Week Four Weigh In

So, I've been a blogging slacker lately, but I need to post a Weigh In Update (it will keep me honest). I'm not doing as well as I wanted to, but . . . here we are:

Last Two Week's Weight Loss: 2 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 7 pounds
Weeks to Go: 3 weeks
Still Need to Lose: 9 pounds

It must be said . . .

One of my favorite pics of Ruth and Me

It must be said, I am so excited right now. I just booked a flight to see some of my favorite people in the world - Ruth, Ryan, and Co. I'll be spending two glorious weeks with them in June. The only thing that could dampen my joy is the fact that one now has to pay to check one's luggage. I thought I was getting such a great deal on my flight, but with $60 in taxes and another $30 for checked luggage, my great deal isn't so great anymore. Still . . . worth it. Totally, worth it.

Another New Calling

Well, I got another calling. In addition to being my ward's women's sports director, I'm also going to be on the stake's girl's camp committee. That means I have to go to girls camp. I haven't been since I was 13 years old. I don't even remember what goes on at girl's camp. HELP. Any suggestions?

LOST

I love LOST. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: BEST SHOW EVER!! Last night's episode was a great example of why it's so great. I thought I knew where the plot was heading and then all of a sudden . . . Wham! Out of no where, something completely different happens. And it's not something that's disappointing - it's better than anything I could have imagined. I'm super excited to see where it's going next. I'm starting to live for Wednesdays. 6 more days.

Week Two Weigh In

This week was not a good week for dieting. I had parent/teacher conferences, which meant I worked 2 very long days (13 hours each). It was also Lesli's birthday, which meant cake, cake, and more cake. Nevertheless, here's my update:

This Week's Weight Loss: 1.2 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 5 pounds
Weeks to Go: 5 weeks
Still Need to Lose: 11 pounds

Week One Weigh In

So, I set the goal to lose 16 pounds before I go to AZ for Easter. Well, I leave in 6 weeks and this is where I'm at:

Weight Lost: 3.8 pounds
Weeks to go: 6 weeks
Still need to lose: 12.2 pounds

New Ward = New Calling

So I started attending a new ward at the beginning of the new year. I had been attending a singles ward, that I absolutely loved, but I felt it was time for me to start attending a family ward. I've loved my family ward so far. The congregation has been very friendly and made me feel extremely welcome.

Last week my new bishopric came over to my house to visit and get to know me a bit more. While they were over, they offered me a new calling . . . women's sports director. What? Does the Lord know me at all?! I've been making that joke all week, but to be honest, of course the Lord knows me. Even though the last time I played team sports, it was 15 years ago in order to pass a high school fitness class, I think this calling will be really good for me. It's something I can do. I'm good at organizing. I worked for Park and Rec for 3 years organizing team sports. I'm good at advertising and encouraging people to participate. I think it will be good overall. I'll be able to give service and I'll meet more people in the ward. All good things.

In addition to the new calling, apparently my new bishopric loves me. On Sunday, one of the counselors kept saying, "I know I sound like a broken record, but we were so impressed with you when we met you last week." Seriously, he said it like 6-7 times. Plus, my favorite is that he called me "a class act." Loved it!!

Funny Stuff

Today in class I played a review game with my students. They were put on teams and asked a series of questions on Greek mythology. One of my questions was, "Which Greek mythological figure stands in Rockefeller Center?" No one was getting the correct answer so I gave them a few hints, "He was the one who created men." All of a sudden I have tons of kids yelling, "Jesus." "Jesus Christ." "God."

Answer: Prometheus.

Goals!!

So I made a new year's resolution this year regarding exercise and I'm proud to state that I've kept my resolution so far. Yay!! Because I'm feeling so successful, I've decided to set a weight loss goal. I'm going to AZ for Easter and I'd like to lose 16 pounds before then. It's about 2 months away so I think it's a pretty reasonable goal. I've been told that if you write down your goals, you're more successful at keeping them, so I'm writing it down here and telling you all about it. Any tips would be appreciated.

