2013 Reads

In 2013, I continued building upon a love for reading. I enjoy reading, but if I don't read a book within a short period of time, I usually lose interest and end up leaving the book unread until a much later date. This past year, I decided to read a wider variety of books to keep my mind sharp and entertain myself at the same time.

Here are the list of books I read in 2013.

Wuthering Heights

This book was a bit difficult to read due to the older English they use but I enjoyed the story even if it wasn't your classic happy ending. This was one of those books that I put down for a few months and then had to re-read to remember what I had read before...my bad. 

The Great Gatsby

This book was definitely one of my favourites! I saw the movie before I read the book which I normally wouldn't recommend, but the movie was so close to the book that it didn't really matter which order. The movie mesmerized me first and then the book blew my mind even after that. Even better, the book was pretty short so it kept my attention the whole time. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone if they're looking for a good classic read.

The Lost Symbol

I've always been a fan of Dan Brown's books and this book was no exception. This book goes along with the Robert Langdon series (Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code, Inferno) and has a good number of plot twists and suspenseful moments to keep you on your toes. This year, I'm excited to finish off the series as it is right now with "Inferno". 

Second Honeymoon

Ironically enough, I read this book when Jared and I were on a trip to Mexico in August for a "second honeymoon". One of my co-workers recommended James Patterson as a good author to read so I decided to take her up on her suggestion. Although some of his books had a bit too much language for my liking, this one was clean and was an interesting story about a detective trying to solve a serial killer case. 

Catching Fire

I've already read the Hunger Games trilogy, but as the second movie, "Catching Fire",  has recently come to theatres, I decided to re-read the book before seeing the movie. I finished the book just after Christmas and consequently haven't had the chance to see the movie yet. I absolutely love this series and would recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it yet. 

The Green Mile

I was actually quite surprised by how good "The Green Mile" was. I don't know why I would have doubted it as it is one of those cult classic books/movies. I think I was hesitant to read a Stephen King book because I've never been a real fan of horror/thriller books or movies. However, this story was amazing! It even managed to make you ask yourself what your morals are and what you would do in certain situations. Definitely a good book.

This year, I will be reading at least 12 books and so far, I've read one. I am starting off the new year with the Divergent series as the movie Divergent is coming out in March. So far, the first book really impressed me! I thought it was on par or possibly even better than the Hunger Games series. I'll let you know when I finish them all. 

"Goals, Not Resolutions"

Every year when New Years rolls around, I decide to make some "resolutions" that I hope to accomplish throughout the year. Last year, my resolutions were to journal once a week, read my scriptures at least once a day, pray more often (morning & night), and exercise 3 times a week. I definitely didn't journal every week (although I'm certainly trying to make up for that now), I read my scriptures everyday but didn't always "study" them, and I tried praying at least in the morning. I know I am still lacking in many areas in this regard, but I am still trying to get better.

In terms of my exercise resolution, I joined a gym in 2013 and started exercising more regularly. Although I didn't always get to the gym 3 times a week, I usually exercised at least 2-3 times a week, if not at the gym then outside or at home. I feel like this year, I definitely made some great "strides" towards being in better shape and feeling better physically. Towards the end of the year, I found a greater love for running as I found a running buddy and had more fun just being outside in general and finding new and exciting places to run. I realized that I don't always need to be competitive when I'm running; the joy is just getting outside and moving even if it's at a slower pace than I would prefer. 

So in continuation of my resolutions last year, I would like to make a few "goals" for myself this year. I prefer to use the term "goals" as I feel the word "resolution" has a negative connotation with failure. Everyone usually makes some kind of New Years Resolution for themselves but I feel like that motivation to fulfill the resolution usually fizzles out partway into the year. With that, my New's Years phrase is "Goals, Not Resolutions". 

My goals for this year are basically just focused around having a more balanced, happy life. I've made a goal for basically every area in my life and I hope to be able to feel more accomplished this year.

MY GOALS FOR 2014:

Physical

- Run a half marathon

- Find more enjoyment in running and fitness

Mental

- Take time during the day to do things I want to do (watch my tv shows, crochet)

- Read at least one book a month (12 books total)

Emotional

- Go on more dates with Jared and learn to communicate better with him

- learn to be kinder and more considerate of others

Spiritual

- read the Old Testament using the seminary study guide

- actually "listen" when I pray, not just talk

Career

- be a leader in my work environment (become more experienced in the Charge Nurse role)

Home

- Clean the house once a week

- Make more home-cooked meals

Wish me luck on 2014's ambitious endeavours! 

