The Blackburns

A must read.

2011-12-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

I never really sympathized with a person, when speaking of a book, has said, "I couldn't put it down." I've always thought that was an overused cliche someone uses when they want to sound like they read a lot. You know. To impress you with their ability to read books quickly and with haste. I've never read a book that I literally couldn't take out of my hands and put on my night stand to go to sleep. Sleep has always taken priority over reading a novel. Well, things have changed my friends.

If you haven't had the privilege of reading this book, I implore you to do so. I can honestly say I read this book in the wee hours of the morning after feeding my baby because, well, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The story was consuming my mind. A book so intriguing, I would insist on discussing its contents with everyone, including the grocer at the super market. That's a slight exaggeration. But in all seriousness, it made my top five. Right up there with Into the Wild and The Road.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is a truly gripping story of a WWII vet that survived a plane crash and 42 days at sea in a flimsy raft only to get captured by the Japanese. He then becomes a POW in some of the worst prisoner camps during WWII. Albeit a startling and horrific story, it details a man's mind-boggling will to survive, his later miraculous transformation, and his ability to forgive. Great, great book.

Protagonist, Louie Zamperini.

What once was, now has been replaced.

2011-12-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Our dog has inexplicably become the red-headed step child. What once was the apple of our eye, has now hastily taken the back seat in the Blackburn house-hold. One might ask how such a travesty can occur. My answer to you is a 12 pound, eating, pooping, keep her mommy and daddy on their toes, machine. Her name is Emery. And she has taken over our lives. One diaper change at a time.

Emery came to this world October 24, in true overly dramatic, movie-like fashion. After a 34 hour labor, and an hour of pushing with forceps, she finally decided to grace us through a C-section. Her mommy wasn't ecstatic about the news of surgery, but was grateful nonetheless for her safe arrival. The first words emanating from the doctor as he pulled her out of my tummy, were "Wow, she's a huge baby!" That she was. All nine pounds seven ounces of her.

Before it was time to push, Emery decided remaining posterior (face-side up)was the only way she would attempt the birth canal. After an hour of coaxing and in reality trying to force her out, we all knew it was not going to happen safely. We pulled the plug and I came to grips with the fact that I wouldn't, in actuality, be giving birth. Despite my utter gratitude for her health and safety, I somehow felt inadequate as a mother. In this situation, I couldn't by any means give birth the natural way. It was disheartening, but in the grand scheme of things, it really didn't matter. I had a beautiful, dark-haired baby girl and I was happy. Besides, I dealt with a horrendous pregnancy for a while, so I guess that in itself makes up for my lack of birthing skills.

The next hurdle was breast-feeding. Truth be told, no one informed me of the frustrations nursing has to offer. I assumed your milk comes in the day you give birth, that your baby latches on right out of the womb, and that the natural feeding system is stress free and easy as pie. Boy, was I mistaken. After attempting to throw in the towel numerous times, I decided to stick it out no matter what it took. After all, I had a C-section and was not about to fail at nursing.

The nursing plight became a thing of the past, and baby and I were well on our way to a successful feeding relationship. I was once again a well-equipped mother.

Emery is gracefully aging into a post-newborn. She is almost 8 weeks and continually shows signs of contentment such as smiling, cooing, gurgling and adorably kicking her legs. As each week passes, she miraculously develops into an older, wiser, and more mature infant. Her progression is quite astonishing and sometimes I find myself wishing she would stay just where she is. A cuddly, squirmy, sack of potatoes.

Although our dog's walks and morning cuddle sessions are no longer to her liking, we still love her and consider her an integral part of our family. Emery and Stella will one day undoubtedly become best friends.

Belly pic, oh my!

2011-09-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

While being bored on a Friday night waiting for my hubby to get home from a work trip, I decided I better post a 9 month pic of my GINORMOUS belly. The picture is horrible but it will have to do. I have less than four weeks until this baby decides to debut. Kinda freaking out. Not gonna lie.

I miss.

2011-07-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

I miss mountain biking.

I miss road biking.

I miss cute clothes.

I miss weekend camping trips full of river rafting and biking.

I miss eating like a normal person.

I miss a good night's rest.

I miss my old life.

Despite my "feeling sorry for myself" state, I know it will all be worth it when we welcome this little nugget.

5 months

2011-06-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

22 weeks and counting

Feeling baby girl kick, getting more intense with each day

Hungry every hour

Still taking one 1/2 phenergan at bed time

Tapering off the mountain biking

Anxious for her to get here

Find myself crying every time I see a baby born on t.v. (TLC's "A baby story")

Feeling this weird and unrecognizable instinct (I think they call it "maternal instinct")

So grateful every day for a healthy baby growing inside with a hard working husband at home

Four more months to go before I'm a real mamma

It's a girl!

2011-05-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

And I couldn't be more ecstatic. :)

Tap Water? Never Again.

2011-04-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard already I would definitely take a look at the article below from Good Morning America. A recent environmental group conducted a study to find a carcinogen Chromium 6 in our drinking water. Shockingly, they found the chemical in 31 of 35 cities involved in the study. Salt Lake being one of them. What's more alarming is that Brita water filters don't work, which means you have to buy one of those expensive $300+ water filtrations systems that is installed into your sink. But, I have found an inexpensive water filter that filters all chemicals including Chromium 6 out of tap water. It's called ZeroWater. You can buy it at Target or Bed Bath and Beyond.

I'm not usually a huge campaigner for random products, but I feel pretty passionate about this, because most people I talk to have no idea that this chemical is chillin in their drinking water. After long term exposure the carcinogen is known to cause cancer. Anyway, just thought I'd pass along this tid bit of information. I will never drink our tap water again!!

Click here to read article

October will be a special month

2011-04-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

I couldn't keep it in any longer. I have been dying to complain about the morning sickness, puking, food aversion, and constipation. These sound too similar to pregnancy symptoms? Well, it's because they are.

Dennis and I finally decided to pull the trigger and start a family. I am 12 weeks pregnant today, and figured it's time to the let the cat out of the bag. Pregnancy has brought a variety of emotions, moods and feelings, including anxiety, fear, elation, joy and a little depression. When we first learned we were pregnant, the day before our 2nd year anniversary, I was in shock. We had been trying for a few months so I anticipated a negative pregnancy test. But when that second line showed up, I couldn't believe it and took three more tests that day. All positive. It was crazy.

Now three months into my gestation, I have not only accepted that I'm pregnant but have embraced it with all the nausea and puking. When friends and family have complained about pregnancy before, I always thought to myself "What a bunch of babies. Really, it's that bad?" Now being completely immersed in the symptoms, I can confidently say, yes. It is that bad.

Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful to be pregnant and to be able to get pregnant with relative ease. But I'm not going to sugar coat it. Being pregnant is hard. I know for some it really isn't that bad. I guess I'm not one of those lucky ones. It has been hard waking at at 5:15 am to teach my pilates class, all the while trying not to puke. It's been hard to muster the motivation and strength some days to get off the couch and go grocery shopping. I now look at people with more than one kid, and wonder, how in the world did you put yourself through another pregnancy?? An answer to that question came from my sister-in-law. The body somehow releases a hormone that enables your mind to forget the pregnancy symptoms. I think that sounds like a myth. I think women are just masochists.

Another interesting symptom is food aversion. Yes complete aversion to all and any food. I also remember a friend of mine relating her experience of her distaste for food during her first trimester. What? That doesn't make sense. Oh but it does now. It's interesting and kind of a cruel joke, to be hungry every two hours but dislike anything that goes into your mouth. It's like food has suddenly become tasteless. There are so many times when I have eaten a Cafe Rio salad only to think, "I remember when this salad was amazing." I hope to get there again one day.

I'm approaching my second trimester and I'm banking on feeling the second trimester "high". Apparently it's the trimester when you feel your best, have more energy and actually start showing instead of looking like you've eaten too many donuts. I'm excited for this phase and can only hope that the nausea will subside. The day it does, I'm going to celebrate by doing something awesome. A cartwheel perhaps.

Pregnancy is not all bad. This past week, especially, I have been really, really excited to be a mom. I keep thinking about the day we deliver and how amazing it will be to see our baby come into the world. We bought our first baby item. A baby hiking backpack from the REI garage sale. We got a killer deal. Can't wait to take junior Ash or Denny on his/her first hike up to Dog Lake with his/her big sister Stella. It will be marvelous.

Oh and in case you were wondering, I am putting a pregnancy countdown button on my page. Yeah so cheesy, and judge me all you want.:)

Little baby around 12 weeks...

Welcome March with Pilates

2011-02-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

March is right around the corner and there's no better time to get in shape so you can show off that beach body come this summer!

Those of you that haven't had the opportunity to try pilates, probably wonder what the benefits are and what makes it different than yoga or just a regular workout. I found these benefits and they really ring true.

With regular committed Pilates workouts you can expect to:

Improve strength, flexibility and balance
Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk
Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core
Engage the mind and enhance body awareness
Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury
Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching
Restore postural alignment
Create a stronger, more flexible spine
Promote recovery from strain or injury
Increase joint range of motion
Improve circulation
Heighten neuromuscular coordination
Offer relief from back pain and joint stress
Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury
Enhance mobility, agility and stamina
Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity
Improve the way your body looks and feels

PIlates is truly an amazing workout that leaves your body and mind feeing rejuvenated and at ease.

I have picked up quite a few more classes so hopefully one or two of them will work with your schedule. I'm still offering the first class free. You will love pilates, just give it a try!

Below is my class schedule and prices. Remember to text, call or email to reserve your spot as there are only 6 spots per class. If you are interested in private or duet sessions let me know. If none of these times work for you, call or text me and we can figure out a time that would work for you!

