Nathan & Linnley

Why...

2012-01-24T21:59:00.003-07:00

There are SO many days where I just have to ask myself, Why?

Today's Why, is Why in the heck did I decided to grow out my hair? Seriously, we should all just agree that my hair is a lost hope.

First, I swear it is not growing. Second, I really really don't want any trims because that puts me back, BUT I have the worst split ends. Third, it is SO temperamental. It's always frizzy (more than usual), full of tangles and knots, and I always have to put it in a ponytail because I can't do anything else with it. I look so grunge all the time, and I don't like it. I just wish that it was super long, NOW, or that I could just cut it and it work with me no longer against me.

Ugh, if I didn't know any better I'd just grab my hair scissors right now and just chop. But, I've been working SO hard to get it to where it's at I will probably regret it if I do cut it. I hate it! Grr.

Another why for the month is why did I give up on Triathlons? I really need to get back into it. Sure wish it wasn't SO expensive to sign up.

Venting

2011-12-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

I am often frustrated by people.

I have spent the last 5 years of my life to study Nutrition and Health (I study the subject a lot, and read a ton of real research but I am not an expert), and they read one article and assume they are the experts. AND the real thing that bugs me is the stuff they read is crap, that isn't supported by research. They go off of media, testimonial, and .com websites and think they have the secrets.

I will tell you the best lifestyle and diet you should live is the Word of Wisdom. If you don't know what that is, it's in the Doctrine and Covenants our scriptures, or I am sure you could just look on lds.org and find them there. No food should be eliminated from your diet unless you have an allergy. Don't let the fad's trick you. Chocolate is good, ice cream is I am sure good, BUT in small amounts! Everything should be consumed in small amounts. So don't go read magazines and listen to celebrities. Read the scriptures, study the word of wisdom and you will find that is the best way to live. Even fast Sunday is healthy, it's a natural detox for your body to not eat two consecutive meals once a month (I learned that in Nutrition classes).

Stop listening to the garbage that's out there. Nothing will fix you except yourself, and living a balanced healthy life.

Thank you for letting me vent. :)

Hair Challenge #2

2011-12-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, so on my birthday my Aunt Annie posted a picture of me when I was younger (supposed to be embarrassing), but it was a cute picture. Looking at that picture and studying it for a while I was noticing how long my hair was then. Oh my goodness it was SO long. I feel like it's time to do it.

Then

Now

This new hair challenge is to try to grow out my hair like it used to be. NOW I need YOU and your guesses.

So, how long do YOU think it will take me to grow out my hair that long? Do you think I have it in me to grow it that long??

What do you think? I look forward to this challenge and I know it's going to take a long time. :)
Please comment below your guesses or on my facebook.

11 months

2011-11-08T10:08:00.001-07:00

So it's been 11 month's since I decided to grow out my hair. And unfortunately I got a trim last week, so it's not as long as it was getting. We cut too much off in my opinion. But now is the time to compare from 11 months ago :)

12/4/2010

11/8/2011

So these pictures are just awful, but you get the point. My hair is growing, SLOWLY.

Crazy Week

2011-11-02T18:50:00.002-06:00

This week has become quite a crazy week! My usual week is full of class, work and my internship. Everything has it's time each day. I am trying to be very organized, and I am very uptight about my schedule if anything changes. Well, this week all sorts of things have been changing. Not that it's all bad, it started out quite nice, but now it's turning crazy!!
Monday I didn't have to work, it was great to have that night off. Tuesday my evening class was canceled so I was able to get things done and spend time with Nathan, again it was so nice to have an evening available. Today, I had my internship (an 8 hour day), it was long, but you know enjoyable. Unfortunately I was asked to do an assessment tomorrow as apart of my hours, so I agreed, little did I know it meant that I have to wake up tomorrow at 3:30am to be up in North Ogden by 5am. I won't get done till 2pm. It's going to be a long day. Not only that, but tonight I will be training at the gym, it's going to be a late night, and I have to wake up way too early. I am hoping to make it through tomorrow.
I am so looking forward to Sunday!

