Happy New Year's Eve! As I sit here reflecting on the past year, I am amazed once again how quickly this year has flown by. Am I really 30? Am I really half way through my second year of teaching? Where has the time gone? Just one year ago today, Britt and I were headed downtown to celebrate the New Year with Jessica and Chris. As of right now, however, I don't know what I'm doing tonight. Josh and I are going to spend the evening together, so we're working on making some fun plans. Until that decision is made, though, I figured I could take a moment to look back at the past year.
January:
*I received a letter from my school district thanking me for my year of teaching but saying my position would end at the end of the school year.
*I received an email from the head coach of girls Lacrosse (sent to the entire staff) asking for a Level III coach. Hoping to save my job, I signed up for the gig, thinking at least one other person would volunteer and get the job. I was wrong, and they gladly accepted me as coach.
February:
*I started my coaching job having no experience in Lacrosse. In fact, I didn't even know what Lacrosse was, but I quickly learned the job and had a blast coaching the girls through the end of the season in May.
*Britt and I started planning our trip to Vegas.
*Britt and I attended The Bitter Ball.
March:
*Britt and I took a day off work to get a tattoo and attend the John Mayer Concert (Britt won free tickets through the radio).
*There was a massive snow storm that same day, so school was cancelled the following day and Britt was snowed in at my house for two days.
April:
*I began training for the MS150.
*Drove to Lincoln to attend my friend, Marcy's, wedding. Got profiled and pulled over for potential drug distribution, but was let off with a warning. The officer must have been bored.
May:
*I interviewed at Gateway High School for a teaching position. They turned me down for a more experienced teacher in ESL (English as a Second Language), but they asked me to interview for another position.
*At this point, I still didn't have a job at Chatfield and was starting to really worry about my teaching future.
June:
*I was preparing for my second interview at Gateway and had been told through an inside source that I was the one they wanted for the job.
*On the last day of school at Chatfield, an English teacher turned in her resignation and the principal offered the job to me. I gladly accepted even though it was a temporary position again (meaning I'll get the same cut letter in the next month) and called Gateway to cancel my interview.
*Britt, Amanda and I celebrated the end of the school year with a Rockies game and a night on the town.
*I began teaching summer school for six weeks.
*Completed my third successful year of riding in the MS150.
*My second niece was born.
July:
*Spent a lot of time at the pool after teaching each day. Got a nice tan for the year.
*Finished teaching summer school in mid-July.
*Got my own apartment and moved out of the basement of Shan's house.
*Spent a weekend in Vegas with Britt to celebrate the marriage of her sister, Astrid.
August:
*Began my second year of teaching; this year I'm teaching 10th and 11th, which I LOVE.
*Went to a Greenday Concert at Fiddler's Green.
*Volunteered to teach a high risk 10th grade class. Half of the kids in this class are high risk for dropping out of high school, so it is my job to get them involved in school and help them see the importance of their education.
September:
*Attended a wedding in Estes Park for my friends, Jessica and Chris.
*Turned 30 and threw myself a massive Martini Party themed: Nerdy, Dirty and Flirty.
*Went to Vegas again to celebrate Jeff's 40th birthday.
*Went to the Zac Brown Band concert at Red Rocks.
October:
*Paid off my car.
*Was in Ben and Lindsey's wedding in Estes Park.
*Signed up for a class to be trained to teach online courses to high school students. It was a six week course.
*Dressed up as a 1920s Flapper for Halloween and went to an Avs game with Britt, Cam, and Lenny.
November:
*Went home a weekend early to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family.
*Spent actual Thanksgiving Day with my dear friend, Linda from Chatfield. Then went to a student's house for Thanksgiving dinner.
*A student gave me two tickets to Lady Antebellum, so I was able to semi-repay Britt back for winning John Mayer tickets.
December:
*Finished my first semester teaching 11th grade, which proved to be a challenging semester.
*Went to NE a week early to celebrate Christmas with the family.
*Had my 3rd Annual Ornament Exchange party at my new apartment.
Amongst all of this, I also:
*Dated
*Attended Happy Hours with friends
*Had game nights with friends
*Worked a lot of volleyball/wrestling/basketball games at school
*Watched a lot of football
*Invested in friends
*Ate out a lot
*Lost 35 pounds this year
*Attended birthday parties
*Danced at the Grizzly Rose
*Watched Carson turn 6, Kye turn 4, Case turn 3, Corinne turn 2 (yesterday), and Siahna was born
*Went to NE a few times
*Went to Rockies games
*Shopped
*Went to movies at Red Rocks
There's my year in a nutshell. As I enter into 2011 tonight, I look forward to what it has in store for me. God blessings to you all as you enter into a new year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Letter 2010
Here's the Nichols Christmas letter, written by me.
Dear Family and Friends,
I’m just going to dive right in and say what you’re all thinking. Might as well get it out of the way. Jeff is 40. Crazy, right? Whoever thought my sister would be married to a 40-year-old, but in Jeff’s defense, he’s a rather young 40-year-old. He can fix a computer like no one I’ve even seen, and don’t even get me started on his poker skills. I experienced that first-hand when we went to Vegas to celebrate his “Over the Hill” moment. He even stayed up past midnight most nights while on our trip.
