Herpetology

So we've been in Las Vegas all weekend. We came down so Ry Guy could attend this Wine and Canvas event where you recreate famous paintings. The painting Ry was recreating was The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai.

Original

Ry said he doesn't like the way his painting turned out but I think it's wonderful...especially for his first time working with acrylics.

Am I right?????? I think my favorite part of his painting is his Mt Fuji in the background. I love the way that turned out.

ANYWAAAAAAAYYYYYYYSSSSSSSSSSS...


It was on this trip that we were driving through town to a Fillipino restaurant and were switching freeways via the spaghetti bowl. Off to the side of the freeway convergence, there was this big, huge turtle statue/decoration thingy...huge, like GIGANTIC!!!


I was really surprised to see such a ginormous reptile along the side of the road, and in the middle of my excitement I exclaimed, "Woah! Lolli! Look at that big ass turtle!!"

About two hours later, we were driving home from the restaurant, Ry and I carrying on a conversation in the front seat, minding our own business. Out of nowhere we hear Lolli's little nasally voice pipe up from the back saying, "Mama, I wanna see the big ass turtle!"

As immature and inappropriate as we are, Ry and I lost it. We were laughing hysterically, which only made Lolli more adamant in asking to see the big ass turtle. Ryan was crying, I was choking, and Lolli just kept on swearing.

Yes, we're horrible parents. We know.

Dirty Thirty

This past Monday was Ry-guy's 30th birthday!!!!!!!

My original plan to celebrate this monumental day was to have a mustache and bow-tie party, uber hipster style. But then I realized how much work that would actually be, and I was too lazy. Just kidding...well, kind of. We actually decided with Birthdavalenersary all happening in the same week, we would just take a trip down to Vegas to celebrate.

So in the meantime, we headed up to Sugarhouse BBQ to get our grub on. Daddy loves his rib.

It was a small affair with a few good friends, family, and an AMAZING cake!

Photo credits go to my girl Chellor. Thanks!

And the incredible masterpiece of a cake was done by my darling friend Becky. She is seriously so talented. I told her what I wanted and she went CRAZY!!! It turned out better than I could have ever imagined.

Oh, and it tasted SOOOOOOOOOO good! Three layers of German chocolate, coconutty goodness!!!

As a child, Ry's mom used to read "Where the Wild Things Are" all the time. Apparently he was quite little terror. Still is. And now that he's grown, Ry reads "Wild Things" to Lollers. How sickeningly tender. You can go throw up now.

So yes, Ry is an old man now. I think he's kinda freaked out about it, but I think it's kinda sexy. Is that weird? I'm not like creepin' around nursing homes or anything. You're gross. I just think it's attractive that Ry is like, a REAL man now. A business man. A winner!

1 Year Anniversary

Exactly 1 year and 3 weeks ago, I met Tanaya for the first time. Our relationship peaked back in November when we spent 4 hours and 20 miles together.

And this past weekend marked our 1 year anniversary. So how did we celebrate? By pounding out another 14 miles, of course.

That Tanaya can really be a bitch sometimes. We truly have a love/hate relationship. The first half of the run, I was feeling good, feeling invigorated really. I get down to the end of Tanaya and find this adorable park. A few laps around and I'm ready to head back.

Well, the way back wasn't nearly as invigorating. For one, Tanaya led me straight into the wind. It took a lot more effort on the return flight, plus I was getting blisters since I forgot to Body Glide my feet. (Not to worry about chaffing anywhere else, though. You'd better believe I doused the rest of my bod in "The Glide.")

The last mile was uphill over a bridge across the freeway. At the beginning of the ascent, I looked up, dreading the next few meters. It was gonna hurt. But instead of giving in to the pain, I hammered down and opened up full throttle. I ran that last mile in about 9 minutes. That may sound slow to some of you speedsters but on average I run about an 11:30 minute mile. So to whip out a 8:57 for mile 14 after I've already huffed it for 2 hours? I'm gonna brag about it, mmkay?

The best part of our anniversary run, though, was of course the finish. Not because I was finally done running and could kick off my shoes, drink some water, and relax, but because the route ended at a breakfast buffet.

