Christmas Before Thanksgiving

I think we all have experienced this. 

The BLAST of Christmas everything the day after Halloween. (Heck, here, it was a week before Halloween!)

I know so many people who feel annoyed by this because it's unfair to Thanksgiving. 

These are some actual quotes by friends/people in the store that I have overheard:

"I would love to see more Thanksgiving days crafts..."

"Drives me crazy that Thanksgiving seems to be completely forgotten."

"Hey. Humans. There is still another holiday before Christmas!"

"It makes me mad that people are so ungrateful that they skip Thanksgiving and go straight for Christmas. Decor, food ideas, gift ideas! Is this what we've come to? Greedy about our Christmas gifts that we can't stop be thankful for anything even for a day?"

This is not a new argument.

I've seen it over and over again. 

However, I'd like to shed some light on this situation because unlike my friends/those frustrated shoppers, I disagree that Christmas has to be put on hold. Please understand before continuing that I have nothing against anyone who wishes to wait to deck the halls until after the turkey has been served. I only hope to add a little perspective on the subject.

Recently (today) a good friend of mine hopped on Facebook and after being bombarded with Christmas galore and no Thanksgiving in sight, she decided to express her frustration about Thanksgiving being glazed over. She simply wanted (wants) Thanksgiving to get some notice and appreciation.(Thank you KM for opening the discussion!)

And who could blame her? I mean, really, it's a great holiday with a great purpose and a perk (not the purpose of the holiday entirely) happens to be a fabulous feast with the family.

So, what is the purpose of Thanksgiving? 

In 1863 when Thanksgiving became an official federal holiday, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that the purpose was,"Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

(Read the full, powerful and moving proclamation here.)

By this alone, we learn that "Jesus is the reason for the season." 

A season to be thankful and to praise our Lord and Redeemer for the bounty with which he blesses us.

There is also another celebrated and glorified season which Jesus is the reason for. 

(Though He is the reason for every season, we don't celebrate each with such flourish the way Thanksgiving and this other season are celebrated.)

Christmas. 

A season to be thankful for his birth which led to His life and Atonement. Without which, we could not have eternal life.

It is for this reason that Neil and I will be decorating the house this week with our Christmas decor as well as our Thanksgiving decor. 

However, I will say that we have a lot more Christmas decor than we do Thanksgiving decor and a lot of that has to do with the fact that we are still college students. We live in a tiny apartment and don't find it necessary to have boxes and boxes of holiday decor.

 And I'm okay with it because when I look at the nativity, I'm reminded to be thankful. 

When I see my sign saying, "Peace on Earth", I'm reminded to pray for peace in my life.

When I see the lights on my tree glistening in the darkness of my living room, I'm reminded to thank the Lord for being the light in my life.

I think you get my point. 

I don't think that we have to hold off on Christmas simply because Thanksgiving has yet to pass us by. In fact, I like to think that Thanksgiving is the John the Baptist to Christmas. John the Baptist helped prepare the way for Christ to be accepted. Thanksgiving gives us each the opportunity to make way in our hearts for the reason for every season. Jesus Christ. That being said, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ did not exist independent of each other. Neither should Thanksgiving and Christmas. At least that's how I feel about it and have chosen to act upon it.

Now, please know that I understand that most companies aren't putting out the Christmas stuff to remind people of Christ. I'm fairly certain that they do it to make a profit. So, while that can be annoying, I chose to forgo getting all panty-twisted about it because I've never really believed that (most) stores ever cared about reminding people of Christ during that season anyway. So why be all bugged about it now? For me, getting bugged takes away the spirit that I want to feel and I refuse to let stores take it from me!

Also, in regards to Pinterest being bombarded with Christmas in October, I have to admit that I'm pinning Christmas all year. In fact, I'm pinning Thanksgiving all year. Little by little but I amp up my Thanksgiving pins around September. (How dare I steal Labor Day's thunder!-I'm being sarcastic of course...)

All in all, I hope that you understand the point of this rather lengthy post. It's not what we celebrate (or quite frankly when we celebrate) it's the spirit in which we celebrate. I celebrate Thanksgiving with the same spirit I celebrate Christmas with. So, for me, they become one massive holiday with two separate functions that both require special and even sacred attention. You may also celebrate each holiday with the same spirit but wish to separate them into two distinct, yet equal, holidays and that is okay. For either party, I hope that there is still enough respect in the world to allow each of us to celebrate how we will in kindness and charity. 

