jagged little life

Healthy in 13

2013-01-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

So it would seem that we are here yet again. It's January and I am planning my assault on my body. As you can imagine, my lack of writing has not been my only downfall this past year, and working on my butt for many hours a week has taken its toll on my body. I recently picked up an elliptical trainer off Craigslist for $100 and have been making a point to spend at least 30 min a day on it since the New Year. I've found that as long as I make it to the elliptical after dinner and before I head for the couch , I can do it.

Last year was an amazing year for me. I got to travel to New York, London, Cabo, Grand Lucayan and LA for work, usually at a moment's notice. It was tough to feel so out of shape when you are traveling and feel like you should look your best. This year I want to be ready for whatever comes my way, especially since my future already holds a trip to Myrtle Beach, Disneyland and Australia. It always seems like something has to give when I am juggling so much as a working mom. But this year it's not going to be my body! I can do it all: be a great mom, rock my job, clean house, travel AND have a nice body! So my goal is to lose 13 lbs a month until April...and here's how.

1. Drink more water: 5 glasses at work, 3 at home.
2. No fast food.
3. Ditch soda.
4. 30 min on elliptical daily, 60 min 4 x a week.
5. Run 3x a week, working up to 5x a week by end of feb.
6. 200 crunches a day.
7. 30 day shred for 30 consecutive days.
8. smoothies for breakfast three x a week.
9. 1400 calories a day.
10. More substititions and skinny meals 5x a week.
11. Cut sweets back to once a week.
12. Cut junk food and substitute with healthy alternatives.
13. Get outside and work it 4x a week.

Wish me luck!

2013.

2013-01-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hi. Remember me? It's been three months since my last post. I still wake up every morning and scroll through my Google Reader, reading all of your blogs with out contributing anything on my own. I should be ousted from the community for lack of writing, and commenting. The time slipped away from me more quickly than I thought it could. I miss writing. I miss my annual reflection of reading through my thoughts from the year past and writing down my thoughts for the present. I miss it. I miss you guys. I miss this.

The thing is, I write EVERY DAY. I write schedules and press releases and pitches and emails and blogs and short stories and project plans and tweets. EVERY DAY I write for a living. Non-stop, 60 hours a week. So by the time I am ready to write for me, and for you.. I just can't anymore. I am all written out with no words left for myself.

But I don't want to use this as an excuse anymore. I love my job, I love to write AND I love my blog. So this year, I am going to get back down to it. I'm going to start slow. One blog at a time. But I'm back. Officially. So let's get reacquainted..

Life Lately

2012-10-10T22:43:00.000-06:00

Work.

Mom.

Work.

Mom.

Pup.

LA for work.

Mom.

Pup.

Work.

Mom.

Bahamas for work.

Mom.

Pup.

Work.

Mom.

Pup.

Work.

Pup.

Mom.

How's your fall been treating ya?

Big Fat Russian Wedding

2012-09-13T10:54:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I hosted a bachelorette party for my friend Julia in Vegas.

and then I drove to Salt Lake a week later for her bridal shower:

and finally last weekend was her wedding!

It was such a beautiful wedding. Julia was gorgeous, and you could really tell that her and Jeremy were just so in love. It was so sweet. Man, do those Russians know how to party though...

It was so much fun to see everyone from college and celebrate such a happy moment together. I really miss seeing them every day or even every week. I can't wait until the next wedding!

Who's next...? :)

Unfinished Business

2012-09-05T20:35:00.001-06:00

Remember that time I promised you I'd write a novel? Well it's about half way done.. and I think it's time to start writing again. Mark my words.. the finished product will be ready before the world ends on December 21st, 2012.

So if you are following my novel blog... stay tuned!

What Your Social Media Says About You

2012-09-05T20:02:00.000-06:00

As a blogger, I have elected to follow the path of many others by choosing to keep my professional life and my blogging/social media life separate. With the exception of those times when the two intersect in a major way, like when I got to go to London or Cabo or New York on business.... I have never mentioned my job except in passing. I rarely tweet or facebook about my job or the people I work with... because that's just what I felt like was appropriate, as a blogger to do.

