New Year!

The last few hours of 2008 are ticking away! This has been a superb year, but I am eagerly awaiting 2009. Like I said yesterday, I need to post my exercise for today. I did an hour of Pilates, 30 minutes of cardio and a little over an hour of snowshoeing. Now I'm going to get cleaned up and go for a yummy dinner at my favorite Indian restaurant. I hope everyone has a happy and safe new year!

**Only 10 more days until my snowshoe 5K!**

A Fun-Packed Month

I can't believe in five weeks our vacation month begins! Troy and I are spending the first week of February in California, we'll return to Park City for a week then head to Hawaii for two weeks. The thought of spending three of the four weeks of February in a bikini has given me great incentive to get in better shape. I am still following my running schedule, but the holidays have thrown me off track. Today I was supposed to x-train, but I opted for a long run instead. I need to rev up my workout so for the next week I will be posting my daily workouts along with my posts. This will give me motivation because I refuse to write "I didn't exercise today". :)

Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my friends, family and anonymous readers. I hope you all had a wonderfully festive week; I know I sure did. The Madsen's adventure started Wednesday with a long commute south to Price. Troy and I spent about an hour with his family then retired to bed at the Strate household. None of my sisters or brother could be home this year so needless to say, my parent's house was ideal for a restful night's sleep.  Christmas morning we opened presents and went cross country skiing with Ben and Melanie. Though the day was chillier than expected, the skiing was great and the scenery couldn't have been more beautiful. 

Troy and I headed back Friday after lunch with my parents, but returned to Price on Sunday for sweet Emi's baby blessing. Yesterday we traveled to Alta for a quick ski trip. The skiing wasn't very good (too crowded and the warm temperatures made for icy runs), but it was great to take part in the family tradition. I can't speak for Troy, but I had a great time with the Madsen crowd. I can't wait for next year!

Running Schedule

I adopted a running schedule a few weeks ago to help with my training. I am currently following a 16-week schedule, but this setup could easily be shortened or lengthened. Here it is:

Monday:     run 30-45 minutes

Tuesday:     cross train 45-60 minutes

Wednesday: run 45-60 minutes

Thursday:   run 30-45 minutes

Friday:        cross train 45-60 minutes

Saturday:    long run 8-15 miles (varies by week)

Sunday:       rest

For cross training I have been attending spin classes, snowshoeing or cross country skiing. If I choose snowshoeing or cross country skiing, I make sure to do it for at least an hour and try to push myself with speed, distance and steeper terrain. 

Volunteer: Sundance

In an effort to familiarize myself more with the local scene, I signed up to volunteer with the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Since Park City is synonymous with Sundance, I figured there was no better place to get my foot in the social door than on Main Street. I combined my love for this amazing city and volunteer work by dedicating 26 hours over a four-day period. The hours are great and as a movie lover, I am excited to attend some free screenings. I will let you all know how it goes! Honestly I have yet to have a negative experience at any of my volunteer events. Troy and I will be sure to still attend a few shows while I'm not volunteering. You have to take advantage of being a local!

Park City Snowshoe Stomp

Today I was browsing running events in SLC and Park City when I stumbled upon the Park City Snowshoe Stomp. I was looking for a few 5k - 1/2 marathon runs to help me meet my challenge for 2009 and I could not pass on this delight. This 5k is held in mid January and is ran on snowshoes! Just the thought of it gave me the giggles so I couldn't resist signing up. Usually I only sign up for marathons - I definitely have the "go big or go home" mentality, but I figured a few small runs would be a fun change of pace. I'll let you know how it turns out!

**I do have a running goal for 2009, but I'll share it at a later date. I don't want to jinx myself before everything is set up. ;) **

Christmas Greetings

Two days ago, Troy decided he wanted a family photo to document our winter of 2008. The problem with three dogs is you can't get a decent photo. Out of our 10 tries, these are the best shots we got.

I realized after we should have turned off the football game.

Abby was being stubborn and refused to stand. 

Of course when Troy decided to take photos, I was asleep. 

I was still too tired to care that I was disshevled.

Pilates

Well I am finished with my Pilates certification, but still awaiting my test date. I have to log a few more teaching hours before I take my test and my sweet husband has been more than happy to be my student. Today we made it through the whole essential workout and I am extremely pleased to hear he enjoyed it! His abs are burning and his sore spine feels relief. He even lined it up so I teach him three times a week! I'm so excited to have such a willing participant.

**I am going to post some of my favorite exercises later for all of you to try at home!**

Skiing!

