event. So you go and pick out bowls they cost $15 and then you get soup. It was really cool! Here are pics of my two bowls I got.

You can't tell from the pic but the whiteish bowl is actually pink and purple...the brown one is my new ice cream bowl. I guess I need to go buy ice cream to try it out. Dang it. :D

Its cool because it helps out my work! :) Only a different part of it. Good times! I recommend people go next year. Its an annual event.

How about a cig?

2010-04-14T20:23:00.001-06:00

So two things for this short post.
#1: I PASSED THE UTAH BAR!!! Woot woot!! I got that letter on a Saturday and I am just stoked that I don't have to worry about it anymore. Janelle made me key lime cupcakes with white chocolate frosting as a congratulations...or she just wanted to try making these cupcakes. Either way I got cake! So I was happy. They were amazing!! Thanks Janelle!

#2: So I've been frustrated with the whole dating thing but all is not lost everyone! I was in Harmon's a few weeks ago at like 11:00 at night. I was walking over to the milk and I walked in front of this guy I apologized and walked over to the milk and I turn around and this same guy was there. He asked me where I was from then said he was from Yugoslavia. He was like 40. He said he wanted to take me out that night which I politely declined. He was persistent though. He asked about Sunday night and Monday and I said no. So then he wants my number. I give him a fake one. So I am about to leave and he says, "I have white van in parking lot. I wait for you and we have cigarette." Then he left. So see everyone I'm not totally hopeless!

Late edition #3: My dear cousin Kayla reminded me of another time I had the opportunity to meet some people from the Slavic region. Kayla and I went to Park City to hang out one day in the summer of '08 (I only know that because I had to find a picture and that's what the date was). We were driving down the canyon and I pulled to the side of the road to get some pictures of the mountains. I mean really who doesn't love the Utah mountains? (Plus I was living in Florida at the time and really my friends in Florida had not seen real mountains so I needed to educate them.) So I am taking some pictures and suddenly this kid pops up from the side of the road like some mountain goat! He was picking wild flowers. So I got to talking to him and his brother. They were from Russia and were in Utah doing some construction work. Their names were Vlad and Michael I think. But they ended up sharing part of their wild flowers with me and I got a picture with them. See I have a way with the Slavs. Woot woot!

And look! Vlad has a cig too! So I have a way with Slavic's and smokers...good to know.

Do you ever wonder?

2010-04-06T23:02:00.000-06:00

For those faithful readers that are married this still might apply to you. So I was looking back on past relationships, those people I dated only once or twice and other relationships and I thought "what was I thinking?!"Now nothing against these guys because the majority are great guys but looking back I am often glad things never worked out for various reasons. I wouldn't have been good for them or them for me that type of thing. This got me thinking though...and the thought that entered my mind was "Am I even dateable?" What makes one dateable anyway? I guess all I can do is try to be the person I want to be a little more everyday and if that makes me dateable or not doesn't matter as long as I am happy.

I haven't done quote Tuesday for a while but this was a good one. So my dad is a pretty avid swimmer and lately I've been having some lower back issues and I asked him if it was because of the swimming...this is what he says to me.
Dad:"Maybe. Or it could be your birthing hips are coming in!"
Aaahh...what? Well leave it at that...

I'm a ninny but I don't care!

2010-03-31T20:31:00.003-06:00

Before I get into the story as to why I am a ninny I will start with a few observations. So I went to Moscow this weekend to visit. It was a great time and I was happy to see everyone. But here is my observation or epiphany. I was sitting in church in Moscow and I had the thought that I needed to leave Moscow behind. Kind of a sad thought but its true. I need to move on with my life. That doesn't mean I'm cutting the Moscow people out my life. Now way! I need them all too much. But I do need to stop wishing I was in Moscow and wanting to go back. So I'm moving on. Looking back fondly but not dwelling on it. Moscow will always be in my heart but I also need to move on. So that means deciding where to go and make my next step.
Now onto observation #2: I decided to take a different way home from Moscow to see a friend. It was good and nice to see him. Well because of this (by the way it is NOT on the way home from Moscow) I had to drive through Oregon. So I had to get gas and I was talking to my sister about to get out of my car and this guy pops up to my window and says "give me your card!" Scared the snot out of me! Then I remembered in Oregon you aren't allowed to pump your own gas. Now while some people poo poo this I like it. Because it was snowing when I stopped so I could stay in my car nice and warm. :)

I got home at 5:30AM slept a few hours and went to work. Needless to say I did not go to workout. So today I had to go. I finally got my goggles and new swimming suit. Let me tell you having goggles makes a HUGE difference! I had such a good swim. Thanks to Lars I had a diagram on how to do the dolphin flip thingy...I forgot its name. But its where when you get to the end of the lane you do a flip to turn around. So my little flippies look horrid but hey it works. The reason why the swim was awesome was because I felt like I got a good workout. Before I would stop at the end of the lane and turn around. So that little break made not as challenging, but now I keep going. I really like it. Goooo swimming! Lars says I am a ninny because I use a nose plug. She says I should blow bubbles. I can't do it. I always get water up my nose. So I'll stick with the nose plugs.

Oh and for all of you that read my blog and I read yours I need your addresses. When I switched I lost them all. So if you all could either leave your address in the comments or email me that would be great! Thanks yo!

Finally! Sniff it smells like chlorine and comfort zone? What comfort zone?

2010-03-22T18:32:00.000-06:00

I decided I just needed a boost to lose weight. So I just needed 5 lbs and I would be motivated. I finally did. I also have motivation because I know what Janelle's weight is now and so I am determined to hit her weight and then pass her. I have never weighed less than her ever but I am going to now man! Ha! Go me! Bring it Janelle! Bring it.

Part of my working out is now doing swimming because my knee is screwed up...which is also motivation because I can't run again until I lose 20 pounds. So I needed a new swimming suit because my current one looks like this (in case you were wondering I totally look like this girl too. HA! I crack myself up):

Which is great for laying on the beach but not for swimming laps. So I bought a new one. It looks like this:

Hot no? I went swimming today and whoa..kicked my butt! I swam 20 laps (that was a there and back=one lap type thing) So I did two sets of breaststroke and two sets of backstroke. I have to say my form is horrible. I really need to take lessons. I'm pathetic. But hey at least I'm out there yeah?

So I've always been a little wary about changing in the locker room. I usually go into the bathroom stall, usually that's because I have to go to the bathroom at the same time. But whatever, well today I didn't care. I took a shower at the gym in the buff my friends! See here is my thinking, if anyone sees me its their own fault. Which is also my philosophy for if someone walks in on me in the bathroom. It's their eyes. I have to say I'm pretty dang proud of myself for not caring anymore. I even dressed in the middle of the locker room. Ok some of you might be saying, "wow crazy too much information." Well you know what? I don't care. I am no longer a prude!

Woot woot!

2010-03-18T18:11:00.001-06:00

So I've been a little while since I've been running due to the knee. Well today I went for a bike ride and then ran/walked 1.25 miles. I'm not quite up to par on the running yet. The knee just seemed unstable. It didn't hurt to bad but was a wee bit wobbly. So we decided to take it a little easier. Plus since I' haven't been running for a bit I am not up to par. But it was great to be back out and running.

On another note I started my job, as mentioned last time. I love it, really I do. I went to US Citizenship and Immigration Services by myself today! I was worried but actually it turned out well. I was glad to finally get my first time at USCIS. It was good. I love being able to help people get citizenship. This is a great country and I am glad that I can help people get the blessings of it.

Well that's my soap box. Peace out everyone!

"Do you speak spanish?"

2010-03-07T19:13:00.002-07:00

I started my job everyone! Wahoo! And things changed with it a little bit. I now get benefits and can work more than 19 hours. Which when I was offered the job was told I could not work more than 19 hours and no benefits. So that was a nice change. I also get paid for my millage I spend. So for those of you that don't know my job is the legal coordinator for a grant. I work for an agency that received a grant to help elderly refugee permanent residents get citizenship. Congress a couple years ago wanted to give an incentive for people to get their citizenship. So they passed a law that said that people over 60 had to get their citizenship within 7 years of receiving their permanent residency or they would lose their social security income. So we don't want that to happen. I have a co-worker who does the outreach and I do the legal work and teaching the civics portion of the exam. So far I enjoy it! :)
Ok on to the title of this post. I went with my co-worker Mohamud to a Sudanese community meeting. While Mohamud and I were waiting this lady was giving this presentation on abuse. She was saying it in Spanish and this other guy was translating. He was struggling a bit. I was following along with the lady and then in the middle she asks if I speak Spanish and wants me to go up and translate for her. So yeah I got to give a presentation on abuse. :) I also learned a lot from this Sudanese meeting. It was fun. Mohamud and I then went and crashed a Ghana Independence Day celebration. That was a good time. Well that's it kids. I'm out! Peace!

SLOC 2002

2010-02-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

I got an email from a friend today bragging that he went up to Vancouver and hung out at the Olympics. He didn't go to any events but just got to go hang out. At first I was pretty annoyed because I freaking love the Olympics. Well la-te-da you live in Washington and can go. Pfft whatever! While moping and planning snarky response to this email I remembered that I was a volunteer for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake. So in reality I should let him have his moment. I'll sit back and pout quietly. But this got me thinking about the 2002 Olympics. Here in Utah a lot of people have been talking about when the Olympics were here and reminiscing, so I'll jump on that bandwagon. Why? Because I'm a sheep. Baaa! I follow. I'm sure you would like to see photos wouldn't you? Yeah me too...but I could only find my credentials so that's all you get. Sorry. My job in the Olympics was event services. If any of you went and/or saw the Olympics I was one of those people in the Yellow coats. My specific job was opening and closing ceremonies. Which in all honesty was probably the best job to get. As an event services volunteer the majority of my time I did security. At the opening ceremonies my job was to direct people on where to go outside of the stadium and then during the ceremonies was to make sure we had no gate jumpers. Exciting no? The best part was when the secret service man had to go to the bathroom and I was in charge of guarding President Bush's car. He gave me a secret service pin!

I also have another pin (well I have a lot of pins, but I only mention the cool ones) from the BLM, guess who THAT is from! Yup Dad. Gooooo BLM.
After opening ceremonies we were then assigned to go all over the valley to different events and help out. It was awesome! Because everyone else was assigned to only one venue. I worked the skeleton, met the Queen of Latvia, Hockey, worked the VIP tent and met, Jacque Rouge, Mit Romney, Evgeni Plushenko, The Bare Naked Ladies, Scott Hamilton, Michelle Kwan, I worked the medals ceremony, met Steve Young and Nelly Furtado, worked men's aerials, didn't met anyone cool, but the aerials are cool on their own, worked the bobsled, confiscated this guys really nice flask, he got mad, worked figure skating directing traffic, not car traffic, people traffic and ended with the closing ceremonies, were I saw Harry Connick Jr. changing clothes! He was doing it outside! Not my fault. I was also directing people at the end and this drunk Dutch speed skater wanted my lanyard and I wouldn't give it to him then he finally convinced me so I gave it to him and he kissed me. Let me tell you being kissed by a drunk man is not totally unpleasant...I loved being a volunteer and it was for sure a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm so glad I did it. They gave us a watch at the end of the games and I still wear it to this day as a great reminder.
Now on to the current Olympics. I used to love figure skating as a kid. Now? Blah, snore. My sports now are snowboarding and moguls, and really any downhill, men, women doesn't matter.

I absolutely loved Shaun White's half pipe run. It was amazing! He is amazing.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=d924411a-bea6-4fd8-b485-f58dc5238dfe.html#mens+halfpipe+white+wins+gold

Torah Bright's run was also amazing.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=a0bde7de-9843-4851-ba23-f640961c8f3b.html

I also was really excited for the Canadian Men's moguls winner. He's just a cool guy and for sure deserved to win.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=2f250b2b-19c7-4322-ac49-4ccdaa0f1001.html?chrcontext=goldenmoments#mens+moguls+bilodeau+wins+first+canada+gold

After Wednesday I can watch more and I'm ubber excited because I love the Olys. Who doesn't?! One of my mom's favorite Olympic sports is curling. Really? Lame. As Stephen Colbert said, there is a reason they normally play that game in a pub with lots of drinking. But actually I got her on the half pipe bandwagon by making her watch Shaun White's run five times. What? They have a better tv. HD and bigger. On mine you can barely see the faces since its so old and blurry. I had to sit in front of it to watch LOTR so I culd read the translation. But hey it was $30 bucks and I won it in a law school auction. I would also like to fully admit that I have no idea how to post non-youtube videos on here so cut and past the link...

So the next Olympics are in London 2012. I have signed up to be on their volunteer newsletter so then I could hopefully fill out an application to become a volunteer. How cool would that be?! Granted London is going to take UK applicants first then European applicants. Hopefully I can squeeze in their and do it. I'm hoping my Spanish helps and the fact that I've volunteered before. Who knows! We can always hope right?

A Faceplant and Falling Pants...

