Everyday I drive about 5 minutes from my house, onto base, and to the gym. Since active duty members have priority on the machines from 11-1 and 3-forever, I usually go around 2 and there's rarely more than 5 other people there. They've got all the equipment you could ask for, as well as 10 TVs up on the wall. "Cardio theatre", I think it says. Let me tell you though, nothing good is on TV at 2. I can watch ESPN, ESPN2, various soaps, CMT reality shows (The Singing Bee??), OR my new favorite show Let's Make a Deal. It's hosted by Wayne Brady and I might describe it as a mix between The Price is Right and Deal or No Deal. Oh yeah, I can definitely run to that.
Here's a particularly funny clip from the show:
Admit it, now you want to watch it everyday!
8.12.2010
8.07.2010
Pictures
I feel like I need more pictures on this thing. I used to always have a lot of pictures to post. So, here are some random pics that I still have on my camera.
Isn't Paul the studliest? This picture is from the Bear Lake Triathlon in September 2009. On his last leg and still looking great.
Here we are at the bowling alley in the Wilk at BYU. We did a league in Fall 2009. Our team name was "The Believers"; Paul's bowling name was Sasquatch, mine was Nessie. I can't seem to remember Tyler's or Mathias's name.
Sarah, Me, and Riena at my bridal shower back in November.
This is pretty much our only picture from Christmas last year. Our friends got us a HUGE tree from Colorado because we had such a huge ceiling. It wouldn't stay up so we leaned it on the wall. We decorated it with lights, and candy canes, and balls from Wall mart.
This is from our camping trip to Deer Creek Reservoir in the canyon. We biked about 15 miles up and back the reservoir. Take a look at how long Paul's hair was getting!
My bike and the trail.
Patrick and Donatello when we first got them! There were so cute.
They're a lot bigger now than back then! But still cute. And they're good at keeping me company while Paul's gone. :)
That's Paul in the UHaul when we stopped in Albuquerque on our way to Texas. The turtles sat in the middle. It was a long and un-interesting drive.
Cool. Pictures.
Isn't Paul the studliest? This picture is from the Bear Lake Triathlon in September 2009. On his last leg and still looking great.
Here we are at the bowling alley in the Wilk at BYU. We did a league in Fall 2009. Our team name was "The Believers"; Paul's bowling name was Sasquatch, mine was Nessie. I can't seem to remember Tyler's or Mathias's name.
Sarah, Me, and Riena at my bridal shower back in November.
This is pretty much our only picture from Christmas last year. Our friends got us a HUGE tree from Colorado because we had such a huge ceiling. It wouldn't stay up so we leaned it on the wall. We decorated it with lights, and candy canes, and balls from Wall mart. 
This is from our camping trip to Deer Creek Reservoir in the canyon. We biked about 15 miles up and back the reservoir. Take a look at how long Paul's hair was getting!
My bike and the trail.
Patrick and Donatello when we first got them! There were so cute.
They're a lot bigger now than back then! But still cute. And they're good at keeping me company while Paul's gone. :)
That's Paul in the UHaul when we stopped in Albuquerque on our way to Texas. The turtles sat in the middle. It was a long and un-interesting drive.Cool. Pictures.
8.04.2010
Geek
I did enjoy Eat, Shoots, and Leaves! So much, in fact, that I read it in two days. I'm not sure if my punctuation has improved at all (probably not), and I am for sure not a "stickler" like Truss, but I appreciated her opinions and loved her writing.
After finishing that, I didn't know what else to read. I opened some books that I've had on my shelf for a while, but never really felt like reading. So I went back to the library and found myself in the section where I had found Eat, Shoots, and Leaves. And there, sitting all unread, was Stephen Pinker's The Language Instinct. 450 pages of gobble-dee-goop linguistics theory. You're probably thinking, "What!? You already graduated, and you seriously picked that textbook out of all of the books in the world?" ... well yeah, I did. and I like it!
After finishing that, I didn't know what else to read. I opened some books that I've had on my shelf for a while, but never really felt like reading. So I went back to the library and found myself in the section where I had found Eat, Shoots, and Leaves. And there, sitting all unread, was Stephen Pinker's The Language Instinct. 450 pages of gobble-dee-goop linguistics theory. You're probably thinking, "What!? You already graduated, and you seriously picked that textbook out of all of the books in the world?" ... well yeah, I did. and I like it!
