CHRISTMAS TREE!!!

Ever since the weekend before Halloween, when I was shopping at Hobby Lobby and just happen to spend a few minutes browsing through the Christmas aisle (really... Christmas stuff already out before Halloween... Not okay) I have desperately wanted to put up my Christmas tree. I was informed by my friend who I was shopping with that that was absolutely not a possibility... So basically I have been counting down the days until I got home from Thanksgiving and could put it up. So this morning I woke up super early and did it! I love it! I think I will leave it up forever!

Thanksgiving Vacation...

Idaho was good. Except that we had to leave a day early because of another storm... But we had a great time at the scary Walmart on 1300 S. watching them catch a kid stealing. It was intense. I was seriously shaking from the excitement. Pretty sure that every time I go there by myself I'm convinced I'm going to get raped. Seriously I make sure I'm talking on the phone the entire time... thank goodness the fam was with me. Thanksgiving was amazing. I, for the first time ever, got the wishbone! And once again the olives, my favorite Thanksgiving food, did not make the rounds around the table and stayed in front of me the entire time. That was heaven! I struggled to talk about what I was thankful for, a little upset about that because I know that I"m so blessed and that I have so much to be thankful for but I after thinking about it all day all I could come up with was coaching, cameras, and cheez-its. Lame! As usual Jake and I enjoyed our sparkling cider... maybe a little too much. Haha. Cortney loved having Hans and Leia inside, since they are indoor rabbits, Kim didn't so much because Hans chewed through her brand new computer cord. Cortney would not leave Ryan alone! It was so funny! He would run all over the house trying to escape her, but she would always find him. She really couldn't do anything without him right next to her. Jake, Ryan, and I had a dead fish drawing contest. Mom wasn't thrilled about that but we erased it. It was awesome. I did end up spending money on black Friday which I hate to do, but there really were some amazing deals, even after noon which is when we finally felt it safe to shop! We spent a couple hours up on campus in the wood shop, one of my favorite smells ever, and messed around there for a while. Okay Mom, Kim, Jake, Ryan and I messed around, Dad actually was productive. Dad made this crazy cool puzzle for Cortney. Kim's going to paint it and stuff so it's not done but it's pretty awesome. When we got home and decided to hook the sleds up to the 4-wheeler. That was actually pretty fun. I had to go slow with Kim and Cortney which was lame but understandable, and they did almost hit a tree which was pretty funny. But then with Jake, I took him out on a couple of empty lots and we got crazy! I actually hit a jump that threw me off the 4-wheeler. The only thing left on it was my leg. Pretty scary considering I wasn't wearing a helmet. Safety first right? But I got to take Jake off some sweet jumps and it was the warmest of the days so it was a blast. Since it was Dad's birthday we had a fiesta for dinner! Love, love, love homemade salsa! Then we all watched Toy Story 3. This was not the first time I have seen it, and I tend to be a little emotional at times. So of course I cried at the end, but thought that I had composed myself enough to talk a little, but that was a bad assumption. I said "This is a good movie, but now you can never watch the other ones without knowing what happens in this one." I'm not sure how much my family understood because I straight up started sobbing while talking. They all started laughing so hard. My brother in law thought I was faking it until we turned on the lights... he doesn't know me so well yet. The emotions over took me! What can I say? yes my family made fun of me for the duration of my stay, and it was pretty funny and a little embarrassing. Saturday morning we spent exchanging Christmas gifts since we won't all be together during Christmas, and then we played Yahtzee for a couple hours. I love my family and I'm so thankful that I was able to spend Thanksgiving with them. I missed Jason and wish that he was here! But I know he is doing amazing things!

Happy Birthday Dad!

