The past two weekends Alex and I have taken "road trips" to Price for his NORC job. Yes, it is only an 1.5 hours away, but the fact that I never take road trips (what can I say, I prefer flying) and it felt like we were headed for the middle of nowhere... it qualifies.






The scenery en route was my favorite part. Stunning. Sorry, fleabag motel and the local joint with a hair in my food didn't make the cut. Not exactly exotic, but it is still fun to get out of Provo- even if it's only a couple days. Plus, how can you not be happy when blasting Billy Joel the whole way?

Another favorite: Alex's bug-eye oakleys that have definitely seen better, more trendy days.

It seems like a road trip wouldn't be legitimate without some trail mix. Or at least that's what they say...

As much as I long to get back to the east coast, days like this make it so worth it.

Wisdom Teeth Adventure

This morning I got my wisdom teeth out. And it wasn't too bad, considering I don't remember anything- except for a few select awkward moments.

Pros: My cheeks aren't as dramatically chipmunk-ish as I pictured. They aren't by any means normal, but compared to the cartoon resemblance I was anticipating... I'm not complaining. You never know with those infamously round Neeleman cheeks! Also having a perfectly good excuse to just hang out is totally okay with me.

Con: I haven't been able to keep down a sip of water or food all day. Sustenance is reeeeeaaallllyyy looking good. Crossing my fingers for tomorrow!

Everything aside, these videos make it ALL better. I hope you find some enjoyment from one of my non-shining moments. Oh and excuse my nasty red teeth, apparently the gauze and I didn't get along.

I still can't believe I am uploading these... but somehow I can't resist. Perhaps any social inhibitions that I have will resurface in the morning, but probably not.

P.S. I'm selling my ocycodone if anyone is interested.

.....i kid, i kid:) Already disposed of them the right way- so don't you get any ideas.

It's Vegas Baby

For our 1 year anniversary, Alex and I decided to keep it classy and go to Las Vegas. Why not, right?

It was great. I decided December is the best time of year to visit Vegas.
1. Probably the classiest you will ever see it- elaborate Christmas decorations, exhibits, and lots of happy music. Nothing short of spectacular.
2. The weather is AWESOME. 65 degrees, I'll take it!

And thanks to Alex's dads amaaazing Marriott discount, it was pretty much guilt free!

We loved sleeping in and walking all over- we calculated that we walked 8-10 miles one day. Wearing high heels- I don't recommend it! We even enjoyed a real Vegas buffet. And I fell in love with the Bellagio's water show... it is enchanting.

My only complaint: they had room service for lunch and dinner, but not breakfast. Now, does that make any sense?

We spent our last night with Alex's grandma, Mam and her six cats. Yes, six. And I have pictures to prove it. Cat ladies are a real thing people!

Doesn't that freak you out just a little bit?

Mam is the best! One of the most hospitable and thoughtful people I've ever met. And she's a riot.

For lunch she took us to a French bistro in the Paris that I'm pretty sure I will dream about for the rest of my life. Mon Ami Gabi. Everything was delicious, and the view of the Bellagio's water show right across the street just put everything over the top for me.

Oh, and a banana foster for dessert doesn't hurt either.

Why yes, that is my husband.

There are pictures of us, but I've seemed to misplace the chord for my old camera. Rats.

An extra little tidbit for you: I hauled our wedding cake with us. Too bad the TSA man didn't think it was as cute as I did, but I passed:)

Alex doesn't quite understand this tradition, and was seriously skeptical of a year-old cake. He ate a few bites, and had me giggling with his exaggerated, "mmmm, freezerburn....!"


It has been an amazing year bebe!

Back in Business

We’re back!

After a few days in Vegas, northern Utah with Alex’s family for the holidays, then flying out on a red-eye Christmas night to the Dominican Republic for a vacation with my family…

We somehow made it back to our little home sweet home.

Christmas break exceeded all expectations. It was so great to be with both of our families, enjoying both sides of the spectrum from little family to massive family. We thrive in the extremes I suppose.

I’m going to have to split this all up into smaller posts, but for today-

a little list of things that are awesome right now:

-4 7oz of hummus deliciousness at Smiths for $5. Who possibly needs that much hummus you say? Right here, gladly.
-today is 55 degrees?!
-no weight gain from break!!! yeeeeehawwww
-2 more nieces on the way
-Williams Sonoma's annual sale...hitting that up tonight!
-my calves and hamstrings are FINALLY finished being sore from insanity workout with my obsessed family. It only took 5 days.






However,
My beloved basil plant has officially bit the dust. Haven't had the heart to throw away, and keep watering it but no miracles yet. I'll keep you posted.



Happy new year!

I think I can I think I can...

It's finals week, can you tell?

4 finals down and the last one is scheduled tomorrow @8AM. I am pretty burned out, and having an awful hard time mustering up motivation for this one. It is no where to be found, I’m 97% convinced.

And I am so sick of people blabbing on about being finished already.

So far I have managed to:
take a final,
work out,
watch Chronicles of Narnia (first time!)
make dinner,
watch the republican debate,
run errands (aka Cocoa Bean)
and…not study.

We will see how this one goes.

