Kris and Judd

Merry Christmas! (in February!)

2012-02-06T12:15:00.001-08:00

I haven't been in a blogging mood lately, but I finally took my very first sick day at FOX5. And to keep my mind off this nasty stomach ache, thought I'd think happy Christmas thoughts!

The iPad really needs to come up with a better Blogger app. As my friend Matt would say, this is totally a white girl problem, but I want to write captions for pictures! Instead, I'll just number and explain!

1. My coworkers and I all got fabulous FOX5 jackets and gift cards!
2. My boss gave me these fabulous monkey socks. I'm wearing them now, perfect sick day accessory. Judd keeps hoping my dog will eat them, and I know she's tempted, but not happening!
3. Judd wanted toys for Christmas, so he got this remote controlled helicopter. It has video cameras and can fly for miles, so Judd can feel like a super secret agent. He talked me into a Kinect too, so we could get our workout on. Sure... ;)
4. I got my boots! I also got that robe too. Judd hated my previous one, which I've had since high school. He called it the Homeless Muppet, way to make me feel like a hottie, right?!
5. Yes, we dress Bindi up and have her play Santa. Don't judge.
6 and 7. We did a White Elephant party with Judd's family. We got Jett and Izzy some loud, but I think, fun toys!
8. For New Years, we braved the Strip, and I braved a NOFX concert. I felt old for about ten minutes. When I was 16ish, I would have had no issues jumping in a mosh pit with a bunch of dudes. At almost 25, I was terrified! Plus, people were throwing drinks and getting in fights. I hid in a corner and watched my husband go nuts on the middle of the floor with hundreds of other equally crazy guys. Then I felt like a loser, and decided to stop being a wimp. I didn't get in the middle of the action, but found some other wives/girlfriends slightly to the side and danced with them. My dress desperately needs dry-cleaning thanks to the jerk behind me who dumped a drink on it, and my boots are pretty scuffed. But it was a pretty awesome night otherwise! I'd do it again, but maybe next time we'll pick a band I actually know!

Let's keep these...

2012-01-05T11:31:00.001-08:00

...RESOLUTIONS!

I'll get Christmas and New Years up in a bit. But first, let's get these written down so I actually follow them!

1. Nutrition

Last year my goal was to eat more fruits and vegetables. I've done pretty good on this one. For 2012, I want to eat more environmentally friendly foods. I have some friends back in Massachusetts that made a lifestyle choice to make sure 75% of the things they eat come from either their amazing garden or somewhere close by. It cuts down on preservatives, supports local farmers, and it helps them eat more healthy things. Being in Vegas, I know it will be challenging to find food that comes from here. But I'm going to figure out this whole farmers market system, and try growing my own. Maybe go in on a free range cow with someone.

2. Exercise
Kinect. Biking. Walk the dog more. Take advantage of the free gym 50 feet away.

3. Spiritual
For this one, I'm going back to the basics. I've kind of given myself a Rumspringa the past few months from church. Nothing too crazy, but just doing things I want to do that may or make not be looked down upon. I still haven't made any decisions yet regarding my future with the church. So what I'm doing is studying what I actually do know to be true. I've taken up a challenge to read my scriptures daily, so I'm focusing on the New Testament, because I do believe in Christ. I'm also following the advice I learned in my Christian group back in Reno, and that is to build those personal relationships with God.

4. Relax!
Stop stressing. Need I say more?

5. Volunteer
I have been wanting to find a cause. I miss the days I used to spend volunteering at the Reno Zoo. So I think I'm going to figure out how to be a volunteer at the Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary. Judd and I have a special spot in our hearts for that place. They gave our duckling a good home. So we want to help them out.

6. Figure out this sewing machine.
I was given a really nice sewing machine for Christmas from my in-laws. I'm determined to learn how to use it well. I really liked sewing as a kid, but haven't done it in years. So far, I made a baby blanket for Celina's new baby Anglie. If you are expecting, expect a blanket from me! It's the only thing I know how to make!

Speaking of things for babies...

7. Make a baby plan.
THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT!!! I repeat... THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
I'm one of those people that needs a plan for everything. Even if they don't work out, I like having general guidelines. So for this, I need a lot of plans. Specifically, how I will work and be a mom at the same time. I'm not saying this is happening soon, in a few months, even this year. But I figure if I come up with some plans, babies won't freak me out so much. So I'm researching, but no promises!

Reason #468762 why I need to be rich

2011-12-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Just kidding. I don't really need to be rich. I'd just like the means to afford a small functioning farm, a cottage on the Cape, and private school for the future kiddies. No harm in dreaming big, right?

Oh, and one other thing. I think I'd like to get a professional massage at a world class salon every now and then...

So up until yesterday, I have never had a professional massage at a spa. I've had massages, especially since the bestie is a professional massage therapist. But never at a spa where everyone goes out of their way to pamper you.

Said Bestie, Sasha, bless her dear heart, gave her friends a spa day at the Bellagio this year for Christmas. It came with the full experience, not just the massage. The steam rooms, the jetted tubs, the showers with four different sprayers, the beautiful vanity rooms with every type of curling irons and beauty supplies imaginable, fluffy robes, soothing music, drinks and fruit on tables, the scented air, the quiet rooms. I could go on and on... and the massage was incredible. No wonder Sasha is the most serene person I know, I would be too if I spent the majority of my time in that environment!

It was pure heaven. For four hours, my phone was silent, I wasn't at a computer, wasn't figuring out bills or work or UNLV deadlines. I was in a total state of bliss.

So yes, I don't need to be rich. But I think I could use a day like yesterday a little more often than once every 24 years.

That being said... are there any cheap spas out there?

Hangin' with the Sister Wives

2011-12-12T09:47:00.001-08:00

Meet my new pals...

It's Christine, Cody, and Janelle of the Sister Wives!

So if you've read my blog long enough, you probably know I have a total fascination with this show. I love it. I love the drama, but I love that the gals always try and work it out. I think it's the most honest reality show out there.

In my line of work, I get to meet a lot of celebs. So far, I've been very professional, have never asked for an autograph or picture, and have done my best to represent my station. But my resolve was tested when my photographer friend asked me if I'd go along with him and interview the Brown family, since he had never seen the show before. I was already off, but I jumped on that in a heartbeat!

We met the Brown family at the Wranglers game. They were doing a meet and greet session with fans. They were slated to just do the session during one of the breaks, then watch the game with their kids. But the line of people wanting to meet them was so long, they actually stayed a good 20 minutes to half hour longer then they needed to. I was pretty impressed.

Once they were all done, I introduced myself, and asked when would be a good time to do the interview. They invited me to their private box, and they'd do it during the next intermission. So there I was, just hanging with the Browns while they watched the game. I helped a kid with a bloody nose, and got to know the family.

Let me just say this: These guys are genuinely good people. They are friendly, love their kids, and just want to have a great time. I had so much fun with them. I didn't even ask for a picture or autograph, they just gave them to me. I asked if they'd want to come on our morning show sometime, and they said to just give them a call whenever!

So that's my story of meeting one of my favorite TV families!

Thoughts on Current Events:

With all these sexual abuse allegations coming forward on coaches and other sports leaders, I have two thoughts. One is I'm glad men are speaking up on a topic that is rather taboo... rape against men and boys. I hope all the victims can get justice.

That being said... you just know one of these is going to end up being a false story. Some guy somewhere is going to want to get revenge on the coach that never put him in a game, and want thousands of dollars. I feel for whatever innocent coach that will be.

With Herman Cain out, Newt Gingrich is now the GOP front runner for president. Considering how much people freaked out over Cain's supposed affair, I'm surprised they're backing a candidate who has admitted to an affair. Sadly, I think a lot of people are just supporting the candidate that *isn't Mitt Romney.

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris just landed her first movie role. Good for her, let's keep the Jackson family talent going another generation!

One of my favorite bloggers, Reality Steve, is facing legal trouble over how he gets his spoilers for The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad. The show wants to shut him up, but I think they want the publicity that will come with it even more. I love this show, but it's pretty lame without Reality Steve's awesome commentary. Keep it up, don't let them get you down!

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run!

2011-12-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

This town does the Las Vegas Great Santa Run every year around this time. It's a yearly attempt to break the world record for most Santas in one place (accomplished in 2007). Proceeds from the event go to Opportunity Village, a really great organization that helps out mentally challenged people here in the valley. I've always seen it on TV, but never actually joined in on the madness until this year.

My TV station sponsors this race, so this year, I volunteered to help set up. I got there at the break of dawn (because that's at seven a.m. these days), and it was miserably FREEZING. And WINDY. AND I forgot my coat. But that wouldn't dampen our jolly Christmas spirits! I borrowed a vest, and away we went!

It's not a running event without my favorite Border Collie, so we bought a little kid Santa shirt for her, and made her come along!

The FOX5 team, and Bindi.

Getting ready to run. I have about 6 layers on at this point, including the Santa Suit.

There were a bunch of "opening acts", including the Jabbawockeez! I've always wanted to see them live, so it was pretty cool watching them up close.

Bindi wasn't a fan of the Jabbawockeez, Recycled Percussion, or anyone who was loud since our setup was right next to the stage. She needed a little babying.

Ashley K. and I getting ready to go. From our old Studio G days until now, we've stuck together!

More pics... I swear half of "helping" was posing instead.

Ok, so I had it in my head I would do the 5K. But the combination of having a recovering puppy (she was really sick earlier this week) and having not run in a few weeks, I decided to stick with the one mile. Didn't want to kill either one of us! Judd on the other hand, snuck off to Frys and met us when the race was over. It was a blast, and I'm so doing the 5k next year! In fact, I'm feeling really ambitious and thinking I want to do the Rock & Roll Marathon too! Secretly, I wish I were a runner.

True Love

2011-11-25T15:06:00.001-08:00

I have a lot of love for my favorite day of the year, Black Friday. The rush I get when I score an awesome deal, the holiday music, the crowds, the race to grab a limited item. The quality time i get to spend with my mom, who passed down all of her Black Friday wisdom to me. Finding the perfect gift for everyone. I got my brother a donut maker, I seriously hope he practices that thing on his family. :)

Normally I do splurge a bit on myself. But this year, due to my self-imposed punishment of being a crappy ring owner, I humbled myself and said no gifts for me. Nothing, nada, zip.

Except for those freakin' fantastic boots pictured here.

I have an ongoing love affair with boots. I'm not the kind of person who spends a ton of money on labels or expensive clothes, or even purses. Im not really even a shoe kind of girl. But show me an adorable boot, and my knees go weak. I live in Las Vegas, which means my boot wearing is kind of limited. So I live in them during the cold seasons, and look for excuses to break them out in the summer.

So when I saw these Ugg Bailey Button Triplets, I knew it was true love, and they were meant to be. Even if it's pretty much guaranteed they'll probably never go on sale this season anywhere. Judd tried talking me into a knock off pair at first. I can do knock off with most things like purses or jewelry. But not these. Too pretty.

So I grabbed them this morning, and they're safely hidden away. It's actually kind of nice restricting myself to one present. I can now really focus on the season itself and true meaning, and forget all the consumerism. Christmas comes just once a year, why waste it on silly material needs?

Her Diamonds

2011-11-20T07:49:00.001-08:00

I can't sleep in today, even though it's Sunday morning. My mind is frazzled, so I'm up watching Sister Wives on Netflix and blogging.

Yesterday, I lost one of the diamonds in my engagement ring. We were out running errands all day, but I'm pretty positive it popped out somewhere in Costco. We were loading up the car, when I looked down and kind of screamed. It was kind of fruitless to go back and look for it. Costco on a the weekend before a major holiday involving food is worse than the I-15 on a Friday afternoon. Carts and shoppers extreme.

So, trying really hard not to cry, I asked if we could go to a jeweler. We headed over to the Galleria Mall, where we went to the place that has originally tightened it. My jaw dropped when they told me what the damages were going to be. Just under a thousand. I asked what would happen if we stuck a CZ in there, at least until after the holidays. Since a good portion of the price was the labor, Judd decided it wasn't worth it, so we coughed up a deposit.

I'm so mad at myself. I know it's just a ring, but I feel like this wouldn't have happened if I had taken better care of it. I haven't had it serviced in three years. Cleaned, but not taken care of. I have noticed the diamonds rattle sometimes, and the thought did cross my mind to get it looked at. I'm disappointed I let this happen to my husband's gift he spent so much on. He's been so sweet, which I appreciate.

I'm also kicking myself for not getting insurance on the ring. We looked into it when we first got married and setting up car and rental insurance. It was going to be an extra $30 a year. At the time, we were cash-strapped broke college students, so it seemed like a bill we could avoid. Now I'm thinking, 30 bucks? That's like the cost of eating out at Claim Jumpers. Ugh. That's changing Monday!

So I just learned a very expensive lesson in taking care of things of value. I know it's just a "thing" and I could have had something more serious break like my car, but this was a special gift Judd saved up for a long time to get for me. I need to treat it better. I'm going to be the best ring owner after this, trust me!

Success

2011-11-18T09:58:00.001-08:00

I've dropped the "associate" from my title. Now I'm a Producer. Of my own news show.

Granted, it's the 4:30 a.m. Not the audience or ratings that the 10 p.m. gets... but people actually get up and watch my show. I get some airtime myself whenever I run the "Question of the Day" segment where I share what viewers are thinking on air. I'm given four and a half hours to come up with the best show possible. Then I have to sit in the booth, direct the anchors, and pray it all goes well.

It's the most overwhelming job I've ever had. It's the busiest I've ever been, and maybe the most stressed out. There's days I want to throw my computer against the wall, and sometimes I swear like a sailor when a technical glitch happens on-air. Usually not out loud though.

But I love it. This is what I've fought for years for, and what I think I'm meant to do, at least for the time being.

I talked to one of my oldest friends this morning that's known me since freshman year of high school. She told me that I'm the most successful out of our group of mutual friends. I quickly told her in no way was that true. Everyone has been successful in their own way. Others have gone on to great jobs, bought houses, graduated, and so on. She's about to be a mom. I think that is a huge accomplishment and something far better than what I'm doing.

But I was thinking about it, and I feel like everything has kind of come full circle. I used to look at my group of friends from high school and get so insanely jealous... because each and everyone of them had been cast in a show except for me. For the longest time, I considered it my biggest failure that I was part of the ten percent of students to get into LVA, and couldn't get myself cast to save my life.

But now I realize I just hadn't realized what my niche was. I thought I was meant to be an actress. I was really good at tech work, and I could write really well. I liked these things, but kind of ignored them as talents, because I was so focused on why I wasn't getting cast. But I look back now, and realize that the tech and writing experience I gained there was a big stepping stone to where I am now. I gained invaluable knowledge that I still use every day, both in high school and in college.

I'm not sure where I was going with this, other than getting some jumbled thoughts out, but I guess if anything, I would say to take a look at some things you know you can do, but just take for granted. Is there a talent hiding that you can turn into something awesome? Sometimes I think I'm way to busy to try and learn something new. But thinking about this makes me want to do a self-examination and see if I'm ignoring anything else.

Thoughts on Current Events:

Investigators are re-opening the death investigation of Hollywood starlet Natalie Wood. My anchors saved the "What kind of wood doesn't float" joke for commercial break, thank goodness. Because it was the first thought I had when I got this story. In all seriousness though, even if the case is 30 years old, justice is justice. If that woman was murdered, the truth should get out there.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher are no more. Not a huge surprise. I hoped these two would beat the odds and prove cougars have some game... but I guess not.

21 Occupy Las Vegas protesters were arrested yesterday as they SAT on Las Vegas Boulevard, blocking traffic. One protester we talked to said getting arrested was "fun and exciting", and that they went out there knowing it would happen. Another said he hopes people will now take them seriously. OK, so I could maybe agree partially with their message... but I thought these people were mostly upset because they were out of work. So wouldn't trying to get arrested defeat trying to get a job? I don't know. Too many mixed messages.

UNLV Basketball continues to dominate and give the school something to be proud of. UNLV GO FIGHT WIN!!!!!!

And I'm hosting my first ever major family dinner for a lot of people. I think it's like 14 or something. It's the pre-Thanksgiving Italian Shenanigans Wednesday night. I'm having all these extended family members show up at my house, where I'm supposed to have this fantastic Italian meal prepared. Somewhere in me, a domestic goddess will hopefully make an appearance and I will pull this off. Because that's a lot of food. And a lot of work. Thanks Mom for volunteering me for this. But you're handling actual Thanksgiving, so I can't complain too much!

Arizona Animal Adventures

2011-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know it's ridiculously lame to post the second half of vacation pictures like a month after the first. But these were all on Judd's phone, and I just now got them off. Plus... they're animals!! Who doesn't love animals?

We were warned there were skunks in our campground. But we were also told they were friendly, they were just super curious. We didn't see any the first few nights. But Monday night... they were out in full force. A whole bunch of them.

I learned something about my husband I didn't know before. He is absolutely crazy about skunks! I mean, he's fascinated to the point where he wants to get one as a pet. (they're not legal anywhere we want to live though, so probably not happening!). So Judd spent the night following these skunks around, trying to get a great picture. He got a little too close and snapped this awesome image before remembering these things can spray!

Lucky for him, nothing happened. He says we could get one and disguise it as a kitty. Hmmm...

We also checked out the "Out of Africa" zoo/safari while we were in Sedona. It's this cool park in the middle of nowhere. Most of the animals were sleeping, but this one giraffe was starved for attention, so it followed us around as we walked around its enclosure.

The coolest part of this zoo is its Safari tour. They have a bunch of wild animals all living in this huge enclosure. You get in this bus, and a guide takes you through it. He throws out food so the animals will come up close. I loved the antelope with the crazy horns above, and of course, the zebras. But this below was the best part of the day...

You're allowed to feed the giraffes carrot sticks. So the guide dared someone to put it in their mouth, and feed it to the giraffe that way. Guess who volunteered! It wasn't that gross... plus now that giraffes have quickly climbed up my list of favorite animals, I thought it was awesome!

Thoughts on Current Events:

Penn State Scandal... this has dominated my newscasts for the past few weeks. It gets worse and worse every day. Did you check out that Bob Costos interview with Jerry Sandusky? It's seriously one of the creepiest things I've ever heard.

While we're on possible sexual abuse... Herman Cain. I personally think some ladies wanted a fat paycheck, air time, and a book deal. Why would you wait a decade after the fact to go after someone who did something so rotten to you? Oh yeah... because everyone knows his name now!

Speaking of women who may or may not make up stories for attention... Mariah Yeater is kind of a nutcase. Justin Bieber is not her baby daddy. I'm not even going to try and give her any credibility on this one. Some texts of hers got out today where she was telling her friends to delete anything saying who the real baby daddy was. If I'm wrong... that will be absolutely crazy.

Also in entertainment news... Kim Kardashian's divorce... oh, wait, I stopped caring about that, never mind.

But something I do care about... Occupy Protesters. Not because I am mad because I'm in the 99 percent (and really, is that even accurate)... but I'm concerned about the day I'm going to have to write about the big shootout that could occur if this keeps going on. These guys may have started out with a decent message (if you can figure out what it is)... but sleeping in tents and causing health and sanitation issues isn't solving the problem. I'm fine with peaceful marches and protests. But defacing buildings and news vans (including ours at FOX5) isn't cool. Police riots aren't cool either.

Beautiful Sedona

2011-10-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

It was definitely vacation time, and a Judd and Kristen kind of vacation time. So we packed up Judd's car with a bajillion camping supplies, hit the road, and headed to Sedona, Arizona.

We had never been there before, but heard good things about it. One of the first big decisions was where to stay. Judd would have been totally fine camping the whole week, but I wanted a few days at a hotel. Then the big decision was whether to splurge on a resort... or pay less for a cheaper hotel that came with a totally awesome package kayaking deal on the Verde River.

Can't turn down a kayaking adventure!

So we spend a few days hanging around town, and checked out this highly recommended restaurant. I was really excited about it, because you could dine on the patio overlooking the mountains at sunset. But it took almost an hour for a waiter to acknowledge us and bring us drinks, and that was after we politely mentioned it three different times that we were being ignored out on the patio. So we started to walk out, because for what we were going to pay for the meal, it's kind of lame to be waiting that long. And the restaurant wasn't even that busy. But the manager caught us at the door, apologized profusely, and bought us appetizers and drinks. So that's why we're smiling in the picture, free food is always a happy thing!

We realized we didn't really have the right kind of shoes for all the hiking we wanted to do, especially since a lot of it would be in water. So we got these hippie/yuppie shoes (because that's what all the retired rich hippies in Sedona wear all over town, not just for outdoor adventures!). Judd absolutely hated that his were orange at first, but they're growing on him now!

Then we made our camp home sweet home for the next several days!

