Addiction #2

As you already know, I confessed my severe addiction to all things sweet and chocolate.

Well there is another thing that I don't know what I would do without......

SUBWAY

I'm serious guys, I. LOVE. SUBWAY.

I could probably eat it for lunch(only lunch) every single day for eternity.  The funny part is that I get the same thing every time I go there... ha!

6" 9grain wheat bread (or 9grain honey wheat)

pepper jack cheese(not toasted)

lettuce

spinach

onions

jalapeños

olives

yellow mustard (or honey mustard)

NOOO Mayo.  

and I usually get the Southwester Ranch BAKED Lays(baked chips are 100000000x better than regular Lays) and a Powerade (I don't drink soda, so I live off sports drinks, water and juice).

Do I live life on the edge or what?!

My sandwich

YUM!

OH!  and I went boating for a few hours last Wednesday!  Water skiing and tubing was way fun!  But of course I woke up the next 2 days, so sore! Worth it :D

Pictures soon to come!

First Day Of Sophomore Year....In College Of Course

I would just like to say quickly that I am TIRED!  I didn't prepare my body for the new wake-up-early-for-school schedule that I should have the last week of summer....whoops ;]    

This morning I woke up at 5:45am so I could eat breakfast, shower and get ready for school, then take my brother to his friend's house(his class schedule was at his friend's house or something, so he got a ride with him) so they could go to their first day of Junior year in high school!  I also had to drive to the U and find Commuter Services, or whatever it is, so I could pick up my RIDICULOUSLY expensive parking pass.  Once I hung up the pass and felt good I wasn't going to get a ticket at any time this year, I had to drive down to the football field and park there. My first class is at 8:35, and I was there way early, but then again, I had NO IDEA where anything was and was unintentionally planning(total oxymoron I realize, but it fits) on getting lost.  I had a map of the part of campus I was going to be spending most of my time and had to rely on that for help.  I got lost attempting to locate my first class!  No big deal, I figured I would, haha.  But still, it is a bit frustrating walking in circles then finding out the building I was looking for wasn't far from where I was standing... naturally.

I found my last two classes just fine, and I think I am going to enjoy my classes this year (I've only been to 3/4 of them. #4 is on Tuesdays and Thursdays.)  They will be interesting for sure, I just hope the teachers are good, because a good teacher makes a good class! 

I totally stick by that motto. It is so true.

After my classes and picking up my textbooks I ordered online at the Bookstore(which was pretty much a jungle by the way) I hiked back to the stadium parking lot.  

Did I mentions is was so flippin hot outside?

But all in all, my first day ended up pretty good:]  I went to the gym after leaving the University and then went home and had spaghetti with Dad. It had ground turkey in the sauce. Tasty!

I also forgot to say that I got a few new clothing items and whatnot for the new school year, and I got some cool jewelery too!

Hers is my cool new necklace!

Pretty awesome huh?!

Here is some other jewelry that I have and figured I'd take pictures of just for the heck of it.

A pair of earrings I ordered off of Amazon. 

New ring I purchased the same day and place as my necklace

I can't yet decide whether I am ready for school now or not.  

Too late for that! It is here!

Snowbird!

Snowbird was a blast! It was an extremely mini get-away, but I still loved it. After work on Monday night(9:00pm unfortunately) I headed to Sunflower Farmers Market again to grab a few more items then up the canyon I went. I stayed Monday and Tuesday night and left Wednesday later in the day.

MONDAY
When I arrived it was about 10:30pm. I was pretty tired so I just watched some TV then ended up going to sleep about 12. I realize it was very uneventful, but it was also really nice to have some time to myself up in the beautiful mountains.

TUESDAY
The sun woke me up that morning around 9:30am. I got out of bed and sat out on the small balcony that looks out directly on the mountain! It was a beautiful morning!

Seriously, isn't it BEAUTIFUL up there?!


Then, right when I was having a fantastic morning and about to go eat breakfast, I stood up from the chair on the balcony, walked toward the sliding glass door, pulled it and....... IT DIDN'T OPEN!!   Yes, I did in fact, some how, brilliantly LOCK myself out on the balcony.  I am an utter genius huh?!     
Okay, I would also like to add that I messed with the lock the previous night and APPARENTLY, when it is locked, you can still open it from the inside but once you're out and the door is shut, you are now TRAPPED on the deck.

fan-freakin-tastic

To make things even awesomer(is that a word?  doubt it) my phone was inside so I couldn't call the Iron Blosam front desk.  So, after a mild panic attack, I sat down, calmed down and enjoyed being outside while I occasionally searched for people out on their balconies near me so I could hopefully be freed.

