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?