Check this out... maybe you already know this... but they make pancakes in a can! It's like whip cream... but with pancake batter! I saw it and had to have it. There's very little mess, and they were pretty good!

Slide Rock Park is one of the coolest things about Sedona. It's this trail along a river. In many parts of it, the rocks make natural "slides", hence the name. Families pack this place during the summer, since it's basically a cheap water park, but it was still warm enough in October to try and brave. I posted a few videos so you can see what I mean. I highly recommend it, probably my favorite part of the trip!

I miss colorful leaves!

So each time we go camping, we get more and more creative with our tinfoil dinners. There's very little in them that's actually healthy... but we're on vacation and they're so darn good! So in no particular order... beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, cream of mushroom, Velveeta cheese, mozzarella sticks, pancake batter, salt, pepper, garlic salt, barbecue sauce, brats, and whatever else we had hanging out in the cooler. Top that off with homemade camp ice cream!

Judd going down a rock slide...

And me going down a rock slide. I love the paranoid lady's voice in the background!

How did I forget this post?!?!?!

2011-10-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

Lame award of the month goes to yours truly... for forgetting to post about hitting the three year milestone!

That's right... Judd and I have been married for over 3 years! Our anniversary was July 12, and we celebrated by going to the RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay. I've written a ton of stories about how sustainable it is and all the community stuff celebrity chef Rick Moonen does... but I've never been able to justify spending the big bucks for dinner there. Until Judd got a sweet gift card to Mandalay Bay and we needed somewhere cool to eat for dinner.

So there we are! I thought my lobster and shrimp pasta was awesome, but Judd says his crab legs were really, really salty. Like they just came out of the sea kind of salty. Which means they're fresh, right?

We then spent the weekend at the Ravaela at Lake Las Vegas, formally the Ritz Carleton. Fun Fact! This was the hotel Judd and I stayed our wedding night :) The pictures I took sucked, so I borrowed some off the website. Much more true to form!

I highly recommend this place. I'd take it over the Strip anytime. Plus, along with their regular pool, they have this hidden beach pool. You have to walk a bit to find it, but it's so worth it.

See what I mean about taking my own pictures?Both Judd and I thought we'd be cute and surprise each other with the other person's favorite snacks. So needless to say, this was not one of our healthier weekends. Although we did work out twice at the gym, so that counts for something.

So it was a great weekend, to honor a fantastic three years! Here's to many, many more. And to learning how to take better self pictures. Although it was pitch black outside so I really couldn't see anything!

Thoughts on Current Events:The world would be a better place if there were more people like Steve Jobs. I've always admired the man for being a great innovator and daring to think to the next level. He inspires me to want to do things bigger and better. I almost cried watching the commencement speech he gave back in 2005. Watch it if you get a chance.

This Conrad Murray trial is pretty interesting. Even if Michael Jackson was completely hooked on Propofol, clearly there had to be negligence somewhere. I wonder what the outcome will be.

Speaking of trials, Amanda Knox is home! I totally thought she was guilty of killing her roommate a few years back. But the new evidence brings up more questions than answers. I hope someday, justice can be served to Meredith Kercher.

Sarah Palin and Chris Christie won't be on our presidential candidate list. So it's basically Mitt Romney at this point, right? I mean, they're not going to drop Rick Perry's racist hunting camp anytime soon. And Michele is basically a joke (what the heck? Don't discourage people from getting the cervical cancer vaccine!!). And does anyone else even have a shot?

Gossip Girl is back, but the show has gotten kind of dumb. I feel it's lost some of the wittiness that made it awesome a few years back. But it will hold me over until The Bachelor is back. Gosh I watch such awful shows. But one show that is not awful is "New Girl" on FOX. Judd has the biggest crush on Zooey Deschanel who I can admit is pretty adorable. We like the show, it's pretty funny. And Tosh,O, because he reminds us so much of Judd's brother Telly, who's serving in Afghanistan. I think Tosh is his long lost twin.

Cut and Stiched

2011-09-27T20:09:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time, back when I used to be a veterinary assistant, a very mean cat came into our hospital. A very nasty, sick cat. It was diagnosed with a deadly kitty disease, so obviously, it was kind of on the cranky side. As I was holding it for the vet, Kitty freaked out, and tried to jump out of my arms. I held on, and got a nice big infected scratch on my shoulder. I had to go to the doctor and get antibiotics. I also had to get the wound drained. I got better, end of story.

Or so I thought.

Fast forward four years. This cyst popped up in the exact location where Kitty scratched me. I got it checked out, and Doc thinks the infection never went away! Thanks Kitty. So I had to get it biopsied, which meant I had to face the greatest fear known to man and womenkind.

I'm absolutely, 100% terrified of needles. They literally make me faint.

Which is really lame, since I used to give injections and draw blood all day. But I guess it's different if you're doing it on someone else.

So I put on my best pitiful face, and begged Judd to take me to the biopsy, even though it was in the middle of his work day. What a stud!

So they got out the cookie cutter needle, did their thing, and was over. I pretty much squeezed the blood out of Judd's hand, I was holding it so tight. BUT... I didn't pass out, and I didn't cry, which either one would have been really embarrassing!

As a reward, we celebrated at Cafe Rio, my least guiltiest pleasure. I justify it in that pretty much everything in it is healthy, and i get two meals out of one burrito!

I have these stitches now, and my shoulder is sore, but other than that, I'm alright, as long as I don't have some nasty cat infection!

My dog is cooler than I, and other thoughts.

2011-09-26T10:32:00.001-07:00

Yes, I have come to the conclusion Bindi is indefinitely cooler than I am.
She's a much better athlete, with a bunch of ribbons, metals, awards, and titles to her name. She's been clocked at 30 miles per hour. You can see she's just a blob in that picture of all the guys getting pups ready for last weekend's flyball race!
Plus, she can eat whatever she wants, and doesn't put on anything other than muscle. I miss those days...
I read somewhere that once you have a kid, you realize your dog is just a dog. Don't think that will happen in our case, since about fiftyish percent of our social life revolves around the dog, our dog-loving friends, dog racing events, taking the dog on hikes and the lake, and so on!

Anyways...

Thoughts on current events:

Freed American Hikers: Welcome back to the U.S. I heard the border between North Korea and South Korea is scenic, but that doesn't mean you should check out. Seriously, whose bright idea was it to hike alongside Iran? If they at least took some responsibility for their actions, I'd feel a little more sorry for them.

Lady Gaga took a moment out of the iheartradio concert to pay tribute to a young fan who was driven to kill himself from his bullies. Very touching moment, I highly recommend you YouTube it. I hope you find peace, Jamey.

I'm going nuts without some form of The Bachelor. I need a new show for the next few months. Suggestions?

U.S. Congress... Please get your act together and try to avoid a shutdown. Thank you.

You know Facebook has control of our lives... When its changes are the top news stories. I hated them the first day. But lo and behold, I'm already used to them, even if they're kind of trippy.

Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial starts tomorrow, for the death of Michael Jackson. I'm sure it will be as, if not more wackier than the Casey Anthony trial. Im also curious to know how many of the jurors are secret diehard MJ fans going after blood. And a book deal.

We went to the UNLV vs SUU football game Saturday. You know, the one they were slated to win, but didn't? Will I ever physically witness the Rebels win a game in my lifetime? Every football game I've ever gone to, they've lost! It's a good thing our basketball team is decent. Now if they could only get their top players to stop getting in trouble with the law...

Two Pictures of Two Towers

2011-09-12T10:08:00.001-07:00

I have two pictures of the World Trade Center.
The first one is the one I included. It shows the Twin Towers the way I remember them. Strong, massive, never-ending, I remember standing in between them as a kid and just looking up. They seemed to brush the clouds.
I took this picture during the summer of 2001, on a ferry headed to the Statue of Liberty. Back when people went to work and held meetings in the towers. Perhaps they grumbled about the long waits for the elevators, or the tourists clogging up walkways. It was the summer before my freshman year of high school, where I prolonged transitioning into an adult as long as I could.

I don't have the second picture printed, because it is seared in my memory forever. It is a picture of the next time I visited the World Trade Center. It had been several months since the attacks...but the twisted piles of iron and metal were still there, waiting to be sorted through. There were construction vehicles about, but other then them, the site was eerily silent. Hundreds of smiling faces peered at me...through the yellowed and crinkled missing persons fliers still up. Fliers of moms and dads and kids and friends, who went to work and didn't come home.
I don't need a photograph to remind me.

It's been ten years, but I think at least for me, it will always feel like yesterday. It was a defining moment in my life, as I'm sure it was for most. The weeks I spent glued to the television fueled my passion for the news and my respect for those working hard to tell the stories. It made me want to hug every firefighter, police officer, and first responder, and say "THANK YOU for caring enough to be willing to put your life out there for us!" It made me fiercely proud to be an American. It made me want to find the good in everyone, as ordinary people did extraordinary things that day.

Never Forget.

Also this summer...

2011-08-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is how I blog. I don't do anything for weeks, then write out a whole bunch of catch-up blogs at once, preferably with a bunch of pictures so in case my house burns down, the internet will have saved my photos and memories.

So other summer tidbits...
We've been trying to get our money's worth out of the paddle boat. Seriously, who walks into a sporting goods store looking for hot dog pokers, and walks out with a boat? Seriously. But so far, it's my favorite impulse buy. Plus, it introduced us to how awesome Lake Mead is. I seriously thought the lake was diseased for years and you would get sick if you swam in it. Turns out, there's actually some halfway decent beaches, if you're willing to make the drive.

We're loving the new house. It's like 90% put together to my satisfaction. When it's at 95ish, I'll post pictures!

We went to Country Fest with Sierra and Darren!

It was a blast, and introduced me to this guy.

If I were 19 again, I'd totally have a humongous crush on Hunter Hayes. But since I'm *gulp* too old for him... I'll just stick with he's a good singer.

Oh, and Dierks Bentley was there too. I never knew I knew so many of his songs.

Overall, great show! Even Judd, who really doesn't like country music, enjoyed himself.

Let's see, other than that...
Being a vampire has gotten easier. I'm really liking the morning show, and I've even gotten to do a little on camera work recently, which is NERVEWRACKING... but totally aweasome. I still haven't watched it back though, I'm afraid it will make me all self conscious.

No answers yet on all my religious issues. I'm still working on that.

We're serious about this working out stuff. And eating better stuff. For real this time. I'd like to think it's showing!

Oh, and we paid off both our cars this month! Just in time for my lame student loans to kick in. I can't complain too much though, there was a time those loans were keeping us afloat.

Thoughts on Current Events:

Journalists freed in Libya! Sometimes when I think it would be cool to go international, I think about stuff like that. It's still exciting to me though. I hope that country can finally come together.

Las Vegas is experiencing a record breaking heat wave this week. Yesterday was supposed to be the hottest day of the year. Honestly, once you get into those triple digits, hot is hot is hot.

An earthquake hit the east coast. Personally, I think the media over-did it when it came to reporting the story. It wasn't that bad, right? I wasn't there, so I really don't know. This made me laugh though:

In all seriousness to my East Coast friends (and I am one of you so you know I love you!), I'd probably be freaked out a bit if an earthquake struck when I was least expecting it. But right now, if I were on the east coast, I'd be more worried about Hurricane Irene. Which I am, because apparently Cape Cod is right in her path.

It's Bachelor Pad time. The ultimate, sleeziest, guiltiest pleasure show around! I thought this girl was freakin' psycho during Brad's second season of the Bachelor (but loved her anyways!).

SO once again, I'm Team Michelle! At least she says it like it is, and you know she's there for "the right reasons."

Some beach, somewhere...

2011-08-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

There's very few things in life that make me happier than this particular beach.

Or fishing in this ocean.

Or wreaking havoc with this girl.

Or eating this meal.

Or walking these flats.

Or being out on this boat with this family.

Actually... just being on the boat to begin with...

Or watering thousands of runners with these fine folks.

Or saying goodnight to this moon.

Here's to another nearly perfect Cape Cod summer!
The only thing that would have made it more perfect is if Judd was able to go with me.
But he knows he's moving me to Massachusetts someday, preferably within this decade, so that's okay.

This is starting to get frustrating

2011-07-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

I posted a few blogs back about some concerns I had in "believing vs. Knowing". I wrote I can't 100% say I "know" my religion is true. I didn't really get into it, other than my extreme dislike for defined gender roles. Thank you to those who replied. It did help me to read your responses.

This is where I'm struggling. I have a lot of questions, really deep questions I feel I won't progress until I know the answers to. And no one will answer them for me. They tiptoe around the sensitive topics, tell me it doesn't really matter, and to just pray/read my scriptures/go to church. But then again, maybe that's the only answer to give. Out of the three, prayer seems to be the only thing making a difference, even though I still feel like I need my questions answered. And maybe that in itself is an answer.

I honestly think everyone is too scared to face something that would make them question their faith in the slightest. And even if they were questioning, I don't think anyone would admit it.

So this is me admitting I'm questioning everything. Maybe if you are too, at least you don't have to feel as alone as I do in this.

And since no one in church seems to know or want to even consider anything, I hate to admit I've had to go to other sources. The stuff we're told to stay away from. I was desperate to find someone who might be having the same issues, and boy, did I find them. Now I'm just even more confused.

I can't live my life doubting, or being guilted into things, or being made to feel bad when I fall short. I think God has more on His plate to worry about then the silly petty things our church seems to get caught up in. So I'm on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. I need to know what I believe. Living off other people's testimonies isn't getting me anywhere. So I think I'm going to take a step back and really examine what my core beliefs actually are. Then try to build off that.

Once again, I know it's not what anyone wants to hear. I can only hope maybe I can help one person feel a little less alone if they have any of these struggles. It's kind of depressing to think how many people would disown me if they knew I had doubts, much less, act on them.

I'm really okay otherwise though. I just need to get this all sorted out, and soon.

Day 9: A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

2011-06-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

(this picture is really... really old. I think we're seniors in high school or something. But what a night! Elton John with the bestie!)

There are a ton of people who have gotten me through a lot of things. Judd especially. But when it comes to the person who has gotten me through the MOST, with the exception of my parents... that would have to be NewBurger.

You can call her Sasha. I've called her NewBurger or NewBocker for years, since people rarely can pronounce her awesome last name.

Sasha and I became friends when we took Sex Ed together our freshman year of high school. Fitting. That class is awkward as it is... but it was fun to have a friend to laugh it through with.

So we're celebrating ten years of friendship this year. Ten years of laughter, shopping trips, chocolate cake nights, theatre woes, stupid boyfriends, car rides, and so on.

Sasha is one of those people who is upfront and honest, but gentle at the same time. I've never felt judged around her, but I have been inspired to make changes from her good example. She gives really great advice on everything from fashion to relationships.

This one is to Sasha, one person I will always cherish!

I was born to be brave

2011-06-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's slightly embarrassing that my new life slogan comes from a Lady Gaga song, but it floats my boat, so I'll deal with it.

I didn't use to be brave. I'd have moments, but I never had the self confidence necessary to prove it, up until a few years ago. I decided I was tired of living in fear of rejection. So I've tried to not let fear get in my way, and so far, it's worked out pretty well.

There's two letters I've been putting off writing for a long time. I've been terrified of rejection from the recipients. Both are letters of apology, but for very different reasons. I don't think either person would want to see me in person, so in the back of my head, I thought if I wrote them letters, perhaps I could make peace with myself and with those people.

One is to a boy I once loved. The other is to my grandmother.

I just finished what I think is the harder one, and that is to the boy, well, a man now. I screwed a lot of things up for him, caused a world of hurt, and it's literally haunted me for years. I have nightmares about it. I should have been a more supportive person. Instead, I let my own selfishness get in the way.

I've sent it off, and there's no turning back.

Now I need to re-humble myself for the next letter.

I'm an awful grand daughter. I have extremely weak relationships with my grandparents, which is pretty pathetic since most of them are still living. One of my grandmothers literally lives about five minutes from me, but I have had no contact with her for about two years.

It's not entirely my fault. She cut off contact with my family after a big fallout. But I feel like I should be the bigger person and maybe try to rekindle something, even if no one else will. Unlike the other letter, I have no idea what I even want to say. But I could start with "hello". I know she's been battling some illnesses for awhile. I hate that she's doing it alone, out of bitterness. I want her to know she has people who still love and care about her.

I guess life is just too short to let scared or negative feelings take over any kind of relationship. Even if these two don't write me back, I'll know I at least tried to make peace.

Day 8: A Picture that makes you laugh

2011-06-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

These are four of my six bridesmaids: Dawn, Sasha, Celina, and Alex. I love the expressions on everyone's faces and I'm dying to know what they were looking at when this picture was taken!

Seriously, I love all of my bridesmaids to pieces. What incredible girls.

Thoughts on current events:

RIP Clarence Clemons. What a musical genius. The man could breathe life into a saxophone like no one else. For those who aren't familiar with the name, you've heard his saxophone in most Bruce Springsteen songs. He's another artist I can add to my list of people I wish I could have seen play a show. And this sucks, because unlike Freddy Mercury, I could have actually seen and appreciated Mr. Clemons.

Casey Anthony: did she or didn't she. Personally, I think she drugged poor little Caylee so she could go out partying, accidentally gave her too much, and panicked. Either that or she's a cold-blooded murderer.

Weinergate: While I'm glad that mess is over for now, I'll miss writing all the clever puns in my news stories. In all seriousness though, what the heck is up with our politicians?

If Americans are open-minded enough to elect a Black President, then there should be no problem with a Mormon one. Run Mitt Run!!

I'm seriously going to miss Oscar Goodman as our city's mayor.

I'm so far behind on The Bachelorette that I can't give an updated opinion other than J.P. is her soulmate and I hope next time they cast someone from Salt Lake City, the person isn't psychotic. Or a jerk.

I'm slightly more than a little tempted to go to the Electric Daisy Carnival. It's all over our newscasts, because two people have died there in two years... and they're bringing it to Vegas. So why would I want to go to a rave? Mainly to be part of the history that will inevitably occur, but I've always wanted to go to a hippie fest. One of the things to check off my to do list.

How am I this late in discovering how awesome Groupon is????

Believing vs. Knowing

2011-06-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

I've come to the realization I believe plenty of things... but in all honesty, I really don't "know" how much is 100% true.

Admitting you really don't know something is scary. But sometimes, you just do it, either to get help, deflect blame, or get it out of the way. I'm a skeptical person by nature. When I write stories for the newscasts, I make sure I always attribute iffy facts to someone else, I'm not taking responsibility if it ends up not being true.

I feel like there's this really bad stigma that surrounds questioning things that you've always believed, but want to know if what you're believing is real. "Just have faith," people will say. If I ask a difficult question, I'm either told to pray about it, or just "know" things will work out for the best.

I think it's no secret I'm not the best example of an LDS person. Far from it. I'm fine on my belief in the Gospel... but I seriously struggle with the Church's stances on social issues. I struggle to the point where I start questioning if I really "believe" in what I think I do.

For example... I simply can't grasp the idea that my role in life is to be a full-time mom. I realize I'm walking a very fine line here, since about half the readers of this blog are. I'm not criticizing anyone's decision. I think it's a personal one every woman must make, with the best interest of her family in mind. But to lump every woman in the same category just because of their sex as the primary caregivers of children... like I said... I really have a hard time with this.

I could go on about other religious concerns I have, but that would take forever and quite frankly turn into a major downer.

So what do you do? What happens when you start questioning? Do you continue to believe because you're scared of what will happen if you stop? Do you really just go with it, hoping for the best? Or do you do what I've been doing, which is cutting and pasting the parts of my religion I like... and trying to avoid the parts that make me really uncomfortable. I know that makes me a major fence sitter and it's probably pretty hypocritical, but sometimes it's the best I can do.

It would be really helpful if church leaders were willing to openly discuss some issues. I've brought a few up, but I've always been brushed aside by a "just pray about it" or "the Prophet said so."

If you can honestly say, with 100% certainty, you know instead of believe... that's really good. I wish I were at that point. I have moments, but they're fleeting.

Sorry to take this out on this blog. There was another blog I used to write more touchy feely stuff on, but I haven't touched it in awhile. It's good to get this jumble of thoughts out. By all means, I'm not considering leaving the Church. I'm just trying to sort out some thoughts.

And I would really like to know how other people have dealt with faith concerns. The way people behave at church, you would think no one ever goes through them, but I bet I'm not the only one. Plus, you guys are friends! And I think people here are thankfully pretty open-minded.

Men can sew, who would have thought?

2011-06-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

I know, right?
But before we get into that facinating phenomonon, let me backtrack.

We bought a REAL.COUCH. I've been wanting a REAL.COUCH. since, oh, I don't know, the day we moved into our first apartment? We didn't have a couch for almost the first two years, mainly because the apartments we lived in were too small for a couch AND Judd's gigantic LoveSac from his bachelor days. Plus, we figured anyone we invited over was friendly enough to snuggle up on that thing.