There is a certain level of anonymity we all want to possess when it comes to putting our lives out there on the Internet. I let strangers read my deepest thoughts, worries and regrets in addition to my life story... knowing that they are an arms length away. Sometimes it takes a blogger to understand a blogger... we are all sharing parts of ourselves that we normally wouldn't share with strangers, or ex-classmates... and definitely not co-workers or clients.

When I got this job, I was concerned about my online presence, knowing that my name would be out there in the world in a professional capacity. I didn't want my followers to follow my professional endeavors, or my professional contacts to get to know me through my personal social endeavors.

But somehow, by separating my two lives... I have become misrepresented. Though I have kept my blog and my twitter private from the people I work with... I have accepted requests on both Instagram and Facebook from co-workers who I had felt like had become friends.

If you follow me on facebook or Instagram you would know that my posts basically consist of my family, my dog, my friends, my house, the occasional meal, alcohol beverage or a good view. My entire life discussed and pictorially evidenced.. except what I do between the hours of 9 and 5.

The only Instagrams or facebook posts about my job occurred when I was traveling or at a work function. Sure there was the occasional offhanded mark about looking forward to a three day weekend... but other than that... nada. As a blogger... this seemed normal to me. But what does that tell the rest of the world?

Apparently, it says: I don't like my job. I only like my job on the rare occasion that I get to travel. I like drinking, eating, my family, my dog, my house and good views... but I don't like my job. At all.

This could not be further from the truth. I love my job. I feel like it's a perfect fit. If you would have asked me last year to create the perfect job for myself... it would look pretty darn close to the job I have now. I am a working mother, so of course there are times when I feel over spent. Of course I have frustrations sometimes, and weeks where I feel overworked, but that doesn't mean I don't like what I do.

I feel like that by separating the two parts of myself I have been punished. I had no idea that what I said outside of work, or rather what I didn't say, would matter. But the way you represent yourself does matter. So be careful who you vent to, be careful what you share and think about the image you are portraying. You never know how your actions may be interpreted.

The occasional instagram of your favorite alcoholic beverage = you're an alcoholic.

Not enough posts about your husband = problems in your marriage.

Too many posts about you husband = problems in your marriage.

Never discussing your work = you hate your job.

Many self portraits of yourself = you need attention.

Remains of Summer

2012-08-27T13:39:00.000-06:00

Happy First Day of School....

3rd Grade is upon us. Yikes.. we are half way done with elementary school.

I know I have a lot to catch you up on since I haven't blogged... well, all Summer. But for now I will just leave with an Instagram dump to hold you over.

[Caleb & Loki]

[Loki]

[Caleb Finally Came Home!]

[ Cousins ]

[My Nephew Jared]

[This is why we can't have brothers..]

[My Nephew Oliver]

Hear, hear to a new school year.. which means Fall is close.

50 Shades of Loki.

2012-07-15T22:45:00.000-06:00

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook...

you must have figured out that I got a new puppy!

I had only meant to visit him and his brothers during my lunch break, but ended up adopting him after walking into the "rescue center". It was dirty, and felt more like a crack den than a shelter. I just couldn't leave him there. I was in love at first sight:

His mom is a mini-dachshund. Dad is a beagle. He is a heartbreaker.

A cuddle bug.

A lover, not a fighter.

We are completely and irrevocably in love with him.

Meet Loki.

The newest member of our family.

Was that 50? I lost count... oh well. He's cute right?

Pure Love.

Avengers & Legos.

2012-07-09T00:20:00.000-06:00

Wow.

I know I am totally late to the party. It's been almost a month since Caleb's birthday party and over two weeks since we went to Legoland.

Needless to say. Turning 8 was pretty fab. We had way too many people show up at my house to celebrate, but other than that.. it was great.

17 kids.

Thank God we have a pool.

Everyone seemed to have a good time. I was shocked that so many people had never heard of pigs-n-a-blanket... I mean, HawkEye Arrows. Rave reviews on the food.