Best Birthday Weekend Ever!!

Okay, last Monday I turned 31. THIRTY-ONE!! Actually, it wasn't bad at all. I began the celebrations by flying to Las Vegas with Christi and Lesli. They are the best for going with me because I wanted to go in style, which made it a bit pricey. We flew in on Saturday morning and took a taxi to the Paris hotel where we had brunch - yummy crepes. We then did a bit of shopping, at both the Paris and the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. By then, we were exhausted so we headed to the Bellagio to check in. That's right, THE BELLAGIO!!

Our room was fantastic with a great view of the fountains!! Our window was a floor to ceiling window that looked out perfectly. We sat by the window for the next 3 hours watching the fountains and playing cards (we were spending enough money - we couldn't afford to lose any money playing real cards in the casino).

After our card playing, we went to dinner and then to see The Cirque du Soleil O show. It's the main reason why I wanted to come to Vegas. Tickets were ridiculously priced, but it was so worth it!! I would go back this weekend to see it again. The next morning we checked out and went over the Venetian for a little shopping, then flew home. A quick, but awesome birthday weekend. Anyways, here's a few pics:

Christi and Me at the airport.

Lesli and Me on the strip with our umbrellas.

The Bellagio!!

The three of us inside at the Bellagio's Conservatory.

Lesli and Me at the Conservatory.

Christi and Me at the Conservatory -
They were celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Room with a View - This is from our room!!

At night.

Me at The Cirque du Soleil O Theatre.

I love this picture - Lesli, Christi, and Me in our 1st row seats!!

Lesli and Me eating gelato at the Venetian.

Vegas, Baby!!

So I'm heading to Las Vegas with Christi and Lesli for my 31st birthday. We have rooms booked at the Bellagio and have tickets to see the "O" Cirque du Soleil Show. I'll post pictures and give a nice update when we return.

What Have You Done?

I saw this on Tammy's blog and thought I'd participate. If you want to participate, just copy and paste it in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. It's kind of fun!!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Pacific Ocean
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

So how'd you do? I had 61 out of 101. I guess there's a lot of things I still need to do.

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Today I read the gut-wrenching novel Sold by Patricia McCormick. It is an excellent adolescent lit book that tells the story of Lakshmi, a 13 year-old Nepali girl who is sold by her step-father into a life of prostitution. She is taken from her mountainside village in Nepal and transported to India to work in a brothel. It is a quick read that shows the harsh reality that so many young girls face in the world. Although, for the most part, the story is bleak, the book ends with a message of hope. I highly recommend it.

Post-LOST Post

As I went to watch LOST last night, Alina said, "Good Luck." I asked, "Why are you wishing me good luck?" She replied, "So you're not disappointed." Disappointed, NEVER. It was good stuff. I loved the hour recap show. It explained things very well. Lesli watched it with me and was wanted to continue watching the season premier, even though she hasn't seen many episodes.

So, one question was answered: The zodiac boat filled with Daniel Faraday and the other passengers made it to the island because they were within some kind of radius when the island moved.

But, of course, now I have new questions:

1. Why is Charolette's nose bleeding? What's happening to her. Obviously, Daniel knows and isn't telling her.
2. Although 3 years pass before the Oceanic 6 try to come back to the island, will 3 years pass on the island? I'm guessing no, but we shall see.
3. What is Daniel Faraday's mother doing at Oxford? What's she working on?
4. Who wants to have Kate and Aaron's blood tested to see if they're related?
5. Who was the women Ben met in the church? Plus, who was the women in the butcher shop?
6. Why did Locke have to die in order to leave the island?
7. Still, what's up with Richard?

Okay, there are probably many more questions, but that's all I have for now. This may have to become a weekly post. I'll love to hear any of your theories.