We bought the one-armed section of a sectional for the townhouse because we realized not everyone is cuddly. It was cheap, but cozy and functional. Plus, come on, one arm is totally artistic!

But still... I dreamed of the day we'd have a REAL.COUCH. to entertain our friends and family with. We finally had the room with this move. We went to the only place I'll ever buy furniture ever again... the RC Willey Scratch & Dent Center (well, warehouse, but everyone knows that's what it really is).

And we found this:

We're trying to decide whether the naughty Border Collie should be on the couch or not. I think we're leaning towards a cold hard NO.

So the reason the couch was at the Scratch & Dent center was because a few stitches had come up. Somehow... that took nearly $2000 off the price.

HECK YEAH, LET'S GET IT OUT OF HERE!!!

I figured someone, somehow, somewhere, would know how to fix this:

But with the new jobs and moving mess, I kind of put it in the back of my head. It would bug me occasionally, especially when Bindi would get her paw stuck in it and tear it some more.

But apparently, this was really bugging Judd. So yesterday... he gritted his teeth together... and busted out a sewing needle.

Seriously... I had no clue he could sew. I sure can't, other than maybe a button. Must have missed that Young Women's activity.

BUT HE CAN!!

And pretty well too!

The guy's talents never fail to amaze me. What a stud.

Day 7: A Picture Of Your Most Treasured Item

2011-06-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yes... the five-year-old in me says my stuffed bunny, Lopsy, is my most treasured item.

I like her much more than any purse, computer, furniture piece, or clothing item I own. I've had my bunny since I was two years old. She went with me to college, on every vacation, and has lovingly sat on my bed since I was a tiny girl. She has been a source of comfort forever.

Lopsy now sits on a shelf. Two reasons: it's not so romantic having a stuffed bunny on the bed, and I have a dog that assumes every stuffed animals is hers to shred. But she's nice and safe there.

Perhaps someday I'll have a little kid who will make friends with this special bunny. That would be cool. I'll never be one of those parents who think it's time to "outgrow" a toy!

Day 6: A Picture Of A Person You'd Love To Trade Places With For One Day

2011-06-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

This is a no brainer. I'd love to be Kate Middleton for one day. Beautiful, classy, a strong independent woman. I think she'll make a fantastic queen someday.

I watched the royal wedding live... not just because I had to because I was writing to it... but because I'd been looking forward to it for years. Not gonna lie... when they said their vows in their adorable British accents... I seriously teared up a bit.

Plus... the dress! Absolutely perfect! Actually... I liked kid sister Pippa's dress almost as much. They should make a cheaper version of it... but maybe in a different color.

I've had a crush on these two since I was ten. I've always loved the Royal Family. English royal history is a slight obsession of mine, so I think it's great there's a modern monarchy. Princess Diana is someone I've always looked up to, and I love that her boys turned into such fine gentlemen (and not just cuties... these two serve their country in the military and continue their mother's charity work!). I also had tears when I saw the Princes going into the church together.

So Congrats to Kate... I mean, Catherine Middleton... the new princess!

Day 5: A Picture Of Your Favorite Memory

2011-06-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

I realize a ton of these could be answered with a wedding picture. But since I'm saving it for "My favorite day", I thought I'd go with this one. I also realize at the ridiculously slow speed I'm going, it will probably take me 300 days to complete the 30 day challenge. But I will, mark my words!

I have to throw in the huge effort I'm taking to post this picture. Since I'm not on my regular computer, I don't have access to my pictures. I assumed this was on Facebook... but I guess not. So I had to log into...Myspace... to find it. First time in years, I bet. Anyone still go on there? It's totally weird now... and to think I used to spend HOURS on there in high school! I know I've neglected MySpace and all... but the least they could do is let me download a bigger picture, right?

I digress...

Ever since I was a little girl... I've dreamed of becoming a dolphin trainer. It's the reason I did years of swim team, the reason I switched my college major so many times. I was absolutly convinced I was meant to spend all my days with dolphins.

But I grew up and moved on to dream #2... working in a newsroom. But still, I absolutely love dolphins... and this moment easily ranks in my top five greatest ever.

I did a behind-the-scenes tour/trainer for a day program at SeaWorld for my 18th birthday. It was so amazing, the trainers let me do a ton of stuff they normally don't do... just because they could tell I was really into it. The highlight was riding on a dolphin's back and playing with it in the water. It's really indescribable to be that close to such a awe-inspiring animal.

If you ever get the chance... go swim with a dolphin. I've done it three times now... but I'll never forget this moment as long as I live.

Top of the morning to ya'!

2011-05-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Morning Bloggers, it's been awhile.

Wait, you might ask... "morning? Geez Kristen, it's almost 6!"

Well, when your entire schedule gets flipped to live the dream... Waking up at 6 pm is totally the norm now. Which means I'm officially a vampire.

It's totally worth it. I love being an associate producer/writer for FOX5's Morning Shows! Even if it means going into work at 1 am. Full time, benefits, my own desk, can't beat that! Everyone is way nice, and it's fun writing news that includes cheesy YoiTube videos.

Judd also started his new job the week before I did. So we're both learning the ropes.

On top of that...we moved. We decided after almost three years of being cramped in tiny apartments, it was time for more room. So we're renting a house in Green Valley. I grew up there, so it's nice to be back. I'll post pictures as soon as I think we've unpacked enough. That's always the worst part...grrrrr. I'm determined to stay here for awhile, so I want this home to be as beautiful as possible! Seriously, moving 4 times in less than 3 years is kind of ridiculous.

Some quick thoughts on current events...
Lauren Alaina should have won American Idol. Actually, James Durbin should have won, he was my favorite. Scotty's a good kid and all, but the smirks were a bit much for me. At least there was a crop of talented kids this year!
Casey Anthony's attorney is a nut (but he might at least pull off saving her from the death penalty)
People seriously need to stop darting across the I-15. Seriously... Three in a week?
These tornadoes across the country gave me the rare appreciation I live in a desert. My heart goes out to the victims.
Ah-Nold may be a humoungous jerk for cheating on Maria with the housekeeper... But I think John Edwards takes the cake for being the worst secret baby-daddy politician.
Cutting money from education really...really sucks. I hate it as much as the next person. But when you live in a state as poor as Nevada, everyone must make sacrifices. Still, I think I'm moving back east once I have school aged kids!
The Bachelorette is in full stream. Please Judd, make the new TV work, I'm going crazy having missed the first episode!

Day 4: A Picture Of Your Favorite Night

2011-04-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot of really awesome nights. But when I first read that title... a jumble of Cape Cod nights were the first to pop in my head. Random moments...memories. Bonfires on the beach, dancing in the rain with friends, singing CCR and Radiohead songs while waves lap the shore...making cookies for the boys... intense poker and NERTZ games...a stolen kiss here and there... getting creeped out in the cemetery behind my cottage, driving covertables in search of late night ice cream parlors,getting yelled at by neighbors, hitting cars at the drive in movies and so much more... all with awesome friends.

Cape Cod nights have a special place in my memory. It's an era I miss sometimes. We've all grown up... but I bet if you get us all together, the fun would pick up right where it left off.

Day 3: A picture of the cast from your favorite show

2011-04-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm way biased... but the cast of my favorite show is the one I was in for my last two semesters. I absolutely loved being a part of my campus's news show Studio G. It took up all my life and then some to report, shoot, write, edit, anchor, produce, give weather forecasts, and so on. But I loved it... and I loved all the friends I made along the way. It helped prepare me for my crazy life in a "real" newsroom!

But as far as the cast for my actual favorite television show? Believe it or not... it isn't Gossip Girl or The Bachelor.

Nope... it's this guy. And this guy's dog.

I love Love LOVE The Soup. Joel McHale's dry humor is hysterical. I would love to be a producer for that show someday and try to find the goofy clips they use each week. I don't have to watch a million awful reality shows, he'll give me the weekly rundown with the most side splitting moments!

Sadly... we're cutting cable next week in an effort to not be "TV people" and spend time doing more athletic and quality things. It honestly didn't bother me... until I remembered The Soup isn't on your basic channels.

There's gotta be a way to watch it online, right?!?!?!

Welcome Little Izzy!

2011-04-23T09:15:00.001-07:00

We have a niece!
Izzy Lynn was born April 4. Michael and Molly are the proud parents.
Something about that little face says her aunt is going to spoil her dearly ;)
We love her... and her little cousin Jett, who was born earlier this year. Babies ARE fun!

Day 2: A Picture of You and The Person You've Been Closest To The Longest

2011-04-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

This one's easy... literally and figuratively.

My mom is one of the most amazing people out there. She is selfless, kind, and hardworking. She is the best friend, teacher, and mother anyone could ask for. I think my phase of thinking my mom wasn't cool as a teenager lasted maybe fifteen minutes... because it's undeniable. I hope to be at least half the woman and mother she is someday!

Day One: 10 Facts

2011-04-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

I feel like my brain is blah right now when it comes to thinking of things to write about, so I'm doing this 30 Day Blog Challenge! I probably won't really do it every day, and I'll probably interrupt it if something cooler comes up... But here goes nothing!

Day One: A picture of you with 10 facts.

1) It's more fun for me to say I'm from back east (my whole family is, so it isn't a lie) than admit I was born in Utah.
2) Everything tastes better with globs of cheese for my taste palate.
3) My heart will always be at Cape Cod. That place is where I feel I am truly from. We moved around a lot when I was a kid, but we returned there every summer. 5 generations of Alworths have spent their summers there, so it's in my blood.
4) Out of all the things I want to be really good at, dancing takes the cake.
5) I work in a television newsroom as a morning show associate producer. Watch the movie Morning Glory, it will explain!
6) I'm married to a really awesome guy. I love him dearly. :D
7) Despite some rumors I've heard about myself...I really do want kids. Someday.
8) I consider myself a Progressive Mormon, meaning I love the Gospel, but I prefer to make my life choices based on what I feel is right for my situation, and with prompting... rather than do things just because everyone else in the Ward is doing it.
9) I hesitate watching animal themed movies, because I know I'll be a blubbery mess if the animal dies.
10) I cheer for Massachussets: Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots!

Husband-Free Week

2011-04-17T15:35:00.001-07:00

This is my least favorite week of the year.

Some women might be thrilled to be husband free for a week. But whether I still think I'm a newlywed, or I just really like hanging out with Judd, I seriously dread this week every year. It's so silly that i get so upset since it is just one week. I have friends who have to do this for weeks, months, or even longer at a time. I admire those girls, they are so strong!

I suppose I should be happy for Judd, since he gets to go do what he loves and ride dirt bikes in Moab. It's great he gets that break. I on the other hand, turn into an emotional wimp that can't stand being by herself.

Do you ever feel sometimes like a certain version of you at a certain age comes out really strong sometimes? I'm especially emotionally wimpy this week, because my stupid 19 year old self was antsy about a certain wedding that occurred that at one time she thought would be hers. It's dumb, really. I made a choice four years ago to move on from what was a intense, but turbulent relationship. I love Judd with everything I have, and I know I made the best and right choice. But this past weekend, my 19 year old self made a few trips down memory lane, perhaps to remind herself that while what she had is long over, it was real, and taught her valuable lessons. I believe every relationship, whether romantic or platonic, exists to shape you into the person you currently are and... And the one you are striving to be. There's a really cheesy country song about that (actually, there's probably a few of those!) about being thankful for unanswered prayers, since you never know what more amazing thing could be in store for you. I know the life I would have had, compared to the one I have now, would have been completely different...and probably not in a good way. Judd's amazing.

So this week, I decided to not focus too much on the past, even if it was shoved in my face. I made sure to surround myself with awesome people. Going out almost every night was just what the doctors ordered. God has placed some incredible friends in my life.

Thankfully, I only have to be husband-less for only a few more hours! I really miss that guy. Despite the awesomeness of everything going on this week (new jobs, new home, sweet tax return that allowed me to indulge in a bit of pity shopping), it has dragged ridiculously slow without someone to share it with.

All good things must come to an end

2011-02-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, after a particularly busy morning full of breaking news, I decided to take myself out to lunch and reward myself for eating lots of homemade lunches lately and eating healthier. The splurge would have to be worth it. I decided since I was living my dream working in a television newsroom, I should honor my schooling by eating the meal that got me through many stressful days and nights practically living at UNLV:

The Garlic and Cheese Pizza Bagel at Einsteins across the street from the university.
This bagel represents the break my friends and I desperately needed on a regular basis from video editing and filming, especially when we got sick of Panda Express or Taco Bell. It comes with a small salad, so I never felt too guilty eating it. I have many fond memories of eating this bagel with my fellow journalism cohorts and drinking soda out of our Einsteins coffee mugs.

With this in mind, I entered the familiar shop and walked up to the counter to place my order. The girl looked at me quizzically and asked me to repeat. I scanned the menu above the counter, and with a gasp, realized my favorite dish was no longer on the menu.

This had to be a mistake. "I'm probably just blind, but I don't see your garlic and cheese pizza bagel," I said, trying not to panic. The girl glared at me and said, "That's because we don't offer that."

"But I graduated just a month ago and you had it then. I used to eat that bagel on a regular basis. How do you not have that? It's seriously the best thing you offer," I ask, trying to keep my cool, but feeling frantic because I have to be back at work and this trip and my cravings are about to fail.

Fortunately, one of the workers I recognized from last semester came to my rescue. "We discontinued that, but we still have all the stuff to make it. Let me get that for you." What a guy! He needs a raise or a promotion or something.

This experience made me think about a few other pleasures in life in the process of being discontinued. It's a part of moving on, I suppose, but whether it's a television show, cute boyfriend, or favorite hair product, it can be a nasty shock to realize something that used to be awesome is no longer available.

So with that, here's an ode to the good things about to come to an end:

My Sketchers without laces:
Back when I was still trying to figure out what to do with my life, I worked a few years as a veterinary assistant. I needed good shoes I could stand on all day, and shoes without laces so cute puppy dogs wouldn't tear them up. I found these:

Apparently they're one of the top nursing sneakers as well. I went through several pairs of them in the three years I worked at the animal hospital.
It's been a year since I stopped working at the hospital, and my sneakers are about to retire. There's a big hole in the toe and they look far from gleaming like the above shoe. Seeing as I now wear heels and flats to work, and I have plenty of running and hiking shoes, I really have no need to go out and get another pair of these, especially because they're kind of pricey. I can't bring myself to throw away my ratty pair I have now... but the day will come soon.

The Seriously So Blessed Blog.
Whoever came up with this is PURE GENIUS. This blog is a satirical look at Mormon culture and totally picks up on all the things that drive me absolutely crazy about some of the people I go to church with. It's a fake "Mommy Blog", and I've spent the past few years hysterically laughing every few days at a new post. Sadly, the writer has moved on and apparently won't post anything anymore. I was seriously, so sad to discover this.
If you've never checked out this blog, she still has it up. Be prepared for its awesomeness:

http://www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com

My Laptop
My HP Laptop was my first major credit card purchase. I've had it several years, written hundreds of papers, articles, blogs, and letters on it. It has brought the world to me and allowed me to communicate with long lost friends and relatives.

But alas, as all good electronics do, my dear laptop is on the verge of death. It freezes every fifteen minutes and sporadically deletes documents. My turtle runs faster than this machine, and it constantly groans in pain and agony.

I think as soon as my tax return gets in, this poor laptop will become a source of spare computer parts for my husband's delight. I really want a new laptop... but this one will be missed.

What products/food/TV shows/etc do you miss?

Monday nights are booked... unless you want to watch one of these shows with me!

2011-01-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

Forget trying to have Family Home Evenings Monday night... not with all the entertainment between ABC and the CW! (Come to think of it, growing up, my family always had FHE on Sundays anyways). I mean, really, how can I possibly miss the most apologetic Bachelor in the history of television?

Honestly, I could care less that Brad sent home both of his ladies last time around. If he wasn't feeling it, he shouldn't have to be pressured into picking one. I don't think he really needed years of therapy to get over making a wise decision. I just want him to get over it already. The weekly sessions where he sits down with a therapist to discuss how his days are going on this show are stupid, because he basically just gets encouraged to make out with more girls in hopes of finding "The One."

So if you can't stand Apologetic Brad, at least watch for Crazy Michelle. This girl is either the most insanely jealous person ever to be cast on this show... or its best actress. I'm going for the latter... check out her chops in an upcoming LDS chick flick.

Is it me, or does Kirby Heyborne basically play the same character in every movie? Aren't there other young studly LDS actors? Nothing against Kirby, but the guy is 33... playing a college student. Maybe he should be a parent or something in his next movie.

As much as I love The Bachelor (the show, not Brad), part of me wishes this guy had said yes to being the next Bachelor. He wouldn't say the same lines over and over again ("I've changed," "I'm here for the right reasons," "I'm opening myself up to these women."). No, this guy was awesome on The Bachelorette for how sarcastic he was... he subtly made fun of the show while still being adorable.

But no, Hottie Cape Cod Chris has standards and would prefer to fall in love the traditional way... you know... without dating 20 women at once and having those moments shared on national television. And it seems like it's working out for him, he's dating down-to-earth Peyton. Good job Chris!

Out of all the modern conveniences available today, I am most thankful Monday nights for DVR. Otherwise, how else would I get to watch these kids on my other guilty pleasure show?

I.LOVE.THIS.SHOW.

Even if the story lines are awful, the acting is oftentimes questionable, and I want to throw something at the television every time Vanessa opens her mouth and slap Nate because the guy is sooooooo dumb.

I wouldn't feel complete Tuesday mornings without checking out my favorite recaps/bashings of these shows:

The Bachelor: I'm sure anyone who watches this show knows all about Reality Steve... but he's just too dang awesome to ignore.
http://realitysteve.com

Gossip Girl- The Weekly Reality Index is hilarious... but you should be a pretty big fan to appreciate its genius.
http://nymag.com/tv/gossip-girl/

Am I the only one who thinks this?

2011-01-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: I love the Church and its programs... but I'm human too.

So once a year or so, a particular meeting occurs in every ward I've been in that irks me to no end. It's always the same... the Bishopric pulls in all the adults together for third meeting of the day. Then they go into a long speech about...the benefits of scouting. How Scouting is sooooooo great for these young men who will eventually become Priesthood holders! It teaches boys everything they need to know about life! It makes them respectable young men!

They shut the doors so no one can escape... and pass out donation envelopes

Every year, I sit in my seat and bite my tongue hard enough that it's bleeding so I don't accidentally blurt out what's running through my head... "But what about the girls?"

By "girls", I mean the cute little Activity Day 8-11 year olds, and the Young Women. I'm a Mia Maid adviser, and recently, I asked some of my girls what they would really like to do for activities because I know when I was their age, I got really bored of crafts and cooking all the time. Their reply? They wanted to do "what the boys do," as in fun stuff like camping, hiking, shooting, fishing, sports, etc.

They basically want to do things that Boy Scouts do... but we're asked to help fund only the boys. And we're asked a lot. The suggested donation was $158 dollars, so one boy could be a Scout for a year. We live in a pretty poor area, and most families in the ward would have a very rough time coming up with that money. Fortunately I missed this meeting this year as I had to be with my girls, probably a good thing.

I asked my husband, who is a Scout leader, where that money actually goes. He says since all they've done recently in the past several months is sit around and talk about merit badges, that money has paid for the badges. He's just as frustrated as I am, because he isn't allowed to teach the boys how to survive and care for themselves in the wilderness. The Scout's new policy on "surviving" is "staying where you are until someone finds you." He can't teach them how to build a fort, look for food, water, anything.

I agree with the Church that a strong program needs to be in place for the boys to keep them close to God and help them become respectable citizens. The Boy Scout program is separate from the Church... but young Mormon boys are strongly encouraged to attend. But I also believe that an equally strong program needs to be in place for all the girls. Girls are more independent now than they have been in generations past, and they're equally susceptible to temptations.

Activity Day girls meet once, maybe twice a month, whereas the same age group for boys meets every week. I asked once why the Church doesn't invest in Girl Scouts, and I was told the program was "too liberal". Maybe that's my problem, I did Girl Scouts for years!

Young Woman's is great... but it could be better. These girls want to learn more than how to be good homemakers someday. They want to go on field trips too and learn to be strong individuals. We have so many girls in our group that are either the only members in their families or come from very inactive homes. Activities need to be fun for them so they'll want to come back. I don't want them to be bored.

I know tithing pays for the Young Woman activities, but if we're asked to donate to the boys, shouldn't we keep it even?

Just some thoughts.

Baby Nephew Jett!!