I'm curious about your thoughts on the subject! Leave a comment below with how you celebrate each holiday!

Family {and Friend} Pictures

Neil and I have decided that we really want to have family pictures from every year that we've been married {+1 for the year we were married}. Anyway, we have some really good friends that were willing to take our pictures this year and I am happy to say that I am thrilled with how they turned out! Take a look!

{Two years!}

 {My favorite picture...I think!}

Of course, the day couldn't end without some pictures with our friends! 

 {The guys had to get in on the fun, too!!!}

{Photo Cred goes to Bri. Thanks girl!}

7 Reasons Why It's Hard to Work Out (But Worth It)

If you have a Pinterest account, you'll understand when I say these kind of blog posts are 

EVERYWHERE! 

I wanted to write a little "somethin', somethin'" about my love hate relationship with working out. 

1. Being Noticed

First, let me just say that while I'm working out, I don't even want my husband to see me let alone anybody else. The hard part about working out is after. You're sore, you feel AMAZING but it's very rare for anyone to say, "You look like you worked out today! Way to go!" 

All, in all, it doesn't really matter if other people notice how you look and there is no way for someone else to feel your workout either. 

I guess it just helps when you know someone has taken the time to encourage you with words rather than "like" the selfie of your sweaty face "proving" you went on a run or got your butt kicked at Xtend Barre classes. (Here's looking at you, Bri.)

2. Showering

I love me a good shower but every day? First off, I know it's necessary especially if you've worked up a good sweat but UHG! My skin gets dried out, my hair can't handle being washed that much and, I don't know, it's too time consuming. Then I'm so tired from working out that all I want to do is hang out in my PJs with wet hair, a make-up free face, and, if I'm being honest, bra-less. Girls, you know I'm right. So maybe it's not the showering I hate but the prepping that goes into the daily look. Even a relaxed look (a step above stay-inside-all-day-hermit, just FYI) takes effort. Doing my hair whether it's still wet or I've blow dried it. It's effort that I'd rather not take but feel obligated to complete so that I can prove I'm not as lazy as I often feel and would like to be. 

3. Others

Comparison is the thief of joy. How many times have you heard that? Alas, it is true. Don't compare your running pace, your thighs, your workout hair or how red your skin gets to the next person because it will take the joy and momentum OUT of working out. If it happens just remember that you're on your own journey. I lose sight of that fact 90% of the time. I don't believe it. BUT if I tell myself that I want to believe it, that desire carries me. So, don't give up on yourself. That can be hard. 

4.Weather

If you work out outside, this can be tricky. I hate, yes, hate running outside when it's hot. Or if there is a possibility that it may become hot while on my run. Which leads to number 5...

5. Early Wake-up Call

I like working out when there is natural light, but not enough light to make it hot. So this can be a tricky thing. I get up early and run or it just doesn't happen and not because I'm busy. It's because the sun makes it too hot. And in the summer? Oi vei.

6. Memberships

For me, if I have one, I try to get myself to go enough times in the month to "pay for itself" so that I don't feel guilty about having a "gym" category on our monthly budget. So, in that sense it's good but then you have to fight for a machine. Or plan to go when there is less "traffic". Sometimes even then you're just waiting around. I don't have time for that. However, not having a membership means that I can't always go with friends to the gym for a good swim or spin class. At least, not as often as I'd like. 

7. Fear

The infamous, "What if" comes into play here more than anywhere else in my life. What if I get injured again? What if my body doesn't respond as quickly as it did last time? What if it doesn't respond at all? What if I'm stuck feeling and looking like this forever? 

Fear is real. Fear can be debilitating or it can be a superpower. It's how you view it.

"I know you’re afraid, but being afraid is alright. Because didn’t anybody ever tell you? Fear is a superpower. Fear can make you faster and cleverer and stronger... because if you’re very wise and very strong fear doesn’t have to make you cruel or cowardly. Fear can make you kind. It doesn’t matter if there’s nothing under the bed or in the dark so long as you know it’s okay to be afraid of it. So listen. If you listen to anything else, listen to this. You’re always gonna be afraid even if you learn to hide it. Fear is like a companion, a constant companion, always there. But that’s okay because fear can bring us together. Fear can bring you home... Fear makes companions of us all." -Clara Oswald, Dr. Who, "Listen"

Forgive my geekiness for a second and take a minute to let that sink in. It's true. Fear is the reason I can't give up. Not the reason that I should.