Oh, and the other big thing that happened to the family this year was the birth of another baby. I know, I know. ANOTHER baby? Doesn’t the Nichols/Anderson clan already have enough kids running around? Well, Corinne needed a girl cousin to play with, so Shannon and Jeff took it upon themselves to help poor Corinne out. On June 3, Siahna Grace was born, and Corinne loves her baby (Ahna, as she likes to call her) as much as Case loves Carson and Kye. And that’s a lot.
A few other major things happened this year:
*Dad did not have to go the ER this year, which is always a major accomplishment.
*Mom went an entire year without having a major surgery, so we’re two for two (knock on wood).
*They celebrated Thanksgiving in Hawaii. They then had the nerve to text and say, “We’re so thankful for you kids. We wish you were here.” To which we replied: “We weren’t invited.” Mom’s reply: “Oh, right. Maybe next year.”
*Jeff (see paragraph above). Jeff, Shan, three friends, and I spent a weekend in Vegas celebrating the big event.
*Shannon went part-time teaching, part-time selling Pampered Chef, and part-time student (working on her Masters degree in Technology Education). She also decided to start training for a half marathon next May. She’s such a silly girl.
*Case, although only 3, is ready to be “bigger, bigger” like his cousins and has decided to skip over 4 and move on to the ripe old age of 5. He’s Mister Social and is involved in gymnastics, swimming lessons, music class, and play dates with friends. He survived his first visit to the dentist (with a little bit of bribing, of course!).
*Siahna moved in. Aunt Dido (Shiloh) moved out.
*Shiloh got her own apartment (no offense, Siahna, but you cry a lot). I got a one bedroom apartment, paid off my car, and was rehired by my school (despite initially being cut). I feel like such a big girl. Oh, and I turned 30. I celebrated the “new year” with a giant party attended by 40 of my closest friends and family.
*Mister Mom (Collin) continues to do the laundry, clean the house, and make dinner for the family. He does all this while working on his teaching degree (High School Social Studies), taking care of three kids, and continuing to grow his photography business.
*Kate not only works for Comcast Cable full time, but she also started selling Avon. She practices her make-up application on Corinne, and Katie has gotten quite good at hitting a moving target.
*Carson started 1st grade and got second place in his school running race. He’ll be 7 in March and is so mature. He gets himself up every morning, dresses, makes himself (and Kyler) breakfast, and rides his bike to Caeden’s (BFF) house for his ride to school (and he does this all before Collin even wakes up).
*Kye turned 4 and became the man of the house when Carson started going to school full time. He’s as energetic and fearless as ever and loves to put Quinny (Corinne) in her place. He even wakes Collin up around 9 a.m., just in time for his mid-morning snack.
*Corinne turns 2 at the end of December, and she blames “Ryrer” for EVERYTHING. “Quinny Lou, who hurt you?” “Ryrer.” Poor Kyler doesn’t stand a chance with this sweet girl staring us in the eyes.
*Collin and I participated in the MS150 again this summer. Collin rode 15 of the 150 miles with me, which I guess I would be selfish to ask for more than 10 percent. That’s all God asks of our money, so I shouldn’t ask for more than that myself, right? Dad’s MS is under control, which we praise God for everyday.
*Oh yeah, and Corinne got locked in a car this summer in 99 degree weather. Luckily we were in a small town because the locksmith was there within 5 minutes, but it still took 20 minutes to get the door unlocked. She didn’t cry once, and she even tried to unlock the doors herself. She climbed from front to back, all the while searching for water to drink as her hair got curlier and curlier and sweat dripped from her face.
There you have it. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Nichols’/Anderson’s. Gheesh, my brother and sister HAVE to stop having kids because it’s a lot of work to write about an entire years worth of 12 people’s lives on one piece of paper. I don’t know how I do it. We’re like the 12 disciples, and I know Jesus had a heck of a time keeping them in order. Imagine what it’s like in our house…
Speaking of Jesus, God’s blessings on you all as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We as a family have been so blessed this year with good health, good jobs, good children who bring laughter, and a good God who supplies our every need. We pray the same for you and your family.
Doug and Sally Nichols (dougandsally@charter.net)
Jeff, Shannon, Case and Siahna Anderson (jeff@jeffnshannon.com and sonflower_girl1@yahoo.com)
Shiloh Nichols (shi_town@hotmail.com)
Collin, Kate, Carson, Kyler and Corinne Nichols (collin@alivephotography.com and kate_nichols@comcast.net)
Dear Family and Friends,
I’m just going to dive right in and say what you’re all thinking. Might as well get it out of the way. Jeff is 40. Crazy, right? Whoever thought my sister would be married to a 40-year-old, but in Jeff’s defense, he’s a rather young 40-year-old. He can fix a computer like no one I’ve even seen, and don’t even get me started on his poker skills. I experienced that first-hand when we went to Vegas to celebrate his “Over the Hill” moment. He even stayed up past midnight most nights while on our trip.