After about 30 minutes, a bunch of kids were out on a balcony about 2 levels lower than me and I saw their mom. I then proceeded to say "excuse me! excuse me!"  She looked up *obviously confused* and I told her my predicament and she called the front desk and they came up and I was FREEE!  

After my embarrassing endeavor, I UNLOCKED the sliding glass door and went inside to grab my breakfast.

I was so hungry, I already ate the top of my Lemon Poppy Seed muffin before the pictures... haha, I love them!

I obviously didn't eat EVERYTHING in the first picture.  I left half of the blueberries and the grapes too, but I was stuffed.  It was SO good!

I went on a really easy hike, which is more of a mountain stroll really, and I jogged that, enjoyed the scenery, and jogged back.  Then I went to the "Exercise Room" in the condo/hotel place and I did the elliptical for 30minutes and then did a few leg machines and crunches.  Once again, this whole exercising 5 days a week thing is making me feel GREAT!

I laid out by the pool and just relaxed after my workout and my grandma came up around 5:30 when she got off work!  I think ALL of my grandparents are AWESOME!  I love them all so much!  So having my grandma come up was wonderful :D
We went and had dinner at a restaurant at the Snowbird Center called "The Steak Pit."  It was amazing.  Such yummy food, which we split in half, and the outside patio was really pretty too!

Here is our cool little salad/bread/croutons/dressing holder. Wheat bread might I add, which is so good!

Now, I realize that some people who read this are vegetarians or vegans, and I am sorry for this picture. BUT this did taste AMAZING with the steamed asparagus.

That night after dinner we went to the pool and hot tub and really just relaxed some more because the next morning we were going to hike down the mountain!

WEDNESDAY

We got up at about 9:30am, or at least I did, Grandma got up at 5:15! Her body, she says, always wakes her up that early.  That's crazy in my opinion.  We got dressed for the day in hiking-ish gear, and headed to "The Forklift" for breakfast.  Every year I go up to Snowbird, I ALWAYS have breakfast there.  It isn't any special place nor do they make amazing food, it is just tradition.   I had whole wheat pancakes and Grandma had a breakfast burrito. Both of which were very tasty!

After breakfast we purchased tickets to ride the Tram up the mountain *about 11,000ft above sea level* and then proceeded to hike down the mountain.  It took us about 2hours and 30minutes.  It was kinda annoying because it was SO rocky in some places and it, obviously, was all down hill so our knees and toes were being a bit bothered, but it was still fun! 

Grandma called me today (Thursday) to tell me how sore she was. Hahaha, fortunately I woke up feeling normal.

Til next time!

TTFN

Healthy Cravings

Today I had a really strong craving for super healthy food today for some reason or another. Besides the asiago cheese bagel with cream cheese I had from Rich's Bagels for breakfast this morning, I've eaten some healthy things!

I went to the gym today and did the elliptical for 30 minutes and then lifted; today was biceps/triceps/abs day. It was a great workout and I felt really great! After I work out, I know I did something good for my body and heart and it makes me feel awesome!
After getting showered and all at the gym I went to 'Sunflower Farmers Market' before work to grab a few healthy items to eat for dinner and to bring with me to SNOWBIRD! I'm staying there tonight and tomorrow night, and I am SO excited! I love it there:D

Here is a very tasty drink I grabbed from Sunflower.

And really healthy too! Tons of fruit.

and here is my dinner! Broccoli, Cauliflower and carrots with HUMMUS! I love hummus <3 Well I am also drinking that fruit smoothie as part of my dinner too. Which is good because I don't eat as much fruit and veggies as I should.


I am so excited to stay up at Snowbird for a few days! I am seriously in love with that place in the summer time. They have a pool, hot tub, steam room, game room, and PLENTY of nature that I can wander through. Which I will a lot! I might even go for a run on one of the trails:D

Quote Of the Day

Me: "Kylee do you think you'll ever kiss a boy? Even when your're 16 and can drive?"

Kylee: "No, I'm too good for a man."

What a wise 8 year old
Haha:)

EI8HT!

Yesterday was Kylee's 8th birthday!   Man, it is crazy to think that she is that old now!  I remember when she was born like it was yeterday.  She is a fantastic little sister and I love her to death.  It's so funny to see her grow up and use adult words like 'inappropriate.'  ha!