8.03.2010
This week in film ...
The Young Victoria. Netflix. I thought this was very cute, very "English", and very much a movie that I shouldn't have watched since Paul is far, far away. But I really enjoyed it, and it's one of the only chick-flicks (of the ones I've seen recently) that I think is actually good. Thanks Annie, for the recommendation.
Recently seen (and awful) chick flicks:
Love Happens, The Wedding Date
plplpl
Amelia. Library. This is what I could call a Wikipedia Movie, for me. I didn't find it very engaging, even though I was intrigued by Amelia Earhart. She was a pretty cool lady. Also, I kept remembering The Office episode where they spend the whole day debating whether or not actress Hilary Swank is hott. And I think I'd have to go with no, even though she is a great actress. Also, something about Richard Gere ... meh. Then again, I like Runaway Bride.
Roman Holiday. Netflix. I feel like I have watched a lot of movies lately that are set in Rome. This one is the first-watched movie on my long list of classics to watch while Paul is gone. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck just aren't his thing I guess. (or should it be things?) But I liked it a lot. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
Doubt. Netflix. Meh. Yes, Meryl Streep is amazing (just ask Cameron, from Modern Family). And yes, there was a lot of deep moral ... uh, stuff ... but I guess it just wasn't my taste. 3 stars though.
Did You Hear About the Morgans? Library. I like Hugh Grant. hehe. Maybe it was because I had very low expectations, but I actually liked this movie too. The story was wild, but it was funny. That's all.
I have also re-watched some movies that I like: 500 Days of Summer, Julie and Julia, Notting Hill, Mamma Mia
All right, people, that's 11 films in 8 days? And I may or may not have watched a whole season of Say Yes to the Dress on Netflix, as well as a couple episodes from So You Think You Can Dance, The Office, and 30 Rock. whew.
Recently seen (and awful) chick flicks:
Love Happens, The Wedding Date
plplpl
Amelia. Library. This is what I could call a Wikipedia Movie, for me. I didn't find it very engaging, even though I was intrigued by Amelia Earhart. She was a pretty cool lady. Also, I kept remembering The Office episode where they spend the whole day debating whether or not actress Hilary Swank is hott. And I think I'd have to go with no, even though she is a great actress. Also, something about Richard Gere ... meh. Then again, I like Runaway Bride.
Roman Holiday. Netflix. I feel like I have watched a lot of movies lately that are set in Rome. This one is the first-watched movie on my long list of classics to watch while Paul is gone. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck just aren't his thing I guess. (or should it be things?) But I liked it a lot. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
Doubt. Netflix. Meh. Yes, Meryl Streep is amazing (just ask Cameron, from Modern Family). And yes, there was a lot of deep moral ... uh, stuff ... but I guess it just wasn't my taste. 3 stars though.
Did You Hear About the Morgans? Library. I like Hugh Grant. hehe. Maybe it was because I had very low expectations, but I actually liked this movie too. The story was wild, but it was funny. That's all.
I have also re-watched some movies that I like: 500 Days of Summer, Julie and Julia, Notting Hill, Mamma Mia
All right, people, that's 11 films in 8 days? And I may or may not have watched a whole season of Say Yes to the Dress on Netflix, as well as a couple episodes from So You Think You Can Dance, The Office, and 30 Rock. whew.
8.01.2010
7.26.2010
Books
In addition to watching a lot of movies, I have read a couple of books recently too:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Yes indeed, that is all 7 books of the Harry Potter Series. I began this adventure after I graduated and finished just before we moved. In my previous attempts at the books, I had read Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone 2 times but failed to get farther than chapter 2 in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. But I was determined this time and thanks to the Provo City Library and their book and DVD collections I was able to read all 7 AND watch all of the movies currently out. My least favorite book was 5, my favorite was 6. Second favorite was 3. Third favorite 4. 1,2 and 7 tie for my "most medium favorite". However, I like movie #3 the best. And yes, I am very excited to see HP7/8. During this adventure I had at least 2 dreams about Voldemort and constantly made references to the books while playing games, watching movies, or in every day life. I am definitely a fan.