Reality

2011-10-27T15:28:00.003-06:00

On my 2nd run, of the day, today I was brought back to reality.

This week, and for the last little bit I was thinking I am a good runner. I am good at weight lifting. I am a great athlete. I've been a competitor for a long time, and done quite a variety of sports. This mornings run was freezing cold, but I felt great. No watch, no GPS just me and my Vibrams (and clothes of coarse) out for a run. It was awesome. After class today I decided to go for another, I didn't get quite enough in this morning. I was craving a little more.

So, after getting home I got ready for my run. While I was getting ready I was thinking about things I wish I had done in my life up to this point. One of my thoughts was that I wish I would have run Cross Country in College. You know, I was feeling I was good enough to actually do it. My last couple of half marathons I had either gotten 2nd or 1st place, so yeah that means I am good right?

Well, while on this run, it was short, but my knees hurt a little so I switched up my running style and felt better. As I was on the last mile and a half stretch back home I was feeling real good. I hit a light about a mile from home and behind me comes two U of U cross country runners (you could just tell). When the light turns green we go, and they just bound ahead. Yeah I expect them to be fast, but it made me realize how slow I am.

I did catch up to them at the next light, which made me feel awkward. Here they were in a t-shirt and short shorts, and there I was in a black long sleeve shirt with gloves, and running tights I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb!

Oh wow, my dreams were crushed in those few minutes between lights (just with in a mile).

I realized that I am just an average person. Just someone who is obsessed with running. Being obsessed don't mean you are good, it just means you really like it. I thought that because I work at Salt Lake Running Co it actually made me a good runner, but unfortunately it doesn't. It just means that I live running.

Just because I am a pacer for the Halloween Half this weekend doesn't mean I am a good runner, it just means I got lucky to know the person who was in charge.

Reality is that I am just average. I am not a fast runner, I can just go long distances. I am never going to be a College athlete. I will always just be someone that likes to work out and who will always be asked the question "Are you a runner?" Instead of them recognizing that I am a runner by looking at me, and the fact that I do work at Salt Lake Running Co.

I will always wish that I could be good, or awesome at something., but until I one day actually achieve that I will be out on the road chasing it down.

Fall Update

2011-10-16T20:09:00.001-06:00

This school year has been crazy. It's such a fabulously exciting time or year as well as life in general. Nathan is applying for Graduate School for next fall, awaiting his GRE score, and is still working hard in the Trede Lab at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He is busy, but having a great time, and learning a lot through his work. He is doing so much valuable work not only for the things they are researching and discovering, but also for his own skills and talent in that area of research.

As for me, I am in school, half way through my second to last semester of my undergraduate degree. Oh, how I enjoy saying that. I am just so eager to get this chapter done with. I am taking 6 classes to help me to hurry and finish, they are all so interesting, exciting and I am learning a lot. One thing I really like about being at the end is that my classes tend to overlap, it's a great reminder of the things I am learning and allows me to really get it instilled in my brain. Along with my classes I am still working at Salt Lake Running Co, I don't say that negatively, I really do love my job there. I like that I can feel I am making a difference in some peoples lives, and just how much I am learning about running, proper nutrition, injury prevention, and good training. I do love what I do. I also recently got an internship at Orriant, a corporate wellness company. They go to other companies and offer them wellness programs for their employees, to decrease their cost of health insurance, well as work to improve health and moral in the companies. I am going to be working on their Coach Training program and helping to write and publish a Coaching Handbook/Workbook. I will also help write next years Newsletters on different health topics. It's really going to challenge me, and challenge my writing skills, but I am so excited for this opportunity. This is going to work me hard during this already busy time, but it's goint to be amazing!

This year has been surprising to say the least, but super exciting. I love it.

General Conference Part 2

2011-10-03T11:59:00.000-06:00

    Since I had wrote about my excitement for conference this weekend I thought I would write about what was experienced. No, I am not going to write about every talk or even every talk that I really enjoyed because that would take me way too long, and I do need to get back to studying for my tests.

