Guys Behind the Blog // September 2015

Due to the whole summer "living in the moment" because of the whole "stupid computer died and I had to find a new one so I stopped blogging for a while" fiasco, Justin hasn't made his usually monthly appearance for a while. Well, he's back for another round of Guys Behind the Blog!

1) What's the silliest thing you and your significant other have needed to compromise on?

It usually ends up being some sort of silly thing regarding food or some form of entertainment.

"Ok, fine, I'll watch "What to Expect when You're Expecting" if you watch "The Mighty Ducks."

"Ok, we'll get the onion ring appetizer, but no dessert this time!"

We will never compromise on who gets more strawberries.

2) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 must haves would you bring with you?

First off, the premise states that this is a deserted island and I am stranded, so I couldn't have / will not bring any form of transportation off said island....we clear on that?  Good.  I hate it when people say they'd bring an escape boat or something.  It defies the premise.

And sadly, I don't think I would bring anything with me.  I'd prefer to remove myself from the "if only I had taken X instead of Y" kind of thing.  I'd take nothing so I would regret nothing.  No favorites.

3) Talents aside, what is your dream job?

Talents aside?  Easy.  3rd string quarterback of an NFL team.  I'm there for insurance, I was probably good in college, but not good enough to consistently play in the NFL.  I'd make a lot of money for simply being there in case the starter gets injured AND the 1st backup gets injured.  Additionally, the 3rd string quarterback is never expected to win games.  He is simply there to be a serviceable person to run the offense.  I would also get to work out with the team, So I would be in great shape too.  Too good of a gig to pass up.

4) What are three things on your bucket list?

Have a grandchild
Live until I am 80
Eat a lot of Pizza.

5) What kind of date is your favorite to go on with your significant other? (Romantic, fun, spontaneous, etc.)

Our best dates have always been eating dinner at a nice restaurant and talking about our days, and then having our conversation diverted to the point where we are debating who would win in a fight, Iron man versus Batman, or the religious undertones in Avatar: The Last Airbender, or even the hypothetical scenario of what would a Frozen level look/act like in a Kingdom Hearts video game.

Focusing on the Small and Making the Most of Life

Last weekend, Justin and I took a Babymoon. It was a nice, relaxing night away, full of missed opportunities that could've ruined it, but it didn't.

I do have the say that one thing Justin and I are pretty good at as a team is making the most of things and focusing the small things to make our days together better.

Via

Originally, our plan was to spend a whole weekend at a very nice Bed and Breakfast in Kamas. We'd have a whole suite to ourselves, enjoy the nature, and explore the old part of town. But...Justin's International Folk Dance team performance was smack dab in the middle of Saturday. With our busy schedules of teaching, finishing college, weddings, and other big events, it was the only weekend we could go. So, we decided to get a 1 night package at the Radisson in Salt Lake. We chose a "Bed and Breakfast" package.

We wanted to spend as much time in Salt Lake as possible, but Justin's dance performance started later than we anticipated. Instead of focusing on lost time, I was enjoying the fact that I was able to watch my husband dance and enjoy himself. (As well as hang with my parents who wanted to see their son-in-law perform.)

When we got home and loaded the car, we were excited to get to Salt Lake quickly. But, before we even got to the half-way point, we heard about a major crash near Salt Lake that was causing 1 hour+ delays on I-15! It should only take 40 minutes to get to Salt Lake, but this would've caused us to spend 2+ hours in traffic. Well, we knew of a back road route behind Lehi, that follows the Front Runner route, so we took that drive. It was a little out of the way, but it really only added about 10 minutes to the drive. We considered it an adventure and enjoyed the scenery.

Via

After we checked into the hotel, we were surprised with a coupon book for the City Creek Center Mall. We were excited to use it (as well as hopefully do some shopping for Rhys and I). We headed over and started looking at shops...no maternity shops, and the one baby store didn't have anything we really liked for newborn boys. Also, the coupon book wasn't that useful as we weren't planning on shopping in expensive stores. Instead, we enjoyed just walking around and window shopping. Not that big of a deal if we didn't end up spending money.

We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We loved it the last (and first) time we went, so we knew it'd be fun again. We got there just barely before the dinner rush and only had to wait less than 10 minutes to get seated! Awesome! We found an entree we really wanted to eat (their entrees are huge, so we split them and then just get 2 slices of cheesecake). But, they were out of ingredients for that. So, instead, we just went with our 2nd choice and decided to add an appetizer to it. The food was still delicious and the waitress was very good, so we still enjoyed it.