It’s too bad I’m feeling this way, because all semester I have looooved my classes. Have I mentioned that yet? I don’t think I have and usually I don’t, but now that I am done with GE’s...it rocks. I am a total nerd, and it is actually quite blissful.

Environmental Health
Methods to Health Promotion
Substance Abuse and Addictive Behavior
International Church
Mind &Body Health

Who’s jealous? Any other health geeks out there?

My Environmental Health I lovingly call my “Save-the-Dolphins-Class” but it has actually turned to much more. Likee actually think about my ecological footprint and to change it. I’m determined to save the world, refusing one plastic bag at a time. It’s happening and you better believe it.

Methods of Health Promotion. Putting plans into action and influence change.

Substance Abuse and Addictive Behavior. How drugs affect your brain, short term and long term. Basically everything you can know about drugs, just ask and hopefully I’ll remember.

International Church. We had to do a beastly research paper in this (didn’t see that coming) but another confession: it was probably one of my favorite assignments. I know, I know I’m a total embarrassment to the student race.

Mind &Body Health. How the mind can affect our bodies. Psychoneuroimmunology is awesome stuff. Yes, big word and I'm hoping I spelled it right. (It’s a real one this time)

Okay enough with nerd talk.

Alex and I are going to VEGAS!! Our 1 year anniversary is this weekend, and we decided to celebrate with class (ha.) I’m not really a Vegas lover, but it’s nearby, pretty cheap, and warmer than here. SO excited. Pictures ((hopefully)) to follow.

But in the meantime, some recent culinary achievements if you please:

Homemade Gnocchi. (And don't you love our sassy china?)

Can't take the credit for this gorgeous french bread- all Alex's doing.

Breakfast burritos- a must in this apartamento

Belated Gratitude

"The" Thanksgiving Sweater

Who do I appreciate?

Alex.

My cousin Lauren who wines and dines me with her meal plan every Tuesday. Which leads me to..

Cannon center, I’ll admit it now. I never knew what I had with you.

My sister Hilary who always cracks me up and is visiting next week. YES!!!

An amazing family that I married into. All cheesy-ness aside, I hit a gold mine people.

My 7 sistas

What insights have I recently gained that I’m grateful for?

Stop worrying and stressing out about things you can’t control. It’s unhealthy and doesn’t do a thing but hurt yourself.

You get out of life what you put into it. Especially relationships

You can’t just expect life to get better by avoiding things. You need to actively seek out the good, because most of the time it isn’t going to just fall in your lap.

What are little things am I grateful for TODAY?
Notes from husband. He really rocks at those
The gym. Oh how I love and need you. Especially after a week of Thanksgivingness
Christmas music
My camera
Glasses when too lazy for contacts
Done with that beastly research paper

Thanksgiving was a total ball- all week long! This year we were with Alex's family since mine decided to stay in Connecticut this year. It was just as Thanksgiving should be- full of cooking, laughing, food, talking, games, some more cooking, and then some more food. It was Thanksgiving perfection. Loved it all!

We are happy to be in the kitchen all day long...really!

Oh and did I mention...

I accidentally called my mother-in-law a hooker, and her dog pathetic.? Ohhh golly...but somehow she still likes me.

I think.

And their cats enjoy bullying me?

I pet a dog this weekend. A few times. (Applause, applause!)

The end.

This is probably the farthest I will go

I found my new favorite Christmas song. Step aside Mariah, hellooo Bruce Springsteen! How did I not know about this??!

Ombre Hair

I've had a pretty tragic hair history. Once upon a time 14 yr old sister highlighted my hair when I was in 4th grade. Dad called me 'skunk' for a good 6 months. Friend asked, "did your sister do your hair? ....yeah, it looks like it." Ouch, but so true.

But I really didn't care, because I was getting highlights and that sounded awesome. Lighter and lighter, leaving roots to grow longer and longer, until I decided this whole highlight thing was totally overrated and not worth all my precious babysitting money.

So by age 16 I wanted to go back. Except this time didn't work so well either. Blackest of the black.

Haha, this is the only picture I could find. Being goth for Halloween was convenient I suppose. But obviously, I was horrified.

....everyone was (it's okay to be honest now.)

But eventually it grew out and I was in love with the fact that I was roots-free, therefore life was goooood. Once you go black, you never go back!

And it's been that way ever since. But I must say, it's a little boring after a while. So when I was introduced to the idea of a "hair melt" it sounded like it was made for me. Instead of lighting the roots, you blend the dark of your roots to light at the ends. Results = very little upkeep... I'M IN!

Verdict: I love it- finally some dimension without being so obvious. Anddd doesn't burn a whole in your pocket. People, this is revolutionary. Yep, I said it. Oh, and did I mention I got it for insanely cheap? I officially found my go-to hair girl. it's nice.

Okay, this is an awful portrayal- not easy via photobooth. Either way, it is pretty subtle I guess, but I'm still kiiinda devastated that hardly anyone has noticed. This is a big step for me, you know! ...Bitter? What?

Speaking of photobooth... it never gets old:)

Trying to distract *someone* from never-ending Saturday football games. Didn't make the cut unfortunately