Since moving to Texas I have read one book: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I decided to read this book when I saw the preview for the new movie based on this book. And I remembered a few girlfriends telling me that I should read it. I liked it a lot actually.
I have now started reading Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. It is a book about punctuation. Paul tried to convince me that it was going to be really boring (and it might be, I'm only on page xx) but I have a feeling that I will enjoy reading it.
I have no idea what I will read next.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Yes indeed, that is all 7 books of the Harry Potter Series. I began this adventure after I graduated and finished just before we moved. In my previous attempts at the books, I had read Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone 2 times but failed to get farther than chapter 2 in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. But I was determined this time and thanks to the Provo City Library and their book and DVD collections I was able to read all 7 AND watch all of the movies currently out. My least favorite book was 5, my favorite was 6. Second favorite was 3. Third favorite 4. 1,2 and 7 tie for my "most medium favorite". However, I like movie #3 the best. And yes, I am very excited to see HP7/8. During this adventure I had at least 2 dreams about Voldemort and constantly made references to the books while playing games, watching movies, or in every day life. I am definitely a fan.
Since moving to Texas I have read one book: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I decided to read this book when I saw the preview for the new movie based on this book. And I remembered a few girlfriends telling me that I should read it. I liked it a lot actually.
I have now started reading Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. It is a book about punctuation. Paul tried to convince me that it was going to be really boring (and it might be, I'm only on page xx) but I have a feeling that I will enjoy reading it.
I have no idea what I will read next.
7.23.2010
Movies
I've loved watching movies for a long time. I still love watching movies. I remember my friend Allison asking me what movies I haven't seen. I also have been told that I am a picky movie-watcher. Now that is not entirely true. I'll pretty much watch anything (ask Paul) but I definitely won't always like it. If it bores me, I'll do something else while the movie is on in the background. If I really don't like it I'll turn it off and find something else to do. Usually I'll stick with it just to say that I watched it (and so I can give a real opinion on it. I just realized I don't do that with books. I don't mind just stopping in the middle of a book and never reading it again). Anyways, I've been watching a lot of movies lately since we finally have internet at our place (yay!), we finally sent back our Netflix movie since we have a new address (yay!), and the library (provo and goodfellow) is full of awesome FREE movies. (also I am unemployed and not going to school). So I thought I'd do a little review of the movies I've seen lately.
Invictus. Netflix DVD. I watched this with Paul this afternoon. I didn't really like it. I'd give it 2 stars (the "I didn't like it" rating) ... but if there were half stars for Netflix ratings, I would give it 2.5, which would be half-way between "I didn't like it" and "I liked it". Voila, the "I didn't really like it" rating. (this is out of 5 if you are unfamiliar with Netflix). I started playing bejeweled on Paul's phone during the final game of the world cup. Yeah, it was boring. I spent more time being a dork looking up South Africa, Nelson Mandela, William Ernest Henley and Rugby on Wikipedia than watching the movie (all of those topics are actually quite interesting. look them up). I especially liked the poem ... "I am the captain of my soul". What did you think about it?
Inception. Theaters. I went to this on Tuesday ($6.00 day, yay!) with Paul. and I loved it. Loved it. Usually I get bored with movies that are longer than 2 hours. Longer than 1.5 hours actually. But this was so good. SO good. What can I say? The plot was wicked sweet awesome. Trippy. Really trippy. Okay. I'm liking this one-word description thing. It's about dreams people. The subconscious. Reality. Truth. Perception. The mind. After the movie Paul and I talked about all of these topics for hours. Also, the cinematography was awesome. Anti-gravity fighting scene was COOL. My favorite part though (spoiler alert) is that the whole movie could have just been Leo's dream. Also, technically, since it was just a movie, it was someone's dream. Someone's mind created that movie. and it was really good.
The Aviator. Library. Go Leonardo DiCaprio. I liked this movie well enough. Yes, Martin Scorsese is unique and kind of disturbing, but you need that element in a movie about a guy who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. I thought it was well acted. I did get a little distracted with Wikipedia again (Katherine Hepburn, OCD, Howard Hughes etc). All-in-all I thought it was good. I probably liked it more than I would have normally because I saw Inception right after it and it fueled our discussion about reality.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Library. I watched this the other day with Paul. It was amusing. One of those movies that I wouldn't mind watching again, but really wouldn't mind if someone knocked on my door and I never got around to finishing it. One of those movies that I watched just to say that I've seen it. It's classic ... (so what? I say.)
