It's that time of year...

...when I start thinking about what I want for Christmas. This holiday has always been a narcissistic one for me. I'm really trying to work on that.

But alas! I have come up with my wish list, and it goes as follows:










Hopefully Dennis can round up about $2500 to get my wish list.

Proud of the resourceful husband

Ok, so I'm not one to brag about myself or my husband. Really, I'm not. But my hubby emailed some pics of the latest project he's been working on-his sister's deck--and I must say, his work is pretty impressive!!

Dennis was laid off from his job a month or so ago and is in a transitional phase while he tries to do his own thing. In the meantime he has been picking up side jobs here and there. Well I know Dennis majored in construction management and has been in the industry for a long time but I've never seen his actual work. Anyway, I'm so proud of him and what he can do. Even though he did get laid off I feel grateful that he has the workmanship skills that he does. If you or anyone you know needs a basement finished, a deck built, or any type of carpentry, let us know! Dennis would be happy (grateful) to do it.

ANNUAL DG HALLOWEEN PARTY 2010

Elizabeth Smart and Emmanuel.





Gum on shoe?


Holy Crap.


The Exorcist.


The Flinstones.





Chilean miners. Just got out.


Mad Hatter and Elizabeth Smart.




Avatar.


Pink Unicorns.

Have you bought your TOMS yet?

I know this is old news but I think this idea is great. If you haven't bought a pair of TOMS yet, you should do so! For every pair of shoes you buy, they give a pair to a child in need. Genius right? Best part is they have super stylin' shoes with a large variety. And for all you hippie vegans out there, you can buy organic/vegan shoes.

You buy them online here or make a visit to Nordstrom or JMR at the Gateway or Fashion Place.

When mountain biking, don't get caught in a rain storm.

Pilates is the new black.

So I may have put down a 200 dollar deposit to reserve myself a seat in a classroom setting, come September 9th. Only this classroom setting doesn't involve a lot of books, per se. But it does involve a Pilates reformer machine. You may be asking yourself--is Ashley going to become a Pilates instructor? Yes. Yes I am. And I'm ecstatic about it.

It all took place a couple months ago, when my friend Blaire convinced me to join her in a Pilates Reformer class. It was love at first sight. Actually it was more than that. It was an epiphany. Now, the only other time I've had a true epiphany was when I decided it was time for me to teach hormone-crazed teenagers. Well, that hasn't exactly panned out like I had planned. Hopefully this latest epiphany will, because I am already $200 poorer as of yesterday.

For those of you who have yet to experience the pure ecstasy of Pilates on a reformer machine, you are seriously missing out. Although the classes can be a little pricey, the benefits and experience far out weigh the price. You leave feeling like a million bucks, and of course sweaty, rejuvenated, and just plain happy. It's a magic machine.

Anyway, if you happen to reside in the greater Salt Lake area, feel free to partake of this goodness at the King Studio in foothill village. My fellow Delta Gamma pledge-sister, Stephanie Stinson (now Willey) teaches the class. She's amazing. Almost as amazing as the reformer machine.

Hopefully one day I'll actually look like a typical Pilates instructor. I can dream big, right?

Jackson Hole is where it's at.

I will be here this weekend.



Doing this...



And this...


(I'm proud to say this is my actual bike. My husband loves me).

And don't forget this...



Oh and this little munchkin is coming along for the ride.



Hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend. I'll be doing the same.

Peace.

This one's for all you fixed-geared, bike riding hipsters.

Please watch this video. There's nothing more I appreciate when hipsters get made fun of. It's funny how riding a fixed-geared bike is really, really cool. I guess I can really appreciate this video because I like to road bike and I hate hipsters. So please enjoy. Click here to see an awesome video making fun of hipsters

Recent political banter...

Ayn Rand has had a pretty profound influence on my way of thinking. Once upon a time I tended to side with more liberal beliefs. Then I had an awakening. Things clicked in my mind. And capitalism and a free market made perfect sense. Anyway, politics are really interesting to me. I had a recent Facebook banter with some fellow left-wingers. What are everyone's thoughts on this recent news about Orrin Hatch trying to implement drug testing for those seeking to receive welfare checks? I thought it seemed like a novel idea in some aspects.