Caleb had a blast.

"Best Party Ever, Mom."

On his actual birthday we woke up in Carlsbad, California. He has been asking about LEGOLAND for years now. We have been to the one in Chicago a few times, but this one is the real deal. We were pretty impressed too. I will say that though this park is made for kids 2-12, I feel like 5-8 is really the ideal age bracket for full appreciation. I don't think he would have enjoyed it as much if we had waited any longer.

What more could an 8 year old want than an Avenger & Lego filled birthday? How about the ocean?

I didn't realize Carlsbad was on the coast until I happened to look at the google map and see how close the dot was to BLUE. I made sure we left LEGOLAND in time for dinner on the coast and a little beach time before heading back to Vegas. Caleb was in heaven.

I think a week long beach vaca is in order next. A few hours just did not satisfy my thirst for surf. Can't wait to go back!

Birthday Season is drawing to a close... two more weeks and I'll be 25!

Eight Years Old

2012-06-22T01:00:00.000-06:00

8 years ago today, I became a mommy.

[Born 06/22/04]

I've since dragged him all over the country...

from Indy to Utah to Vegas. He's pretty well traveled, and you have to admit that he does a great job of picking up where he left off with everyone he doesn't see more than a few weeks out of the year, and that's not easy when you live in a state with zero extended family members. Year Seven was probably the toughest year for me, but we are learning and growing together a little bit every day.

Dear Caleb,

Here's a recap of your 7th year on Earth:

Current Best Bud:

[ Caleb & Seth ]

Your favorite things this year are LEGOs, Transformers, Superheroes and baseball.. but everything has taken a back seat to SKYLANDERS. Ever since Grandma & Grandpa got you SKYLANDERS for your Wii at Christmas... it's all you ever talk about.

[ Gavin & Caleb ]

You started boyscouts and though I had to basically sweet talk you into doing it... you've really enjoyed the friends you've made there and the experiences you have had.

You flirted with hockey, and learned how to ice skate...but ultimately decided this was not the sport for you.

You started Little League this year, playing for the Dodgers. It's been by far our most competitive season of any sport, and the first season you've been really excited to participate in. I can't believe you are old enough to have children throwing the ball to you.

You finished 2nd Grade... and I am almost convinced you are starting to like school. You don't love reading as much as I do... or did when I was your age... but we'll get there.

You make friends in an instant, and have no shortage of playmates in the neighborhood.

We fight more than we used to, because you are so stubborn and precocious, but at the end of the day you still don't mind hanging out with your momma or falling asleep in my bed. You have been blessed with so much with such a generous extended family to provide you with your every whim and desire. We have had many lessons of humility this year, and working to understand the world a little bit better together. Just like me, you are a bit of a control freak, and you don't like to be out of your comfort zone. You are sensitive and wear your emotions on your sleeve, and still come running to mom when things get tough, or something doesn't feel right. I hope that NEVER changes!

I can't believe you will be in 3rd grade already.... I can already see middle school around the corner and your high school graduation in the not-so-distant future. You are growing way too fast, and I wish I could just keep you little forever!

I am slightly concerned that you are going to become a hoarder when you grow up. You never let me throw ANYTHING away. Every school paper, coloring menu, happy meal toy and piece of clothing you have ever brought into the house... you hold on to for dear life. But I saved this letter on my own... because I thought it was precious... and you don't know it yet, but we ARE going to LEGOLAND today! I can't wait to see your face when we pull up to the gates. There is no better place for a little boy to turn 8 than Legoland.

Happy Birthday, little boy!

Love, Mommy

Cabo

2012-06-19T16:13:00.000-06:00

I know I need to blog about Caleb's Avengers' Birthday Party, which was AMAZING. However, something came up last minute and I feel like I should save the birthday shenanigans for another day. So instead, let me tell you about the time my boss decided to send me to Cabo San Lucas with one day's notice. Not that I'm complaining...

I can't tell you specifically what I was doing in Cabo. But I can tell you that it had to do with supervising a documentary style shoot for the company I work for. I put the whole thing together and even arranged for myself and the crew to stay in a villa up on the cliffs in Pedregal for the duration of the trip.