I ran up and over the freeway bridge, across a parking lot, through a parking garage, and straight into the Santa Fe casino where I promptly got in line for the $7.99 breakfast buffet. That's just how we roll in Vegas.

Here's to you, Tanaya. It's been a wonderful year. I look forward to a bright future and many more buffets to come!

Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon 2010

I did it, son! It super sucked, but I did it.

The whole thing didn't suck. Actually, the first half was awesome. I was running at a pace of about a 10:45 minute mile until the half and full split. The first half was also awesome because runners owned the strip. We got to run right down Las Vegas Blvd in the shadow of all the huge hotels and casinos. And as we ran by, we could see the Bellagio fountains and Mirage volcano spouting off. (An honor since those performances are generally reserved for the evenings.)

As soon as the half and full split, however, things automatically became a bit sketchy. First, we're met by a long-ass hill. I guess it wasn't too bad, it was just an overpass. Still, when you've already nearly sprinted 13.1 miles in an attempt to make the cut-off, a big hill isn't really something you're eager to climb up. Needless to say, many runners accompanied me in walking up that crap.

I think somewhere back at mile 10, I started to get a hot spot on my right foot. By about mile 15, it was a full blow blister that hurt like a mofo. But soon, the blister became the least of my problems.

By about mile 19, my entire left foot was jacked. My toes were cramping, my arch was aching, and even my ankle felt like it was about to just break in half. And since I suppenate pretty severely, just right of the ball of my foot started throbbing.

I made it to my family at mile 21 but couldn't stop. Not because I was determined to get it done but because if I had stopped, I wouldn't have been able to start again. So I said my hellos and jogged on by. Of course, I was no longer running a 10:45 at this point. It was more like a 12:30 minute mile...when I wasn't walking.

Miles 21-25 were some of the lonliest. It super sucks not having a team to run with. There were tons of peeps out there in the TNT purple jerseys, and I did chat them up a bit. But for the most part, I was all by my onesies. It was hard hard HARD to will myself to keep going. Every muscle in my body ached and it wouldn't have surprised me if my entire right foot just fell off mid stride.

I finally make it to mile 26 back along the strip and there's tons of people cheering. I suck it up and quicken my pace to about 11 minutes. I get into the chute and dig deep for a 9 minute pace.

VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5:38:30 and a shiny new medal!!!! Oh, and a picture with Elvis.

Shortly after, I hobbled to grab my bag outta gear check and promptly collapsed atop my mylar blanket spread out onto the asphalt. Don't worry, I didn't pass out or anything. I was just so exhausted and I could barely walk.

That evening, I replenished all the calories I burned during the race with chili cheese fries, a baked potato smothered in butter and sour cream, and a 10oz prime rib. Yup, it was all worth it!

Viva Las Vegas

Well, there's no turning back now. I'm in Vegas and gearing up for my race on Sunday. About to head to the race expo to pick up my packet and get my corral assignment.

I'm actually pretty nervous. I don't feel nearly as prepared for this marathon as I was for Ogden. Probably because I did this one on my own and wasn't obligated to a team and slacked off :(

Hope my calves hold up, and hope I don't die.

If I make it though, I'll be setting a personal record. Woo hoo! So, please send me good vibes on Sunday. Prayers are also welcomed and appreciated!

Let's do work!!!!!

My cup runneth over

2010 has been a big year for me and I have a lot for which to be thankful.

• The Ogden Marathon
• Living rent free...again
• Ward choir
• Tuesday nights
• YouTube makeup tutorials
• The Budos
• Audiobooks and podcasts
• The potty watch
• Lake Powell
• Pittsburgh
• Zumanity
• 10 mile runs with Stephanie
• Carinessa II garments
• Extended calf boots
• Centaurs
• Red Rock Relay
• The BYU math department
• My Taralyn
• Donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Sparrows
• Worthy priesthood holders

As always, I have to add a disclaimer that this is not a comprehensive list. I'm grateful for so many things but most of all my family, the gospel, and the love of my Father in heaven.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Tenaya Way

The first time I met Tenaya was a little less than a year ago. Ry and I were down in Vegas to celebrate Birthdavalenersary. After a long night of partying and dancing - (Yeah right. We're an old married couple now. Partying for us means we stay up until 1am playing Words With Friends. And as far as dancing goes, my husband is white. Need I say more?) - I roused myself at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, leaving the comfort of my warm bed, and spent my morning sweating and heaving with Tenaya.

