I am such a geek!

So, I was listening to my music while I was on the treadmill yesterday and "Bye Bye Bye" by Nsync played. Yes, I listen to boy bands while I exercise. Every time I hear that song I can't help but smile. I just wanted to jump off my treadmill and start dancing. I refrained, but I decided I wanted it as my ringtone, though. I figure, this song came out nine years ago; I was only 16. I'm old enough now for it to be more "tongue in cheeck" than "look, I'm cool." And that made me think of this hysterical episode of Scrubs when Turk uses Bye Bye Bye as his ringtone. Watch it, it's hilarious! I can't be the only geek out there, right? Anything you do that raises you to the level of geek?

Something new

I've been trying to broaden my horizons lately, particularly in the food/cooking area of my life. It hasn't been hard either, being very inspired by some great food blogs I found through Twitter, like Two Peas and Their Pod and Vintage Mixer. This new venture comes from Vintage Mixer. It's a Black Bean Burger recipe she posted. I really like black beans, and I've seen stuff like this before, so I decided to try it out. And frankly, it was excellent. The only changes I made was adding a little onion and garlic to the beans. And next time I'll probably omit the cilantro, because I'm pretty sure it's what gave me this awful heartburn. But, otherwise, a definite success. And so simple to make. This one has easily slipped it's way into my recipe box for good!

Motivation:the set of reasons that determines one to engage in a particular behavior.

Mat and I signed up for a gym last week and in six months, this is what I hope to look like.... Okay, okay, I'm completely kidding. But I certainly wouldn't mind getting fit and healthy. We're even working with one of the trainers there to get our workouts going. We worked our arms and legs this week, and now I can barely make it up to our second floor apartment. I'm not even joking. It's brutal. It kinda makes me hate this trainer, but I'm sure I'll like him once I start seeing results. Which I had better. The manager we talked to said it takes about six weeks to see results. It's been one, so in five more weeks I had better notice something. We're also trying to eat smaller meals and snacks so that we eat, like, five or six times a day. I feel like I'm constantly eating! And we're trying to cut out fast food, which is hard when dinners are my job and we get home from the gym at 7:30 pm. But, we've been doing pretty well, and hopefully we'll start feeling better, too. For now, the mere idea of standing up out of my desk chair terrifies me, cause it kills! But, this will pass, right? I mean, it's not like I'm going to feel like this for the next six months... I hope...

Crabby Patties!!

I promise, I'm not trying to create a food blog or anything. And normally, I don't have anything food related to talk about. But today, well, today is different. I've had a can of crab meat that I bought on a whim sitting in my cupboard for a little while now. I decided today I was going to use it. I found this recipe last night and just threw caution to the wind. It was laughably easy to make, and they turned out wonderfully, if I do say so myself. I went a little easy on the cayenne, cause I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to heat. They were very simple crab cakes, but I enjoyed them thoroughly. I will definitely be making these again.

Let me eat cake!

Every now and then I get a wild desire to bake something. Tonight was one of those times. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a bit of a carb addict (as a result, I am also not a size 2). I originally wanted to make cupcakes, but I had run out of liners. So I decided to make a cake with bright yellow frosting. Before anyone gets excited, it's a cake mix and jar of icing. I've made cakes from scratch before, but I'm more of an immediate gratification kind of girl. Especially when it comes to dessert. Besides, it's really good. I think I'll call it my "Come on Springtime" cake.

Not your grandmother's knitting

These are by designer Sandra Backlund from her current and previous collections. My jaw hit the floor when I saw these. I do a little crocheting, but I'm thinking I may need to switch to knitting. These pieces are admittedly not extremely wearable, but the inventiveness in each piece (not to mention the time!) is truly inspiring to me. Just fabulous.

Life is Good...

I am generally an advocate of appreciating the here and now. Being happy with what you've got and not always looking for the next thing to make you happy. But, even I sometimes get caught up in just worrying about my next move. Today has been a good day, and it made me stop and appreciate where I am in life. First of all, it is a beautiful day today. Cool at 40 degrees, but hardly a cloud in the sky. Second, I had an interview for an internship with Wasatch Woman magazine. I use the word "interview" loosely, as Pam (the editor in chief) said it wasn't really an interview. It went really well and I will be able to intern with them this summer. It's amazing because the magazine industry is exactly where I want to work. And this is a really great magazine that focuses on women in northern Utah. I just applied on a whim. I read the magazine and thought, "Why not?" So I emailed them and sent them some clips and here I am. And she said that since the magazine is growing, they are interested in grooming the interns to become permanent employees. That would, obviously, be an amazing opportunity. So, I guess the lesson for the day is appreciate your life at whatever stage your in and take the chance. You never know what might happen.