   I will start off by saying wow! What a fabulous weekend that was. Seriously, I was thinking about this, when I was younger conference weekend was so boring, and so long. It was fun to sleep all day and play games, but I never really understood much from the talks, unless the Primary General Pres. would speak to the primary kids and would get my attention. While in high school and junior high, I was starting to like it, but again those weekends were just so long. Now the weekend just goes by way too quickly. I was disapointed upon the conclusion of the conference. Man, I have to wait a whole 6 months for this again. It's going to take forever! Oh well, at least we have the Ensign as well as the opportunity to go back through to listen and read the talks from this session.

   I noticed most of the talks quoted or mentioned "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." This is such a simple, and easy to remember scripture, but honestly I needed that reminder from all who said it. The theme I noticed from Oct 2011 Conference was to Pray, Trust in the Lord, and Follow His will. "Thy will not mine be done". What an inspired conference this was. So many wonderful talks, and reminders that I do need to pray more fervently, and not only just pray, but I need to get up and do. I also need to show more gratitude in my prayers, and ask for forgiveness for my shortcomings always. Scripture study is essential, not just reading it, but studying, pondering and praying about the messages.

   I will say I am so grateful for our Prophet Pres. Monson. He is such a wonderful example. All of our General Authorities are such great examples to us. I know they were all inspired for the talks they gave. I did recieve some answers, some I have a long way to go on, but I do have that reminder of having Faith and Trust in the Lord and through Him anything is possible. I know this is the true church. I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My hope and prayer is that I can be a better example, that I can be more patient with myself and my life, and that I can better myself always.

I am now so excited for April. It's going to be great. Until then I will be working on bettering my patience and faith.

General Conference

2011-09-29T10:35:00.002-06:00

I am so excited for this weekend! I absolutely love General Conference, not just because I don't have to get dressed up and go to church, but because it's the kind of jump start I need every six months when I start to get lost in life. Right now you'd think that being in the middle of classes for the semester and busy taking tests starting projects and so forth I'd have no reason to be "lost". Well, I am. I am really needing the rejuvenation I get from Conference. We are so so blessed to have a latter day prophet and apostles to give us instruction and guidance. I hope that we can all gain a lot this weekend, I know I am in much need of it.

P.S tip of the day, don't take pills on an empty stomach, ugh it kills.

Ultra Running

2011-09-18T09:53:00.001-06:00

An ultramarathon (also called ultra distance) is any sporting event involving running longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26.2188 mi).

There are two types of ultramarathon events: those that cover a specified distance, and events that take place during specified time (with the winner covering the most distance in that time). The most common distances are 50 kilometres (31.069 mi), 100 kilometres (62.137 mi), 50 miles (80.467 km) and 100 miles (160.934 km), although many races have other distances. (Wikipedia, Ultramarathon, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultramarathon)

Now that you know what an ultra marathon is, I want to explain why I am sharing this. For several years now I have thought about doing an ultra marathon. When I was toying with the idea of exactly what it was, as well as the thought of doing it I had not yet done a 26.2 marathon, so I think I was officially crazy. But, now that I have done 3, 26.2 marathons to date as well as 5 half's I think I am totally ready to start to embark on this adventure to train for such an event. To clarify I would not jump into doing 100 milers just yet, give me time to build up my craziness.

Besides just an ultra marathon, I would still like to do an IronMan. Yes, as I noted before I am crazy, but I just LOVE endurance sports. These two are the ultimate endurance sports!! There is the St. George IronMan in May, what an awesome month that would be to become a college graduate and an IronWoman!!!

Now, that I've proposed my thoughts, just explained a little of what they are, and why. Here's my limitation. Since I am half machine half person it's not the training or the event itself will be hard, it will be the cost, and coming up with the funds for them. So, like any extravegant plan or trip I think I am going to start a change jar and when I find extra change I am going to put it toward my two events rather than buys protein bars with it (which I have been doing, since we are out currently).