New Year's Eve 2013/2014

Cheers to the new year!

Happy New Year, everyone! This year, we celebrated New Years with a couple in our ward, Gustavo and Marjorie Soares. They also invited a couple they knew so it was nice getting to know some new people. We went to their apartment and had a delicious dinner of ribs, smokies, potatoes, hummus, chips, and salsa. We had some delicious strawberry shortcake and dulce de leche for dessert too. Yum!

After dinner, we visited for a while and then played some games. As the countdown was approaching for midnight, I kept warning everyone that it was coming soon. As we got down to the last seconds, everyone, including myself, was scrambling to get our champagne classes and fill them with our sparkling apple juice (mmm...Martinelli's). As the clock hit midnight, we all hurriedly shouted "Happy New Year!" and clinked our glasses together to cheers the new year. However, one of the glasses didn't make it as you can see by the picture I posted. Marjie wasn't very happy about her broken glass but at least moments like this make for funny stories, right?

We played some charades after midnight and then eventually, at about 02:00, Jared and I decided to go home to bed since we both worked at 07:00 that morning. Ugh...3 hours of sleep that night certainly made for a rough work day. 

Hope you all had a great 2013/2014 New Years celebration!

Zoolights

On Monday, December 30th, Jared and I went to Zoolights with Jared's family (Jared's Mom, Dad, Lexi, and her friend, Sarah) for Family Home Evening. It was cold, but lots of fun!

We got hot chocolate at the beginning which probably saved me, otherwise I would have been a solid chunk of ice by the end. There were tons of lights arranged into the shapes of all sorts of animals. Lights and shiny things totally attract my gaze so it was great for me!

Jared and I took a walk down Lover's Lane. We tried to take a nice picture together but I think Jared's face is in a perma-goofy face whenever we take pictures. Hahaha oh well, better to accept it now.

A great night with the fam!

Date Night: Anchorman 2

Last Friday, December 27th, Jared and I decided to go out and see Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. Jared really liked the first and the second one was no disappointment. It was definitely hilarious! Beware: It is the same kind of humour as the first Anchorman, so watch at your own risk.

Basically all of my favourite scenes involved the character Brick played by Steve Carell. He is a low functioning dude, but because of that, says the funniest things. Brick attends his own funeral at the beginning, and mourns the loss of himself. He doesn't realize he is alive until his friends convince him he is not dead! Will Ferrel is also great as usual. His skating flute solo and tribute song to Doby the shark crack me up. Anyways, I won't spoil the movie anymore for the rest of you. Epic!

Christmas 2013

This year for Christmas, we were lucky enough to get to spend time with both our families. 

First, we went to Drumheller from December 20-22 to spend Christmas with my side of the family. We didn't go to Cardston because Brian and Sarah were in charge of a large portion of the Branch's nativity pageant on the Saturday. 

On Friday night, we went to a Dino's alumni game for the senior boy's team. Brian was able to play (jersey #8) and my dad reffed. The alumni faced the current senior team and let's just say those high school kids didn't stand a chance. The alumni were about twice as tall and beat them by more than double the points. The game was fun to watch and I also got to catch up with a few of my old teammates/classmates from my senior high school basketball team. 

Top Left to Right: Lacey Wilson, Kelsie Campbell
Bottom Left to Right: Brandin Gwinner, Chalene Kuefler, Kirby Travis, and Me

After the game, Jared and I went over to my friend Alyssa's house. We half watched Harry Potter and chatted it up for a couple hours. I hadn't seen them for a long time so it was nice catching up. 

Ashley, Kendra, Alyssa, and me sprawled out over everyone

This was supposed to be our funny face picture

 The rest of the weekend, we spent at Brian & Sarah's (the old Fisher house). We ate a lot of food, played a lot of games, and generally had fun together. I took lots of pictures of my little nephew Carter because he is just so dang cute. He usually is not a super happy baby but I caught him smiling a few times.

Dad has awesome bed-head.

 On Saturday, we attended the annual nativity put on by the Drumheller Branch. We usually did it outside when we lived there but this year they decided to do it indoors (smart people). I didn't get any pictures of the actual performance but this is basically how it went: Natalie was one of the angels but was not necessarily an angel at heart... she stole the show by jumping/dancing around the stage during the performance and during the musical numbers. Then she tried stealing Baby Jesus from Mary. Pure entertainment! Sorry Brian and Sarah...