Oh, and the other big thing that happened to the family this year was the birth of another baby. I know, I know. ANOTHER baby? Doesn’t the Nichols/Anderson clan already have enough kids running around? Well, Corinne needed a girl cousin to play with, so Shannon and Jeff took it upon themselves to help poor Corinne out. On June 3, Siahna Grace was born, and Corinne loves her baby (Ahna, as she likes to call her) as much as Case loves Carson and Kye. And that’s a lot.
A few other major things happened this year:
*Dad did not have to go the ER this year, which is always a major accomplishment.
*Mom went an entire year without having a major surgery, so we’re two for two (knock on wood).
*They celebrated Thanksgiving in Hawaii. They then had the nerve to text and say, “We’re so thankful for you kids. We wish you were here.” To which we replied: “We weren’t invited.” Mom’s reply: “Oh, right. Maybe next year.”
*Jeff (see paragraph above). Jeff, Shan, three friends, and I spent a weekend in Vegas celebrating the big event.
*Shannon went part-time teaching, part-time selling Pampered Chef, and part-time student (working on her Masters degree in Technology Education). She also decided to start training for a half marathon next May. She’s such a silly girl.
*Case, although only 3, is ready to be “bigger, bigger” like his cousins and has decided to skip over 4 and move on to the ripe old age of 5. He’s Mister Social and is involved in gymnastics, swimming lessons, music class, and play dates with friends. He survived his first visit to the dentist (with a little bit of bribing, of course!).
*Siahna moved in. Aunt Dido (Shiloh) moved out.
*Shiloh got her own apartment (no offense, Siahna, but you cry a lot). I got a one bedroom apartment, paid off my car, and was rehired by my school (despite initially being cut). I feel like such a big girl. Oh, and I turned 30. I celebrated the “new year” with a giant party attended by 40 of my closest friends and family.
*Mister Mom (Collin) continues to do the laundry, clean the house, and make dinner for the family. He does all this while working on his teaching degree (High School Social Studies), taking care of three kids, and continuing to grow his photography business.
*Kate not only works for Comcast Cable full time, but she also started selling Avon. She practices her make-up application on Corinne, and Katie has gotten quite good at hitting a moving target.
*Carson started 1st grade and got second place in his school running race. He’ll be 7 in March and is so mature. He gets himself up every morning, dresses, makes himself (and Kyler) breakfast, and rides his bike to Caeden’s (BFF) house for his ride to school (and he does this all before Collin even wakes up).
*Kye turned 4 and became the man of the house when Carson started going to school full time. He’s as energetic and fearless as ever and loves to put Quinny (Corinne) in her place. He even wakes Collin up around 9 a.m., just in time for his mid-morning snack.
*Corinne turns 2 at the end of December, and she blames “Ryrer” for EVERYTHING. “Quinny Lou, who hurt you?” “Ryrer.” Poor Kyler doesn’t stand a chance with this sweet girl staring us in the eyes.
*Collin and I participated in the MS150 again this summer. Collin rode 15 of the 150 miles with me, which I guess I would be selfish to ask for more than 10 percent. That’s all God asks of our money, so I shouldn’t ask for more than that myself, right? Dad’s MS is under control, which we praise God for everyday.
*Oh yeah, and Corinne got locked in a car this summer in 99 degree weather. Luckily we were in a small town because the locksmith was there within 5 minutes, but it still took 20 minutes to get the door unlocked. She didn’t cry once, and she even tried to unlock the doors herself. She climbed from front to back, all the while searching for water to drink as her hair got curlier and curlier and sweat dripped from her face.
There you have it. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Nichols’/Anderson’s. Gheesh, my brother and sister HAVE to stop having kids because it’s a lot of work to write about an entire years worth of 12 people’s lives on one piece of paper. I don’t know how I do it. We’re like the 12 disciples, and I know Jesus had a heck of a time keeping them in order. Imagine what it’s like in our house…
Speaking of Jesus, God’s blessings on you all as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We as a family have been so blessed this year with good health, good jobs, good children who bring laughter, and a good God who supplies our every need. We pray the same for you and your family.
Doug and Sally Nichols (dougandsally@charter.net)
Jeff, Shannon, Case and Siahna Anderson (jeff@jeffnshannon.com and sonflower_girl1@yahoo.com)
Shiloh Nichols (shi_town@hotmail.com)
Collin, Kate, Carson, Kyler and Corinne Nichols (collin@alivephotography.com and kate_nichols@comcast.net)
Sunday, December 26, 2010
day 25. a photo of a night you loved
Gosh, it's sooooo hard to think of ONE night that I loved. I have sooooo many fabulous memories, not only since moving to Denver almost seven years ago, but also through the end of my college career in Kearney. However, I thought of two different nights that I had a particularly fun time, so I'm going to do two posts on this topic.