We went back to the hotel to drop off our Cheesecake for later, and then headed to the Gateway Mall. We found a maternity store and I started trying on maternity jeans (I am in desperate need of maternity pants). Then, I noticed the tags...the cheapest was $150!!! No FREAKING WAY IN HEAVEN would I EVER spend that much on a pair of jeans that I'd only be wearing for the next 3 1/2 months! That was the only maternity store, so once again, we left empty-handed. There were no baby stores, so we couldn't get anything for Rhys. I was starting to feel down. Then, we headed over to the theatre to see if there were any movies we'd want to see. There weren't. And I was getting tired--mentally, emotionally, physically, because of the pregnancy. So, we sat down a bit. I was disappointed. We couldn't really shop like we anticipated, we couldn't see a movie we wanted, we had brought nothing to entertain ourselves in the hotel room because we hadn't expected to have to entertain ourselves, and this was the only night for our Babymoon.

Via

As we sat, we saw many teenagers in prom attire, facing the cold wind that started blowing. The sun was setting. I started to realize, it's ok. We aren't a fancy couple, we aren't an extravagant couple. We are here to take a breather from life. We wanted to get out of Provo and we did. We didn't want to bring electronics with us and we didn't. We were outside and enjoying walking around Salt Lake with each other. That was what mattered--we were enjoying time with each other that we typically don't get without homework, family, grading, or laptops distracting us.

We got up and went to Barnes and Noble because it's a book store and we have to it's my weakness. We looked at baby books for the fun of it and saw some cute baby journals. We also looked at the board games, just to see what they had. And we found Rummikub, one of the games Justin and I love the most, but don't own! It was a good price, so we bought it. We decided we could play it in the hotel room! We were really excited that we had something to entertain ourselves with!

In the hotel room, we sat up the bed with cheesecake, Rummikub, and turned on the TV, which happened to be showing The Goonies, one of Justin's favorite movies. It was very fun to play and eat. Afterward, we went down to the indoor pool. I was cold the whole time, but we still had fun--we hadn't gone swimming since August! Justin then went into the hot tub. I desperately wanted to, I love hot tubs. But I didn't for Rhys's sake. After a bit, we headed back up to the room for pajamas, then headed downstairs to the lobby to get some Starbucks hot chocolate...but, they had closed up shop. I was sad--I was looking forward to Starbucks hot chocolate all evening. But, I decided it was ok and I'd get some in the morning.

Via

We had planned to have breakfast at the buffet in the morning, then go the Music and the Spoken Word at Temple Square. But, Justin wasn't feeling too well. So, although I really wanted to go, we stayed in the hotel. We turned on the TV an watched Jumanji and Hook while cuddling. We hadn't laid in bed, cuddling for a long, long time considering I leave early in the morning. So, it was very relaxing and definitely needed.

So, although things may fall through, or there may be hiccups in life, always try to find the positive side to it. Focus on the small and make the most of it. I love being married to Justin for that--he makes it so easy for me to do.

Robert Burns Dinner

On Saturday, Justin and I attended the annual BYU Robert Burns Dinner.

Robert Burns is a famous Scottish Poet. He helped to head the Scottish Enlightenment in the second half of the 18th century. He is very revered by the Scottish as he wrote a lot of national poems, allowing others to explore the Scottish culture and the highland dialect--their ambitions, their loves, their values. So, the Utah Scot Association and BYU's Kennedy Center for International Studies (which hosts study abroads and the international relations majors) work together to have a dinner honoring him every year.

This is the third year I've gone and I was very excited to, as it may be the last time, depending where Justin ends up getting a job.

I love my plaid skirt and the oxfords with it!

I've worn basically the same outfit all three years--the skirt, the cardigan, and the scarf. It's the most Scottish outfit I have. I do have 3 branches of my family who are Scottish: the Roberts, the MacEntires, and the Gardeners. I have no idea what their tartans or clan colors are, but I feel this outfit works just the same.

The Robert Burns Dinner serves numerous purposes: it celebrates the Scottish heritage to Utah, recognizes and honors Robbie Burns, earns money for the Utah Scots Association and BYU Study Abroad programs. Everyone dresses up in traditional Scottish clothing: kilts and knickers, tartans, the whole deal. There are dancers doing highland dancing. And, we eat only Scottish food.

BYU's own Celtic Band: Siuil

Also, it's all you can eat food! Which is Justin's favorite flavor!

However, before you can even have any food, there are a few things that need to be done:

1) Say the Selkirk Grace

2) Watch the Procession of the Haggis and listen to Ode to a Haggis

Haggis honestly isn't as bad as it sounds...its like mushed up shepherd's pie. Ya, it looks gross and smells gross and is cooked in a stomach, but it tastes delicious!