Read Orrin Hatch's Proposal

Please don't judge me but we got another dog.

Yep. Dennis called me on the way home from work one day and announced that he was driving home with our new dog in his lap. Awesome. Of course I was a little nervous/mad/confused. I was mad because as most people know we got rid of our Husky puppy two weeks after we bought him. But, Dennis convinced me this dog, which is much older and much more obedient ,will be better suited for us.

Well, he was right. Stella is her name and I'm obsessed. She is the best dog ever. SERIOUSLY. I know everyone says their dog is the best but she really is. It's her goal in life to predict what Dennis and I want her to do. She's all about pleasing us. Our little servant if you will.

The best part about Stella is she loves to go mountain biking with us. She doesn't require a leash and stays right on our heels (I should say tires) the entire ride. She is super agile, athletic and fast. She's a mini Australian Shepherd and couldn't be more adorable.

Ok, so I know I said she was perfect but there are a list of things she needs to improve on:

1- She is TERRIFIED of other dogs. Dennis took her to the park the other day and to his surprise found Stella had ran all the way home (a couple blocks) because a Lab started chasing her.

2- She is very skittish around children. Dennis and I are starting to think that she may have been pushed/bullied/abused by dogs and kids from her previous owners.

3- She may need doggy Valium. She has an extreme case of separation anxiety. When Dennis and I arrive home after a day of working we find a path she has created in our backyard. I'm not exaggerating in telling you that she runs circles in our backyard all. day. long. She is pooped when we get home. (That might be a good thing.)

4- She pooped in our new car. Yep. Dennis was really happy about that.

5-She wakes up at 5:30 am EVERY MORNING. How do we break our dog of this horrible habit??? I feel like I have a baby.

Hopefully you can all meet Stella. She's a keeper. I promise.

My Best Friend's Wedding...without Julia Roberts.

Since Carlee doesn't seem to enjoy the blog world as of lately, I took it upon myself to inform you all of her celebrity-style wedding last Saturday. It was remarkable. Classy. Perfect in every sense of the word. I'd thought I'd post some highlights of the wedding.

-Took place at the very exclusive Glenwild Country Club in Park City.
-Enjoyed a bridesmaid day of yoga and spa day (hair and makeup).
-Carlee rockin her Monique Lhuillier designer dress while every girl stared at her with envy.
-Ceremony at the adorably quaint St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral.
-Photo booth for guests. Guests getting a little crazy in the booth.
-A few memorable toasts and tributes to the bride and groom.
-Daddy-daugther dance to Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight".
-Ben's heartfelt tribute to his new wife (not a dry eye in the building).
-Dance party Roderick Family style.
-Catered Dolcetti Gelato. Best in Utah, hands down.
-Several buffets of the most delicious, eloquent and melt in your mouth food.
-The biggest chocolate-covered strawberries I've ever seen. It literally took five minutes to eat one.
-Favors included homemade lemoncello and personally designed koozies.
-Carlee, Laura, Blaire and I dancing and air-guiataring to none other than AC/DC "You Shook Me All Night Long". We represent our Delta Gamma roots well.
-Bachelorette Party Weekend in Palm Springs.
-Wedding Rehearsal Dinner at The River Horse --best filet mignon ever.
-Bridesmaid dinner the wedding eve at Cafe Terigo in Park City.

There will be more authentic pictures of the wedding soon but for now I'd thought I'd post pictures of the Glendwild Country Club.

Congratulations Carlee and Ben!









Images via glenwild.com

My Guiltiest Pleasure...

Ok. So I might watch one of the worst shows in the world. Yeah that's right. The Hills. I think I enjoy watching it because it reminds me of how normal and pleasant my life is compared to these hooligans. I got to say my favorite characters on the show are Spencer and Heidi. Not because they represent anything good or decent but simply because they are so entertaining. I believe in the latest episode Heidi actually said she wants to get "H" cups. Yeah. You heard me right. You may be asking yourself why. Well, because "H" stands for Heidi. Duh. Of course.

Luckily for us, Spencer is now completely off his rocker. He's always been a total tool but now he's actually crazy. He's either doing some serious drugs or some form of Hatha yoga. His style has turned from douche-bag clubbin' scenester to crazed hippie. It's a spectacular transformation. Mind boggling, indeed.