2010-02-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

First off my frustration. I love running. That is my exercise of choice. It is an exercise that challenges me physically and mentally. It helps release my stress and thankfully that has been my replacement for food. Well lately my ACL knee is mad at me. So I've had to cut way down on my miles. So Monday I ran only 2 miles. Of course the knee was mad so I bought a knee brace and have been icing it. So then today I decided just to keep in the mindset of running I'd only do a mile today. Well I started on my run and the knee wouldn't let me. I ended up walking my mile and I wanted to cry. I miss running. But I guess I have to suck it up until the things get better. Its just depressing. So to feel like I'm still getting a workout I go to 24Hour Fitness classes at night. Last night was 24Set. Weight training mixed with cardio. Tonight I did 1 hour of cycling class and then right after 1 hour of yoga. Which leads me into the funny. 2 stories for you.
#1 So cycling always makes me ubber sweaty because its a tough class but I love it. So I was all sweaty and gross from cycling and I went into yoga. I went into the studio set up my mat and then went and changed into my yoga clothes. I ran back upstairs and the class had already started. I was still sweaty and gross and I went into my first downward facing dog after the warm up...well apparently I got either water or sweat on my mat and I put my hands out moved back into the downward facing dog and totally slipped and face planted on my mat. You can't see it but I have mat burn on my nose. It was pretty awesome! But as Janelle said story number 2 is better.
#2: So my Dad told me a story about a guy who worked at the church had his car die and he counted 90 cars in the church office building parking garage drive past him until someone finally stopped. So I was driving back home from the gym and this guys car died. So I about went around and then remembered my dad's story. So I stopped and asked if I could help because no one else was. This was at 5400 South and Bangerter Highway. If you are not familiar with Bangerter Highway it is pretty big and really busy. The guy said that if I could help him push his car across Bangerter to the gas station that would be great. So I park my car and the light changes and I start pushing (FYI a new cadilac Escalada truck is not the lightest car I have ever pushed) So we are pushing and its moving and then these two guys come help. We are in the middle of the intersection and I am wearing my yoga pants that are too big for me but I like them. Well I stepped on one leg and ended up pulling my pants down in the middle of Bangerter Highway. Thankfully I had other shorts on underneath or everyone on Bangerter would have seen my skivvies.
Ah yes. There we go...I try to be normal and it just doesn't work.

Now you know

2010-01-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

I figured out this morning why they say don't put a metal spoon in a blender. I got up this morning to watch a segment on Good Day Utah about the Empress Theatre out in Magna. My brother and sister-in-law are ubber involved with this theatre and honestly when I can afford it I would like to invest in this cute little theatre. Here are the segments if you want to watch http://www.fox13now.com/news/gooddayutah/ Go to the Big Buddah segment and its parts 1-4 I think. I also now want to stop by the Kiwi Bakery and get some aussie treats. I actually like the Magna. But anyway, back to the blender. I was making a smoothie this manana when my fruit wasn't blending so I just poked it a bit while it was going and I hit the blade. Out spruts half of my smoothie! It was all over the floor, counter, and cupboards. And later I went to go pull my hair back and there was part of a raspberry in my hair. I washed it out and went on with my day. But now I know that you really shouldn't put your metal spoons in a blender. By the way if you are wondering about my smoothie here is the recipe.

chuck in some frozen raspberries
toss in a chopped up banana
squirt in some honey for sweetness
a spoonful of plain yogurt
and dash of skim milk.

It actually was really good. I might have to make those more often. I also got up before 8 for once! Go team!

I had a few thoughts...

2010-01-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

I had a couple thoughts about A&E today. Not the Arts & Entertainment channel, Adam and/or Eve. As some of you know we are studying the Old Testament. I had a few thoughts while in Sunday school today. First thought, what do you think Adam and Eve talked about in the garden? I mean really, they have no knowledge and so what were their conversations? "Hey honey! There's a new flower over by the apple tree." Woo...stimulating conversation. Here is my second thought, Adam totally sold Eve out! I mean the Lord said "Adam did you take of the fruit?" Adam answers with, "dude you know that chick you gave me? Totally her fault." Isn't that like a guy? Those are just a few thoughts I had.

Empuje!

2010-01-21T11:39:00.001-07:00

That means "Push!" in Spanish. No I'm not delivering a baby. That was the thought I had on my run this morning. When I was in Florida I loved pushing myself in my workouts. Making myself go further or faster. I would run my normal 5 miles then the last minute back to my apartment I'd make myself sprint. I decided I need to get back that desire to push myself. I know that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. So my run today I did an out and back, meaning out 1.5 miles and turn around and back 1.5. On the way back through the business park the head wind sucked!! It was horrible! I wanted to stop and walk so many times. I made myself run through the wind. Because my thinking was once I got out of the open business park back to the homes that there would be a wind barrier. So I said, "ok run to the end of the business park." I got to thinking while running though about "empuje" I decided that I would run through the neighborhood to the next stoplight. My theory by the way that the houses would kill the wind was way wrong! The houses just created a wind tunnel down the street. But I pushed myself. I ended up taking 2 minutes longer than I normally do on a 3 mile run, which by the way I need to really calibrate my ipod. Because its way off. I didn't meet my goals for this run, which were to finish in less than 2 minutes over and not walk. I did walk twice. But that just gives me the opportunity to push myself the next time. But it got my thinking what can I push myself to do better in other aspects? So here are some ideas I had for myself.
#1: Be a better member of the church: Push myself to get to the temple once a month. Hello! I have 4 temples within 30 minutes of my house! There is no excuse. I also can take my scripture reading and prayers more seriously. The biggest thing is to go to church for the gospel not to find friends.
#2: Push myself to be a better friend: I have been neglecting some friends lately and these friends have been with my for ages and they don't deserve to be pushed on the back burner. I will make it up to you all I promise!
#3: Push myself to be a better future attorney: I need to push myself in my bar studies. I do the minimum currently. When in reality I need to do the maximum. I need to fight for those people I want to help and the best way to do that right now is to take the bar seriously and pass.
#4: Push myself to be a better sister, aunt, and daughter: This means hang with my family more. Realize that out of everyone in my life they will always support me and will always be there for me. Some friends come and go but my family never will and I need to show them that I am there for them as well.
#5: Push myself to be a better member of society: What am I doing to contribute to the welfare of my fellow human being? Lars came up with a brilliant idea of traveling with purpose. Meaning when we take our vacations we would do a humanitarian project along with it. Not only can I help those abroad but I can help those here. I can get out and vote (for those that think that this means I am picking a political party, sorry no dice. I am still very NON partisan.) But getting out to vote gets my voice out there even if sometimes its very quiet. I can also volunteer for things. I used to love donating blood but I haven't done it for a while. That is one thing I can do that is quick. I better go eat some cream of wheat then. :)
Well that's word of the day, "empuje!"

What better way...

2010-01-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

to break in a pair of new running shoes than by pounding the pavement? It was a great day yesterday for a run. So I put on my new shoes and ran 3.25 miles. It was glorious! I always forget how much I love running. I got a blister and it was worth it. I tend to have issues with my knee when I go from treadmill to pavement so it was not happy with me yesterday. I opted to not go to 24Set this morning and give my knee a rest. I decided that that was just an excuse. So I tried to get to the 9:15 24Set but I was too late. So I biked hills for 25 minutes then did weights for about 25 minutes. I should have done more. But the thing is I'm worried about hurting my knee. I try to tell myself that I'm just making excuses. But every time I stand up I have to walk on my toes until it stops hurting. It was probably a good idea to take a break. I'll get back to the run tomorrow. And while at the gym there is a really hot personal trainer at 24Hour Fitness. Going to get a personal trainer? Heck yes I am! No I'm not really. But I was embarrassed because I wore my High School Musical socks. Thanks Christi. Oops.
I forgot to share my stories about my experiences with the singles ward. So two weeks ago I was talking to this guy and he asked where I came from and I said I had just graduated from school. He asked what I graduated in and I said law school. He looked at me and walked away. Then last week I was talking to the branch presidents wife (I know the branch president and his wife. I worked at his insurance firm while in high school) and she asked if I had graduated from law school. I said yes and that I was taking the bar and then I'd be an attorney. This guy walking down the hall who I have never seen nor talked to before turns around and says "YOU are going to be an attorney?!" I said yes and the branch presidents wife asked why that was so surprising. He said, "Well uh there aren't a lot of women attorneys. I'm just kidding anyway." Riiight. Whatever. Anyway, its been fun going there. Ahem.
Moving on, so I decided that my blog can no longer be titled "Life of a Law Student" because I am no longer a law student. I'm thinking, "recent grad"? or "life of a bar prep student." Or leave it until I become and attorney then change it then. I don't know...I'll have to solicit suggestions.

The cloud gods are messing with me!

2010-01-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I was in some serious need of some sunshine today. It had been weeks since I'd seen it. I don't like my air looking nice and brown. I have never been so affected by the inversion my whole time being a Utard until now. I just have this sense of gloom with me all the time. I'm working on being more chipper. But its hard with no sunshine to help out. So I got up today did my homework for bar prep, worked out, went to lunch with Linds and decided to drive to Park City to see the sun. I was driving up the canyon and its starting to get lighter and I get excited! Round the top of the canyon and what the?! Its overcast in Park City! What the crap?! I came to you Mr. Park City to see some sunshine! You failed! Failed Park City! You are now on my stink eye list Mr. Park City! Actually going to PC did put me in a better mood. As I was leaving the sun finally peaked out of the clouds for two seconds. It worked. Made me happier. What also helped with my mood was buying a Columbia jacket that is normally $90 was on clearance for the end of the season for only $40. Go team! I like this jacket. It'll be great for hiking once the bloody snow goes away. I really need to get into snow shoeing or skiing or something so I will enjoy winter more. That's my goal for next winter. I want to be an ubber sporty girl and the best way to dot hat is get my workout back on and then get out and hop on my bike, pull on my hiking shoes and just get out there. I'm pretty excited for the spring. But in the meantime I'll work on getting in my daily workouts. Ok that's it for now...except for this one quote. This was from my torts lecturer. He was talking about someone ralphing into a toilet.

"She was what we like to say talking with Ralph on the big white phone."

Spoons...dirty? clean? Doesn't matter

2010-01-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me know that I have a habit of not washing spoons I have used at school. Christi is the most disgusted by this fact and often times would try to throw away my plastic spoon. She was disgusted that I didn't throw away my plastic spoon. I didn't see the point of throwing this said spoon because I thought it was wasteful and I could use it again. Granted every time I used it it tasted like the food I ate the first time. But I digress. So then I brought my spoons from home. There were times when I wouldn't wash my spoon for a bit. Disgusting? Yes. Did/do I care? Ummm...no. I'm the only one using it so who cares. Except those that kiss me I suppose. So here is the latest saga in the spoon story. I take yogurt, an apple and a luna bar to my bar prep classes for dinner. I have a spoon in my backpack that I use for my yogurt. Now I have washed this spoon actually a lot more than I ever have washed a spoon. Christi you would be proud! But I was eating my yogurt today and this guy that I have become friends with her at bar prep. His name is...uh...oh...dang...umm...Chris? Kurt? Kevin? Kyle? Ok so I don't remember but he's a nice guy. So I'm eating my yogurt today and I finish it lick my spoon and throw it back in my bag. He leans forward and says, "why do I get the feeling you never wash that spoon?" I laughed and he said, "eww." and leaned back. I think that my reputation has preceded me to bar prep. Maybe I should start washing my spoons...nah...like I said I'm the only one using it and I'm not getting kissed anytime soon. Especially from my new bar friend. :)

Looking Back on 2009

2010-01-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

I got to thinking today that really last year was a great year for me. There are a few areas where it was, they are friends, family, experience, school, and personal growth.
Friends: 2009 started out with me hanging with my friends in Salt Lake. It was great to be back with old friends. Returning to Moscow I was back with a dear friend Christi. She was one of the first people to talk to me when I made my crazy transfer to U of I in 2008. She told me after our first meeting that she knew we would be friends and she was right. She's been a dear friend ever since. Blood sisters right Christi? ;) Christi just so everyone knows is my favorite ever! The next time I made dear friends is when we had a stake dinner shin dig and I was asked to go play capture the flag and fugitive. It was cold and rainy but a great time! That was the second time I ever hung out With Lara. See the first time I hung out with Lara I was hanging out with our friend Scott at my house when we were invited over to Lara's to play card games. Needless to say there was a girl there who was quite infatuated with Mr. Brinton and she was not nice to me. I after that figured Lara and the beasty were buddies and I figured it was best to stay away. Silly me. When we played capture the flag I agreed with Lara to hide the flag up in the tree. After that I knew we would be a good mischievous team. We then tormented Whitney with playing cards and have kept in touch since. I don't know what I would do without our daily chats. For the summer I decided to take classes and stay in Moscow. Best decision I could have made. First because Moscow in the summer is the greatest! Second, because I got to hang with someone I truly consider a sister, Trista! We had a great summer. Mostly we were preoccupied with school but on those days we got sometime off we went cliff jumping (or cliff falling off for me), the Lentil Festival, dates in Lewiston, finding Janet in Genessee and long night drives. I would not have survived the summer without her. I don't know how I will survive Utah without her either. There aren't words to even describe what this girl means to me. Next is Beth.Beth never really hung out with me until the beginning of this past semester and I am truly grateful she did. Beth understands me more than anyone I have ever met. I can talk to her about anything and she gives me the advice I need. Thanks for always being there Beth! I look forward to hanging with you this summer. Jetta, Jetta, Jetta. Where do I start? Jetta saved my life in BA and is one of the smartest people I know. There are times when I am talking to her when I realize I really am an idiot. :) Because of Jetta I went on a great camping trip and did a road trip to Canada. See Trista and I have these great plans but we don't really follow through. But you get Jetta involved and its done! Jetta and I have taken a great bike trip to Troy and plan on biking Hiawatha in May. Jetta is a good time. Landon is a first year law student and cracks me up. I have never had a more quick witted friend then Landon. He is an Arrested Development nut like I am and we have a good time quoting that show. I'll miss that kid. Hyrum
hmmm...how to begin this. Hyrum was one person (besides Trista, Lara, Christi, Beth, Jetta ok he is the only guy!) that I could be completely blunt and honest with and he would keep hanging around. I never understood why. I liked the fact that we could disagree about everything but it never ruined our relationship. But here is a word of warning. Once you date a good friend and it ends don't expect to stay friends. That was the worst part of ending it. I no longer have my good friend. Well that was depressing to end on that note. So we won't. I am excited for 2010 to reconnect with those friends that have been in Utah while I've been abroad. I also look forward to meeting new friends!
Family: This year I met two new nephews. Kyle and Carson.They both are getting to that really fun age. I also realized that while I enjoyed having my favorites I really enjoy all of my sobrinos. They all have something that cracks me up.
Experience: I have wanted to be an immigration attorney ever since my mission. I can pinpoint exactly when I decided I should look into it. It was my last week in the mission field. My companion Hermana Auxier and I were translating for Luis in a traffic suit. His attorney was meeting with him and we translated. I remember thinking that there needed to be more people like this attorney we were currently chatting with. I wanted to help the people that I had come to love during my 18 months as a missionaries. During the summer I was in the domestic violence and sexual assault clinic. But I also had the opportunity to work in the immigration clinic. I taught a "Know your Rights" class to a group of immigrant workers. They were a great reminder as to why I was in law school. I also worked with a lady to help her get her permanent residency and an asylum seeker get prepared for his interview. It was a great learning experience and I am excited to now move on to my career.
School: Like I mentioned I went to law school solely to do immigration work.
But while in school I realized that I find property law, criminal law and juvenile law were fascinating. While my motto has and always will be "law school makes you stupid", it has also made me a better person. I have become a more compassionate person. I learned that I really can go into a courtroom and hold my own. I also graduated in 2009. I finished a semester early. I have to say I am dang proud of what I have accomplished. I completed my undergrad in 3 years, served a mission and completed law school in 2 1/2 years. I have lived on the other side of the country and realized I could survive. Not only survive but thrive. I feel I've become a better person. Go team!
Lastly, Personal Growth: I felt on my mission that that was the time I truly found myself. That was true. I also feel this last year was another time for that. I found out that if I put my mind to it I could accomplish anything. I have goals for this upcoming year and I plan on completing them. Those include hiking Havasupai, running a half marathon, passing the bar, and doing what I can to make life better for just one person. We can always look back on our life and point out all of our regrets. Or we can continue to move forward and try to make life more meaningful for ourselves and others. Thanks to everyone who has shaped my life to what it is today. I love and am grateful for all of you. There is no where to go but forward. I look forward to the unknown and conquering it along the way.

