Goodbye Target, Hello DMV

Arg. Someone just broke into our car. In our carport. The only thing of any value that was in there was my wallet. (I know, I know, it shouldn't have been in there.) Do you know what a hassle it is to get a replacement driver's license when your original is from Utah and you're moving to California in a few short months? Here's an encouraging quote from the Utah DMV:

"If you misplace your license or your license is stolen while you are traveling out of state or abroad, you're out of luck until you return to Utah, since you are required to appear in person at a driver license field office with the proper forms of identification in order to get a duplicate."

Guess that means I'll be getting an Indiana license. Just pray that I'll pass the vision test! (I almost didn't pass it a couple years ago when I got it in Utah).

We've already canceled the one card I had in my wallet and reported the theft to the police station...So hopefully we'll avoid any identity theft!!

I think the loss I'm saddest about is 65 dollars on a gift card to JCPenny (which I'd been planning to finally spend once we knew we'd be living somewhere for more than a year) and the 35 dollar card to Target from my Grandma!! (I had been saving it for something particular. Sigh.)

Anyway, I guess I better go get studying for the written part of my driving exam...!

Watch out for flying objects

For Christmas, Santa brought Ryan and Kyle little motorized helicopters.

Last night, I dreamed that Ryan was flying that buzzing thing straight at me, and I, apparently, was NOT happy about it. In an attempt to deflect it, I (literally) threw my pillow with all my might and started yelling at Ryan.

The poor guy sleeping next to me didn't even have a chance.

(Good thing he's used to this by now!)

-1 Degrees

This morning when we hopped in the car to go to church at 8:45, the thermometer read -1 degree. By the time we got to church 15 minutes later, it had warmed up (wa-who!) to zero degrees. And with 55 percent humidity and a wind chill factor of who-knows-what...the bishop called the few on-time ward members the "frozen chosen." :)

My question is this: Why would anyone want to live somewhere this cold? Haven't they ever been to Phoenix in the winter?? Or California? I just keep thinking that if I were a pioneer and had thousands of miles to go pulling a handcart, then yes, I'd probably settle for a cold climate. But that is THE ONLY reason! Really now, people have choices these days!

If you ask me, the cost of living in a warmer climate is infinitely worth it.

*Please excuse the rantings and ravings of a native Arizonian.
**The picture (which I was hoping would soften up my bitter tone) was taken at the Provo house, right next to the beautiful mountains.

The Best Life

Ahhh, I love home! I've always been a bit of a homebody. Even when we were little, I didn't do as many sleepovers at our cousins' house as my sister Rachel did--not because I didn't LOVE my cousins but just because I really liked sleeping in my own bed and getting ready in my own bathroom. I guess things haven't changed too much...

When we got home, I was running around our little apartment like a kid on Christmas morning! I love it here. Indiana has been good for us.

We do miss all the family togetherness, though. Thanks to everyone for treating us so well. We were thoroughly spoiled on our vacation!

Now that I'm back to real life, though, it's time to start thinking about some new year's goals. Though I won't share them all on here, I'm happy to make one of them public for the sake of my own accountability. :) I saw an episode of Oprah recently (how I love Oprah) about a book called the Best Life Diet, written by her personal trainer Bob Green. I'm not interested in the diet part of it, but the philosophy is that if you're living your best life, you won't struggle with issues like weight or procrastination or whatever it may be. I want to live MY BEST LIFE this year! Here are a few things I'm going to do to increase my own fulfillment in the upcoming year:

1. Work hard on my business DURING THE DAY.
2. Use the evenings to relax. (Confession: Because I work from home, I often let myself take a few more breaks during the day because I've got all night to finish my work. But that just drags out the work, and in the end, it feels like I really didn't get to relax at all.)
3. Eat healthy and feel good.
4. Drink more water!
5. Think positively. Happy thoughts.

Nothing too earth shattering, but hopefully these things will help me live my best life this year.

Happy New Year!

We've been thoroughly enjoying our marathon vacation. As I mentioned in my previous blog, Christmas with Ryan's family was lovely. Then we drove to Arizona and to Mexico, where we relished spending more time with family. Grandpa and Grandma provided yet another fantastic Mexico family reunion for us. It couldn't have turned out any better, so thank you everyone!


This is us at Mary's house the day after Christmas. Check out our new watches!

Our paradise vacation compound, complete with lots of private rooms and bathrooms for everyone.

I think the window seat was the unanimous favorite place to sit. Who wouldn't love it with a view like that!?

Look at these cuties--my two sisters.

Corey and Sally were wonderful hosts, letting us stay with them even after they'd had company for many, many days!

One day we were at the beach, and 10 hours of driving and one night of rest later, we were on the slopes for my first ski adventure since I was probably seven years old! Ryan, my excellent instructor, took me up to Sundance for an afternoon ski. I snowplowed a whole lot and eventually perfected (well, maybe not perfected...) my turns. There were only a couple of times when I told Ryan he'd have to figure out how to get me down that mountain on his own.... j/k.

Thanks, Launa, for letting me use your beautiful new ski suit. I was the best dressed (and least skilled) skier on those slopes!