Today I'm venturing out for my first ski day of the winter. The lack of snow caused a postponement of the resorts' opening day, but now a few runs are ready for business! This year Troy and I purchased season passes to The Canyons, which currently only has two runs open. I figured the lack of runs will mean fewer skiers and consequently, fewer people who could potentially watch me fall. :)  One of my goals this year was to improve my downhill skiing and snowboarding and now the time has arrived! I am also looking forward to beginning skate skiing, but we are still too shy of snow for any form of cross country skiing.

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday week; I know I sure did. As I mentioned in a previous post, Troy and I headed to southern Utah for a few days prior to Thanksgiving. We spent Sunday in Price relaxing with his family. On Monday we hiked Horseshoe Canyon and camped at Goblin Valley (boy was it cold!). Tuesday we spent at Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon. Apparently a missing hiker's car was found at Little Wild Horse the evening before we arrived. It was odd hiking the narrow slot canyon with a rescue chopper hovering overhead. After all the hiking, we still managed to make it to Moab on Wednesday and Dead Horse Point. By Thursday, we were beat. We went pistol shooting with my dad then had Thanksgiving dinner. It's strange having a holiday focused on Turkey since neither Troy nor I eat meat, but we had no problem filling up on yummy side dishes. 

Little Wild Horse Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon

Dead Horse Point

Goblin Valley

Arches

Man's Best Friend(s)

I am an animal lover through and through, but dogs hold the most special place in my heart. I don't think I've ever met a dog I didn't like. Thankfully I married someone who shares my love for these sweet animals. 

Abby came to me as a graduation gift from Troy. She is an English Pointer/Beagle mix. I had been looking at getting a dog, but had three restrictions: it had to come from the Humane Society, it couldn't be a puppy (puppies always get adopted first) and it had to have been there for awhile. When Troy found Abby, she was cooped in a small kennel barely tall enough for her to stand in. She was overweight and after a month at the pound, close to her "expiration date". I am so happy Troy chose her. She is the perfect addition to our family.

Shady. What a funny dog! Troy has had this cute little Shih tzu mix for a few years now. She quickly adopted Abby as her BFF. They spend all day pacing the dog run and protecting the house from the moose. 

Last Christmas Troy bought all the dogs new sweaters. Spring snuggles contently in hers, Shady tolerates it and Abby hates it. Abby has managed to wiggle out of her sweater even while in her dog crate.  Right after this picture was taken, Abby shimmied herself free of the evil green sweater.

Unfortunately this is the only picture I have of Spring on my computer. She is a quirky little dog, but I love her. She was once a stray that suffered from such malnourishment, patches of her coat had fallen out. Troy acquired her from his parents a few years ago and now we couldn't imagine being without her.

If you're considering adopting an animal, please make sure you are willing to make a long-term commitment. Far too often desperate animals receive homes only to be brought back to a shelter because the owner didn't fully comprehend the responsibility. It breaks my heart that people only desire puppies and older dogs, like my precious Abby, get overlooked time and time again. All animals, regardless of breed, size or age, need a loving home.

Halloween!

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful time last night. Troy and I were our usual homebody selves. We took pictures of the three moose running around our yard and took a little stroll on the hill behind our house. When night fell, we watched scary movies and helped ourselves to the large bowl of candy since we failed to have a single trick-or-treater.

I can't believe how time flies. As we carved our pumpkins on Halloween eve, the memories of last Halloween came flooding back. It's crazy to think Troy and I haven't spent a single day apart in 13 months. Boy, we sure have logged a lot of hours together and he's still not tired of me! :)

When It Rains...

This has been quite a week with the moose charging the dogs, me hitting a deer and to top it off, I crashed on my mountain bike yesterday. Troy and I were supposed to go to Chicago on Sunday, but Troy was sick. Yesterday he finally started to feel well so we went on a long ride. We were gaining speed on the downgrade a few miles from our car when my pants caught my water bottle cage. I instinctively hit the brakes, which of course didn't help the situation, and I flew over the handlebars. I landed on my stomach and had the wind knocked out of me. An older man stopped and helped wipe off my arms with some towelettes. I caught my breath and got back on my bike. I am impressed I didn't shed a single tear. On the ride back to our car, I joked with Troy that the next time my brothers-in-law think I am prissy, you let them know I can take a hit and not cry. :)  Troy worried my left arm was broken, but on closer inspection, he thinks it's going to be ok. What a ride! I haven't taken a spill like that in quite some time so, of course, I had to document it.

