Self Incrimination

So...I'm starting a little experiment of sorts.  I started doing a Jillian Michael's video every few days for the past few weeks.  She's intense and it's great workout!  The one I have is called "Extreme Shed and Shred" but I know she has others...a 30 day shred, in particular.  So I thought, ok...what if I strictly do this video every day for the next 30 days?  Will there be much of a difference in my body?  I'm anxious for there to be some sort of difference!  I mean, come on, it's getting closer to the 80s here, which is closer to summer, which is closer to swimsuit season.  You get the idea.

Anyway, I hear this whole being "in shape" thing might have something to do with what I eat, but we'll get there.  Inevitably the more you work out, the less junk you want to eat.  I haven't decided if I want to commit to her meal plan that comes with the DVD, because I'm kind of anti-dieting, but the truth is...most of the time I have no idea what to eat.  So...I might take a peek at it and decide if it's right for me.

Ok, so my plan is to do Level 1, five days a week for 2 weeks, then Level 2 for 2 weeks, and then the full hour with both workouts for the last 2 weeks.  I know...I'm going to die.  But I need some motivation right now.  Don't worry, I'll still be running when I can, especially on Saturdays, and not just because I got new shoes and am super stoked to break them in!  Mostly it's because I love running too, so that won't be going away any time soon.

Why am I posting this, you ask?  Because now I'm accountable.  Also...I took "Before" pictures and thought of posting them...until I saw them.  Now, nobody but me (and my poor mother, who had to take them) will get to see them.  If the results are awesome, I may get crazy and post them...but you'll really have to prove that you're good friends...bc they aren't pretty.

Sigh...I Heart this Song

I know you've all heard me rave before about how much I love this group, expecially after I saw them live last year.  But seriously, how can you not love them?  Magical every time.  Maybe this is my theme song right now, maybe.

10 or 16 on...Sunday

I was tired of looking at the same post and I need to get back on this blogging train before it derails!  Lucky for you!  This is my life right now...

1.  I finished my dresser and I am in love with it!  In.love.

 Before

After

2.  The first step to recovery is accepting you have a problem.  My name is Melissa and I am a hopeless dater.  I know, a little dramatic, right?  Not really.  I just realized today (because I went to my Uncle's ward and saw an attractive man that my uncle keeps mentioning he wants to set me up with).  I totally approve and would love to go out with this guy sometime.  So, my aunt and uncle point him out and tell me I should introduce myself sometime.  Uh...yeah.  Don't you think I'd be less single if I was actually capable of losing my insecurities in front of attractive men and introducing myself?

3.  I booked a trip to go out to New York by myself in May and see if it's a good fit.  I hope New York is the best decision I make...

A little 10k at Lake Mead in January

4.  My friend turned 30 on Thursday and so we were discussing our twenties with the few of us who were there at dinner and how fun they were/are.  I will still thoroughly be enjoying mine for the next 4 months, thank you!  I was thinking at my desk at work the next day though...I think your 20's are about coming into your own, and your 30's are about learning to stand on your own.  At least for me.  I'm excited about that!

5.  I've been watching the OC from the first season this past week and I've decided that I would like to have my own Seth Cohen.  A little nerdy, a little sarcastic, and totally handsome.

6.  My biggest goal in life is that I NEVER want to be a bitter person.  I don't ever want to be known as the bitter girl, or the bitter old lady.  I don't want to bring others down.  I really try to live my life as the happy, optimistic person.  Clearly, we all have our days, but as a whole I always want to be the happy person.

My little Jonas-face nephew turned 5.  Holy catfish!

7.  I think my little running hiatus needs to come to an end.  Even though I'm not currently training for anything, I'm going to get back into a regular running/exercise routine.  I'm feeling the effects of not having one and I'm pretty sure it's time to get back on that pony!

8.  I'm having a hard time feeling like I fit into any singles ward right now, but I'm definitely not ready for the family ward.  Ever since I sort of tried to move my records last month to another ward, I'm feeling like a bit of an outcast.  It's so weird though, because I love the spirit I feel in my ward.