All the filming took place at another villa... right on the beach.

I have been spoiled beyond my wildest dreams... and I am pretty sure I will never recover. A room with a view is one thing... I've been looking out to mountains for the past 7 years of my life. But the ocean is a completely different story. I love falling asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, and I could never get tired of views like this:

Someday.... I will own ocean front property.

I really did work most of the weekend... which consisted of a lot of following these guys around:

It was stressful, frustrating but also thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. I could not ask for a better first experience and I learned a lot about being behind the scenes. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to travel to New York, London and now Cabo for work. I can't wait to see what else the future holds for me! With out even trying, I landed the exact position I always wanted in the back of my mind. It's a nice feeling to have one month shy of 25.

Adios Cabo!

School's Out

2012-06-08T16:17:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was the last day of 2nd Grade.

This year was a little challenging. Growing up means learning to be more serious, more work less play. We were struggling a bit with reading earlier this year...but now we are pros. Knocking out chapter books in a few days... and though we don't LOVE to read quite yet... I feel like we are on our way. He is reading & mathing above his grade level with straight B's all around. With that said.. we are ready for a new teacher, new year.. and ready to kiss 2nd grade goodbye and move on to 3rd...

...and hello, Summer!

Words

2012-06-08T11:11:00.003-06:00

[Source]

“Stop and make sure that everything you are doing right now is really what makes you happy. You can’t just live for some goal in the future and have that be everything… have that be it. Because that is what some people do. They get on this road and there are all these signs saying, ‘This way. That way.’ But what if you get there, you get exactly what you wanted, like some people do, except all the things that were wrong, are still wrong. Then what?”

—

Party Of Five

Getting Ready to Assemble..

2012-06-05T18:34:00.002-06:00

Only 4 sleeps until Caleb's Avenger's Birthday Party...

We have been working hard on some evil fighting tools.

... still needs some finishing touches.

Will look like this when finished hopefully:

[ Instructions ]

Our Avenger Menu:

Green Hulk Punch (7 Up & Green Sherbet)

Captain America Crunch (Captain Crunch, Marshmallows)

Iron Man Fruit (Pineapples, bananas & strawberries in the shape of Iron Man)

Hawkeye Arrows (Pigs in a Blanket arrows)

Thor Hammers (Blocks of Cheese & toothpicks)

Avenger Character Cupcakes

On the Avengenda:

Avenger Obstacle Course

Water Balloon Fight Between Good & Evil

Avenger Scavenger Hunt

It's supposed to be 97 degrees and a bit windy.. so if all else fails, we'll end up in the pool. But we are getting pretty excited... everything is coming together nicely.

Assemble!

Mark of a good weekend.

2012-05-29T14:02:00.001-06:00

My kid is beloved. The phone was ringing off the hook this weekend as friends scrambled to get on his busy social calendar. Okay.. maybe I am exaggerating a bit. But really, we did have four different offers to occupy our time this weekend, and we even had to turn one down. For a 7 year old, that's pretty wild. I mean he's a pretty cool kid.

Now, I know we aren't supposed to say things like this... but I don't like all of Caleb's friends. All 2nd and 3rd graders are not created equal. Some are annoying, others smell. Some say inappropriate things, and stay up all night when they are supposed to be asleep. I'm not saying my kid is pleasant and well behaved at all times... because he's not. But some of his friends I can just not stand. But then there are a few angels who are adorable, polite and well behaved. They still have fun, but know how to do so in a manner that does not make me want to drink an entire bottle of wine to cope with their presence.

Gavin is one of those kids. Probably my favorite of Caleb's friends.. and since he is Caleb's self proclaimed best friend.. he is my preferred play buddy. We spent the majority of the weekend with Gavin, first at his birthday party on Saturday then a sleepover Sunday.