SCHEDULE:

Monday:
7 am: Group reformer
4:30 pm: Group Reformer

Tues:
3:30 pm: Group reformer

Wed:
5:45 am: Group reformer
4:30 pm: Group reformer

Thursday:
5:45 am: Group reformer

Friday:
5:45 am Group Reformer
7 am: Group Reformer

Sat:
8 am Group Reformer

**24 Hour Cancellation Policy

PRICES:
First class FREE!!
$20/class
5 pack for $90 ($18/class)
10 pack for $150 ($15/class)

King Studio:
1400 Foothill Dr. suite #228
Salt Lake CIty
(on the second floor in the south west corner of Foothill Village--above Steinmart)

Thanks everyone!! I hope to see you soon!

Ashley
801.502.9956

The Lone Star State

2011-02-09T09:44:00.001-08:00

Dennis and I will be venturing off to Dallas tomorrow, for a last minute anniversary trip, and of course to see this Engar family, this Engar family and this dearest friend.

We're excited to get out of the cold and our normal routine for a while. I envision lots of cowboys, flat land and maybe George Bush?

**A side note: I finished my cleanse successfully for one week. I just couldn't hack more. Maybe next time?

Cleanse: Day 6

2011-01-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

So, I'm almost to a week. The question is do I keep going for another week or stop Monday morning. Considering how I feel, and the transformation it's made on my relationship with food, I'm going to opt for a second week. The ulitmate goal is to reach three weeks, but I want to be realistic with myself.

I had an upset last night, but I'm going to forgive myself and move on. A patient of Dr. Junger's asked if his eating forbidden food the night before completely ruined the cleanse. Dr. Junger's response was no. Simply move on and continue your cleanse the next day. So that is what I'll do.

I also discovered the reason as to why I was not enjoying the Berry Smoothie with Coconut Milk. I was using cooking coconut milk, not the coconut milk you can buy meant to replace milk. So note to self--coconut cooking milk not meant to be drank!!

Day 6: Saturday, January 29, 2011

Breakfast:
Energy Smoothie with Almond Butter and Cardamom
This is obviously one of my favorites

Lunch:
Warm Salmon and Asparagus Salad with Pesto

I realize I've eaten a lot of salmon. It's just so easy to cook! I probably need to switch it up and eat more vegetarian meals for lunch.

Cleanse: Day 5

2011-01-28T08:58:00.000-08:00

I woke up today not feeling too energetic. I'm wondering if it's because I didn't drink enough water yesterday. Today I'm going to lunch for my sister's birthday and going to dinner tonight with friends. What to do? I decided I better forego eating lunch but enjoy the company so I can enjoy eating at a restaurant tonight. Hey, it's only for one week, right? I can do this. Day five, here I come.

Day 5: Friday, January, 28, 2011

Breakfast:
Berry Shake with Coconut Milk

2 cups coconut milk
2 cups raspberries and blueberries
1/4 avocado or coconut meat
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 to 2 teaspoons agave nectar
1/2 cup ice
Blend until smooth.

Notes: This isn't my favorite. Again drinking coconut milk is kind of hard to swallow (pun intended). The berry taste makes it tolerable but coconut milk is thick and has a pretty strong taste. I'm finding I definitely prefer the almond milk-based smoothies.

Mid-morning snack:
Handful of raw cashews

Lunch:
Grilled Shrimp with Arugula & Spaghetti Squash Salad
Ordered this at a restaurant. Tried to find the a dish that was ok with my cleanse.

Dinner:
Yesterday afternoon, I found out some crummy news so I unfortunately gave in and ate dinner at Chile's. I ordered a not so bad Carribbean salad but also enjoyed chips & salsa. Oh well. I'm going to keep going and move on!! It's alright not to be perfect all the time :).

Cleanse: Day 4

2011-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine recommended reading a book called In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. I guess this book has completely changed her relationship with food. She now and has been for quite some time eating pure, organic and real food. She's not perfect by any means and has candy and donuts on occasion, but the biggest transformation is her desire to eat the amazing, real, healthy foods.

I just ordered the book on Amazon.com. It was about $9. I'm excited to read the book and continue my education on food, all the while hoping to change my outlook on food and what I put in my mouth.

Here is a brief summary:

In Defense of Food shows us how, despite the daunting dietary landscape Americans confront in the modern supermarket, we can escape the Western diet and, by doing so, most of the chronic diseases that diet causes. We can relearn which foods are healthy, develop simple ways to moderate our appetites, and return eating to its proper context — out of the car and back to the table. Michael Pollan’s bracing and eloquent manifesto shows us how we can start making thoughtful food choices that will enrich our lives, enlarge our sense of what it means to be healthy, and bring pleasure back to eating.

Something that is hard to deal with is buying lots of produce and then using it before it goes bad. I have found that buying anything I can frozen has really saved me. Dr. Junger suggests buying frozen organic fruit so you can use as you want to and not worry about it going bad. For vegetables, that's a different story. I guess going to the grocery store every few days is your only option.

Notes from Day 3: Incredibly, I'm really not feeling any hunger. In fact I haven't been hungry for dinner the past couple days. Hope that's not a problem. My energy levels are about the same.

Day 4: Thursday, January 27, 2011

Breakfast:
Energy Smoothie with Almond Butter and Cardamom
1/4 cup almond butter
2 cardamom pods or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 1/2 cups of pure water
1 cup frozen peaches
1 to 2 teaspoons agave syrup
1/2 cup ice
1. Blend together until smooth.
Tahini or pumpkin-seed butter can be substituted for almond butter
Notes: This smoothie is really good. The cardamom has a classic Indian taste. If you've ever had that sweet Naan, then you've had cardamom.

*Notes on cardamom

This exotic spice contains many plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have anti-oxidant, disease preventing and health promoting properties.

The spicy pods contain many essential volatile oils that include pinene, sabinene, myrcene, phellandrene, limonene, 1, 8-cineole, terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-oil, a-terpineol, a-terpineol acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, methyl eugenol, and trans-nerolidol.

The therapeutic properties of cardamom-oil have found application in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic.

Cardamom is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.

It is also an excellent source of manganese and iron. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.

The pods are rich in many vital vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health.

**Information found on nutrition-and-you.com

Mid-morning snack:
avocado with Sea salt

Lunch:
Warm Salmon and Asparagus Salad with Pesto

See ingredients in previous post

Dinner:
Energy Smoothie with Almond Butter and Cardamom

Cleanse: Day 3

2011-01-26T06:47:00.001-08:00

Why is buying organic food a necessity? Yeah, it's super expensive, and I can only hope to one day be able to afford purely organic 100% of the time. But if you do a little research, it's shocking what you will find.

I found the following information on healthfreedomusa.com

Food the way Mother Nature made it is clean and wholesome. Your body knows just what to do with it. After all, it has had an awfully long time to figure that out.

Organic food doesn’t contain toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, dangerous industrial chemicals (for example, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives). And everything in it is natural: it’s real food, not "Frankenfood" created in a laboratory for profit regardless of the fact that genetically modified, synthetic foods have massive, well-known health hazards.

Dumb, dangerous food is laced with toxic industrial chemicals and additives because of the way it is grown, packaged, produced and manufactured. Its nutrient density (the amount of good stuff you get in the food you eat) is much lower than organic food while all of those industrial toxins act as poisons to the enzyme systems which life depends upon.

After all, we as a species have only encountered the 100,000+ chemicals added to toxic food and our toxic environment in the last seventy years or so. Our cells and bodies are used to real food: we don’t know what to do, biochemicaly speaking, with dumb food so we are poisoned by it. That’s why it’s dangerous.

And if the food has had its genetic make-up contaminated by scientists who have messed up the DNA of food with viruses, non-food genes, insect and human genetic bits and so on, our bodies have no way at all to deal with this dangerous stuff. This messed-up, dumb food made by smart–but not very wise–scientists working for rich — but not very responsible — companies, is called Genetically Modified Organism or GMO food. Sometimes it’s called Genetically Engineered (GE) or Biotechnical Modified (BM) food.

Whatever you call it, studies show that eating it is associated with slow, gradual organ system failure, perforated, bleeding guts, shrunken kidneys, damaged immune systems, increased serious and life threatening diseases like cancer, autoimmune disease, life threatening allergies, irregularities in the blood system, and a host of other dangerous, and deadly conditions.

And here is the dumbest part of all: this dumb and dangerous "food" does not have to be tested for safety before it is released into the food supply. It just has to have a patent on it. And patents do not take safety into account.

So what happens if you eat dumb and dangerous food? Nothing good and perhaps some really, really bad things. The US is the only country which does not require labeling of GMO food. So lots of the foods you eat everyday probably contain dangerous, dumb food including non-organic corn, soy,canola oil and many nutritional supplements!

It really is alarming, what most of America is eating, including myself. It seems almost impossible to completely avoid processed, chemically-rich foods. I think even small steps to make your diet more organic can go a long way, even if you can't afford to buy everything organic, which most of us can't. And isn't that a travesty that most Americans can't afford to buy REAL food? Food that hasn't been processed or pumped full of chemicals. Very, very sad.

Dr. Junger recommends buying all your produce from your local farmers market, or simply growing it yourself. Buying it there guarantees it's organic because it's local and isn't shipped from South America and doused with preservatives in order to stay fresh.

A family friend of mine is a honest to goodness food scientist. She works for a big food corporation (not sure which one) and performs "experiments" daily. Her experiments include creating food out of chemicals, testing the taste and so forth. Her latest project I believe was creating Progresso Soup. Hearing her stories, I couldn't help but wonder, do I really want to eat something that was a scientific experiment? Do I want to eat food laced with chemicals, toxins and whatever else they put in there to fabricate some sort of taste? It was a real eye opener for me.

Anyway, I think most of us get caught up in our fast-paced and day to day activities and forget to think about what we're ingesting. It's no wonder auto-immune diseases and cancer are rampant in our nation.

Well back to the detox.

Notes from Day Two:
I never really struggled with hunger except around mid-morning. This is already becoming a lot easier. My energy is about the same. I have noticed after I drink the Green Juice, I kind of feel like I drank caffeine. Lots of energy. Amazing that it comes from pure nutrients and not a stimulant-inducing drug.

