Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is coming up next month on February 24 and it is a big deal for those that live in New Orleans. Although most people think of Bourbon street when they think of Mardi Gras there are also other areas of the city where the parade goes through that isn't as crazy and would be more appropriate for families. I have never been to Mardi Gras since we are always in school this time of year, but Rita (Damien's mom) always sends us a King Cake.

King Cake is made up of cinnamon-swirled dough that is braided/twisted together and made into a large doughnut shape. They always top it with frosting and green, purple, and yellow sprinkles. Inside they hide a plastic baby and whoever gets the baby in their piece of the cake is supposed to bring the cake the next year. Damien and I always try to find the baby before the other. We just got our King Cake two days ago and we have been enjoying it! Yay for Mardi Gras!!!

2 More Things to Add

1. I am adding something else to the list of not to do at the gym. Guy or girl, but especially guys, don't wear super short shorts that you hike up so that you practically have a wedgie and then lay down on the bench with your legs wide open for the world to see everything.

There is a guy that always works out at the BYU gym in the evenings and does exactly
this. I am so grossed out that it is hard for me to focus on lifting because I am busy
throwing up. Someone needs to tell him he can't workout there anymore unless he gets a
pair of reasonably long shorts, but pants would be best to cover up those nasty curly-
haired legs of his.

2. AND guys, don't wear pajama pants to the gym either. They are very unattractive and we
can all see your...never mind. Just trust me. Don't wear them in public. They are for
sleeping anyway.

But on a happier note, I have been watching the Biggest Loser this season and I am really excited to watch the new episode tonight! I would have to say it is one of my favorite shows on TV right now. Also, there is a guy on there right now and his name is Damien and his wife has a name that starts with an N, like Nicole. Kind of funny!

The Gym

Damien & I enjoy working out together and so we try to go to the gym a couple of times a week. We were there the other evening and I was reminded of how annoying some people are. If people that go to the gym would follow these rules, I would be much less annoyed with them and everyone would be able to work out more effectively.

1. NEVER wear perfume or cologne to the gym. It gives everyone else around you a headache and the smell of BO and perfume is horrible.

2. If you are at the gym then work out.

3. Don't wear slippers to the gym. If a weight falls on your foot your going to be in big trouble. And this is a sign that you aren't that serious about your workout.

4. Don't use the weight lifting benches as a seat. Other people would probably like to use the bench to lift weights, but you are in the way because you are resting your behind.

5. Don't max-out on weights with your first lift.

6. Always use safety locks, clips, and spotters when lifting.

7. If doing an exercise is hurting then stop. You are probably doing it wrong.

8. Do a combination of cardio and weights. This could be running, yoga, pilates, weight lifting, biking, swimming, etc.

9. Stretch really well after your workout to help reduce soreness.

10. Find workouts that you enjoy. Incorporate activities you like to do into your weekly routine.

Recap of November and December 2008

I just started posting again and so I have missed posting about some fun things that happened the past two months. Here is the recap:

1. In November I flew home for a three-day weekend. When I returned back to Provo, Damien greeted me at the airport with these beautiful tulips! This was quite the surprise since he rarely buys me flowers because I am so picky about them after working at Mountain Bloom.


2. Damien helped me make Christmas cookies to take to some of our friends. He actually shaped some of the cookies and dipped them in powdered sugar while wearing my apron! We ended up making fudge, fool's toffee, Mexican wedding cookies, and butter cookies. Here are some pictures:


3. Damien got an early Christmas gift from his mom and Tricia while we were in New Orleans for Thanksgiving. The only problem was that they had to ship it to us because it was too big to fit in our suitcases. He got a new LCD HD 32" TV. It came in a HUGE box and so we had to break it down to fit it in the trash can. We had a blast stomping the bubble wrap flat to fit in the trash too.


4. I got my wisdom tooth pulled out while I was home for Christmas. And yes, that is tooth as in a single tooth. I only had one wisdom tooth. We got really lucky because my dentist at home was able to fit me in before we left to come back to Utah and he only charged us $80 for everything! I also had two black stitches put in. It was the first time I have ever had stitches. My jaw is feeling much better now.

5. My brother Bean got married the day after Christmas which was also his birthday. I will have to post some pictures of that one I get them off of Damien's computer.

We flew to Spokane for Christmas and ended up flying in during a blizzard. Spokane had already had three feet of snow before we even arrived and it snowed about every day we were there. Damien got to shovel a couple of times a day to keep our walkway and driveway accessible. But we had a great time seeing my family and Damien's over the holidays!

Cancun, Mexico

Damien & I have been planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico for a little break and we finally booked our trip last night! We will be there for a week in the very end of April, beginning of May. I am so excited because this will be my first real time out of the country. (I went to Canada one day for a few hours, but that doesn't really count.) Now I will need to start shopping for some new summer clothes for our trip! ;)

Christmas Gift Cards

Damien and I each got a gift card to Sears/K-mart for Christmas from Damien's grandma. Damien had a brilliant idea as to how we could use our gift cards, since there was nothing we really needed or wanted to purchase at either store. Damien's idea was for us to buy gift cards to other places with out gift cards. And we did just that. We ended up with gift cards to Olive Garden, itunes, and Cold Stone. On Friday we were able to go out to dinner at Olive Garden and then over to Cold Stone for dessert. (Although we ended up using my Cold Stone gift card from my mom.) Thanks Mom & Grandma Judy!