Christmas 2010

Hope that you all had a great, happy, fun, adventurous, restful, blessed and inspiring Christmas! We had a blast around here which always includes taking lots of pictures:

We had a relaxing Christmas with lots of family time and good food and fun! We also decided to start a Barlow Family blog so check us all out at the Barlow Family blog link to the right:)
Now, on to the New Year's festivities!

In Honor of Veteran's Day

Dear Mr. President:

On this day where we honor those who serve in the Armed Forces and those Veterans of wars past, I reflect on the state of our union. Not so long ago, you were sworn in and promised to make America a better place. Since then, America has come upon perilous times. There is an attitude that the United States should pull troops out from countries in the Middle East that have made no secret out of the fact that they hate all things American and will have no problem trying to bring this great country to it's knees. Our soldiers are protecting their country, OUR country, in wars both foreign and domestic. We should be proud to be Americans and vow to defend her no matter the cost. Now it seems that our Commander in Chief does little to instill confidence that the citizens of this country are the first priority. Don't worry about it, you said, and don't question me, I know what I am doing. You even tweeted about it.

Now, in 2010, America is on the brink of losing it's standing as a powerful nation. You have even stated in the press that now it is time to get to work. Well, Mr. President, the time to get to work was long ago. Stop going on talk shows, making speeches to defend your non-actions and get to work. We cannot afford to waste any more time. You need to insure that the citizens of this country are protected from any and all threats.

We need to remember that America is the home of the free BECAUSE of our brave. We need to reflect every day that we are grateful for our troops and all that they have done for us. We support our soldiers and we are thankful for our freedom that we have because of their sacrifices. As the Commander in Chief of the most powerful military in the world, you need to support our troops and let them finish what they started. They are making a difference. Be the kind of Commander in Chief that those "faceless cowards" are afraid to attack because they know that they will be hunted down and stopped. Stop apologizing for America and get to work.

Lastly, Mr. President, it is time that you listen to the people of this country and remember that you work for us.

Sincerely,
A Concerned Citizen

1 Year in Cali: What I Know Now

It just occurred to me that last year at this time I was packing up the Jeep and making the long trek to California. So, what have I learned about myself since I packed up my life and made a, well, life-changing move? Here is just a bit of the wisdom I have accrued about the wonder that is AnneBarlow:

1-I love to read. Turns out there are way more interesting things to read than text books. I have a well-used library card and have decided that I like to read mysteries the most. I always think that I am smarter than the average reader when I can figure out who did it.

2-I have really enjoyed not working full time. Do not take this the wrong way. It is not that I do not want to work full time and have a job and a career and all the benefits that come with that. I am not lazy at all. I actually get a little anxious that I have not been able to find a job yet because I think that I have a lot to offer as an employee, but apparently the right thing has not come along yet. I just have to keep doing my part and look hard and take advantage of all the opportunities that are around me. Until I get that job, though, I have been able to spend the last year doing random part time things which have allowed me the time to do things like service and learning new skills.

3-I am a very blessed girl. I have had the opportunity to live rent free which has allowed me to not worry so much about money for the first time in my adult life. I realize that this is a huge blessing. I kind of feel guilty that I have been rent free so I try to contribute in other ways as much as I can.

4-I love love love being in a family ward. I have 2 callings-Activities Committee Chair and Primary Teacher. I get to teach the 8-year-olds and I absolutely love them. I look forward to going to church every week because I get to be with them. And learn from them. I also love all of the people in the ward. There is such a diverse population that makes up the dynamics and I thoroughly enjoy the differences we all bring to the table. It is fun to try and plan activities to meet the needs of everyone.

5-I love whipped cream. It just makes me happy every time I eat it and I take the opportunity to eat it on everything I can. Within reason that is. I would probably eat it more if I wasn't so worried about there becoming too much of me to love. If only a serving of whipped cream would count as a serving of vegetables...

I have learned a lot more than this, but right now I am watching the Giants play stellar baseball in Game 1 of the World Series and loving it so I will have to add more later:)

Bike vs Car...Seriously?