I am SO excited with this new endeavor, and the small plan I am devising to complete it. The next step is to formulate out my training plans so that I can be ready at any moment to compete, and to also help keep my sanity during these last two semesters of school.

I am SO SO excited about this, whose with me?? :)

Fall IS Here

2011-09-09T22:17:00.002-06:00

Let me just tell you. This summer went SO fast! I really don't know where it went, but it's gone. Unfortunately...

Fall is now upon us and there is a lot going on to keep me busy, and try to stay out of trouble. I am in school this fall, as a continuation of Summer Semester (which I took 5 classes), I am taking 6 classes. And no NONE of them are work out classes believe it or not! They are all required classes for my major. Some are interesting, others eh, they have the potential to be. I am also working at Salt Lake Running Co, which has been such an awesome job. I get to meet so many different people, hear a lot of crazy stories, as well as help and encourage so many others. I really to feel like I can make some sort of difference. I may have said before, but it feels good putting all my running and triathlon knowledge to good use (it doesn't feel so useless anymore).

Nathan is still in his lab, getting paid a little bit, but he is in search of another job currently. Had an interview today, so there is hope yet. GRE is done, now it's time to research a list of schools to apply to, and it is going to be a long list this year. I am excited and nervous to go through this all over again. Nathan is also our wards EQ presidents, that is helping to keep him a little busy. And I am STILL in my same calling as Gospel Doctrine Instructor, although this last Sunday I taught and the lesson actually felt really good, and went real smoothly. We will see what happens with that.

I am looking for internships right now as well, wanting more experience within the field of Health Promotion and Education. I am going to an interview process thing on Sept 22, I am excited and nervous. I've got to go over my resume and spice it up to make me look more appealing.

Nothing else really going on. We are kinda, okay, really boring. We are still in the same cinder-block apartment, that's too small for us. It won't be changing for a while. It will have to do for now.

Until next time, I will be studying and running.

60 days of Insanity

2011-07-26T21:35:00.001-06:00

Okay, it's been 60 days. Before you scroll down to the photos, bare with me as I explain my experience(s)

The Diet: Absolutely the most important thing. 40% of your diet is protein, 40% is carbs, and 20% is fats. No sweets! Sugars you can get from fruits. When I snacked, I snacked on nuts (which are fats and protein). I usually only ate fruit in the mornings to give me energy. I ate a lot of peanut butter, meat, eggs, beans, rice, protein shakes and bars (the bars had to have more protein then sugar). I drank water, a lot of water, water is need to absorb protein.

The Work Out: Insanity's goal is to make you lean and build cardio therefore I began every work out with a mile run and then did the work outs. I also played soccer (indoor and out) and softball once. The work outs were fine but the back up work out-ers were soo annoying!

Other Goals: I lost 23 pounds! 186 to 163.
My mile time went from 9:47 to 6:55
My waist went from 34-35 to 32
Clothes fit a lot better.

Anyway no cool video to showcase my metamorphosis, but if i did i would put on the song "highway to the danger zone"

Summer Post

2011-07-17T16:22:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy summer! Being in school full time (15 credits) and working 30 hours a week is nuts. It sounded like a manageable feat to attempt this summer, but listen to me, it's busy and stressful. I was going to work 2 jobs, but I am so glad I didn't. I don't think I'd be alive to tell about it if I had. ha ha, but serious.

My opinion on Summer School:

Fabulous to get a lot of credits in in a short time
If you have a crappy professor (which I've had 3) you only have to deal with them for either 6 or 12 weeks and it's over with
There is nothing slow about it
No such thing as vacation, overlapping assignments and projects
Group Projects are my new enemy
Stress Management is a class that gives you more stress than the rest of them
Summer school is bitter sweet

I have learned a lot this summer, not only in class, but also about myself. I have a breaking point and I reached that last night. I am not immortal like I thought. I am so happy I've been in school this summer, it's keeping me busy, and focused, and it's helped me to accomplish SO much. I do not regret being in school this summer at all, and I don't regret the amount of classes I've taken. It's been a great summer, I only that two weeks left, then finals. It's coming up quick and I am happy about that.