Unfortunately I had work from 4-9pm on her birthday :[    But my mom, Ryan, Kylee and me all had french toast for breakfast and hung out until I had work. Kylee wanted to go to the fair for her birthday celebration and was so sad I couldn't go :'[  I was sad too.  But she ended up having a great time and she came back home with her face painted. 

But when work ended I knew my mom didn't get Kylee a cake.  And, HELLO, every 8 year old needs a birthday cake!!!   So I dropped by Cold Stone Creamery (which has fantastic ice cream by the way. SO unhealthy, but SO good) and grabbed her an ice cream cake.  It has Cold Stone's signature flavor(one of many others) called Birthday Cake Remix that has Cake Batter ice cream in it as well as fudge and sprinkles and whatnot. It really does taste like a birthday cake! I also had to go to Walmart to get a candle too, and I rushed home so we could sing to her :D

Yes, those are in fact Kit Kat's on the cake :]

The Birthday Girl with butterfly face paint and all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLEE!

On a side note, I was at work the other day with no dinner, as usual because I always forget, and my boss told me she made a HUGE salad and its in the fridge for everyone.  SCORE!

It was so GOOD!

Why am I addicted?! This. Must. Stop.

People who know me are the ones who are most aware of the fact that I have a problem.
A problem that has taken over me for years.

"Hi. I'm Shannah, and I'm a Dessert-A-Holic"

Seriously. This addiction has gotten out of hand.

mmmm

 Okay, I know this "problem" isn't even bad. It could be worse. I could have ended that confession with 'Crack-head.'  

 

Thank you, self, for only loving things consisting of chocolate, peanut butter, and chocolate *again*...

instead of things that will eat away by body and mind.

Anywhooo, I am losing my point.

I am here to state that I am a relatively healthy person. I am at a healthy weight for my height and age. I eat fairly healthy, except for the strong desire for something sweet every single solitary day!

I really really really want to be healthier!  I would LOVE to kick this "Craving-for-sweets-everyday" thing.  

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I have been hitting the gym more lately. Which has truly made me feel really great! 

Yes, I have exercised MANY-a times before.  MANY! But 

lately I have also been slacking, and have forgotten how good

I feel afterward.

NEW GOAL:  GO TO THE GYM *do cardio and weights* AT LEAST 4 TIMES A WEEK!

NEW GOAL #2:  EAT HEALTHIER THAN I ALREADY DO. THAT MEANS MORE VEGGIES AND FRUITS.

I CAN DO IT!

 

Bitter:Sweet

School is starting soon!  I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I'm kind of excited to start my sophomore year of college, but I'm also going to miss summer vacation.

I think I am a bit more excited this year because I transfered colleges.  Last year I attended Weber State University. It was ok there. I didn't love it because it was so far away and I had no interest in making good friends because I was never up there, nor did I have any desire to drive up there more often than I already had to, hahaha.
I originally chose that school because it wasn't as expensive as the U of U and the class sizes were much smaller that the U also.  I think it was a good place for me to start college out to get the hang of things, but I want to enjoy my college experience, not loath it because I had to drive so far everday.

So you are looking at the newest University of Utah student! I have always been a U fan, but I'm glad I'll finally be a student.
I am really excited to go there because I have more friends up there and it is MUCH closer than WSU...thank god.  Not to mention I am taking some awesome classes this semester!  For example, Intro to Forensic Anthropology and also Abnormal Behavior Psychology. I am psyched about those two classes!  They should be aweome!

GO UTES!

OH, and on a side note.  Next week, for a few days, I am staying up at one of my most favorite places in the world! Snowbird!  Ok, maybe it doesn't sound all that exciting to some of you, but a timeshare has been owned by a few member of my extended family ever since I can remember. It has become a very fun, memorable and comforting place to me. I stay up there for a few days every summer and love every second of it!
It's beautiful and fun!

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Reason for title?...I am listening to that song as we speak and it IS indeed Sunday! Clever eh? :]  ha ha, yes, I really am that odd.
Oh and for the record, I am not a U2 fan. 

Today was the WHOLE family get together for my dad's birthday celebration. Yes, as I posted previously, we did go to dinner. But the whole family couldn't make it that day so we decided on Sunday Brunch at my grandparent's house as well.  Those who attended were me, Ryan(bro), Dad, Aunt Jennifer, Dan and Haley(aunt and uncle), and my grandparents.  We had some great food!  Hash browns, bacon,—although I do prefer turkey bacon over pork, but it was good!—eggs, fresh fruit and french toast made from Cranberry Walnut Bread my grandma got from the Farmers Market.  Although I am not a cranberry fan at all, it was all very tasty.