2011-01-04T14:39:00.001-08:00

Just hours old... this is seriously the youngest baby I have ever held!
The proud/tired/awesome parents Robin and Dave! Congrats, guys!
I love this little guy!
I think the baby thing might be growing on Judd!

Judd and I are finally an Aunt and an Uncle!!

Our first nephew ever... Jett David Cordova... was born at 4:01 a.m. January 2. Crazy thing was, we had just seen Robin hours earlier and she was fine! I admire how tough she was giving birth so fast, she's a trooper!

We came and visited Jett and his parents at the hospital right after church. Like I said above, I've never held a baby that young. He's absolutely handsome and he has so many doting relatives. It's so neat to watch the way a newborn takes in the world, he couldn't stop looking around, there was just so much to see.

Judd was so cute, they came to take the baby's blood, and Judd sat with him and tried to make him feel better while the rest of us were cringing. He'll be a good dad in the distant future when we decide it's our turn!

But for now, we're absolutely in love with the little guy, and now we can't wait for our niece Izzy to get here in April!

Pizza and Special Heads for Christmas

2011-01-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

One of Bindi's many toys she opened herself...
Judd's loot
Kristen's loot
AHHHHHH!!! The Head!
Doesn't that look fantastic?
The Dads and Judd attempt to switch the pizza over to the paddle...
My Alfredo/Smoked Turkey pizza creation! Molly and Telly are working on a Loony Toons Puzzle in the background. 1,000 pieces= day long process!

This Christmas was full of toys, gag gifts, diamonds, and plenty of homemade brick-oven pizza!
Judd and I started off the morning at our place, playing Santa for our pseudo child Bindi. Yes, we're nerdy enough to actually wrap presents for her and get a kick out of her opening them. Since we just went on a trip, we didn't do any huge presents this year, but Judd's highlight was a remote-controlled helicopter, and mine was the fantastic Black Friday diamond bracelet!

We spent the rest of Christmas at Judd's family's house. We've been doing the drawing-a-couple's-name-out-of-a-box deal for the past few years as far as presents go... and Mike and Molly got us. They wrapped up the most...um...unique Grecian (or is it Roman?) head and gave it to us. We were super polite and appreciative, especially when Molly made a comment about having one herself. The act went on for awhile, finally they couldn't take it anymore and brought out our "real" presents! It was hilarious, but I think the funniest part is that there were a few people who actually thought the head was beautiful and wanted one for themselves! Even though Bindi is terrified of it, we're keeping it around... he'll make a reappearance one of these holidays! Judd keeps hiding it in places I don't expect to find it and it always creeps me out!

Christmas Dinner consisted of a variety of homemade brick-oven pizzas out of the Kidman's new backyard pizza oven! My dad came over for this part to show off his East Coast pizza skills and make the pizza as flat as possible (the best way, really!). I think one of these is in store in the distant future when we have a backyard!

Superbowl ending

2010-12-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

Tea cups!
Judd is an insane (well, as insane as you can get!) driver at Autotopia!
Judd helping Goofy decorate!
NO LINE WHATSOEVER for the River Run! Who's crazy enough to ride something that drenches you when it's already raining? Hmmm.....
This was my favorite meal for the entire trip...Clam Chowder in a bread bowl made that day at the Sour Dough factory in California Adventure!
I've always wanted to see Disneyland at Christmas. The rain may have drenched the fireworks, but at least the castle was pretty!
View from our room on the 15th floor! That's an ice-skating rink...we watched kids biff it over and over again...
As much as I love sightseeing and doing all the fun stuff...half of what I look forward to on vacation is the relaxing!

Graduating, to me, is the equivalent to winning the Superbowl, so of course the proper way to celebrate would be to go to Disneyland!

We decided to make the trip a little weekend getaway to San Diego, with a stop in Aneheim first. The beginning of the disastrous California storms were just starting when we got there, which was kind of a blessing in disguise, because it meant there were BARELY ANY LINES at Disneyland! Seriously, we rode most of the rides by 1:00! Luckily, we found a really shady, but totally legit deal on park-hopper passes to both Disneyland and California Adventure (both parks...both of us...$110 total! You know how I love my deals!), so we were able to go back and forth between the two parks.

I was really proud of myself for not being a total wimp and riding mostly everything. I would have done California Screamin'... but the ride had been shut down most of the day...and it was pouring rain...so didn't feel like chancing it. I was scared of Splash Mountain as a kid, and since I haven't been to Disneyland since then, I decided it was time to face my childhood fear on that one! It wasn't that bad... but then again, how awful can a ride be if it has singing animals throughout it?

Judd of course, rode everything. Apparently all good rides (Space Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Indiana Jones, etc) were all broken the one and only time he had been to Disneyland before, so this was a much better experience for him!

The rest of San Diego was a blast, other than the rain. We stayed at the Westin that's attached to the greatest mall of all time, Horton Plaza. It was so nice to just walk a few feet away to shopping bliss.

Graduation!

2010-12-23T12:31:00.001-08:00

Judd and I right before!!!
This picture cracks me up, it's so old-school
If we have to wear ugly gowns, at least we have hot shoes!
AAAAAHHHHHH, it's almost here!
Posing with the fam!
Awww, our UNLV news team came out to support us! We love you Studio G!
Accessories
Party afterwards at Blush in the Wynn!

Oh my gosh... it's been forever since I've posted a blog.

But that's because I've been frantically finishing final assignments, studying for those last exams, and preparing for COLLEGE GRADUATION!

I graduated from UNLV last Tuesday, and the whole thing was a whirlwind, so I'll just post some pictures of some highlights!

It's so crazy to know I'm finally done. 5 years...2 universities...1 really crappy technical career school stint...all wrapped up in a ugly tomato-red gown, ridiculously long ceremony and an expensive piece of paper. But it was so worth it. I made some friends I'll have for life, was taught by some of best and caring mentors, and have had some amazing experiences. I really loved going to school, and I would love to someday come back and perhaps teach at a university level.

I know I've said it on this blog before, but I do need to acknowledge how awesome my husband is for supporting me in this. He knew it was my goal to graduate, and he made a lot of sacrifices to make that happen. I want to be just as supportive now that he is going back and getting his degree.

So with that really expensive piece of paper, and all the knowledge, challenges, and experiences I've had, I'm ready to take on the world and see what's next!

Black Friday...

2010-11-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

The shopaholic/consumer in me says Black Friday is the best day of the year. Growing up in my house, Thanksgiving was spent with my mom pouring over ads while watching the Macy's Parade and mapping out the best game plan for the morning. We would determine who had the best doorbusters, who was giving away free stuff, where the on-demand ticket items were, and so on.

Early...and I mean EARLY... the next morning, we would get all bundled up and go stand in the lines. I would get sent to one department store and my mom would take over the other. Part of the game plan was to run into the store, grab the free item and doorbusters, pay, then run into the other store and meet up. We seriously have a shelf full of our JCPenney's snow globes! It was the perfect mother and daughter bonding experience.
This year, my mom wasn't able to go. I wasn't sure if I really even wanted to get up early, especially since I had work that day.

But then I saw this bracelet in a JCPenney ad...

2 CT. Diamond. Silver.
Door buster sale for $99, down from almost $700.

I'm not even really a fine jewelery kind of person, but I've wanted a diamond bracelet ever since our honeymoon in the Caribbean, where the diamond industry is huge. I saw them everywhere there... but we figured we should probably use our money at the time to eat shrimp every night instead.

For any other deal, I would have happily gone down myself to the store at 4 in the morning... but this is a romantic gift, so I figured Judd should be the one to buy it for me.

So being the romantic dude he is, Judd accompanied me to JC Penney before the crack of dawn. We found the one outside door with 5 people in front of it instead of 500, which was also conveniently located by the jewelery department. At 4 a.m. sharp, the doors opened and we flew in. We were the first ones in the jewelery department, and there it was!

Once the bracelet was purchased, Judd realized there are HUGE advantages to waking up this early on Black Friday. He couldn't believe the major sales and how cheap everything was, particularly a remote-control helicopter he'd been eyeing for awhile (Oh Judd and his toys...)! It really is a rush to see everything you've wanted for a quarter of the price...

Don't worry, we're not completely selfish. We got almost everyone covered that day as far as gifts go.

I know it's best to be frugal, but I honestly believe it's perfectly okay to spoil yourself every now and then. It doesn't have to be huge or extreme, but it's good to be good to yourself. And if you give to others in the process, the better! And what better way to do it when everything is cheaper anyway?

Rest in Peace, Little Cousin

2010-11-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

When I was younger, I always wondered why I didn't have more cousins than I could count like a lot of my friends did. I was shocked that there were people out there who didn't even know all their cousins' names. For me, it was easy. I had 3 cousins total for most of my childhood, plus another that came along in my teens. We joked that we got a new cousin every decade and it was somewhat true.

The Alworth family couldn't have been more thrilled to find out several months ago that a new cousin was on the way. My uncle Cameron and his girlfriend Berit were expecting. November 11, Anderson Montgomery Alworth was born. He had our nose, our chubby cheeks, and our dark hair. He was one of us...

A few short days later... November 25... he left this world, all too shortly.

I'm sad I didn't get to meet the little cousin I have waited years for, as he lived across the country. I'm feel terrible that I couldn't go with the rest of my family to his service tomorrow. My brothers and I donated a floral arrangement, but I wish there was more I could do. I love my extended family and wish I could be there just for support.

I don't know what I would do if I didn't believe in a life after this. It's such a tragic and hopeless thought to think that little Anderson was here and gone without a purpose. His life has brought people together and strengthened family bonds. There is another baby out there who lives because they received Anderson's heart. I hope there is a day when we will all be with this little baby.

Robin's Baby Shower!

2010-11-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Robin's baby shower for our first little nephew Jett (it's still Jett, right?) was Saturday!

It was the first time I've had any involvement in planning a baby shower. I did games and made sure I didn't include the poopy chocolate diaper game. Judd's height was as always helpful for hanging stuff up. We got Jett a little baby bath/basket.

Robin looked fabulous in a non-maternity dress. I hope I look that awesome preggo someday!

Molly made this really good cheesy vegetable soup we ate with bread bowls. Recipe please, thank you! I have a ton of it in my fridge and have been eating it all day, it's so yummy!

I'm thinking maybe next time around, I could maybe possibly potentionally be preggo with my sisters-in-law. I think it would be fun to have a pregnant friend to go through it with. My mother in law asked me to promise it. No guarentees there, but after seeing how fun baby stuff can be, I'm open to it! Of course, after Judd graduates and I get my fill in as a producer!

Anyways, congrats to Robin and our nephew! We can't wait to meet him!

A "Wasted" Vote

2010-11-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Judd and I took advantage of early voting a few weeks ago. Why not hit two birds with one stone, shop at Galleria and do our duties as citizens?

While we both voted for who we individually felt would be good candidates, we were stumped on who to vote for as our Senator. We didn't like either any of the choices available. I refuse to vote straight Republican just because I am one, I truly believe in picking the best person for the job, and we both felt that none of the candidates were the "best".

Luckily in Nevada, there is a "none of these candidates" option, so that is what we chose for this question.

I've been told several times that I "wasted" this vote by picking that option. I "gave away" my vote to someone else.

Obviously someone will become our new (or current) senator tonight. I'm not thrilled about the choices I was given and I hope that whoever the new senator is will rise above expectations and help our state.

In 1844, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were in a similar situation. They all really wanted to do their duty as citizens and vote, but unfortunately, none of the presidential candidates were sympathetic to their cause. They could not feel good about voting for any of those options. Prophet Joseph Smith stepped up and decided to run for president. He obviously wasn't going to win, but he ran so the Saints could have a peaceful conscience with their vote.

Voting is a right people, especially women and minorities, worked hard to make happen in this country. I feel it is important to honor their sacrifices by voting today. We shouldn't complain about our leaders if we didn't do anything to help or discourage their election.

In choosing "none of these candidates," we express our opinion that none of the candidates shared views that are consistent or close to our own, therefore we cannot select any of them. If the chosen candidate does terrible in office, we can have a peaceful conscience knowing we didn't help put them there. There's no such thing as a perfect candidate, and people do make mistakes, but there's no reason why we should have to vote for someone we obviously do not agree with.

This election is extremely tight today, and in Nevada, every vote really does count. So wherever you are, take a few moments to cast a ballot. If anything, you get a sticker that might give you a discount somewhere!

Hallow's Eve

2010-11-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend was full of lots of fantastic Halloween fun, and while I was too busy to take a million pictures, I have these few for just a glimpse!

Sierra and Darren had a Halloween party, so we all carved the goofiest pumpkins we could come up with. Ours is the Cheshire Cat at the end, but I think my favorite had to be Casey and Andrea's pumpkin-eating-a-pumpkin at the other end!

Darren home-brewed some root beer (something I'm dying to figure out how to do!). Lexi and Tori look so entranced by this!

And of course I had to love on the babies! Sierra and Darren's dog Anonymous had puppies a few weeks back, and it is very tempting to not steal one every time we see them!
The one time a year I'm allowed to dress my dog up...at least she liked it!
And our happy little family! The police skirt was a bit shorter than I expected, but thank goodness for really opaque leggings! I know it looks like a cop, but really, it's Public Information Officer Kidman! And of course, Judd was nice enough to wear the prisoner shirt.

I wish I had my camera for work, Channel 8 sure celebrates Halloween in style! Plus it was great to finally be able to dress up for Halloween at work.

Oh yeah, we do have a life...

2010-10-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

I realized that I spend so much time just spouting off whatever's going on in my mind that I've neglected to update this blog on other happenings! And what's the point of having a Mormon Mommy Blog (minus the mommy part)/Cute Young Married Couple blog without sharing for posterity's sake what we do these days?

There's about a billion October events in Las Vegas, mainly because people can finally stand to be outside for more than 15 minutes. We go to as many as we can, but by far, the funnest is the Ren Faire! Okay, so it may just be me who thinks that, but I'm trying to stretch out my childhood for as long as I can, and since I've been going to this since I was 11, it works. Jousting, great food, freak show, I love it! Judd loves it too, he just won't openly admit it =D

Karaoke Night! Kristin with an I came into town (you know I love you!) the other night, so it was a bit of an LVA/Friends We've Gathered Along The Way Reunion at the Ellis Island Karaoke bar! I'm permanently scarred from constantly having to compete against overly-amazing singers back during my LVA years, so I don't sing by myself publicly... but I'll sing in a group! Unfortunately the line to sing was about 100 years long so our little group didn't get to show off our best Spice Girls rendition (I was going to be Baby), but it was fun to cheer on Maria and Kristin. And Sasha should put out an album, she was the best singer there!

And this morning there was one of those rare freak thunderstorms. We don't have grass in our little yard, so I made Bindi wear bags on her feet. Such a patient dog!

Other then that, I'm just counting the days down to Graduation. Judd is making Cowboy Beebop Grips for his gun, and he hopes he can eventually make some to sell on Ebay. Apparently (nerdy) people pay hundreds of dollars for these. Thankfully I married someone extra nerdy who would rather make his own! (that's why I love him!)

We've been doing so much better at eating healthy and have shed some of those nasty newlywed pounds. Not that there were a lot, but I think everyone who is married knows what I mean. I'm on this big vegetable and "blue fruit" kick right now. I tell Judd it's in an effort to keep him around longer, but really, I know I at least feel a lot healthier and have more energy lately.

And the holidays are coming up! I'm already working on my Black Friday list, because I'll be honest, Black Friday is my favorite holiday after Fourth of July. I save up for it for months...then just let loose for a day! Don't worry, I'm getting in everyone's Christmas presents in there, I'm not that selfish.

And we're about to be an aunt and uncle for the first time! Robin is having a little boy and Molly will know soon what her baby will be. We're super excited to meet the little ones!

Sister Wives Marathon

2010-10-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

TLC sure loves "unique" families.

They love "little people" families, they love really big families, they love really big families made up of multiples. They love families who work on motorcycles, they love families who enter beauty pageants, and they especially love families with freak or accidental pregnancies. If there's anything I've learned from watching TLC, it's that families come in many, many different forms.

Including polygamy, as demonstrated by the lovely Brown family.

I was a little late in tuning into this show, but lucky for me (and Judd since I was in so much shock that I made him sit through it with me), all the episodes were re-running last night in preparation for the season (and probably series) finale. So we had a little polygamist TV marathon last night, complete with pizza and grape soda.

Watching "Sister Wives" to me was like watching a really bad movie that makes you really uncomfortable to sit through, but at the same time it is so fascinating that you can't turn it off. There were a lot of moments where the partial feminist in me cringed, gasped, wanted to throw the remote at the TV, and so on. These moments seemed to happen the most whenever clueless husband Cody or ditzy 3rd wife Christine opened their mouths to say anything. I especially wanted to slap Christine for setting up her newborn daughter to fail by naming her "Truely Brown." I know she had a middle name, but no one is going to remember to use it. Better hope Truely marries someone with a better last name, "Truely Brown" just sounds sad. I'm all for unique names, but come on, think of your kid and all the teasing they might get at their polygamist home school!

Oh, the other cringe moments came whenever about-to-be 4th wife Robyn burst into tears. She bursts into tears every time someone talks to her, she thinks a happy thought, and especially over her shared soul mate Cody.

Which made me wonder, if Cody is everyone's "soul mate", did he have to create some Horcruxes to split that soul up among four wives? So every time he remarries, he becomes less of a person? (sorry, I'm way too excited about Harry Potter in a few weeks!)

Cody may not be Voldemort, but it's pretty obvious the dude just wants a younger, more fertile wife since the other three are in their late thirties and just about past their child-bearing years. The worst was when he told one of the wives that it makes him sick to imagine her with another man...how does he think these wives feel on a daily basis?

But there were aspects of the show I liked too. I really liked 1st wife Meri since she seemed to be the most honest of the bunch and told Cody off the most for legitimate things. I liked the gaggle of teenage daughters who had life goals other than marrying the second they could. I wasn't able to form much of an opinion on 2nd wife Janelle other than that I'm glad she worked because someone needed to keep Cody in his shiny new Lexus and pay for Robyn's country club reception...oh, and feed the kids too.

I appreciate that TLC chose a more mainstream family to represent polygamy other than literal modern-day pioneers that you see in stories about raids and child molestation. These people look pretty normal and their kids seem pretty well adjusted. The wives seemed to genuinely care for one another and their kids. Quite honestly, I'm not sure what part of what they are doing is illegal, as Cody is legally only married to Mari. It's not much different than "The Girls Next Door" except these are mommies rather than Bunnies and there's a bunch of kids involved. But as evidenced in this show, Mr. Brown has several bedrooms he must rotate between, much like Mr. Hefner, I can imagine.

I could never do it. I'm glad I was born in the century I was, because I really don't think I could ever do it. I understand why it was done, but it's not for me.

But it does raise an interesting question: If gay marriage becomes mainstream, will polygamy become a more open thing? Not for religious reasons, but just because it, too, is an "alternative" view of marriage? Or what about one woman and two men? Is there even a culture that allows that?

Good News

2010-10-14T12:29:00.001-07:00

Like the rest of the world yesterday, I was glued to the TV watching the dramatic rescue of the Chilean miners who spent over two months trapped underground. At first, I justified having CNN on all day to see how their news producers handled having the same story run for hours on end, because that's generally how breaking news works (I learned that you pull an interview from anyone who may have a feasible opinion, even if it's totally BS like the illusionist they brought on to talk about what it is like to be in a small enclosed space).

Then I decided that I'm becoming a cynic and that really, I just wanted to watch good news for a change, even if it goes for hours on end.

I'm not sure if it's even possible to watch these rescues without shedding at least one tear or two, but the happy kind. I loved watching the families' faces as their loved ones came up the shaft. I loved watching the miners gratitude, especially those who immediately knelt down in prayer. I can't even begin to imagine how horrible it must have been for them underground and how relieved they must be to finally break free of their tomb.

There's so many people who justify their non-belief in God by pointing to horrific accidents, murders, natural disasters, and so and say, "Where was He? Why did He let that happen?" We cannot even begin to fanthom the reasons why some people die horrible deaths while others get rescued in the nick of time. Unfortunately not everyone gets to die of old age in their sleep, you can't plan your manner of death. I like to think that some people are needed a little bit earlier than others.

But what I do know is that God's hand was in this rescue. Those miners were trapped 17 days with little food and water before they were even discovered to be alive. Add that to the 2+ months they were left in the dark. I believe the technology used to save them was inspired, combined with the faith of the miners and their families.

There are miracles every day, and while most don't make international news, they are all around us if we just pause to look.

Just weighing in

2010-10-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

This has been on my mind A LOT lately, so I feel like I have to chime in on this whole gay teen suicide/Boyd K. Packer situation. I feel this is impossible to write without offending someone, so I do ask that you keep an open mind and understand that I am so torn between two sides.