Pretty gross, huh? It looks like I have a serious case of man arms because of the swelling. I swear my arms are not usually this gigantic. :)

Thankfully, my husband has the best remedy: Neosporin and bandages for the arms and flowers for the injured party.  

4 Months

Today marks our four-month anniversary since saying "I do". I love being married to Troy and I look forward to many, many more months and years together. 

More Pics of the Elder

Thursdays are quickly becoming my favorite day because it means I get an email from Jordan. His photos totally cracked me up so I thought I'd post them. These are from his P-day at the Gorge Wildlife Park.

Fitness Review: Bikram Yoga

I have recently started taken Bikram Yoga classes and let me tell you, it is a workout! For those who don't know, Bikram is a 90-minute yoga session practiced in a 105 degree room with 40% humidity. The heat isn't bad, but for someone who lives in Utah, the humidity requires a little bit of adjustment. :) 

During my first session, I didn't feel like I exhorted my muscles as much as I had liked and honestly I felt a little bummed afterward. Though I had survived the full 90 minutes, my muscles didn't feel the slightest amount of fatigue. But the next morning, boy could I feel it! The heat is an amazing muscle relaxer. I could feel the stretch in my shoulders, obliques and thighs. I am ready for another session tonight! Bikram is definitely going to become a staple in my exercise routine.

Volunteer: KCPW

I was tipped onto KCPW shortly after moving to Salt Lake City. This is a great organization and by far my favorite group to volunteer for. KCPW holds two pledges drives a year and the fall drive will run Saturday, October 18th until Friday, October 24th. The people are amazing and it's a great way to familiarize yourself with local companies. There are still plenty of shifts available so if you have a few spare hours during that time, contact kcpwvolunteer@yahoo.com for more information.

Elder Strate

My little brother is currently serving a mission in Adelaide, Australia. He has been out since January and is making tremendous progress. Thankfully, he is able to send us weekly emails that usually contain photos. Keep up the good work, Buster!

The Neanderthal face is an inside joke with the family.

Yummy Kangaroo tail!

Padre's Birthday!

Today is my dad's 60th birthday! That's right Gene Edward, you're still a young pup.  Happy birthday to you!

In Love With Troy Boy

It's been almost 365 days since Troy and I spent a day apart and what a wonderful year it has been! I honestly didn't think I could love being with someone so much. As we went for a long drive yesterday, I started thinking about all the silly things I love about him:

* The exaggerated wide eyed looks he give me

* When he laughs so hard he hiccups

* His excitement for the moose that wander into the yard

* The way he babies the dogs

* How he always cuddles with me before getting out of bed

* That he promises to never go anywhere, even for a day, without me

* How humble he is

* The way he supports all my random dreams and goals

The list goes on and on, but I just want to say how truly blessed I feel to have found my perfect match.

Favorite Exercise Tracks

In my opinion, a killer playlist is essential for a successful workout. I love finding new tunes to add to my list so, for all my fellow exercise fanatics, here are my top twenty favorite songs that get me in the mood to hit the gym. If anyone has any recommendations, send them my way!

"Throw It On Me" - Timbaland

"Fat Bottomed Girls" - Queen

"Suicide Blonde" - INXS

"Fame" - David Bowie

"Callin' Out" - Lyrics Born

"Yell Fire" - Michael Franti

"Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode or Marilyn Manson

"Dancing With Myself" - Billy Idol

"Mercy" - Duffy

"Music Is The Victim" - Scissor Sisters

"Lean Like A Cholo" - Down

"They" - Jem

"Le Disko" - Shiny Toy Guns

"Cigarello" - The Fratellis (this group has a ton of great fast tracks)

"Take Me Out" - Franz Ferdinand

"Wind It Up" - Gwen Stefani

"Runaway Train" - Soul Asylum

"Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured" - Arctic Monkeys

"Teenagers" - My Chemical Romance

"Grace Kelly" - Mika

More Tidbits of Wisdom

If you haven't gathered already, Epictetus is my favorite philosopher to quote. I just re-read for about the twentieth time "The Art of Living". Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do."

"Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours."

"We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them."

"Small-minded people habitually reproach others for their own misfortunes. Average people reproach themselves... There is nothing to be gained in blaming, whether it be others or oneself."

"Do your own useful work without regard to the honor or admiration your efforts might win from others. There is no such thing as vicarious merit."