Monica!

2010-01-07T18:30:00.001-07:00

I was talking to my friend Monica and I was remembering some funny little stories about her. So I told her I was going to blog about her. Well its true I'm going to share some stories about her. Maybe every once and awhile I'll highlight a new friend. I have some dang funny friends!
Monica:The first story involves Treasa as well. Treasa, Monica and I decided to go to San Diego for the weekend. This was before my mission so this was in what? 2003? 2004? Some where around there. We went over Valentine's Day to spend our day at the beach and forget the fact that we were single. Oddly enough both of these two are no married and I...well lets move on. Anyway, we went to Sea World and it had rained earlier that day and Treasa and I were wearing flip flops and everyone was telling us to be careful we might slip. So Treasa and I walk carefully and Monica just walks along fine because she has tennis shoes on. Monica split up from us to get a map and Treasa and I were going to the gift shop. We then see this group gathered around someone and its Monica on the ground. She had slipped. Treasa and I make sure she is ok. Then laugh and say "hey we'll see you in the giftshop." We are ubber sensitive like that. It was hilarious though.
The second story is when Monica got a kitten. It was the first day she had it and she wanted to go to the store to get the cat stuff at night. I drove and Monica wanted to take the kitten. We are driving down the road and I started smelling something foul. I turn on the lights and the cat had pooped all over Monica. It was hilarious. We had to go back so she could change and leave the cat at home. Thankfully nothing got on my car. Oh Monica! There are other funny stories but we'll save her from the rest.
HAHA!! Man those were good times. These people should watch out for the next time! Carri, Trista, Janelle, Jacque, Jenny. There are a lot of J's there. Beware!! There are more but I currently can't think of more because I'm sick and I prefer to say that that is the reason I can't think. Anyway, peace out!

New Year's Resolooters

2010-01-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yes you know who you are! You are the ones that decided "This year is the year! I'm going to the gym!" Then you stop going about February. You all have this great sparkly eyed ambition and you love it and pet it and then it dies. Reminds me of this clip. While I give you props for trying to make yourself better and healthier I do NOT give you props for stealing my spot in 24Set today. I finally found a parking spot at Trolley Corners and ran to the class only to find it completely filled an no where to set up shop. Disgruntled I left. Yes, yes I left! I could have ran on the treadmill, but I was sans ipod which I pretty much need so I don't kill myself with the monotonous running that is the treadmill. Running outside I can do it. So why didn't you just run outside? You are asking. Well see Salt Lake and the surrounding valley has this great thing we like to call an inversion. Its disgusting. The pollution just sits in the valley and you can't even see across the valley. It is not good to run with that kind of air. Which once again makes me miss Moscow and my clean air. I also have come down with a sore throat. I blame Nolan for coughing in my face. Although I don't think he had a sore throat so instead I'll blame it on the fact that its winter and that's just what happens. So being sick, plus cold winter air, plus gross disgusting air means no run at least outside. Now are you thinking why didn't you just go get your ipod and go back. Have no fear! I am going to the gym just not until after my bar prep class tonight. I had to come home and catch up on some barbri stuff. I slacked off on Sunday. I actually don't study on Sunday's but I was going to stay up and do it at midnight. Yes well that didn't happen. I have to take this more seriously or I am screwed. While I gave you new years resolooters some crap I do think that goals are a good thing. While I refuse to call them resolutions I am going to label them as goals. They are not year long ones but there are short term and long term. Anyway lets continue.

Short term: Complete all of the bar class requirements and take the classes seriously
Completion date: March 8, 2010

Short term: Pass the bar and the MPRE
completion date: March 8, 2010

Short term: Become a morning person...meaning get some sleep! Get up at 7:00 get to sleep by 11:30
Completion date: February 28, 2010

Short term: Keep up with the half marathon plan
Completion date: June 15, 2010

Short term: Sparkpeople continuous
completion date: February 1, 2010

Short term: Buy a house and figure out where, Utah? Idaho? Washington?
completion date: before May 1, 2010 so I can get my house credit!

Long term: get out of debt, credit card first, car second, school loans third.
Completion date: Who knows...but soon!

Ok there we go! I am going to go do my laundry and read some property law. Go team!

A Victory! A Small one but a victory none the less!

2009-12-30T09:17:00.001-07:00

I have a small victory everyone! I can walk without waddling! Yesterday I was soooo sore from 24Set that I would waddle everywhere. It was pretty bad. And my idea that yoga would help combat the soreness oh no, no, no. So did not help. But I have a few observations about my yoga yesterday. #1: I was sweating a ton and no one else in the class was! #2: I have no balance on my left leg. #3: People drive stupid in the snow. Now most people complain about the fast drivers in the snow. Well I want to complain about the slow drivers. Mostly those on the freeway. You going 20 on the freeway is a HAZARD! If you don't want to drive at least 45 on the freeway in the snow then don't take the freeway! You are going to cause an accident. #4: I am not surprised that people that drive stupid have a crushed bumper or a busted headlight. You drive like an idiot. So I'm not surprised you got rear ended or you hit something. #5: My jeep is great fun in the snow! :)
So I went to my first bar prep class on Monday and got really freaked out about the bar. So I sent this text to a couple people. "I am debating on if I'd rather die a slow painful death or take the bar. I'm leaning toward slow death." Most of my law friends responded with "don't tell me that I have to take it soon too." Others said, "I'm sorry." I don't want your sympathy I want you to slit my wrists! (Note: I am NOT suicidal! Just a side note) But my friend Steve, who I forgot is dang funny responded with this following conversation:

Steve: "Well, if you need help speeding up that death, let me know. I'm sure I can find something on the internet that will tell me how to do it."
Me: "Awesome! I'll keep you in mind."
Steve: "It'll cost you though."
Me: "How about a contingent fee? If I die then I'll pay you."
Steve: "I hate lawyers."
Steve just completed his first semester of law school.

That was the best response I got. It made my night. Needless to say I decided to not die a slow death and endure bar prep and the bar. Speaking of Barbri bar prep. I actually like the classes. They are really helpful and you do a fill in the blank outline. So the three hours was me trying to guess what the next term was. It was like a game! I liked it! I am annoyed because I can't make it to the lecture tonight due to a family party but I'm allowed to make them up online. I'm trying to access the lectures but they are not posted. Which is annoying. The course handout says that the lectures are available the week they are presented. That to me says they should be available now. I'd prefer to get it done this morning. I even woke up early to do it! Of course no one is in the office. So I left a message and I will call and annoy them in another 10 minutes.

To end I will give a few quotes that I got at a cousin's wedding I went to the other day.
Uncle Floyd (this is my mom's uncle): he says to me, "So you are the STILL single one right?"
Me: "Yup!"
Floyd: "Well get on that!"
Me: "Done!"

Uncle Floyd: To me once again, "So what law are you going to specialize in?"
Me: "Immigration law."
UF: "Going to get rid of all those illegals right!"
Me: "Eh not so much."
My dad: jumping right in there before I continue, "She's going to help them become legal."

Good times with the fam...they then proceeded to call Obama the next Hitler. I had to move tables. Anyway, I'm going to go call Barbri! Peace out everyone! Oh and #1 Go Vandals today in their bowl game! #2 Happy New Year!

24Set!

2009-12-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

I went to my first 24Set class after over 2 years of not being able to go today. Now I knew 24Set would kick my butt but I forgot how badly. My legs and arms are nice and jello-y. Here is a description of what the 24Set class is from the 24hour Fitness website. Copyright 24Hour fitness. :) 24 S.E.T, a Group Exercise class that alternates strength training exercises with step cardio training to sculpt every major muscle group. Try 24 S.E.T. for a truly balanced workout that will get your heart pumping. It kicked my behind! Here are a few observations about my workout today. #1: I am so out of shape. Sure I can run 3-4 miles but I have no muscle. #2: People were leaving during the cool down and stretching. That's the best part of the whole class! Plus you need a cool down to avoid injury. But whatever. #3: I soooo needed it. Its been a long time and while I am going to cry every time I try to go to the bathroom or walk up and down stairs tomorrow its worth it. I love the 24Set and I am excited to get back into it. Woot woot! To try to combat some of my soreness tomorrow I am hitting yoga. I loves the yoga. And like 24Set I desperately need it. Tonight is my first bar prep class how exciting. Boo.

To post or not to post...

2009-12-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well I think I'm doing a quick blog post...we'll see if it turns out to be quick or not. I have moved from my beloved Moscow. It was a terrible drive leaving it. It broke my heart. But such is life no? We always are moving on to different things in our lives. So here is to a new chapter. I am currently living in Janelle and Josh's basement. Thanks guys. I could have moved in with my parents but I've been on my own for so long that it would have been difficult to go back. Its weird to be back in Utah. It really is. I keep thinking that I'll be heading back to Moscow after the break. But no dice. Utah doesn't quite feel like home anymore. But I'm sure it will once I get used to being here. Now don't get me wrong I love my peeps and family here its just odd being here for good. I haven't lived here for 2 1/2 years. Give me some time eh? Well anyway, I have been studying for the bar this week including on Christmas. On Monday my first bar class starts. I am actually looking forward to it. I need this course to pass the bar. I want to not have to take this dang exam again. It is a two day exam and I would prefer to not do it again. I'm not going to lie I'm a little scared of this whole exam. Ok I'm really scared. But if I do my part it should workout right?
Speaking of working out. I have joined 24Hour Fitness and I am so happy! I love that gym. I love 24Set but I figured out that I will have to go to the 5:30 AM class because the other one is at 6:00 PM which is when the bar classes are. We'll see how it goes. I have flabby arms. I have to go. I still want to run a half marathon in June. So I better get going. Haha! Get it get going...get running? No? Ok never mind.
Alright I think that's it. I'm done. Merry late Christmas! I'm going to bed before 3AM for once! Peace!