[A CPK Pizza Party]

[ Gavin, Caleb & Aiden ]

[ Lego Cupcakes! ]

[ Apres Dinner Dip ]

[ Only the best for the boys ]

[Lazy Sunday]

[ Resembling teenagers already.. ]

... and now for a friend, I don't care for. Sleepovers are fun. We love sleepovers. I completely support the consumption of junk food and staying up way past your bed time in the pursuit of fun. But when you are 7 years old (or 8 or 9 or 10 or 11..) I believe in there being a bed time at some point. This did not happen Saturday night. When I picked up my excited child Sunday morning... he told me how proud he was to have stayed up all night. A feat he has never mastered before... even on a red eye to Vegas. As I was telling him about how tired he would be.. I turned around to find him already passed out in the back seat.

...did I mention we only live three neighborhoods over from this kid's house? Or that he proceeded to sleep our entire Sunday away until 5:00 in the afternoon because he was so exhausted. He woke up just in time for his next sleepover with Gavin. I am so utterly annoyed with his parents.. luckily the only plans spoiled were day time pool time.. though we snuck some in after dinner. What if we had a baseball game or something to do during the day? He never would have made it. 7 year olds are just not built to stay up all night.

Caleb was completely spent by Monday afternoon. 5 collective pool hours, 2 sleepovers and a birthday party = passed out in my bed at 5:30 PM.

As I was exchanging weekend anecdotes with my best friend, I had to, once again, marvel on the differences in our lives.

When you're 7 years old, the mark of a good weekend is falling asleep in your mom's bed with your cheeks a little redder than the day before. Making memories with your best friend over pancakes and toasting with your wine glasses filled with apple juice.

I will happily be the enabler of these moments. Because in my world, every good weekend ends with a happy, but exhausted kid who has once again fallen asleep in my bed with his cheeks a little redder than the day before.

London Baby!

2012-05-26T00:14:00.002-06:00

I had a feeling I was going to enjoy London, but I wildly underestimated the experience...

From the moment I boarded the plane, I was extremely ecstatic. I could feel the utter disappointment of all my fellow passengers who were leaving Vegas after a week long vacation, so I was the only person the entire flight who was looking forward to landing on the other side of the pond. I experienced my first tea time at midnight my time... somewhere over Greenland. By the time we landed I was so ready to dive right in to the British culture. I was already mesmerized by the accents, the scenery, the weather... I couldn't wait to see more!

[First Passport Stamp!]

I landed in London at around 3 AM Pacific Time... so I was awake but barely. There was no way I was sleeping away my first day abroad though! I put in a few hours of work, and had my first international meal... and then met up with a friend from the states.

[Me & Aubrey]

As fate would have it... one of my childhood friends happened to be in London the same day as I. Her and her husband Patrick have been volunteering in Uganda for the past year, and were headed back to the states for a wedding. Serendipitously, their connecting flight brought them to London, with just a long enough layover to hang out with me for a few hours!

[Fish & Chips]

It was so fun to see Aubrey in a different country! Both of us had never been to London and hadn't planned on seeing anyone we knew there, so it was funny to spend my first night with someone I had known practically my whole life! Aubrey was at my baby shower, wedding and many other events through out my childhood... we hadn't seen each other in at least a year, or talked in several months. But we picked up right where we left off, and I don't think it was entirely because I am one of the first people she had seen from back home in a year. :)

I was also lucky enough to have made friends with one of our clients, and party planner, before I left. She is close to me in age and was perfectly lovely our entire stay. She took me out in London, and was my chauffeur/tourguide/onlyfriend for the majority of my stay!

Most days I worked, ate, slept, worked, ate, slept, worked. I never quite got the hang of the time difference, instead opting for two naps a day: one from dawn to ten AM & one from 4 PM to 8 PM. The last day I slept from 4 AM to 2 PM & stayed up all night before my flight.

[Croissants & Coffee... everyday]

[Chicken Pie with Pimms & Lemonade]

The whole point of the trip was to throw our European Launch Party for work. It was a smashing success... and such an incredible experience. I loved meeting our clients, and fell even more in love with the British (and IRISH!) people. They are all just so lovely and proper, I could listen to them talk all day! Our party was held at a classic English Hotel in South Kensington, so gorgeous!