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING disgusts me more than Church members, or really anybody, who pretends to be oh so Christ-like, then turn it around and treat a group of people like they are lower than dirt. The attitudes that so many members of our church have towards gay people are quite despicable and frankly, I can't really blame the GLBT community for some of the feelings they have towards us. I've heard so many members belittle, mock, and downright be rude towards people different from them, and I'm tired of it. It's not just LDS people, I know plenty of people of other faiths who have these attitudes. And of course, it's not every member who's doing it, but enough that I'm concerned.

Let me back-track a bit. I went to the Las Vegas Academy for high school, which is one of the top-ranked schools in Nevada. It is a performing arts academy where people have to audition to get in. It also happens to have a large gay student population. I knew so many talented kids who could have easily gotten into the Academy, but their parents refused to let them go there because they would have to mingle with gay kids. They would rather send them to the most ghetto and trashed high schools where they were more likely to get in a fight or get pregnant rather then let them explore their talents alongside gay classmates (and for the record, when I was at LVA, there had been 7 fights in the ENTIRE SCHOOL HISTORY and 2 pregnant girls in the 4 years I went there).

Luckily I have open-minded parents, so I went to LVA. Of course I made several gay friends. These were my classmates, I wasn't going to shun anyone. One friend in particular, I'll call Bob. Bob grew up in a very LDS household, yet knew he was gay. Rather than trying to help Bob, his family shunned him. It is a story I have heard over and over again. Wanna hear about gay teen suicides? It's a horrific fact in the LDS community. It's really sad how often I'm told by my gay friends that I'm the one nice Mormon they know because I actually talk to them.

Once I had to make the decision to either continue dating my LDS boyfriend or keep my gay friends. This guy wasn't happy that I had gay friends so he gave me that ultimatum. Guess which one I chose. I guess I'd rather hang out with people who liked me for me and not for who my friends liked to date.

So for almost 10 years now, I have struggled with how I feel about my gay friends and what the Church teaches. I do believe in what the prophets have said. This isn't an anti-Church rant, I do believe in protecting the family. I wasn't offended by Boyd K. Packer's last General Conference talk. I knew where he was coming from and I think the media has taken it out of context (sorry). Unfortunately he gave that talk during a very sensitive time period.

But the attitudes of the members towards these peoples has got to change. Newsflash, not everyone who is gay wants to be. My buddy Bob wished with all his heart that he wasn't gay. But he had no support from his family, which turned him off from the Church and any potential help he might have gotten. We need to be more supportive and helpful to one another, not try to out-righteous each other. If people knew half of the extent of sins I've committed, I wonder if I'd get shunned too.

I think our leaders would agree with me. The Church released this statement today:

This past week we have all witnessed tragic deaths across the country as a result of bullying or intimidation of gay young men. We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason. Such actions simply have no place in our society.

This Church has felt the bitter sting of persecution and marginalization early in our history, when we were too few in numbers to adequately protect ourselves and when society’s leaders often seemed disinclined to help. Our parents, young adults, teens and children should therefore, of all people, be especially sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or intimidation whenever it occurs, including unkindness toward those who are attracted to others of the same sex. This is particularly so in our own Latter-day Saint congregations. Each Latter-day Saint family and individual should carefully consider whether their attitudes and actions toward others properly reflect Jesus Christ’s second great commandment - to love one another.

I know the majority of the people reading this are LDS. I hope I didn't offend anyone. I just hope that we can be a little more open-minded as a group. It doesn't mean we have to accept gay marriage or even homosexuality if we don't want to. But we can treat people better. I have a feeling that the longer people fight for gay rights, the more our church will be in the media. Why don't we help the image people have of us and be the Christ-like people we claim to be? I know we're taking a lot of heat for this and it's difficult to stand up for our beliefs when the media tears us down for it. But the least we can do is show the respect we would like to recieve.

And for my friends who are gay, bi, straight, whatever: You know I'm here and I love you for you.

Here's a link to the rest of the Church's statement today:

http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/church-mormon-responds-to-human-rights-campaign-petition-same-sex-attraction

I wanna be a Producer! (10 points if you know the reference!)

2010-10-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

I am officially training at Channel 8 to be a free-lance producer!!!!

My progression at KLAS thus far has been intern to part-time assignment editor to now this. Hopefully when I graduate, I can become an associate producer full time. That's the goal, anyways.

So for those who don't know what a producer is, here's a little outline.

A Producer:

~writes the scripts for the newscasts. Anytime you watch the news and you see a story that doesn't have a reporter attached to it in the field, the producer probably wrote it.

~writes the teases. These are those annoying "after the break, we'll bring you....". We're actually not supposed to word them so obviously, so it's tricky to make them interesting without giving the whole story away. We don't want you to change the channel!

~comes up with stories. The producer meets with the reporters and brainstorm about what stories should be covered. The producer also scans national news to finds stories of interest to their region so they can localize it.

~makes stills. These are the full-screen charts, maps, graphs, and bullet-point sheets you'll see on TV. For more involved graphics, they tell the graphic designer what they want and then they get something pretty and photo-shopped.

~times the show. It is very important to make sure the show is timed perfectly in order to accommodate commercial breaks, especially when the show is live. The producer sets time limits for every story and makes sure everyone sticks to it. If the weather person talks a little too long and the anchors chit chat a bit too much, the producer must make the snappy decision to quickly drop a story. In reverse, if the show is too short, you have to egg on the anchors to talk and talk for 30 seconds, or find a story super quick!

~Choreographs the show. Should the anchors be standing, sitting, have a projector behind them, walk around, have an over-head shot, have a TV behind them, be talking to the reporter in studio or in field, etc...the list goes on and on!

~helps direct the show. The producer sits in the control room during the show and makes sure everything goes to plan. They work with the show's directer and make sure everyone is on task, especially the reporters who are out in the field.

~and above all, IS PREPARED FOR BREAKING NEWS!!! You could have a perfectly written script and have your anchors all ready in the field to do their live-shots...but then a plane crashes. Suddenly, half of what you spend the whole day on goes out the window and then it becomes a scrambling mess to get info out to both the reporters and the viewers and rearrange the entire show as it airs.

And in this town, anything goes when it comes to breaking news!

So there you have it! It's been an intense few weeks learning this job, but I love it. It helps that I work with some of the most awesome and talented people in the industry. Everyone has been super nice to me and willing to help me out!

I work weekends now, so with school on the weekdays, my schedule just got even more hectic. I just have to push through these next two months of school, then I can be done and really get this career going. I'm just happy it started before I graduate!

A Modest Proposal- Jaywalkers

2010-10-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's living by UNLV, or living in a borderline ghettoish area, but I can't help but notice the disturbing large numbers of people who jaywalk. People continually jet across the street, assuming that everyone will slam on their brakes for them. Scared drivers do, but I've heard it enough times on the police scanners where they didn't have enough time. There are so many "auto-ped" incidents in this town, it's ridiculous. Some die, some don't, but the impact on the person, and the driver, is huge. Can you imagine the therapy one has to go through if they hit a person, especially if that person died?

I've decided that jay-walkers have a blatant disregard for their lives if they can't walk the extra two hundred feet to the safety of a cross-walk. And the parent jay-walkers who drag a line of little kids or manically push a stroller in the face of traffic don't love their children enough to be concerned for their safety. I've watched too many people just burst on the road with little kids WITHOUT LOOKING both ways, just because they assume everyone will stop.

There's a story that was in the news a few weeks ago about parents who were ticketed for jaywalking as they walked their kids to school. They're all playing the race card and getting NAACP involved, but the point is, they broke the law AND taught their kids a crappy life lesson.

Now someone who has known me for a bit of time may read this and say "But wait, Kristen, how can you have such animosity towards jaywalkers? Weren't YOU one at one time? Isn't that how, you know, you busted your leg?"

Yes, dear readers with a good memory. When I was 16, I darted across the road to catch my bus and paid dearly for it. A fractured femur that required multiple surgeries over two years, wheelchairs, crutches, physical therapy, delayed license-getting, and no winter fun in Reno after the second surgery. But it could have been much worse. I could have died (and a bunch of witnesses thought I did, funny story I'll have to tell sometime).

Having learned to NEVER do that again, I have come up with a Modest Proposal for jaywalkers. I suggest that jaywalkers all get hit the next time they feel the urge to sprint across the street in the face of traffic. They won't die (sorry to those who were hoping I'd go Johnathan Swift and go for a population-eliminating proposal), but they would get injured enough so they'd have to work for a recovery. A few weeks off school/work with no pay, excruciating physical therapy, crutches/casts, and so on.

This way, jaywalkers learn that they are not invincible and that there are consequences for breaking the law. Drivers won't have to worry about cleaning blood and body parts off their windshields, and police can worry about bigger and badder crimes. I'm tired of hearing my brakes screech and feeling my heart drop down to my stomach on a daily basis, and getting yelled at by the jaywalkers who got worried that I'd hit them!

I'll admit to occasionally meandering across an empty road here and there. But when it comes to MY life and OTHER drivers, I want to have common courtesy. Plus, the extra exercise of walking to a crosswalk can't hurt, right?

Happy Birthday Bindi!

2010-09-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Bindi's 1st Birthday!

We actually don't have an exact date of Bindi's birth since she was born under her breeder's house and they think the pups were a few days old when they found them... so we chose the 29th (close enough, right?) to celebrate because it's also the anniversary of the day we met...through our second favorite Border Collie Nel!

Follow me?

I'll break this down by pictures:

So this is me three years ago with my puppy friend Nel. Some friends and I decided to be sneaky and use a puppy to make ourselves stand out at a regional YSA activity. Come on, there was going to be hundreds of people there, gotta make a statement...

...and it worked! He asked me "her name", I said mine, and the love story went up from there! This picture is also from that night...little did we know we just met the person we were going to marry!

A couple of years later, we decided to honor the border collie that brought us together by getting one of our own. We saw this picture in a KSL ad for border collie puppies and just hoped the one in the middle was still available...

...and we adopted her and named her Bindi! We were supposed to wait until Christmas to take her home, but that was too long so we got her Thanksgiving weekend 2009. This picture was taken at Bindi's first Flyball Tournament (love the pink poodle scrubs!).

And now Bindi and Nel are besties! Well, kind of. They're on the same Flyball team and we've babysat Nel and her brother Roo, so they do see each other quite a bit. I think Nel sees Bindi as the annoying little kid that just bugs her, but now that they're competing with each other as teammates, I hope they get along better!

So Happy Birthday Bindi! We love her so much and are so happy she came to live with us and be our pseudo-kid. And yes, make fun of me all you want, but I did wrap her present, make her homemade dog treats, and invite our friends Rebecca and Jared over for dinner so they would bring her friend Alfred to play with!

Answers to that awkward question...

2010-09-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

"When are you having kids?"

This question comes in two forms. The first form, I don't mind. "When are you having kids" is a genuine curiosity, much like "Where are you from" or "Where do you work?". The reason I don't mind this version is because when I give the typical "after we graduate," people usually respond positively and tell us we're smart to wait. The joking variety of this is okay too, I can laugh it off.

The second form drives me nuts. "When are you having kids" can really be interpreted as "Why haven't you had kids yet?" This version is asked by those who are concerned for the welfare of your soul, because obviously if you don't have kids at this very moment, you're not on par with "The Plan" (LDS lingo, but I'm sure other religions have something along the lines of it). Or they're just nosy and judgmental elderly Relief Society ladies.

This version also bothers me because it is insensitive to those who may be struggling with infertility issues. There are actually people out there who believe the parents must be sinners if they don't have children, and considering there is a large amount of people who really cannot have children, this is a rude way of thinking and not Christ-like at all.

The longer Judd is and I remain childless, the more often I hear this question. And after talking to many friends, both married, engaged, LDS, non-LDS, I've decided it's a nagging epidemic. It's even an issue for my friends who have at least one kid, people are so anxious for them to have more! So I decided to write this blog to provide some clever responses for my friends and for myself!

So..."When are you having kids?" (the naggy, you're an awful person for not having kids at the moment version)

~"What is your Social Security number?" This can be substituted with "Are you happy with your marriage" or "How much do you weigh," any super personal response question works. Thanks Mr. Geiger for that little gem!

~"Obviously we're not doing something right, can you give us some tips or suggestions?" Awkward, but this one came from my dad, who apparently actually used this all the time before I came around.

~"We're practicing." Everyone's heard that one, but I would love to actually see it used.

~"I'm really busy raising a puppy, three sugar gliders, and two turtles. They're like my practice children." I actually do use this either jokingly with friends or when my school excuse doesn't fly over for those who don't value the education of women.

Alright, so before my mom friends get upset and tell me that children are the greatest blessing and that I'm a rotten person for even posting this, I'll throw in this disclaimer: I do really want kids someday. Really, I do. But I made a promise to myself years ago that I MUST finish school. I was even hesitant to get married before I graduated (but Judd was too cute and I wouldn't do it any other way!). So my philosophy says that now that I'm almost there, I would like just a small amount of time to use that very expensive piece of paper for what it's worth. I would like to support Judd in finishing school the way he supported me.

Obviously, if a baby comes along before that, GREAT! I can't wait to have little Judds and Kristens! I'm not anti-kid by any means. I know it's worked out for people who didn't "wait", and it has worked out for people who did. I would never judge anyone who wanted to be a parent first, that is so unselfish and really honorable. When it comes down to it, it's really a personal decision between you, your spouse, and God.

So when are we having kids?

When we know the time is right!

Dog Park Nazis

2010-09-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to the Other Kristin (note the "i" instead of an "e") who requested I write this blog

Lately, whenever I take Bindi to the dog park, I've noticed that there are several people that I lovingly have labeled "Dog Park Nazis". They are generally older people who tend to have little nippy dogs. I always used to wonder why they even came to the dog park, because their nippy little dogs just sit on the table with them instead of running and playing like dogs should at the park. But I have now determined that they are there solely to judge other people and their dogs and they live off the good feelings they get when they feel superior to others.

For example:

~If a dog does its business, they will immediately bring it to the owner's attention over and over and over again until the owner goes and takes care of it. I watched this happen to a family who was in the middle of their picnic and for obvious reasons, weren't rushing to pick up after their dog. Come on, they were eating. But the DPN continued to cackle about it until these people relented, which brings me too...

~...food. Apparently bringing food into the dog park is like the ultimate sin, next to not immediately cleaning up after Fido. Judd and I have brought pizza in there before, which I have heard is "the stupidest thing ever." I know it's not the smartest thing to do either, but a polite "I'm concerned that my dog might eat your food, do you mind eating it outside and then coming in" would be more appreciated.

~DPNs all want to know how you got your dog, and it will be one of the first questions they ask you. 10 points if you rescued it from a shelter, with another extra 3 points if you drop in a side note that your dog was "abused" by its former owners. 5 points if you bought it from a breeder, but 0 points if they sense that it was a "backyard breeder". -100 points if you admit you bought it from a pet store, and after getting a lengthy lecture about the horrors of puppy mills, you will be snubbed to the opposite side of the field.

~Next to your dog's origins, DPNs want to ensure that your dog is healthy and well-taken care of. I let it slip that Bindi got into brownies a few weeks ago, and the lectures I received on the dangers of chocolate made me wonder if they weren't already secretly dialing Animal Control under the table. I was a veterinary assistant for three years, so I could easily tell them off for how overweight the little nippy dogs are and all the fun health problems you get with that...but I'm nice.

~You may think you are at the dog park to socialize your dog, you know, with other dogs and people, but according to DPN, you are there to bond with your dog while trash-talking those pet store buying, non-organic feeding losers in the corner with the designer Malti-poo. Eating McDonalds. I actually got told off for not playing with Bindi once. I scanned the park, expecting to see a bored Border Collie (crazy, I know) by the lady's tone of voice. Instead, I see my pup happily catching a toy that a nice older gentleman was tossing to her. But since I wasn't the one tossing it, I was a bad owner.

~What else makes you a bad owner? Having a badly behaved dog, or at least one in the eyes of DPNs. Now with this, I can agree sometimes. People with overly aggressive dogs shouldn't be at the park, especially when the dog is trying to rip my dog's head off. But when the dog's only crime at that point is jumping at, not on, but at someone, an angry yelling of "YOUR DOG HAS BAD MANNERS" isn't necessary. Especially when the culprit is a happy puppy who just barely entered the park. I take great pride in all the training that has gone into my dog, both professionally and through Judd and myself. But we know she is an excitable puppy who makes mistakes. It is our responsibility to discipline her though, not a DPN.

And really, it's the dog park. Dogs are there to have fun. We're there to have fun and watch our dogs play. No need to be rude.

Labored

2010-09-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

NO, we couldn't remember the exact posing of Charlie's Angels, but we're cute anyways.

My Labor Day started bright and early at 4:00 a.m., where I woke up to go to work. I figured it would be a chill day, who wants to commit crime on a holiday? The scanners were pretty quiet for the majority of the morning. I got a few phone calls complaining about Days of Our Lives being canceled for an all-day showing of a tennis match. I ate a healthy turkey wrap that our morning guest brought in to show parents how to make healthy food.

8:30 a.m.: I'm due to leave work in a half an hour, when I hear this on the scanner:

WE HAVE A 442 TWO MILES WEST OF THE EXECUTIVE AIRPORT.

While there are several police codes to learn, there's a few that should always stick with me, because there's a BIG emergency.

442 is an airplane emergency.

We learned very quickly that a small airplane had crashed in a neighborhood by Silverado Ranch and Bermuda. Instantly, all our phones started ringing. We sent the nearest reporter in that direction while we frantically gathered whatever information we could to help her. Our helicopter went up. We cut to breaking news, infuriating everyone trying to watch the tennis match.

I juggled 4 phone lines, which included requests from CNN, Janet the reporter, Ian the producer, the police, witnesses who wanted to share their story, witnesses who wanted to sell us photographs (unethical, people!), and of course all the angry tennis people upset that they couldn't watch their game. Those people really annoyed me because I was trying to do my job and get information from witnesses and the police and get it to Janet and Ian and I would have to stop in the middle of it and get yelled at by a tennis fan!

Eventually we learned that the pilot was a hero. He landed the plane in the middle of the neighborhood street rather than hitting a house. Unfortunately, he passed away, but his three passengers survived. Neighbors were also heroes; they doused the plane with water and got the fire out before the authorities got there.

I got out of the newsroom at 10:00 a.m., with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of Labor Day. But this is why I love the newsroom, it's a super exciting place to be, especially when breaking news happens!

Later, we let off some steam and went shooting with Kim, Geoff, Amber, and Telly! Had to celebrate at some point, right? I'm no where near the shooting level of the guys (Telly's in the military, Geoff's a policeman, and Judd's just really good), but my trusty pink gun and I are getting there!

Revenge of the Brownies

2010-09-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

They looked a lot cooler in person. Someday when I have a life outside of school, I'll take an actual cake-decorating class, but for now I'll just pretend =D

Judd wanted me to write "I re-baked them just for you, Love Bindi"...but who wants to think about dog barf while eating my delicious brownies?!?!?

There is NO WAY Bindi can reach these brownies now, right?

So just to wrap up our Brownie Drama, I finally got around to replacing all the brownies Bindi ate as well as giving our favorite Animal Hospital a thank you tray from us. Judd finally got his Birthday Brownies a week late, but better late then never, right? I dusted them with cocoa and powdered sugar and sprinkled them with flower sprinkles to make the dirt bikes look like they're riding in the desert hills (or dessert hills, HAHAHA...apparently I had one too many of those today).

Happy (late) Birthday Blog Judd!

2010-09-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this blog is a week late, but since we celebrate birthday weeks in this family (according to Judd), that's okay.

Judd turned the very scary 3-1, but totally doesn't look it, feel it, or acknowledge it. If you ask him, he is eternally 27. I too have decided to take this approach and will stop aging after 23, just so you all know!

Not that birthdays are a bummer, but our two birthdays both fall right when tuition is due, so I always feel bad for having to keep it cheap. Someday when we're rich AND college graduates, we will have more spectacular birthdays, but for now, we'll keep it simple BUT fun! For a gift, he got himself a bunch of tech stuff, and I got him a bunch of fancy spices and sauces from Cape Cod to encourage some of his great gourmet/Giada style cooking! Plus that snazzy Enduro Cross shirt he's modeling up there in the top picture!

This year, we got a bunch of friends and family to go celebrate at Judd's favorite restaurant/former place of employment: Buffalo Wild Wings! Seriously, Judd can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about anything on the menu. Molly and Mike, Robin and Dave (and the baby ultrasound!), and Kim, Jeff, and Amber came along. Too bad they don't give you anything special if it's your birthday there, but we still had fun!