Local Talent: Music

While bored on campus today, I came across a few local bands/artists that I was impressed with. There's Melodramus, who are a rock/metal band from the Salt Lake area. Their music is an interesting mix of metal and 80's synthesizer. A mix that, in my opinion, works better on some tracks than others. Their song 30 Silver Pieces works it out well. To The Death was the next band I found. Now, try not to judge To The Death for being from Happy Valley. They're actually really good. My favorite of the bands I came across. They classify themselves as rock/indie and the lead singer has an interesting voice. This is definitely a cd I am adding to my collection. Then there's Michael Wine, who is very eclectic in his sound. Each song has an almost completely different genre, which in my opinion, makes it a little difficult to really get into. But all the songs are pretty good in their own right. Anyway, I just wanted to share the local talent. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.myspace.com/melodramus
http://www.myspace.com/tothedeathband
http://www.myspace.com/michaelwinemusic

I've been tagged... How exciting!

My Husband

1-Where did you meet your husband?
I high school. I was going with a friend to hang out with a guy she liked and some of his friends out in Corinne (if you know the area, you know how pathetic this is). I saw Mat and I immediately thought he was very attractive. I don't know if he said more than five words to me that night, but he was hot, so I didn't even care.

2- How long did you date before getting married?
We dated for a year and eight months before we got married. I hold the record in my family for longest courtship. Though part of that is because we were still in high school.

3-How long have we been married?
6 years and 4 months. Phew! It really doesn't feel like it's been that long.

4- What does he do that surprises you?
I don't think I fully understand this question. But, I'll try. It surprises me that for not being very religious, he has wonderful morals and values. He's a good person without really believing there's a carrot at the end of the stick. It surprises me when he knows the words to a song that I never would have guessed he likes. It surprises me when he's willing to see a ballet with me. It surprises me when he's so sensitive to me and my feelings and that he's just willing to listen to me vent and bitch without trying to fix things.

5- What is your favorite feature of his?
I love his eyes. They are dark brown. And I love his shoulders; so broad! And I love his legs; they aren't chicken-y at all. Very nice.

6- What is his best quality?
Besides what I listed in question 5? I guess his ability to make me feel so content. No matter what's going on or how stressed I am, when he wraps his arms around me it's like nothing in the world is wrong. He just makes me feel very safe.

7-Does he have a nickname for you?
Girly, Chickie, Butt...

8- What is his favorite food?
Lasagna. He loves cheese. And steak, when he cooks it at least. He makes a mean steak.

9- What is his favorite sport?
I'm actually the sports fan in the relationship. He likes to play football, a little. But he doesn't watch any at all.

10- When did you first kiss?
We kissed the night we met. Just a little peck. He claims I kissed him, but he totally kissed me.

11- What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
We are homebodies. We love cuddling and watching movies. Sunday afternoon naps on the couch are a personal favorite of mine.

12- Do you have any children?
Nope.

13- Does he have any hidden talents?
He's amazingly creative and I don't think many people get to see that side of him. He's great at woodworking, as well. He's built quite a bit of our furniture. He's got a good eye for art, too.

14- How old is he?
26

15- What is his favorite music?
I guess you'd just call is rock. Metallica, Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, Hinder...

16- What do you admire about him?
He is very caring, and sensitive to me. He is extremely kind and giving. And he almost never raises his voice to me, which I'm pretty sure I make difficult. He's just a very loving person.

17- What's his favorite color?
I honestly don't think he has one. As far as clothes go, he likes more muted colors, black, gray, brown, blue...

18- Will he read this?
Not unless he comes in and looks over my shoulder.

19- Who said "I love you" first?
He did. It didn't take him very long either. It took me a little longer to say back.

20- Who do I tag??? - Nikki Kirby, Ashley Hansen, Chelsea Hansen.... I don't think anyone else reads my blog...

Experiences, Part two

Some time back I posted a list of experiences I'd like to have in my lifetime. Well, now I'm posting to "tag" everyone who reads this to list theirs. You could either put your list in the comments or a link to your blog with your list in the comments. I think it would be interesting to see everyone's aspirations.
Here's a link to my previous Experiences post to refresh your memory.

Someone was certainly inspired...

I came across this music video a few days ago. I've never heard of Oren Lavie before, but this video really impressed me. It's so unique, I could watch it over and over again. And the songs pretty good, too...

What do you think?

OKay, okay, okay...