As we ate, we were entertained by a bagpiper and Siuil, BYU's Celtic band. We also had the Toast to the Ladies (my favorite part). After dinner and dessert, people recite Robert Burns's poems. It's a very satisfying and exciting dinner.

15 Fun & Free Date Ideas

Check out my article on Femiology.com for 15 ideas of fun and free dates!

Just click on the picture below!

An Awesome Day of Date-ness

First off, don't forget to check out my newest article on femiology.com

Second off, follow me on bloglovin!

Now, done with the shameless plugs and on to the real post.

Thursday was the first day Justin didn't have classes. He just finished his spring term. It was also the day I had off from work. So, we decided to make the most of it.

We slept in to about 8 am (which is sleeping in for the both of us, sadly). Then, we decided to go to the Provo Temple. We are Mormon and go to our temples as often as we can. It is very important for us to do so. We can receive personal revelation and inspiration for questions or problems we have. We can worship our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father. We can also look back and review our sacred covenants we made for ourselves by performing these ceremonies by proxy for those who have died and haven't had the opportunity to do so for themselves.

What I love most about the Temple is the ultimate peace you feel inside. The outside world, the material world, does not matter while inside the temple. It is you, the Holy Spirit, other worshipers, and God. Time does not exist in the temple. Just peace and sanctuary. I love it.

After we got back from the temple, I went to physical therapy...I don't think I ever explained fully about my knee injury I received the last week of January. I'll save that for another post. It was hard work for my knee.  While I went, Justin went to work for his 2 hour only shift. When he got back, we got with our friends, the Anglesey's to go to Provo's premier water park, Seven Peaks. Kara and Joe Anglesey just moved into the apartment complex and our in our church's congregation. They have moved from BYU-Idaho and we quickly became acquainted and connected. They like the same things as we do, and Justin and I have decided that they are the less-geeky version of us. But what is even cooler, Kara makes earrings and sells them. Check out her Facebook page!

We went on all the water slides and compared when we free fell, when our legs almost went over our heads (we used rafts), and when we got stuck or received wedgies. We also raced each other many times. It was great to have so much fun with them. We'll definitely be returning.

After we got home, Justin and I decided to go out to dinner--again, we wanted to make this day a Date-tastic day since it was the first one we spent all day with each other for a long time. We decided to go to Chile's.

We had a coupon for free nachos and queso. Oh my gosh was the queso delicious! I loved it! Then, we decided to do a 2 for $20 deal. Our appetizer was a chipotle chicken flatbread. It had house-made pico de gallo on it. It was very delicious, but it was a bit spicy for me, but it was still so good!
Justin decided to get the half rack of ribs with sweet potato fries (he's a little obsessed with sweet potato fries). It was kind of funny to see him eat the ribs. I got a margarita chicken with limes. It came with black beans, rice, and pico de gallo. However, there was only one lime wedge and I wish there was more because I really love that tangy taste. I could've squeezed about two more wedges of lime on the chicken. As a dessert, we got one molten lava cake to share. We actually couldn't finish it because we were so full!

When we got home, we decided to finish our date by watching our new show: Jackie Chan Adventures. As a teen, I loved this cartoon and Justin has only seen a few episodes. So, we had been watching it for about a week or so.

It was a great day we spent together and I hope for a few more of those during the summer. By the way, could you tell I was starting to have fun with picmonkey.com's photo editing?

Date with the Dinos

Jurassic Park was the first scary movie that I loved. I was about 9 years old the first time I saw it. The dinosaurs were so real! However could they not be real? I was about 14 or 15 when I saw the third, then about 18 when I saw the second. Yes, I watched them out of order. (But honestly, that is the order of how well I liked them.)

One of Justin's old roommates is an illustration and concept design major. And he is good! You can look at his art here. But, he is obsessed with dinosaurs. He's always loved them and always loved drawing them. Lucky him, he got hired by the BYU Paleontology Museum and draws dinosaurs for them...for work!

This is one of Josh's dinosaur pieces.

Josh and his wife invited Justin and I on a double date--to go to the Dinosaur (Paleontology) Museum after hours and watch Jurassic Park with the dinosaur bones! We had never been to the Dinosaur Museum before, and Justin had never seen Jurassic Park! I know! I was surprised, too!

So, we go, and Josh gives us a quick tour of the small museum, and then we go behind closed doors to the paleontology department's workshop.

Josh knows many of the Paleontology professors and knows what dinosaur many of the bones are from.

There were many bones still be excavated and carefully studied.

Josh and Justin went in search of comfortable chairs, so Josh's wife Emily and I went walking through aisles and aisles of bones, rows and rows deep and high. It was astounding to see how many bones the warehouse had that weren't even in the museum!