Afterward, Telly and our adorable British friend Rebecca met the rest of us at our house (which, coincidentally, was the first time we've really shown it off since we moved in 6 months ago!). Rebecca brought her new Wire-hair Fox Terrier puppy Alfred along to play with Bindi (who was sulking upstairs trying to rid herself of all Judd's birthday brownies she ate- see previous post!). We had a game night, where we learned that Kim is always a Mafia hit-woman, Molly is actually an innocent towns person, and quiet people are super suspicious!

So here's to another great year for Judd! Happy Birthday!

I love you,

me!

Oh Bindi, you dumb dog!

2010-08-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading this blog for the past several months or so, you all know how much I absolutely love my puppy Bindi. Well, our love for Bindi was put to the test Friday when she decided to eat Judd's special Birthday Brownies!

My plan was to make this awesome brownie structure dusted with cocoa mix and powdered sugar, then put little toy dirt bikes on it for Judd's birthday. So I bake the brownies, set them where I'm pretty sure Bindi can't reach, and wait upstairs for them to cool off. Bindi was sitting innocently in the office with me for awhile, then wanders downstairs. 3 minutes later, Judd comes upstairs and asks me what I did with the brownies. "They're on the counter", I remind him, can't he still smell that lovely chocolaty wafting through the house? "Kristen, we have a BIG problem", he says. Just then, Bindi comes into the room, guilty as sin, with chocolate in her teeth.

"GET THAT DOG IN THE CAR!!!" I yell. "THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!" We rush to American Pet, which was closing in 15 minutes. Lucky for us, we're still super cool with them, so the second we got there, they rushed her back and gave her an injection to throw everything up. They invited us back to the treatment area (you know, since 9 months ago this was my job and all!) to watch them save Bindi. They stuck a tube down her throat to pour four tubes of activated charcoal through.

Now when I did this back in the day, dogs would fight tooth and nail for this procedure (unless they were freaks and enjoyed the taste of charcoal). I was super proud of Bindi for sitting still and letting Dr. Pond and Lori work with her. (yes, this dog CAN sit still, believe it or not!). They released her just in time for us to rush to Judd's Buffalo Wild Wings party (more on that later).

Bindi is going to be okay, thank goodness, mainly because we got her to the vet within 20 minutes or so of her eating the brownies. If your dog eats chocolate, the quicker you get her to the vet, the less invasive and less expensive the treatment (by the way, thanks APH for the discount!), and more likely your dog won't have any lasting damage. We're really glad the staff was able to make her feel better so quickly, and I really appreciate them making me laugh when I was seriously on the verge of tears for being so dumb with the brownies. They piled up some of the barf and stuck a makeshift candle in it and sang to Judd, way gross, but I really needed that laugh!

Now I have to make them brownies as a sweet thank you!

First Time Field-Producing!

2010-08-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today was my first time field-producing a live news event and getting paid for it! Channel 8, along with LVRJ and PBS, put together the Gubernatorial Debate between Rory Reid and Brian Sandoval tonight at the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy.

My job was to be the stop-watch queen. Basically, each candidate only had two minutes to answer a question, and one minute to rebuttal. We had to keep them within time since this was a live event with no commercials. I would work the stopwatch, and Chris would hold up the time cards. Surprisingly, the candidates mostly managed to answer the questions within the allotted time! Now whether they actually answered the questions is another story...

Without getting too political, I was impressed on how much the candidates were concerned about the failing education system of this state, and intrigued by both of their plans. I've read up on both of them and find things I like in both. Unfortunately I was too absorbed in keeping the time and barely breathing for an hour to really focus on how the candidates answered the questions, but that's what DVR is for! I wish there had been a little less mocking the competition, but I guess that's to be expected. Thankfully the audience was mostly quiet until the end when a couple of Reid supporters couldn't hold it in anymore and had to let us know "RORY HAS A PLAN!". Guess what, Sandoval does too!

It was a really great experience and affirmed to me that I'm definitely in the right field of business. It's exciting to work on a live show in the location that the rest of the city just watches on their screen. I liked meeting cool people and feeling so professional in my suit and sitting up front. It's really neat that Channel 8 let Jay (another current UNLV student, cool kid) and I work this show even though we're still in school. But then again, I'm excited that we have these jobs before we graduate! I hope we did them proud!

The BEGINNING of the END!

2010-08-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of my last semester of college! I am in total shock/excitement that this day is actually here. I've been doing the college thing for a little longer then I envisioned when I first started 5 years ago, but now that I'm here, I think all the extra time was worth it. I've really enjoyed being a student for the most part and I know I'll miss it. I would do grad school, but I'm in such a great position when I graduate to have a great career ready to go that I'm not sure it would be worth it. I've made so many awesome friends throughout the years, particularly my Studio G crew. Being stuck with the same people every day putting a show together either brings you closer or makes you crazy, so fortunately it's the former in our case!

I'm so glad I married someone so supportive of my schooling. I know in so many cases, the wife usually works/has kids while the husband finishes school. We got a lot of questions about that for the past few years, and I know a lot of people were concerned that I was going to school when they felt it really should have been Judd. I guess all I can say is that it was a decision we made before we got married, and it was a sacrifice Judd wanted to make for this family. It's perfect, really. Now that I will have a degree, I will be able to work a job that can support us while Judd goes full time, where I was unable to do that a few years ago. That way I feel like I "did something" with my degree before we get around to having kids! I really want Judd to enjoy school and get the degree that he's already earning the life experience for, so I can't wait for him to start this spring.

But anyways, I fully plan on living up the college experience (minus the boozing and sleeping around) for the next 4 months and enjoying it while it lasts! And to participate in my college experience, I will shamelessly plug in our daily news show for your viewing experience! We will air at 1:30 Mondays-Fridays at unlv.tv/views!

Dear Hollywood,

2010-08-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Hollywood,

I understand you feel there is a need to make an American version of an internationally acclaimed movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo that's only been out a year. Just because the book took off in America doesn't mean there needs to be an American version of an already existing Swedish movie. You're playing to the needs of lazy Americans who refuse to read subtitles. There's also a voice-over dubbing option as well (but kind of loses the effect). No offense or anything, but you kind of tend to screw up good books when you turn them into blockbusters.

And there's the fact that you seriously considered casting Kristin I'm-really-good-at-biting-my-lip-and-that's-about-the-range-of-my-acting-ability Stewart as Lisbeth. Noomi Rapace, the Swedish actress who plays Lisbeth in the existing film DOES speak English, just so you know. But then again, she's been this character for a year and a half now as Sweden chose to film all three movies at once so she might be tired of it. Rooney Mara has some BIG shoes to fill!

Plus, as super uncomfortable as some of the scenes were, they are part of the story and I think you would just dilute them (I covered my eyes anyways, they were that uncomfortable, but at least I knew what was going on!). I liked the idea that some of the girls stood up for themselves after all the abuse they had gone through, even if it was extreme. I've read that late author Stieg Larsson witnessed a rape as a youth and felt horrible for not doing anything about it, hence why his female characters are very strong.

Some of the best films I've seen were foreign made, Run Lola Run, Hero, and Life is Beautiful just to name a few. I think it's fun to watch a movie made from different perspectives than American filmmakers. They give a glimpse into different cultures and different values and how artistic expressions are viewed.

I understand you have to appeal to the masses. Just try really hard not to screw it up, okay?

Yours truly,
Kristen

Congrats Kim and Geoff!

2010-08-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

So after a year of anxiously waiting, Kim and Geoff finally got married!

I got back from my trip just in time to help with all the festivities. Kim, Amber, Shelly, and I went accessory and makeup shopping the night before the big day. After that, Judd came and helped us all decorate the church for the reception. His engineering skills came in handy for trying to figure out the best way to hang the canopy! We had a bunch of crafty things to use as centerpieces, so Kim and I played with them until we came up with an arrangement sort of like the one above for each table. Not that you can see it really well in these pictures, but that necklace is Kim's "Something Borrowed"...my necklace from my wedding!

The next day, Judd and I were honored to be present during their sealing. It's not everyday you get to go to a live one, so it was nice to be there and remember our own. Kim's brother on a mission, Kevin, was also there, in cardboard spirit! (But not in the temple, he had to wait outside!) After pictures, Judd and I headed home where I spent the next two hours frantically assembling a Kristen-Custom-Designed reception guest book, our last minute wedding gift! I'm pretty proud of how it turned out and bummed I didn't take any pictures of it. But at least everyone signed it and wrote the bride and groom some sweet messages!

The reception was fun, especially the dancing (my favorite reason to go to them!). Kim and Geoff looked as happy as could be, even if Geoff's super-sweet car got written on. Geoff's 4 brothers each spoke, and Kim's cardboard brother gave a pre-recorded speech.

I'm so happy for the new couple, especially for Kim. I've known her since Girls' Camp days, and she has always been such an amazing friend and confidante. She really does deserve the best.

On a side note, I think it's cute that we both started out with our initials KA, and now we're both KK!

And your Fun Fact for the day! Kim's sister Amber is dating Judd's brother Telly (really small world), so if it hopefully works out someday, Kim and I would be somewhat related!!!

Cape Cod- Hocake Style!

2010-08-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

So 6 days in Paradise wasn't enough for me. Judd went back to work, and I stayed in the Cape to hang out with my most favorite Cape Cod Hocake (trust me, it's a term of endearment), Alex! It was fun to have a girl's trip. Her family was very gracious in letting me stay in their cottage (like I used to back in the day) and eat their fantastic food. Even though the rest of our usual Cape Cod gang wasn't there (losers!), we still had a blast doing all the usual Cape Cod things! I think this is the summer we realized that while a lot of things change (friends move, graduate, have real jobs they can't ditch for two weeks, oh, and grow up), some things stay the same on the Cape. The tides still go in and out, Kate's ice cream calls for nightly trips, kids still try to sink the barge-like rafts, lobster is always excellent, and some friendships are meant to stand the test of distance and time. I think an annual Hocake trip is definetly in order from here on out!

Cape Cod- Judd and Kristen Style!

2010-08-14T15:51:00.001-07:00

I am so glad I married someone who can appreciate my favorite place in the entire world almost as much as I do. Judd and I went to the most scenic town Brewster in the most beautiful place in the world, Cape Cod! For those unfamilair with what Cape Cod is (it's okay, I'm finding most people have no idea), it is the part of Massachusetts that kind of juts out like an arm flexing, and Brewster would be kind of on the bicep. It's one of those places where the tide will go out a mile and you can walk the flats and play with all the little sea critters. There are two cottages up there that my family shares with various extended family members, and the Alworths have been going up for about five generations now every summer. We're related to half "the park", which is the community the cottages are in by the beach, which meant I always had to be careful who I dated up there back in the day! Everything Cape Cod is totally ingrained in me, so luckily I found someone who loves it too!

Judd and I enjoyed 6 days of fishing, boating, biking along the Cape Cod Bike trail, eating excellent seafood that you just can't get in Vegas, beaching it up, tanning, shopping, and so on. Judd was a good sport and played in the weekly community baseball game with Dad and Sam, which all the older guys appreciated! He was also a good sport Monday night when I commandeered the one television set to watch the season finale of The Bachelorette (Chris deserves better!). Judd also enjoyed the most likely to cause a heart-attack burger ever at Friendly's (another New England entity): a burger in between TWO grilled cheese sandwiches!

I just love this place. It is a town ingrained in American values, where people wave and say hello to strangers. They buy their vegetables from farmer's stands and catch their own fish to eat. Kids have bonfires on the beaches and play sports in the mornings. I can jog in the woods and not worry about getting attacked. It is my ultimate dream to live in Massachusetts, and Judd agrees that when we get rich enough, we're buying a cottage on the beach to live in during the summer! There really isn't a happier place on Earth, not even Disneyland.

Oh, those Pioneers!

2010-07-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

(I love how I wait until Tuesday to write my weekend blogs...you know, since nothing exciting really ever happens on the weekdays. I'm still slightly annoyed at the camera for running off, but as long as he reappears in time for the Cape Cod trip, we're all good!)

Confession Time...

When I was younger, a lot younger, like 9 or so, I hated the pioneers.

We had moved from Ohio, a pleasant, multi-cultural place where I had a variety of friends to American Fork, Utah, where everyone was white and LDS. I am too, so that shouldn't have been a big deal, but what made me different was that I had absolutely no pioneer ancestry. Seriously, these kids would compare pioneer blood lines, "Well, I'm a direct descendant from Brigham Young." The teachers would talk about it in the classroom like everyone had someone who had crossed those plains. My family is from New Jersey originally, so I always felt some resentment that I didn't have cool pioneers somewhere in the family tree. I also had a slight fear that maybe some distant New York ancestors helped drive the pioneers out!

But obviously I got over my extreme dislike of the pioneers and now appreciate them. And to show my Pioneer Appreciation, I went to a Pioneer Parade this weekend, the first one I've been to since I lived in Utah.

Let's admit, Pioneer Parades are a bit hokey (and this is where I wish I had my camera). There's no actual covered wagons with oxen or horses pulling. Instead, it's trailer beds being pulled by F-150s carrying large groups of Primary kids with water guns and illegal candy-throwing. But still, it's a fun event! I always play this game with myself whenever I'm in a large group of people to count the number of things that are unique, sort of like the game where you count all the red cars on the highway during a long car drive. This time, it was women/girls in tank tops (you know, Mormon event=Modest is Hottest!) and guys in full out pioneer garb. Judd's sisters Molly and Robin were helping with the formerly Cumorah Credit Union booth and float, and the in-law's trailer bed made a cameo appearance in the parade disguised as a pioneer wagon!

And you can't beat free snow cones and buttered pita-bread! A pioneer favorite...

And it's always fun going with good friends. We went with Sierra and Darren, Patricia and little Max, and Andrea and her girls Tori and Lexi!

Afterwards, we hung out at Sierra and Darren's house where Bindi perfected her box turns in hopes of becoming Team Boron's future hope. Later, we celebrated another American tradition and went to a 51s game, then we got a totally American snack: deep fried Oreos on Fremont Street!

EnduroCross!

2010-07-20T11:24:00.001-07:00

(I wrote this a week ago, but was holding out until we found our runaway camera to post. The camera still refuses to reappear, so here we go...)

-Judd here, I know, its usually Kristen writing in this but she wants me to contribute a bit. We had an awesome time the other day at the endurocross. I was most impressed with how much Kristen got into it and was cheering riders on. The actual obstacles they were going over didn't seem too bad, probably the most challenging part would be the other riders, it was like demolition derby on motorcycles. There were so many brutal crashes but the pro's really stood out by how smooth and elegant they took the obstacles. The whole time Molly, Kristen and my dad were echoing what was going on in my head that I should be out there too. I've never raced competitively before but it would definitely be fun to try. Though its likely they are thinking I'd be more suited to this sport due to my perfecting of the art of the high-speed casual dismount. anyway, back to Kristen...

~Kristen: As part of my continuing initiation into the dirt-biking world, Judd and I went to EnduroCross on Saturday with Molly and Mike and Judd's dad who awesomely got us tickets! I had never been to something like this before, but it was SO COOL! It made me feel a little more relaxed about Judd's dirt-bike trips, since before I always worried he'd get really hurt. Well, these guys were falling all over the place, but they'd dust themselves off and get right back on their bikes. My favorite rider was Ricky Dietrich, mainly because he seemed so bad-A, plus he looked super cool in his black/white/pink/yellow striped gear. I just got really annoyed with him though when he would get so close to being #1, but immediately goof and fail to place in the main event.

I'm trying to get Judd to compete in November's EnduroCross amateur event since he claims that he could pull those stunts easily!

Kristen Reviews...the "I told you so" TV moment, the City within a City, and a little taste of bliss

2010-07-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

We'll start with the event I said would happen since the beginning of this season's The Bachelorette. I knew from the moment Frank's creepy face filled Hannah's TV screen that there was something off about that guy. And even though all the previews and reviews showed "Rated R" and Wolverine Craig as the bad guys, I just knew Frank was going to pull some sort of stunt. Sure enough, he went back to Chicago to see if he still had feelings for his old girlfriend. My thoughts on this: if he was doubting anything, it would have been nice of him to tell Ali before she got weirdly attached to him (I know, with Roberto and Chris there, she liked Frank?). But at the same time, Ali is leading him on as well as the other guys. But I guess it's okay if you're getting paid $100,000 dollars to do it. But to Frank's girlfriend: congrats on getting your man back. I hope you have your own place and a decent job, because Mr.-I-had-a-good-job-but-I-wanted-to-pursue-my-screenwriting-so-I-moved-to-Paris-and-ended-up-back-at-my-parents...well, you know already. Maybe he'll write a really good screenplay about this whole experience.

At least my favorite homeboy Cape Cod Chris is hanging in there in the final two, but Roberto may be better for her. But that's probably because I think one of my Cape Cod friends should track Chris down for herself!

City Center...an experiment in the idea of "a city within a city". In Tokyo, they're building something along the same premise, except that it is one gigantic building with schools, grocery stores, libraries, public pools, you name it. I'm not sure if Las Vegas's City Center will eventually remember to cater to the people who live there as opposed to just visiting, but either way, the architecture alone makes it worth checking out. Random waterfalls, cool lighting arrangements, and gravity-defying statues and buildings are amazing. We walked around Aria, and then went to the still-under-construction mall Crystals. What I don't understand is why Crystals was necessarily needed. All of its stores are overly-expensive high-end fashion, but we already have malls and hotels with these stores on the Strip. At least at Fashion Show and Miracle Mile, they have reasonably-priced stores too for those of us not wanting to drop $1,000 on a pair of shoes. But it is fun to walk around still and pretend like we're super ritzy!

CRAZY-HORSE ROLL!!!
My favorite sushi place in Las Vegas is Sushi on Tropicana, and the creation pictured is why. I can't believe I found a picture of it online, but there you go! Salmon, crab, avocado, cream cheese, rice, sea-weed, dipped in tempura, baked, then drizzled in eel and yum-yum sauce. A long time ago when Judd and I first started dating, he was kind of hesitant on the sushi thing. So I took him to this restaurant and made him eat that divine creation. Now he loves it! We have started to make our own version of this, and it's awesome, but this roll at that place will always reign supreme! We live across the street from Sushi on Tropicana, so we tend to frequent it just a bit. Plus we're buddies with the sushi chefs now, so they usually give us free deep-fried ice cream or something!

TWO YEARS!!!!

2010-07-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Then during our reception...

...Now eating at the place!

Isn't it so pretty?

Judd and I have been married TWO YEARS today!

It doesn't seem that long, mainly because we make it a point to never stop feeling like newlyweds, but still, it's insane how fast time flies.

Our major celebration is our hugely anticipated Cape Cod trip in less than 3 weeks (EEEEEEE!!), but to celebrate the day, we went back to the Cile restaurant at the Bali Hai golf course where we had our ring ceremony and reception. It is such a classy place with stunning views. After eating their divine triangle cheese bread, we started off with humongous shrimp cocktail. Judd ordered a burger, and I went for the sentimental chicken dish our guests ate. They gave us this awesome gelato dish on the house with a cute little "Happy Anniversary" chocolate! Afterward,
we walked around the course a bit.

It was nice to sit back, splurge a bit, and reminisce while dreaming about the future. While our present to ourselves is the trip, I did get us some of those super-soft airplane pillows that you wrap around your neck just for fun. And Judd got me my absolute favorite stargazer lillies and sparkling cider!

I love you Judd, and here's to many more fantastic years! You're the best friend and even better husband anyone could ever ask for!

Prosciutto and Fireworks

2010-07-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

4th of July...the easiest holiday to celebrate in a low-key, yet super fun way. You don't have to go all out to make it awesome. Judd, Bindi and I just got back from the park where we barbecued some hot dogs and snacked on our ultimate indulgent craving (after sushi, but cheaper: prosciutto and mozzarella! It was super delicious and of course the dog wanted some, but she had to be content with her bone, sorry!

Afterwards, we laid in the grass and read for a bit. That might sound lame to some people, but seriously, who has time to do that anymore? I know we sure don't! It was really relaxing to get lost in a good book for a while.

The park was right next to Green Valley Station's firework display, so we watched that for a bit. Surprisingly, our normally neurotic dog did NOT freak out at the fireworks. She didn't seem to even notice them. She did notice the smorgasbord of illegal fireworks afterwards when we went for a walk around the neighborhoods to walk off the ridiculous amounts of calories that prosciutto has in it (80 calories/serving, and since Judd and I each had about 3 servings...yikes! All that in a piece of meat and cheese!). I know illegal fireworks are dangerous and all, but growing up we had a neighbor that used to get them and it was super fun for us kids to light them, so I really can't judge people too much for it! They kind of made us nervous though when we walked under a few going off literally right over our heads!