Day Three: Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Breakfast:
Blueberry Smoothie with Cacao Powder
1 cup blueberries
1 1/2 cups almond milk
2 teaspoons cacao powder
1 to 2 teaspoons agave nectar
1/2 cup ice

Blend together until smooth.

Mid-morning snack: avocado with Sea salt

Lunch:
Whole Foods Grilled Chicken with Southwestern Salad Shaker
5 oz. grilled chicken

Whole Foods Salad Shaker:
Quinoa
Red Bell peppers
zucchini
black beans
sunflower seeds
pico de gallo (tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalepeno peppers, lemon juice, salt, black pepper)
Tomato-oil Herb Dressing (tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, white vinegar, garlic, basil, mustard seed, salt, black pepper)

Organic Raw Kombucha Gingerade (fresh pressed ginger juice, organic raw Kombucha)

Notes: The salad shaker from Whole Foods was super good. Going to have to get that again! The Kombucha Gingerade drink tasted pretty similar to gingerale.

**Notes on Kombucha

Kombucha is alternately known as a Chinese tea, a plant, or a mushroom. But it's not really any of these. It's a living culture of beneficial microorganisms, and in Kombucha's case, the whole is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts! Our Kombucha is delicately cultured - some liken it to fermentation - for 30 days. During this period, essential nutrients form like active enzymes, viable probiotics, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols. All of these combine to create an elixir that encourages health and wellness. Kombucha has been used for hundreds of years throughout the world as a daily health tonic. The culture resembles a light brown, tough, gelatinous disk—and because it's a living, growing entity, it can regenerate and create new cultures with every batch. In fact, GT's Kombucha and Synergy are made from Kombucha cultures that are descendants of the original culture GT grew to create his first bottles.

**Information and image found at synergydrinks.com

Dinner:
Green Smoothie
1 1/2 cups of almond milk
1/2 cup of coconut water
2 leaves lacinato kale or Swiss chard, coarsely chopped
1/4 avocado
1/2 cup mango chunks
1/2 cup ice
Blend together until smooth.

Notes: This is not my favorite but wasn't horrible. Meaning I wasn't cringing to get it down.

Cleanse: Day 2

2011-01-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

So I read something very alarming. A ritual of mine is to read CNN online every morning, and I happened to come across this startling article a few weeks ago. According to a report released by a non-profit Environmental Working Group, millions of Americans in at least 31 U.S. cities could be drinking tap water contaminated with a harmful chemical hexavalent chromium. This carcinogen has been known to cause stomach cancer. Awesome. So, reading further, thinking there's no possible way it's in Salt Lake, I find the list of cities and bam. Right there, and hard to miss. Salt Lake City.

So what does one do when one learns this? Get a water filter or buy bottled water of course. But alas, a Brita water filter does nothing to rid chemicals, and there's no guarantee your bottled water doesn't come from the same source. So the only option I have left is to buy a reverse osmosis water filter. Those suckers can range from $300 to $600, depending on the kind you get. So of course I'm trying to think of ways to coax my husband into letting me get one. He's a die hard skeptic when it comes to eating organic, or vegetarian, using non-toxic cleaners, or buying a water filter. He doesn't get it. So we made a deal. Once our credit card debt is paid off we can buy ourselves a reverse osmosis water filter and then perhaps not die of stomach cancer.

What was even more alarming, after reading Dr. Junger's book, is that our body absorbs more water through our skin than by drinking it. So just buying a water filter does nothing for the water your skin absorbs taking a shower. Awesome again. I guess all I can do is what I have the power to do, and that is buy a water filter. I'll just have to wait for the government to step in and regulate our water sources for a more clean, pure shower.

To see if your city has the same chemical chilin in your water click here

Day 1: Recap

I'm not going to lie. I was pretty hungry last night. The Green Juice kept me satisfied for a couple hours then hunger crept in. Dr. Junger said hunger is normal of course, but to not fret too much, because it will decrease as your body adjusts to its intake.

Here goes day two.

Day Two: Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Exercise: 60 minute circuit training class

Breakfast:
Blueberry Smoothie with Cacao Powder
1 cup blueberries
1 1/2 cups almond milk
2 teaspoons cacao powder
1 to 2 teaspoons agave nectar
1/2 cup ice

Blend together until smooth.
Notes: Really, really tasty. The combination of almond milk, blueberries and cacao make a delightful treat.

*Notes on cacao powder

Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea.

Many people consider eating chocolate a “guilty pleasure.” But the reputation of chocolate as a junk food should more accurately be attributed to the harmful effects of commercial processing and refining techniques, and the other ingredients commonly added, most notably white sugar. All chocolate is made from the cacao (cocoa) bean, and cacao beans in their natural, unprocessed, unadulterated state are rich in nutrients and beneficial to health.

**Information and image found on livesuperfoods.com

Mid-morning snack:
1 avocado with sea salt

Lunch:
Warm Salmon and Asparagus Salad with Pesto

5-ounce portions of wild salmon
2 tablespoons fresh pesto
1 bunch asaparagus, woody ends trimmed off
4 cups mesclun greens or arugula
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon

For the pesto:
2 bunches fresh basil, washed and leaves pulled from the hard stalks
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
Sea salt for seasoning

To make pesto, place basil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor and process on medium.
Drizzle in the olive oil while the motor is running.
Season with salt.
If it is too thick, add a small amount or pure water.
Set aside in a bowl.

Brush salmon and asparagus with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Grill asparagus and salmon.
Prepare the salad. Place the greens in a bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, and lemon juice.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of pesto over the top of each piece of salmon.
Serve while the salmon is still warm.

You may use prepared pesto as long as it doesn't contain any additives.

Notes: This dish is deeelicious. I'm in love with arugula, the pesto was divine as was the asparagus.

Dinner:
Green Juice
(recipe in previous post)

Notes for the day:
I was definitely less hungry. I actually felt full after lunch.

A Clean Me

2011-01-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

Junk food. My current demise. Pizza, cookies, candy, milk, processed food, more candy and anything else that doesn't do a body good.

I woke up this morning feeling exhausted. Dennis and I ate pizza and cheese pull-a-parts from The Pie yesterday. Despite being utterly delicious, I feel amazingly bloated this morning. I decided a couple weeks ago, that I needed a body recharge. My body is screaming to rid itself of the daily toxins it ingests. The holidays, New Years, and my daily food intake has taken a toll on my body. My energy is depleted, I'm bloated, constipated (sorry-TMI) and never feel that refreshed upon waking up. I need a system overhaul.

About a year and a half ago, I attempted to do the "Clean" detox diet. The author, Alejandro Junger, a physician that combines western medicine with eastern medicine, designed the cleanse. I've researched the heck out of cleanse diets and found this one to be the best fit for me. I found it off of Gwyneth Paltrow's "Goop" website. She swears it transformed her body, and did so safely. I decided to give the old cleanse a try and was very, very pleased.

So yet again, I am starting the Clean detox cleanse (Dr. Junger recommends doing a cleanse annually). The program encourages you to finish three weeks, but allows you to take it one week at a time. Even a week on the cleanse can be very beneficial. I'm going to aim for one week and take it from there.

The cleanse consists of two liquid meals a day with one solid meal. The liquid meals consist of juiced or blended juices, shakes or soups comprised of organic vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices. The solid meal is purely organic and as raw as you can get it.

Other stipulations include:
Pure filtered water only--drinking enough to keep you going to to the bathroom hourly
Two tablespoons of olive oil each night (lubricates the intestines)
A clove of garlic a day-garlic is a natural detoxifier
No dairy products, including milk, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.
No red meat or pork products
No soy products
No refined sugars including pasta, bread, flour, etc.
No soda pop, coffee, processed (store bought) juice
You can drink herbal teas, but not in replacement of water
A daily bowel movement--which means if you're not doing it on your own, you use a natural laxative or enema :)
A daily 5 minute meditation
Using all organic and natural products including organic deodorant, toothpaste, lotion, soap, cleaning products, etc.
Liquid meal for breakfast and dinner, solid meal for lunch

Dr. Junger encourages:
Colonics--I tried this last time and almost died. Seriously. I wouldn't recommend it unless you talk to a doctor or do some extensive research
A weekly massage
Scrubbing your body in the shower--ridding yourself of all the dead skin
Sitting in a sauna daily--sweating is a great natural detoxifier
Exercising daily
Taking deep breaths throughout the day--breathing also a great natural detoxifier

I decided to record my cleanse on my blog. A great way to keep me accountable and motivated. So I guess I'll start with day one which is today.

Day One: Monday January 24, 2011

Exercise: 60 minute spin class

Breakfast:
Energy Smoothie with Almond Butter and Cardamom
1/4 cup almond butter
2 cardamom pods or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 1/2 cups of pure water
1 cup frozen peaches
1 to 2 teaspoons agave syrup
1/2 cup ice
1. Blend together until smooth.
Tahini or pumpkin-seed butter can be substituted for almond butter
Notes: This smoothie is really good. The cardamom has a classic Indian taste. If you've ever had that sweet Naan, then you've had cardamom.

Mid-morning Snack:
Handful of cashews

Lunch:
Superfood Salad with Acai Dressing & Salmon

Ingredients:
Kale
Napa Cabbage
Carrots
Red Onions
Blueberries
Cashews
Goji berries
sunflower seeds
Acai dressing (acai juice, agave nectar, apple cider vinegar, cashew, garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne)

4 oz. wild salmon, grilled, seasoned with salt, pepper and lemon juice

Dinner:
Green Juice
2 green apples
3 stalks celery
1 leaf lacinato kale
1 leaf Swiss chard
1/4 cabbage
1 head broccoli
1/2 medium cucumber
1/2 lemon

Blend in juicer.
Notes: This is pretty refreshing, but the thought that I'm drinking vegetables makes it a little hard to go down.