So, If you've thought about doing summer school, do it, it's worth it, just don't work more than 20 hours a week. And find teachers that don't do group projects. :)

I will hopefully post again once I'm done and not so busy. Thanks for all the support!!

Summer

2011-05-22T13:07:00.000-06:00

Summer is here, not technically, but Summer semester is here. School started last Monday, but I will be starting tomorrow. Nathan and I had the opportunity to fly out to Atlantic Beach, North Carolina to stay with my parents and see my brother Jake and his family. It was AWESOME!! We had such a great vacation. Usually I call them trips, but this was a vacation!

Last Saturday we took the red eye flight, what a long day Saturday and Sunday turned into, but once we arrived we took a long walk on the beach and talked with my parents, watched the waves and enjoyed the beginning of a week full of sun. Everyday we were able to wake up when we wanted too, I even got in runs every morning along the beach. We all cooked together, I love being able to cook my own meals while on vacation. I am not much for going out to eat. Everyday we spent time on the beach, laying out, reading or playing in the water. Nathan and I found a lot of weird creatures, but it was so amazing to see the kind of life that we don't see. Other than being on the beach everyday we went to the Aquarium, Meritime Museum, visited and wandered around Fort Macon (a fort used in many many wars). We also took a boat out to an island and saw wild horses that have been living wild there since the 1400's. It was so amazing to see them, and watch them, there was even a horse that was just weeks old.

We had fun seeing sites, but also being able to do things at our pace, enjoying history, and seeing the amazing creations there are on this earth. We just had a blast. Our only complaint is that we wish we could have spent more time there.

On Wednesday Jake, Polly and Ove drove down to spend the rest of the week with us. I am so happy they were able to make it. Ove was born just days after Nathan and I were married, so he will be 2 this summer, and we have not been able to spend a whole lot of time with him. I was just so excited to see him. At first he had no idea who I was, and was shy, but it didn't take long for him to grab my hand have be sit down and play with him or read him books. One of my favorite things is being an Aunt, and seeing the differences in my nieces and nephews and just how smart and cute they all are, it made my week playing with him. He is a doll, and I loved every minute playing with him, even if I had to sit in the sand and let him bury me.

This last week was much needed for Nathan and I, to be able to get away and rethink our summer, get rejuvenated and be with family. I am sad it's over now, but we get to look forward to the whole family together next summer. But until then I will be starting school tomorrow, before I know it I will be done and I am just so excited.

I hope you have a wonderful summer, and get to go on a vacation that feels as wonderful as ours felt.

I will be posting pictures soon :)

Travel Time

2011-05-14T19:10:00.000-06:00

Today has been long awaited for. Last year, around this time Nathan and I flew out to Florida to spend time with his family, during our trip we drove to North Carolina to see my parents, after that wonderful surprise my mom decided she'd like to have us around a little longer. Since then we have planned a trip to go out and spend a week at the beach. We planned and arranged this trip I think in August or September, and finally it's here!!!!

Yay! We are headed out tonight and tomorrow morning we will be looking at a beautiful beach. I am just so excited to see my parents and to get a break from work. It's been a long and hard year it's great to get a vacation in there. Originally it was going to be just Nathan and I with my parents, but a week or so ago my big brother Jake and his wife Polly decided to drive down and spend some time with us at the beach, I can not tell you how excited I am to see them and spend time with them and their adorable son Ove. Since he was born we haven't seen and played with him much, so I am just thrilled to be able to spend a few days with them.

School starts on Monday, sooo, this means I will be missing the first week of school. A bummer, BUT I won't complain. This is our vacation for the summer.

What are your vacation plans this summer? I'd love to do some camping but I don't think that will be happening, it's going to be a really busy summer.