Almost a year ago around Valentine's Day, Britt and I decided to go to The Bitter Ball, which was hosted by Slacker and Steve from Alice 105.9. Britt talked me into going, so we made a night of it. We got ready together (getting the two of us ready at the same time can take hours). Britt did my makeup, we got all dolled up and headed downtown.
Upon arriving at the bar, we felt a little out of place. There were hundreds of people walking around, and we felt like just two girls among hundreds of others. We were handed a number that we had to wear all night. If someone liked us, they could either send a text to the wall saying, "705, I think you're hot. Love 354." If you (705) was interested in 354, then you could either find him or text him back. Britt and I spent a lot of time reading the texts being sent back and forth between people. 
Overall, we had a great time that night. Britt met Mr. Teacher, which in the end didn't work out, but it led to many fun nights for a while after The Bitter Ball with Mr. Teacher and Mr. Engineer. 
Britt and I always have a blast when we go out, so it's not surprising we had a great night together. We ventured out of our comfort zone a little bit on this night, and we created a lot of good laughs because of that.
Almost a year ago around Valentine's Day, Britt and I decided to go to The Bitter Ball, which was hosted by Slacker and Steve from Alice 105.9. Britt talked me into going, so we made a night of it. We got ready together (getting the two of us ready at the same time can take hours). Britt did my makeup, we got all dolled up and headed downtown.
Upon arriving at the bar, we felt a little out of place. There were hundreds of people walking around, and we felt like just two girls among hundreds of others. We were handed a number that we had to wear all night. If someone liked us, they could either send a text to the wall saying, "705, I think you're hot. Love 354." If you (705) was interested in 354, then you could either find him or text him back. Britt and I spent a lot of time reading the texts being sent back and forth between people. There was Spin the Bottle, which was extremely awkward. We decided not to play because even if the bottle landed on a girl, you HAD to kiss her. We weren't feeling that too much.
There was a kissing booth. We passed on that.
There was a Love Board, as pictured below. You could write a sticky note message and put it on the board for number 354 (or whichever number struck an interest).
Overall, we had a great time that night. Britt met Mr. Teacher, which in the end didn't work out, but it led to many fun nights for a while after The Bitter Ball with Mr. Teacher and Mr. Engineer. 
Britt and I always have a blast when we go out, so it's not surprising we had a great night together. We ventured out of our comfort zone a little bit on this night, and we created a lot of good laughs because of that. day 25. a photo of a night you loved
Abby and Corey got married a little over two years ago. Since Corey lived in Kansas, but they got married here, we made sure to welcome him to Denver in Cowboy style. He laughed at us "City Girls" though because Corey is more Cowboy than all of us combined. A few nights before their wedding (which was in Colorado), a gang of us went to The Grizzly Rose. We had a blast that night. 
The happy couple, Abby and Corey
The happy couple, Abby and Corey
A night at the Rose isn't complete without a ride on the bull.
Cammie (Corey's sister), Kari, Sonya, Abby and Me
Abby marrying Corey has always been bittersweet for me. I adore Corey. Abby couldn't have chosen a better man. BUT, he stole my Abby away from Denver and moved her to Wichita :( I am thankful for this night because I was able to hang out with Corey and get to know him a little bit better. I realized, almost from the first time I met him, that he was A-OK for my Abbs of Steal, and this night helped seal the deal. Love you Abby and Corey!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Christmas Cookie Rules...
1. If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free.
2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.
3. If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calories free, (rule #1) yours is also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone and, being the friend that you are, that makes your cookie calorie free.
4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.
5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue.
6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie for each letter. Make more red ones!
7. Cookies eaten while watching "Miracle on 34th Street" have no calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.
2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories.
3. If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calories free, (rule #1) yours is also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone and, being the friend that you are, that makes your cookie calorie free.
4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass.
5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue.
6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie for each letter. Make more red ones!
7. Cookies eaten while watching "Miracle on 34th Street" have no calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.
8. As always, cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breaking causes calorie leakage.
9. Any cookies consumed from someone else's plate have no calories since the calories rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate. We all know how calories like to CLING!
10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. It's a rule!
10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. It's a rule!
So, go out and enjoy those Christmas Cookies - we only get them this time of year!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
day 24. a photo of your best friend(s)
I have some amazing girlfriends. You can read about ALL of them here. Since I last posted that blog back in June, 2009, I have even gained a few more friends, for which I am so very blessed and thankful for.
These girls below have been with me through thick and thin. I can rely on them for ANYTHING, and I am forever thankful for the memories, the laughs, the inside jokes (literally), and the quality time we get to spend together.
Me and Britt I met Britt two years ago when we both got a long term sub job at Chatfield. I had known her for about two weeks when I realized I had worked with her sister five years earlier at J.O.E. Magazine. Such a small world. It took a while for Britt and me to become friends, but once we hit it off, we haven't taken a day off since. Britt is fashionable, funny, dramatic, caring, and can put on makeup like nobody's business. She's been a fantastic addition to my life, and we have a lot of good times together.