Dear Professor...

*Disclaimer, I am not an English buff, nor do I claim to be a prolific writer. That is why this letter is on my personal blog. Will I actually be sending a copy of this letter off? No. I will most likely send a short e-mail to my professor expressing the one major concern I have. It will be light-hearted but hopefully it will make my point and the professor and I will have a good laugh and move on. I would also like to state that I make a point about paying for education (if you read this you'll know what I'm talking about) and I feel very strongly about my stance in regards to a post-high school level education. I would also like to state that I believe every educator, no matter their capacity, should be treated with respect and dignity. They are human, they have faults and I don't feel that it is wise to rake them across the board simply because of a couple imperfections. This letter has more...sass, if you will, than I would ever intend to give a Professor but it does illustrate my annoyance. It's a venting mechanism and is not meant to be overly ignorant or selfish. That being said, I hope that you'll read it and tell me what you think!

Dear Professor, 

 

                   First and foremost I would like to acknowledge and thank you for your hard work, the time and energy you have put into your lectures which is time and energy you probably could have spent seeing a new movie, playing with you children, or on a date with your spouse, etc. Yet, you spent it on us. You're pupils. That being said I would like to point out a couple of things that you may want to take under consideration for what could be a better set of lectures.

                  The first topic I wish to discuss is the biggest annoyance I have faced in the lectures I have attended thus far. Students leaving five to ten minutes early. And by students I am referring to that one student-please note the singular form here- that left each class period ten minutes early. Now, I know you have no control over who stays or who leaves and when that event takes place. However, you do have control over you. If I am being completely honest, I did not even realize that a student had left the room. I was enraptured by the topic which the class was discussing, the topic which you were teaching us about. Then, mid-sentence you said, "Do I smell bad? Do I look funny? Why did they just leave?" I was so completely caught off guard. I thought perhaps you were characterizing a face of one whose painting we were discussing. Unfortunately, this was not the case. You drew attention away from the lecture to the student whom had left. A student whom I, and probably others in the class, did not even notice had left until you interrupted your own lecture. Why would you do that to your own lecture, something you put time and effort into making an enjoyable, educational experience for those enrolled in your class? The very first day of our class, you asked that we be respectful to you and take notes "the old fashioned way" no computers, no phones etc. so that we could be properly edified, non-distracted and uninterrupted. You asked us to refrain from noisy wrappers so as to minimize distraction. So far, we have all done as you have asked. Why then do you feel it necessary to create your own distractions that exceed that of a noisy wrapper or your neighbor browsing Facebook? You were the only one to literally interrupt and distract me and my classmates in that situation. I hope that this is not a habit that will prevail throughout the remainder of our lectures and would ask that you be aware of it and respect me and my time by avoiding such behavior in the future. 

                The next topic I wish to discuss with you is your pronunciation of certain words. Perhaps this is trivial and does not bother your other students as much as it does me, but here we are. I suppose it would not be as bothersome had you not touted your prolific credentials in regards to your field of study, which happens to include the English language.  By repeating multiple words again and again incorrectly, you make me question said credentials. Though I know how these words are actually said, for example that the word "anyway" does not actually include an "s" at the end, and will say them and think them correctly in my own life, I do hope that you might consider that your credibility as a "master of the English language" is questioned when I hear that word, among others, coming from your mouth, repeatedly.

              This letter may seem as improper as the word "anyways" is, however, I needed to express my thoughts to you so that you might understand that I, and most likely other students, have expectations for our education. Often, we see the reverse. The professor provides a syllabus, an assignment calendar and outcomes for a course. A student is expected to be grateful without question for the education that they are receiving but one they are paying for. The student chose the college based on standards in education and standards they hope the faculty and staff will adhere to. They were willing to spend their money for an education provided to them by others who have preceded them in education and who have willingly dedicated their lives to raising up the following generations with good breeding and understanding. If the institution begins to fall short of that standard, the decline of respect is sure to follow. That standard is not made up by the board of trustees. They may put that standard into words but the actually reality of it comes from the student-professor relationship. I can show respect you as an individual who can teach me things I do not know but have a thirst to know and follow your class "rules". You can show me respect by keeping focus in lecture so that I might utilize that time for my edification, and by organizing your materials in such a way that any student can understand. 