Destruction

2009-12-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have a time where you are just in destructive behavior? I have been lately and it is no good. I am moving from my beloved Moscow on Friday and I think it might stem from the fact that I am not excited about this new transition in my life and I'm not sure how to deal with it. Now don't get me wrong you Utah people I am looking forward to getting back and hanging with you all again. But I am not excited about the bar exam. I'm scared to death of it actually. But as my friend Peter said "respect the bar". I will and hopefully pass. But I have been self-destructive lately and that needs to change. So here is what I am going to do, name my self-destructive behavior and how I am going to change it.
#1: SLEEP: I do not get enough sleep and I think its starting to show. Even as I am writing this its 1:40 in the am. I have an exam at 1:00 PM tomorrow which I'm sure you all are thinking of well you have 12 hours to sleep! Ha! No, I am so not prepared for this exam. So I will be getting up nice and early to get back to studying. The past three weeks I have been up until about 3 generally doing school work but sometimes just hanging with Trista usually. Then I get up early for class or to study. I need sleep and I don't get enough. So here is how I am going to change that. I am going to make myself be in bed by 11:00...starting uh Monday...I have some late nights coming up! But I will get better.
#2: EATING: I have been eating crap lately! Not only crap but I've been eating either not at all or really late at night. The past two weeks I think I went to the bagel shop here in Moscow at about 2 am two or three times. In my defense I've been trying to get my 11 bagels so I could get a free one before I move. I did it today though! Woot woot. But that's not an ok. So here is what is going to happen. I am going to eat breakfast, lunch, snackies and dinner. I am not going to eat past 9:00. Its just better that way. I also am going to get back on www.sparkpeople.com Its been too long.
#3: EXERCISE: Hello! You want to run a half marathon in June. You need to go running! I went running yesterday and did 2 miles on hills and it was sluggish and slow and just all around terrible. I haven't been working out and it shows and it feels like it too. So we are getting back to the running and gym. I signed up for 24Hour Fitness for when I return to Utah so that is encouraging. I LOVE 24Hour Fitness. If I could marry it I would. Mostly just so I could stop dating! Which leads me to...
#4: RELATIONSHIPS: Ok let me clarify, that should read *church edit* CRAPPY *church edit* RELATIONSHIPS. So I've been dating this kid for about a month...yes those of you that already know its been about a month. Granted he asked me out for our first date like a year ago. But I would have none of it! So he stuck with me not being interested until about a month ago then he just went for the gold and kissed me. So right whatever. Well things were going well for a while then he informed me that he has never done a long distance relationship and doesn't want to start. Ok you horses *church edit* rear end *church edit* you never should have started anything! Its not like it was a surprise to you that I was leaving! We knew this all along. Right. So I knew this on Saturday, was pretty perturbed on Sunday but caved on Monday. He came over to help me pack and I actually made him pack. He wanted a kiss good-bye and I denied! Then he came over again tonight. Anyway, so I know that this is going no where and its not good for me to let him think what he does is fine. But I am stupid/self-destructive. This relationship is no good. But I keep allowing him to come over and call or text. I am a girl and I don't like it! I'd like new parts please and then I could be an *church edit* donkey *church edit* and people won't care. They'll think its "cute" or I'm being "one of the guys" or a "you boys" guy. Gag. So here is what is going to happen. He wants it to end when I leave well I'll make sure it does. No more texting him! I don't care that you think I'm an excellent kisser you are just saying that to get more action. Well no dice! You are done champ. That's the plan. I don't need an unhealthy relationship.
#5: COUNTRY MUSIC: I have willingly, WILLINGLY put two country songs in my Itunes! GAG! What is wrong with me?! I hate country. I must be sick. I was also tricked! Tricked I tell you by Lars into getting the holiday sampler from Itunes...its free! Check it out. But there are like three country singers on there! I am also willingly listening to Rascal Flatts on Pandora. I think I'm coming down with something. No me gusta! So here is how we are changing this behavior! I am deleting Wynonna (that's sad that I even know how to spell her name), which by the way thanks for ruining "Silent Night" for me. I also will allow Rascal Flatts to stay but to counter my destructive behavior I will read from MyLifeIsAverage twice a day. Works for me.

Ok so there we go, we are making a change people! Watch out! I am adding this photo just because...taken by Jetta Hatch!

Things that must go and quotage...

2009-12-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here in the Salt Lake Airport waiting to go back to my beloved Moscow. Finals start tomorrow. That is not good news. I came home this weekend for my nephews baptism. It was a good time though it lasted an hour and a half. That was a long time. Thankfully I had baby nephews to keep me occupied and older nieces and nephews as well. Then while we were in the church it snowed. I was wearing high heels and a peep toe. That sucked. Yes I biffed it on the way out. My three nephews thought it was sure funny. Gotta love those kids. But anyway since I missed things that must go and quotes I'll try to make up here.
Let's start with quotes

Me: "Janelle might have another kid."
Janelle: "Yeah that's true."
Anthony Hovey (one of Janelle's primary kids): "You shouldn't have kids when you are 40 or they will be disabled."
Janelle: "I'm not 40!"
That was pretty awesome.

My mom: "No wonder you are in debt!"
She had a jewelry party and the lady in charge played a game where we had to show all major credit cards. I was the only one that had all of them but one.

Trista Robison: "I'm squeezing my milk out!"

Crap I forgot the rest. I really need to write these down.

Things that must go:

#1: Finals starting tomorrow

#2: How much I'm going to miss everyone in Northern Idaho.

#3: The roller coaster that is a relationship. Why can't you men just be normal? Seriously.

#4: Waiting in airports when you are tired. I just want to lie on the floor and sleep but I might miss my flight if I do.

#5: Leaving Moscow...repeat? yup.

#6: The big pile of slush I stepped in coming into the airport.

#7: My lotion getting taken by TSA.

#8: Glenn Beck

Ok I think that's it. My flight just got called so I'm out peace out!

Things that must go Thursday, quotes and a Happy late Thanksgiving!

2009-11-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Happy late Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a great holiday. Mine was good. Beth cooked an amazing turkey, Jetta made unbelievable rolls, Trista made the best potatoes and Amy supplied the drinkage. It was a good time. We watched movies all day and just pigged out. By the way if anyone wants some leftovers PLEASE come to my house. So I'm thankful for friends here in Moscow and everywhere else!
Ok so this last weekend I went to Banff Canada with Trista and Jetta. It was a quick trip but a lot of fun! We drove up to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia on Saturday. We went to the Hot Springs. It was nice. Sunday we went to Golden and went to church with a branch of 13 people. IT was weird to actually be quiet in sacrament. Jetta told Trista and I to be quiet. :) Then we drove up to Banff and then drove home. Banff is beautiful! I loved it.

Here are some quotes from the trip. Jetta has more but this is what I remember.

Trista: "Stop touching me."
Me: "Its hard not too...you stick out."

Guy at the church: "You are going to go over our 500ft bridge."
Me: "That's a long 'eh' bridge."

Non-Canada related...I don't remember anymore.

Jetta: "You two are like a pile of puppies."
Talking about Trista and I

Ok things that must go.
#1: Going back to school on Monday.

#2: Leaving Moscow. sniff, sniff

#3: Packing my house

#4: My 5K run yesterday. That hurt.

Ok well that's it. Peace out everyone!!

Quote Tuesday!

2009-11-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here are the quotes for today! Woot woot!

Lewie Hamberlin: "And that is why John Wayne's crotch is ripped."

Erica George: "Are you drunk?"
Me: "no?"
Erica: "You sound funny. Like happy."
Me: "I've had a lot of sweets."
Erica: funny face

Trista: "He would have cracked his head open trying to get off."

Trista: "Let's go to Genessee."
We endded up in Lewiston.

Landon Brown: "For you it will be the chessiest cheese ever!"

Ok that's it for the quotes for now. If I remember anymore I'll add them. Peace out!

Its about time!

2009-11-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

I know that some of you are thinking this. So I'll just say it. Well Its taken me 2 1/2 hours to read 20something pages in my Wills book and I'm still not done so I've decided to put it off even longer and write a quick blog post! Mostly because its Thursday and I like "Things that must go!" Thursday. So here we are! I really like quote Tuesday too. I should get back to that too. I'd do that today too however I can't think of any quotes. Ok on to things that must go!

#1: The fact that its taken me 2 1/2 hours to do wills and it still isn't done...

#2: It getting dark in the 'Scow at 4:00 in the afternoon...I feel like I live in the North Pole.

#3: My imagination Christmas I'm going to have to have this year. You all will hate this one too because it entails me saying "imagine I am giving you [insert gift here] for Christmas! Merry Christmas!"

#4: Leaving Moscow in a few weeks. :( Sad day, everyone. Sad day.

#5: Bar prep starting on December 28th...boo

#6: Me freaking out about the bar.

#7: My dirty house...that shall be fixed soon!

#8: The really good looking chocolate cake I dropped on the floor on Monday.

#9: The people being loud in the Law library. I'm already distracted as it is! Shut it people! I have a short attention span. I don't even want to listen to your conversation on which justice is a constitutionalist but I am! You are sucking me in with your loud words. Curse these good ears!

#10: Nerdy law students...yes I am one of those...but I am working on suppressing the nerd and bringing out the cool...its not working.

#11: Missing Linds' wedding tomorrow. :(

Ok that's it for me! Peace out all!

Things that must go Thursday!

2009-10-22T16:08:00.000-06:00

Hooray! I like the things that must go Thursday. As always feel free to contribute.

#1: The fact that my graduation stuff cost $15 more than the other grad students. I know I get a different robe and crap but it still sucks.

#2: People who get offended WAY too easily. No I didn't ask if you wanted to go before other people. Oh well! Get over yourself.

#3: Driving to Spokane. This will be the third time in two weeks. Can't I be a passenger for once?

Well that's all I have for now...I'm sure I'll add more.

By the way, I picked up my graduation stuff yesterday and I'm really excited. I am ready to be done. No more school! I will be a happy person after February 25th. That is the last day of the bar. Woot woot!

Catch Up!

2009-10-21T12:11:00.000-06:00

I really do suck at this posting a lot thing. I'm not going to say I'll be better because I can't guarantee that I will. So this time I'm doing a few observations and quotes...except I can't remember any...hopefully I will be the time the quote time comes up! Anyway, observations...
#1: Health care: I know this is a topic being debate all over the place and I don't want to get into anything specific with bills being introduce only my own observations on the whole thing. So I had to go to a clinic for certain reasons. Which are not important and people overreacted, me included and nothing was wrong. Anyway, so every procedure done on me lead to my first thought being "how much is this going to cost?" I am not doing a test they want me to do because I can't afford it. So here is my thought, "I shouldn't have to think that!" I mean I am insured but because of how things are with my insurance they don't cover everything. But I shouldn't have to turn down things that I might need. Granted I don't think I need it but still I should have the option to do it without worrying about costs. Something needs to be done with the insurance. Universal health care? Insurance reform? Who knows but something needs to change.
#2: Awesome Halloween costumes: So I was talking to my friend Janelle, who made an awesome birthday cake for my other friend by the way. But I was talking to Janelle and I asked her what her daughter was going to be for Halloween. In the past she has been a witch for like 4 years and last year she was a pink Christmas tree. She's six. So I asked Janelle what she was going to be for Halloween and Janelle said Clara wants to be a dead cat. I told her I was speechless and I wondered if Janelle was concerned about this. I also suggested that Clara be a crazy cat lady. Janelle said she already was crazy because she wants tire marks on her face as part of her costume. How awesome is that?! I thought it was great. Janelle didn't agree. I wish I was that creative as a little kid. Granted Janelle's daughter will more than likely be in therapy when she gets older but whatever.
#3: Surprise Notes: I wrote a note to my friend Jetta asking her how she could study at her carrel (AKA little cubicle) when she has books and papers all over. So on Monday I came down to my carrel and it was covered in candy! With a note that said this "Dear Emily, Since you were wondering. I can study because a laptop only takes up this much space. Jetta" So she covered my desk in candy but outlined her laptop. So if any of you are in the vicinity of the law school come to carrel 14 and get some candy....please! But I actually thought it was awesome and I now need to figure out a way to get her back.
#4: Reading between the lines: Has this ever gotten you into trouble? It has me before. But I have been informed by an attorney I have interned for that she has a position opening at her work and she was wondering if I would be interested in interviewing for it. Now here comes the reading between the lines portion. So she said she is going to hold off on interviewing until I get there and my Spanish would be great for this job and I can also study for the bar while working there. She also said that she will have other people cover until I get there in December and after I get settled we can interview. That to me says she kind of wants me to get the job. But I don't know. I might be sucking at this reading between the lines thing. We'll see.
#5: Delirium: A few things on this subject. There are times when I wonder if I'm drunk, high or just delirious. Considering I don't drink or do drugs I'm going with delirious. Here is an example of one. I was wearing a skirt yesterday with tights and I was heading out to my car and my neighbor asked me if I always wore my jean skirts backwards. Apparently in the course of my morning my skirt got completely twisted around. I have no recollection of this happening. Odd. One other point on delirium, people who settle for spouses or relationships that are not good for them. I have friends who want to get married so badly that they take the first thing that comes along. Never settle people! Come on! Seriously being single is not that bad! I'd prefer to be single over settling for something that is not good for me. So I've decided these friends are delirious. One day the fever will break and they will think "great, what did I do?" Maybe not, maybe they truly are happy and if so then good for them!
Ok that's all the observations for today! So on to what I'm supposed to post. Workout Wednesday and Quote Tuesday. Have no fear Lara "Things that must go Thursday!" will return.

Quotes:
Lady at the temple: "What is your name?"
Me: "Emily McKenzie."
Lady: "Your husbands name?"
Me: "Oh I'm single."
Lady. "Oh! Well that's ok too. Maybe You'll find him here!"
Right

Radiologist: "You know why you had problems don't you?"
Me: "No why?"
Radiologist: "You went running before 7AM. Its not natural."

Workout Wednesday
Monday: Ran 33 minutes which was almost 3 miles
Tuesday: Eliptical and strength training
Today: None, but gym clothes are in the car so I can go to the gym after class. My goal is to run another 3 miles.

Ok This is a long post and I should have been reading my immigration homework but whatever. This works too. Peace!

Quotes and maybe a little musing...

2009-10-13T12:11:00.000-06:00

Quotes for today...

Me: "I'm an idiot. I'm not sure if you knew this or not."
Landon Brown: "Yeah I did."

Beth Hixson: "Its what kids sniff."
Me: "Cocaine!"

Jetta Hatch:" How many law students does it take to send a bar application?"
There were three of us at almost midnight in Spokane doing that. Yes I am an idiot.

Landon Brown: "Oh its from a lady."
He got a text and just the way he said it was hilarious.

Paul Jeffries: "Aah! Not another scary part!"
He was talking during this scary movie and it was quite entertaining.

Ok there you go. Now onto a quick musing. So I've been a little worried about what I'm going to do once school ends in a few months. I mean I've been wanting to go solo for a while. Or hang my own shingle as they say. But that's a little scary especially after seeing how truly complicated immigration law can be. So yesterday I emailed the immigration attorney in Salt Lake that I had interned for to ask her to do a character reference for me. So she did and then told me she was hiring for a part time person to do N-400 for elderly LPR's. Yeah try to decipher that code! It means citizenship applications for legal permanent residents. She said she would hold of interviewing until I got there in December. How great would that be?! It would be part time and I could study for the bar no problem. So here's hoping something comes of it! Anyway, I have not showered yet today. For those that know me, this is not a surprise. For those that don't know me...pretend you didn't read that. Peace out!

Quote Tuesday!

2009-10-06T01:20:00.000-06:00

Ok here are some quotes for everyone today!