Me, Sonya, Kari, and Abby I met Abby (far right) shortly after moving to Denver. She had moved to Denver just a month or two before me from Kansas and we started going to the same church. Abby married Corey two years ago and moved back to Kansas, so a big part of my life left when she moved. I have yet to meet her little boy, Lawrence, but he will always be considered a special adopted nephew. Abby is generous, loving, caring and always willing to listen. We continue to talk regularly, but oh how I miss my dear Abbs of Steal.
Shortly after meeting Abby, Kari (second from right) joined the church group and started hanging with Abby and me. Kari is outgoing, fun, energetic, always in a good mood, and my sidekick through good and bad. We have a special bond because of the MS Ride, and she challenges me and pushes me more than anyone else in my life.
I met Sonya (second from left) several years ago through Kari at a house party. Sonya is someone I can talk to and know she won't judge. She's a bargain shopper and always has the latest fashion but with a small price tag. A girl after my own heart! She is sweet, gentle, kind, and willing to help out whenever possible.
Katie, Irish, Michelle (McGee), Me and April on top
These girls below have been with me through thick and thin. I can rely on them for ANYTHING, and I am forever thankful for the memories, the laughs, the inside jokes (literally), and the quality time we get to spend together.
Me and Britt 
Me, Sonya, Kari, and Abby Shortly after meeting Abby, Kari (second from right) joined the church group and started hanging with Abby and me. Kari is outgoing, fun, energetic, always in a good mood, and my sidekick through good and bad. We have a special bond because of the MS Ride, and she challenges me and pushes me more than anyone else in my life.
I met Sonya (second from left) several years ago through Kari at a house party. Sonya is someone I can talk to and know she won't judge. She's a bargain shopper and always has the latest fashion but with a small price tag. A girl after my own heart! She is sweet, gentle, kind, and willing to help out whenever possible.
Katie, Irish, Michelle (McGee), Me and April on topThese four girls are my ladies. Through April's fight with cancer, we have grown together, we have cried together, we have hurt together, and we have conquered together. I met all four of these fabulous ladies my senior year of college, where we all worked at Skeeter Barnes. I had just moved back from Oregon, and I didn't have a lot of friends upon my return. It was a hard adjustment to come back to Kearney after being gone for a year, but these girls quickly became my group. They are all several years younger than me, so I was the first to graduate and move away. That didn't end our friendship, though. They came and visited me in Denver shortly after I moved, and that trip will always be one of my favorite memories (red Koolaid shots, spilled drinks, ketchup, narcolepsy, and laughing until we almost peed our pants).
That has been almost seven years ago, and we are as close today as we were then. Our lives have changed drastically since first meeting. Irish is married to a wonderful guy, Shawn, and they have Sawyer and a little one on the way. Katie moved to Denver a few years after me and is dating a great guy, Steve. They are expecting a little guy in a few short months. April and Zach have Aydan, and April is a cancer survivor. April will graduate college in one more semester. McGee moved to Omaha after college and has since finished her Masters degree. I am on job number three since moving to Denver and have also finished my Masters degree. These girls have made the trip to Denver often to visit, which means so much to me. They took special effort to attend my 30th birthday party, and that meant the world to have them here.
What is so special about the five of us is we are SOOOOOO different, and yet we work perfectly. Irish is blunt and honest but has such a huge heart. Katie is motivated and loving and I can talk to her about anything. April is so very sweet and caring. We talk almost daily, and this girl is my life. McGee is hilarious and always upbeat, and I know she will always offer encouraging words. I've never seen her down.
I could go on and on about these special ladies in my life, but I'll leave it at that. I know it's weird that I have eight BFF's, but my life wouldn't be the same without these ladies in my life. They each bring special special to the table, and I will always cherish them for their love and support.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
day 20. a photo of something you enjoy doing
It's about time I finally wrote about the MS Ride from this past summer. It fits perfectly with today's photo topic. Who ever thought I'd pick up bike riding, but it started off as a mission to raise money for a good cause. It ended up being something I LOVE doing while raising money for a good cause and showing my support to the MS Society.
I would love if you clicked here to read my initial story from three years ago when Kari and I first decided to do the 150 mile ride. It's a moving story of my dad and his diagnosis with MS almost six years ago. Then, click here for our second year story. Initially, Kari and I were a team of two. Then we were a team of six. This past year, we were a team of 8, and we keep on growing! 
Kari has pushed me to ride further and faster than I ever thought possible, and together we share the same pain of watching a family member suffer with MS. Thanks, Kari, for making me ride that first year. I've fallen in love with biking, but more importantly, we are making a difference in the world of MS.
I was so happy two years ago when my brother, Collin, decided to join the team. He couldn't sit and watch his older sister kick his butt, so he trained for a few miles and then literally kicked my butt during the ride. This past year, he actually rode with me for about 15 miles of the 150 miles. He let me ride his tail wind, which helped me through a hard section of the course.
And this is why we ride: for my dad.
Pops, I love you and am so proud to do this for you. I think of you when the miles are hard to conquer because I know you struggle every day.
These girls here made this year so much fun. 