          In summary, I hope you can understand that I appreciate the time you have spent preparing the materials for your class and hope that as the semester continues, you will take into consideration those things that I have pointed out. 

                                Sincerely, 

                                               Your Pupil

Positoovity

If you don't know where that word comes from, don't you fret. 

It's a pretty famous bird that sings a whole song about "Positoovity" and quite frankly it's easily becoming one of my favorite songs. 

Okay, okay, I'll tell you where it comes from, Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway. 

I'm including a video so that you can all be introduced to the beauty that is Positoovity. 

I'm blogging about it today because this morning was a "running" day. Meaning I ran this morning. (Just the thought alone of me FINALLY back out there are running makes my heart do a happy dance!)

Positoovity is on my playlist for what I think are obvious reasons. Let me explain. 

Scuttle sings this song and if anyone has seen The Little Mermaid, you'll know that Scuttle has quite an interesting vernacular for things. For example, a "fork" is a "dinglehopper" and is not used for eating but for combing one's hair, or in this case, "positivity" is "positoovity" and thank goodness they mean the same thing. 

He is a know-it-all bird who knows really "nothing" but is actually pretty wise. 

Wait. What?

Yeah, he may be terribly misinformed but he has good intentions and what he says helps Ariel develop her land legs, if you will. 

Now for the running part of this post. Usually the first 15 minutes of my run are energy packed. During the "walk" intervals, it's a brisk heart pumping walk that is almost faster than the "jog" intervals of the workout. However, when minutes 16-20 hit, suddenly I'm dragging my burning legs along at a pretty slow pace. That being said, I do try to pace myself in the first half of the workout so that this doesn't happen but clearly I need to keep working on that... Anyway, around minute 16ish my calves were BURNING. A good burn, but still burning. I was playfully debating with myself about calling it quits but then this song came on. 

The first line Scuttle says is "What's this? You giving up so soon? You gotta have a little gumption. Yeah! A can-do kinda attitude. Take it from a gull who knows."

It made me smile. "Okay, Scuttle, I'll keep going." Then. all of a sudden I could imagine this fluffy seagull tap-dancing next to me as I ran. It's silly I know but after listening to the song, can't you feel it too?

Something else I noticed is one of Sebastian's lines. He says, "Positoovity? Why there's no such word." Okay, Mr. Crabby-pants! (teheh) But Scuttle isn't deterred. He keeps going. And says, "'Course there is! In the dictionary between popsuckle and prehysterical. Believe you me, I've seen it work miracles!" 

How true is that? The power of positivity is SO much more than just positive thinking. It can work MIRACLES!!! Now, don't get me wrong, some things require positivity in addition to a health regime set up by a doctor or therapist etc. What I like to take away from this though is the idea that being positive, having the best outlook on life no matter what you're dealing with, can truly help you with anything you might be facing. School. Work. A baby who won't sleep. Depression. All of those things in one bundle. Bills. A crappy car. Burning calf muscles. A positive outlook won't make those things go away but it can help the situation not seem so gargantuan and help you through it. That is what I think the word "positoovity" really means.

Got it?

I don't really think the writers of the song thought, "Gee, Caitlin will need this song for running just as much as Ariel is going to need it for when she gets her legs and has to kiss Prince Eric!" but here you have it. So, here is my challenge to you via Scuttle:

Let that POSITOOVITY work for YOU!!! 

Happy positoovitying, friends!

Backpacks and Lunchboxes

Backpacks. Books. Bouquets of newly sharpened pencils. 

School has started again and while this is my last Fall semester of my undergraduate degree, I'm a mix of excited and exhausted and it's only the second week! I have some really great classes that make me happy to go to school and then, of course, I have some really hard classes that make me want to stay in bed and watch Gossip Girl.

Wouldn't it just be easier that way?

Which is my point, really. Life would be easier in so many ways if we didn't have to load up our backpacks and pack our lunchboxes and sharpen our pencils and turn our brains to "learning" mode. However, if that were the situation, we'd be sacks of eyeballs, teeth and bones with nothing really to offer the world. 

Recently I took a quiz on PlayBuzz, the Buzzfeed of quizzes I guess, and was informed, after clicking on some pictures, that I had a "secret obsession with letting myself down". 