Ben: "He whacked my cracker"

Janelle Ertmann: "I'm glad my daughter isn't a player."

Monica Hovey: "No you couldn't be a cougar. You went to the U."
That was not the type of cougar I meant...

Beth Hixson: "yeah, he was really creepy, and he was cracked out when he wrote his books"
referring to Lewis Carrol.

Yay! Go quote tuesday!

Monday! I had no other title...sorry

2009-10-05T23:23:00.000-06:00

So I am a slacker on this whole blog thing. See here's what happens. Ahem. I say "I'm going to update my blog...uh...later" Then later turns into almost three weeks. Its like shiny keys. Any distraction I get I take advantage of. So here I am anyway. Ok I received an email from a friend of mine who just started his first year of law school and he said that he asks why he ever decided to go to law school. I had to laugh because I told him before he started he was going to ask that question. Then he said he went to a seminar of the field of law he wants to study and it reminded him why he was doing it. That happened for me as well when I started law school. I questioned why I was in law school and then I talked to my friends from my mission and that would remind me why I am doing what I'm doing. I had another reminder today. One of my clients got approved and is now a permanent resident. When I told her that she started crying and was really grateful. That helped me remember why I want to do this crazy law thing. But it got me thinking about everything in life. For everyone in any field of study we always have to sift through the things we don't like to achieve our goal. The thing we need to do is have that reason we are doing it always in the back of our minds. So keep that mind with anything you are doing. Ok I'm done preaching.
My older brother has decided to steal a title from me. I was known as the runner in the family. People had questions they would ask me. Well apparently the oldest brother has started being all sporty! No, no not acceptable. As the youngest child I need some title! Besides being the whiner! Thanks Beth! So I have to regain my title. I have been slacking on my running. I'm not running as often as I should be nor as far. I have decided to tackle this issue head on. I am creating teams with my three brothers. We are going to pair off and after a few weeks whatever team has the most millage gets something from the other team. I'm still waiting for a response from one brother. But I'm determined to win every week and get my title back! I need something people!
Since this is monday and I like to muse on mondays I got to thinking about my nieces and nephews. Now I have a favorite niece, Abby, she's the only one that is allowed to call me "Auntie Em". This is an example of why I love her. She was talking to me on the phone and in a snotty voice says, "Who IS this?" Then she didn't believe me when I told her. She's four. I love it! But then I decided I really like my nephew Ben. He's 13 and a good time! That kid is fun. Then I got to thinking about Mari and she's great as well. All this led to me deciding that I don't have a just one favorite. They all are my favorites in their own little way. All 19 of them. I love my family. Every first Sunday we have what we call "Fast Sunday Fest". We get together once a month and have a lesson and a treat. For those of us not in Utah we teleconference. We did this yesterday and I had a good time. My family rules. Jealous? You should be! Go team! Anyway, I think that's all from me for now. Peace out all! I have attached one of my favorite photos of Mari. She was mad at me for something. But I love the look on her face! Baha!

Car Issues, Spilled Almonds and a Swear Jar

2009-09-23T14:06:00.000-06:00

I've come to realize that when I don't post my sitemeter popularity goes down. So I better get on this! By the way, hello to the person reading my blog from Canada and from New York. Welcome to my odd little world. I hope you enjoy. Anyway, moving on. So I know its Tuesday and I am slacking. Lo siento! But here is an update. Monday was crap. Pure crap people. I have been writing this bloody legal memorandum for my case with Hail Satan in Spokane. Pretty much its to say "you are an idiot and should know your own regulations. Stop being a douche and grant my clients petition." But in nicer words. So I have been researching and writing and I got it back from my supervising attorney and it was completely rewritten. That's encouraging. Took a shot out of my confidence of doing this whole law thing. Plus I am stupid. Yup stupid. My SA said, "look at the regs for this section." Here's what my brain registered. "Hey moron, look at case law." So I looked at case law. Ok I know most of you reading this are not law students or attorney's but not looking at the statute or regulations first is a first year law student mistake. I am a third year! I should know how to do basic research. So that sucked. Monday started with that crap. Then I got really annoyed at pretty much everyone and everything. I went to FHE which was fine and then Trista took me home (Note: I ride my bike to school and I don't have a light to ride home in the dark. Trista doesn't like me riding home without one. So she usually gives me a ride.) So I got home and we were going to the store. I get in my car and the battery is dead. Again. This happened in March. So we jumped it. And so far its working fine. Then we went to WinCo. I went to go get almonds. I like to keep them at my desk at school to munch on as a snack. Well there I was and its a little pull down lever thing, so I pull it and totally miss my bag. They go all over the floor. It was awesome. Totally what my night needed. Actually Trista and I had a great laugh over that one for a while. Now on to the swear jar. I have become a sailor everyone. And its not the peon sailor swear words either. Its the behemoth ones. That needs to change. Trista has a mouth as well. So we have a swear jar. Its at my desk. We currently have about $2.00. Swears are .25 cents except for the biggin...that's a dollar. Since we can't go cold turkey we are allowing words found in the bible for the time being. Then those will be out too. Here's to hoping we do it! We can. Or if not we'll at least be able to buy something nice.

Alright quote Tuesday.
Me: "Oh awesome my high school got in a fight during a football game."
Jr. Garcia: "Your high school? For what?"
Me: "Instead of tackling the guy he sucker punched him and it started a brawl on the field."
Jr. Garcia: "What? Did you go to school in Compton?!"
Me: "No West Valley City, Utah."
Jr. Garcia: "Eh close enough."

That's all I can remember.

Workouts!
Monday blew. Tuesday was good. I got up and ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill. Yes I hate the treadmill too but I am thinking my pace is slowing down too much, so the treadmill helps get that back. Then I rode my bike to school and went and did weights and the eliptical that night. Today I got up to do a yoga video and ended up laying on the floor watching the lady do it alone. But I rode my bike today, everyday this week so far. And I'm going to the gym tonight with the T-ster. Ok everyone peace out! I'm late for class!

So much to do!

2009-09-17T11:22:00.001-06:00

I have not been very productive on the blog this week. Though I have been productive this week. Ok so for my musings that are supposed to be on Monday. Here is a short musing. I'm done. I'm done with school and people. Though I don't really have a good reason to be done with people like Lara does. I am so tired of school. I feel like I'm at the end of my mission. At the end of my mission I was so tired! I wanted to just take a whole day and just sleep. I feel that way now. I mean I can sleep in on Saturday's...I usually don't because I go to the farmer's market...but even if I do sleep in I feel guilty for not being at the law school to get work done. Its like a constant fatigue. But that's enough whining. So here is another musing. I really dislike CIS (that's the citizenship and immigration services, they do interviews for people applying for different things like Permanent residency or citizenship). Ok I only dislike the Spokane CIS those in Salt Lake I dealt with her excellent, though ICE was crap in Salt Lake. I had a client go to CIS in Spokane last week and what should have been a clear cut case to remove conditions has exploded into this huge thing. Stupid eyebrow lady.

Ok on to quotes...sadly I don't have many...
Bishop Eichner: (filling out my character reference for the Utah Bar) "had a lot of traffic violations?"
Me: "Not lately!" (Its true haven't been pulled over since Memorial Day...go team!)

Me: "Go team!" (I got this from Trista...I say it a lot!)

Christi Olcott: "Jetta will keep you quiet in Relief Society."
Trista Robison: "Pfft no she won't! She's a part of it." (Yes we've corrupted Jetta)

Ok on to workouts. This week has been awesome for those actually. I went running on Monday and then Tuesday I rode my bike to the Chipman trail and ran two miles on that..cutting a minute off my time..and biked home. So Tuesday I biked 7 miles and ran two. Then Wednesday I went to the gym after school. I did the elliptical for 35 minutes then strength training. Ok so today I'm being lazy. I need to get out and do something. I also have biked to school everyday so far but one. I won't be biking today because I have no class tonight so I have made it possible that I don't even have to show up to the law school today. Which makes me really happy!

Ok things that must go.

#1: Me not being able to do anything right in clinic! I swear everytime I send something to my professor she asks if I did something that should have been common sense to do.

#2: Me still eating crap when I know I shouldn't and I've been doing better working out.

#3: Singles wards/Student wards. I'm sorry but you all just drive me crazy.

#4: My lack of motivation again.

Ok I think I'm caught up. So enjoy everyone! Hopefully I'll be better next week! Peace!

"I'm from Wilmet.."

2009-09-12T18:20:00.000-06:00

I was approached today by a hoard of nerds to go play this weird board game with them. They are all law school people so you know that is a good time! I was informed that they have been playing these games since they started law school two years ago and I am the first girl they ever invited and if I went I would be the first girl ever there. This concerned me a bit. Then later they attacked me at my carrel (its like a cubicle at the law school) and wanted me to play again. I fought them off as best I could. But it reminded me of this clip. Start at :50.

The two guys totally reminded me of the guys coming to my carrel today. Yeah Wayne's World! "Look if Wayne says we're not then we're not!"

Things that must go Thursday!

2009-09-11T00:56:00.000-06:00

I've decided to do things that must go Thursday. I got things that must go from Radio From Hell on x96 96.3FM. Great morning show, check it out. I podcast it and it just cracks me up. I had a dream the other day that I was in Afghanistan and people were shooting rockets at me. I then decided that NPR needed a rest for a bit. So back to RFH I went. I highly recommend it. Anyway, essentially what things that must go is is where I get to complain about things that are bugging me or are annoying. Example: automatic doors that don't sense you and hence don't open so you run into them...happened to me today. There you go...ok and we're off.

#1: Toast that is too big for the toaster. Then you have to rip off one end and your toast looks funny.
#2: If you are a store that closes at 11:00, generally so you can restock your shelves, then why do you have pallets out at 9:00!? You close early so you can restock! Why are you doing it now?!
#3: Highlighter caps that don't fit the opposite end when you go to use them. I always end up losing the cap whenever I use this particular highlighter.
#4: My lack of motivation for anything right now...school, working out.
#5: The Utah State Bar application, due on the October 1st. I need an FBI background check and three non-blood or law school related attorney references! What the?!

That's all I have for now. If any of you have any to add feel free in the comments.

Quote Wednesday and a little workout!

2009-09-09T22:20:00.001-06:00

Ok I'm a slacker and didn't post Monday...yes that was Labor day and hey surprise, surprise I played most of the day. Monday I want to school did some homework and decided to go for a run at the Arboretum. Now the "wee" hill from the law school to the Arboretum is not fun. It rivals some of the hills I've ran in Salt Lake. Which means I'm a wuss. Yup wuss. That is all I've done this week. Horrible! I had to get up at 6:00 (I know for some of you that is not early...for those of us that don't have class until 10:30 its a wee early) But I had to go to Spokane because my client had an interview with a she devil today. She had an interview with a CIS officer and what normally takes at most 40 minutes normally took us 2 hours! She-devil! But my prof gave me a pass for class tomorrow! So I am not doing homework and I'm watching season 5 of the Office! Woot woot! I forgot how funny this show is. I've been watching Arrested Development. Also a fabulous show. But anyway, on to the quotes!
Prof. MacDonald (aka Jimmy Mac): "Who has strong opinions on this case?" (Mass. v. EPA)
Me: "I thought this case was crap!"
Hope Johnson: "I did not expect that from the quiet Mormon girl."

Trista Robinson: "That @#$% tent!"

Lara Hartman: "I am going to hell Emily"
Lara : "straight to hell"
Me : "why?"
Lara : "I am looking on facebook of people in the ward here and wow .....fugly tree hit hard here"

Lara Hartman: "Alaska called and they want their beard back!"

Scott Brinton: " I am the last person you should ask on how to tell someone 'no go buster.'"

There are more but I don't remember anymore...but once I do I'll post them!

Post Note: I did a church edit for you people whose eyes bleed when you see the swears. :)

Update: I am posting a picture of Trista with the tent because it was so dang funny to watch her try to put it up!

Two band-aids and still no dice.

2009-09-03T17:16:00.000-06:00

I am an avid blood donor. I like to donate the blood as often as I can. I told my friend in Florida once that its like the Mormon version of a high. Yes she thought I was weird. But I donated blood back in July and was all excited to donate today. But as happens quite frequently with me I did not have enough iron. Its frustrating. So I made them prick another finger. That finger had even less than the first one! How is that possible?! Anyway, I'm back to trying to figure out what to do about it. I'll try again. Don't you all worry!

P.S. I'm also really craving fake cheese...like velveeta. I'm concerned by this.

Workout Wednesday and the age old question real injury or just an excuse?

2009-09-02T21:22:00.000-06:00

I have done a lot better with the working out this week. Go team! I went running on Monday after 3 weeks (yes 3 weeks!!) of not running. I only did 2.5 miles. But apparently that was enough! I was so sore the next day and today. Which is odd since I've gone through patches of non-running before and I haven't been this sore since I started running about 8 years ago. Yes you would think after running for 8 years I'd be in shape. Ha! you are funny. There are a couple reasons as to why that is not true. The biggest reason is because I'm not consistent. If I was consistent I'd be in fabulous shape! The other reason is my genetic makeup. We McKenzie's are husky! We don't let go of our fat too easily. Let's just say when the famine comes you all are screwed!! I'll be fine though. So good luck with that! Anyway, so I biked to school on Tuesday but I also biked to school 3 out of the 5 days two weeks ago and 4 out of the 5 days a week. Today is where the question comes in. Since I've been sore from Monday I started my run this morning and my right knee...which hates me again...but not as bad as before...started hurting and my hamstring in the same leg hurt. I ended up for the first 6 minutes to do 3X1. Meaning 3 minutes running 1 minute walking. Then I ended up running the last 18 minutes. I decided that my first 6 minutes of "injury" was just an excuse. I rode my bike to school as well today and picked up a book for Trista. So in my wee backpack I had my huge immigration book 1500 pages and Trista's huge chemistry book, my laptop and plugs, a t-shirt and a full water bottle. Then I decide to take "short cut." Which involved 3 big hills. But I forced myself to ride up them. But it took me forever. Anyway, there is my working out. Peace out all!