Notes for today:
I felt pretty good the whole day. Not too much hunger suprisingly. The late afternoon I snuck in a piece of gum. I'm really going to try and not eat gum, so I need to prepare better tomorrow and bring more snacks to work. No bloating, no headache. :)

From here on out, I'll record what I ate throughout the day that evening, and keep you updated as I move forward in the cleansing process. I have a feeling Whole Foods will be seeing a lot of me. Wish me luck!

Happy Monday.

Pretty Inspiring Video

2011-01-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

This video fits nicely with yesterday's self improvement post. It really is inspiring. I honestly believe weaknesses can become strengths, especially with God's help.

A Reflection...

2011-01-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

I'm such a bad blogger. I don't really update as much as I should. I don't take pictures of events in my life. And I don't write things down, so I'll always remember them. I have so many things I need to work on.

Being a new year, I started reflecting on past years and events of my life, relationships that have come and gone, careers that were short lived and new people I have met. It's unbelievable to me how fast time flies. It seems like yesterday I was taking my new teaching job in Arizona with Laura and setting out on a new adventure. That was almost 4 years ago. Incredible. So much has transpired since that year in Arizona. I've had two job changes, married, bought a house and a dog, certified in pilates, and aged. I still feel like I'm 23 and ready for any obstacle ahead of me. But the increasing lines on my face and gray hairs tell me otherwise. I'm still young at 27, but approaching my thirties quite rapidly.

Because experiences are but a fleeting moment, I've realized how much has happened these past years and how much I need to improve on. Have I become a better person than I was four years ago? Have I become more self disciplined, more compassionate, more selfless, more kind, more serving and less judgmental? Not to the extent I need to be. I find myself judging people very quickly. In fact the older I get, the more it seems I am set in my ways and therefore judge people more. However, the older I get, I realize the importance of character rather than material or superficial things.

Marriage has made the most transformative change in my life and in my character. I am a different person compared to the Ashley that got married two years ago. Our anniversary is approaching and our marriage is better and amazingly more seamless than when we first said "I do". I truly believe I was a kid then. Even though it was two years ago, I felt like I have aged and grown the equivalent of 10 years.

Marriage is an amazing thing. It has taught me several life long lessons. The most profound being love. Love is not infatuation. Love is hard work. Love is loving a person despite their flaws. Love is working every day towards a better marriage. Love is coming home to my husband and being so grateful he chose to marry me. Love is being less self-centered and giving your all to your partner. Love is creating a family. Love is uniting yourself to your husband to which you become one. Love encompasses all sorts of great character traits. Ones that I have improved on since that Valentine's Day in 2009.

I'm turning 28 years old this year. With my thirties approaching, I have been very contemplative with what has transpired in my life, what I have accomplished, and what goals I have going forward. But what is really bothering me, is I feel like I haven't been charitable. What have I done for others the past 27 years of my life? I know that I have done a whole lot for myself, but not a whole lot for my neighbors, friends, family, and community.

This is my primary goal for 2011. To forget about my trials, my daily tribulations and start helping and serving others. I have it so good. I have been so blessed. I have an amazing husband. I have an amazing family. I have amazing friends. I have a home, I have a job and I have a healthy body. With all this goodness that fills my life, I feel like it's my duty to give back.

I hope that this year will be more of a reflective and contemplative one. I hope that I can improve on my weaknesses. I hope that I can always live by what I believe. I hope that I can help others. I hope that I can be more forgiving and less judgmental. I hope that I can slowly, but steadily change who I am each day for the better. I hope I can look back four years from now, and be ok with what I have done.

Happy Monday.

**Quote above by James A. Froude

Come take Reformer Pilates from me. For Free!

2011-01-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

So it's official. I started teaching. And guess what? Your first two classes are FREE! So now you have no excuse not to come try it out!

I thought I'd let all you fabulous bloggers know that beginning this new year I will start teaching Group Reformer Pilates at King Studio in Foothill Village. My classes begin tonight, Monday, January 3rd.

What a fantastic way to start off the new year by getting in shape and taking Reformer Pilates! If you haven't had a chance to partake of this pilates goodness now is the time to get started. The first time I did pilates on a reformer I fell in love, and I can guarantee you will as well. I decided to become an instructor to pass on my love and passion for this amazing work out. I've had knee problems the past few years and I have finally found something I can do that is very challenging yet easy on my joints. I hope you all will take this opportunity to join me this new year in getting in shape!

Below are my class times and prices. Space is limited to 6 so call, text or email me to reserve a few days in advance to secure your spot! I look forward to seeing all of you soon:) Call for any questions on group pricing, duets, or private training. I will most likely be picking up additional class times in the near future. Happy New Year!

King Studio:
1400 Foothill Dr. suite #228
Salt Lake CIty
(on the second floor in the south west corner of Foothill Village--above Steinmart)

Mondays:
4:30-5:30 pm

Wednesdays:
4:30-5:30 pm

Thursdays:
5:45 -6:45 am

Saturdays:
8 am- 9 am

Pilates Pricing:
First two classes FREE!!
$20/class
5 pack for $90 ($18/class)
10 pack for $150 ($15/class)

Peace and love,

Ashley

801.502.9956
ashleyengar17@gmail.com

It's that time of year...

2010-11-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

...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

2010-10-29T14:46:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-25T07:36:00.001-07:00

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?

2010-08-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-08-23T07:35:00.001-07:00

Pilates is the new black.

2010-08-04T07:32:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-07-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-06-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-06-16T14:13:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-06-09T13:03:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-05-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-05-07T07:33:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-04-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-03-30T16:56:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-03-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

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

Happy Birthday Laura Jane

2010-03-10T07:29:00.001-08:00

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...

2010-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-01T12:51:00.001-08:00

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.

Spinning Class Continued...

2010-02-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

Last night's spinning instructor's disclaimer:

My goal this year is to have four people walk out of my class. So far I've had three. If you walk out of here, I will make fun of you in front of the whole class.

If you're wondering if I walked out, I absolutely did not.

She was rad.

Leonardo DiCaprio is hot.

2010-02-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

We updated or movie review blog...take a look!

Blackburn Movie Review Blog

Movie Review Blog...

2010-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dennis and I have been known to watch a lot of movies. Yeah. We do. We also get made fun of because it seems that that's all we do. Well, if I could drink alcohol then I probably wouldn't watch as many movies. But I don't, so all I have left for entertainment are movies. Our lives are super awesome though. Let me share some awesome things we do that are way exciting.

-Make chocolate chip cookies. At least three times a week.
-Not only do we watch movies but we also watch television. Here are some of our favs:
Bad Girls Club
Family Guy
The Office re-runs
Any show on HGTV
Jersey Shore
16 and Pregnant
Big Cat Diaries
Shear Genius
and don't forget the new reality series "Kell on Earth"

-Go to the gym (rarely)
-Fight over the remote (Dennis is obsessed with the Jazz and expects me to watch every game happily)
-Make fun of each other (sometimes we act like brother and sister. I know, kind of creepy.)
-Play hours upon hours of Mario Cart while I get really pissed off and start using inappropriate words. Dennis thinks he the best Mario Cart player ever. I'd like to see him up against a 13-year-old boy.
-We attempted to play Super Mario Brothers on our Wii but that will surely lead to a divorce. Dennis is always pushing me off the ledge and throwing shells at me. And once again I get really angry and start using phrases like, "I hate you" and "I'm going to kill you".

So as you can see we spend our time wisely and most productively. And we're super awesome with our exciting activities. So you might be asking yourself what is the point of this post. Well it's to promote and advertise our new movie review blog. Since we have some time to use more productively we decided to create a blog that may or may not help you out. We see a lot of movies. And now we'll tell you whether or not to waste your time watching. We'll waste our time instead.

So check it out! We made our first post about "The Lovely Bones". If you thoroughly enjoyed this movie you might not want to click on our movie blog link. It was probably one of the worst movies ever made. Right up there with Twilight and New Moon. FYI, the only reason I saw those Stephanie Meyer movies is because I actually wasted brain cells reading the books.

Best Movie Review Blog EVER

You can also click on the link on the right side of this blog.

One year ago...

2010-02-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day.

--Barbara De Angelis

Two Classic Must Reads

2010-02-11T16:03:00.001-08:00

So I've made it goal to read more classic novels. I feel guilty for being an English teacher for two years and having several classic novels I haven't touched like A Brave New World or 1984. So I started with some classic horror novels and was not disappointed to say the least.

If you haven't read Dracula by Bram Stoker or Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, please by all means do so. These are both fantastic books. Very well written, witty and very, very scary.

Spinning. My current demise.

2010-02-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

I've been really lazy lately. In fact, I'm pretty sure my muscles are atrophying. So in attempts to ride the Salt Lake City Century in May with my lovely father, I decided I better start training.

Last night I went to a spinning class. It may have been the hardest and most grueling 60 minutes of my life. The instructor (a 100 pound little girl) made me look like a 350 pound asthmatic. Well I am asthmatic but I'm not 350 pounds. The first ten minutes of class I literally almost puked. Everyone else in the class seemed to be doing fine which made me feel even worse about my current physical condition. Well let's just say I actually made it through the entire class without passing out or walking out of the class.

I will conquer that class. Just wait and you'll see.

Groundhog Day

2010-02-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Feb. 2, 2010. Thanks goodness January 2010 is now over. I'm really praying that my furry friend did not see his shadow. An early spring would be heaven on earth.

In celebration of the great day I may watch "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray. A must see if you're a Bill Murray fan.

Happy Groundhog's Day!

The Big 3-6

2010-01-28T08:03:00.001-08:00

My sister might kill me for posting her age. But she'll live through it. I just wanted to give a shout out to this fantastic woman. Brittany and I have the pleasure of working together. I'll admit, I was a wee bit worried when the news of her employment at Docu Prep was made known. But it truly has been great working together.

Brittany is one of the smartest women I know. Seriously. Her brain power blows me out of the water. All of our co-workers continually comment on how "smart" she is. And how "on top of things" she is. Well, it's true. Somewhere in our biological make up, she got all the intelligent genes.