Well, isn't that the oldest news of the decade. 

It made me stop and think, though. Now, I know it was just a "silly quiz" and that I shouldn't put stock in it but it was fairly accurate. Perhaps I'm not "obsessed" with letting myself down, but I do worry about so many things and school just so happens to be one of them. It's become bad enough, that my body literally can't handle stress. Because of stressful situations, some beyond my control, I've acquired, if you will, adrenal fatigue* and now any situation that is remotely stressful or hard makes me want to sleep or turn my brain off which makes learning quite difficult.

But not learning, when I absolutely should be makes me feel like a failure. I fear letting myself down so much that I'll avoid trying new things or meeting new people or taking a risk. School is all of those things. The hard part about AF is that it's not like I have a panic attack becuase I'm heading to class. In fact, I am the kind of person that likes getting to know people and so I try. It's not until the end of the day that I realize that my body was registering certain events as stressful. How obnoxious is that?

 

This is a recent thing, too. As a kid and even throughout High School and my first couple years of college I loved meeting people and being outgoing and friendly. There were some who felt like I shouldn't be so gregarious but I was. Now, at age 24, I'm all reserved and awkward and it is frustrating because there are many moments when I don't feel like me.

That being said, I am trying to enjoy the journey that is life. Just, you know, ride the wave. If class is hard, let it be hard and push myself to be better.  If it's fun, enjoy it and take that feeling with me to my next event but keep busy. Keep going. Work out, make healthy and complete meals, do my homework, early to bed early to rise, take my vitamins, drink lots of water. All that jazz.

It's hard but it's rewarding and I'd rather be an exhausted but educated sack of eyeballs, teeth and bones than a nothing-to-offer-myself-or-my-family kind.

*Adrenal fatigue. I can't remember if I've written a post about this but this news was actually a relief! Weird, I know. My two previous doctors had basically given up on me so I switched to a new one. She is AMAZING. She listens and when I told her about my last experiences, which were less than amusing, she sympathized and said, "There is nothing we can't do to help you. We'll figure this out and we won't stop until we do!" Anyway, after giving what felt like a million tubes of blood (I think it was around 12, really), and a cotton swab chewy test thing, the results were in. Adrenal fatigue was the diagnosis. You'd think that on top of all the other medical things going on I'd be frustrated but this diagnosis brought some good news. Because of all the tests my doctor had run, she found that 1) I do NOT have insulin resistance and should have never been put on a medication for that 2) My blood levels are inconsistent for someone with PCOS. Now, she suggested that I have an ovarian ultrasound to be completely sure but she said that my blood looked good so it could just be one ovary instead of both.

That's two MAJOR things that were taken off (well, just about) my list of "ailments" which also means I'm not taking as many medications as I was before. In fact, now I'm only taking one. Nexium for GERD. That and vitamins, including Rhodiola Rosea. Rhodiola rosea helps with so many things but mainly fatigue and has been SO nice to have around.

Ready to Run

Don't worry, I'm not going to post about my running experiences every day but I AM going to be writing about it. Often. Why? Because that's what kept me going the first time I started running. 

Running is a weird experience for me. 

My lungs hate it, until about 20 minutes in. 

My feet love it until about 20 minutes after I'm finished.

My brain keeps saying "I can do this!" but my legs start to feel like jello after not too long.

Not only that but I have been on a running "hiatus" for almost a year now because of a stress fracture, followed by flair ups of tendonitis. So, I've been SO chicken pants to start running again. Getting hurt is not fun and I don't want to go through that again. Therefore, I've been avoiding running until today.

This time will be different!!

For example, today I changed some things about how I ran. 

I used the full 5 minutes of my warm up and actually warmed up instead of just jumping right on in to running. I prayed that my body would be able to handle it. I actually used my inhaler. 

I made sure I had a killer playlist. 

And I stretched when I got home. Good, LONG stretching. 

It's been about 20 minutes since I got back home and guess what?

My feet don't hurt like they usually do. They're a little tired but I did just go running to that is to be expected, I think. I also feel really good. My body is a little tired but I know that I was only able to run as well as I did this morning because I gave everything I had and I had divine help. Because I asked for it. 

I am still using my Couch to 5K app on my phone so I didn't run a full 30 minutes or anything but those minutes I was supposed to run, I ran!