We're both so thankful to live in America. It was nice singing patriotic songs in church today, I think we forget how powerful those lyrics are. We may not like some of the directions it is going in, but we are thankful that centuries ago, people fought for a vision of what this country could be and accomplish. We only hope that America will continue to be that country worth fighting for.

That puppy can swim!

2010-07-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

I love this picture because both of us are squinting in it!

For the past few months, we have slowly been trying to teach Bindi how to swim. "Teach" probably isn't the best word since she can swim naturally, more like "getting Bindi accustomed to water". This dog was such a wimp when it came to swimming. We really wanted to get her to like swimming with us, especially since she's a little black dog in the hot Vegas heat. But finally yesterday, after a day of chasing dirt bikes, Bindi either knew she couldn't hide under the trailer any more or got tired of watching us have all the fun, because she voluntarily got in on her own! We were so excited and of course, like proud parents, took a ton of pictures. She's much nicer and cuddlier in the water and reminds me of a baby seal. She prefers to lounge around on the blue raft, but I'm sure once we remember to bring a tennis ball, she'll jump right in!

In other news, we're enjoying our 3 day 4th of July weekend, definitely needed! It was nice getting much needed relaxation in, and extra fun seeing people we haven't seen in forever (Mark and Katherine and their cute little boy, Jason and Cari and their awesome kids...geez, we're so behind...)

I think I have Judd convinced to watch the Jake/Vienna showdown tomorrow on The Bachelorette (what? They didn't work out? Unbelievable...not! Should have gone with Tenley!).

I got called as the Mia Maid adviser in our ward today. I'm excited, mainly because I've been wanting to teach Young Women's since we started going to family wards after getting married. I guess I just feel like I can relate to them so much more than Relief Society, but that's probably because I'm closer to age to them then RS! Should be interesting. I hope I can find the balance between being the girls' friend and their adviser, because I know when I was that age, I couldn't stand the leaders who were really pushy and I preferred the younger leaders that just seemed to "get it". It will be nice though, since Judd is in Young Men, so we'll get to do a lot of activities together, and of course, Mutual every Tuesday night!

Biker Chick

2010-07-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

So now that I'm properly equipped with pink and black gear (ignore the dorky elbow pads), I feel much more confident and ready when I get on this beastly dirt bike! It wasn't as terrifying as I thought it was going to be. I can now get it in third gear, even though I still have this sense of "I'm going way fast and this would really hurt/suck if I fell" feeling, but the elating/adventurous part makes it all worth it! It's kind of like learning to ride a bike again, and while it took me (ah hem...embarrassing moment here...) two years as a kid to learn how to do that without training wheels, at least I could this in one afternoon!

Like the boots? TOTAL STEAL! I went into the store planning on buying the $80 boots, but they were out. Maybe Cycle Gear doesn't get in too many lady customers looking for pink-accented equipment, but the guy told me he'd match-price the boots I wanted with any other women-styled boots, including the really nice pair for $180! I asked if he was serious, and then he told me that if I bought gloves (which I needed anyways), he'd knock an additional $30 off the boots! So I got those $180 boots for $50! I don't know about you, but I love those good sales moments in life, so inspirational!

But anyways, since Judd says I should focus more on the bike instead of shopping for it, I've now been out four times, and it is a BLAST! Judd is a great teacher, and Bindi is a great chaser! Somehow this is supposed to be a workout, and while I'm not sure of the logistics of that, I do feel more in-shape after riding.

So if anyone ever wants to go, let us know!

The one where Judd gets Kristen a dirt bike...

2010-06-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

(He wanted a hot biker-chick pose!)

So Judd has this pretty little dream he's been envisioning since before we got engaged: him and me riding dirt bikes out into the sunset, with a little dog chasing us. Anyone who knows Judd really well knows he's a REALLY GOOD rider, and anyone who knows me really well knows that I got hit by a motorcycle when I was sixteen and broke my leg. He loves them, I'm terrified. He goes on Moab trips, the one time I have been on a dirt bike was kind of a bad experience. So would the dream ever come true?

I finally gave in and let him buy me a dirt bike this past weekend. It helps that it's cute, has an electric start, and brand new meaning that no one has caused it to have an accident (yet!). Honestly, I wouldn't be able to tell you the make or model, but be assured that Judd says it's a great bike and he's kind of an expert on this sort of thing! He rode it a few times (I refuse to get on it until my shiny new pink helmet comes in the mail!) and says it's a smooth ride.

But as cynical and nervous as I probably sound writing this, I am really excited to try out my new bike. I just have to remind myself that it's like the first time I rode a bike without training wheels, it was scary at first but then it was fun! I really want to be included in Judd's favorite hobby so this was my way of showing that I'm interested in what he's interested in. After all, Judd goes shopping with me enough times and is going to Cape Cod with me, so it works out both ways. I bet it will be fun once I stop being a big chicken about it!

Memorial Day (a bit late, but whatever!)

2010-06-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

So I'm almost a week late, but here's the Memorial Day Blog!
I had to work Monday morning, but getting off at 9:30 am is definitely a perk when it comes to holidays. We decided to go on a hike and chose this slot canyon called Anniversary Narrows by Lake Mead. We hadn't tried that one yet, plus we were dying to use all this hiking gear we got ourselves and our pup for Christmas (we've gone on plenty of hikes since then, we just keep forgetting to bring the stuff with us!).
Bindi was thrilled to try out her new backpack (no really, she was, look how happy she is!), and I was excited about my new Jansport Camelback!
It was a beautiful hike with the coolest rock formations this side of the lake. Bindi was our fearless leader, even if she tried to ditch us a couple of times to follow some other hikers. She also thought she was a pro hiker and attempted to climb some pretty steep cliffs, only to get stuck when she realized she couldn't just jump down! Afterwards, we BBQd at the lake. We have to find a better spot though, the one we went to was a bit crowded, but totally worth roasted hotdogs and S'Mores!
Of course, we remember why we have Memorial Day. I'm so thankful for those who have sacrificed so much for our country and those who continue to do so. I'm so proud of my little brother who joined The National Guard, and while I hope he stays out of danger's way, I'm glad he made such a strong commitment to our country!

The Lion King

2010-05-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Rafiki and the antelope dancers, can I just say how thrilled I am that Rafiki is played by a woman for the stage production?

Simba and Nala...look how detailed those costumes and makeup are!
The Circle of Life
Timon and Pumba, and below, Zazu, this is what I mean with the puppets and the actors who control them. It was mainly the comic relief characters that got this treatment, but the actors had to have the same facial expressions and motions as their puppets had. Plus, I love that Zazu is the one character that wasn't dressed in traditional African clothing, but more of a British feel.

Mandalay Bay has an awesome deal going on right now where college students can purchase up to two tickets at $25 each for The Lion King! I've been wanting to see this show ever since it first premiered on Broadway, and even more when it came to Vegas. But of course since I know that it's silly to pay full-price for show tickets in Vegas, I've just been waiting for a really good deal! Judd and I jumped on this one!

So I got choked up in the first 30 seconds with the first chords of "The Circle of Life", and was totally transfixed throughout the rest of the show. The costumes are completely amazing, particularly the ones with a puppet attached. Judd and I were trying to imagine how an audition for this show would go: the actors need to be able to act, sing, dance, and many need to be able to work a puppet at the same time they're doing the above actions. The kids were adorable as Simba and Nala, and their adult counterparts were superb. The actors who played Rafiki and Scar were particularly memorable.

The music was inspiring, and I liked the addition of African songs and dance throughout. Some of the characters had new songs. I enjoyed Nala's song towards the end where she must leave her family to find help. Nala was a much bigger character in this musical than the movie (although the Scar storyline where she is being pressured to marry him was kind of off). I totally just downloaded the sound track and I'm determined to memorize these awesome songs, even if half are in another language!

So I would recommend this show to anyone, even if you have to pay the full price (but seriously, find your old college ID or make a friend and see if you can go cheaper!). It brought back a piece of our childhoods for us, and it gives you a couple of hours to get lost in this beautiful story.

The Bachelorette Week 1!

2010-05-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

It's back!
So I wasn't thrilled that Ali was chosen as the next Bachelorette, after all, she has a track record of acting like she's in junior high and choosing her "dream (Facebook) job" over hotties like Jake...but the show is too addicting. And it makes for a good Girls Night Out. So here's a recap of last night!

Ali is back, still blonde, at least 15 pounds heavier, and wearing the most ill-fitting/least flattering black drab of an evening gown. She is here for the right reasons! She gave up her job AND her apartment for TRUE LOVE! Chris Harrison refers to her as "America's Sweetheart", which totally threw me off since I assumed that was Gia or Tenley, but whatever.

The show cuts to bios of the more personable potential husbands for Ali:

Studs: Mountain Man/Josh Groban look-a-like Kyle warmed my heart as he ice-fished and played with his dog. Roberto is the Latin hottie who did the requisite teach-the-bachelorette-how-to-dance act, but he does seem pretty genuine. But 100 points and my vote go to Cape Cod hottie Chris L. Everyone knows Cape Cod men are true gentlemen. Plus he has a cottage on the beach ($), AND he's nice!

Duds: There's Frank who tries to pull off Adorable Nerd, but the fact that he lives with his parents writing screen plays made him loose a few points in my book. Lawyer Jay looks like he has a cute face, but his hair aged him about 20 years. I think he may have picked up on this as soon as he entered the sausage fest, therefore causing him to lose whatever confidence he had coming in. Rated R" came in with a broken foot, but I'm kind of wondering if he's playing the sympathy card and only pretending to have a broken foot. And anyone who goes by the name "Rated R" is too full of himself for me. The same for people who go by "Shooter".

Wild Cards: Johnathan got points from me for being a weatherman, but he looks like he's gonna get real obnoxious real quick. Craig M aka Wolverine gets points for being Hugh Jackman's long lost twin, but he makes me nervous when he gets angry and I fear he'll pull some claws out on Ali! "

Many of the guys tried to impress/buy Ali with heartfelt gifts. One guy made a scrapbook (WTH! Guys don't scrapbook! I'm sorry, but GUYS.DON'T.SCRAPBOOK.) Another gave her a yellow tennis shoe keychain...and of course he had the match so they could make a pair! Of course he gets a rose. The one gift I felt was really a neat one was from my dear mountain man friend Kyle who gave her a gold fish hook for good luck. AND SHE SENT HIM HOME!!!!!!!

The rest of the episode involved manly cat-fights, roses, eliminations, and teases for next week. Tune in here, I think I'll follow this season all the way through! And if you want to watch, our little Bachelorette group would love more girls to scream at the TV with!

St. George Awesomeness Part 3!

2010-05-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is the creepy doll outside the general store in Pine Valley.
I want this house so bad, I'm obsessed with the wrap-around porch, the castle-like appearance, and the guest/carriage house right next to it. We drove by it about 8 times.
This was a really cool tree-house at the wedding. Of course we had to pose!

Our dog needed to burn off all that energy after the wedding!

Hey, it's my journal and it's for posterity, right? ;)
To sum up the rest of the trip, we camped after the wedding. We totally burnt the brats we were trying to roast over a fire, but I assured Judd that it was a cleansing to eat overly-charbroiled food (hey, we give charcoal to dogs to get poison out of them!) After that, we car-camped since it was too cold and we were too wimpy. The next day, we tried our hand at fishing, but once again, it was too cold and windy. We're so going again after all the poles and bait we bought! We were determined to have an awesome trip and not let the disappointing fishing trip get to us, so we went on a hike instead. It was right outside of St. George and I think it was called Turtle Peak or something like that. I'm so glad we have a dog that won't run away off-leash (bad, I know, but she's a good dog!). Bindi had fun chasing lizards, and we had fun trying to work off all those calories! We told ourselves we did 10 miles, but it was more like 5, but still pretty good!
After that, we headed home, crashed, took a 3 hour nap, and here we are now!

St. George Awesomeness Part 2!

2010-05-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

The wedding!
So to pick up from where we left off, we headed to Casey and Andrea's wedding with a wet and muddy dog in tow. But they're dog people, so they understand! We know Casey from American Pet Hospital, where I worked with him for a few years, and now we're teammates on the Atomic Dog Flyball Team! Plus, he owns Nel, the super adorable Border Collie that brought Judd and I together! Andrea is such a sweet girl that has given us so much advice on our little dog, and her little girls are the most adorable kids ever. It was really neat to see them all become a family (I had tears!). What made their wedding unique was how they incorporated their four dogs in it! The boy dogs had tuxes, and our little friend Nel had a cute yellow dress with the rings attached! Nel was a flower girl alongside Andrea's daughters. It was the most beautiful setting up in the mountains. Afterwards, they had a reception at a campsite, and it was fun to see both our teammates and my former co-workers.
We're so happy for Casey and Andrea!

St. George Awesomeness Part 1!

2010-05-24T17:55:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, Judd and I took a much needed trip to Saint George! Hiking, shooting, camping, weddings, fishing...it's all in there! Since we did so much in so little time with too many pictures, I have to split this blog entry up!

So Friday, I was so proud of us for only leaving an hour behind schedule instead of the usual 3 or 4. We went straight to Cedar City first so we could play with our lovely friends Dawn and Tyson. They made us this fantastic ranch/chicken/bacon pizza, then to work off all those calories, we went SHOOTING! It was a blast (ha ha), except for the horrific moment I thought Bindi got shot. We were letting her run around, and she was doing okay with the gun noises until we started shooting Judd's gun. She decided she was gun-shy and took off for the car. I went to go let her in, turned my back for a second, and she was gone. Normally when you call her, she comes right away, but this time, nothing. I panicked. Everyone started calling her and looking for her, and finally, Dawn had the common sense to look under the car, where she found a shaking, but otherwise unharmed Bindi! Once I knew my puppy wasn't bleeding out somewhere, I relaxed and hit my first glass bottle from a distance!

After shooting and playing this really fun dice game, we left for our hotel in Saint George. The next day we realized we left our clothes for the wedding at home, so we had to do shopping (awww, man!) to get new ones. I picked out this dress that looked okay, but was really short on, but that's what leggings are for! We headed up to Pine Valley for the wedding and to pick out a camp spot...

...which was right next to a stream! We thought Bindi was a wimp and was scared of water, but she decided to jump right in! She ran back and forth across this stream until she decided she was in fact scared of water...on the other side. 5 minutes before we had to leave for the wedding. We're all dressed up. Judd was her big rescuer, jumped over the stream in church clothes, grabbed the dog, and jumped back over without even a splash!

Kristen Reviews...a bit of Gossip, scandel in the courts, and a very REBELous pizza!

2010-05-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Alright, so to break away from less-than-momentous life occasion blogs, I want to write about three things worth checking out!

1. CW's Gossip Girl Season 3 Finale

So this is one of those shows that, depending on who I'm talking to, I will either proudly admit liking, or hiding my head in shame for liking. I love this show despite all its trashiness and compromising situations it puts its underage characters in (if I ever get to be a Young Woman adviser, I would never admit to my girls I watch this!). But the fashion! Blair's awesome comebacks! Chuck's creepy one-liners! Seeing how dumb Serena can get! Trying to decide if Jenny needs a hug or needs to be strangled! Rufus's waffles! This list could go on for days, but sadly, I will not get to see my guiltiest pleasure show until September because the Season Finale was Monday night.

After Judd the Stud spent two hours trying to find this show online after our DVR failed us, we were finally able to watch this hunched around the computer (yes, Judd is mildly interested in this show, although he will claim he can't stand it). I thought it was their best season finale yet, and because I don't want to give too much away, I'll just say...PREGNANCY!SHOOTING!STEP-SIBLING INCEST!

I'm probably losing a few heaven points as well as brain cells every time I watch this show, but we'll just call it my Diet Coke. Everyone has weaknesses. :)

2. The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

So one of my favorite books (although I can't say the same for the movie) is The Other Boleyn Girl. I'm completely obsessed with royal history, and combined with my love for historical fiction novels, this is one book I never get bored with. SO when I saw that there were SEQUELS, I had to get them! This is the one I just finished, and it is one you won't be able to put down. Granted, you have to know the story of The Other Boleyn Girl, but you can probably just get away with watching the movie to understand this book (but you'll be cheating yourself!).

The Boleyn Inheritance picks up a couple of years where the first book ended, and it follows the viewpoints of three prominent women of that time period: Anne of Cleves, who becomes King Henry VIII's unwanted 4th wife, Jane Rochford, the traitor who lives with the memory of sending her husband and Queen Anne to their deaths, and Catherine Howard, the king's flirtatious, 30 years younger 5th wife. So much scandal! And the whole story chronicles real events, which makes the story that much more fascinating.

3. Rebel Pizza

Judd and I eat here about once a week. You can't beat the $5 FRESHLY MADE large specials (beats the Little Caesar's that's been sitting under a heating lamp waiting for you). It's right down the street from where we live. I love that you can sign the walls, so I did all romantically for Judd and I (and for Studio G). And I love how it kept my friends and I fed those long nights I had to stay in the studio this semester. It's not quite Sunset Pizza (my absolute fave), but it's pretty close!

BLOND(ish)!!!!!

2010-05-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

New blonde hair!

This is the auburn I had before...

This is Judd's photoshopped rendering of what I would look like as a blonde, he came pretty close!

I've been a lovely brunette, a emo black-haired chick, and a fiery redhead, but the one color I've never tried before on my hair is BLONDE. I've always had a complex with being blonde, mainly because two guys I dated back in the day both told me I would be prettier if I were blond (I know, jerks, right?). Plus, I didn't want to appear Utah-Mormonish (although you girls are super pretty!), I like looking more outside the mold. So that was the one color I've never wanted to go to...until Saturday!

I figured you only get one life to dye your hair (unless they let you in Heaven, SWEET!), so why not? Plus, this summer is all about my triumphant return to the Cape, so I wanted to be a beach blonde. So Saturday, the awesome Melinda at Ease Salon and Sport worked her magical wonders and here's the results! I like that she didn't bleach me out, she's great at figuring out what works with my skin tone (she's made me auburn before). I really like it, I feel like it aged me backwards a bit (now I know why women in their 40s+ are obsessed with it). And Molly was super cool and took these pretty pictures for me!

So here's to living up that old saying that blondes have more fun!

Puppy Sleepover

2010-05-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, we watched our friends' puppy Eevee for the weekend. She's a black lab/cocker spaniel/beagle mix and SUPER adorable. Judd lamented that Bindi will never be quite as cuddly, but we love her anyways! Bindi liked having a new friend over, and totally makes me want another puppy, but not until we have a house with a big yard! (although our friends that we're renting our townhouse from had THREE dogs bigger than Bindi living here, just sayin').

But anyways, just had to show off the cute pictures of them! We attempted to teach Bindi how to swim after Eevee just jumped right in Judd's parents' pool, but she wasn't having it. I'm sure once we're brave enough to swim where we won't freeze to death, Bindi will feel more willing!

In other news, summer classes have started, and Kristen's Extreme Summer Workout has begun with three athletic classes 4 days a week: Jazz Dance, Pilates, and Self Defense, plus the two miles every day I jog with Bindi! It's not that I was totally out of shape...but I knew I could do better, PLUS...bikini season is upon us!

Studio G... you're the best!

2010-05-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Best Tuesday anchors ever! Ashley and me!
In front of the green screen, pretending some really cool background is behind us!
The Studio G crew!

So here I am on a Monday afternoon wondering what I'm going to do for next few hours. This is a weird sensation, as usually Mondays for the past few months consisted of me going absolutely crazy trying to film and edit stories before the 2:30 deadline, preparing weather reports, reading over my anchor scripts, tweaking the cameras, and a bunch of other tasks needed to run a newsroom/news show. But now that our show Studio G is over until the fall, we're on a much-needed break. As crazy as the show drove us, I think I'm safe in saying I'm probably not the only one feeling a little empty at the moment. That group of us right there put our hearts and souls into producing a news show 5 days a week. We spent more time in the news room than anywhere else and eventually all became such good friends. It's the first time at UNLV that I've ever felt completely accepted and that I found my niche. I feel like I'm at LVA again, except that this time I finally get to be in the spotlight instead of working backstage behind it!

So I'll rest up these next few months, then come back ready to be news director/anchor in the fall! I figure it's a good way to leave a bit of legacy in my last semester!

Just remember, you can watch us at work or on the web at unlv.tv/views! Gosh, who knows how many times I had to say that line!

Buffets and Bowling

2010-05-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

us!

Mike and Molly

Robin and David

Telly and Amber

If they're gonna make you buy socks, at least they're cute pink sparkly socks!

Who doesn't love locals specials to over-priced buffets? Actually, I must say for this particular buffet, the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio, the regular price is still worth it, mainly for the HUMONGOUS portions of shrimp and crab legs available for the taking! But still, HALF OFF is a pretty sweet deal! We went with all the cute couples on Judd's side of the family: Mike and Molly, Robin and Dave, and Telly and Amber. First stop was the buffet, where pretty much all I ate was sushi and shrimp to feel justified at eating at a buffet (if you're gonna down a ridiculous amount of food, it better be semi-healthy/indulgent!).

