Back in the Saddle Again

Life has hit me pretty hard these last few months. With a bulldozer. Repeatedly. 

Unfortunately, that meant completing the list was moved from priority #1 to #2,374. But thanks to the persistence of my mother, I've started working on this again and realized that it's exactly the stress relief I've needed. I'm almost done, ladies and gentlemen, and it feels so good.

Honesty is the Best Policy

#110- Tell someone how I truly feel about them

I have the nice-guy syndrome. I don't want to cause contention or make people upset, but it often means I sacrifice a little self-respect. Most of the time I justify it by saying that I need to be kind and choose the better part, but lately I've realized that I also need to be kind to myself and not let people walk all over me. So I've taken to speaking my mind more and not feeling guilty about wanting to be treated better. That being said, it's been a little tough for me to complete this one but I've gotten a lot better at it. I've had to say some things and walk away from some people who I didn't have the healthiest of friendships with, which is difficult for me, but I feel like it will be for the best in the end. I'm hoping this one will stick and I'll find a good balance between honesty and kindness.

November 26, 2014

#31- Go to the zoo

Free day at the zoo = best day ever. Luckily, I have fantastic friends like Stu who put up with me and these random adventures.

I love otters. So, so much.

#112- Go skateboarding

Church parking lots make great skateboard parks.

November 22, 2014

#57- Have a whip cream fight

So this wasn't necessarily so much of a fight as much as someone throwing whip cream and me trying to catch it in my mouth. I'm super talented.

Moo

#55- Milk a cow

Finally!

Jokes

#53- Pull off a practical joke

I won this little gem at the nickelcade and finally put it to use. My roommate Ashleigh probably hates me for it.

Best Gift Ever

#40- Get a massage

This is one of my favorite things ever. If you have never gotten a legitimate massage before, do yourself a favor and go.

My coworkers know me well and got me a gift certificate to a great spa. I was in heaven.

Skunks are Jerks

#39- Have a bonfire

Ok, I don't have a picture of the actual bonfire, but I do have a picture of the skunk who almost ruined it. We were just minding our own business enjoying the fire when this little guy came around and I spent the next half hour in fear. Luckily, he didn't startle and we remain unscathed.

Peach Days

#100- Go to a parade

Fact: Utah has a festival/celebration for just about everything from federal holidays to seasonal fruits to random nationalities and dead poets. During most of the year, you can find a festival almost every weekend. This year I decided to attend the beloved Peach Days celebration in Brigham City, UT. Complete with a parade, fair rides, craft booths, and delicious peachy goods, this festival did not disappoint.

This man was my favorite! He would spray a hose at the people riding the floats as they came by. It was hilarious.

The Most Patriotic Parade Float

That Time I Was Crafty

#115- Learn to cross stitch

I am so grateful to have a wonderful and patient mother who taught her 27-year-old daughter how to cross stitch.

I didn't know this picture was being taken, so it's safe to say this is exactly how my face looked the whole time.
Not kidding.

The final product!!! It may be small, but it was mighty.

Artist

#119- Paint a picture

Whitney, Emily, and I found this great company called PaintNite in Salt Lake City. They host painting classes in restaurants around the valley, so you get to eat dinner while an instructor walks you through every step of the painting. It's the only way I could ever paint/draw anything acceptable. It was incredibly fun.

Nom nom nom

#122- Try 10 new restaurants

Hey, I didn't gain a million pounds completing this one! I count that a success in and of itself.

#1- Pizzeria Limone with Cameron

#2- Salt City Burger Co. with Tacy

#3- Bruges Waffles & Frites with Michael

#4- Pie Hole with Emily and Whitney

#5- Moochies with Amie and Anna

#6- Sam Hawk with Sam and Michael

#7- Waffle Love with Sam

#8- Granny's with Tacy (I really love my Christensens)

#9- Sweet's with Michael, Tacy (seriously love the Christensens), Kristen, and Ashleigh

#10- HuHot with mom and dad

YAY!

Make a Wish

#126- Throw a coin in a fountain

Right before running a 5k (hence the outfit), I found a fountain in a mall. Seemed like as good a place as any to donate a few pennies.

The Rent Collector

#111- Read an entire book in one day

If you haven't read this book yet, apologize to yourself and get it immediately.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAALLLLL

#106- Go to a soccer game

IF YOU BELIEVE THEN JUST STAND UP ON YOUR FEET
AND SHOUT IT LOUD "REAL!"
HERE AT THE RIOT THE BATTLE HYMN'S BEGUN.
WE'RE HERE FOR RSL!

I love Real Salt Lake. Now I can't claim to be a die hard fan just yet because my love is fairly new- founded, but I'm getting there. Soccer is definitely something I enjoy, so watching and going to games is always fun for me. Can't wait until next season!

#102- Play a song on the guitar

Let me introduce you to Shae. He is an amazing friend and guitar teacher. This man is incredibly talented in many areas and I am very lucky to be friends with him. I knew immediately who to turn to for help with a guitar. (And trust me, I needed help). Thanks to Shae, I can now play She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain with the ease and grace of a classically trained guitarist.