So, here goes! 8 weeks of training, 3 days a week. 

Totally doable. 

And on my "off" days I'll be doing my stability ball and Jillian Michaels work outs. 

It's also the first day of Fall Semester classes! I haven't been this excited about school for a long time but this semester, I'm taking some really exciting classes! French and Italian Cinema, Food in the Home, History of Design and Architecture part 2! I'm stoked. 

So, here's to new beginnings! Happy September everyone!

That Little Sister of Mine, Wittle Wahwen

Yes. 

I just outed your nickname, Lauren. Or one of them at least.

And it's because this post is ALL ABOUT YOU! (Sorta.)

You and your habit forming ways that are way too easily passed off onto me. 

You see, I've become increasingly attached (we're gonna avoid the word "addicted") to certain things that YOU introduced me to.

Here is a list to name a few:

Revenge (TV Show)

Pretty Little Liars (TV Show)

Gossip Girl -or was that Kimberly? Eh, I'll just blame you. (TV Show)

The Selection Series (3 Books)

The Prophecy of the Sisters Series (3 Books)

Entwined (Book)

The Book Thief (Movie and Book)

That's not even a complete list, my dear sister. 

Let me just tell you two quick stories. Okay, maybe four. 

Story 1- Revenge

"You won't be able to stop watching it!" Well, by George, you were right. Only, I watch what there was on Netflix and became increasingly annoyed with the way TV producers/writers seem to think that a BAZILLION seasons with little to no plot progression is desirable (ABC, I'm looking at you! LOST? Once Upon a Time?? Revenge??? C'MON!!!) So, until the series is either cancelled or actually comes to an end. This one is on hold.

I like endings. I like them when they are well written, planned out before hand, make sense and don't throw random Polar Bears into the mix. My new catch phrase is "Don't worry because in the end, we'll find out they're all dead anyway." Stupid.

Story 2- Pretty Little Liars

Now, this. This is just mean. When you told me to watch this on Netflix, I naively believed that the four seasons on Netflix made up the entire series. Meaning, I'd see the story start to finish. But, no! No, they just happen to have another 3 seasons ahead of them! Just end it! "A" can't keep slipping through the cracks like this, Ali just makes me want to punch her in the face, the other girls must be REALLY naive if they think sticking by her is somehow going to help her or them, and I'm just tired of everyone being dumb. Just stop. Alas, I still watch it, every week, with the hope that the ABC Family writers will get their junk together...*sigh*

Story 3- The Selection Series

This series was good. Really, really good. What I didn't know and wasn't informed of, little Lauren, was that it was part of a SERIES and that series WASN'T EVEN DONE BEING WRITTEN! How could you do that to me? You're like a drug dealer but instead of illegal substances you "Fox Books"ed me! ("sell them cheap books and legal addictive stimulants"-You've Got Mail). Only you deal in books and tv shows! I loved it though. When the 3rd book came out, I was on my way home from a girl's trip, in the car and used my phone as a hotspot to buy and then download the book to my iPad. I don't think I've ever read a book faster. No, not "read", devoured. It was so good! Everyone should read it. The most bizarre mix of The Bachelor, Cinderella and The Hunger Games.

Last Story- The Prophecy of the Sisters

Now, this was more recent. You suggested it, I bought the book, but it sat on my shelf until just a couple weeks ago. I decided to take this book with me to Lake Powell so I had something to do when I wasn't in the water. Well,  you have a bad habit of not telling me when something is part of a series so I, yet again, flew through this book, this really interesting, really intriguing book just to come to the end and realize that it's a part of a trilogy! To make matters worse, of getting the next two books! Though I will say that I was happy to find that this trilogy was completed. When I got home, I downloaded the next two books. It's insane how I let you do this to me. 

In the end, however, I have enjoyed this roller coaster and will probably listen to you the next time you tell me to "read this" or "watch that". Only, I'm gonna get wise and ask you, "Is it a part of a series?" and "Is that series completed?" because, truly, you have great taste. So thanks!

We'll Have a Ball!

For most who know me or follow me on Instagram know that I like to work out. 

I've even given myself the name of "Bike Babe" because about a year ago I had tendonitis bad enough that I had to stop running and turned to biking. 

Lately, biking has only been one of the many workouts I've been doing. I really enjoy water aerobics or aqua zumba, weights, the eliptical and...

THIS.