"You can be justifiably happy with yourself and at ease when you've harmonized your actions with nature by recognizing what truly is yours."

"The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths."

"Don't be concerned with other people's impressions of you. They are dazzled and deluded by appearances. In fact, be suspicious if you appear to others as someone special. Be on your guard against a false sense of self-importance."

"Your happiness depends on three things, all of which are within your power: your will, your ideas concerning the events in which you are involved, and the use you make of your ideas."

"If you want to live a wise life, live it on your own terms and in your own eyes."

"Character matters more than reputation... even if your reputation were really to matter, you're not responsible for what others think of you."

"First know the meaning of what you say, then speak."

 

Personal Goals

It has been far too long since my last post. Events in my daily life have kept me from sitting down and focusing my attention on writing.

The diet challenge was a great step for me. Yes, I still had caffeine from time to time, but have improved my diet tremendously. I have also adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, which has been going swimmingly. For months, almost years, I have struggled with eating meat. Once in a great while it would sound appetizing, but usually just the thought of it would repulse me. So if anyone has any great vegetarian recipes they'd like to share with me, please do.

Sadly, I had to drop out of the Park City Marathon. I spent the week prior to the marathon in Vegas sitting by the pool all day in the 105 degree heat. This was a mistake. I flew home Friday night so I could run Saturday morning. I kept getting waves of nausea shortly into the race and finally stopped running at the half way point. I was disappointed, but I am determined to do better next month with the Top of Utah Marathon.

So this brings me to my goals:

Physical:

* Do some form a exercise every day

* Begin my Pilates certification program

* Run two marathons a year

* Make a conscious effort to eat properly every day.

Spiritual:

* Attend church every week. Only exceptions will be out of town or ill.

* Read Church material every week

* Work towards receiving my endowments next year 

Personal:

* Read at least one new book a month

* Take up a new hobby. I am looking at skate skiing this winter. I will also improve both my downhill and cross country skiing.

* Get back into volunteering. I recently signed up with Sundance, The Park City Historical Society, KPCW. If anyone knows any good causes in Park City, let me know.

I think that's it. This honestly shouldn't be that hard if I utilize my time well.

Life as a Mrs.

Well Troy and I got back from the honeymoon on Sunday and are finally settling back into our daily routines. The wedding was beautiful. As I was getting my makeup done, my nerves started to get the best of me. I could feel my heart racing and was praying I'd make it through without passing out. I returned to the house an hour prior to the ceremony. We all sat around and chatted casually and I began to feel much better. I realized there was nothing to get worked up about. It was just my family and I've been in a room with them a million times. I was not scared about marrying Troy at all; I just hate having everyone looking at me.

The ceremony flew by and before you knew it we were having lunch. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. The weather was beautiful, food was great and everyone was relaxed and happy. Troy and I left for Salt Lake about 4:30 that afternoon. We checked into our hotel then went to dinner at the same small restaurant we went to for our first date. It was sweet sitting at the spot we sat at almost ten months earlier. Our first date conversation came flooding back to me and I couldn't believe how things have progressed since then.

Alaska was beautiful. Though it was colder than I expect, it was just wonderful to have a laid back week together. We went to Denali, the Anchorage zoo, on a glacier cruise, to a wildlife preserve, etc. We also hiked some glaciers, visited some shops, spent a lot of time in the hot tub and ate more than our share of seafood. My favorite part of the trip was lounging in bed until about 10am every day. It was ideal to sleep an entire week without an alarm clock.

That's a brief rundown of the past week. I will upload some photos soon.

Wedding Week!

Sunday has past and it looks like I just completed my last weekend as a unwed lady. It's crazy to think this week has actually arrived. It seems like yesterday I dragged my flu-ridden body home from work to find Troy waiting eagerly by the door. Though he had been ill for a few days as well, I found him dressed up and positioned at the edge of the couch. He looked nice in his slacks and collared shirt. The only tell-tale sign of his ailment were his heavy, blood shot eyes. I knew something unusual was about to happen. With a slight hesitation, he sheepishly fell to his knee and a hurried "will you marry me?" was it all it took to seal our future together.

We spent the next hour calling our family to share the good news. Of course my father already knew because Troy, being the gentleman he is, had asked for my hand in marriage. My dad responded, "you can't have just the hand; you have to take the whole thing". I love my dad's silly sense of humor. We went to one of our favorite Mexican places for a celebratory dinner. Though I was craving a hearty meal after three days of a strict Sprite diet, I couldn't stomach more than a few chips. It may not sound like an ideal engagement dinner, but it was one of the best dinners I've had.