Another fun fact about the latest Hills gossip. Audrina is successfully dating a bigger tool than Spencer. None else than Ryan Cabrera. I don't know what's worse, his flat-ironed hair or his deplorable music. Nonetheless, serves for great entertainment.

Here is a picture of my faves. Spencer just being his awesome self...intensified by some form of hallucinogen. And Heidi in her newly-plastic robotic self.



Here is Ryan Cabrera in all his awesomeness. He's just asking to get beat up. Two words: flat-iron.



Another horrible confession. I actually like Gossip Girl. It's like Cruel Intentions meets the O.C. Except it's in New York. Great show. The best part is I actually despise the elite "Ivy Leaguers" even more after watching this show.



I actually don't fill my day with complete garbage. I've been reading a wonderful book. I'm 70 pages into it and loving my life. If you haven't read this yet, I highly recommend it. Have a fun-filled weekend. Peace.

A ridiculously overdue movie review...

Ok. So we're back in business. Dennis did a great review of "An Education". The writer of this Oscar nominated film also did "About a Boy" and "High Fidelity". If you enjoyed those movies, be sure and read the review.

On a side note. If you have a movie that you've considered watching but just don't know if it's worth your time or money, let us know. We'll be sure to fit it in somewhere in our busy, busy schedule.

Best Movie Review Ever

The best thing that happened to Arizona.

So I may have forced Dennis to take the airport shuttle to the train to make our way to Pita Jungle during our 3 hour layover in Phoenix. I simply can't help myself. This restaurant is not like ordinary restaurants. It is beyond description. Riding the train over I was actually sweating. Sweating because I had so much anxiety/excitement just knowing I was going to eat at my most raved about eatery. Anytime I meet anyone from Arizona I always ask them about Pita Jungle and whether or not they're obsessed. So here is a picture of the delicious of deliciousness. The famous ice chai latte. It is AMAZING. The food is even better but I forgot to take a picture. I was actually gorging myself silly. Just ask Dennis.

If you are visiting Arizona any time soon you MUST try Pita Jungle. You will be happy.

Don't worry...

I'll be here in six days. I hope you're all jealous.

Happy Birthday Laura Jane

Today, this special girl turns twenty-something. Laura and I have shared many memories together and through thick and thin we have remained as close as ever.

For a while many people thought we were lesbians, simply because we chose to boycott men and sleep in the same bed for 9 months straight. Well I'm here to tell you we actually succumbed to dating men again. We both tied the knot with a couple of fine fellows.

I think we can all agree Laura epitomizes selflessness and being a wonderful and true friend. Here are some reasons why I cherish Laura and her unwavering class.

1- Laura's hugs (ok, already that sounds a little lesbianish but she gives great hugs)
2- Laura's adorable cheeks--primarily her dimples
3- Laura's little toes and fingers --a favorite of mine and Carlee's. (So far, this all sounds a little lesbian but I promise I'm not. Truly)
4- Laura's incapability of putting herself first. It's impossible.
5- Laura's beautiful smile
6- Laura's sense of humor (her daily stories are always hilarious)
7- She is everyones number one fan. She will always tell you how great you are and how you can do anything.
8- Her ease of forgiveness. Laura holds no hard feelings.
9- Her constant support.
10- Her love for the earth.
11-Her love for animals.
12-Her ambitious vision.

This list could go on for days. I hope everyone gets a chance to know and love Laura because she's a treat to have around!! Cort's a lucky guy!

Love you Laur. Happy Birthday.

Movie blog update...

I know it's weird. We saw another horror film. We really do watch comedies, dramas and other genres of film. Our favorite just happens to be horror.

Check out Dennis's review...

Movie Review Blog

Welcome Max Blackburn

Dennis finally broke down and let me get a puppy. He's a feisty Husky that thinks he owns the place. He is really uncoordinated and very entertaining. If he didn't poop and pee everywhere I think I could tolerate him. I must say I had no idea what I was getting myself into. These things are extremely high maintenance and if patience is something you lack I wouldn't suggest getting one. I'm almost at my wits end with this little guy...

He sure is adorable though.