Josh showed Justin how to use a new excavating tool--it's like a air-brush with rotating blades...it doesn't hurt soft things--Josh had it going on our fingers, but as soon as it touched rock, dust went flying and we could make etchings. It's a neat tool to help excavate fragile, small bones and fossils.

We went through the actual Museum next and look at the different fossils and dinosaur bones. It was pretty neat walking through. There was even a skull of a triceratops and oh my freaking goodness, it was huge! Just as tall as me, and that wide as well! There was a skeleton of a pterodactyl, a couple raptors, even an ice age giant sloth!

We went near some of the skeletons of the raptors and carnivores and set up our chairs, popcorn, and a TV to watch Jurassic Park. It was very fun to hear Josh talk about the raptors and to sit next to the bones while watching the movie. 

Afterward, as we were picking up, Justin and I spotted a perfect picture opportunity...

Justin being eaten by a T-rex head!

It was a very fun date and really neat to see where Josh works and some of his paintings and signs hanging up all over the museum. Please check out his site because he is AMAZING!

Senior Bash, AKA: Best Date Ever!

Last night, BYU hosted a free party for everyone who was graduating in two weeks, which includes me (although my teaching internship doesn't end until Memorial Day).

I was very excited to go. This past week has been a tough one for the husband and I. Stretching our patience with our jobs and classes, even discovering more about each other. We needed a break and some good fun.

I went to school yesterday, with my hair up and feeling gross. I wanted a shower, but I needed laundry, desperately. Half of 6th period was gone due to track, and we still had a lot of disrespect and misbehavior from that class (because all the good kids were at track).  I had a few stay after school to finish a project. Then, I rushed home, grabbed Justin, quarters, laundry, and fudge, and headed to the Wash Hut. We quickly did some laundry, and at home I did the quickest shower/get ready I'd ever done. And we were off.

First thing we did was grab some free food: pizza, hamburgers, chips, and icecream! Yeah! We found a few of our friends who were also graduating and sat with them. We kept finding other friends and had to balance our soda and icecream as we walked and talked.

We also found a tortoise! In the Wilk! ...........But for some reason, the video we took of it, just isn't processing correctly. =( Sorry, guys!

There was also candy...but a tarantula guarded it. I've always wanted to show my bravery in holding a tarantula, but I've always been afraid of it and I dislike spiders. I gathered up my courage and held it in my hand!

I learned something new about Justin: he hates spiders. He freaked out as I touched him, after I held the spider. I also touched a snake that was in that red bag.

Next thing we did was win some candy in a wind a machine. We had to grab the paper with the red dot.

We went downstairs to put our name on the long waiting list for free bowling, then headed back upstairs to play some Rummikub while we waited. We used to play this game all the time while we were engaged because my apartment had it. While we played, Karaoke was going on in the background. There were some good singers, but mostly bad, flat singers. Our game was fun and we ended the game at the perfect time to head back down to bowl. They were behind about 20 minutes, so we headed over to the couches by the pool tables to wait. We saw some more friends from our church congregation, and talked with them. The wives were all teachers, like me, so our conversation centered around the end of the school year and looking for new teaching jobs. They started playing couples pool, and we headed off to bowl.

Now, while waiting in line for the wind machines, we met a couple behind us. They saw us in line at the bowling alley and invited us to bowl with them. Their name was two ahead of ours, so we acquiesced. It was really fun getting to know a new couple, and I must say, I am very proud of myself. Typically, I am horrendous at meeting new people and become very shy and reserved. But, I was enjoying myself so much that I became a social flower. We had some wonderful laughs! The game was very close: everyone within 10 points! 

Justin has a great form!

After our game, we said goodbye to our new friends. (When we could no longer see them, we realized that we should have gotten their number, or at least their last name so we could find them on facebook!)

We went to the Wall, next. The Wall is new on BYU campus. It is kind of like a Mormon lounge. There is a bar to order drinks (sodas, Italian sodas, Minute Maid fruit slushes, and milkshakes). Mormon "drinks". There are also a few menu items, such as pizza, sandwiches, salads, fries, etc. There are chalk walls to decorate. Local bands play on Friday night, hoping to hit it big. Couches, bar tables, big flat screen TVs on the wall. There are also two tables with touchscreen games you can play. The screen also shows on the wall so others can watch. We immediately grabbed one of those after getting our drinks at the bar.

I got a strawberry-raspberry Minute Maid slush.

Justin got a strawberry/blackberry/vanilla Italian soda.

We went home after we finished our fries and drinks and finished Season 7 of How I Met Your Mother.

I think it was a really good date night. Definitely Top 3 since we've been dating. It was also very needed for the both of us. Now, I really want to go to the Wall again!