So now we are four days until wedding. I woke up this morning with butterflies in my stomach. I am not nervous about being married, but about making sure everything falls into place properly. I am afraid the judge will get lost on his way to the house or the rental company will send the wrong color of linens. I need to stop fretting. No matter what happens, Troy and I will still get married and it's not about the location, flowers or linens, but about the people. We will have about 20 guests and we couldn't be happier with the small, intimate wedding.

Dreaming Of Warm Places

Today I was thinking about trips Troy and I will be taking within the next 12 months and I got excited. First off, Troy and I are getting married next week and I feel like a little kid on Christmas. It a funny holding pattern we are in. Everything is ready to go, but we have to wait for the day to arrive. I almost wish we would have eloped like we talked about in December. It's funny to think I could be married for six months already if we had gone through with it.

Ok, back to the trips. We are going to Alaska for eight days for our honeymoon. We will be staying in Girdwood and plan to do the usual tourist things: hiking, whale watching, horseback riding, etc. We wanted to go to a place where we didn't feel obligated to see the sights. I mean it's our honeymoon. Who wants to spend their time being a tourist?

The beginning of August we will be heading to California for a baby blessing. Eric and Melissa should we welcoming a baby boy sometime within the next week! The Madsens are expecting quite a few additions. After Eric and Melissa, Julia will be having a baby in November and Tammy is due in January. I love babies and I hope these little ones will tied Troy and I over for a few years.

Two weeks after returning from California, Troy and I will head to Vegas for a week. Troy will spend his time in a conference while I work on my tan. It may seem silly for me to come since he will be busy during the day, but after he went to Seattle in October for a week, Troy vowed that he would never go anywhere without me, not even for a day. So far, he has kept his word and we've been together every day. I love my romantic man. :) We will have the nights together to catch a few shows and enjoy ourselves.

October brings Chicago. Troy has a two-day presentation that he couldn't be less thrilled about. I am personally excited for yet another trip.

In March we are heading back to Hawaii. We traveled to Oahu last December and were originally planning on Maui this December, but opted for Kauai instead. It will be a week of beaches, sun and relaxation. I can't wait to go back to Hawaii.

I know it's a ways away, but I am thrilled to go Australia after next year. It would be December 2009 and hopefully we don't have any little ones of our own by then- that could put a damper of the trip. We are considering a week in New Zealand then a week in Australia to greet my little brother who will be finishing his mission at that time.

That's all we have confirmed so far. There are many other options we are debating still, but I am just happy to spend some time with my hubby.

Bridal Photos

I went to Price this week to have my bridals taken. Here are a few shots my mom took while I was getting ready. I won't have the professional photos until the wedding day so I'll post them after the honeymoon.

Birthday in Bryce

As I mentioned in my previous post, I celebrated my birthday yesterday. I realize each year birthdays become less important and I just wish to spend time with people closest to me. This year was truly one of the best birthdays.

It started Friday when I came home and found a a dozen roses and a card from my fiancee. His cards always brighten my day and this one, pardon the idiom, truly took the cake. So instead of a birthday I had a four day birthday celebration. We went to Bryce Canyon Saturday morning and spent the day trekking every trail. Seven hours later, we retired to a little hotel about an hour North.

Tuesday, my actual birthday, Troy and I had lunch and did some shopping. I realize the activities of my birthday may not sound exciting to most, but I have never had a better time. It also brings up another joyous memory. Last year on my birthday was the first time Troy and I met up. We had been talking for some time, but he was with someone and so was I. He finally decided to meet up with me and my family in Price. The talking became more consistent after that and before you know it, we ended up together.

Hmm, it's funny how things work out.

A New Start

That's right boys and girls, I am officially starting my personal blog. I set up an account recently with the hopes of focusing strictly on health and fitness. Turns out, I don't want to write about dieting all the time so I'm making this more a journal blog which will be lightly peppered with health news.

I turned 23 yesterday and thought there's no better time to start writing. I love to journal, but am not as diligent as I should be. So I'm inviting you all to view my virtual journal. Here's the scoop...

I live and work in the beautiful town of Park City, UT. I am marrying my "better half", Troy, in four weeks. I've recently graduated from the U with a degree in journalism. So many things are changing around me and I couldn't be happier. I'm literally undergoing a complete life overhaul right now, and it's all very exciting.

Well, that's a pretty general overview. I have so much to talk about, but will save it for another day.