On top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Collins. This is the hardest climb of day one (right at mile 65-75 as we end our first day). It's the first thing we climb on day two, and it's a 10 mile doozy but the scenery at the top is so worth the climb.
This is at the end of day one. A storm is a'comin', so we made it through the finish line just in time. We literally had to run to get our bikes stored and find a dry place as we sat out the storm.
This is me finishing the 150 miles on day two. Thank God, but this was the best of the three years for me, by far. Don't get me wrong, there were some tough parts that took all my mental energy to get through, but losing weight helped me out a ton and I just felt really good this year.
Kari giving a great big cheer, and me wearing my medal and my smile.
The 2010 Saddle Soar Team. Who wants to join us next year?!
I did it!
Kari has pushed me to ride further and faster than I ever thought possible, and together we share the same pain of watching a family member suffer with MS. Thanks, Kari, for making me ride that first year. I've fallen in love with biking, but more importantly, we are making a difference in the world of MS.
I was so happy two years ago when my brother, Collin, decided to join the team. He couldn't sit and watch his older sister kick his butt, so he trained for a few miles and then literally kicked my butt during the ride. This past year, he actually rode with me for about 15 miles of the 150 miles. He let me ride his tail wind, which helped me through a hard section of the course.
And this is why we ride: for my dad.
Pops, I love you and am so proud to do this for you. I think of you when the miles are hard to conquer because I know you struggle every day.
These girls here made this year so much fun. Rebecca, Amy, Sonya, Me, and Kari.
We have so many fun memories (and some not so fun memories) that we'll carry with us for a lifetime.
On top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Collins. This is the hardest climb of day one (right at mile 65-75 as we end our first day). It's the first thing we climb on day two, and it's a 10 mile doozy but the scenery at the top is so worth the climb.
This is at the end of day one. A storm is a'comin', so we made it through the finish line just in time. We literally had to run to get our bikes stored and find a dry place as we sat out the storm.
This is me finishing the 150 miles on day two. Thank God, but this was the best of the three years for me, by far. Don't get me wrong, there were some tough parts that took all my mental energy to get through, but losing weight helped me out a ton and I just felt really good this year.
Kari giving a great big cheer, and me wearing my medal and my smile.
The 2010 Saddle Soar Team. Who wants to join us next year?!
I did it!Tuesday, December 7, 2010
day 16. a photo of you at the last party you went to
The last party I attended was my own. I threw myself a DIRTY, FLIRTY and NERDY PARTY. 
Flirty, Dirty, and Nerdy
Flirty, Dirty, and NerdyHere are some other pictures to show off the evening:
Tiffany, April, Marcy and Me
Standing around the drink table. The theme was Dirty Martini's, duh!
Plenty of drinks to go around!
April, McGee, and Me
Here are all the Nerdy, Dirty and Flirty gals.
These are just the Dirty and Flirty gals.
My Nebraska Girls
All the Nerds with a Flirt
My Colorado Girls
The birthday girl mixing some drinks
After the dinner Martini party, we headed downtown to hit the Cowboy Lounge
Who's the guy?
I don't know!
Tiffany, April, Marcy and Me
Standing around the drink table. The theme was Dirty Martini's, duh!
Plenty of drinks to go around!
April, McGee, and Me
Here are all the Nerdy, Dirty and Flirty gals.
These are just the Dirty and Flirty gals.
My Nebraska Girls
All the Nerds with a Flirt
My Colorado Girls
The birthday girl mixing some drinks
After the dinner Martini party, we headed downtown to hit the Cowboy LoungeDay 17: A drunk photo of you...
Who's the guy?
I don't know!
Who's THIS guy?
I don't know!
Cylinode versus Cylinder
I let Josh read the story of our date (him working on my car), and his reply:
It kills me every time you call the boot with the cylinode a cylinder. Very hugley different things (when it comes to automotives). So anyone reading your blog who might know something about cars now thinks I'm a tard.
Hahahaha. I assured him no one would know the difference.
You don't know the difference between a boot with the cylinode versus a cylinder, do you?
It kills me every time you call the boot with the cylinode a cylinder. Very hugley different things (when it comes to automotives). So anyone reading your blog who might know something about cars now thinks I'm a tard.
Hahahaha. I assured him no one would know the difference.
You don't know the difference between a boot with the cylinode versus a cylinder, do you?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dinner, Dancing, and Dirt
I don't know if it's a good or a bad thing when people say they are living vicariously through my life/stories. I guess I'm flattered that people find my life so interesting, but normally I feel like my life is full of drama. And what's funny about that is I am usually pretty drama free. It's the people around me (aka boys) that create the drama. The ladies at school are always eager to listen to my stories from the weekend. They are all married, so they love to hear how I meet guys. They love to hear about my dates. They love to hear the sweet things. They love to hear the restaurants we checked out, or the dance places we tried, or the creative date that the boy planned.
I did not disappoint them this Monday morning. I had told them about my upcoming date with Josh, so they quickly came running for story time. With a smile on my face, I told them about my time with Josh.
