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.

Love at St. Mark's

I fear I will never get back to blogging :( With my new couponing obsession--a whole separate post in it's own right!--mountainous piles of laundry, and a new found love for road biking, I find I no longer have much time to blog. Sad, I know.

Even more fearsome, I don't think I'll ever get around to posting the pictures and details of my Europe trip. And I know you're all dying to hear about that! Though, I did post a bunch of pics on my Facebook page. Except, if you're not my friend on FB, you won't be able to view them since my profile is private. Sorry. Don't like creepers stalking me on FB. Had a bad experience with that once. NEVER AGAIN!!!! But please, feel free to continue stalking my blog.

Anyways, so as to calm my troubled heart and to hopefully tide you over for a few more days, I
have a quick experience and a couple accompanying pictures to share with you about Venice.

A little back ground info...

Ry was in France for about 2 weeks with his class. I was to meet him in Venice one day before our cruise. Long story short, I ended up getting to Venice 5 days before our cruise. Therefore, I was left to my own devices in a foreign land for nearly a week.

Not knowing a lick of Italian and missing my Ryan dearly, I set off to take advantage of my extended stay in Italy. I explored every canal, cathedral, and market Venice had to offer. It was wonderful, albeit lonely.
Of course, I made my way to St. Mark's square. As expected, the place was crawling with tourists and pigeons. Already high-strung from the stressful plane ride over, I just couldn't handle the crowd. To avoid an anxiety attack, I opted out of venturing into the cathedral and just took pictures from outside, instead.A few days later, after I had gotten my bearings and was a little more relaxed, I decided to head back to St. Mark's for a second try at actually going inside the basilica. How could I make it all the way to Venice and not go inside St Mark's?

To tell the rest of the story, I'm copying in an email that I sent to my mom.

So glad I [went in to St. Mark's] today. There were only a billion people bit it was so beautiful. It was unreal. And to add to it, they were holding a service while I was there and I was able to look down into the nave and listen. The organist was playing and the choir was singing in the most beautiful [harmonies]. I definitely had a moment.

After spending nearly 2 hours there, I made my way to leave. I saw this young guard eying me as I was walking and looking at other stuff. He kept staring and kept staring and when I met his [gaze] he didn't turn away. Awkward.

I thought maybe he thought I stole something cuz I had my phone, camera, and money stuffed down my shirt.

He finally walks past men and as he does he touches my shoulder and says, "Bellisima! More beautiful than this cathedral!"

I said, "Uh, thanks" ad quickly hurried down the stairs to the exit.

I walk out into the square and hear from behind me, "Bella! Bella!"

I turn around and it's the guard. He hands me a little package and says, "A present for mio amore."

I thank him and make to turn away [when he] asks for my name I tell him Whitney. Bahahahaha!!!

He [introduces himself as] David and tells me to open the present. [Inside are] two postcards, one just of Venice and the other of St. Mark's. David says, "So you remember where to find me on your return."

About to throw up I say, "OK, I'll be returning tomorrow with my husband." Then I practically ran away cuz he was creeping me out.

I wonder how many postcards David has bought in his day.

I wouldn't have been surprised if this guy followed me back to my hotel in Campalto. Super creeper!!!

But isn't this scenario exactly what American girls conjure up when they dream of Italy? Being swept off their feet by some Italian hunk of a man?

Though, it would never have worked out between David and I. We'd illicit way too many Mormon and Catholic jokes.

Until my return, mio amore.

Lo Siento

I've been so bad about blogging lately and about getting to my friends' blogs. So so sorry! I promise to get back to it all soon!

I don't have any big vacations, races, or life changing events planned for the next few months, so I should be able to get back into things this week.

Along with jumping back into the blogosphere, I also start running and working out again this week. After last Saturday, it's been WONDERFUL to take the whole week off and not worry about running, lifting weights, or doing a single sit-up. But in place of all the exercise, I've taken up sugar and soda again :( Big Uh-Oh.

It's been lovely overindulging, but I can definitely feel it now. I feel disgusting, gross, and out of shape. So tomorrow, along with the running and exercising, I go back to my no-soda-and-no-sugar diet. Gonna be hard to ween myself off again. Last time I just quit cold turkey. We'll see if that works this time, too. Be prepared for a very grumpy lady. Though, I'm hoping the endorphins from the exercise will help me through the sugar cravings. I'll keep my fingers crossed...and my fridge stocked with lots of fresh fruit!

Anyways, I miss you all and look forward to catching up on all your lovely blogs. Thanks for your patience as I try and get my life back together!!!!!

Back in the US of A

After being gone nearly a month, I'm finally back! And though I had an AMAZING time in Europe, I couldn't be happier to be home.