The day after the party was my last day in London... so I was deeply upset when I awoke at 2 in the afternoon. We did a quick tour of the sights:

[Starting with the Tube!]

[A Phone Booth]

[Soho]

[Picadilly Circus]

[Oxford Street]

[Olympic Countdown in Trafalgar Square]

[Trafalgar Square]

[Downing Square: (Where ~~Hugh Grant~~ the Prime Minister lives]

[Big Ben & The London Eye]

[Westminster Abbey]

[Buckingham Palace]

[The Queen of England...(no really!)]

[Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant in South Kensington]

Walking around London and standing in the presence of buildings of such historical significance like Westminster Abbey and the Parliament Building, were just awe-some. I was blown away by the magnitude of it all. All my life London was just this far away place where the Beatles were born, royalty thrived and children's fairy tales came to life. Standing under the clock where I had watched Peter Pan fly by countless times during my childhood (the same clock my son was astonished to find out was real and not just from a story!) was so surreal. I've now been 10 feet from the Queen of England, I've seen where the princesses marry their princes, and stood in the shadows of buildings that should not be standing after hundreds of years of war.

It really makes you feel like America is some kind of smug teenager. I am jealous of the rich history that envelopes the scenery of England. I'm fairly certain that I have never stood near anything as old, much less a building, as the Liberty, or even Westminster Abbey until last week. It was hard to believe that London was this real place, and not just a scene in a story from long ago. Even the room out my hotel window evoked feelings I could not describe.

Despite the absence of contemporary and modern design, London wasn't boring, at least not to me. Nothing seemed ordinary, and I loved every minute of it. I took in every building, admired every street. There wasn't a single view I found displeasing. I can't wait to go back to England and see even more. Now that I know that traveling to Europe is exactly what I had dreamt it would be like, I want MORE. Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Dublin, Berlin. I want to see it all! I can hardly wait until my next European adventure.

Until next time... Cheerio!

London Calling

2012-05-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going abroad.

This week I am heading to London baby! And I can hardly wait...

staying @ The Gore Hotel

I have dreamt about going to Europe since I was 15 years old... and I was supposed to go to Italy my junior year. But well, that didn't work out. So now, 9 years later... I am FINALLY getting my first stamp on my passport!

I feel unbelievably lucky to be able to go on this trip, even though I will be working most of the time. I know if I were to be planning this trip on my own, it would be YEARS before I would be able to afford to go. Though the thought of putting an entire continent AND an ocean in between me and Caleb, well, terrifies me... I think I'm about overdue for an adventure.

So bring on the 11 hour non-stop flight, rainy 50 degree days and confusing conversion rates. I can't wait to eat fish and chips, drink beer in an English pub and mind the gap. I want to see Big Ben, the London Bridge, the Eye and immerse myself in the lovely English language as only the Brits can speak!

Thanks to my thoughtful Aunt, I have a head start on converting my U.S. dollars into pounds....

and I am ready to cross the Atlantic....

CHEERIO!

Mother's Day #7

2012-05-13T22:52:00.000-06:00

We celebrated our 7th Mother's Day together today. When it's 80 degrees at 9 AM, there is no better place to be than poolside.

I hope all you mommies out there had an amazing day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Cinqo De Mayo

2012-05-13T22:47:00.001-06:00

Man, I suck at blogging these days. Last weekend we had some visitors for Cinqo de Mayo weekend. My sisters, mom and nephew came out for a visit and we did lots of Vegasy things.

Like....

quality cousin time

going Dutch at the Bellagio

eating cotton candy from the Spice Market Buffet

drinking fun drinks and karaoking at Fremont Street

hiking and donkey visiting

Cinqo de Mayo-ing and People Watching

Sightseeing

and lots and lots of eating.

It was fun seeing the boys having a blast together, makes me sad that they are so many states apart. It was so nice to have some quality family fun, but it went by too fast. Can't wait to see everyone again in August when we go to Indy.