Josh and I met for dinner Saturday evening. He came bearing a yellow rose, which I thought was sweet. I've never gotten a flower from a guy before, so I thought it was cute he had considered doing it. We enjoyed a nice conversation during dinner while listening to Zac Brown (see this post to read about my ZB crush). Ironically enough, Josh kind of looks like ZB, but that's beside the point.
After dinner, he humored me and we watched the Husker game together. He had previously informed me that the Huskers were going to get creamed, but he quickly took back his words as the Huskers led for most of the game. At half time, we decided to put on our dancing shoes and head to the Grizzly Rose.
At the Rose, we sat at the bar and had a few drinks while watching the rest of the game (a sad ending). I was depressed, so we decided to hit the dance floor and dance the night away. He's a good dancer, and I'm good at faking to be a good dancer, so we had a good time doing the Cha Cha, the two-step and we even tried our hand at the triple step.
At the end of the night, we said our goodbyes, and he mentioned wanting to go to church with me, so we made plans to meet up the following morning. Yesterday, we went to church together. We then had lunch at Pei Wei and then we ventured onto car talk. I made mention that my engine light had been on (for almost a year). He gave me a stern look (something like my father would give) and said, "And you've never done anything about it?" I ashamedly said NO, to which he replied, "Let's go take a look."
We got my car and he took me to an auto store where they do free diagnostics. The guy at the store was busy, so he gave the diagnostic thingy to Josh and Josh ran the test himself. He must have understood what the diagnostic thingy told him because he went back into the store and started asking questions about parts/repairs/costs. It was all gibberish to me, so I stood there and looked nice while the guys talked. Josh wanted to take a look inside my engine, so we went outside to "pop the hood."
While Josh was looking inside my hood for certain parts (cylinders, maybe?-there are six of them), I was again trying to look nice while certainly not knowing what was going on. As Josh got his hands dirty looking in the hood, I saw a random part just sitting in there. Since the guy inside had shown us what the cylinder thingy looked like, I knew what Josh was looking for. This thing sitting randomly in there looked just like the cylinder that the guy inside had shown us. I picked it up (it wasn't connected to anything-again, it was just sitting there on top) and said, "Josh, is that what you're looking for?"
Why yes, yes it was. There was a random cylinder just sitting in my engine, not connected to anything. I got the giggles. Josh was confused as why it was just sitting there. I guess that question will never be answered, other than whoever last worked on my car forgot to throw it away/put it back where it belonged. Josh thought maybe this solved the problem with my car (if it was missing a cylinder, this would explain why the engine light was on and why I was having problems with my car). We went back to my place to get the tools. Josh spent some time looking in my car and discovered that all six cylinders are in place (so this was just a random part someone forgot to throw away). Three of the cylinders are easily replaceable. Three of them are not (hidden far, far away in the engine). He said he would have to do some research to figure out how to reach those other three cylinders.
We then spent the rest of the afternoon watching the Broncos lose (yet again).
Overall, it was a good weekend with a really nice guy. There are many qualities that I like about Josh, and we decided to see each other again soon. We had a lot of laughs together, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again.
I did not disappoint them this Monday morning. I had told them about my upcoming date with Josh, so they quickly came running for story time. With a smile on my face, I told them about my time with Josh.
Josh and I met for dinner Saturday evening. He came bearing a yellow rose, which I thought was sweet. I've never gotten a flower from a guy before, so I thought it was cute he had considered doing it. We enjoyed a nice conversation during dinner while listening to Zac Brown (see this post to read about my ZB crush). Ironically enough, Josh kind of looks like ZB, but that's beside the point.
After dinner, he humored me and we watched the Husker game together. He had previously informed me that the Huskers were going to get creamed, but he quickly took back his words as the Huskers led for most of the game. At half time, we decided to put on our dancing shoes and head to the Grizzly Rose.
At the Rose, we sat at the bar and had a few drinks while watching the rest of the game (a sad ending). I was depressed, so we decided to hit the dance floor and dance the night away. He's a good dancer, and I'm good at faking to be a good dancer, so we had a good time doing the Cha Cha, the two-step and we even tried our hand at the triple step.
At the end of the night, we said our goodbyes, and he mentioned wanting to go to church with me, so we made plans to meet up the following morning. Yesterday, we went to church together. We then had lunch at Pei Wei and then we ventured onto car talk. I made mention that my engine light had been on (for almost a year). He gave me a stern look (something like my father would give) and said, "And you've never done anything about it?" I ashamedly said NO, to which he replied, "Let's go take a look."
We got my car and he took me to an auto store where they do free diagnostics. The guy at the store was busy, so he gave the diagnostic thingy to Josh and Josh ran the test himself. He must have understood what the diagnostic thingy told him because he went back into the store and started asking questions about parts/repairs/costs. It was all gibberish to me, so I stood there and looked nice while the guys talked. Josh wanted to take a look inside my engine, so we went outside to "pop the hood."
