I Am Kind of Stupid

After reading the title of this post, you might think, "Yeah, and . . . ?" But I am not just being self deprecating.  I have an actual reason as to why I was/am stupid.  It's actually a quick story as to why I'm stupid.  Here it goes:

It all started with me thinking that it would be a great idea to get overly involved in a YW activity.  We decided to force the YW to wake up at 6 a.m. the day after school gets out and hike thirteen miles to the temple.  I'm not going to lie, some of my good ol' coaching days came back to me where I secretly (or not so secretly sometimes) enjoyed torturing the girls I coached.  I got out a little of my own aggression.  But the problem with this cruel leadership was that I actually volunteered to hike it myself.  I thought it would be no big deal.  After all, I WAS training for a running relay race.  But then shortly before the grand hike was to take place, I realized that yes, I'm quite stupid.  The hike and the race took place on the same day.  Oh, and forgot to mention the fact that I bruised my heel very badly a few weeks before all of this took place, and then oh yeah, I got really sick.  Like sick sick for a week.  So two days before the hike/race, I was feeling decent.  My foot still killed and I still was very nasal-y, but I figured I could suck it up.  So sucked it up I did.  But when everyone tried to tell me how stupid I was, I just ignored them, thinking to myself that I could be pretty tough if I needed to be, and what's 13 miles walking and like 13 miles running?  No biggie.  Uh, wrong.  Fast forward to the end, I got a stupid stress fracture on my stupid foot.  I spent Father's Day (the day after the mayhem) rolling around the kitchen in an office chair trying to make a nice meal for Nick and all of our company.  Although, rolling around in a chair whilst cooking is not a bad idea for those times when you're ridiculously tired.  And, you look quite cool doing it.  Oh, except for the time I fell over in my chair onto the ground and couldn't get back up.  And also except for the many times I got my apron stuck in the chair and was like tangled in an apron mess.  Other than that, very cool.

But overall, I did have a ton of fun.  My stupidity and hurt foot were worth it because I love the Oregon Epic Relay (www.epicrelays.com).  I got to see some old friends, my in - laws came into town and had a blast with Briz, and it was actually sunny!!!

As evidence of how much fun I had, here are pictures of me shoving pretzels into my mouth while I give a dirty glare to Andrea and me passed out on Emily.

Long Hair and Drugs

This video is my favorite.  And so true.

Chicka Chicka Slim Sadie (and Carly)

We were privileged enough to be graced with the presence of Carly and Sadie Nielson last weekend for a few days.  It was an awesome time.  There were a few downsides so I will get those out of the way: the weather sucked big time, poor Sadie got sick, the John grandparents now have some competition, and Briz now thinks that anytime we see someone new she is going to get to see Sadie.

But it was a blast to see Briz and Sadie play together (which mostly consisted of having stupid arguments over which color plate they wanted and fighting over the mini Ariel doll).  They had some great in depth conversations about life and death (no really, they did).  But mostly, I loved having my friend Carly around.  I miss her a lot and I wish she lived closer.  She was nice enough to come along with me on my crazy day of work.  We drove up to Seattle, but the good news is that we ended up having hours and hours to talk in the car.  Still wasn't enough time.  Come back soon Carly and Sadie.  And next time, bring Big D and Loui Gooey.

Ten Random Things

Thought I would update with some Random happenings in our lives:

1. I had five Mitt Romney events yesterday (three in Portland and two in Seattle), and I could not be happier that they are over.  It was one of the longest days of my life.  But because Carly is such a good friend, it ended up being a pretty great day overall.  She came along with me (I need a whole separate post for her and Sadie's visit).

2.  Nick has been working ridiculous hours to get some stuff ready for the Olympics.  So needless to say, we have been workaholics lately and I am so happy to be able to actually clean my house!

3.  I have loved listening to movie soundtracks lately.  Here are some of my favorites.

4.  I love the Celtics.  I have been an awful fan this year, but I have three reasons to defend myself: the NBA strike really threw off my basketball schedule, I actually don't like watching NBA games, and I've just been trying to deal with life.  But yes, I love them.  And I am just hoping and hoping and even praying a little bit that they and OKCity win, because I am pretty sure I am going to fly Briz and I to Oklahoma so we can try to catch a game, and also visit our long lost Hugh cousins.  

5.  I hate Oregon right now.  I really do.  I hate the stupid rain and cold weather.  I need not just sunshine but heat.  My skin is way too white for June.  It's just wrong.  Not to mention I'm supposed to run in a race in a week and a half and it better not be this cold.

6.  The HomeBudget app is the best ever.  It indulges my OCD with money, and yet frees me from my money anxiety.  

7.  My iPhone has brought so much joy into my life.  Here are a few of the wonderful things:

- New York Times app - I feel like I actually have an idea of what is going on in the world recently

- Tosh.O app

- Daily Report app

- Portland Entertainment apps

- Groupon app

- And of course, the ever important Onion app

8. Sierra was here for Memorial Day Weekend and I had a blast hanging out with her.  Nick and I went on a double date with her and Landon (inside family joke) to the Portland Rose Garden, rode lots of rides and made ourselves sick.  It was awesome.  Her and Briz became good pals and we miss Sierra.  Can't wait until you come back for the 4th of July.  Hopefully it will stop raining by then!

9. I used my real camera today for the first time in a long time.  It felt so natural and I quickly remembered how addicted I can get to my camera.  I do wish, however, I had more time to edit! 

10.  I miss my nieces and nephews a lot.  I wish I could give them all hugs and kisses right now.