Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Lindsay! You win!! And not just by default because you're the only one who actually listed songs. I listened to the songs and I liked them...a lot! They will be going on my new mix tape, that I will be sending you as well. Also...I need to send you that Canadian itunes gc from the Reunion last summer, so it's a win/win for you. Hooray!!!

AND ps...you are such a tease! I was sooooooo excited that you guys even thought about doing Ragnar with us. Ah, man! That would have been so fun!! Maybe next time, when you have more notice or something...

Ok, so I purchased the Nano and am super excited to use it...as soon as I move all my itunes from my old compy to my new one. Yippee! It's so cute and happy just sitting in it's little box waiting for me :)

Oh, and I have to clear something up...the way I wrote about Britney in the last post was not right. I loooooove her!! I hope she didn't read that last post and think we weren't friends anymore. I better call her....

I meant that I had surpassed some of her songs that absolutely need to be on my list. Heck...I could just run to an entire playlist of her! So, seriously...if you need new songs for running, there are a few that will be staying on my list. You absolutely have to have "Do Something" by Brit, and "My Perogative" by Brit. For some reason that last one gets me ultra pumped, especially at the end of a run. I'm realizing that I think I'm into "girl power" music when I run. It makes me feel strong and unstoppable for some weird reason. I know, I'm cheesy. Also, "The Distance" by Cake, and my middle of the run, slower song is "Free Me" by Joss Stone. (I have a girl crush on her, big time...but that's not the point...) See! I run to music too, not HP all the time! haha.

Ps...If I missed my long runs for the past 2 weeks bc of weddings (a 6 mile and an 8 mile), do you think I'll die this weekend if I do my scheduled 10 mile?? I need to know before I attempt it...

Runners Lament

Ok, so I have a dilemma...I started training for my upcoming Half and the Ragnar Relay recently and am having a heck of a time sticking to my schedule as well as I did last time. I'm blaming it on a lot of things because it's certainly not me! I've had weddings (only 2 weekends), and I'm getting tired of the music on my iPod shuffle. So, please tell me what you're running to these days. Yes, I still stick to HP on my longer runs, but I need jazzier tunes for my runs less than 5 or 6 miles. I'm thinking of adding Uprising by Muse, and there are a few classic Britney's I have surpassed, but seriously...I need suggestions. I may even get creative and make a mixed tape of a new running mix to give away. I've never done that, but it sounds like a fun way to spice up my blog (and my runs). I'll even ship to Canada! Let's see...I guess I have to figure out how to determine a winner...post a comment with your top 5 running jams by Feb 7th, and whoever has the best list will get a newly concocted mix tape of fine running tunes! Sound good? Good.

Also, my 1st Edition, Fred Flintstone, iPod stick shuffle is failing me and shuffling the same 6 songs. I keep it in the zip pouch on my butt, so I don't mess with it and it's starting to get a little ridiculous and monotonous. I need a reliable music source that I can put HP AND a running playlist on to shuffle through so when I'm out I don't have to wear that big arm band thing with my huge Ipod. It totally chafes my arm! So, what do you guys think...new Shuffle or new Nano?

Furthermore...my bff Joni gave me a sweet Nike Sportband for Christmas. I've been so excited to use it, but I lost the original sensor. So, I bought a new one and finally figured out how to attach it to my non-Nike shoe properly and get it to sync with my Sportband. BUT I cannot for the life of me get it to calibrate. Has anyone had any experience with these? I'll run 4 miles and it will say I've gone 1.92. I'll run 3 miles and it will tell me I went 0.79 miles. So, clearly my pace is wayyyy off. Advice??

ps...there are still a few open spots on our Ragnar Relay So Cal team...if you're interested ;)

The Queen of Everything

My beautiful, sweet cousin, Tasha, passed away 6 years ago today so I had to put a little something on my blog for her. She had the best smile and the best laugh (and the best cleavage - per her sisters, bc of her wicked scar! hehe) Even though she was born with a heart condition, it never crossed my mind that she wouldn't live as long as the rest of us. This isn't a sad post - it's a happy one! She had an amazing little life and got to do so many things. I have a really close family, and I know that not a day goes by that we don't think of her or miss her, but we will see her again! I have this little frame on my dresser to remind me of her. I seriously wish you could have heard her laugh/giggle. It was the best! And she did it a lot :) Anyway, so here's a little shout out to her and a celebration of her life and the happiness she brought to each of us. She was the "Queen of Everything" - Mary Englebright

Start Spreading the News!

This year may have gotten off to a bit of a rocky start, but guess what I just booked for my birthday in June??



I'm so excited I think I peed a little!! AND I'm going to Seattle in March to run another Half Marathon that goes all around Mercer Island. So pretty! I'm so excited for that too!

And let's not forget that many of my friends and family have weddings, babies, and graduations coming up this year. It's going to be a great year!!

ps..I did a new post the other day, but it's below the last one...just in case you missed it :)

Keep Breathing...