Quote Tuesday!

2009-09-01T16:53:00.000-06:00

Ok first off hooray for otter pops! Ok now on to the quotes. Sorry I don't have too many. I should write them down.

Trista Robison: "You don't want to get over him you want to get on him."
Dave Robins (Aka Hot Dave): "Its a hippie! Don't make eye contact. No Emily! Don't wave to him!"
Hyrum Hibbert: "Strong Dave. I refuse to call him 'Hot Dave'"
Trista Robison: "The young freshman still have flowers in their gardens. We have weeds."
Tim Linger: "Look Emily I have a sword." yikes...
Lara Hartman: "Because you can't trust anyone, not even yourself."

Once again hopefully more next week! Peace!

A great reminder!

2009-08-31T13:44:00.000-06:00

I got a great reminder today so to why I ride my bike school and not drive. So I got up today and went for a run. and wow its been way to long since I did that. More about that on Wednesday. I got home from my run and dinked around for a bit then went and got a shower...yes contrary to popular belief I do shower. I just didn't so much during the summer. As I stated then summer semester was like camping. You only need to shower once a week. Since it is now fall semester I shower more often. Anyway, I got a shower, did my hair and makeup-side note I have made it a goal to actually look presentable one day a week. Today was that day so expect me to look like hell the rest of the week, but atleast you know that I'll have showered. Moving on. I am a little late leaving my house and I get to school and there is no where to park. At all! Now let me preface this next little rant on the fact that I normally like parking in the upper parking lot by the Kibbie Dome because I like the walk. However, today I was really late so I needed a close parking spot. No dice. So I finally find one at the very, very top of the KD parking and walk myself down to the law school. and what the *@#% there are 6 open spaces down there now! Needless to say I was 5 minutes late to class and Hot Dave laughed at me. Nice. I tend to make the greatest impressions on him. For those of you who are not aware. Hot Dave is well hot. 'nough said. But let me share a few examples of my stupidity around him. Example one: first time ever talking to him I trip over a chair. Example two: He sees me in the hall and says "Hi" I answer with "good" make a snorting sound and run off. And example three: I am in the hallway at the law school talking to my friend Christi when he comes around the corner. He waves and then says "hey hows it going?" I answer with "good. yourself?" At that exact moment I realize he is talking on his bluetooth and not talking to me. Awesome. Anyway, back to the purpose of this post. Since the parking was incredibly crappy I shall continue riding my bike to school. I did last week and that trend will continue until the snow comes. Sorry but I'm a wuss when it comes to riding my bike in the snow. I know I haven't written for a while like I said I would but now that I'm in the groove of things with school I shall continue. I believe I said this perviously but these posts won't be long bathroom reads. And once again if you are taking me in the bathroom with you I am really concerned about the nature of our realtionship. Anyway, I'm off! Until tomorrow my followers...until tomorrow.

Foodie and workout uh...sunday

2009-08-09T19:28:00.000-06:00

So I know its been a bit and I was supposed to write on workout Wednesday and foodie Friday. Oops! Well workouts I went on a bike ride with the niece and nephew on Tuesday. That was cut short by the niece's bike tire being popped. So she and I walked back to their house that was probably a little over a half a mile. To make up for the short ride we went to Gardner Village. That was a workoutish thing. Except the niece and nephew bought big chunks of fudge. So...Wednesday I went to the Skyline Mine in Scofield, Utah. It was a good time! There was a lot of walking in floppy boots in the darkness. I'll expound on that whole experience on Monday. But it was a good workyout thing. One time we went down to the longwall...will explain later what that is...then we had to hike back to the truck. I was determined to keep up with the friend on the hike back and he has much longer legs than I do and non floppy boots. So it was a good challenge. Thursday was a no workout. The bike I had has had issues so no bike ride. I could have gone running and yes I need to work on that. Friday I had an exam in the morning, visited Janelle in the hospital and the new baby. Then not much else happened. Although my parents love me and bought me a new bike for my birthday. So I went on a short bike ride on Friday night. Saturday I took the bike out for a long ride. It was good.
Now on to the food. I haven't been so good. I had a sope on Wednesday and other mexican food on Friday then out to Charlie Chow's on Saturday. I need to focus on my food. I'm heading back to the 'Scow on hopefully Wednesday. So I can get back to my healthy house food. I'm an out of sight out of mind type person. If the crap food isn't around me then I won't eat it. I need to get back to Moscow. Ok the recipe today comes from none other than Janelle. So thanks Janelle! I added a few things to the recipe.

Chili

12 ounces ground TURKEY
6 Oz. Hot sausage, turkey is what I use.

1 cup chopped onion (large)

1/2 cup chopped green sweet pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 8 ounce can tomato sauce

2-3 teaspoons chili powder

2-3 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

salt to taste

In a large saucepan cook ground TURKEY, onion, sweet pepper, and garlic until meat is brown and onin is tender; drain fat. Stir in kidney beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, basil and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

I made this all the time during the winter and froze it. So thanks Janelle!

Tuesday quote day!

2009-08-04T23:29:00.000-06:00

Lara Hartman: "I just saw a bear. And then a Texan chasing said bear..."
Abby McKenzie "I don't like her back there." Telling my mom this and referring to me because I told her to go in time out or go sit with her primary class.
Me: "I'll take bear butt!"
Morgan McKenzie: "Let's jet!"
Me: "So Jetta are looking into the military now?" (She interned for the JAG)
Jetta Hatch: "No. I hate having to take directions from stupid people."
Trista Robinson: "Tender chicken"
Lara Hartman: "I'm just trying to put things into perspective. WE need to be more forgiving."
Me: "Now I hate you!"
Justin McKenzie: "It must be an organic store." Going into Down to Earth at Gardner Village, its a furniture store.

Monday Musings!

2009-08-03T22:40:00.000-06:00

My family had an eventful Sunday. So let me introduce the people involved. First we have Kyle...new nephew...preemie one. Karl and Becky, Kyle's padres, Dave and Eryn, other brother, Sam son of Dave, Nathan, son of Dave, and my dear car.
Ahem, here we go. My family, mom, dad, me, Kevin and Nanny, Abby, and Carson head down to Riverton to the blessing of Kyle. Dave and Eryn and brood were not there because Dave was getting released as bishop and put in as stake clerk. So then my dad bailed after the blessing to go to Dave's ward. My mom had her cellphone on in relief society and it went off and she was so embarrassed it was kind of funny. But it was my dad calling telling us that Sam is going to primary children's to get his appendix out. Nice! So then the padre brings the rest of Dave and Eryn's kids down to Riverton and I get to take them home. So the two girls and Nate are in my car and we are driving back to my parents house to change then head to theirs. I hear Nate behind me making odd sounds. So at the stoplight I turned around and he says "I'm going to hurl." I try to direct the possible hurliage but the light changed and he ralphed into his hand. So the next assault I was able to get the window open and he ralphed on the side of my car and a little inside, which by the way someone is riding in my car on Wednesday and I have no plans on telling him which side was ralphed on. Anyway, we get back to the parents house and I'm pretty sure we are done with the volley of chunkiness. So I go change out of the church clothes and we are heading over to their house, but my mom is smart and gets a plastic bag for that short drive. Thankfully he hit the bag for the last and final assault in my car. But my car has been christened and its offical I can now have children. Hooray for me.
My nephew, Sam, is good by the way. He was released from the hospital tonight. Nate is also fine. So things are good. On to other news. I have an ethics exam on Friday for the Utah Bar. That blows. I just need to pass it. I don't want to have to take it again.
So I have a goal:
Return all phones calls and emails promptly. I decided that I need to be a better people person. So that is my goal. If I don't return an email or phone call in a prompt time then let me know! Tomorrow is quote Tuesday! Be excited! I have good ones!

Note: I reread this and it sounds like I was scattered/high when I wrote it. I would, in my defense, like to state that I was talking on the phone and iming someone else while typing this blog. Thank you and good night!

Why? Because I like it!

2009-08-01T21:11:00.000-06:00

I just like this photo...its a good time! Enjoy!

Ravioli and Fruit

2009-07-31T13:56:00.000-06:00

So I'm writing this Tuesday but it won't be published until Friday. But here we go, Monday was a not great day. I skipped lunch because I was at the library studying. Dinner it was Cafe Rio salad...but I had no tortilla strips and had only a wee bit of vinaigrette. So while it wasn't the best it was better than it could have been. Today (Tuesday) I munched on junk but then I went to the store to go buy stuff to make cheese and herb ravioli. I've been wanting to make ravioli from scratch for a while but when I got to the store only fruit sounded good. So I ended up coming out with a salad, pineapple (mmmm), bananas, and grapes. I say I made a better choice on that one. I ate all the pineapple and my mouth feels funny now. Haha! But its all good. Mmmm pineapple.
So I addressed this a little yesterday (Thursday) but I have zero energy and so I need foods that can increase that. Lara was very helpful with her comment so I ate an egg today for breakfast. I decided that part of the problem is that I'm not eating period because there isn't really anything at my parents house that I want to eat since a lot of it is not the healthy so I just don't eat. That is an issue. Then I'm so hungry so I eat crap. Like last night I babysat Abby and Carson and ended up eating a corn dog...gag and gag...and ramen noodles. So we are working on eating something. But anyway here is the recipe for the day that I love. I make these whenever I want a hamburger.

Turkey Burgers (I don't really have measurements...I just throw it in until it looks good. Sorry. But I'll guess)
1 lb Lean ground turkey
1/2 cupish of light Feta Cheese
1/2 cupish spinach...I usually buy the frozen kind but fresh works too.
1 egg
Italian seasonings.

Mix it all together and form into patties and cook. Enjoy! :)

Workout uh...Thursday

2009-07-30T11:30:00.000-06:00

Janelle was nice enough today to remind me that I failed to post yesterday. Whoops! These posts by the way are going to be short little things. Not long reads you would take into the bathroom. Which by the way if you are taking me into the bathroom I'm a little concerned about our relationship. Ok so working out.
Last week was awesome! I got up at 6:00 and went for runs and it was awesome! This week not so much. I rode my bike to the library yesterday and I actually really liked that ride. It was a fun ride back. The only other thing I did was park at the end of the parking lot at Harmon's. Woo. My issue is not having any energy. Which maybe I should address this on Foodie Friday but I am wondering what foods I can eat to get more energy. But yes like I said I'll address that on Friday. But if anyone has suggestions now that would be great! Ok I'm going to the library to study for the stupid MPRE (that's the ethics exam for being admitted to the bar) and I'm going to bike again. But I think I'll pick a library further away. We shall see!

Quote Tuesday!

2009-07-28T15:50:00.000-06:00

Monica Hovey Periera: "I'm going to hate you aren't I?" This is when I told her things she wouldn't be able to eat and workouts she will have to do when I move back in January.

Trista Robison: "Are you stealing her happiness too?" When I told her I was making Monica eat veggies one day.

Blog Makeover!

2009-07-28T15:33:00.000-06:00

I've decided to give my blog a bit of a change. I'm going to try to add something daily. I need something to do while at home and I think this will help with some other goals I have besides my boredom while at home. Granted I should be studying for the MPRE but whatever. So here is the plan. (Oh and don't make fun of my attempt to be creative. Some of us are not as witty and creative as others.)
Monday Musing-
This will be my weekly update/thoughts. I like to think I have interesting musing. So here we go.
Tuesday Quotes-
I have decided that I really like random quotes from people! So I'll be adding the weekly quote list on Tuesday's. Feel free to add some if you'd like.
Wednesday Workouts-
I need to be more accountable when it comes to working out. So I'm going to add my list of workouts and things I've done to increase my activity...like parking away from the store or taking the stairs over elevator.
Thursday.....uh no Thursday things...
Foodie Fridays-
I also need to be accountable when it comes to eating healthier. I'm going to include on healthy recipe every Friday and what I have done to eat more goodies like veggies and fruit!

So that is the plan. I don't know how well I do once school starts again. But we shall see.

Woot Woot! A little over 4 months left!

2009-07-26T21:10:00.000-06:00

No I'm not pregnant. Sorry that just sounded like I was counting down to my delivery date. What I am counting down to is my last day of law school! EVER! Not only law school but school period! I am so stoked. I am tired of school. I'm ready to get a job again! If that means flipping burgers I'll do it just so I can have an income. Ok no not really I haven't gone to school for almost 2 1/2 years to work at a fast food place. Although I do have to pay those school loans back some how. *shudder* school loans. But I plan on working to get them paid off pretty quickly. And for those of you who think my loans are unnecessary yeah you try going to law school with no loans. If you do it I would be incredibly shocked. Its just not possible. Anyway moving on. So I've been down in West Valley for a little over a week and its been good to be back with the family and friends. But at the same time I miss Moscow and my little life up there. Although that varies, sometimes I don't want to go back and I just want to stay and hang with family and friends. Its all very conflicting. Janelle did bring over a great incentive to want to stay tonight. Mmmm....cake balls. I'd attempt to make them but I'm sucky at cake so you'll have to ask her for some. They are cake formed into balls...hence the name...and covered in white chocolate. Mmmhmm. That doesn't really help with my trying to be healthy thing but I only had one so its all good. And they were gluten free and you couldn't even tell. Really though I like her gluten free cake. Its not bad at all. Anyway, this is not a blog on Janelle. Although I'm sure you would love that.