Well, this most recent trip to Vegas, I once again crawled out of my warm bed in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday and geared up to spend the next 4 hours with Tenaya.

As intimately connected as Tenaya and I have become, especially after this last trip, I can honestly say I'm not too fond of her. It will be all too soon if I have to spend one more minute with her. Running 20 miles down Tenaya Way is not something I plan to make a habit of when visiting Vegas. As far as I'm concerned, my relationship with Tenaya is over. Nice knowing ya!

Though, I must admit, she was kind to me during those first 10 miles back in February, helping me run the farthest distance I had ever run up until that point. And this time around, she even helped me set a personal record for the 20 miles I just ran, 03:55:34! On top of that, Tenaya provided me with a nice flat course, wide shoulders, and lots of sidewalks. She even supplied many gas stations and available bathroom/water stops along the way. How very considerate of her!

Still, I'm not ready for another visit. This past run took it out of me. Until the marathon....

Rock 'n' Roll

It's official. I have decided to take on another marathon. Call me crazy. I know I am. I really have no idea why I'm doing this to myself. I LOVE being lazy, eating junk food, and not sweating. Therefore, training for and running a marathon is completely counter intuitive. But alas, I press forward.

Following Red Rock, I took a nice week-long break from running. But with the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon only about 11 weeks away, it's time to get serious about training.

The Vegas Rock 'n' Roll sounds like it'll be amazing. With bands and live entertainment at every water stop and the finish line located on the strip, this race is sure to be a blast. Shoot, they even have a minister running the race who will be marrying race participants along the course. Coolest wedding ever, right?!?

And if music, running Elvi, and free beer at the end isn't enough motivation to run this race, dear Ryan has decided that he will be taking on the half marathon. I couldn't be more proud!!!! Actually I could. If he ran the full marathon I'd be ecstatic, still, I'll take what I can get!

With all the extravagance the LV Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is sure to deliver, I'm very very VERY nervous about running it. There is a time limit of 5 1/2 hours.

If you may recall, I barely pulled myself across the finish line in Ogden within 6 hours. In order to meet the cut-off in Vegas, I'll have to shave 45 seconds off of each mile. That's no small feat.

Can I really drop 30 minutes from my marathon time? I really don't know. That's a lot of time to shave off.

In my defense, I have gotten faster since Ogden. I've also decided on a better game plan and will not be stopping so long at each of the aid stations. Neither will stop and frolic with my family and friends along the course for too long. And most importantly, I will be running at a much lower altitude.

When I ran my first 10 miler in Vegas, I ran it in about 1 hour. Subsequent 10 milers back home in the Wasatch mountains, it's taken me about twice as long to run that same distance. Therefore, I'm hoping that training at higher altitude then racing at sea level will greatly increase my speed.

But just to make sure, I think Ry and I will be heading down to Vegas in November to run my 20 miler. If I can run my 20 down in Vegas in a reasonable amount of time, then I won't stress over the 5 1/2 time limit. But until then, you'd better believe I'll be training my butt off and integrated lots of quality speed work into my training schedule. And of course, prayers, good vibes, and well wishes are sure to help and most definitely welcomed!!!

Here we go again...

10K Fun Run in the Sun

While we were in Vegas last weekend, I decided that I might as well sign up for a race and make the most of my holiday weekend. I even talked my brother into running with me.

He had run with me in the past while I was training for my marathon, and it was really fun chatting and running with him along the Provo River Parkway trail. However, Jord was a little worried about the race since it was a 10k, and the farthest Jordan had ever run before was about 4.5 miles.

I assured him that since we'd be in Las Vegas at a lot lower altitude, he'd be golden. I was even stoked about the elevation drop. I signed up for the race thinking I was gonna set a new 10k personal record.

So race day rolls around and we're pumped!

We cruise up to the packet pickup and Jordan looks out along the horizon and notices a few mountains. He asks me, "Are we running out to those?" I take a a glance in the direction of the mountains, snicker a little bit and dismiss his comment by saying, "Yeah right! That's hella far out there."