I've got so much to lay on ya about my trip but for now, I've gotta scramble to get my house back together and figure out how the hell I'm gonna get myself through 26.2 miles this Saturday at the Ogden Marathon.

Again, pray for me!

Venezia

This is a little late but...

I MADE IT!!!!!!!!

Yes, I am here in Italy. I've actually been here for 5 days. I've seen about everything there is to see and have been absolutely EVERYWHERE. I feel like it's my home now. But, I'm still ready to move on.

Ryan arrives this afternoon, in about 3 hours. I can't wait. It will be so nice to finally have a traveling companion and someone to talk to...in English.

But since I'm at a paid internet station, this is just going to be a short post. I hope to post pics and talk more about my trip as soon as I have more time and a better work station.

When Ryan gets in, we'll be staying one more night in Venice then tomorrow we set sail for Greece. Can't wait!

Anyways, thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. So relieved I got here in time!!! Though, I must say, it was an adventure in doing so...but that's a whole post within itself.

Miss you all and I'll post more soon!!!

Ciao!!!!!

T-Minus 2 days

I am leaving to Europe in 2 days. I'm totally freaking out...and not in a good way.

I wasn't supposed to leave until Friday the 30th, but after perusing the TravelNet site to check on my standby status, I realized that there's a good chance I might not make it on my flights. May 1st is obviously Labor Day and I guess everybody is going to Venice to celebrate. Nearly all the flights are full and with a standby list of like a billion people. So, I had a melt down.

This was seriously one of the worst weekends ever. My husband leaves me, there's a possibility I can't make it to Europe, my dog runs away, and there's way too much Easter candy and goodies to resist. What's a girl to do?!!??

Well, after a frantic call to Ry's step-mom, she assured me that everything would be ok with the flights. I just can't keep looking at TravelNet or else I'd freak myself out. Too late. But she did rearrange my flights to head out earlier. That way, if I do miss some flights, I'll have a few more days to try and get on another one before the 2nd. But again, she reassured me and didn't seem too concerned about it so I think now I'll be all right. Just gotta take deep breaths.

Could you imagine, though? Nearly 4 months of planning and a bajillion dollars already spent on this trip and there's a possibility that it might not even happen for me?? Oh. Em. Gee. I can't think about it anymore. I'm gonna make myself sick.

Everyone, please cross your fingers, send good vibes, and pray for me. Positive affirmations. I'm going to make these flights. I'm going to make these flights. I'm going to make these flights.

Ramblings

1) A few weeks ago, I bought a month's membership for Sweaty Chix Fitness on Groupon. Sweaty Chix is AWESOME! They offer lots of different fitness classes like Cardio Drench, Yoga, and Zumba. But my all time favorite classes are Hip Hop Hustle and Hot Hula. Of course, I love hip hop cuz you know I like to pop my booty. But have you seen the booty shakin' require for hula??!? Well, Tahitian really. But you knew I'd love me some hula...since I am Hawaiian and all. Lalea even comes to dance with me sometimes.

2) Our Eurotrip is less than a month away. I'm stressing BIG time! I'm just so nervous about our travel arrangements. I'm sure something is gonna get messed up of miscommunicated and one of us is gonna get stranded somewhere. Maybe I should have gone with a travel agent after all. But when I met with one, he seemed like and idiot and hadn't even been to Europe. He had no insider information and was only reiterating things I had already researched for myself. I actually found myself better deals than the agent was offering. Though, I guess the beauty in an agent is not having to do the research for myself anyways. It's a trade-off.

3) My family is obsessed with playing Settlers of Catan. We are now a true Utah County Mormon family. How cheesy.

4) Last month, my mom's dog got super sick and we had to put her down. So sad. We've had Pili for nearly 8 years. After Mom put her down, she was going through puppy withdrawls. So, last week she picked up another. This is Rella. She's a Morkie, half Maltese half Yorkie. One of the cutest things you've ever seen!

5) I'm lacking some serious motivation. After training for almost 2 years straight, I'm starting to get burnt out on running. Running has turned into more of an obligation. I'm always proud and feel accomplished after completing a long run on Saturdays, but Friday night leading up to it, I'm so angry. I have such a bad attitude going into it because I just don't want to HAVE to do it anymore. I haven't taken my training as seriously this time around. I think I'm going to take a break after Ogden. Switch to cycling for a while. I'll still run. Maybe do some half marathons and some 10ks, but I don't think I'll do a full marathon again until after we have another baby. But with that all said, I'm still very appreciative of everyone's support, encouragement, and generosity. I truly wouldn't have gotten this far without your help. Thanks a million!

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!