9.  I went scorpion hunting with black lights and swords for the first time last weekend and it was so cool!  How have I never walked around with a black flashlight in an empty house before?  Did you know that scorpions glow a really bright neon yellow under black lights?  That's pretty neat.

My friend, David, came out for a little visit and we had a blasty blast!

10.  I found a few gray hairs when I was in Colorado a couple of weekends ago and a few more since then (I'm sure they're just the same ones).  I guess I can't live in denial anymore...

11.  Speaking of Colorado...I had a blast!  I went out to visit my best friend from High School and her cute little family.  It was a little bit freezing, and it snowed the first night I was there, but we took her girls swimming, had a girls' date night with just me and Robyn, and got both little girls' ears pierced while I was there.  They look so cute!!  Taylor freaked out a little and got mad, as we expected...and London cried for about 0.5 seconds and then was fine.  Such pretty ladies!

12.  I went and got massages with my friend yesterday and had a little spa day and it was glorious!  Those definitely need to happen more than once or twice a year.

13.  Of all the sports a girl should be interested in, why is UFC the only one I ever have been??

I actually finished and mailed a quilt out to a friend nearly a month BEFORE her baby was due.  And she just had him last weekend too.  Cute little guy.

14.  It's been in the 70's all week/weekend and I'm getting a little excited for spring to come and for my alabaster skin to get maybe a tinge less alabaster.

15.  I paid off my car this month!  It feels so great.  The best part, too, is that I am scheduled to be debt free by the end of the year.  Yippee!!  Thanks, Mom and Dad, for letting me live at your casa and get ahead of my life for a minute!

16.  Do you guys back up your pictures?  I mean, I have all of mine on an external hard drive, but what if that crashes someday??  I've only printed mine up through 2007.  What do you guys do?  Michael made fun of me when I said I had "photo albums" the other day.

Lovey Lovey Smoochy Mushy!

I looooove Valentine's Day!  I've said it once and I'll say it again!  So, true to fashion, I must blog about my love for it.  Not sure if y'all remember this oldie but goodie from 2008, but it's the year my outlook on Valentine's Day changed and I'm so grateful for that!  I love the love that is spread everywhere on Valentine's Day and I love that we get a special day to actually take a min and tell the ones we love that we love them.

I've been in an uber grateful mood lately and have realized all the crazy bazillion things that I've been blessed with.  Clearly, at the top of my list are my family and friends.  But truly...I have the most amazing friends and family and couldn't imagine my life without a single one of them.

So Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovers out there!

And ps...I'm filling my Valentine's Day with people and things I love...like sugar cookies, pretty things, and gardens :)

Random sidenote:  that last post was my 300th.  Crazy!  Who knew?

What's a Girl to Do?

Being a girl is hard!  Maybe not all the time, because it's a lot of fun too, but the decion-making part of being an adult in general is hard!  I'm turning 30 this year, which isn't really a huge deal.  People do it all the time.  I'm just having a bit of an early-mid-life crisis.  I sincerely don't know what to do with my life.  I truthfully never thought I would be 30 and still single.  Thus, I thought my life would have been figured out by now. 

I know I'm probably stereotyping, but I feel like 30 isn't really a big deal for those of you who are married and have families.  It seems like you already know where your life is going and that you have a sense of purpose.  You may certainly correct me if I'm wrong!

Anyway, so this year has already got me thinking about my future.  If I'm going to be 30 and single, then I should probably think about getting an actual career to support myself and possibly doing something I love.  I've been interested in Interior Design since High School and have just never taken the plunge and risked not being good at it to see if I actually am.  So, I'm asking all of you non-commenters out there who read the blog (because I know you do!) to comment this time.  I am sincerely seeking advice from all of you out there.  I'm torn between a few things:

Plan A
Move to NYC when Michael moves out there this Fall, work for a year, then start going to FIT doing their Interior Design program.  I'd work for a year to get instate tuition, because the difference is huge!