This is my favorite song right now...

Thank You for Being a Friend...2010

So...my little brother was catching up on my blog and liked a pic from a post I did last January

(which I still need to send to him). I read back and found this quaint little post that I am totally

going to do again this year because it's kind of fun to see what you did last year. Am I at a loss for things to blog about? No. I had a super great Christmas and New Year and Holiday season with tons of pictures and fun family times that I could post, but I feel like doing this instead.

1. What did you do in 2010 that you've never done before?

I went on a cruise, ran a half marathon, and learned how to fish!

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make New Year's resolutions, because I feel like I'm constantly making goals and trying to be better all year. I DO choose a theme for my year though. I think last year's theme was

about not being afraid to do new things, and just going with the flow of life. I think I did a pretty

good job! I've made a new theme for this year as well.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Ask me next year!! My sister in law, cousin's wife, and 2 of my friends from high school are currently due this summer...and I'm sure there are more to come. Yay!! Oh, but in 2010 my friend, Carrian, had her sweet little Claire-ington Bear. She's sooo cute!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not this year, thank goodness.

5. What places have you visited?

I didn't go to many new places this year...Mexico, Canada, California, Utah, and many Denver trips. I did go camping in Yampa, CO, which was really fun, new, and adventurous!

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

Oh man, I don't know. I just realized last night how incredibly blessed I am, so it seems selfish to say I want more. I still need patience though, a better brain/mouth filter, better listening skills, more money, no debt (I'm well on my way though!)

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched in your memory and why?

So many! March 19th, because that was my first date with Daniel. March 20th, because that was the day I got to be an Escort for my friend, Sarah, as she went through the temple for the first time. Awesome experience! Nov 13th, because that was the day I did my first Half Marathon (and Joni's birthday!). June 12th (my birthday), because that was the first spa day and the beginning of Joni's and my new birthday tradition. The cruise in April, two 10-year High School Reunions (Canada and Vegas) in July and October. I'm sure there are more...

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

13.1 miles!! And a great relationship that lasted just over 9 months. I don't count it as a loss because of all that I learned and who I spent it with.

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Meh, not really. Just little hip and knee pains from running. I think I'm 90!

10. What was the best thing you bought?

We all bought my mom a Mother's ring for Christmas and she loved it! Tears were shed...we scored! Best gift ever!! Thanks Jeff White Designs!! Oh, and of course I love Kindle. He was a great purchase too.

11. Where did most of your money go?

Hmmm...probably paying student loans, etc. off, plane tickets, clothes, and eating out. I can't help it!! I love traveling, shopping, and eating yummy new foods!!

12. What song will always remind you of 2010?

Like a G6 by Far East Movement - it was on my running mix AND they made a wicked Harry Potter version. Seriously...

13. What do you wish you would have done more of?

Everything! I feel like I fly through life and I should maybe slow down a bit and enjoy more. More reading, more walks, more sewing, more little creative projects...

14. What do you wish you would have done less of?

Worrying

15. What was your favorite TV program?

Stays the same - Modern Family, 30 Rock, Cougar Town, Bachelore/ette, RW/RR Challenge, Rachel Zoe Project, and Bethany Getting Married. I love semi-trashy TV!

16. What was the best book you read this year?

I read sooo many good ones! Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society, Glass Castle, Half-broke Horses to name a few... But The Help by Kathryn Stockett was the best. I often find myself wondering how the characters are doing? Like I should pick up the phone and call them or something. I'm so weird..

17. What was your favorite film of the year?

Despicable Me. haha! Classic. I can't help myself. I saw it with Daniel's mom, sister, and bro-in-law and we laughed our booties off! I then took my brother, Matt, to it and instantly introduced Mitchel as soon as he got home. Soo many good lines!

18. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Ahhh...Joni took me to my first spa day and it was wonderful! We ate great food at Yardhouse (mmmm...mac and cheese with truffle oil and applewood bacon), had a nice, quiet relaxing day in the spa with steam rooms and massages, and I came out to many, many messages of love on my phone when we finished. It was a great birthday! I turned 28 - still a spring chicken :)

19. What political issue stirred you the most?

I'm not political, so I don't really pay attention or get involved. I honestly don't really like politics and I can't vote or anything, so I just stay out of it.

20. Who was the best new person you met?

Daniel (even though I technically met him in 2009) and his family.

Where Am I??

Soo...I signed up for another half marathon in Seattle in March...but I didn't run this morning.

I don't know why...

Admittedly, I don't love living where it's cold, but I do love a good snowfall. There's something about it right after it falls and while it's falling that is so beautiful and peaceful. Once it gets all dirty and tracked out the magic is over, but I had to enjoy the view out my front door this morning before we drove to work. If you think Vegas drivers are bad in the rain, you should see them in the snow!

Happy New Year!