Till next time folks, have fun and be safe I am excited to post a few stories from our great vacation in a week. :)

Inspiration

2011-04-23T22:00:00.000-06:00

Tonights post has been inspired by many thoughts I've had over the week, and over just the last couple of minutes from a comment my sister in law made on a post I put up on our family blog.

This week has resulted in some very big decisions being made, and with some direction from my Heavenly Father. I posted in my last post about the events that have been coming up in our lives and the sudden halt with grad schools. With not getting accepting this first round of applying I decided to take a visit this week to an academic counselor to see what I can do to get graduated before we get into grad school. I have been thinking quite a bit lately about my major and what it is I do want to do. With my new job (at the Salt Lake Running Co.) it's made me really think about what I was going to do, and how different or similar to others in my program I am. So, thinking long and hard, and doing some looking I realized what I was looking to potentially do with my life was not in fact with in Exercise Science, my interest is more in the relm of Health Promotion and Education. I made the decision to talk to someone this week and man did I get excited. She really got me pumped up and feeling like I can do this.

In the end I am, yet again, changing my major and will be taking a huge step these next couple of months to get me done with school next spring. I will be going to school full time this summer, and through fall and spring I will go to 18 credits to make it so I can graduate next spring. I am honestly SO excited. This is going to take A LOT of work, but it's possible.

So with that little explanation, this summer is going to be nuts!! I will be coaching swimming at the Jewish Community Center, as well as working at Salt Lake Running Co, and in school, just that is a lot to take on. But I think I had added in my post before my goal for a Half Iron Man at the end of the summer. For me this big challenge is not for winning it, or making it big, but more or less to say I've done it. The wonderful Jessica had posted that accomplishing that she would have to disown me because no one should have that much talent, but I must say it's not the talent that's involved, but the will power, determination and I guess you could say my pride that will get me through all of this. Ha ha. This is going to be no picnic, but I am so ready to say I am a graduate of the University of Utah, and a finisher of the Half Iron Man. **Jessica, I will, and mark my words, WILL get you to do one with me someday, and then you will have to disown yourself because you are already one super powered person already :)**

None the less I am excited and nervous for what this summer has in store. I will say this I am so ready for the summer to be here, for the warm and happy weather. I hope you guys have some great goals ahead!!

By the way Happy Easter!! I love Easter, one of my favorite holiday's, I love getting new Easter Dresses, but this year we got Nathan some golf clubs instead. Maybe next year :)

Waiting...

2011-04-17T21:44:00.000-06:00

My sister in law has the most genius blog, it's called Coming to Grips. She talks about different things within life that you come to grips with. It's a funny blog, and really I know we can all relate to it. Lately I have been thinking about the many things that I am trying to come to grips with. What has been the hardest thing for me the last several months has been waiting to find out what the verdict would be for Graduate Schools.

Well... The verdict is in. We found out from all four schools. Unfortunately they did not accept us into their programs. We will be staying here for another year. Our plan is to work hard and save a lot this summer, I will take classes full time in the fall and only work a little bit so I can work on hopefully graduating next fall. We are looking to be optimistic and have some plans to do some traveling and have fun during this time. I also have decided to do my first half iron man this summer. I am excited to get training and to have some fun goals this year.

Life

2011-04-12T17:31:00.000-06:00

Life is attacking on all sides right now. I often feel like I can't take a break to relax and take a deep breath. I don't know why I do this to myself, but I need to stop. Since working at Salt Lake Running Co, I have gotten an offer for a 2nd job coaching. Well, this morning I woke up on the wrong side of the bed anyway, but also had an email with my schedule. It's just been so frustrating trying to get my schedules to work together. Originally I thought that there was going to be no problem with my schedules, but apparently not.