Plan Aa
Move to NYC just for a new adventure, new scenery, because I have no ties and it would be a fun experience...and because I can.

Plan B
Stay in Las Vegas, go to UNLV doing their Interior Design program (which could take up to 4 years), then intern out in NYC, graduate, and then move out to NYC to work.

Plan Bb
Accept my life as it is here (because it's really not terrible and I am very content/comfortable), continue doing AR and my floral design side business, move into my own place, and make the best out of the social scene here.

Sidenote:  I could also throw in finishing my degree in Psychology and becoming a Child Life Specialist, working with terminally ill children in a children's hospital.  But secretly always be wondering about Interior Design.

Ok, so that's the sitch.  Please help me figure out my life!

Cliffs Notes for 2011

Here we go.  Another year has come and gone.  I guess I must have turned into an adult at some point without my knowledge, because when you're young time goes by sooooo ssssllloooowwwwllllyyyyy, but this year went by with lightning speed!  Jeepers Mr!  So, in true tradition let's revisit this post and do it up again 2011 style.

Looking back, I've realized that 2011 was a roller coaster of a year emotionally and spiritually.  Those things are ok though.  Sometimes you need a bit of a rougher year in some areas to make the good ones even better.  I mean, don't get me wrong, it was a great year and so many fun and amazing things happened, I just struggled to keep my spirituality up where it's been in the past and I feel like I had a lot of tough personal decisions to make.  Anywho...let's see how great this year really was!

1.  What did you do in 2011 that you've never done before?
Swam with sharks (at the Golden Nugget pool) and vacationed by myself in Huntington Beach for the 4th of July weekend (I kind of decided on a whim that if I was going to be alone for it, I wanted to be alone in a great place!  I hung out with my little brother a bit, and my friend, Josh, and his friends a bit.  Oh, and I peed in a gutter in Huntington Beach.  I had NO CHOICE!  You'll have to ask me if you want more details on that.  There's a first time for everything...)  And I learned (sort of) how to play the guitar this year - just one song, actually.

2.  Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more next year?
As I've said before, I don't really make resolutions, but I do make a yearly theme goal thing.  Last year's was for change (I think).  This year it's pretty much the same, I definitely need change in my life.  If I keep doing what I'm doing, I'm going to keep getting what I'm getting and I think that's the definition of insanity when you do the same things and expect different results.  In addition to this, I'm adding following my heart/dreams/just going for things and not being afraid.

3.  Did anyone close to you give birth?
A better question would be, did anyone close to me not give birth?  Sheesh!  It felt like all of my friends gave birth this year.  My sister in law, Renee, had my oh -so-sweet-and-cute-and-everything-great little nephew, August.  My cousin's wife had their little Daymon just a couple weeks before August came.  My Robyn friend had her sweet little London a bit earlier than expected.  Becky had her little meatball, Julia.  Liz had a rolly polly little Oliver.  Lindsay had sweet little Sage, and Jacklyn had her tough guy, Simon.  There might be more...so if I've forgotten you, it's not because you're not close to me and I don't love you...it's because my brain can't remember all of those babies!

4.  Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank heavens.  I have counted my blessings in that department this past year.

5.  What places have you visited?
Hmm...I went to the Seattle area, Portland, all over Southern California a few times, San Diego, San Francisco and all over Napa Valley, all over Southern Utah, Mesa Arizona (mostly Scottsdale to Tempe), Denver area a couple of times, and Canada.  Mostly just running all over the place, and visiting friends and family.  Oh!  And of course New York City!  I have been dying to go there for years and I finally went there this year and it was unbelievable.