Next was bowling at the Orleans. Here's the thing about me and my relationship with bowling: I'm either really really good or really really terrible. Friday was definitely on the "terrible" side of the pendulum as far as my skills went, but it was still fun. At least Judd came in second-to-last place so we were equally as bad! I blame it on the shrimp! The bowling superstars had to be Telly and Amber: Our lane stopped working for a few minutes, so Telly went and bowled three perfect strikes in the "closed" lanes, and Amber just ruled our lane with strike after strike!

I officially work "in the business"!!

2010-04-28T17:05:00.001-07:00

So my internship at Channel 8 became EMPLOYMENT at Channel 8! It feels so awesome getting a regular paycheck again, even if it means two part time jobs (I also work for UNLV-TV). It just feels so awesome starting my career in a top 50 market. I'm an assignment editor, which means I listen to scanners, take the viewer's crazy "please solve all my problems" phone calls, make assignments, and scan the city for all the news! It's kind of intense, especially the arriving at work at 5:00 am bit. I'm trying not to get too addicted to Rockstars (well, I'm trying to not have to drink them), so my mantra is that if I get less than 6 hours of sleep at night, I can have one. But since I'm trying this whole healthy living stuff lately, I'm going back to cutting out soda, which includes Rockstars, right?

Anyways, if you have a news story, I have multiple ways to air it since I now work on three different shows! I LOVE THE NEWS!!!!!

Need For Speed!

2010-04-28T12:06:00.001-07:00

Bindi being the team's cheerleader...totally obsessed and wondering why it's not her turn yet!
Maybe this will be the Christmas Card picture...if I feel like doing them this year!

This past weekend, Flyin' Aces hosted a flyball tournament in the most appropriate place I can think of for speed-addicted dogs: Las Vegas's own Motor Speedway! We went to race our second favorite Border Collie Nelson, and of course, our first favorite Border Collie Bindi came along as the Atomic Dogs' personal cheerleader! She still has five more LONG months until she can officially compete, but the team has been awesome in using this time to get her ready! We love these tournaments even if our own dog isn't racing; our team is full of fun people that make the 12+ hours of racing a great day. Plus, we have excuses to make some quick fun weekend trips!

Just so you know how truly obsessed Bindi is with flyball (in case you couldn't tell from the pictures), I was watching a show yesterday that had a tennis scene in it. Well, Miss Bindi over here decided to jump up and attempt to grab the tennis ball from the TV screen! I'm glad we're involved in a sport she likes to do instead of one that we like that she's just participating in. We were really in need of a hobby we could do together, so I'm glad we discovered flyball!

By the way, speaking of hobbies, I made that adorable bandana she's wearing!

The Internet works again!

2010-03-29T16:02:00.001-07:00

...So no more excuses for not blogging! And I'm on Spring Break, so really, no excuse!

So since it's been freakin' forever since I've written anything, here's some bullet points of our lives...

After a rather scary month or so of Judd being unemployed, he got an even better job than the one he lost! It was a humbling experience, because we had it in our heads that we would ride this recession out without the huge misfortunes many of our friends and family would face. It made us really count our blessings and be thankful for the littlest things.
Our third move in this marriage: We moved into a townhouse! I love having stairs and another room! Now that our family grew a bit (the dog, not a baby!), we need the space. We're renting it from some friends who love that we have a bunch of pets! We're closer to school now. Actually, we're just closer to anything important now! It's nice only having to fill up on gas every two weeks. I'll post pictures once I feel it's pretty enough to show off.
Bindi is growing up to be a great little dog! She's showing great potential to be both a flyball and a DISC dog. She has crazy energy, but we love her dearly. She went to her fourth tournament this weekend in Hurricane. We love going to these even though she's too little to compete; we all just have fun anyways! The camera Judd got me for my birthday is being put to good use taking as many pictures as I possibly can of my dog's childhood. (Clearly, whatever parenting instinct I have is going into my dog right now!). Be patient and let me graduate/do something with my degree first, THEN we'll talk babies!
So since we go to so many tournaments and dog shows these days, I can't help but notice all the cute bandanas, collars, tugs, and other handmade dog accessories people sell at these. Just for the fun of it, I made Bindi a couple bandanas that loop through her collar so they stay on better. I have been getting a lot of compliments on them, and since I've been collecting material from the ones I've made Bindi, I thought it might be fun to start selling them. Judd and I also have gotten compliments on the training tug we made Bindi, so we were thinking we should get good at making them and start selling them. Maybe an online store? Who knows!
Other than that, school takes up my whole life. I'm an anchor for UNLV's news show Studio G on Tuesdays, the weather person Thursdays and Fridays, an intern for Channel 8 KLAS three days a week, and of course, a reporter every day. And do I still love it? Of course!

Goodbye APH

2010-01-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is my last day as a veterinary assistant at American Pet Hospital. Part of me is relieved because some of the intense stress and workload I've been facing lately will be lifted off my completely worn out shoulders. I can fully focus on school and my awesome Channel 8 internship. Judd's new job will more than cover what I "contributed", so I'm trying not to feel too guilty about that, even though I hate the feeling of not being helpful financially (more like detrimental, between my shopping addictions and school...).

The other part of me is a little bummed, because I have made so many friends at the hospital. I have loved (most) of the staff I have worked with over the past three years and know I have lifelong friends there. I'm going to miss my favorite clients and their pets a lot. I haven't really told any of the clients I'm leaving mainly because I didn't want to cry in front of them. At least I'll still see my favorite dog Nel once a week when Bindi is ready for Flyball!

Even though there was a lot of drama, I am still thankful for everything the hospital did for me. I was allowed to grow and learn a bunch of skills. They closed early the day of my wedding so they could attend. I've never had a problem adjusting my work schedule with my school schedule. I am really glad I got those three years, and I hope I'm leaving on good terms with everyone.

2009

2009-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

So I've been reading some Facebook statuses of various friends and family today, and I saw a bunch that said something like "2009 was the worst year ever! Can't wait for 2010!". While I can't say that 2009 was the greatest year of all time, I think it had its highlights. We had a lot to be thankful for, so I'm choosing to focus on the positive in a year that was a downer for so many...

So in no particular order, here's a few of our memorable moments!

We finally got our puppy Bindi (you know, the one we had named before we were engaged!)!!

Speaking of pets, we were the proud foster parents of an adorable little duckling named Tweakers. She is currently living at Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary and doing great!

We both left jobs we had been with for three years for some new experiences. Judd's been having fun at ICM where he's working on the new pool nightclub for the Wynn, and I started my internship at Channel 8 on Monday! I love it so much, especially since all I have to do is ask, and they'll let me go on an interview or whatever!

Shows we saw include U2, Wicked, and we're seeing Flogging Molly on Saturday!

I learned auburn is a fantastic color for my hair, how to Photoshop, how to ride a motorcycle, train a dog, work a professional video camera, edit videos, and cook a turkey.

Judd learned that Blu-Ray looks better than DVD, patience, how to shoot, how to protect his 2nd Amendment Rights, and how to be a super shopper.

We became fans of Smiths, the Atomic Dogs team (which Bindi will be joining at the end of January!) America's Next Top Model, Buffalo Wild Wings, Phur Lovesac covers, Town Square, clean apartments, and Windows 7.

We were amused by Balloon Boy, saddened at the loss of Michael Jackson, avoided getting the Swine Flu, and survived the Great Recession.

We celebrated our one year anniversary and plan on celebrating many more!

We hope 2010 will be rewarding and our hard work will pay off. And that our dog will be better behaved. And that we'll eat better and work out more. And that we'll find a better place to live. And that I'll graduate and Judd can start on finishing his degree. And that we'll be better at keeping in touch with people we love.

And that your year is great!

Our Christmas Puppy Became a Thanksgiving Puppy!

2009-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Bindi has arrived!!!!

We went to Utah for Thanksgiving this year. I was wistfully hoping we would bring back our girl a bit early, because who wants to make that drive twice this time of year (snow and deer hazards?!?!?)? I had been diligently searching KSL (a fancier Craig's List for Utah) for a border collie puppy everyday hoping Bindi would pop out at me somewhere. There were so many different litters to go through. We made the drive up to Highland hoping we could find a few to at least look at, but we didn't have a litter we were really super excited about. On Thanksgiving morning, I came across an ad for a litter of puppies in Cedar Fort with this picture:

I was sincerely hoping the 8-week old cutie in the middle was still available...and she was! We visited her that night and fell in puppy love. Her mom and dad were both on site and we got to play with them. They were total outdoor farm dogs. I was a bit hesitant at first because the daddy dog came running at us with a limp and I worried he had hip issues. But as he got closer, I realized he only had three legs, and his owners explained he lost a leg in a cougar trap. They were both gorgeous dogs so I'm hoping Bindi will be too. My mom and Sam came too and approved of the newest family member.

We spent Black Friday looking for puppy supplies instead of electronics (but we did get a killer deal on a Phur Lovesac cover!!!). We picked up Bindi on Saturday. I kind of felt like a jerk taking her from her mom and dad, but I hope she got over it quick enough.

After an eventful night at various homes of Judd's relatives, we were ready to take Bindi on the six-hour drive home. For being such a young pup, I think she did pretty good!

So now we've had our little (for now!) puppy for a little over a week, and she's been doing great! She is so smart and lovable and pretty much potty-trained. Here's a few highlights of our week thus far... (I feel like such a proud parent; since I don't have a baby to post pictures of, you get my dog!

First bath (highlight for us, not neccesarily her!

Getting into trouble (it's a good thing puppies have such cute and forgivable faces...)

AND attending her first flyball event! Bindi can't officially compete until she is a year old, but she will start training with the Atomic Dogs in a few months! They invited us to a tournament and let us work some of the other dogs on the team. I keep saying this, but as much as I love baby puppy Bindi, I can't wait for her to be big enough to compete in sports!

Opportunitiy Hits!

2009-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Judd has been looking for change in his career field for a while while I've been looking for an internship with a news channel. Last week, both of those opportunities presented themselves on the same day! Channel 8 called me, and ICM called Judd. We both had interviews (I was super-thrilled to finally have an excuse to buy an awesome suit!), and we both got the jobs! We're really excited, even though it means we'll have to move again (third time in a year and a half, gotta love it!) just to be a bit closer to our new jobs. We can't wait to start! It's a nice feeling to be able to escape this rut we've felt like we've been in job-wise lately. I don't say it often, but I feel we have been blessed.

We're EXPECTING!!!!!!

2009-11-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

...a PUPPY!!!

Ha ha, I know what you were thinking there!

This blog may be a bit premature, but we are like 99.9% for sure (as in we better, lol) finally getting our little Bindi for Christmas! She will be a border collie, much like the one that introduced Judd and I two years ago. We've become rather attached to the breed, especially after having said border collie Nel come stay with us several times in our home.

We've seriously had our future dog planned out since before we were engaged. We are so excited to be parents to the breed of dog considered the most intelligent. This is the type of dog that people do agility training and flyball sports with. I've been (slightly) obsessively going on KSL every day to find the perfect pup for us.

Of course every time I announce our puppy plans, everyone has to jump on the Rescue Bandwagon and make sure we are planning on adopting our puppy from an animal shelter. And I would LOVE to do that…except that our lack of a fenced backyard is preventing shelters from wanting to adopt out to us. Our complex has nice grassy areas and we're active people so I don't feel we're cheating the dog out of anything, but I understand why the shelters have to have these rules. I understand the concern everyone has and I'm always recommending rescuing as opposed to spending hundreds of dollars on a puppy-mill product.

So our plan is to buy a pup from Utah that was farm-raised and just needs a good home. There's so many on this website that people bought that they now can't have anymore for whatever reason, or some that are in "oops" litters. I'd like to see the dog's parents if at all possible to look for good health and behavior traits.

It's been awhile since I've had a dog. I miss my Sadie so much, but I can't wait to make new memories with our little Bindi!

U2 Concert!!!

2009-11-04T19:43:00.001-08:00

Judd and I went to the AMAZING U2 concert last Friday!!! U2 has been my favorite band since I was 14. This was my second time seeing my favorite Irish boys and Judd's first time. It was absolutely incredible and well worth the 4 year wait from the last time I saw them. The stage was 160 feet tall and brought to Vegas on 120 semi-trucks. The Black Eyed-Peas opened up for them which was fun (except when they started talking).

We made some friends at the show that were crazy U2 fans like myself, so it was fun to sit by people who could sing and dance to the more obscure songs. Unfortunately, some old people (and there were a lot of those, but considering U2 has been around 25ish years, not too surprising)came and kicked the cool fans out of their seats, claiming they were theirs. The old people insisted on smoking and drinking and continually getting up and leaving DURING U2 to get more stuff to fuel their addictions. I gave up on them and invited the cool U2 fans to come back and sit with us. Turns out they were right about those seats being their seats the whole time!

But anyways, as I told Judd before the show, a U2 concert is like going to a religious revival. Bono is seriously one of the most enlightened person and you can just feel how he is connecting to the audience through the strong messages in the songs (and no, he wasn't totally political, even though Bill Clinton was in the crowd). As crazy as it sounds, going to a U2 concert borders on a spiritual experience because as enthralling and exhilarating as the show is, I know I at least felt cleansed afterwards. But I'm a huge fan so maybe it's just me =D.

They sang all my favorites and the new songs, but the best, BEST moment of the show was FINALLY seeing my FAVORITE song in the universe live. They didn't play it last time which was slightly disappointing, but this time, they finally played "With or Without You" as the closing song. Bono came out in this crazy laser jacket that shot red beams across the field and sang "Ultraviolet Light" before melting into the most hauntingly beautiful song ever in my opinion. SO PERFECT!

Other highlights: welding "Amazing Grace" with "Where the Streets Have No Name"; "Viva Las Vegas", "Elevation"; the feeling that the stage was going to blast off at any moment, and all four of them giving each other these cute manly hugs at the end. I appreciated it because they're not going to break up, EVER (they better not!).

So if you ever get the chance to go, GO to a U2 concert!

A Long Overdue Update

2009-10-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Who else votes that Judd should take a turn at this blog? It might get written in more often!
So for those who Blog spot-stalk us...

1) We went to see Wicked in San Diego for our 1st anniversary! I've been slightly obsessed with this show since I was 17, so to finally see it in person was on the amazing side! We had amazing seats on the balcony and I was in heaven the whole time. Judd thought he was going to hate it, but he found it to be funny and clever. He still hasn't committed to downloading my CD on his phone, but he at least can hum the songs.

2) Other highlights from our San Diego trip include Sea World, pretty hotel (Westin), Busters (my favorite restaurant there!), fun car trip, chance to wear hot dress that got tons of compliments, and BEACH! Only low light: having to do homework half the trip =(

3) Molly and Mike got married! Judd's baby sister (he's having such a hard time with this) married Mike September 5. We had a crazy weekend setting everything up, but it was fun, especially the part when us ladies escaped to do nails and eat at the Cheesecake factory.

4) School started for me. This is the most ridiculous schedule I've ever had, but I'm starting to figure it out. I still love Broadcast (thank goodness, I can't handle another major change!) and now I work for UNLV-TV. Today was my first actual paying broadcasting job which was way fun! The lecture I had to help film was boring as heck, but filming it and hanging out with my new team was great.

5) Judd is now the second counselor in the Young Men's as well as a Scout Leader. So he's basically the coolest guy for all the young dudes.

6) Wholphin, my car, got hit by a suicidal deer, and has not been the same ever since. I came this close to being able to write him off and get the Celica of my dreams, but alas, Wholphin is here to stay. My insurance paid for all the body work, but I think the ghost of the deer is still haunting Wholphin because bad things such as rotten batteries and broken alternators keep happening.

7) Shows we're watching: House (who doesn't love House?), America's Next Top Model (slightly addicting), Glee (GLEE!!!!), Malcom in the Middle reruns (I forgot how hysterical that show is), and Gossip Girl. Ok, I'm really the only one watching Gossip Girl. I talked up Gossip Girl to Judd and tried to explain how clever the plot is, but he watched one episode featuring Hilary Duff and gave up. I don't blame him, I almost gave up on it too after that episode!

8) We're dieting. Well, kind of. We're just trying to eat better and exercise more. We're not fatties by any means, but we want to really feel in shape while we're young and can. I have felt so unhealthy lately (well, with this stupid flu I've been recovering from for over a week now I have been!), so I really want to change some lazier eating habits. It's funner to home cook a meal then to get Arby's or Little Caesar's, right?

9) Upcoming events we're looking forward to: Ren Fair, BYU-UNLV football game, and of course, U2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 year!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

I am so ridiculously behind on blogging our life story. I still need to write about our dangerous escapade into the Narrows and our run-in with a ferocious deer that severly injured my car.

BUT...

WE'VE BEEN MARRIED A WHOLE YEAR!!!!

I still cannot believe it's been that long! I still feel completly like a newlywed, but I'm not entirely sure I look the same. Different hair and all. Judd's little goatie is gone and his hair is longer...

Sunday was our one year anniversity. To celebrate, we crashed the pool at the Flamingo on Saturday. It wasn't that hard really, considering that they don't ask for a room key.

Then we rode horses at my co-worker's house! Horseback riding is something we've been wanting to get into for a while now. Judd is really good at it, he was cantoring all over the place on "Wally". Due to my past unfortunate experiences on horses (skull fracture), I was a little bit hesitant to be as risky as Judd, but I was able to at least able to get "Rolly" to trot without killing me! We've vowed to get more practice so I can cantor without fear like Judd can...

On our actual anniversary Sunday, I had to finish up a lame research paper that took several hours. We then went on a hike and picnic at Mt. Charleston. We made some faux lobster/crab rolls (stores don't have lobster at 10:00 pm. They also don't open up their deli to sell us crab. So we had to buy imitation crab meat to make lobster rolls, but it still tasted yummy!). We were sore from all the horseback riding we did before so our hike turned into a leisurely walk through this really cool slot canyon. We then watched our wedding video in the car in the middle of the canyon while eating our faux lobster rolls and drinking faux champange (Martinelli).

Completly romantic.

I'm so happy we found each other and that we've been able to be so happy together. I may have made the toast to "another year", but really, it will be forever. I'm glad we made the commitments we did a year ago. It has been a blast, an adventure, and completly worth every minute. I love him and he loves me. That's really all there is...

Attacked by Burroes!

2009-06-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Attacked by BURROES!!!

Well, kind of. But before I get to that, a few random thoughts:

1.) If anyone deserves to rest in peace, and I mean that sincerely, it’s Michael Jackson. He brought so much to the entertainment world and transformed the way we both listen and watch music. We’re fans and always will be. I don’t care about the controversies that surrounded him. I choose to remember him as an extremely talented individual who was sadly hounded by a jealous and spiteful media.

2.) It’s a bad week to be a celeb, particularly if you hit it off in the 80s. I hope I can turn on my computer tomorrow WITHOUT a dead person’s face being the first thing I see.

3.) While we’re on the topic of dead people, the image of the poor girl from Iran who was killed as she expressed her disgust at her country’s election results is both disturbing and yet slightly empowering as it shows that women finally have a voice there…

4.) Off the topic of dead people: I am an awful visiting teacher. I don’t feel comfortable spying on less actives for the RS.

5.) We’re ticked that Jillian sent home Jake on The Bachelorette. Actually, only I’m ticked because Judd feels that Jake was too boring. I feel he’s her only chance at true love and CAN’T WAIT for him to reappear! I do not want this nice guy to finish last! But we both agree that Wes and his devious plot need to go home NOW! Even though he’s the only one with game, I still can’t believe a smart girl like Jillian can’t see through him.

But on to a happier thought…we were attacked by wild BURROES! They came up to our car and stuck their heads in. Judd wants me to mention how ferocious they are, particularly the one who yelled at us as it charged our car! We were driving by Bonnie Springs today after a pleasant afternoon at Red Rock (sometimes a vacation from churchly duties is nice), and they just walked right up to the car. Of course I had to roll down the window to get a picture, and that’s when they decided we were their friends. I took a video too, but the sound didn’t take for whatever reason. Just imagine a wild burro sticking his head in the driver’s side window and another burro screaming as it charges our car. Scary!

Don’t worry, we didn’t feed them or try to encourage them to come up to us. I guess they’re just used to it from other people.

And we saw our adorable little friend Tweakers! We paid her a visit at the bird sanctuary where she lives now. She looks great and has plenty of little duckling friends to swim with. She didn’t recognize us until she got out of the water with one of her friends. She did her excited ducky dance and came by us. We’re just happy at how well she’s adjusting.