While everyone was out here, we found out the my brother's family was getting ready to move to Phoenix, earlier than expected.. including my new nephew who I have yet to meet! I know it makes it harder for everyone back east who has to say goodbye, but I am selfishly looking forward to having them out west and closer to us.

I am a true believer in following your heart, where ever it may take you. And sometimes that means you have to leave people behind along the way. I know what it's like to be the one who leaves, and how hard it is to start over. You have to grab every opportunity that is with in your reach, even if it isn't convenient for everyone involved.

I'm confident everything will work out the way that it's supposed to...

can't wait to see what happens next for everyone!

Wordless Wednesday in the Office

2012-05-02T12:01:00.004-06:00

Love that my friends are just as cheesy as I am....

New York, New York

2012-05-01T15:08:00.001-06:00

So I had my first official business trip. I feel so grown up. I honestly didn't know what to expect... I dreaded going some days, found myself looking forward to it on others. When I finally went, it was not anything like I expected. I had some amazing experiences I never even dreamed of having (like lunching with some network television executives), and really felt like this (PR, not New York) is somewhere that I really belong.

I spent most every day hobbling around New York in my rarely worn high heels, ducking in and out of subways & pitching to editors and producers from every major media outlet. It was exhausting, but such a great experience.

I'm pretty sure I worked like 50 hours in 4 1/2 days, but I still had time to see a good friend from high school, and eat lots of crappy things.

Instead of getting a hotel, we rented a two bedroom apartment for the week. I woke up to this every day...

but could have probably been happy with just that. New York is amazing to visit, but I could never keep up with the constant hustle. 5 days was fine by me! In 5 days, I was able to eat 6 slices of $1/slice pizza, get lost after getting off the Subway (TWICE), party in the West Village, stroll through Times Square, have Shake Shack in Central Park AND take pictures of like every single building in New York (probably).

Goodbye, New York, Until next time.....

April.

2012-04-16T14:01:00.000-06:00

'Twas a good weekend.

Chili Lime Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

2012-04-16T13:43:00.000-06:00

It's been forever since I have posted a recipe. This one I whipped up from random ingredients in my kitchen and turned out, delicious! Behold, a healthy taco recipe:

1.25 lbs of Lean Ground Turkey.

1/2 yellow bell pepper.

1/2 green bell pepper.

1/2 diced yellow onion.

1/4 cup chicken broth.

Juice of 1 lime.

1 tbs chili.

2 tbs taco seasoning.

1/2 cup reduced fat shredded mexican 4 blend cheese.

Head of lettuce.

Cook turkey in lime juice and chicken broth over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain. Then stir in chili and taco seasoning. Add onion and peppers and cook for 5 more minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Shred up lettuce to make taco sized shapes. Scoop in turkey mixture and enjoy!

Easter in Pictures

2012-04-10T22:30:00.000-06:00

[A few shades lighter]

[Best Mexican Food in Nevada]

[Buffalo Bills in Primm]

[On the log ride in Buffalo Bill]

[Virgin River Gorge]

[Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere..]

[Happy Easter!]

Spring Break

2012-04-06T12:04:00.000-06:00

Caleb is on Spring Break this week, so once again we made the trek to Utah so I could deposit him with the in-laws for the week. It was warm when we got there, but that quickly changed. Now I feel ridiculous for sending so many pairs of shorts with him. This is what it looked like when we showed up:

and then by the time I headed back to Vegas two days later..

On the way out we stopped to play the Mega Lottery in Beaver Creek, AZ. It was a 50 minute wait since the Lottery is not available in Utah or Nevada and this is the only town in between the two states that sells lottery tickets in a 100 mile radius.

Caleb was a good sport, and played with some other kids who were waiting for their parents to submit their numbers. We had some serious talks about how we would spend the money if we won.. but alas, we did not win.

In Utah, I was greeted by a few old friends with a few rounds of drinks.

and met this little lady

and saw Hunger Games with two of my best friends!

... I miss them already. I miss living in Utah. I miss the mountains, the people, the seasons. This is the first time I ever felt that way going back. If I could afford to live where I want to live in Salt Lake, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Le sigh.