While Josh was looking inside my hood for certain parts (cylinders, maybe?-there are six of them), I was again trying to look nice while certainly not knowing what was going on. As Josh got his hands dirty looking in the hood, I saw a random part just sitting in there. Since the guy inside had shown us what the cylinder thingy looked like, I knew what Josh was looking for. This thing sitting randomly in there looked just like the cylinder that the guy inside had shown us. I picked it up (it wasn't connected to anything-again, it was just sitting there on top) and said, "Josh, is that what you're looking for?"
Why yes, yes it was. There was a random cylinder just sitting in my engine, not connected to anything. I got the giggles. Josh was confused as why it was just sitting there. I guess that question will never be answered, other than whoever last worked on my car forgot to throw it away/put it back where it belonged. Josh thought maybe this solved the problem with my car (if it was missing a cylinder, this would explain why the engine light was on and why I was having problems with my car). We went back to my place to get the tools. Josh spent some time looking in my car and discovered that all six cylinders are in place (so this was just a random part someone forgot to throw away). Three of the cylinders are easily replaceable. Three of them are not (hidden far, far away in the engine). He said he would have to do some research to figure out how to reach those other three cylinders.
We then spent the rest of the afternoon watching the Broncos lose (yet again).
Overall, it was a good weekend with a really nice guy. There are many qualities that I like about Josh, and we decided to see each other again soon. We had a lot of laughs together, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
day 14. a photo of one of your favourite family members
I recently wrote about my family, who are all fabulous. When I saw the topic for Day 14, I wasn't going to do the blog, for obvious reasons. But then Grandma Van came to mind. She truly is one of the neatest, coolest, adorable people I know. I wish I had a recent picture with Grandpa Bill because I would include him, too.
Grandma Van, while still holding some old fashioned views (ANY drinking is bad, tattoos are of the devil, piercings are off limits), she has one of the purest hearts I know. She once gave all us grand kids a book called Sipping Saints, which talked about Christians drinking. To this day, she still doesn't know I have tattoos, and hopefully I'll never break her heart with that news. She once said in front of my friend, Hannah, who has a belly button piercing, "Girls who have piercings are hussies." She, of course, didn't know Hannah had a piercing, so Hannah and I giggled to ourselves.
Despite these long-held beliefs, she loves. She loves us grand kids. She loves her husband of 66 years. She loves her children. She loves her great-grand kids. She loves to encourage. She loves to pray. She loves to send snail mail. She loves to receive snail mail. She loves to hear about our day. She loves.
And because of this wonderful little lady, she has taught me to love. I can't even express to you have wonderful Grandma Van is, and Grandpa Bill makes her a complete person. They truly do complete each other. Grandpa Bill is probably the funniest person I know, and they are true role models of how I want to model my marriage. They are more in love today than they were 66 years ago, and while I'll never hit 66 years of marriage, I know I'll have a long, healthy marriage because of what they have shown me.
Grandma Van, while still holding some old fashioned views (ANY drinking is bad, tattoos are of the devil, piercings are off limits), she has one of the purest hearts I know. She once gave all us grand kids a book called Sipping Saints, which talked about Christians drinking. To this day, she still doesn't know I have tattoos, and hopefully I'll never break her heart with that news. She once said in front of my friend, Hannah, who has a belly button piercing, "Girls who have piercings are hussies." She, of course, didn't know Hannah had a piercing, so Hannah and I giggled to ourselves.
Despite these long-held beliefs, she loves. She loves us grand kids. She loves her husband of 66 years. She loves her children. She loves her great-grand kids. She loves to encourage. She loves to pray. She loves to send snail mail. She loves to receive snail mail. She loves to hear about our day. She loves.
And because of this wonderful little lady, she has taught me to love. I can't even express to you have wonderful Grandma Van is, and Grandpa Bill makes her a complete person. They truly do complete each other. Grandpa Bill is probably the funniest person I know, and they are true role models of how I want to model my marriage. They are more in love today than they were 66 years ago, and while I'll never hit 66 years of marriage, I know I'll have a long, healthy marriage because of what they have shown me.
day 12. a photo of you AND day 13. a photo of you that your hair looks nice in
Here's a picture of me....AND my hair looks nice. Might as well combine the two. 
This picture is cropped from this picture below...
This picture is cropped from this picture below...
Friday, December 3, 2010
day 11. a photo of your favourite film(s)
Three movies come to mind when I think of my favorite movies. They are oldies but goodies. 
The Rock has some great lines, and it makes me laugh every single time.
Pretty Woman is my all time fave. It's a great love story, and my favorite scene is when she tries to buy clothes from the snotty women. They look down on her, so she goes to a different store and spends a TON of money. She, along with all her shopping bags, goes back to the first store and says, "You work on commission, right? Mistake. Big Mistake." And she walks out. You go, girl!
The Rock has some great lines, and it makes me laugh every single time.
Pretty Woman is my all time fave. It's a great love story, and my favorite scene is when she tries to buy clothes from the snotty women. They look down on her, so she goes to a different store and spends a TON of money. She, along with all her shopping bags, goes back to the first store and says, "You work on commission, right? Mistake. Big Mistake." And she walks out. You go, girl!
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