From the "Me Likey" File

Just before I head out on a 2-week NYC Adventure that I'm sure makes many of you green with envy, let me share a random sampling of things I've been enjoying lately. Feel free to take these as "2 Thumbs WAAAY Up!"-type recommendations, because that's what they're meant to be.

I am happily on the Inception bandwagon, ladies and gentlemen. I saw it opening day--loved every minute of it--and I have every intention of seeing it again in theaters very soon. If you haven't seen it yet, RUN to your nearest theater and get yourself a ticket! Intelligent, ingenious, entertaining, and just an overall fabulous cinematic experience. GO. Now. In fact, its okay if you want to stop reading this post in order to leave immediately for the movie theater. I doubt anything I write below will be as entertaining as Inception, after all.

I'm in favor of riding horses named Nellie. It gives you a very legitimate reason to say "Whoa, Nellie!" for one thing. But if you can't get yourself a horse named Nellie, I'm willing to settle on a recommendation for horseback riding, period. I went recently with mi amiga, Caryn, and her grandpa. We took a trail up by the Alpine Loop and I have to admit--Utah can be lovely! Especially from the back of a horse. This is my favorite picture from the adventure because it perfectly captures how the majority of the picture-taking went: I try to pose while my horse has a different idea entirely.

I'm sort of in love with my new nephew, Charlie. Well, its Charles, but there are all sorts of nicknames already floating around. I used "Chuck" the other day and I can see that sticking. Who knows? What I DO know is that he is Adorable, and I could spend every day cuddling him and not get tired of it. "How is this a recommendation?", you might ask. Well, since 2008 I've been a big proponent of nephews, so I say if you can get one, do it. And if you can't, just look at that pic and be jealous of mine.

If you haven't seen HCT's The Wedding Singer yet, you're running out of time! It closes July 31st. And if you miss it--you should be sorry, because its brilliant. I'd highly recommend the MWF cast, because that's the cast I saw and they were fabulous. And my friend, Derek, is in the lead role MWF and he's just awesome like that. I saw the show as part of the Hale Centre 25th Anniversary BASH (Thanks Charisse!!), and it was a truly fabulous evening. I got to dress up, look sassy, and drink "Sally" Temples...a wonderful night, indeed.

And finally, on these bloody hot summer days (100 degrees, again, Mother Nature? Come on. Take a chill pill.) I'm in love with my blender and the Orange Julius it allows me to make. I adore orange julius, and its the #1 reason I invested in a blender this summer. This frosty treat is so easy to make too, with my mom's recipe. I hope its not a family secret, because here you go:

Mom's Orange Julius Goodness

3/4 c. milk
1 1/4 c. water
6 oz. frozen OJ concentrate
1/2 c. sugar
10-12 ice cubes

Put into blender. BLEND. And enjoy. In fact, enjoy as many as you can as often as you can because its just that good. Plus, I think you deserve it.

Speaking of Zac Efron...

Once again, its the start of a new school year. This year is going to be crazy busy with a myriad of responsibilities beyond the classroom teaching itself. I am still serving as Relief Society president in my ward. I am working on my National Board certification. I have a student teacher first semester. I am rehearsing for our stake musical revue. I am co-facilitating our district's Social Studies book club. And in the midst of all that I am trying to maintain some semblance of sanity...and a life, if possible. Good Luck to me.

This past weekend I ran the Top of Utah half marathon with my little sister. Abby is THE BOMB.com and we ran without any major stops for 2 hours, 12 minutes, and (in my case) 40 seconds to finish with a fabulous time...if I do say so myself. The racecourse is quite delightful and the scenery through Logan Canyon--splendid. I had a great time and look forward to another half marathon in the near future. Plus, I finally got to try Angie's tots. Kayla was right--they're delish.

I think one of the things I'll miss most about my summer break is spending so much time with my nephew. He is...fabulous. He's adorable and incredibly entertaining, and always in the mood to eat. Seriously. He is such a mooch its hilarious. But you know--I love that about him too.

As of August 26th, I have officially gone off treats for the school year. That means no cookies, brownies, ice cream, pie, candy...and the list goes on and on. Almost everyone who has heard of my daring diet plan has declared that I have to give myself a cheat day or I'll never survive. First, no I don't. I'm definitely an "All or Nothing" kind of person. If I give myself a cheat day once a week I'll just give up altogether and very quickly at that. Secondly, I'm not entirely insane. I have given leave for treats on specific days of the year. For example, I will be indulging in rootbeer floats and chocolate chip cookies with the family during General Conference weekend. And I refuse to let Thanksgiving go by without pie. I'm pretty sure I'll be okay. The whole purpose of this experiment is to improve my self-discipline, and to see some true SHRINKAGE around my middle.

Yesterday my Visiting Teacher, Lisa, came to see me at school. Isn't she great?! She brought along Caryn--her other visiting teachee--and lunch. Hero O' The Day! I'm so grateful for delightful friends who can surprise you on a Monday afternoon and make the rest of the day bearable.

Last week I had the great pleasure of taking in a free premiere showing of the film, "Adam." Hands down--one of my favorite movies EVER. Really. Its a delightfully tender, off-beat romantic comedy and I would recommend it to anyone. Hugh Dancy is fantastic and I spent most of the movie trying to decide if I wanted to laugh, cry, or...well, cry; the debate over sad tears vs. happy tears was insane. The movie is awesome and if you want to go see it soon, give me a call and I'll do my best to make it. I can't wait to see it again!



I am excited for autumn to really start. I want to wear sweaters and not get nasty sweaty when I get into my car in the afternoon. I'd like the fall TV season to start (GLEE!), and I'd like to crave a drive up the canyon and apple cider. Of course, winter follows shortly after the autumn but we have to know the bitter to appreciate the sweet, right?

On a final random note, I saw two ducks crossing the road this morning. The only thing better than that sight, was seeing the giant grin on every driver's face who was stopped in their respective lanes as we waited for the ducks to move along. Fabulous.