We grab our bibs, line up at the starting line, and get ready to do work. Gun fires and we're off!

Coming off the starting line, we pound out about half a mile through a straightaway, then we round a corner to the right. As soon as I come around the corner, I'm face to face with a HUGE hill that leads straight up to the base of those very mountains I scoffed at just minutes before.

The entire time I'm thinking, "There's no way we're running all the way up this hill. The course will turn any second...any second now...wait for it...wait for it..."

No, no. It never turned. We went all the way up. I ran a 2 mile, 3.5% grade hill. If you don't know what that means, let me break it down. It was a long-ass, big-ass hill!!!! I was dying!! So much for that personal record. I was just hoping not to fall into an exhausted heap along the side of the road! And to make matters worse, Jordan decides he's gonna show off and run like a freakin' cheetah. So I'm left to suffer all by myself. I didn't even have my iPod to distract me from my misery.

Finally --FINALLY--I crest the hill and the course turns again to the right. And the second I round that corner, I'm met but yet ANOTHER huge hill! At that point, I just wanted to turn around and walk back to the start, get in my car, and drive back home to Utah.

Really, we're gonna run this entire race up hill? 6 miles of hell? REALLY?!? And better yet, this second hill is gonna be a 5% grade?

Why does Baby Jesus hate me so much sometimes???

I battle up the second hill, give the mountain side the finger, turn around and book it back down. I don't even know where Jordan is at this point. I don't even care. I'm over this stupid race. So pissed! Why the hell didn't I look at the course map before I signed up for the race? There's what? One mountain in Las Vegas and I had to run up it????

I get back down the mountain, cross the finish line at 1 hour and 14 minutes, 5 minutes past my goal time. Lame!!!

And Jordan? Oh yeah, he finished in 55 minutes, earning him the 1st place spot in his division. His first ever 10k, and only his 2nd ever official race and he places first in his division?!? Super show off.

But come to find out, even with my slow time, I actually placed 3rd in my division. Awesome, right??? Too bad they only awarded 1st and 2nd place with a certificate.

Once again I get screwed.

Come on Baby Jesus!!!!

UFC Fan Expo

For the long Memorial Day weekend, we decided to trip it down to Vegas.

My main man and I, along with the masses, went to Mandalay Bay for the UFC Fan Expo.

IT. WAS. SO. COOL.

Seeing all the fighters in person was almost surreal...and in some cases, disappointing.

Tito Ortiz aka The Huntington Beach Badboy aka the love of my life...yeah, not that awesome in person. He was a lot smaller than I imagined him being. He still had a ginormous noggin, but the rest of him was not that impressive. Still, don't think for one second I wouldn't have made out with him right then and there if he'd asked me to! Ryan wouldn't have minded. There was way too much booty meat prancing around in panties and bikini tops for him to even have noticed!

I did, however, enjoy meeting Herb Dean. He's actually a pretty big dude! He was a little pudgy when I put my arm around him to pose for the picture, but I'm sure he was thinking the exact same thing about me!

It was also fun to meet Brandon Vera. He's a fellow Flip but was raised in the states. Still, he's fluent in Tagalog and Ry had a blast chatting it up with him in the native tongue. And I must admit, Brandon Vera was pretty impressed by Ry's Tagolog skills...and mine, too!! What, with like the 3 phrases I know how to say in Tagolog?!?! I even got Lalea to say "mahal kita."

I'm telling you, Lalea was the key to this entire expo. All the fighters thought she was adorable and had us bring her to the front of the line. Roy Nelson even had Ry set her up on the signing table to take a picture with him. She was our all access pass!!! I thought it was gonna be HORRIBLE bringing a 2 year old to an overcrowded expo. But little did we know, she was the secret weapon! Her cuteness got us free shirts, awesome pictures, and even a table out in the crowded foyer during the lunch rush!! Thanks, Lollipop!!

Aside from having to stand in long-ass lines in order to meet the fighters, it was an awesome experience. I'm so mad we didn't go back for the second day of the expo. Next year we'll be sure to go for both days. It was totally worth it. If you're into MMA, I highly recommend attending the UFC Fan Expo.

