If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
- J.R.R. Tolkien
I spent most of April hanging out with loved ones, completing a no carb/no sugar food challenge, and working out. I love it. My life is good.
Karate Kid movie night
One night at home, I watched
The Karate Kid and ate the last cookie my mom gave me for Valentine's Day. I'm so happy that sugar cookies freeze as well as they do. I'd forgotten how good the movie is, too. Totally holds up!
Nichole's birthday
The night before Nichole's birthday, she asked if we could just buy a ton of candy and eat and hang out and talk at my house (we also got salads from Trader Joe's). I was happy to oblige. That's my favorite kind of celebration!
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| (The food challenge started two days later) |
General Conference
My parents went to Greece for a couple of weeks. Since they weren't around for the usual
General Conference brunch, Adam and Lindsey organized a potluck for between sessions. Because it was also Easter Sunday, the G-unit, Zonks, and Breezy "hid" plastic and hard-boiled eggs for their uncles, aunts, and cousin to find. We ate and played games, and when Conference started up again in the afternoon I stayed to watch with Adam and Lindsey. Such a good day!
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Playing a game where you have to get your ball into the basket before
the person behind you does. I got second place during one game! |
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| (I'm not in the picture because I was taking it) |
Once the Musical
Theresa and I saw
Once the Musical and it was WONDERFUL! Funny, and uplifting, and inspiring. I It's the story is a depressed Irish musician who meets a woman that inspires him. I made it a point not to listen to the music or watch the movie beforehand. I wanted to be surprised and watched with fresh eyes. I absolutely loved it -- no wonder it won the Tony for Best Musical in 2012.*
*If you see it, be warned there are a LOT of swears. It IS set in Ireland, after all.
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A few favorite lines:
"You're like Mendelsson, but alive and Irish!"
"It's the voice...and the word." "Never sing." "Ever."
"Do you like being Irish?" "Seriously?"
"Nobody calls it 'hanky-panky' anymore." "Maybe that's why I can't find any."
"More song! Less pants!" |
Dinner at The Garden
A few girlfriends got together to eat at
The Garden at Temple Square and gab about our lives. I love catching up with these ladies! Must go back when I'm not dieting, because my friends couldn't get over how good the creme brulé was...
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| Theresa, me, Laura, and Shilene |
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| The view from our table -- gorgeous! |
April snowstorm
The biggest snowstorm of the 2014-2015 season occurred in April. I love Utah's sense of humor :)
Jobbiversary
Celebrated my 5 year anniversary at my job! I've never had any one job for this long. I am very grateful for a terrific manager (I seriously adore her), respectful co-workers, and work that I enjoy. I look forward to working with them a while longer (and to the raise, and the extra vacation days I have finally earned). I am lucky!
A glimpse at my ribbon collection
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| "What if there's no ribbon drawer? Where would all the ribbons go?!!" - Monica from Friends |
I ♥ Salt Lake
A snapshot of downtown Salt Lake City, from the perspective of the clinic where I get my allergy shots.
Nichole and Drew for all eternity
Nichole was sealed to her dear husband Drew at the Salt Lake Temple. I was honored to be invited, and to loan her my umbrella when the rain took its time letting up afterwards. Luckily, it did abate, and Nichole was able to have some professional photos taken of the special day.
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| Larissa, Tiffanie and I at the Salt Lake Temple after the sealing |
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Nichole had an open house that night, and they overestimated the amount of food they would need.
I took all of this home and put it in the freezer to eat after I finished my food challenge.
See Larissa's blog for the chocolate-chip cookie recipe.
*POST-CHALLENGE UPDATE* It was all delicious!! |
Beloved babys' birthdays
This adorable little monster had a birthday, and his parents and their friends went all out with a
Monsters, Inc.-inspired birthday party! It was fun to celebrate my besty's baby with so many of her loved ones!
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| I love how smiley he is! |
My youngest nephew had a birthday, too, and the family spoiled him rotten at his sweet, small celebration. Oh, how I adore this stoic, inquisitive, happy little boy!
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| Papa and Baby PJ |
New flats
Been trying to replace these American Eagle flats for years, but all of the replacements have been disappointments until now. They are crazy-comfortable, and yet, after 5 years of use, the buttons are no longer predictably secure and I've worn holes into the soles. So long, AE flats. I wore you in NYC (twice), Philadelphia, Washington DC, Cedar City, and so many other places. Hope my new flats (on the left) are as reliable. I'll miss you cuties!
Accursed soda machine
The soda machine at work broke down several times. I wouldn't have minded so much if diet soda weren't one of the few treats I can have during this food challenge. #firstworldproblems
Please park inside the lines
Yes, he DID hit my car when he opened the door. He saw me see him, and his half-hearted "Sorry" just made me more mad. This is one of my biggest pet peeves, people! It isn't that hard to be a decent human being!
Flag football
Ended the month at one of the G-unit's flag football games. I'm glad I finally made it to one. It's fun watching him play -- he is so passionate and serious about it. Thanks,
Aaron, for taking these perfect photos!
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| The G-unit's #1 cheerleaders in proper attire |
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| See the G-unit's face peeking out, third from the left? |
And now on to May, a bunch of auditions, a return to regular food, and a much, MUCH needed vacation!