6.  What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Love ;)  and more compassion

7.  What dates from 2011 will remain etched in your memory and why?
June 8-13th because I finally went to New York and had an incredible time.  May 3rd because one of my best friends, Megan, married her amazing husband and it was the sweetest, most special day for everyone close to them.  I could also note April 15-16th, because that was the first Ragnar relay race I did and I loved it bc it was with my best friends and we had the greatest time ever full of super fun memories that I will always cherish.  (cheesefest, Meliss!)

8.  What was your biggest achievement of this year?
Back to back 180-190 mile relay races.  I did them on back to back weekends and survived!  It was a little tough, but a BLAST!  I actually finished a few quilts and some projects I've had on my list for a while too.  Oh, and let's just note that there were 3 Relay races, 2 more Half Marathons, and a couple of 5k's total this year.  Not a bad year!

9.  Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope.  I count my blessings for that too.  With all of the running I do, I have been extremely blessed not to have been injured.

10.  What was the best thing you bought?
My Garmin watch, or my little nano ipod (part II, since I lost the first one during Ragnar SoCal...single tear.  He took his little nap sack and headed out into the great beyond in Carlsbad somewhere) who are my best little buddies.  I also loooove my beautiful wool plum peacoat, and my new West Elm bedding.  I redecorated my room a bit and I'll post pics as soon as I get new hardware for the dresser I refinished, and make a couple of new throw pillows.

11.  Where did most of your money go?
That's an easy one - Running races.  Hands down.  Holy moly.  I don't even dare add up everything I spent on gear, nutrition, travel, and race fees.  Totally worth it though, no matter what the cost.

12.  What song will always remind you of 2011?
A few actually...if I may.  Empire State of Mind because of an amazing performance done in Ellen's Stardust Diner in NYC, I've Got This Friend by the Civil Wars because I'm obsessed with them and finally saw them live (magical)!  Plus, I love that song and learned how to play it on the guitar this year.  AND...Mumford and Sons, The Cave.  Also, because I'm obsessed and I run to them all the time.

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

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

15.  What was your favorite TV program?
Oh gosh, you know me and my trashy tv addiction.  But, I can't miss an episode of Modern Family or Happy Endings.  And I'm currently addicted to PanAm, which is a new series set in the 1960's.  So good!

16.  What was the best book you read this year?
I read so many!  I absolutely loved The Book Thief by Markus Zusak though.  I recommend this book to everyone I talk to.

17.  What was your favorite film of the year?
Naturally, Harry Potter 7 was hands down the best.  Also, I'm a bit of a sinner...but Bridesmaids tops my charts too.  I haven't laughed that much in a minute!  Looking at the last couple of yearly posts, I guess I don't stray much in my movie favorites from HP and something that makes me laugh.

18.  What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned the big 2-9 in the Big Apple.  Best. Birthday. Ever!  I don't know how I'm going to top that whole week.  My actual birthday included seeing a couple of apostles speak, going to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET, eating ridiculously delicious cookies from Levain bakery, a walk in Central Park, a row on the lake in Central park, eating yummy chinese food, and killing a huge cupcake from Crumbs all by myself.  I can't lie...I do my birthdays up right!  And don't worry...I have some pretty good plans for 30 this year.

19.  What political issue stirred you the most?
I really should just take this question out of the lot because it doesn't pertain to me.  At all.  I don't pay attention to politics.  It's just not my thing.

20.  Who was the best new person you met?
August was the best new person I met :)  I just love him and my other little nephews so much!

Ok - cheesy sidenote...answering these questions and looking back has been making me more thankful than ever for my amazing friends and family.  I have managed to surround myself with the best people, full of love, sincerity, and everything a girl could ask for.  I am the luckiest!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I feel like I haven't blogged in a minute!  I've been having so much fun though and have just been too busy to sit down and feel like blogging about it all.  So, here's your Reader's Digest version, and of course, some random thoughts!

- Sometimes I feel like Sharpie markers smell like Egg Nog to me.  No?  Maybe I just have the Holidays on the tip of my mind.

- Really feeling like it's Christmas this year and I love it!  I love Christmas and I've really just been so excited about it this year.  It could be because we had such a great Thanksgiving to kick it off.