Dad opened a few gifts and then a few hours later we all had a piece of a cake that I made for him.  Now don't get too excited there. I didn't have enough time to make it from scratch (which I have only done once in my life and I needed tons of help from my dad throughout all of it. Man it's tough) so I got a box Lemon Cake Mix and store bought Vanilla Whipped Cream Cheese frosting. But I did buy fresh blueberries and put them in the batter. Dad is a blueberry lover :D  Unfortunately the blueberries just rested at the bottom of the cake!  Oh well, it was still pretty good!

Here is the last piece of lonely cake in the glass pan. Terrible photograph; it was spur of the moment. But take my word for it that it was actually really good.

 

The remainder of the day I had to clean the bathroom and my room which is part of my usual Sunday on my Dad's weekend.


Also, this is my new shirt!  I dig it :D  I did have to flip the pic so the writing wouldn't be opposite.
Who doesn't love trees?!

Until next time!

Just Some Thoughts...

In my post yesterday I forgot to say that me and my family went to SubZero, an ice cream place, after sushi.  This place is unique because instead of scooping your flavors out of a big five gallon tub, you choose between—>

a) Premium

b) Low Fat

c) Custard

d) Yogurt

e) Soy or Rice Milk.  

These options are the 'base' you choose.  The employees then proceed by pouring your base of whatever flavor you choose into a big metal bowl followed by adding the different toppings you wanted.  Keep in mind your ice cream looks like you just put chocolate chips and nuts in milk. Nasty.  But here is the kicker....They then pour Liquid Nitrogen in your bowl and stir it and stir it and add it to your cup!  It's pretty awesome!

I didn't take this picture. I found it online. So I don't own it at all, just thought it was a good example.

I had their "Peanut Butter Bond"[with a Low Fat base] which was pretty good.  Ryan had a very tasty Mint one. (I forgot the name) It has Junior Mints in it! :D

My Aunt ended up creating her own with coffee flavored ice cream. Dad got a pumpkin flavor and also created his own.

Check it out!  Even if you don't like the place, it's still cool!

I would also, randomly, like to add a quote down here that I really quite enjoy!

"Without heroes we are all plain people and don't know how far we can go."--Bernard Malamud

I think that quote is great!  It is so true!  If there weren't people in this world willing to sacrifice their lives and live their life on the edge, or simply try new things, we wouldn't be aware of our potential! Human beings are truly capable of amazing things ;we just have yet to discover all of them...in my opinion.

I'm Baaack

First order of business.....um... WOW.  I don't think I've blogged in like 3+ months!  The reason?...Because I ran out of things to blog about, took a break, forgot I had a blog, and then didn't care about blogging.  I have pure dedication running through my veins don't I?

Second order of business
I would like to quickly update this by saying that I am a total slacker.  Awhile back I blogged that I was running a 5k and training for it. Well the race came and went (which I did fairly well I think:]) and then I just dropped off the face of the exercise world. I took a break, then the break extended for a long while. Then I reappeared at the gym for a week or two and then I left again.

hmm... blogging break, running break, exercise break... I do believe I spot a trend

I would also like to say that I am no longer running as of late....BUT I have gone to the gym a few times this week. .....You've got to start *again* from somewhere.....

OH, and Dad's birthday was a few days ago and everyone worked and had busy schedules and we weren't all able to do much until a few days later.  Today we(my Aunt Jennifer, Ryan, Dad and myself) went to T-Koto Japanese Steakhouse. It's a sushi and hibachi joint. 

*now, I am not a big sushi fan. I've only had it two other times in my life besides dinner tonight and I think it is one of those foods I can only handle once every few months.* But it was good. Wish I could have taken pictures! But I'll show you some others on the WWW to give you an idea.

Dad had Sashimi (extra raw fish, not rolls, but strips of raw fish... it was interesting..)

Dad also had raw Tuna and Yellowtail on his plate

My Aunt and I shared mostly sushi rolls (much more mellow than raw slabs of fish)

We had Angel Rolls[that have eel on them!...crazy) and Godzilla Rolls (Tuna and they were fried on the outside)

 Ryan doesn't like fish. So he had Chicken Stir Fry :]  But we did get him to have a Godzilla Roll!

TTFN