I have become a master at working two jobs, going to school and being a wife. But today I decided that is not something to be proud of. Today is my Saturday. I have the day off to get the cleaning done, wash, vacuum the car, and get all my errands done. While busily getting them done today, I thought I was going the flow of the traffic, but that flow of traffic ended me a speeding ticket. I just feel like I can't win today. Just as I was getting into a better mood, feeling good about the things I was getting accomplished I see flashing lights pulling me over. After arriving home I just sat in the car and sobbed, kept asking myself why do I feel I have to be in a hurry all the time. Why can't I just slow down. It's been a couple hours, and I still can't answer that question.

The only thing that I can think of is that I can't work two jobs. I need to just rely on one and have that be our income. It's not something our family can do right now. So rather than quiting a job I will just have to stop driving and just ride my bike. Cops can't pull me over on my bike (unless they are in Cedar City and have nothing else to do).

Life can not be slowed down, my life can't be slowed down or made less complicated (no matter how much I beg it just won't). So I need to make changes to slow my mentality and expectations down. I am so used to doing everything, and being the only one to do anything, I am going to have to lower my expectations to help keep me from getting tickets.

While

2011-04-03T17:10:00.000-06:00

Let's just say, it's been quite a while since I posted. It's been rather nuts the last little while. I have a job. Well. actually not just one job but TWO!! Craziness. I now work at Salt Lake Running Company, and the Salt Lake Jewish Community Center as a swim coach. It's going to be rather busy for the next couple of weeks while I try and finish this semester.

We have not yet heard back from Texas. We are still on the waiting list, they could let us know anytime from now until school starts pretty much. We did not get accepted to Florida, and have not heard back from Memphis. It's all a bit crazy, but we are happy and excited as things are now.

Winner Winner Pumpkin Dinner

2011-03-22T21:07:00.000-06:00

Okay I just had to have that as the title I thought it was absolutely hilarious!!

On to the announcement of today's winners. It's super exciting. I decided instead of one winner I would do two winners. I am just so so excited for Spring, now that the official day of Spring has come I just hope this will help the sun to start shining :)

Today's Winners are....

Rebekah Whiteman and Tara Belle

Congrats girls! I am really excited. Everyone's comments of their reasonings for liking and being exciting for Spring were awesome. I hope you all are as excited as I am for the weather to start shaping up and the sun to start shining more.

Hopes

2011-03-15T09:23:00.002-06:00

Have you ever had something to get your hopes up so much it's all you can think about?? That's how I feel today. My mind is like a tornado with a billion thoughts swimming around, but a few specific things have spiked my hopes and interest.

Keep posting for my Spring Giveaway. I have a couple of great comments so far and I am eager and excited to read more.

SPRING GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-03-14T14:37:00.000-06:00

Yup, you read it right!! I am going to do a Spring Giveaway!!!

I decided this morning, since a. I have posted 100 posts on my blog I want to celebrate, b. spring is in the air and c. next week is spring break. Wahoo!! Who else needs a reason to celebrate?? There is always a reason.

Your job with this weeks giveaway is to comment your favorite thing about Spring. What make Spring so wonderful to you???

We all know why I love it, so I want to hear why you love it. Post a comment or two below, by next Monday March 21st. The winner will receive a beautiful pair or Spring Inspired Earrings :)

100!!

2011-03-13T21:18:00.000-06:00

Woohoo!!! I have now posted 100 with in 21 months (i think)... I feel like this is a pretty big thing.

Well, today I have had a lot on my mind. It's been quite the day. We did a little family fast today, and though it was short I felt that I received a lot of peace today, and the lessons at church today were wonderful. We were able to spend time with family and enjoy an after noon of crafts (which I am horrible at), and played some balderdash. It was great to have some family time. Also spent time talking with my parents on the phone. I have some goals that we talked about that I want to make happen with in the next month or so, now is the time for me to do it, so I am. Nathan and I were able to take a great walk tonight, the weather is just so wonderful. I love that the sun was shining, and that the temperature is creeping up and giving me the warmth I need.