Euro Trip

As part of Ry's MBA program, he gets to go on an international trip to Paris for 10 days. Being super jealous, I weasled my way into joining him for an extended vacation in Europe following the conclusion of his school trip.

Super excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity, I got straight to making plans. However, in all of my zealousness, I quickly became overwhelmed.

When I go on vacation, I like to plan everything out in detail. (Actually, that's not just how I am with vacations, I'm like that with everything I do.) I like knowing exactly where I'm going, how I'm gonna get there, what we're doing when we arrive, and how much it will cost. And never having been to Europe. there were already tons of things on my to-do list.

Every time I'd sit down at the computer to start planning, my head would explode. There was just too much to organize. Most importantly, I've seen way too many scary movies about travelers getting killed, raped, and abducted abroad, so I was really concerned about planning the safest trip possible. I know hosteling is part of the European backpacking experience, but I prefer to remain unrobbed, unraped, and unkidnapped.

I thought working with a travel agent would help out a bit, but the agent I went to was kinda retarded. He seemed like he had his own agenda and kept pushing things that I didn't really want. So, it was back to the drawing board.

The most frustrating part of trip planning is transportation. Even to and from the airport, we have to take trains, buses, trams...donkeys. It really is a headache trying to coordinate everything. But after weeks of researching, reading, and perusing, I think Ry and I have finally made some concrete plans.

• I fly from SLC to Venice and hop on a bus to the Pizzale RomaTerminal Venezia Passeggeri
• Ry flies from Paris to Milan, takes a bus from the airport to the Milano rail station, takes a train to Venice, then walks from the rail station to the Pizzale Roma
• Together at last, we walk the final way to the Terminal Venezia Passeggeri
• We board the Royal Caribbean's Splendor of the Seas and begin our 11 night cruise through the Greek Isles and Turkey
• We get back to Venice, walk across the canal to Piazzale Roma
  
• Board a bus to the airport
• Fly to Amsterdam
• Take a train to our hotel
• Party it up with the Dutch for 4 days with our IAmsterdam card that gets us free public transportion and admission to over 50 attractions
• Take a train back to the airport
• Fly home to SLC on May 16th
• Run the Ogden marathon on May 21st

THE END

And that was the condensed version!!!

I'm so excited for our trip but still WAY nervous. I know everything won't go according to plan, I just hope Murphy's law won't take affect. I sure as hell don't wanna get locked up abroad. Pray for me!

Auld Lang Syne

As another year comes to an end, it's time to revisit the bests and worsts of 2010.

Favorite Moments
Becoming a marathoner
Meeting Bart Yasso
Running the RRR with my Ryan
Attending the UFC Fan Expo
Stalking Kody Brown
House boating on Lake Powell
Becoming a SAHM

Not-So-Hot Moments
Potty training
Ryan getting the shaft from Sunroc
Moving out of the Camelot community
Deciding to be the RRR captain
The earthquake in Haiti
Wikileaks

Disappointments
BP
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Kim Kardashian's DWTS debut
Jesse James
California voting no on Prop 19

Favorite Songs
Airplanes - B.O.B feat. Hayley Williams and Eminem
F!*# You - Cee Lo Green
My Chick Bad - Ludacris feat. Nicki Minaj
Tight Rope - Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi



Best Movies - I didn't really go to very many movies this year. I'm not too keen on paying $74 for a ticket at the theaters. Plus, my life is now consumed with all things toddler so it's no surprise my favorite movies this year are kids/family movies. My life is so glamorous.
Inception
Hot Tub Time Machine (That crap is funny. Don't judge me.)
Toy Story 3
Despicable Me

Best Reads - I always have to clarify that these book picks aren't books that were necessarily published in 2010. Rather, they're simply books that I read this year.
My Life on the Run - Bart Yasso
Heft on Wheels - Mike Magnuson
Escape - Carolyn Jessop
In the Forest - Edna O'Brien
The Rookie - Scott Sigler

Enjoy your final hours of 2010. I must admit, it was a good year. Let's see what 2011 has to offer.

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....

King of Sandwiches

I feel like I've totally been neglecting my blog lately. I've been CRAZY busy at work. I've only got about another week left at the office so I've been interviewing, hiring, and training my replacement. And in between training sessions, I've been running around the office trying to get everything ready to leave to Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Twice a year, the Mathematics Association of America hosts 2 national conferences. This year, I will be attending the MathFest conference in Pittsburgh where I will be running an exposition booth for 3 days...and I couldn't be more excited!!!

Do I really love math that much? Not really. I haven't taken a math class since AP calc my junior year of high school. What I am really excited about is Primanti Brothers.