Not only is she extremely sharp but very generous too. Brittany would gladly give you the shirt off her back. I always catch her doing things for kids, husband, family, friends and strangers. She works 40+ hours a week then comes home to two rambunctious girls both under the age four. Some how she manages to keep her cool and keep trudging along. She is a woman whose generosity and selflessness is not recognized nearly enough. She deserves a big bright gold medal.

In my opinion, the greatest trait Brittany exudes is her loyalty. I've never met someone who is so willing to sacrifice so much for people she loves. She genuinely cares for and will fight to the death for her family and friends. I have always known that she will be a huge support to me no matter what my decisions are.

Happy birthday Britt!! I hope the next 36 to come are some of the best years yet. You deserve them!

**I decided to post pictures of her two girls. I knew disclosing her age and then on top of that a picture of her might be a little too much. (thanks mark for the picture)

The Outcast

2010-01-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

With all the discrepancy and hatred permeating Salt Lake City since the Proposition 8 catastrophe, I've been a witness, better yet a victim to this religious animosity.

Lately, I've been entrenched in the midst of anti-Mormon sentiment. And quite frankly, it's been difficult for me to admit I'm Mormon. Most recently, working with a more liberally inclined and equal rights group has had a profound awakening on my psyche. I knew getting into this type of work (we'll leave the specific name out) I may encounter a vast array of diversity and perhaps a little disgruntlement towards the oh so powerful LDS church. Well my expectations served me well. A little too well.

I was very excited to begin training. The first night my only hope was to leave the class feeling like there was an equal playing field. The class, I knew, had potential to become a forum for peoples' angst against the Mormon Church. But in my hopeful naivety, I thought "maybe, just maybe that won't happen". That night, my hopeful naivety was palpable.

Within the first hour the instructor gave a snide and very presumptuous remark about BYU. As soon as she said the three letter word, I could feel my face blazon with redness while my heart rate raced well above 100 BPM. [Just to set the record straight, I'm a devoted Utah fan, who has made plenty of remarks to BYU football fans. Mind you that was all in good rivalry fun]. I decided to hold my tongue. I was not about to subject myself into a hated target for the rest of the training. After all, this was the first night and there were 40 more hours left. I quickly composed myself and took a couple deep breaths. "This is the first night," I thought to myself. "This will be the only Mormon bashing. Right?"

Touche'. Night after night, I had the pleasure of hearing how the LDS church "suppresses sexuality" and "creates rapists because of this oppression" and "expects women to be perfect" and so on, and so on, and so on. And what did I do? I sat there like an abused puppy and refused to defend my church, whom I am an active member of (for the record--I haven't always been "super" active). I was caught in a conundrum of wanting to stand up for myself and my beliefs while wanting to protect my fragile vulnerability. However, when push came to shove, I was undoubtedly a coward. A shameful, pathetic coward. I looked around the room in desperation to find someone with a "you've got to be kidding me" expression on their face. I found myself painfully disappointed.

The next night I became acquainted with my neighbor. She recently married, is a humanitarian, and travels often to third world countries to share her talents in service. She seemed nice enough and through time we put two and two together. We were both Mormon. I felt a sense of relief for the first time since day one. This was the first time experiencing this sensation, since being born in Sandy City, Utah. And this was my profound awakening.

For the first time I was in the minority. Who would've thought it would occur in Salt Lake City? The headquarters of the LDS church? Prior to this, I had never felt so vulnerable, so exposed and so alone as I had in this training experience. I doubted my confidence and what's worse was that I was almost embarrassed to be a Mormon. Thus, my great awakening.

I suddenly felt very connected to Latinos. I suddenly felt connected to gay and lesbians. I felt connected to anyone who has gone through a feeling of isolation or exclusion. I knew what is was like to be the only Jew or Muslim or black person in a classroom. I knew what is was like to question your identity, almost shamefully. I knew what it was like to hear assumptions about your core beliefs and values. I had gained a new knowledge. A knowledge that will affect me throughout the entirety of my life.

Near the end of training we participated in a bonding "diversity" activity. People were exposed to their core. Drug addictions, eating disorders, homelessness, sexual abuse, and several other dark secrets were brought to the forefront. I was amazed what people in the room had survived.

What I learned from this experience:

-Never assume anything about anyone. It is astonishing to see what normal, everyday people have gone through.
-Stand up for what you believe is right. Don't be afraid to expose yourself, even in a room full of animosity.
-Treat everyone with respect.
-Forgive.
-Accept that everyone single person has biases. We have all been raised in different circumstances.
-Do not force your beliefs onto another person.

I hope one day, people residing in Salt Lake can live harmoniously. That Mormon or not Mormon, gay or not gay, Latino or not Latino, can respect each other. I hope one day I will not be called a bigot or anti-gay because I'm a Mormon. I hope one day, someone that is gay will not be labeled as promiscuous or moraless. Instead of perpetuating a destructive disparity that exists in Salt Lake, we should try to understand the person and where they're coming from. Let's not assume anything that validates our stereotypical biases.

Peace.

A Tribute with Gratitude.

2009-11-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

As some of you may already know, my father-in-law unexpectedly passed away last Thursday.This experience has been exhausting and grueling, but nevertheless surprisingly uplifting.

I never quite grasped the magnitude of influence this man has had on people until we were faced with his passing. Dennis's dad (Dennis Sr) was truly a man of God. He had a genuine care and liking for children, the elderly, and less fortunate people. He tirelessly served people in his community and was especially drawn towards widows. Dennis and I had the opportunity last weekend to meet and dine with a 92-year-old widow named Lenore. Lenore took to Dennis Sr and was greatly saddened by his death. She told us that he “treated me so well.” She was precious and I couldn’t help but feel sorrow for her loss. The weekend of his death I was amazed at the amount of flowers, meals and visits the Blackburn family received. There was countless stories of Dennis Sr’s gracious love towards people in the community. People loved him and were devastated with the news.

He and his wife had just been called to be mission presidents a couple weeks prior to his death. They had become close to Elder Robert D. Hales through the years while meeting with him occasionally to discuss mission plans. We were honored and fortunate to have Elder Hales speak at his funeral. The service was inspiring. I believe everyone at the funeral was influenced to be a better person.

Through this all, the most astonishing part was my husband. Dennis was resilient, strong and faithful. Not once did he question God or portray anger. Instead, he and his family clung to the Gospel and demonstrated nothing but love and service towards each other. They are examples of truly devoted family members.

I am so grateful for my husband. I have been blessed beyond belief to have him in my life. This experience has brought us significantly closer while my love for him as increased twofold. With the Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow, I encourage all of us to be more grateful, more selfless, more forgiving and more humble as we reflect on our blessings. Never take any relationship for granted and tell those you love how grateful you are to have them in your lives.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

It's official. The flu has caught me.

2009-11-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Well actually just a cold. I called in sick to work today and I'm hanging out on the couch to see if I can rid my body of this cold by watching t.v. all day. I'll let you know if it works. And yes I have reason to believe that Mrs. Erin Bradley passed on her sore throat to myself and Lacey. Love you anyway Er.

Stay healthy this holiday season by taking lots and lots of Airborne.

If you need me, I'll be here...

2009-11-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

I've been looking forward to this very short weekend trip for weeks. It's finally here. I will be spending the next couple days in some warm weather and in the company of great friends. St. George here we come.

Hopefully Dennis makes it through the weekend.

Have a great weekend.

Great Halloween Costume.

2009-11-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

So this year for Halloween Dennis and I decided to be a little creative. And by creative I mean disgusting. To spice things up at our annual DG Halloween party we decided to go as something controversial. A mannish lesbian and a transvestite of course. Dennis really does make a beautiful woman.(Thanks for the pic Jess)

One comment from the night: "Dennis's arms remind me of Kelly Ripa's."

Yes indeed.

On a healthier note--my next "project thankful" goes to Dennis. I know. Big surprise. But really, he deserves it. He is an awesome husband. Mostly because he can put up with me in a stylish fashion. I could go on and on about his many superb qualities but to spare you the cheesy details I'll just stop at he's perfect for me. Love you Denny!

**On a side note. That fat suit girl sitting next to me is Brynn. The Biggest Loser at its best.

Project Thankful

2009-11-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

So I don't even know who this infamous "Marta" is but apparently everyone else does. She's made blog history. But I did come across her "Project Thankful" for the month of November and decided to post it on my blog as well, like many other bloggers are doing. What a great way to publicize your gratitude. I don't do this enough.

So for my first "Project Thankful" I thought I say how grateful I am for AMAZING parents. I'm obsessed with them. I must have done something right in the pre-earth life because I am SO BLESSED to be their child.

Pappa Engar:
I love going to movies, going on bike rides or just hanging out with my dad. He is the BEST. As well as being my dad, he is a best friend that I can talk to about anything, while he never judges or criticizes me. He is extremely smart and well educated in his opinions and beliefs. I can always ask my dad political or historical questions and he always knows. I look up to him so much. I genuinely enjoy my time with him and can't get enough!

Mamma Engar:
My mom. Words can't describe how grateful I am for her. She is the epitome of selflessness. Whenever I need something she is HAPPY and willing to do anything. I love going to lunch, going to the ballet, going shopping and watching movies with my mom. She is a great listener and will take time out of her day to do anything for me. I truly love her with all my heart.

More "Project Thankfuls" to come!

I just had to...

2009-10-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Since I don't talk about my family much I decided to brag a little. These are pics of some of our nieces and nephews. We are proud to be these little runts' aunt and uncle. And we might just have the cutest nieces and nephews to ever exist. Ok I'm exaggerating just a little.

**I definitely stole these pics off my families websites...sorry I couldn't resist.

An Incident at the Church

2009-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last night Dennis and I had the pleasure of cleaning the church. Because we're such generous, selfless and kind people we volunteered to help our neighbor Adam out by helping him with his calling--ward facilities coordinator (a glorified janitor). That's a complete lie. Adam volunteered us to clean the church, and we gladly accepted.