A weighted stability ball. 

(It doesn't hurt that this Reebok ball is purple!! Love it.)

I think the reason I like this so much is because it's pretty easy to watch TV and workout, which I have done almost everyday since buying it at Target.

Not only that but it comes with a DVD with two workouts. An express 20 minute workout or a 40 minute workout for when you have the time. So, if you're me, you have no excuse to not do the 40 minute workout.

Let me just tell you that it is INTENSE!!

I thought, "Oh, it's just a ball and we're just going to be bouncing on it."

HA! HAHAHA! No.

 This ball is weighted. There is sand in the ball and, by George, if that doesn't up the ante I don't know what will. It's like doing Jillian Michaels with five pound weights strapped to your arms!! My body hurts SO GOOD after finishing a workout which mean two things: 1. Clearly I need to workout like that more because there are muscles that hurt that haven't hurt for ages and 2. It's a good workout.

I think my favorite part about this stability ball is the fact that crunches don't hurt my back. As for my favorite part of the workout? THE INSTRUCTOR!! She's pretty funny and seems really sweet. Encouraging but not forceful. It's basically an awesome 40 minutes of my day. You should try it out!

Olsen Family Reunion, Year Two

The Olsen family is a boat and lake family.

I am also a boat and lake person, so I guess it's a good thing that I am now a part of the Olsen Family!

Every year, we have a small family reunion down at Lake Powell here on the Utah side.

Basically, it's just a really great time playing in the water, hiking, learning (for me at least) water sports and
getting some much needed vitamin D.

Though I didn't get up and STAY up on the wake board, I did try my best and made a lot of progress. I now have a lovely tan and can't wait to go back next year.
I love my family!

A Cousin Vacation

So, sometimes I have lofty goals. 

For example: An Olsen cousin "vacation".

It started out being a trip to  Lake Powell over Pioneer Day weekend. 

But then we didn't have access to a boat. 

So we decided we could rent one for one of the days we'd all be there. 

But then we only had 4 cousins who could actually make it. 

So the four of us decided we could go by ourselves. 

But boat rental is expensive split two ways (two couples, you see.)

Then we decided camping up north would be just as fun. 

But then there were other hiccups. 

 But Neil and I were up for the challenge. 

You see, Jaiden and Beckah,(the other cousins) needed emergency assistance in regards to their town home, so Neil and I rolled up our sleeves and went to work.  But, we also rolled up our sleeves and went to play.

Work hard, play hard. 

There is no try. 

Yoda said that. I promise.

Anyway, it was quite the adventure and packed with FUN every step of the way. (Even though I was low on sleep and somewhat grouchy at times...Sorry, guys!)

Bear Lake back to Logan back to Bear Lake back to Provo. 

Two Year Anniversary

We still need to take our family pictures (like the ones we took last year) but aside from that, Neil and I recently celebrated our first two years of marriage.

We wanted something low key, not too expensive but FUN so we decided to spend a day at Lagoon!

When I was a kid, I got scared on roller coasters, as a teen, I couldn't get enough of them and now that I'm a little older, I'm having a hard time enjoying the adrenaline of roller coasters (and even bouncy boats! See the Lake Powell post coming soon!)

That being said, we did have a great time! We played in the water park, we ate deliciously fattening park foods, we rode a LOT of roller coasters and I even convinced Neil to go on the twirly swings. (He's not a fan of things that go around in circles. He prefers up and down rides.)

My Old Kentucky Home Vacation: Day 6, 7 and 8 Heading Home

Sunday we started heading home. 

On our way we passed through Indiana and I asked if we could take a detour to visit my Grandaddy's grave site.

Before we arrived there though, we found ourselves in the town of Santa Claus, IN. It has a massive amusement park and is THE place to go to find any and all Christmas decorations you may be looking for. Kristen was in HEAVEN.

We found ornaments, Christmas paintings and....SANTA!!

He was really there! But he was, of course, on vacation. It was so cool.

After we'd had our fill of Christmas in Springtime, we headed for Evansville. 

After some looking, we found the family grave site. My grandaddy and his family were buried  by one another and it was an emotional but happy happenstance.

It meant a lot to me to spend time there and tell some stories about him. 

We finished with a picnic and hopped back in the car with our sights set on Kansas City, MO but wanted to make one last pit stop to see the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

We thought we'd get there before closing but we we just a few minutes too late so we gazed at them through the gate. They were still beautiful.