- I already have a few new races already and travels booked for the New Year and I'm so excited!  It's off to Canada for the New Year, then a 10k up at Lake Mead in January.  Next I've got a little 5k for Make a Wish in Feb and up to Colorado to play in the snow with Robyn and her girlies.  And last but not least...a Half in Phoenix in March.  I think it's a pretty good start :)

- We had a super fun Book club last week with a really great discussion and I loved it!  There were a lot of differing views and opinions and it made the discussions a lot of fun.  Before we discussed the book, though, we were talking about love languages.  I was trying to figure out my love language and honestly, I have no idea!  Maybe I don't even have one!  haha!  Really though, if I can't figure it out...I really don't expect anyone else to figure it (or me) out either.

- I haven't even talked about how amazing my trip to LA with Janeen was a few weekends ago.  It was one of the best weekends I've had in a minute!  We were nice and lazy, we ate great food, walked on the beach a few times, got sketchy Asian massages, stayed in a lovely hotel in the perfect area, and of course...went to the best live show I've ever seen in my life.  AMAZING!!  We finally saw the Civil Wars and I seriously can't express how awesome it was.  It was just 2 people and a guitar and it was absolutely incredible!  We were sooooo sad when it was over.

- I decided to spoil myself and I'm redoing my room.  I bought a duvet cover from West Elm last year, felt guilty, and ended up taking it back.  So I've been thinking about it for a year and decided that I didn't just want it...I needed it!  I got it in a pretty gray print this time, and I'm pairing it with yellow and blue.  I'm even repainting my dresser yellow!  Don't worry...I'll post pics.

- I am absolutely in love with my nephews these days.  I seriously can't get enough of them and I love each of their unique and sweet little personalities.  They're all so different and I can't believe how much they're growing up and changing.  I got to spend the day with them yesterday while Matt helped Dad hang the lights on the house and it was so fun.  I just love them.

- We had so much fun for Thanksgiving this year!  I mean, we always have fun...obviously...but it was especially fun this year.  We had the big family dinner at our house, we shopped, I decorated Lois's house again, we stayed up late playing games and laughing, Michael and I did an art project, and Laci and I sewed.  We signed up to feed the homeless the Saturday following Thanksgiving, and when we got there there were too many volunteers, so they sent us away.  We figured we already had a babysitter for the boys, so we all went bowling.  It was a blast!!  Laci and I tied up that evening by an hour and half battle of Just Dance on the Kinect.  It was amazing and we picked up some pretty sweet new moves!

- My bf Joni is having a girl!  It's so exciting that my friends have all been having babies lately and building their little families!  Even though I only have nephews, I'm getting more and more baby girl pseudo neices and I absolutely love that!

- I got fired from my calling last weekend, but I got one that I love and that means so much to me.  I guess I just wasn't ready to be back in the Relief Society Presidency again, so they got rid of me and put me back in the role of Temple co-chair.  I absolutely love the temple and I'm so glad to be doing what I love again.

- I feel like there are a lot of big decisions to make lately, and even though it can be kind of nerve-wracking and hard, it's also very exciting!

- Many of you know I'm obsessed with nail polish and when I was in LA I got some new nail polishes that I'm absolutely in love with!  I found a matte top coat that is pretty much changing my world, and a really cool magnetic polish that is so fun to play with.

- My dad is the best example of service.  He's always stopping to help people, or give people a dollar or two, or buy a meal, or whatever it is they need.  Sometimes I wish I was a dude, so I could stop and help people and not be afraid of all the horror stories that you hear about happening.  I always feel so bad when I see people walking with grocery bags, because I had to do that a few times in college and it's awful!  I always want to give those people rides, but I never do because I'm a single gal and apparently it's not safe.

- On that note, I'm a pretty lucky gal, because my dad is a great example of a solid priesthood holder and a lot of things I'm looking for in a guy.