Though it's been a great day, I can't help but feel completely misplaced. I feel very distant from my own world. It's almost like I feel lost with in my own life. I am not a huge fan of this. I know that this is to prepare us for what we have ahead of us, but this is not a feeling that I'd like to have around much longer. I'd like that nudge, or direction to where we are going this fall. I know it will be great, and that I will love it, but it's like that great surprise present your parents have for you, but you never know when you are going to get it. The anticipation is just so intense. I know all that I have head of me is for my own good, but I don't like feeling lost in my own life. I'd like to feel good about what I am doing, and be happy with the life I am living. Now is the time for enjoying and being happy. Life is for enjoying and loving, I want to get out of this fog today and be happy with how each day is lived.

Have you been lost in your own world before? What was it like, and what did you do to get out of it?

Progress

2011-03-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of months since I decided to grow out my hair. On my birthday I gave myself a challenge to not cut my hair for an entire year. It has been three and a half months and I am still going strong. Although my hair seems to not be getting very far. It's really hard to tell with curly hair. I just feel like my hair is getting bigger rather than longer.

The way I can tell is that last fall I could barely fit my hair into a pony tail, I had to use a billion bobby pins, BUT now I can put it in a pony tail with only one!! That's huge. I can actually put it in a pony tail with out any, but I prefer to have one for the whispy fly aways that like to hang out occasionally.

February 2011

December 2010

I had said that I was going to try to not straighten my hair very often, to help my hair grow healthy and stay really curly. Not going to lie, it's really hard trying not to straighten it. The only thing keeping me from straightening it is that Nathan really doesn't like it when I do. So I haven't. Except back in February he went to Texas for his interview for four days. I took advantage of him being gone. The day he flew out it was straight as I could get it. I loved it!! That was over a month ago, but I took a picture to share. It's just taken me a while to post it.

It's hard to see the difference but, it is longer. In the back it is past my shoulders. I can't wait to see how it looks in a couple of more months. Hopefully there will be more of a growth.

I found my old high school id's and showed Nathan my long hair. After finding them it made me really excited to get long. That excitement will hopefully last another 9 months plus.

I hope you are having a great weekend. It certainly was beautiful today, though it was cloudy it was pretty warm. I am so excited for spring. What's your favorite thing about spring coming??

Cool Kid

2011-03-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a smart phone this weekend. I am SO excited. I haven't always had the cool phone. There was once that my parents bought me a cool phone for Christmas three years ago, but I only had it for a few short months before switching to be on Verizon with Nathan.

I started out with the free white flip phone, so basic that I was a champ at knowing how to do everything it was so simple, but once it started breaking down I upgraded to a brown a little nicer version flip phone. Yet again it was so simple and boring. This was when all the cool keyboard, slide, and Chocolate phones were coming out, and blackberries were huge. I was definitely NOT the cool kid. Then for Christmas my parent surprised me with a cool phone. It was white with light blue, and had a sliding keyboard. Oh man did I learn to text. I loved it! Though no games, or apps or widgets like now, but man was it pretty. I loved it. I felt so special!

My parents really spoiled me that day. The worst part is, as I was opening the package I dropped the phone. It started from day one. I have been the worst I dropping my phones. I am surprised my current flip phone still works. I have dropped it so many times. I often have it in my lap then when I go stand up I have forgotten and it falls onto the ground. My phone is sad, it turns off all the time, it's just so tired I think.

But I am so so so SO excited. I am getting a smartphone!!! Oh my goodness! I can't believe it! Nathan got his Droid Incredible last month, and plays with it all the time, if he isn't playing with it I am. I was really jealous when he got his phone, but it's now my turn to get a new one and I am getting one different from his. This way we won't have the same phone. Yay! I wish it was coming today, but it probably won't come until Tuesday of next week. But that's okay. It's coming.

I love getting something like this, something I've never had, thats fun and useful. Wow, I can't believe I am actually going to be a cool kid!!! This is just so awesome! No more flip phone for Linnley. Yeah!

Anyways, it's Friday. I am so happy it's Friday. It means I don't have to entertain Nathan ;)... I can do my own thing, which means going to bed at 9! Oh how I love the weekend! I hope it's a great weekend for everyone!