As I was driving the other day in a 45 MPH zone, I noticed that the lane I was in was slowing at a quicker than normal rate as approaching the upcoming intersection that had a green light. I was in the middle lane of a 3-lane road and I figured that someone was having car troubles or something, so I waited for an opening and switched lanes to go around the offending obstacle. Much to my surprise, the reason that we were all moving out of the lane that was going slower than normal was because there was a...wait for it...a biker.

SERIOUSLY?!?

Yep, a biker. In the middle of the lane. In the middle of the road. On a really busy street. From the looks of his very spandex laden outfit and matching helmet he was an experienced biker. Maybe I missed something-car vs. bike. The car always wins, right? This is not the first time, nor I'm sure, will it be the last time that traffic has been hindered by one of these bikers that considers themselves entitled to be riding in the middle of the road. And it drives (pardon the pun) me crazy!! I cannot stand that I have to get out of the way of some biker who is in the middle of the road hindering traffic. I am not sure what the bikers ediquette is on this subject, but I don't really care. There may be laws that say that bikers can ride on the road and I am the only person who does not know that it is okay for a biker to ride 20 MPH in a 45 MPH zone obstructing traffic. I don't care. I am a normally pretty even-keeled person who doesn't get irritated very easily, but here in Pleasanton it seems that the bikers can and do rule the road and it bugs me. I am sure that they should get extra points for doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment or blah blah blah. I don't care.
My gripe today is this: I do not drive the Jeep in the bike lane, so please do not ride your bike in the Jeep lane. Seriously.

I'm Baaaaaack...

...to the blogging world that is. I realize that it has been a while, but I haven't been feeling inspired as of late. I have had plenty going on, no worries, but I just haven't been feeling like sharing it with the world. I haven't really been on facebook, either, so maybe we can just say that I have been on sabbatical from all things social networking. Here is a picture of the new addition to our family that accounts for some of the busy-ness and lots of visits from our family who live in exotic places as far away as...Salt Lake:Meet Spencer John Barlow born on August 24, 2010. He decided to make things a little more interesting and arrived by C-Section without telling us that was how he wanted to come out. Surprise and everyone is healthy! While he was making friends in the hospital waiting to come home, I got to spend the week with my most favorite girl on the planet: We did lots of things together and had a great time and I am pretty sure that if I could bottle up the energy in that little body and sell it I would be a gazillionaire! Seriously, sometimes she just runs in circles or jumps in place because she has so much energy. I think that I will go to the gym before I see her again because then I might have a prayer of keeping up. And, someone commented that they might be forgetting what I look like because we haven't seen each other for so long, so here I am at the beach last month:

I love it there!

So, I will definitely be reporting on my goals that I wanted to reach before my birthday-most of which are going very well-and I have a few ideas in my head for some other things that I wanna write about. Number 1: Consideration. I feel like there is a lack of consideration for others in this world. Like, do the people pedaling their bikes down a busy street really need the whole lane and to block traffic? What about using the signal when you want to turn your vehicle? You get it-there is definitely more to come on this. Number 2: I have been conducting a great no-make-up experiment for the sake of myself and my skin and have some interesting stuff to report-my question to you is, do you feel confident enough in your appearance to just stop wearing make-up? How about for a month? Think about it...I'll get back to you:)

Yreka? Y-Not?

Yes, I am finally back to the blogging world and there has actually been a bunch of things going on in my world. First, back in June, we decided to drive north to a place called Yreka (pronounced Y-Reek-Ah) to attend my cousin Taylor's graduation. Here's what it looks like when a bunch of Barlows get together:Since we were so close to one of my goals for this year, we decided to drive a little farther north:I got to visit a new state! This was the first time that I was able to visit Oregon and it is beautiful! We ended up in a little town called Ashland, Oregon. It is where Southern Oregon University is located and it reminded me of a little college town I used to live in. It was filled with great people watching and incredible nature walks and a warning to avoid a little green plant: So, after wandering around for a couple hours and successfully avoiding any plant shaped like a "T" , we headed back to the parties in Yreka and then went home the next day. It was a great weekend filled with lots of family, food, and fun.
Next, we got to party like a 2-year-old at a ladybug party with this girl:There was also lots of food, family and fun at this event and we had a blast. We have been able to do lots of fun partying now that summer is officially here and it has been HOT HOT HOT! How much do we love the Farmer's Markets, The Fair, Fireworks and everything else that comes with summer?