So my other little thing I wanted to address are the great little comments I've received since I've been back to visit. I am saying your names because it just adds so much to it. Just because I quote you doesn't mean the quotes were bad, just amusing to me.
Topic: Marriage
My dad: "You don't need love to get married...they used to have arranged marriages you know."
Janelle Ertmann: "You should get married so then we know which Sis. McKenzie people are talking about. But only for that reason."
Josh Ertmann: "What's your problem? Too picky?" "Just realize that all guys are really flawed."
Random lady at church: "You are getting older aren't you? When are you getting married?"
Sue Turley: (this one was when she invited me to a YSA activity) "There are lots of old people there!"
Becky McKenzie: "See but if they (future husband) does something stupid before you are married you can tease them about it your whole married life! Then you get your revenge."

Topic: My schooling
Louise Webb: "Don't get a big head on you though." "I'm serious don't go thinking you are better than us!"
Norma Fisher: "Immigration law right? Helping those illegals I assume."
Another random lady at church: "Well then aren't you ambitious." (I'm not sure in what way she meant to say this...as a good thing or sarcastic.)

I like this quote thing! So here are some favorite random quotes from people.
Lara Hartman: "She has the freak flag but doesn't fly it."
Trista Robison: "We can find two lesbians in Genessee but not the Kendrick pool!"
Someone from the legal clinic: "Are we a clinic for the nutty? We should put that on our letterhead."
Carri Shore: "Someone just asked me when I was due...I'm going on a diet right now!" (She had a baby in May)
More to come I am sure! Well that's it for me. Peace and love all!

What a better way to celebrate the 4th then with the farmers market, heat exhaustion and fireworks in Pullman

2009-07-05T00:38:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th everyone. I was way ambitious last night saying I was going to celebrate the 4th by getting up early and going fir a 5k run before the farmers market. Uh right...but I did get up and bike to the farmers market. Love it! I bought squash, rainer cherries, green beans, a strawberry smoothie and a bagel. It was grand. I biked home and decided I still needed to do my run. So its 11:45 and I take off for my 5k. I ran 2.5k without stopping, except for once because there is one house that I run past that has their dogs outside. So I made it half way through my 5k without stopping, but the way back was so hot! I ended up having to do 3 min runs and 20 second walks. But I did it dang it! After I went on to my back porch and dumped water on my head. It was probably a good thing because my head was really hot. It felt good. As dumb as this sounds I am glad I did a run because I wanted to do something on the 4th that made it seem like an accomplishment for the day. Yeah that sounds dumb but it works. Like last thanksgiving I got up at 6:00 and went for a 4 mile run. Just because it was Thanksgiving. So kind of the same thinking. Bad thing is though is that my ACL knee is really sore today. It hasn't been sore since right after my surgery. So I'm a little concerned. I'm going to ice it and see about getting a knee brace. My dad suggested I stop running. Yeah that's not going to happen. As much as I hate it I also love it too much to not run. But we'll figure it out.
After the run I made turkey burgers, orzo pasta, and a cherry pie for dinner. It was good. I had big plans to finish my upper level paper....which I got some done on yesterday...and study for my two finals. I got started around 9 and then I got a call from my friend Tana about going to the firework show in Pullman. So we headed out and made it at the perfect time. The band had just finished up and the firework show was going to get started. There were a ton of people there! I was quite surprised. So a few observations about the fireworks. 1. why do they use country songs? Granted I will admit they tend to be the patriotic ones. I can't really see Green Day or REM doing any patriotic songs. 2. I really like firework shows. Its been a long time since I'd seen one. 3. Ok here is the cheesyness. If you don't want to read it skip to number 4. So I had the opportunity to work on an asylum case with a guy from Zimbabwe. The basis of his claim is based on political opinion. So meaning things he says while here in America about Zimbabwe he could get imprisoned, tortured or killed for. So I was watching the fireworks really greatful for those rights we have. 4. The fireworks really close so my first thought was, "if someone gets burned by them then the firework company is liable because fireworks is a strict liability tort." But then I tried to figure out the rest of the time if you could also sue the city. Lame yes. Anyway! That was my fabulous 4th. I have 5 months and counting until I'm done with law school. Wahoo!!

Its been awhile!

2009-06-11T10:43:00.000-06:00

The Palouse!!

I can't believe I haven't written since March. I'm a slacker. But there really isn't much to tell. I finished up my hellish spring semester. I didn't get the grades I wanted but at least I passed! :) My GPA did take a hit but oh well. As long as I get the diploma that's all that matters. I plan on going solo straight out so I really don't care what my grades are. Going solo is going to be scary but we'll see what happens. I did learn yesterday that on of the top immigration attorneys in Montana charges $300 and hour! $300! That is insane! I was feeling bad about charging $100 an hour. Pfft $100 is nothing. I'm still going to stick to that but I won't feel bad about it. I will have free first consultation to determine if I want to take the case or not then I'll start charging. Sorry but I've got to eat. If I could do it all free I would. But I can't. I'm currently in summer school and I want to poke my eyeballs out just so I can get some sleep. Its my fault though. I need to save the late nights for the weekend. I have two classes, legal clinic, and writing my upper level division paper. Classes are ok. Just a lot of reading which is fine. I'm used to that. My paper is not happening. Its like I'm putting off my thesis for a year. That was for you Lara. :) I plan on doing some work on it this weekend. We shall see. Clinic is slowly sucking the life out of me. I HAVE to get at least 5 hours a day in clinic to get my 180 hours in before the 18th of July. Really though I like it. I finally feel like I could do the whole law thing. I have 15 cases to handle. Other people in the clinic...yeah they have at most 6. I have 12 domestic violence or victim's rights cases and 3 immigration cases. The immigration cases I LOVE! The DV and VR cases are ok. But I'm mostly doing divorces and child custody things. Not too interested in that. My immigration cases are fascinating! I love it. I'm learning a ton about the whole process and my loathing for ICE is increasing.
Summer in Moscow is awesome! Its not too hot and the nights are awesome. From my house I get some pretty great sunsets. I sit on my back porch and do homework. Its great. I am going to the river this Saturday to do cliff jumping then we are coming back to my house for a BBQ. I'm excited. Should be great fun. Then once Lara gets back from Alaska we'll be heading up to Coeur D'Alene tp go play in the lake and hot tub. Wahoo! Things are good. I really like the Northwest. I could see myself settling here at some point in my life. I'm thinking more Seattle/Portland. I like the coast. I've been biking to class almost everyday for the last two weeks. I love it! Granted its been making me late so I need to do better at leaving earlier. But I'm working on it. There are some days where my only time to workout are my rides to and from school. Also my friend Trista and I are working out at nights too and she is having me do strength training and she is kicking my butt but I need it and its worth it! I'm supposed to go home at the end of July and stay until almost the end of August but I am thinking I might head back to Moscow a week early to play some more. We'll see.
Well I think that's all I have to say for now. But Here are some lovely photos and Lara the last moose one is just for you!
I went biking with the nephew up by Snowbird while I was home for a week in between classes and that dang mountain kicked my butt! That is now my enemy and I am determined to bike that thing!

This is a wee moose I saw on my way back from Elk River. Sorry its not a better picture. He's a little shy.

Washington DC, Sickness and a Dead Car Battery

2009-03-23T00:03:00.000-06:00

For spring break I went to Washington DC. My sister moved there because her husband is working for the State Department as a Foreign Services Officer. They are headed to Mexico in June. They are going to Nuevo Laredo. That would be a border town. That could be exciting but I'm sure things will be fine. So I got to DC on Saturday the 14th. I went to church with them on Sunday and slept off the jetlag the rest of the day. Monday we went to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport. It was cool. I'm a total nerd for the helicopters. It was cool. That night Becky took me down to the Jefferson Memorial to take some night photos of momuments. But it was raining a lot so they didn't turn out so well. Tuesday I went off on my own. I rode the metro to the Mall and walked fromt he Smithsonian up to the Supreme Court behind the Capitol. On my way to the Supreme Court I got to see Pres. Obama coming out of the Capitol. My pics aren't that great with that because I was far away. But it was cool. Even if you don't like Obama its still cool to see your Pres. I spent most of my time at the Supreme Court that day. I'm a total law student. The security guard laughed at me because I was all giddy about the Justice Marshall exhibit. I then walked down to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. It was cool. Then went to the American History Museum and only spent a little time there because they were closing. I then went to the National Archives and saw the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights. On Wednesday I went with Becky and the kids to go check out the monuments. We started at the Jefferson Memorial and walked the circle to the FDR, Korea, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam, WWII, and Washington Monument. It was fun and finally sunny for once. Thursday I went on my own again to the Library of Congress, really cool building and the Supreme Court again...mostly to get things for the law student friends. Then I went to Arlington Cemetary. I saw the changing of the guard. That is really cool! I also saw JFK's memorial. Friday my sister and the kids and I went to the National Zoo...really nice zoo and its free! I saw the baby gorilla. It's so cute! Then that night I met up with Steve Schaefermeyer and his roommate Loren for dinner. They both are going to law school next fall and are checking out schools. So I don't remember Steve being as tall or as big as he is. I came to maybe Steve's soulder. It was weird and Loren is tall too. So I was walking between two really tall guys and I felt really short. Saturday we went to Fort McHenry in Baltimore. That is where Francis Scott Key was when he wrote the Star Spangled Banner durig the War of 1812. Then I flew home. Wahoo.

So the sickness came from the DC metro. I got sick on Thursday and its just gotten worse. It's Sunday and I currently have no voice. I have a cough and sore throat. The reason why it annoys me is because I've been wanting to get sick all semester so I could miss class. But no it happens over Spring Break. But I don't think I'm going to class tomorrow anyway.
I came home on Saturday and got in my car to go buy medicine for my cold and my car battery was complety dead. So I called my friend back who picked me up and we tried to be manly girls and jump my car on our own. It was in pouring rain too. However, that was not going to work. We tried we really did. We thought we were cool because we actually had jumper cables! But I couldn't remeber how to do it. So I ended up calling my friend Scott to come help us out. I was really appreciative. I now need to repay him some how. But now my car is fixed and we are all happy. I'm glad to be home. I really enjoyed my trip and spending time with my sister and her family. But there is just something about your own bed when you are sick that makes things better. Well that's it. I'm out!

"Mr. Chief Justice"

2009-03-13T19:54:00.000-06:00

Chief Justice John G. Roberts was at the Bellwood Lecture today. He is really cool. Really articulate and humble. In the morning we had a breakfast and then a Q & A with the Chief Justice. It was cool except on the panel we had a jerkface from Washington State University. The Q&A was essentially for the law students to ask questions. But they had the panel there to ask a few questions and then leave it open for us. Well this guy took 45 minutes! So we only had 20 minutes to ask questions. But CJ Roberts was really cool because he said that he would stay longer and answer more questions. But they had to end it. Then we had the main lecture that afternoon. The Chief Justice talked about Lincoln and how he was a great attorney and man. It was good. Then he opened the floor for questions and this crazy lady wanted to know why the Supreme Court wouldn't listen to her case about allowing Obama to become president when he isn't a US citizen and she was going off. So the Chief Justice interuppted her said that she could leave her papers with the security and he would look them over and that due to his position he could not discuss cases and ended it. Smooth! That is how you do it! We also were told a story about him. On Monday the Supreme Court held a dinner for the new senators. The dinner started at 6:30 and the Chief Justice was an hour and a half late. Because his son had a pinewood derby at the same time. So he went to that instead. How cool is that?! Anyway it was really great and I enjoyed it and CJ Roberts is my new favorite justice. It was Rehinquist but not as much. CJ Roberts gave a quote from him about balance in your life. It was "if you want to be with your kids when they are little, you need to be with them when they are little." Pretty cool. I know I'm a nerd.

Ages

2009-03-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

So its been ages since I wrote here and since I'm being a slacker in the school regard I thought I'd update the blog. Its finally Spring in the Palouse. (That's the name of the area around here) I'm really excited because after months of no sun it finally showed up today and I love it. I unfortunately did not get up to go for a run this morning and it is a perfect day to do it too. But I will go tonight. I am having the sister missionaries over for dinner tonight and I made low fat enchiladas. I don't know if they will turn out but I'm going to see what happens. So on Monday I went for a lovely run outside and I was really excited because it was a long run and I thought that I had cut down on my running time. So I get home check my Nike+ and guess what?! It didn't detect anything! I was so annoyed. I think I need a new sensor or new shoes. Well for sure I need new shoes but I spent the money I had set aside for it on an aerogarden. I'm an idiot. I bid for the aerogarden on ebay and actually won it. Its an indoor garden thing and I plan on growing herbs. Not the illegal kind. That's for the closet. But I was really excited about it until I realized I didn't have the money for it and I should have used that money for new running shoes. Like I said I'm an idiot.
Speaking of idiots Chief Justice John Roberts is coming to the law school to speak on the 13th. Really I don't think he's an idiot I just needed a segway. But I'm really excited he is coming and look forward to hearing what he has to say. For those of you that don't know CJ Roberts is the chief justice of the US Supreme Court. He's the one that messed up the oath for Obama. I was totally law nerding out and doing all sorts of google searches on him. It should be good. Then that morning I am flying to Washington DC for spring break. I'm totally stoked for that one! Besides the fact that I have to get up at 4:00am to drive to Spokane.
Ok one last thing. So I was a participant in a skit at a talent show last Friday. I played my Bishop's wife. Well in this we teased her about a little date club she and the Bishop have. They invite people over on Friday and they have dinner and play games. Well after this skit she's been threatening me that I might have to go do it sometime. I'm concerned.

Update: It snowed yesterday....and its freezing today. So much for Spring. Stupid snow.