More LOST Questions

As I mentioned in my last post, all I've been able to think about is LOST. Luckily, only a few more short hours until the premier airs. So, here's a few more questions:

1. Why didn't Charlotte leave the island? And what did Miles mean when he asked her why'd she want to leave when she had tried so hard to get back?
2. What's up with Richard? Why doesn't he age?
3. Plus, if Richard could leave the island to recruit John and Juliet, why couldn't Ben leave to have his tumor removed? Or why couldn't the women leave to have their babies? These questions or more about inconsistencies in plot, but I hope they're answered.

Stay tuned, more questions may arise throughout the day.

Pre-LOST Post

This is my Pre-LOST Post, meaning my post before I watch the season premier of LOST. I will be doing a Post-LOST Post (I know, it's wordy) about the season premier after I watch it.

Enough of the explanation . . . on to the actual post. So, I have been a huge LOST fan since the beginning. I remember sitting down in 2004 flipping through the channels after a long day hoping to find something semi-entertaining on TV to watch. As I was flipping through the channels they announced that the pilot episode of LOST was on next. I remember thinking, "Oh yeah. I've seen previews for that. It has the hot guy from Party of Five on it. I'll watch that." What followed next was the most visually stunning thing I've ever seen on network television. The pilot episode was amazing!! In fact, it was the most expensive pilot ever filmed in TV history. From then, I was hooked. I've never missed an episode and several of my friends consider me a LOST expert. Now, I'm not a crazy fanatic, just a fan. I don't spend my time in chat rooms discussing every aspect of LOST, I just watch it (and occasionally blog about it).

Anyway, I am super excited for tomorrow's season premier. Now since I've never missed an episode (and I'm not talking about renting the DVDs and watching every episode - I mean NEVER MISSED AN EPISODE), I consider myself pretty up to date on what's going on. However, when I saw that the Sci-Fi channel was airing the last 5 episodes of season 4, I decided to watch it to refresh my memory. As I was watching it, I kept thinking, "Oh, I forgot about that. Oh, I totally forgot about that too." After watching those episodes, I realized I had completely repressed all of what happened last season. I think it was to maintain my sanity so I wouldn't be thinking about it for the 8 months it was off the air. Now that I've refreshed my memory, it's all I can think of. So, here are my top questions I hope are answered this season (hopefully, in the first few episodes):

1. What happened to the zodiac boat filled with Daniel Faraday and the other passangers? Did they make it to the island before it moved or were they stranded on the ocean?
2. How did Locke die? Will the island bring him back to life?
3. Why the hell did Claire follow Christian? Plus, what was that creppy smile all about (you know, the one she gave to Christian when Locke asked him about saving the island)?
   
4. How will Sun be convinced to go back to the island? Why would she want to go with Jack (whom I assume she hates) and why would she want to leave her baby?
5. Why did Sayid stop working for Ben?
6. Does Ben try to kill Penny? If so, how does that effect Desmond?
7. What favor did Kate do for Sawyer once she left the island?

Okay, that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure my Post-LOST Post will have more questions to add.

Day of Laughter

Today has been a day of laughter. First of all, I read this post on Alina's blog. It was cracking me up because it was written by our friend Tom. Last night Tom was using Alina's computer to update the ward website, or so we thought. When I read the post, I was laughing so hard I was crying!!

The other thing that was cracking me up was this clip from the daily show. It's a little long, but the real good stuff is between 1:30-2:40 minutes, especially the last 15 minutes of that time. Watch it!!

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

President Goofus and President Gallant - Peer Pressers

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Breakdown of the Holiday Break

Cookies eaten: Too many
Pounds Gained: Only 1 so far
Movies watched: 7
School Work Done: None
Hours spend outside: Minimal
Hours spend in bed: Maximum

Puzzling with my BFFs

Tom & I have been working on this puzzle for ages (okay weeks).
We finally finished - YES!!

BFFs - Alina, Tom, & Me

A Child's Prayer by Zackary

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please bless thunder and lightning.
Please bless the food, but not the soup. It's good, but I just don't like it.
I'm not allergic to anything.
I like all people. I like girls and boys.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.