Memorial Day Fun

So, we had a great weekend of very fun things. It started by Chel and I going to see this foxy man in concert:Seriously, isn't he foxy? We had a great time and all I have to say about the crowd is that it is a good thing a couple of good Mormon girls can't get high off of second-hand pot smoke. But good concert, good music and we are very stealth at finding good people to sit by who were super nice.
Next, we put on a very successful 2-ward Memorial Day Breakfast. Everyone had enough food, the gym looked greatly patriotic, and I am pretty sure that people will come to another event planned by yours truly. Pretty sure. Then, we packed up and headed to the city to see a Giant's game. Here is the view from our seats:While we still love our A's and the ghetto stadium in which they play, it was nice to go to the first-class stadium in SF and see the Giants. We were pretty high up, but it was a blast and there were fun people around us. The Giants lost, but we had a great time anyways and then we packed up again and headed to Bubba Gump's for dinner at Pier 39:If you are looking for a good meal surrounded by Forrest Gump the movie memorabilia-this is the place. All in all, a really fun holiday weekend.
Now, you might be a little curious that there is no actual documented proof that I attended any of these events. There is a reason for that. My camera has been traveling the world. It has been to Europe and is now in Vegas and I miss it. Although I think that it has been having a great time, I miss it. There is a big hole in my purse where it is supposed to be. Maybe one day it will return home.

Sugarland, Shoes, Sweat and Sammie!

A couple of weeks ago, Chel and I went to the Sugarland Concert and LOVED it! I would highly recommend this show! We got to sit with some fun new friends and enjoy the show. They were touring with Julianne Hough (of Dancing with the Stars fame and now a fledgling country singer) and she was okay. Although, I have to say that I am totally impressed with her ability to sing whilst swinging around a stripper pole. It was a concert full of energy and we were on our feet the entire time. Which leads me to GOAL #8: Attend more concerts. I have been to Garth Brooks and Kelly Clarkson (a number of times and enjoyed each one, especially when she was touring with Reba) and that's all. Now that I live in a place where concerts are easy access, I plan on attending a lot more. Next on the calendar: Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum on May 29th! Yay for Chel and concerts!

Shoes
I have been doing very well on a couple of my goals and the one that I like the most is buying a new pair of shoes every month. Here is a picture of the last three pairs that I have purchased: I love them and they make me happy and I am thinking about writing a book called, "The Healing Power of a Great Pair of Shoes"

Sweat
Another one of my goals: Getting Healthy. I joined the local gym and have been really vigilant and even hired a trainer to teach me how to lift weights the most effectively. She is from Russia and very knowledgeable and I am pretty sure that I have never hated another human being more than her. BUT-I listened to what she said and so far have dropped 3 pounds and counting!! Yay! As long as the numbers keep going in the right direction, I am happy and motivated to keep going to the gym every day. Sorry, no pics yet, but as soon as there is a noticeable to the outside eye difference, I will share with you, my favorites.

Sammie
I have been able to spend quite a bit of time with this girl since living here at home, and have learned a lot of things about living life from her:I have learned that when I am full, I can stop eating and stick out my belly. I have learned that it is okay to cry when I don't like something and if I snuggle in to the nearest shoulder I will feel all better. I have learned that if I do not want to do my hair, I don't need to be self conscious and just go with it. I have learned that when I am tired, I should just go to sleep. And naps are good. Real good. I have also learned that if something is funny I should laugh out loud and for as long as I want. Ah, to live the life of Sammie...

Let's Get it Started...

In honor of Goal #7, I have joined the gym and even worked out 3 of the 4 day I was a member last week! Well, gotta start somewhere...And I will post a picture of my before and after when there is an after. Maybe on my birthday...until then, you can picture me looking like this whilst at the gym. Not that you have to picture me at the gym, but if you do, this is pretty close to how I look when I am there;)

#7: Get Healthy!