Don't Cry Out

2009-02-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

1. Put your music library on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG TITLE DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this. Post a comment on their blog that says "You've been tagged! See my blog for details."
1) IF SOMEONE SAYS, "IS THIS OKAY," YOU SAY?
Vuelve
2) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
The Great Escape
3) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Stronger
4)HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
You Give Love a Bad Name--Oh wow...that's so true!
5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Another One Bites The Dust
6) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Indestructible
7) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
In Bloom--Odd
8) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Everybody Hurts
9) WHAT IS 2+2?
Jamming
10) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Thriller--Hey that's the same one I got! (Janelle has that too on hers)
11) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Love Is a Battlefield
12) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
What I've Done
13) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Rain, Tax
14) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
I'll Be There
15) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Curse of Curves--HAHA!
16) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Make You Feel Better
17) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Echo
18) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Blood on the Ground
19) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Mr. Brightside
20) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Immortality
21) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Don't Cry Out

Skiing and the new year

2009-01-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Well happy late new year everyone! I really don't like New Year's resolutions for myself because I figure I should be trying to improve myself all year. However, I am trying to change somethings for the month of January. First off my eating and working out has been horrid! So that's priority number one. Second I really need to focus on school since this is my worst semester with seven classes and 19 credits so I really need to make a school study plan. Third, I HAVE to budget! I can't afford to not have any money come June. I'm staying in school for the summer and need that money for rent and to survive. So that's the plan for January. I just need to take it one day at a time and eventually I'll get into a habit. Ok so one thing I've been trying to do forever was go skiing. I've always wanted to try it. So last Wednesday I went skiing up at Alta. This guy told me about a ski free after three at Alta. So me, Lindsey, Deborah, and Lindsey's sister Marie went skiing. It was fun! I was the only one who had not been skiing before so of course I spent the majority of the time on the ground. But I took sometime to get used to the skis and I felt a little better and I think the next time I go I'll be a little more daring. But I took some photos. Enjoy!

Awesome sunset on the way down the mountain.
Deborah Ashby, Me, Marie Livingston, Lindsey Livingston
That would be how I spent the first part of my skiing adventure.
Lindsey fell to make me feel better I'm sure!

So one odd thing, the guy who told me about the skiing at Alta was actually there when we were. Threw me off a little bit. I was just grateful that he didn't see the part where I was on my bum the whole time. Well anyway, that's it for this post. I have to get back to reading Harry Potter! He's about to go die by giving himself up to Voldemort! Harry's life sucks.

SCAM ALERT!!

2008-12-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know about a recent scam. I know about it because it happened to me. I'm embarrassed to say it since I'm a second year law student and caught it. But obviously I'm not as observant as I thought. Plus I was desperate. So I posted an ad on craigslist for a new roommate for next semester. I received a quick response from a girl named Katherine saying she was from France and interested in moving in as soon as possible. So I held on to the email for about a week before deciding to act on it. Mostly what made me act on it was my lack of funds and needing money desperately. So I ignored the red flags...because looking back I can see the problems. But anyway, so I told her sure and she said she'd send first months rent and the shippers fee for her things. So she overnighted a check with FedEx for $3200 and told me to deposit it right away. I did and my bank put it on hold for a week and a half. Which grateful they did! So I get this email from "her" that says she needs the money back right away and that I should westernunion it to her. But the money was on hold. I asked my bank and they said sorry its on hold. So I emailed back and said that there was nothing I could do and she's just going to have to deal with it. I never heard anything back. So then yesterday Kevin called and told me that this samething happened to them only with a jeep they were trying to sell. I did some research and for sure it was a scam...the exact emails that I recieved others had received as well. So I went and tlaked to my bank got them to flag the check and closed the account. There were little red flags like she wouldn't tell me what day she was coming and never answered any of my questions. I asked for references and she never gave them. I feel like an idiot that I didn't see the flags but I was desperate to have a roommate to help with rent. Here's how the scam works. They send me a bad check and I deposit it and then withdraw it and send them the money. The check then goes bad and I now owe the bank $3200. Plus possible jail time for fraud. The only little bit of pleasure I got out of the whole thing is that they are out $45 for sending the check overnight. Ha! Really thats no comparison but it made me feel a little better. So here's a warning to anyone looking to rent any place or get a roommate. Investigate it fully.

Wow its already December!

2008-12-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or did this year fly by? Actually this last semester flew by for me. It seems like I just moved to Moscow a month ago not four months ago. I have finals this week. Luckily I only have three with one being a three day take home. So its not too bad. I hope that next semester flies by as well! That is going to be my worst semester in school. I got approval from the dean to graduate a semester early. So I'll be done this time next year as opposed to May of 2010. But that means I have 19 credits next semester. I know that that isn't a lot but law classes and undergrad classes are kind of different. We'll see if I survive. I'm really excited to get done with school. I hate school. It will be nice though since all of January I can study for the bar and then take it in February and hopefully be a grown up attorney by March of 2010. After that it just comes down to finding a job. That will be the tough part. I might start off right away doing private practice or see about a federal job. Who knows. Its one of those things were you have to have faith that things will work out in the end. I can't believe I'll be a grown up with a career! My break starts on the 20th and I don't need to be back to school until the 12th so I have big plans over the break. #1: Go to Alta for ski free after three with Linds and learn how to ski! #2: Sleep!!! #3: Go to the zoo with the nieces and nephew. #4: Watch the U play 'Bama in the Sugar Bowl! Wahoo! #5: Travel to Mecca aka going to Temple Square and see the lights. #6: Try to hang out with someone before the girl gets back in town...maybe. #7: See all my friends and family. #8: Go get pedi's for Janelle's birthday. #8: Kick butt at our family bingo game...the jar of screws is mine this year! #9: See people's new houses..Linds and the cuz. #10: Enjoy Christmas! There you go...those are my great plans...notice none of them involve school work! Sadly I will have to do some. :( I hope you all have a great holiday as well! And I'd love to see you all while I'm home! Give me a call or drop me an email!

Aha!

2008-11-18T18:18:00.001-07:00

So I've been playing on youtube lately and decided to post a few of my favorite videos.

Hilarious! Watch the guys in the back when the tempo changes. They crack me up!

Ok here's the second one. I love Stephen Colbert!

The last one is Jim Gaffigan. He's dang funny without all the swears.

Ok enjoy! I'm always up for other funny videos so send some on if you'd like.

I've Been Tagged By Treasa

2008-11-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules:

1. Post the rules on your blog

2. Answer the six "8" items.

3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

8 Favorite TV Shows:

(I have a TV but no cable...yay country living! But these are my favorite shows)

1. The Office

2. Project Runway

3. Law & Order SVU

4. Top Chef

5. Law and Order-original flavor

6. Reno 911!

7. Colbert Report

8. The Simpson's

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. went to the gym, had head phones break so no music...and I had HSM in my head! Horrible!

2. went to school

3. got prepped on the tax clinic

4. skipped class to do more tax prep, translating intake forms

5. got yelled for speaking Spanish to someone

6. Read BA

7. Made spaghetti sauce

8. got stood up for a lesson at the institute

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1. No more school!

2. Getting my International Law paper done

3. Thanksgiving

4. getting my hair fixed..my roots are horrible

5. Finals! I only have 3!

6. Christmas break! Yes I need a break!

7. Going to DC to visit Becky and her family

8. sleeping

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Lupita's in Morristown, TN

2. Baggai

3. Cafe Rio

4. El Habanero in Magna

5. The Metropolitan

6. Sari Sushi Bar in Orlando

7. Tucci's

8. Lamb's Grill

8 Things On My Wish List:

1. Graduating Early!

2. a job

3. a house

4. Debt free...HA! Funny

5. The new MacBook

6. all the seasons of Pysche

7. new clothes

8. Get to a size 8 by next fall

8 People I Tag:

1. Janelle

2. Amanda

3. Katie

4. BreeAnn

5. Angela

6. Penny

7. Becky

8. Nanny

Sigh....26

2008-11-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

My sweet niece called me today to wish me a Happy Birthday. Oh nice! She thinks I'm only 20. I was thinking about that. Now I don't want to be 20 or even 21 again...but the 24 year range would be nice. I just feel old 26 is old. I mean when you're twelve you never think you're going to ever be 26. Well today I am. Wahoo! But really I'm happy with how my life has gone thus far. I graduated from the University of Utah in three years, I served a mission and learned Spanish, which directed me where I am today. I moved to Florida alone and started law school, now I've moved to Idaho and am going to hopefully graduate early and become an attorney by February of 2010. I've accomplished a lot and look forward to continuing to accomplish things. I'll have my own firm someday. :) Granted this wasn't what I expected when I essentially planned out my life. But who can fully plan their life out? But things are good and I look forward to another 26 years! :D For the b-day a friend and I are going to go to the big city...Spokane. We are going to shop, get pedis, go to a movie, and go to dinner. I'm quite excited actually. I'll post pictures if I ever take any...who knows its supposed to be rainy. Anyway, I'm off! Word!

Go Vote!!!

2008-11-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to take two seconds to tell you all to go vote! You all know how important it is to vote. It doesn't matter who you are voting for just exercise your right to have your voice heard! In my opinion both presidential candidates could do some good for the country. They also have their faults as we all do. So take the time today and vote. I'm sure you've heard everyone saying its a historical election. It truly is! So take the time to be a part of it. Ok I'll get off my soap box now.

I'm Tired

2008-10-28T13:52:00.000-06:00

I am so tired! I have no idea why! I slept in today because I don't have class until later in the day. I went for a run and did weights and I'm just tired. I don't like being tired because then I don't want to go to school, do homework, go running...do anything. I hate that feeling. So maybe I'll get hopped up on sugar. :) On Saturday I had a class from 9:00-12:00. I was supposed to go home and do laundry and homework. Screw that! I went on a hike instead...yes by myself. If anyone remembers the "hike" I took in Florida you are saying you idiot. However, there were lots of people on the trail and I was more cautious. I went to Elk River Falls. Its really pretty! I enjoyed it. I went alone because the friends were doing homework or didn't want to go. So I'll attach a few pictures.

I also received my absentee ballot in the mail the other day. Why is Dell Schanze running? And why is he going by "Superdell"? He's a moron. I was wanting a way to check up on the judges up for re-election. Is there a website anywhere that sets out recent rulings done by local judges? I couldn't find anything so I just said sure they can all go back to the bench. Hope that was a good idea. Here is another reason why I'm tired. I'm tried of this election. The only good thing is that I have no tv so I don't have to see the commercials and I don't listen to local radio so none there either. But I'm tired of it. I'm going to get tired of people ripping on Obama when he wins. I really think he will. But you never know. McCain might pull it out. That's what she said! Ha! Sorry...that was inappropriate. Ahem...moving on. So for the presidential elections that I have been old enough to vote in I have never done it at a voting booth. My first year I missed the election by a day, the second time I was on my mission so I did absentee ballot and I'm doing absentee ballot again this year. One of these times I'll get my "I voted!" sticker. Also my roomie is getting married in January so if anyone wants to move to Moscow, Idaho I have a room! :) My sister's husband also got a job with the State department and is moving to DC. So I might be going to DC for New Year's. Kind of excited. So if anyone has any places that I should for sure go see let me know. All right I'm done and out!

Hair Saga Continues

2008-10-02T17:52:00.000-06:00

Well I ended up spending another $35 bucks to get my hair fixed. I was doing my hair this morning and what the?! THERE WAS A HOLE IN MY HAIR!!!! I was so mad so I had to go somewhere else to get it fixed. For those that wanted a picture sorry. I didn't even think about taking one. I have one now. And this might help my point. My hair when the girl got done was too my chin. Well not anymore!

Don't mind the bright green shirt...I'm doing laundry and yes I'm well aware that I need my eyebrows waxed...that's this weekend. So anyway, that's the latest on the hair. Hair today gone tomorrow! Shut up!

The Chunky Monkey Running Lawyer

A Moment *Updated*

2011

Done and done!

G-chat+ Jenny= No work done but loads of entertainment!

An Offer

To personal train or not personal train

Feliz cumpleanos a well mi! :D

The Purpose of the Eclair

The Cap and Super Woman...

Runner Pants!

My Job

Flood-It

Good Luck!

Nothing but Gratitude

My Addiction

Cleaning Off the DVR

Running Wish-list!!

Running skirts?

Blog Stalker!

Race #4,5,6 ok you get the point...I'm a little late.

Moab!

Race #3!

Snowboarding Round 2

Ay de mi. What was I thinking?!

*Sigh* I can't win

Quick Story...because I'm a dork

New Year!

A Quickie but a goodie! (Maybe)

What Constitutes Someone as a "Runner"?

A few thoughts on 9/11...take it as you will

Cake Shop

What a Weekend!

Making an Effort and Things That Must Stay

Janelle's link button

The Return of "Things That Must Go"!

Two Things About Swimming

Update!

How about a cig?

Do you ever wonder?

I'm a ninny but I don't care!

Finally! *Sniff* it smells like chlorine and comfort zone? What comfort zone?

Woot woot!

"Do you speak spanish?"

SLOC 2002

A Faceplant and Falling Pants...

Now you know

I had a few thoughts...

Empuje!

What better way...

The cloud gods are messing with me!

Spoons...dirty? clean? Doesn't matter

Looking Back on 2009

Monica!

New Year's Resolooters

A Victory! A Small one but a victory none the less!

24Set!

To post or not to post...

Destruction

Things that must go and quotage...

Things that must go Thursday, quotes and a Happy late Thanksgiving!

Quote Tuesday!

Its about time!

Things that must go Thursday!

Catch Up!

Quotes and maybe a little musing...

Quote Tuesday!

Monday! I had no other title...sorry

Car Issues, Spilled Almonds and a Swear Jar

So much to do!

"I'm from Wilmet.."

Things that must go Thursday!

Quote Wednesday and a little workout!

Two band-aids and still no dice.

Workout Wednesday and the age old question real injury or just an excuse?

Quote Tuesday!

A great reminder!

Foodie and workout uh...sunday

Tuesday quote day!

Monday Musings!

A Moment Updated

Sigh I can't win

Finally! Sniff it smells like chlorine and comfort zone? What comfort zone?