Baby Mama. Library. Seen it before, but think it's hilarious. Hilarious. Just watch it.
Ladyhawke. Library. I can't believe I watched this. 1985 fantasy film. The music made me laugh. The plot was ridiculous.
(sidenote: Paul's actually introduced me to a lot of 80's films: Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer, So I Married and Axe Murderer, Never Ending Story, Clue, Top Gun, E.T. ... wow, at first I was going to say that all 80's movies are weird (which, yeah, okay, true statement) but now I realize that they really do have endearing qualities. maybe I kind of like 80's fantasy films!)
Other awesome movies I have recently seen: Live Free or Die Hard, Casablanca, Miss Potter
And for your TV entertainment delight, please take my advice and watch ABC's Modern Family. You won't regret it.
Invictus. Netflix DVD. I watched this with Paul this afternoon. I didn't really like it. I'd give it 2 stars (the "I didn't like it" rating) ... but if there were half stars for Netflix ratings, I would give it 2.5, which would be half-way between "I didn't like it" and "I liked it". Voila, the "I didn't really like it" rating. (this is out of 5 if you are unfamiliar with Netflix). I started playing bejeweled on Paul's phone during the final game of the world cup. Yeah, it was boring. I spent more time being a dork looking up South Africa, Nelson Mandela, William Ernest Henley and Rugby on Wikipedia than watching the movie (all of those topics are actually quite interesting. look them up). I especially liked the poem ... "I am the captain of my soul". What did you think about it?
Inception. Theaters. I went to this on Tuesday ($6.00 day, yay!) with Paul. and I loved it. Loved it. Usually I get bored with movies that are longer than 2 hours. Longer than 1.5 hours actually. But this was so good. SO good. What can I say? The plot was wicked sweet awesome. Trippy. Really trippy. Okay. I'm liking this one-word description thing. It's about dreams people. The subconscious. Reality. Truth. Perception. The mind. After the movie Paul and I talked about all of these topics for hours. Also, the cinematography was awesome. Anti-gravity fighting scene was COOL. My favorite part though (spoiler alert) is that the whole movie could have just been Leo's dream. Also, technically, since it was just a movie, it was someone's dream. Someone's mind created that movie. and it was really good.
The Aviator. Library. Go Leonardo DiCaprio. I liked this movie well enough. Yes, Martin Scorsese is unique and kind of disturbing, but you need that element in a movie about a guy who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. I thought it was well acted. I did get a little distracted with Wikipedia again (Katherine Hepburn, OCD, Howard Hughes etc). All-in-all I thought it was good. I probably liked it more than I would have normally because I saw Inception right after it and it fueled our discussion about reality.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Library. I watched this the other day with Paul. It was amusing. One of those movies that I wouldn't mind watching again, but really wouldn't mind if someone knocked on my door and I never got around to finishing it. One of those movies that I watched just to say that I've seen it. It's classic ... (so what? I say.)
Baby Mama. Library. Seen it before, but think it's hilarious. Hilarious. Just watch it.
Ladyhawke. Library. I can't believe I watched this. 1985 fantasy film. The music made me laugh. The plot was ridiculous.
(sidenote: Paul's actually introduced me to a lot of 80's films: Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer, So I Married and Axe Murderer, Never Ending Story, Clue, Top Gun, E.T. ... wow, at first I was going to say that all 80's movies are weird (which, yeah, okay, true statement) but now I realize that they really do have endearing qualities. maybe I kind of like 80's fantasy films!)
Other awesome movies I have recently seen: Live Free or Die Hard, Casablanca, Miss Potter
And for your TV entertainment delight, please take my advice and watch ABC's Modern Family. You won't regret it.
7.14.2010
I think I love Texas
Well at least I like San Angelo. I like that you can drive from one side of the city to the other in 20 minutes, which means, that if you have been driving for more than 20 minutes you are either lost or going to San Antonio.