Since I think that "fat" is a subjective word, I will not use it to describe myself, but instead, I will say that I would like to get healthy in 2010. Not that I am unhealthy right now, but there is a little too much of me to love, so I would at least like to set a goal to ""Lose 35 by Age 35"-which means I have until August and I will do it. It is in print now, so I can't back down. I also have a new workout partner who would like to do the same thing, so I am thinking a little wager might be in order. I will start posting pics to the side of the blog weekly so that I can share in the progress. If anyone would like to join me in this quest, please do-whether you are near or far, I would love to share inspirational stories.
My first inspirational story that motivates me to be healthy: SInce I have been home, I no longer am suffering from migraines. As opposed to the huge one every other month I was getting when I was crazy busy, this is a huge feat in my life! This has come from my first goal to be rested. I have really concentrated on getting enough sleep and figuring out how much sleep I need-you would be surprised how much a 20 minute nap can change your life! Now, I would like to be healthier and healthier so that I can do all the traveling that I want without having to worry about the shape that I am in...

#6: Visit a new State

It is my goal that in the history of my life before I die, I visit all 50 states in these United States. The rule is that I have to stay there at least long enough to take in some local culture. I have visited 11 so far, so now I just have 39 to go...and I pretty much have the West Coast covered, so looks like I will be getting on a plane. And if anyone wants to come along, I am always up for a traveling companion. Just beware, I am entertained VERY easily. Where is the World's Largest Ball of Yarn located?
Also, don't worry, I will be adding pics to the blog again soon. I just haven't been in a picture taking mood.

Goal #5:Learn a new skill

This one is cheating a little, but it is a good one that I like to do so it is staying a tradition. I always try to keep the interests varied and to be something that I have little or no skill in or that I have never done before. In the past, I have learned to do things like ski, cook, decorate, paint, refinish furniture, things like that. I am home in Cali for the first time in a long time, so I am going to take advantage of having a yard, a big kitchen with my very own cook to consult with, and a piano. Here are just a few of the things that I will learn to do this year:
1. Grow something. I have never actually planted something in the ground and followed it through to planthood. I love fresh tomatoes, so I think I will talk my family into giving me a little corner of yard to plant 1 tomato plant. Maybe a few more things depending on how the whole tomato plant goes. I like watermelon...
2. Bake bread. I have never actually baked bread from scratch either, which has always made me feel like my pioneer ancestors are a little upset with me. So, I will learn to make the best bread and rolls ever. Like I said, I have a big kitchen and my very own live in expert to help me.
3. Really learn to play the piano. I took eight years of piano and never really learned how to read notes. So, I am teaching myself to read notes and play again. I am excited to be able to play and really know what I am doing.

I am sure that there will be a lot more that I can think of that I would like to learn, but for now these will make me happy. Also, on a side note, I already have something that I will be doing that I have never done before: Singing in Sacrament Meeting! Mom, Jen and I are going to be singing in a trio for the Easter program. Hopefully no one leaves the church after I am done...

Goal #4: Read a New Book Every Month

Now that I am not in school, I feel like I have to try a little harder to educate myself and keep my mind active. So, I take my love of reading + love of learning and there we have a goal that I will love to do (almost as much as the shoe habit that I am thoroughly enjoying). I have read a few books so far-I am currently reading the book called "Girlfriends talk about Men". It is pretty fun and I figure I can use all the tips I can get, right? I am going to the library tomorrow so that I can just rent the books I need. Now, what to read next. Any suggestions?

Goal #3: Update the Blog Often

It seems that for a time, I was updating often and it was always fun! But, I have gotten a little behind-not for lack of things to say, but just for lack of motivation. Now that I live far away from many loved ones, I rely on blogs to keep up with people and I assume that they do the same. So, my resolution is this: Update the blog at least once a week. Even if it is just a sentence or a picture, once a week. It will keep me in the habit of working on my writing and keep me in better touch with my BFFs. I miss you, my friends outside of Pleasanton! I have added a new BFF to my list here. She is great-always happy to see me, gives great hugs, always lets me drive and decide where we are going, and likes to eat all of the things that I eat. Here is a picture of her: That's all for now. See you next week! I promise...