So today is my Dad's 47th birthday... Old man! I am lucky enough to be able to be in Idaho, stuck indoors because it's way too cold outside, with him on his birthday! And yes, that is a picture of he and I fishing and yes I know that I look like a boy. So my Dad is just an amazing man! I'm sure everyone thinks this about their Dad, but I'm always right (mostly) and seriously he really is amazing. I can remember when I was in elementary school and he would come eat lunch with me and then we'd go out to recess, he would always go and play football with all the guys, thus making me popular with the boys. See Dad you started that... I remember another time in my junior year for Homecoming my date and I and 3 other couples went to my favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner and when we went to pay Juan Carlos told us that my Dad had already taken care of everything. That was pretty awesome. The boys especially enjoyed that. He has always been there for me if I ever needed anything like money, nachos, wood, popcorn or a job. There's truly nothing that he can't do. My favorite thing lately is to get on ratemyprofessor.com and see what his students at BYU Idaho think of him... Pretty sure they would back me up because there is nothing bad written about him at all. He does have a hottness factor of zero though, but that's good because since he teaches in Construction Management and a majority of his students are male, I would be really really worried if they thought he was hott. I am thankful that he answers his phone even though I call like 14 times a day. Most of the time to talk about nothing or just to vent, but he still answers even sometimes when he's in the middle of class. I am thankful that he enjoys Mexican food enough to always have a fiesta when I come home to visit. I am thankful that he likes popcorn enough that when we go to the movies we have to get popcorn. I am thankful that he enjoys youtube as much as I do. I am thankful that is is able to fake interest in the things that I'm interested in so that he can be involved. I am thankful that he attended most of my high school cheerleading events even though he was ridiculously busy, but he came and supported me. I am thankful that he still supoorts me in the things that I do, even though I am an expert mistake maker. I am thankful that he is my Dad. I know that he is always there for me no matter what I need. He has also set a GREAT example for me and because of him I get free school! Maybe this is why I'm not married... I have had such a wonderful Dad that no dude can measure up to him. This could be problematic for me huh... Anyway HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! Thanks for being the amazing father that you are. I LOVE YOU!!!

Welcome to Idaho...

We picked the best day to travel to Idaho from Salt Lake City... Yesterday there were crazy storm warnings and people in Utah were going a little crazy about the whole blizzard" thing. Well the first hour of the drive was fine, then we hit the storm. What is normally a 3 1/2 hour drive, turned out to take a little over 5 hours. There were times when we couldn't even see a car 20 yards ahead of us. It was pretty crazy! I-15 was pretty much solid ice and so out of the 250 miles we probably fishtailed about half of that. Cortney's new favorite word is "abre". She learned it from Dora and knows that it means open. The last 15 minutes of the car ride she kept yelling "abre, abre, abre" over and over hoping that we would open the door. It's kind of entertaining. Rexburg is so cold! I walked from my car into the house about 20 minutes ago, this is only maybe 50 feet, and my fingers are still numb. It's about 7 degrees outside. Why are we here? We need to learn to have Thanksgiving in a warmer climate. Last night when we got in we spent a couple hours all watching different youtube videos. Turns out my niece has great taste in youtube videos and comes running when she hears Mike Tompkins... Then Jake and Ryan and I watched the best of Chris Farely from SNL. Maybe a bad idea since all we hear now is "Da Bears" over and over and over again. Ryan and I had a slumber party, he slept on the bottom bunk and I slept... Then today we decide to risk the cold and all went to BYU - Idaho to use the gym. Everyone else swam, but I ran 6.03 miles in 60 minutes. Feeling pretty good about that. Tonight we are having a pizza/movie party which is always a good time, so I'm excited! A good relaxing day... got some pretty exciting stuff coming up the next couple of days, so be excited!

It Caught Me...

I guess that I knew eventually that the stress of working full days at the chiro office, coaching, attending multiple high school sporting events a week, being a full time student, working out every morning, and internal struggles would eventually catch up to me. Well I woke up Saturday morning with the biggest, nastiest, pussiest blister on my lip. It is not awesome. I wish I was the kind of person who when they got stressed would just drop 20 pounds, but because it's something I want of course it doesn't happen that way. Instead I get to wear this gorgeous blister on my lip where everyone can see it. I kind of feel like Michael Scott from The Office a few weeks back... I wish I could say that I got mine from kissing someone... haha. Oh well. At least I'm not trying to impress anyone.