I like Dairy Queen. Did you know that the state with the most Dairy Queens is Texas? And that they even have their own website? And that the pecan pie blizzard is divine?
I am comforted that the groceries are not any more expensive than Macey's. H.E.B. is a little big, but nice to my wallet (or Paul's cuz he usually does the actual purchasing).
I really like the ward here. We are in the San Angelo 2nd ward (I think) and the people are so nice. SO nice. I mean really nice. There are all kinds of new kids to watch and oh! there is a family of Weasleys! I'm serious ... all red heads and one of them looks like Ron. No joke. It's great. And to top that off, we are next door neighbors with the bishop. Score. I know where to run if something explodes while Paul's gone.
Speaking of Paul, I think he likes Goodfellow Air Force Base. As do I. The hotel we stayed in was ice cold with AC. They have a sweet little library with even more good movies than the Provo library. I love libraries I've decided. There is also a gym (free), tennis courts (free), and an arts and crafts building. All of these places have AC. Sometimes I do get confused with all of the acronyms. I have mastered a few (DITY, TDY, BAH) but I still have no idea was DBIDS are, even though I asked to have them put on my ID card. I have a military ID now. oooooh. My name is in the system. eeeeee. Cool.
And I'm sure y'all er wondrin bout thuh accint? yeeeah. It's fiiine. My faverit is when people say y'all guys or y'all too. We've been to a few restaurants (all but one of them have been delicious ... another reason I like it here) and our waitresses say "what can I get y'all" or "y'all doin ok?" I've decided to adopt "y'all" while I'm here. Seems appropriate.
Our house is very nice too. We're renting a house just north of the base. It was built in the 50s but has new floors, a new kitchen, and a new bathroom. I think we might have spoiled ourselves. But it was too good of a location to pass up.
What I don't like about Texas right now is the weather. It is too hot and too humid. It is only 9:30 and it is already 85 degrees outside. However, I know that it will be just as hot in Utah. And I will probably change my mind about disliking the weather when it is still 65 degrees in December. And the moisture has already healed my heals and dry legs. So, I can't really complain. Except that it is so hot.
I think I do love Texas.
I like Dairy Queen. Did you know that the state with the most Dairy Queens is Texas? And that they even have their own website? And that the pecan pie blizzard is divine?
I am comforted that the groceries are not any more expensive than Macey's. H.E.B. is a little big, but nice to my wallet (or Paul's cuz he usually does the actual purchasing).
I really like the ward here. We are in the San Angelo 2nd ward (I think) and the people are so nice. SO nice. I mean really nice. There are all kinds of new kids to watch and oh! there is a family of Weasleys! I'm serious ... all red heads and one of them looks like Ron. No joke. It's great. And to top that off, we are next door neighbors with the bishop. Score. I know where to run if something explodes while Paul's gone.
Speaking of Paul, I think he likes Goodfellow Air Force Base. As do I. The hotel we stayed in was ice cold with AC. They have a sweet little library with even more good movies than the Provo library. I love libraries I've decided. There is also a gym (free), tennis courts (free), and an arts and crafts building. All of these places have AC. Sometimes I do get confused with all of the acronyms. I have mastered a few (DITY, TDY, BAH) but I still have no idea was DBIDS are, even though I asked to have them put on my ID card. I have a military ID now. oooooh. My name is in the system. eeeeee. Cool.
And I'm sure y'all er wondrin bout thuh accint? yeeeah. It's fiiine. My faverit is when people say y'all guys or y'all too. We've been to a few restaurants (all but one of them have been delicious ... another reason I like it here) and our waitresses say "what can I get y'all" or "y'all doin ok?" I've decided to adopt "y'all" while I'm here. Seems appropriate.
Our house is very nice too. We're renting a house just north of the base. It was built in the 50s but has new floors, a new kitchen, and a new bathroom. I think we might have spoiled ourselves. But it was too good of a location to pass up.
What I don't like about Texas right now is the weather. It is too hot and too humid. It is only 9:30 and it is already 85 degrees outside. However, I know that it will be just as hot in Utah. And I will probably change my mind about disliking the weather when it is still 65 degrees in December. And the moisture has already healed my heals and dry legs. So, I can't really complain. Except that it is so hot.
I think I do love Texas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)