If you've ever watched the Travel Channel or Food Network, then you know exactly what Primanti Brothers is. For those of you ignorant and naive souls who don't know what I'm talking about, feast your eyes on this:

Yes. Those are two slices of fresh Italian bread, tenderly enfolding layers of corned beef, coleslaw, and a whole handful of fries.

"What in the what?!!?? Fries INSIDE the sandwich?"

Oh yes, yes, YES!!!!! As far as I'm concerned, that's the ONLY way to ever eat french fries.

I'll probably eat there every day. Except maybe not, cuz there's probably like 2500 calories in that one sandwich. But no worries. I'm packing my running shoes! See? I've got all my bases covered.

It Means No Worries

My lovely readers, rejoice! For I have returned! After a week-long vacay on the Hakuna Matata...
...I'm finally back and rocking an AWESOME tan! (I seriously love being Hawaiian. My gams are perfectly golden!)

And while this post won't mean anything to many of you, I wanted to quickly write down some of our favorite inside jokes, experiences, and memories from this trip before I forget. But for those readers who did accompany me on this trip, you'll appreciate this list.

Pooping on the side of the freeway
Fish slap
Dancing by myself
Death pockets
Flying turtle and farting dolphin
P90X
Endless Nacho Libre references
Netherlands soccer
Mission stories
Rattle snake hike
Shooting bottle rockets
Booty poppin'
"You're like a baby, don't know what to do!"
Gale force winds
Henna
Squirt gun boy at the marina
Cliff jumping
"Come on, Blondie!"
Redheaded boy catching his first fish
Striper boils
Hat tricks
Speedo
Retard faces
Marina trucker girl
Kayak boobies
"He's schwimming out to schea!"
Houseboat ramming the dock

We had a lot of fun with our family and friends and we shared in a lot of laughs...generally at someone's expense.

But the best part of the entire trip? FINALLY getting up on the wakeboard. It only took 509,234,882,711 attempts...and that's with my cousin in the water helping me. I'm pissed I waited until the last day there to try, though. I could have been wakeboarding the entire week. Oh well. Maybe I should just find someone around here with a boat that I can sweet talk into taking us out on the lake so I can utilize my new skills.

Anyone??? Anyone???!?!!?

A HUGE thanks to the Taylor's for the awesome week at Powell!!!

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.

$$$$$$$$$$

I LOVE lists!! Why didn't I know that the Secret Society of List Addicts existed?!? I've already gotten so many fun ideas for posts from their blog. Including this...

What I'd do if money were no object:

Pay off all my debt
I guess if money were no object, I wouldn't have any debt. But as it stands, I've got like a million credit cards, 19 school loans, and like 80 car payments. So, debt would have to be the first thing to go. I ain't owing anyone anything!

Pay off my parent's debt
I had to learn my poor money management skills somewhere, right? Both my husband's and my mother have incurred some debt of their own, including their homes and cars. If I paid off all my mom's debt, there's no question who the favorite child would be...like there was ever any doubt anyways ;)

Buy houses
Right now, I'd be happy with A-house. But if money weren't a thang, you better believe I'd keep multiple homes in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Park City, Miami, Hawaii, New York, and Australia. I've got places to go! Which leads me to my next item...

Travel
And I ain't talking about flying coach and staying at a Best Western. I'd be "Paying cash,first class,sitting next to Vanna White" And since I'd own a house in most of the cities I'd already be visiting frequently, lodging would be taken care of as well as transportation, because of course, every house we own has a 3 car garage, each stocked with a sports car, sadan, and SUV.

Build rock crawlers
Poor Ryan has sold every single one of his Jeeps. He's been reduced to driving a Toyota Yaris. Definitely not manly. I'd buy Ry his unlimited Rubicon and then let him go to town on lifts, lockers, bead locks, roll cages, stingers, etc. Even more fun, I'd sponsor him in building a tube chassis buggy. Then, we'd forget Moab and instead go Aussie to crawl our beasts!!

Commission a chopper from OCC
I don't care who you are, choppers are super sexy. And though American Chopper has turned into just one more dramatic reality show, it doesn't negate the fact that they build some of the most beautiful bikes known to mankind.

Hire a chef and personal trainer
Can you imagine just how skinny I'd be if I had someone cook for me and make me work out?

Purchase Betsey Johnson's entire line
I love me some Betsey Johnson and her 80's prom-esque style. Her leather purses are my favorite bags of all time and I love her funky and chunky jewelry pieces.

Establish a need-based scholarship
I'm a huge supporter and advocate of higher education. I also know how expensive college can be and I would not have been able to afford to attend if it weren't for the scholarships I received.

Host extravagant parties
I love hanging out with friends and I love throwing big events. I'd find every excuse to plan the most awesome galas and soirees for families, friends, and charities.

What are some things you'd do if money were no object?