Goal #2: Get a Haircut and Get a Real Job

I am pretty sure that this one is a song title. I have moved away from my most favorite hair stylist ever, so I have been in a bad way as far as the haircut goes. I love my huge curly hair, but it really does grow OUT-not DOWN. And it has been growing out since I last saw my favorite hair stylist in October...you get the picture. So-I have to decide what to do with it now. I am making this one a goal because finding a new hairstylist is quite the process. I can color it myself, but the cut is crucial. So for now, I will be maintaining the mane and sitting in the back row wherever I go because I don't want to block anyone's view.
GET A REAL JOB-I have officially begun the job search as of the second week of January and whenenver I go through this process I am highly discouraged when there are not a ton of people knocking at my door offering to pay me a lot of money to do something that I love. With benefits. And reasonable hours. I know that at this time in our economy's history I need to be patient and keep putting myself out there. The job will come. So for now, I will keep putting in the work to find work. There is a fabulous job out there just waiting for me to find it. Maybe I can be a hair model...

Top 10 of 2010

I am a goal-oriented girl, so I always set goals at this time of year and so far have been successful at meeting them. I am pretty practical about this and in the past my goals have included such things as: Get my degree (done), learn a new skill (done), Move out of Logan (done), and...well, you get the picture. So, I am setting 10 goals this year and have decided to post them one at a time-otherwise this post would get way too long. I also have decided that I needed some fun goals to balance out the lofty ones. So, for this first goal of 2010, I decided that I should set a fun goal to get things started right:

GOAL #1: Buy a new pair of shoes every month.

Now I have to admit that this idea was not my own, but I loved it, so I am making it my goal this year. The rules are simple-all I have to do is buy at least one pair of shoes every month this year and I will be a success. They can be any kind of shoe. To get myself started off right, I actually bought 2 pairs. I didn't need them, but I wanted them and they were the right price-with tax and everything they ended up being $11.64 total and I love them:


So for goal #1 I am 1 for 12 and feeling pretty good about it. Stay tuned for some more goals...I've gotta go shopping:)

Top 9 of 2009

Along with this time of year comes an opportunity to reflect on the past year at the good times and the bad. Luckily, I, for one had a great 2009, so here are the 9 highlights in no particular order:

1. The TV show Glee. It is funny and has singing. Makes me happy every time that it is on.
2. Fall Season in Logan which includes Homecoming Week. I spent my last beautiful fall in Logan and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the snow-less season. I am always awed at Heavenly Father's creations when I get to observe the wonders that happen in nature.
3. I Graduated! This one definitely deserves an exclamation point! After a lot of random happenings, I have finally achieved my goal of having a college degree. I have always known that I am a smart girl and now I have a piece of paper that backs me up on this theory.
4. I moved to California. After achieving the above, I decided that I needed to hightail it out of Logan. So, on October 29th, 2009, I pulled out of Logan for my last time and drove my belongings to California. So far, this has been a great move for me and although I am still looking for a job, it has been really good to be here.
5. No Broken Bones! Anyone who knows me, knows that when I can say that i haven't broken even one bone for a whole year, this is quite an accomplishment. Concussions do not count.
6. Kelly Clarkson concert with Laura. Apparently this is becoming a yearly sister tradition and I am really happy about that. We got to see her outside in Orem this year and she did not disappoint.
7. I survived the Canyon in the winter. This should be printed on t-shirts for people that can say that they survived the crazy canyon unscathed. I did it through 3 blizzards and the Jeep and I survived with style so we have definite bragging rights.
8. I got to welcome a new brother into my family. Jen and Ryan got married Vegas style in February and we all had a blast enjoying some time with the fam and playing for the weekend. Other weddings worth mentioning: Shayna and Jeremy, Brad and Tanja, and Marisa and Eric. I love when people are in love.
9. It was a good year to reconnect with some loved lifelong friends and their families. And to reconnect with my own family here in Cali. There is no better sound than to hear an 18-month old squeal with excitement when you go to her house:)

These are just the highlights of what was a really good year for me. Hope that it was this good for everyone. Stay tuned for my Top 10 of 2010...time to set some goals:)