I don't really have much to say today, but it's been more than a week since my last post, so I feel it necessary to post something. Right now I'm sitting at home watching the SATC movie for the hundredth time. It always makes me want to move to the city. Not that the BC isn't great for some things. For example, it's a wonderfully clean, quiet city to raise a family in. But for a twenty-something couple with no children, it definitely leaves something to be desired. I went to Salt Lake yesterday to see my sister's new dog (adorable little Henry). I always love going to Salt Lake. Granted, as far metropolitan areas go, I understand this hardly makes the cut. But, for little Utah, it's all we've got. SLC, to me, feels like it's on the verge of something amazing. Many people don't know it (even I didn't until recently), but SLC has so much more to offer than you think. We have an emerging fashion industry that is nothing short of immpressive, we have enough farmer's markets and festivals to please any taste, our fine art scene downtown seems to be growing, and the architecure in the city is inspiring. More than just being a part of something established, Salt Lake City makes me feel like you're part of history. Part of the force that is creating a truly wonderful place to be.

5 things I am addicted to...

I've been tagged. I've never been tagged before, it's quite exciting. So, here goes...

1.) Coca Cola. It's a sickness, really. I'm fully aware that if I were to quit, I could easily lose ten pounds. But I'm just not strong enough. I get cravings that simply cannot be ignored.

2.) Scarves. All shapes, sizes and colors. I love all the different ways you can wrap them, and they way they add a splash of color to an outfit. Not to mention, they are usually rather inexpensive.

3.) Crocheting/yarn. I picked it up a few years ago, and I just love it. It's my favorite way to relax. Though it will give me a nasty kink in the neck if I do it for too long. But I just love mastering a new stitch and perusing the yarn section of the craft store, imagining all the wonderful things I could make.

4.) My husband. Sure, there are days I'd like to smother him in his sleep. And I'm sure he feels the same way about me. But I don't think I could go without him. The way he wraps his arm around me and makes me feel utterly safe, or the way he looks at me when I'm in my pajamas like I'm the hottest thing he's ever seen. The list would simply be too long to attempt. Suffice it to say, he makes me very happy. (Sorry, no pic. He's very camera shy.)

5.) Shoes. Okay, I know. I couldn't be a bigger cliche. And I do basically love all things fashion related, but there is truly something special about shoes. I mean, when was the last time you tried on a shoe and felt like it made your butt look fat. Shoes can make or break and outfit. And one glance into my closet suggests I can't get enough.

Wow, this was harder than I expected. So, I guess at this point I am supposed to tag people. Well, I guess I tag my sisters, Sam, Jeni and Kristine. Have fun girls!

Okay, come on guys...

All you need to do is click on the word "link." It is the link.
Here, you can copy and paste it if that still won't work.
http://www.hardnewscafe.usu.edu/artlife/features/012709_finearts.html

It's official

As some of you may know, I'm currently a journalism student. Well, my first article has been published on the University's news website, The Hard News Cafe, and I just have to share my excitement. So here's a link. I'd love feedback!

I'm with the band!

No, really! One of them is my brother. Can you tell which one?

This band is called Get Scared. These three guys have known each other for a very long time. Bradley Lloyd and Nicholas have been in a band together for almost 10 years now. They've been talented all along, but their new sound is even better than before and truly showcases their talents. They've really grown as musicians and it's apparent. I recommend checking them out. They are in the hard rock genre, but their musicality is incredible. I have very few other cds in my collection that would also belong in this genre, but I really enjoy their new songs. Check them out on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/getscaredrock

Do you ever feel like you've run out of things to say?

I'm there...

New Year, New Me?

Well, not exactly. I did chop my hair, though. As some of you may know I went blond over the summer. I liked it, but it just wasn't me, so I decided to go back to brunette. Unfortunately, my hair was a little worse for wear and was basically dead from my ears down. After much consideration, I decided for a fun, short cut. I like it particularly because I love the messy look. So, I'm quite happy with it...

What the?!?

I know, I know! I've been so bad this month! Classes started back up, and I've been a little overwhelmed. But I think I'm getting back into the groove of things, so I promise I'll try to start posting regularly again.

New Years Resolutions

It usually only takes me a week or two before I've broken my New Year's resolution, which tends to involve my weight in some way. I was resolved not to make any resolutions this year, but I changed my mind after thinking about it some more. The idea of the resolution isn't a bad one; deciding to make the new year better than the last. For me, resolutions always ended up being, well, a little one-dimensional. I mean, if I lost twenty pounds, sure I'd be happy. But I wouldn't really affect the things I think it would. Confused? What I mean is, even if I'm twenty pounds lighter, that wouldn't magically give me better grades, a better job, or a better life in general. So, this year I'm trying to make a resolution that will positively affect every aspect in my life in some way. This year, I'm just going to try to live a more inspired life. I want to find something that inspires me to be healthier, to try new things, to become more passionate. As my brother said, "life doesn't repeat itself." I keep thinking once I graduate, then I can start living. Or once I move out of this little town, then I can start living. But I want to find inspiration now. I don't want to be an observer of life, I want to live it. So here's to living inspired! What are your resolutions this year?