On Saturday night, my mom gave Sarah, Amanda and me matching white hats. Together, we looked like members of the musical group, TLC. I felt like we needed to burst out into "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls". But I really love the hats, they are super cute. Thanks, Mom!

 On Sunday, we went to church at the Drumheller Branch and then went back to Brian & Sarah's for dinner. After dinner, we packed up and went our separate ways. Mom, Dad, Jonathan & Amanda packed up and headed to Cardston and then immediately to Utah to spend Christmas with Erin & Darrin. Jared and I packed up and headed back to Calgary to quickly repack and head up to Airdrie. By Sunday evening, we were in Airdrie with Jared's parents for the rest of Christmas.

On Monday, Lexi and I took a trip back to Calgary (I forgot my suitcase on Sunday) and then hit up Cross Iron Mills mall on the way back. We got some delicious smelly soaps at Bath & Body Works and then got some Yogen Fruz on our way out. Delish!

In the afternoon, I decided to explore Airdrie and took a jog around some of the running paths near Jared's parents house. It was a nice run, not too cold! At one point, I had two big dogs running after me and jumping up on my legs. They were nice dogs luckily but it still got my adrenaline pumping! 

On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, Jason and Caitlin came over to spend the evening with us. We went to the Airdrie Festival of Lights to walk around and see all the beautiful light displays. 

When we got home from the lights, we had some hot chocolate and got our Christmas jammies! Lexi and I got matching Mickey Mouse onesies and Jared & Jason got some plaid PJ bottoms (Caitlin went home to spend the rest of Christmas Eve with her family at this point). Jared was supposed to take a picture of Lexi and I in our jammies but Jared decided to take a selfie of himself instead...oh well, at least he's actually smiling in a picture for once! After that, I took matters into my own hands and took a selfie of myself in my onesie...proof that I should never take pictures of myself!

And finally, Christmas Day!!! The best day of all! Although I didn't take many pictures, we had a great day! We woke up, had breakfast and then opened up our stockings and presents. I got a lot of great running clothes and gear, some cookbooks, some gift cards and lots more! Jared and I were definitely spoiled this year. My presents to Jared were an electric razor and a Star Wars quilt I managed to make for Jared while he wasn't home. He was definitely surprised!

After presents, we had the opportunity to talk to Jared's brother, James, on Skype. He is currently serving his mission in Ohio until his visa goes through to allow him to serve in the Netherlands/Belgium mission. He looked so happy! We were so glad to talk to him and see how he was doing. For the rest of the day, we lounged around, played games, and had a great dinner. Jared's Grandma Trainer was with us so it was also nice chatting with her and making her laugh. 

Definitely a great Christmas all around! I love spending this time of year with my family and feeling the spirit of Christmas. We had a great spiritual discussion talking about the true meaning of Christmas and I was able to make some goals of what I want to do this year to give gifts to Christ instead of thinking of myself all of the time. Hopefully I can be a better person by next Christmas. 

Merry Christmas to all!

Laura's 1st Runniversary

On December 19th, I had the privilege of running with Laura to mark her first runniversary. We celebrated by running to the Bow tower and taking a few celebratory pictures by the giant face in front of it. We even managed to climb inside the face for a few "artistic" photos but our plans were soon foiled when a security guard came outside and made us come out. Dangit...

Even though the security guard made us leave, we got our sweet revenge by making him take, and re-take a few photos of us inside the Bow tower in front of the lovely red ornaments in the building.

After our run, we decided to go to Starbucks and get a nice warm drink to warm us up. I was totally not thinking when I got dressed to running this night. I wore thin leggings and a thin lulu lemon hoodie. Usually I am REALLY bundled up...like wearing two pairs of pants, two hoodies, a toque, and mitts. Maybe I was trying to prove how tough I was? Anyways, my peppermint hot chocolate really hit the spot.

After our drinks, we both had a hankering for some McDonalds french fries so we drove to our nearest 24/7 McDonalds on 17th Ave SW (it was about 10pm at this point) and got some delicious fried potatoes! I love this McDonalds because of the retro car booth that you can sit in. Of course, with the volume of pictures we take together, we couldn't resist getting a few at Mickey D's. Note how Laura wrote out "run" in french fries...she really loves running and french fries.