Go get your fight on!!!

Training Day 11 - Vegas

How do you spend a weekend in Vegas? Going to Cirque shows? Eating at buffets? Gambling? Shopping? Frequenting strip clubs?!?

I spend it on Tanaya Road, running 10 miles.

TEN MILES!!!

T-E-N!!!























Word to your mother.

What happens in Vegas...

WARNING!!! THIS WILL PROBABLY BE ONE OF THE LONGEST POSTS EVER!! CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION!!

This weekend was the big wedding for Christopher and Juliann. Since SOOOO much drama occurred through it all, I thought it'd be easier to just document the occasion via photo montage. And to just touch on the important and fun parts. Perhaps one day I'll release all the drama that unfolded. But until then, we'll start out slow.

Daddy and Poppers on the side of the road on the way to Vegas. This little girl was PEE PEE!!!







When we finally arrived in Vegas that night, we ate at a place called Hash House a Go Go. They serve down home cooking and in HUGE portions. This was my Uncle Buck sized pancake. And no, I didn't finish it all. I didn't even make a dent!!!


We then headed over to Chris and Juliann's hotel room at the Luxor. Me and Lolli hung around for a while...




...Ryan lounged around, pretending he was a porn star...








...until Jordan farted, and we needed to gas mask ourselves. Ryan, demonstrating his gas mask tactics.
After the air settled, Whit and Ryan decided to walk like an Egyptian. Since it was Christopher and Juliann's last night of freedom, we thought we'd all hit the town for some bachelor and bachlorette fun. Jordan prepared for his night out by doing a few stretches. The girls decided to go out, but found that it was hard to accomodate the under 21 crowd at 1am in Vegas. So, instead of hitting up Thunder From Down Under or LAX, we caught the tram and just went site seeing for a bit. The most exciting part of our girl's night was actually being on the tram with all the drunk people.

We thought that maybe the boys had better luck on their night out...but apparently not.

The next day were the nuptials. Everyone was getting ready.

And while getting ready, it was discovered that Christopher had a gigantic pimple that popped up to haunt him on his wedding day. We call this "The zit seen 'round the world."

We finally made it out the door and piled into our awaiting limo.

But not before we passed by Cris Angel's Hummer that he magically lifted off the ground.

(side note: Cris Angel is a loser...and he's greasy)








The limo ride was fun because it was the first time Ryan and Lolli had ridden in one.





Arriving at the wedding chapel, me met up with the Budos and the Hamptons and had a very nice ceremony.



















After the ceremony, Chris and Juliann were whisked away by the photographer to take some pictures. During this time, Jordan, Whitney and I decided to have a little photo shoot of our own. Here are some of the highlights.






On the way home from the wedding we saw this...
...which opened the door as to what the boys really did on their night out! And for only $38, too!!





Since we were all starving, we headed over to eat dim sum...and then some! I was in heaven!!!
Even Lālea couldn't resist the rice cake!



And she also helped herself to some fried calamari.
Next to the rice cake, my faves were the char siu bao and the steamed shrimp dumplings.












When it was time to pay the bill,
Jordan made it rain!







We then headed to the world's largest gift shop...



...where Jord found the world's largest pen...





...and an anatomically
correct teddy bear.














We headed to the Forum shops...









...where the boys took pictures with some lovely ladies.












While at Caesar's we saw some pretty odd things:








Some nasty guy with his TIGHT pants tucked into his boots. He was flaming!!








Some Asian dressed in a full suit of fuchsia fuzz







But we saw a lot of cool
stuff too.




And of course, there were the statues...which, I remember these being a LOT cooler when I was younger.

By the end of the day, we were all tired and ready to leave.

















After taking a short rest, we finally made it over to Mandalay Bay
































And we headed over to the Burger Bar for dinner and cake.




The evening finally ended with Teri making friends with some random drunk dude!


To conclude, our trip was crazy, anxiety ridden, dramatic, and memorable. But all in all, it was a good weekend. We had a few drinks, shared a few laughs, and enjoyed each other's company. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably skip all the fluff and head straight to the dim sum restaurant. Forget site seeing...let's eat!!!