Trans Siberian Orchestra and Harry Potter Review

So yesterday was pretty crazy. I went to cheer practice bright and early, went to work all day, left early to go pick up my friend Stewart so we could head out for a night on the town. We headed down to the Gateway to get food before the TSO show which started at 8. We realized once we got down there that we really didn't have any time to eat so we hit up Costa Vida cause it's quick and easy. I normally don't enjoy going to Mexican restaurants with Stewart because he was born and raised in Mexico and he's pretty picky, but it was an enjoyable dinner. We were interrupted at one point by a teenager running in yelling about how someone outside had an owl for the Harry Potter premiere outside. He was most excited about that. Then we headed over to the Arena for TSO. My biggest accomplishment was actually getting in without them taking away my 3 pound bag of sour patch kids, especially when there was a big sign saying how no outside food was allowed in. When the guy was checking my bag and saw it, he looked up at me, but I dazzled him with my smile and he let me in. Good man. Anyway it was amazing! The video doesn't even do justice! It was so insane! Really really hot temperature wise, but awesome! Maybe it was the 70 year old man who was sitting 2 rows in front of us, completely sober who kept standing up and screaming like a 18 year old at a rock concert that made more fun and entertaining. There was lots of head banging, long haired men, and Christmas music played in a way I'd never heard before. I'm pretty sure that at least one person has had a seizure while watching the show because of all the flashing and lights. Definitely will go again next year. So the show got over at 11 and we had to be in West Jordan for our date with Harry by midnight. Thankfully we didn't have to pay for parking so we got out fast. (Allie you're amazing! )We made it in record time even though I had to wear my glasses to drive in the dark. I'm definitely getting old. I was kind of tempted to draw a scar on my forehead with the sharpie in my purse to fit in with the masses of costumed people at the showing, but eventually decided to not be that nerdy. I have never seen so many people at a midnight showing and so many people dressed up for one. Unfortunately the movie didn't meet my high expectations. I love the way they ended it, thought it was brilliant, but the movie was a little slow and basically just a set up for the next movie. It was interesting that Dobby got more screams than Harry when he first appeared on screen. I think that Hermione actually got to show her acting skills in this film and did a pretty good job while being tortured. I never thought she was a very talented actress, so it was nice to she her acting more aggressively for the film and giving it a little more. I think Luna is fabulous, Hedwig's death was quick but saddening, the stupid snake made me jump out of my seat twice, even though I knew what was going to happen. It's like a 20 foot snake! I can't handle a 2 inch snake... if one of those even exist. And the "nude" scene. Please. Computer animated, completely unnecessary, but made for more of a laugh then anything. I would definitely recommend not reading the book before you see this movie. Oh well... I'm still excited for July to see part 2. I have to admit, I feel asleep for a few minutes during the movie... my bad. Overall it was a great night with a good friend and I wish I could do that every night. Okay probably not but still... it was a good night.

My Gilbert... Happy Birthday

So today is my Gilbert’s birthday. I need to write about how amazing my Gilbert is. Gilbert and I met when I was 13. I know this because she’s in pictures from my 14th birthday. Her real name is Nichole, but soon after she moved to Oregon we went to girls camp where we both realized we had a common interest in the movie What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. (Great movie by the way). 4 thumbs up! So because I could do a stellar Arnie impersonation (Arnie is Gilbert’s younger handicap brother) I was called Arnie and she was called Gilbert. This girl is one of my favorite people in the world! She is funny, crafty, super cute, someone who I can talk to about anything, just hands down one of the best people ever! I miss her so much because she makes life so much better for me. Gilbert is not dead… she just lives in Chicago. I think everyone needs a Gilbert in their life. Even though she’s been married for 3 years, she makes time for her friends, and bonus… she doesn’t make it awkward. She is so AWESOME! I have so many wonderful memories with her. Family vacations (she would go to the coast with my family once a year back in the day), making movies… Britney Spears music videos on the beach, Blair Witch remake, countless dance parties, almost getting arrested for TPing, touring Chicago, summers at the cove, beer grass, 5 movies 5 dollars 5 days, pole dancing at girls camp…I could really go on and on. This girl is amazing! So you should all be jealous that she is my friend! Thanks Gilbert for everything that you have done for me. I am so thankful that you were born! I decided to be nice and not post all of our older pictures...

HARRY POTTER TONIGHT!

So pretty much I'm exhausted. I thought I slept great last night, but maybe not. Anyway I will not get a chance to nap before the midnight showing of Harry but I will be there no matter what. I was looking through some old pictures today when work was slow, which turned out to be a bad thing... too many memories of boyfriends past, anyway I found this picture of me and my niece. Notice her wand. She held on to it the entire movie... Anyway bascially I'm excited!

Interesting Conversations

Today was full of interesting conversations for me... Doing what I do and interacting with people all day I really get the opportunity to talk to a lot of different people. This was just one of my conversations today.

Conversation With Patient X

Patient X: "Doesn't your boyfriend ever go outside and do crazy things in the wilderness?"

Me: "I don't have a boyfriend."

