The Icks Have Attacked: Daydreaming of the Windy City

So, I'm a sicky. I went to the urgent care yesterday 

to get some medicine, only to wake up this morning a puking mess. That right, not 1 but 2 illnesses have attacked me at once. Definitely not fun. Honestly though, if I were going to pick a day to get sick today wasn't a bad one. I only have 3 hours of class (my shortest day of the week) and I had to do a LOT of phone calling today because one of my transcripts got lost in the mail.  There's no way I could have done all this and school, so at least my day isn't completely wasted. Plus, Mallory is awesome and took me to "Build a Bear" for a belated birthday present last Saturday where we made matching bunnies. Clara has been such a comfort to me in my sickness; nothing cheers you up quite like hugging a stuffed animal. 

To occupy my mind while I lie on the coach, I thought I'd blog.I know, the whole "once a week thing" hasn't been happening, but I've been very busy so I feel a minimum amount of shame. Plus, I've been working out 5 hours a week and cooking around 3 meals a week too. 2 of my 3 New Years Resolutions are being met; none too shabby.

During Martin Luther King Junior weekend, Stephen and I flew out to Chicago for Ima's 30th Birthday. It was a spur of the moment decision, but what an amazing city to explore! We braved public transportation, went to the Institute of Art Museum, strolled down Millenium Park to see the Bean, devoured Lou Malnatis deep dish pizza (yum!), shopped the Magnificent Mile, enjoyed the high life with a full body massage at the Waldorf Astoria, tried a local cafe for brunch, watched a lot of football, and enjoyed quality time with the Tanner family (including meeting my 1st Nephew, Nate). Thank you Eric for renting out that amazing house to live in for the weekend; this was a trip to remember. Here are some pictures from our stay there; hopefully the memories will take my mind off the way I feel.

 Happy Monday Everyone!

Search for Improvement

Week two and going strong with my resolutions. I'm so proud of my little self for blogging yet again. Also, in keeping with my other 2 New Year goals I have joined the BYU fitness classes and made 3 meals this week. Whoooot whoot! I just can't help but give myself a verbal pat on the back here. (Go me!) Alright, on with the actual blog post.

Today in Church an interesting concept was brought up. Apparently Lorenzo Snow once mentioned something along the line of "The whole purpose of the gospel is improvement". This is actually something I've mulled over before in moments of deep pondering (often occurring while trying to fall asleep or taking a shower).  Improvement or progression (as I have always thought of it) really is the driving force behind my religion and my life. Why am I on earth if not for a purpose? If there is none, you and I are just floundering through life.

Of course, I know there are some that may disagree with me, but I choose to believe there is a higher call and goal in us being here. Thus, one of my favorite aspects of my church is the structure of the whole thing. We believe in plans, laws, and ultimately a higher purpose that is achieved through daily doing small and simple things. In short, there is a goal I'm always working towards, and this goal changes the decisions I make and who I become. Isn't the purpose of religion to teach us and thus shape us? This sort of thing just makes sense, for those things that truly matter to us forever change us. Of course, we are not perfected instantly (or anytime soon thereafter). However, as long as were trying to better live the gospel, improvement and progression of self are inevitable.

Now, most of my posts wont be so spiritual in nature (I'm more prone to write about mundane life happenings and cute baby animals), but this is something I wanted to write out so I could think it though. Take of it what you will, but since no one reads my blog I feel like this was more of a journal entry rather then a religious statement. Just as well since this is more rambling thought then a well thought out essay. Until next time.

Starting the New Year and Remembering the Old

Well here we are again. I am the saddest blogger ever. Of course, I KNEW blogging would be hard to stay on top of, but you think I could do a little bit better then I am. To solve this predicament, one of my New Year resolutions is to blog once a week (along with cooking 4 meals a week and working out 3 times a week). Now, I know many of you may be rolling your eyes saying "We haven't heard THAT one before" but I am dead serious. I will be a cool hip blogger gosh darn it! Plus, I'm not too shabby at keeping resolutions because I try to keep them manageable, specific, and measurable. So, to those very very very few readers that are seeing this post PLEASE help keep me on top of things. If you don't see a blog one week, I want a very angry text sent my way demanding more awesomeness from me. Got it?

Okay, onward with the first blog of the new year!

2012 was a great year. Here is a quick overview and many pictures of major things that happened this year:

Stephen graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and placed 4th in the Nation in the Hearst Journalism Contest. I'm so proud of him. I did not graduate, so don't be fooled by my wearing a cap and gown. That was just for fun!

I ran my very first 5k down in sunny California (and rocked it)! Thank you Mallory Andersen for being the best running buddy this summer. Couldn't have done it without you. 

Went to the GIANT Tanner family reunion. We had a great time meeting and visiting everyone there.

We went camping with some old friends in Moab. It was quite an adventure hiking and "white water" rafting.

We visited Hawaii for a week to part celebrate our 1 year anniversary and part have a wonderful vacation with Grannie Annie and Papi. It was PARADISE! I went surfing and snorkeling for the first time and really got to soak up the sun. I can't wait to go again this summer. I'm one very spoiled girl.

I started a new job on campus working as a nutrition consultant, moved into a new apartment, and finished 2 more semesters in the dietetics program (only 1 more to go)! I'm loving every minute of both school and work.

Stephen turned 25 and I turned 21

We went to some beautiful weddings of some dear friends and family.

My parents and siblings came up to visit me in college. I was one happy girl.

We spent a lovely Thanksgiving in Carlsbad with Stephen's family.

And an equally lovely Christmas down in Gilmer with mine. 

Happy New Year everyone! Here's to looking towards an even more wonderful 2013.