  After dinner, we made our stop for the night at a cousin's house. It was so nice to stretch out and get some sleep knowing we still had a ways to go.

Monday we woke up early and visited the Independence Visitor's Center and Liberty Jail. I'd never been to either location before (that I can remember) but it was such a beautiful spiritual experience that I was grateful we decided to go.

Day 7
We made it all the way to Denver, ate some Chinese food to "celebrate" Cinco de Mayo" and found a place for the night.

Day 8- Home Again, Home Again!
Though it was a most splendid vacation with just us girls, it was really nice to finish that last leg of the trip. We all returned to our homes, families, pets and BEDS. Hopefully next year brings about another fun adventure.

Maine, anyone?

My Old Kentucky Home Vacation: Day 5

So, you know, just catching up. 

Day 5 of our adventure was really a lot of fun and quite educational. 

We decided that we wanted to go and tour a horse barn. We were in Kentucky, so why not?

Well, Thoroughbred "Barns" aren't all to common near Louisville. Lexington, yes, however, Lexington was farther than we were willing to drive AND it was Derby Saturday so we didn't think any tours would be taking place. But that was only after we'd set up the tour at Undulata. 

It was such a beautiful estate. 

We got to watch the horses being trained and warmed up. 

We toured the house (and I was geeking out about all of the FABULOUS furniture.)

AND we got to see a colt that had been born mere hours before we had arrived.

 
 
After our tour we headed to the Louisville Temple and then to Downtown LaGrange. It was great, only everything closed early for the Derby so we didn't get to see much. Not even a train!


 

Following our visit to Downtown LaGrange, we headed home, placed some at home bets for the Derby and watched. We all picked our top 4 and my number 2 horse came in first, so it's a good thing there wasn't any money placed for these bets because I would've lost. After the Derby I made a quick visit to a friend (Hey Alisa!!) and then headed back home. 

It was a crazy long, beautiful day of education and fun.

My Old Kentucky Home Vacation Day 4:The Kentucky Oaks

This day. 

There were so many crazy, funny, exciting and awesome things about this day.

Day four of our vacation was the whole purpose of our trip. 

The Kentucky Oaks!

Just as fun as the Kentucky Derby but NOT just as expensive. 

It was an absolute joy to have my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt-in-law and Grandmama all there for this occasion. I'm really blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Before we left for the races we decided that some good, old fashioned Southern "porch photos". Or at least, that's what I call them!

When we felt that we had our fill of pictures we headed to the races!

The official color of the Kentucky Oaks is PINK in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. There was plenty of Pink to be seen. It was truly a beautiful day.


Now, for the "butt" story of the day. I mentioned in my Day 3 post that we saw a lot of butts on this trip. Well, here is today's story.
 It's no secret that there is plenty of booze to be had at the Downs during the races. Though none of our party drinks, plenty of people around us did. There was a particular group of beautiful young women sitting in front of us that had...probably way too much to drink. Lily after Lily after Mint Julep after Beer...They were delightfully fun to watch as they got more and more excited about the races. During one particular race they started to stand up on the bleachers, like the rest of the crowd,  but for one lady in particular, it just wasn't meant to be.
As she stepped up onto the bleacher, she wobbled, steadied herself but wobbled again and back to the ground she went. She landed on her feet but her her skirt didn't make it. She was wearing one of those skirts with the zipper all the way up the backside and when she fell BAM! Out came her bottom. 
It was thoroughly entertaining to watch her friends laugh and wobble as they gathered around her to fix her skirt. I don't know how long it took them to fix it but I'm sure good times were had by all. 

 


Finally, it was time for THE race. The Kentucky Oaks race. I will admit here and now that I did indeed place a bet on a horse. I figured, I'm not a gambling girl and, in fact, it kind of scares me to bet on things I have no control over. But I decided that I was there, dressed up, hat and all, I might as well complete the experience by placing a bet. So, I bet on the favorite to win because it seemed like a safe bet. I placed a $9 Win (First) Place (Second) or Show (Third). Meaning, if the horse I chose came in first, second or third, I'd get something back and not lose my entire $9. 
 
 And what do you know? My horse won! I won $15 and was very satisfied. 
We all had such a wonderful day and I am so happy that we got to experience the thrill of the Downs.