First of all, let me just say how terrifying an empty, dark church building is at night. While I was setting up chairs in the primary room (super creepy), I kept turning around to psyche myself out by a garbage can that closely resembled a man in a gray suit. It happened almost three times within five minutes. In the midst of this torment by the garbage can, Dennis had the audacity to creep up behind me and scare me almost to the point of death . We almost got divorced. But I forgave him.

After laboring over this grueling work for an hour, (hopefully you caught the sarcasm) our last job was to check the bathrooms for toilet paper, and paper towels. We all split up, and I took the men's bathroom downstairs. With a great urge to relieve myself (don't worry, just #1) I decided to use the men's bathroom quickly without anyone noticing. After all, we all split up and my understanding was I was checking this specific men's bathroom. While I was doing my business, I hear someone walk in and I assume that it's Dennis, because the very idea of Adam walking in was just absurd and inconceivable. Here's how the conversation goes, while I continue to relieve my bladder:

me: "Dennis?"

unknown: "Adam."

me: "Dennis?" (thinking, clearly Dennis is playing another joke on me)

unknown: "Adam."

me: (now realizing that it truly is Adam and I'm now mortified) "Oh. Sorry. I just really had to go. So sorry." (I'm still going to bathroom at this point.)

Finally, after what seemed like ten minutes, he leaves the bathroom. I was somewhat confused about the length of time he decided to stay even after he realized I was using the bathroom. The awkwardness was palpable.

After this horrible encounter, I'm not sure how I can actually face Adam again. After moments of contemplation, I finally force myself to leave the bathroom. I surely can't stay in there forever. I find Adam and Dennis, and in an attempt to not make things even more awkward, I apologize again to Adam. Dennis is confused by my apology, but then realizes what just happened and big grin forms on his face.

That is the first time I've experienced getting caught relieving myself in the men's bathroom and hopefully it will never happen again. It was a stupid, impulsive decision that should've been thought through. Honestly, what was I thinking??

Hope you're all having a great Wednesday. Peace.

America. The Celebrity-Obsessed Nation.

2009-09-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

With this latest Kanye West incident, I realized once again how much I abhor most celebrities. Being a celebrity means that you a. feel entitled to everything b. demand and expect respect and adoration from commoners (people that aren't on the "A List") c. put in your worthless two cents regarding any political, economical or social issue and d. treat people how you see fit (even if this means grabbing the microphone out of Taylor Swift's hand and disregarding any common decency or class that may indeed exist in your being--undoubtedly Kanye West had very little common decency or class to begin with, or common sense for that matter.) The best part of Kanye's horrible display of civility on the MTV Music Awards was his distasteful attempt (a monetary present to YouTube) to delete every recording and showing of his "jackass" (thank you Obama) behavior, in hopes that the general and profoundly dumb public will perhaps believe that Kanye's behavior was a figment of their imagination. Nice attempt indeed.

Don't get me wrong. I know there are celebrities that don't fit into this category. But very far and few between.

Let's take Oprah Winfrey for example. She donates millions of dollars to charity, she builds schools in Africa, and she indeed is a famous philanthropist. She does a fantastic job of portraying a selfless, caring and great humanitarian, but let's be honest, she ain't no Mother Teresa. Her arrogance is appalling. I have yet to watch a show in which she treats a "commoner" with as much respect as she does say...Will Smith. Once again, it's this sense of entitlement. Because Oprah is cuddle buddies with Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Cameron Diaz, she is way out of our league. We can't even hang out in her playground. I can't help but cringe and rummage for the remote every time I watch her constant lack of respect she demonstrates towards, I don't know, a firefighter that saved someone's life. Some of you may disagree. But I believe Oprah has a manipulative power to coerce the public into believing she's the greatest thing since the Internet. Don't be fooled. I truly believe because she announced her undying and unwavering support for Obama, thousands, and maybe millions of people voted for him. That's one celebrity with a lot of power, and that in itself is terrifying.

America or perhaps the media has become an entity of idolatry. And who do we idolize? People like Kanye West, Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt. Despite the fact that many celebrities don't practice or agree with our set of values or our definition of integrity, Americans continue to place these people on a pedestal. Because they're extremely wealthy, or famous because their dad is Lionel Richie, we tend to look at them with a sense of adoration and forget to address that this person may not know crap about anything valuable or noteworthy.

Maybe we should think twice before we let Tom Hanks, Sean Penn or Arnold Schwarzenegger influence our decisions, beliefs and value systems. Maybe if people realized that things America places value on, i.e. money, fame, power and influence, holds no true worth, then maybe the media wouldn't create this celebrity-crazed society in which we live. Let's not forget that celebrities are just people. Most of whom don't have college degrees or any valid credentials to support their sacred opinions and beliefs that we so dearly hold on to.

I'm done. Peace and love.

SUBARU FOR SALE!! ...and I have no class

2009-09-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

So I know that selling a car on a blog is super tacky but I don't really care because we need to sell this puppy. So if you or anyone you know is interested in buying a sick Subaru here's the 411:

Make, Model: Subaru Impreza
Year: 2005
Miles: 75,000
Price: $9,000 with wiggle room

*This car has been great and I'm really sad to sell it. We're selling it because we're in the market to get a new car. The Subaru is all wheel drive and has been a gem.

Let me know if you're interested or know anyone that is!

Peace and love.

Goodbye unemployment...

2009-08-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

Being let go from a job can be very discouraging, and quite frankly depressing. But the one good thing about this experience are the opportunities that suddenly presented themselves. If only I knew back in April, when my principal came in my room and told me that they wouldn't be "renewing my contract" that I wouldn't have to fret, indulge in my self-pity, and wallow in my hopelessness, then the bullet wouldn't have been as deep. Things always get better. Always. It's extremely easy to question your ability as a professional, to question your self-confidence and to ask the question, "who will hire me now?". But never lose faith in yourself. That's all we really have, right? When we start doubting our abilities, talents and skills, we only make things more difficult for ourselves. I'm grateful for the experience. It genuinely has made me a stronger person. I know that I'll look back a couple years from now and laugh.

Well...I'm not teaching but I am writing. I got a job as a technical writer for a company called Docuprep. Best part is, not only does my boss live two doors down from me, but he's also my bishop. That means from now on, no missing church, no missing work and never committing a sin that requires a bishop appointment. Ever. But I must admit...he is an awesome guy. Awesome enough to give me a job.

Goodbye unemployment. It was great relationship while it lasted. But, I knew it wouldn't last forever.

Yes. My favorite time of year is almost here.

2009-08-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of the year is approaching. I can already feel it in the air. I LOVE fall and everything that comes with it. Only during fall is when I really miss college. Why? Because I LOVE Utah Football! Here are some other reasons why I LOVE fall:

1-First and foremost...I'm OBSESSED with Halloween. I love anything scary, gory, Satan-like and fear-inducing.
2-Haunted houses. Ok, ok. I know I'm not 16 anymore but let's be honest. I will be going to haunted houses until I'm 90.
3-The warm days and cool nights. Fall weather is perfect.
4-Colors. Who doesn't love the trees during the fall in Utah??
5-Horror movies. Now I actually have an excuse to watch these. Even though Dennis and I watch at least two a week. We're secretly horror movie junkies.
6-Hot chocolate. Cool weather=7 11 hot chocolate.
7-Fall clothes. My fave. I love sweaters, boots, jackets, and scarves.

The only bad thing about fall is winter is right around the corner. And I hate winter.

Happy early fall!

To my wife Ashley Engar (someday she will change her name to Blackburn).

2009-08-09T01:30:00.001-07:00

Greetings to all. My name is Dennis blackburn, the husband of Ashley Engar. It is close to three in the morning and I can't sleep, so I have taken ash's blackberry from the nighstand as she sleeps. I figured I will get tired really fast as I try to do a blog post from a phone.

I shall do a tribute to Ashley for the following reasons:
1. I love her more than anything in the whole world.
2. We are constantly trying to annoy each other, and I know that nothing annoys her more than being corny, lovey, and what most would agree.....human.
3. Two days ago I got on her facebook and changed her status to "Ashley smells." its time I make it up to her.

Ashley is the coolest. She just taught me the definition of "superfluous", and trust me, I am not being superfluous when I say she is the coolest. Did you know she rode a bicycle 111 miles today? Not only that, but she rode it with a group of men who do extensive training and whose bikes also weigh half as much as hers. Oh yeah, she also just had a major knee surgery on November and a knee scope not even a month ago. Pretty incredible, eh? On top of that, you won't believe what she did after the race. Most people who ride 111 miles grab a couple days worth of food, the tv remote, and their phone, because they know they won't be walking for a couple days. Ash would have enjoyed that, but instead she went and babysat her two nieces who absolutely worship the ground she walks on.
You are probably asking yourself "what the hell were you doing Dennis?" I was pased out asleep on the couch (explains why I can't sleep tonight) as she made dinner, changed two diapers, and played with puzzles intended for a three year old.

This is just one days example of incredible she is. She is constantly doing things like this. She has just started cooking, and I assure you all she is a hell of a cook. We went mountain biking iin Jackson and she biked up and down mountains most men won't attempt. When she was wrongfully and unjustly let go from her teaching job in park city, she received letters and remarks fro countless students and parents with remarks such as " I never liked English until I had you." Or " my child is coming home from school for the first time ever with an interest I literature."

I know I'm preaching to the choir because if you are reading this, you already know Ashley and how great she is. For all of you men reading this, first of all, you shouldn't be reading blogs. They are womanly and lame. Second of all, I'm sure your wives are great, but Ash is the best.

It is now 3:45. Ashley informed me a couple weeks ago I'm a poor communicator, so hopefully this will express myself a bit better. I set out with the endeavor to be as corny as I could. I have reached a level of corniness I never knew I could attain. I love you Ash, and can't wait for tomorrow when you ae awake again. Goodnight.

Favorite new show.