Patient X: "What?!?! Why not?"

Me: "I don't really know."

Patient X: "Do you like boys?"

Me: "Yes, I like boys. I'm not a lesbian."

Patient X: "Too bad. You would be one hot lesbian."

Me: "Thanks."

Keep in mind that this is the same patient who has in the past asked to take pictures of my hair with his cell phone, and left the office and then came back a few seconds later to ask what kind of lotion I was wearing... Very interesting fella.

So then I thought I would be productive at lunch today and do some homework. Well one of my required classes is a marriage class, and it's been a little iffy so far. The teacher seems to assume that everyone is married (which I'm not) and that no one works and goes to school at the same time (I have two jobs). Anyway this was the assignment that greeted me today:

Think about your sexual relationship and how you have willingly improved or enhanced its quality as a marital steward, or whether you have avoided and ignored this aspect of your marital stewardship. Have you been kind? Have you sought greater light and knowledge? Have you excerised patience and encouragement? It may be helpful to write out your thoughts about your shared sexual stewardship in marriage.

Heck no. First of all, I'm not married. Second of all, really? Even I was married no way would I share my sexual experiences with a teacher. A teacher of a church school... Third if she really wants the assignment I can make up a pretty entertaining story about exercising patience during intimacy. When I read the assignment to the doctors and my coworker we came up with some pretty funny stuff... So basically I sent my teacher an e-mail explaining how I'm not married and I didn't feel comfortable really writing about anything that's going to make me feel guilty enough to have to go talk to my bishop, and I asked for an alternative assignment. She sweetly wrote back 5 hours later and told me to suck it up and do the assignment. It's only 5 points so I'll pass I already have a A... So ridiculous!

By the way I have ran 17.85 miles so far this week and I get to see TSO and Harry Potter tomorrow! And I get to see these guys in 6 days!

My Future Husband... If He Wasn't Already Married...

This is Mike Tompkins... And he is AMAZING! He has several videos on youtube and he has really great teeth! Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

What Is Happening To Me?

There is something weird going on... I love junk food! I love Taco Bell (possibly the best restaurant ever!) Well when I went to the store the other day every time I looked at a bag of wonderfully salty chips or fruity candy I almost started gagging. I ended up coming home with no treats, except for a box of 6 chocolate creamies, instead I had a bag of carrots, a bag of oranges, and a women's fitness magazine. What?!?! I also ran 21 miles last week. That is more than I have ever ran in my entire life! I do not like running, so I'm not sure where all of this is coming from. I also found the motivation somehow to do a ton of abs and arm workouts. (I figure the running will take care of the butt and legs). Also, while rewatching every Harry Potter movie in preparation for the midnight showing this week of Part 1 (very excited!), I made a work out wall in my room. Seriously things are getting a little weird. Let's see how long I keep this up...

Me after my first 5K back in 2006...

My Brother My Hero

Hard to believe that the little boy in the dress in the picture is now one of my heroes huh? Haha. Our family always knew that Jason was destined for a career in the military. We didn’t think that we would run away to join the army (literally he ran away to Montana to join the army) so maybe we should have figured at that point that he would be interested in special/secret ops. With today being Veteran’s Day, I figured it would be a great day to express my appreciation and amazement and love for my little brother. I guess I have always thought it as being a little weird to look up to someone who is younger than you. But that is how it is for me. The strength, courage, and ability that Jason has demonstrated throughout every adversity in his life (and there have been a ton) is inspiring! I am so well-pleased (we don’t use the word proud in my family) with my little brother. He is completely 100% unselfish. I think that sometimes people join the army for free school or for some other selfish reasons and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I think that eventually they learn unselfishness and it becomes a natural quality. Jason joined the army because of his desire to make the world a better place and because he knew it was what he wanted to do. I will straight up say that most people in this country I could do without. I would never desire to put my life on the line for strangers day after day and possibly die for them. I am so grateful for all the men and women of our country who do do that everyday. I am especially grateful for my little brother. Anyone who knows Jason loves him. You can’t help it. He has so many qualities that I wish I had. He is brave, strong, smart, motivated, loving, funny, and one of my favorite people in the world. That’s a big deal… It’s pretty tough to get in my top 10. I am so glad that my younger brothers have someone as cool and patriotic as Jason to look up to. Jason you are my hero. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for everyone else in this country. You make it pretty easy to be proud (sorry Dad) to be an American! Jason… You ROCK!