2009-07-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have discovered the most amazing show. The Office will always be on the top of my list but I find myself actually laughing out loud for an entire hour watching "WIPEOUT!" Not only are the commentators comments funny but watching your average Joe or Jane (usually the contestants are really uncoordinated) completely eat sh*& is the most hilarious thing I think I'll ever witness. As I watch I'm amazed that these people don't break bones and have major head injuries after running through the obstacle course. From the looks of it anyone can get on the show. Your only requirement is to be really uncoordinated and over 18. There are actually obese contestants that try their hardest to even attempt at getting through the course, and in doing so risk their lives because a. they're obese and b. they're obese and uncoordinated. It's rip roaring funny. And yes I do find humor in watching people almost kill themselves.

Dennis and I were watching last night and decided that we are going to try to get on the show. The contestants on the show are embarrassingly horrible. It's almost like the producers won't allow anyone to participate who has had any history of athleticism. Dennis is confident that he would win the whole thing and take the $50,000 prize! Well we shall see.

I highly recommend watching this if you haven't. It's on Wednesday nights at seven on ABC.

Laziness...

2009-07-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

As some of you may already know I don't have a job. Or a kid. So in case you're wondering what I do all day I'll tell you. Nothing. I've had the case of the lazies. Before summer came I dreamt of ways to spend my days free of work. Reading countless books, writing, trying out new cooking recipes (or at least one), biking, writing my thank you cards from the wedding (which took place 5 months ago), finding some volunteer opportunities and perhaps starting a new hobby--the violin (don't laugh). Sadly, most of that has not transpired. And yet here are some things which I have done with my free time:

-Watched probably 15 hours of "The Office" (some would argue this is time well spent)
-Watched Regis and Kelly on more than one occasion. I have come to realize that they spend half of the show talking about useless information that somehow I find so mesmerizing that I can't even glance away from the t.v. screen.
-Actually attempted to watch soap operas. My one question--how are these shows still on t.v.?
-Facebook. A mind trap indeed.
-Blogging. I obviously don't DO the blogging. That would require work, but blog surfing on the other hand doesn't require much physical activity or brain usage.
-Looking at celebrity/gossip magazine websites. I can't believe I actually admitted that.
-Cleaning on occasion. If time permits me to.
-Glancing out the window from my blue couch to notice, my neighbor going on daily bike rides, my landlord stopping by daily to visit her son (he lives next door--when this happens I hide underneath the blanket so she can't see me lying on the couch all day), the mailman dropping off the mail at precisely the same time every day (I actually don't know the time...morningish), and a little bird that likes to sit in the tree right outside the window.

These are things that Dennis asked when he calls me around 2 pm after he's been working all day:
"What have you been doing all day?"
"Did you go grocery shopping?"
"Is our house still a mess?"
"Have you taken a shower?"
"Have you taken a shower in three days?"
"Do I have to cancel our comcast and Internet?"
"Did you write on our (Blackburn) website?"

Poor Dennis. But I must say that I do have quite an extensive goal list. Here are some things I need to accomplish this week:
1. Write and send out our thank you cards.
2. Pay comcast bill. We don't want that to be canceled now do we!
3. Clean house.
4. Do laundry.
5. Go grocery shopping and attempt to make a dinner. That sounds so housewivish.
6. Find a job. This is a must do.
7. Mail Laura's P90X guide back to her. I promise I'm doing this today Laura.

I have realized that I am much more productive when I actually have a job. I tend to manage my time better and get things done. Unemployment, though very appealing, can be very destructive. I found myself waking up from a second nap today around 1:30 and looked at myself in disgust. How is it that a 25 year old can spend endless hours doing nothing and feel ok about it? Well I can't, really. Yesterday I actually contemplated getting pregnant because I'm bored. That's not a good sign.

Hopefully you all are spending your time much more wisely than I am. You probably are because you have jobs and kids. I wonder what that's like.

Little Red Riding Hood Here We Come!

2009-06-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, Carlee and I will attempt to ride 100 miles on a bike. Yes, you heard me right. The annual Little Red Riding Hood bike tour is finally here, and we're registered!

I have grown to slowly appreciate biking. I say slowly because it was more of a forced friendship. My knee, which is equivalent to a 95-year-old, morbidly obese man's knee doesn't allow me to walk (very well), use stairs (very well), hike, run, skip, wrestle, do yoga, play soccer, use the stair master, use the tread mill, snowboard, water ski, squat or anything that requires a knee. Sometimes I wonder if it would be easier to have a prosthetic leg. Do I want pity? Maybe. But in all seriousness, does anyone have a saw? Even though I try to get people to feel bad for me, I know it could be worse. Much worse. What if I didn't really have a leg? Well, then I couldn't BIKE! Biking is my new discovery, that allows me to get a great cardio work out while my knee is in absolutely NO pain. Genius, I tell you.

I read Laura's blog about running (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and decided to advertise and promote biking. If anyone, regardless of any knee injuries, is interested in cycling you should heavily consider riding with me (and Carlee when she moves back) this summer. Like running, it's always better to ride with a group of bad ass girls!

Let me know.

Peace.

Drama, drama, drama...and more drama.

2009-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

I know I'm guilty of being one of those lazy bloggers. But I've been extremely bombarded with stress, drama, change, you name it, so bear with me. This summer when I have absolutely NOTHING to do, I will hopefully blog to you some interesting tales of the "nothing to do summer of 2009". So now that that the tides have died down a bit I decided to update you on our current status.

Dennis recently graduated from BYU in construction management (congrats Dennis!). He scored a sweet, potentially career-oriented job with Layton Roofing. He's been working there for a couple weeks and really enjoys the hard labor, in the sun, getting burnt while his diet consists of Rockstar engery drinks and sunflower seeds. He's such a construction worker. But other than the rigorous, back-breaking work he engages in everyday he actually sees this job as something that could pay off with a little tenacity and patience. Before Dennis can achieve ultimate success in his career he must experience some humility ;).

I on the other hand got laid-off from my job. Well technically they decided "not to renew my contract" for next year. This is an hour and a half story in itself. So if you have some time this summer to hear about the infamous and controversial "budget-cut lay-off" at Park City High School, give me a call because I'll be lying on my couch with nothing to do.

Being let go from a job forces to you contemplate your career and the $20,000 degree that got you that job. So while crying and whaling in my pitiful and sorry-for-myself state, I've been toying with the idea of pursuing another career.

Here are my options and by all means, please tell me where you think I fit best:

1-Nursing. Yes this means I will be going back to school for perhaps three or four more years.
2-Writing. It's what I majored in. Maybe I should pursue it??
3-Teaching...ugh. Am I just a sell-out or should I really not be teaching?? Maybe I should ask my principal.
4-Serving tables. I've done this for four or five years. I could make this a career.
5-Stay-at-home-wife. This entails doing nothing. However, I am good at that. I don't think Dennis likes this option.

Aside from the job drama, Dennis and I are doing well. We are adjusting to marriage at a successful rate (in Ashley terms). Dennis still remains in a perfect state, while I, being the crazy, hormonal, fickle and hard to please wife, am slowly learning humility, patience and love. Despite Dennis's unrelenting trial as he married and continues to stay married to Ashley Engar, we are happily married and couldn't be in a better place in our lives. Dennis is truly a resilient and patient guy. I have to applaud him on being so damn perfect. I'm one lucky, VERY lucky woman. Just ask my family.

Other recent highlights include:

My best friend, Laura's FANTASTIC wedding. Who would've ever thought the Laura and Ashley lesbian relationship would come to an end. It really hasn't though. Just ask our husbands. Poor Dennis and Cortney. But really, the wedding should be in US Weekly as one of those "top celebrity weddings". Perfect in every sense of the word. Way to go Laura!

Reed and Amber's wedding. Dennis's brother was married last weekend. We're both truly and extremely happy for Reed and his success in finding his perfect match. Congrats Reed and Amber!

My brother buying a house. Yes Colby finally finished medical school and is about to finish his internship. He now has a REAL income and they are now home owners. Congrats!

The Swine Flu Scare at Park City School District. Thus I am blogging. We don't have school. Why? Well because the Swine Flu is a fatal virus that will send you to the ER when infected!! You may turn into a ZOMBIE! Don't talk, converse or associate with anyone that may have the Swine Flu! Beware...or you too may be infected.

Ashley investigating and dabbling with a raw food diet. I'll admit it. Laura tends to rub off on me from time to time. But logically it makes sense. Just think about it. We'll see how it goes.

And last but not least...hanging out with Car and Ben in San Diego. It's pure ecstasy pallin' around with these two. I've never felt so NOT like the third wheel with a couple. I love them and hopefully we'll be seeing a diamond REAL soon.

Well folks....that's the end of the Blackburn update but we hope to hear from you soon. Other than just blogging updates.

PLEASE BOYCOTT HBO, TIME WARNER AND THE SHOW "BIG LOVE"

2009-03-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

I received and email from a friend today informing me of the upcoming episode of "Big Love" to be aired this Sunday on HBO. They will be showing and depicting sacred temple ceremonies and clothing. This of course is an outrage and completely disrespectful. I have emailed HBO my complete disapproval and disgust in their programs and implored them to reconsider airing the show. If you so find it in your desire to stand up to complete disregard to someone's religion then please contact Time Warner or HBO. Maybe if we get enough people to stand up for such hateful hypocrisy then maybe (slight chance) they won't air it.

I'm really growing to become quite disgusted with mainstream America. To all the liberal HBO producers: IF YOU TEACH TOLERANCE THEN DON'T BE A HYPOCRITE! LEARN HOW TO RESPECT SOMEONE'S RELIGION! STOP SPREADING HATE AND IGNORANCE.

Going Private...

2009-03-08T21:02:00.001-07:00

Sadly it's true. My brothers scared me into submission of privacy. Email me at ashleyengar17@gmail.com and then we can continue to be bloggers together.

Sincerely,

Ashley and Dennis

Another day another dollar...back at the grind.

2009-02-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

Working. As of lately I have grown to despise working. Since when did reporting to an authoritative figure (your boss) become something we all have to deal with on a daily basis? Shouldn't we all be treated equal? I find my job very stressful and difficult. It's not easy waking up Monday through Friday at 5:30 AM, not only to discipline/babysit 15 and 16 year olds but also to plan lessons, grade, maintain efficient organization, attend mandatory workshops/meetings, maintain comradery with fellow teachers, deal with upset parents, and listen and obey a demanding, yet profoundly tactless principal. My brother worries that someone from my administration will one day read my blog about the atrocities of teaching and fire me. Well brother, don't you worry. My principal, just on Wednesday, referred to me as Ashley "Enger". If she still can't pronounce my last name, I highly doubt she'll spend time online google searching "Ashley Enger".

The point of this post is to publish my envy and jealously of stay-at-home-mom's. Not to say that being a mother isn't a job, but at least you don't have to deal with meeting a higher authority's objectives and outlandish requests. I also discovered the most of us in the work force are pretenders. We pretend we like our bosses to their faces but behind closed doors (or in the hallway at school) our true feelings come to the surface. We as teachers vent our inner most hateful thoughts of superiors. "Why must we be subordinates?!" We cry out. "Why?! Why?!"

I had the pleasure today to attend my good friend Shanna's sealing to her husband Nate. It was awesome. Another awesome event was going to lunch with a few friends afterward. We started talking about getting pregnant and working vs. staying at home, and the overall consensus reached was that yes, staying at home is much better than working. So why, I persistently ask myself, am I working? After marriage comes staying at home then the baby? Or after marriage comes the baby then staying at home. Someone may need to clarify the order of the phrase for me before I quit my job.

My hope is that someone reading this blog can relate to me on some level so I know I'm not alone out there. And to all those stay-at-home moms out there--good for you. You are obviously very intelligent and deserve to be commended for your wise choice in having children.

If you find that I get pregnant much sooner than expected, just read this blog again and you'll know why. Sorry. Not one of my most optimistic posts.

Being a woman in the 21st Century

2008-12-15T19:08:00.001-08:00

This whole marriage thing has got me thinking lately. As some of you may already know, I've had a reputation to be a bit more liberal than your average LDS gal. My mom actually refers to me as her "liberal" daughter. I've at times struggled to find peace with the notion of traditional gender roles (i.e. the woman raising the children, cooking dinner, doing laundry, cleaning the house, taking the man's last name). Sometimes I can't help but feel animosity towards this old-fashioned, idealistic expectation of women. But oddly enough, I have to admit I am becoming more conservative as I get older. With society headed in the direction it's going (to hell) I have found that I am choosing a more conservative and traditional stance on things. Yes I actually said choose. With this whole new and exciting notion of straying away or not conforming to today's society, I have discovered and learned to appreciate the unforgiving and enormous duty of motherhood and being a wife.

Why is there such a negative stigma with being just a mother in the 21st century? To be just a mother in our current society seems to be selling yourself short, or in otherwords accepting the fact that a mother is all you'll ever be. Being just a mother means you are not educated, you have no ambition and you'd prefer to just stay at home. But is this what motherhood really is? I would argue no. Motherhood is the single most selfless act any woman could do. Giving up your freedom, career, and education is hardly unheroic. When I think of my mother the word "sacrifice" comes to mind. She sacrifices money, time, energy, and her personal sanity for her children and grand-children. She is constantly giving and never taking. Without mothers our society would crumble under its feet.

I'm writing this post prior to getting married in hopes that everyone will realize that I have come to grips with the idea of motherhood. I know it's a long shot but I think it's almost time to stop the "how can I please Ashley?" lifestyle to the "what can I do for other people?". Motherhood provides the opportunity to forget about yourself and serve others. What an amazing way to live your life. Constantly in the service of your children and your family.

I want to give my upmost respect to all of my friends and family members who have chosen to become mothers. It is such a wonderful gift from God to become a mom. And I can hardly wait...for two or three more years. :)

Dennis the Menace.

2008-11-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't had the great pleasure to become acquainted with Dennis Blackburn, I'd thought I'd give a little tribute to this great person and some reasons why I am so happy/grateful/thankful/excited/lucky to marry him.

Dennis always...

--Opens my car door. Even when it's clearly impractical and out of the way he always manages to do so.
--Laughs at my jokes. Sometimes I'm not sure if he's laughing at me or the awesome joke.
--Rubs my feet. He insists on rubbing them. I'm not kidding.
--Gives me compliments. I'm convinced I'm the hottest/smartest/coolest girl in the world.
--Listens to me. He is a great listener and always gives great feedback.
--Loves me despite my hygiene issues: not shaving my legs/brushing my teeth/showering/washing my hair (wow, I'm disgusting)
--Makes me breakfast. He is an amazing cook. I think there's a little role reversal there.
--Finds time for me in his busy schedule. He sacrifices a LOT of time for me.
--Watches scary movies with me. Although I have sworn those off.
--Surprises me with chocolate covered raisins. He knows that I am addicted and will do anything for them.
--Puts up with me during that time of the month (I have crazy mood swings lately)
--Drives up to Salt Lake from Provo a heck of a lot more than I drive down there.
--Fixes and builds anything. He is amazing at construction and always offers his help around my house.
--Waits on me hand and foot. Even before I need something he is already up and retrieving it.

The list could go on for days but for your sanity I shortened it quite a bit. Anyway I wanted to prove to Dennis that I could be a little cheesy from time to time, even though it's completely out of character for me to do so publicly. I'm so lucky to be marrying this great guy. I hope you all are fortunate enough to get to know Dennis some day.

More pics of me and Dennis...

2008-10-23T20:56:00.001-07:00

Check out how hard core I am. I fell over my handle bars mountain biking with Dennis in Washington. I am not a very seasoned biker to say the least.

The happiest day of my parents' life...their 25-year-old daughter gets engaged. (ok, so I'm excited too)

2008-10-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

It finally happened. Ashley Engar got engaged. The rumor is true. Dennis officially proposed last Sunday passing through Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on our way back to Salt Lake. It came as a nice surprise and I said YES! The setting was beautiful and it was perfect. We're getting married Feb. 14th (I know completely cheesy and so-not-ashley). So save the date and hope to see you there!!

I provided you with some pictures of me and Dennis, since many of you didn't know that he existed or that I even had a boyfriend. Sorry Dennis :).

The simple joys of teaching teenagers (part 2)

2008-09-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Because my brother is worried I am going to get fired from my job due to my last post I decided to redeem my negativity with a new positive post.

Today was a great day in teaching (actually, it really was). Sophomores, despite their flaws are hilarious. I was actually almost crying (from tears of laughter) today in class because of a funny comment a student said. So today I am happy to say I enjoy my job, both with the good and the bad. Why am I a teacher? Because students can be very endearing and fun to teach.

Presidential Address

2008-09-25T06:34:00.001-07:00

I must say I was surprisingly pleased with President Bush's speech last night. It seemed very sincere and heart-felt. Undoubtedly, he has been under harsh scrutiny the past few years, and I myself am guilty of the "hatred for Bush" bandwagon but his address got me contemplating. Sometimes I find myself actually feeling bad for this guy. Is the economy and country's current situation due to President Bush's reign? Or is it just bad timing for any president to be in office? What would've happened if we didn't invade Iraq? Would America be worse off?

I think many of us are quick to judge, especially someone who is in a leadership position. Are humans just innately judgmental and ignorant? Or is it something that is bred in us as Americans? Blame others, blame the president, blame your neighbor, blame your dog. Before we place the blame, I think we need to step back and see what the real cause is. I know I'm guilty of assumptions, and many, many times I am dead wrong. How does the old adage go? "When we 'assume' we make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'". How true that statement is.

Anyway, just some food for your thought.

A Democrat or a Republican?

2008-09-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

WARNING: This blog entry may seem narcissistic which I vowed not to do. So please forgive me. Wow, that seems narcissistic even to think that people would be thinking I'm a narcissist. Irony at its best.

After hours of an agonizing debate with myself, I decided to publish my current political beliefs. My reasoning behind this decision is to inform readers that I am yet to have firm and solid beliefs on many issues. This inability to commit could be compared to a religious investigator struggling to receive an answer or confirmation that the Protestant, Catholic or Methodist religion is their one and only way to salvation. Even though my opinion may sway at times, I still remain relatively steadfast on my religious beliefs, which of course impact my political positions. Consequently, it may seem appropriate that I would favor to a right-winged, conservative stance, when in reality I consider myself a "moderate".

What exactly is a conservative? Well, I looked up the definition to find that a conservative is "disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc. or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change". So I asked the question, "Do I believe in tradition, the status quo, and keeping things the way they are?" My answer was "sometimes". Ambiguous you say? When it comes to more social, religiously affected issues I tend to sway right.

Liberal. So many connotations come with that word as well as conservative. So what exactly is a liberal? A liberal is "favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs." Political reform. Hmmm. Without political reform or progress, women wouldn't be able to vote today. Without political reform there would be racial segregation, we would be part of the British parliament, and slave trades would be the weekend extravaganza. So do we need political reform and progress? Of course. But where do we draw the line? When does modern tolerance and equality become an enemy to our moral structure and belief system? For me, reform can be counterintuitive when my morals and values are in question. On the contrary, I must remember that the American population may not share my morals and values. So do I vote for a candidate or a bill to appease myself or do I vote for the good of the people, regardless of my value system? That answer is yet to be determined. Again, it goes back to the struggle to find my "confirmation" or "answer" of certain social issues.

In the 1920's women's suffrage was assuredly against the moral belief system of the traditional family. Women were the homemakers, the submissive and subservient housewives that stayed at home to care for the children. So would it have been against my religious and moral upbringing to support women's suffrage? Possibly. Am I grateful for the "radical" liberals back in the 1920's? Absolutely. Who's to say people 100 years from now won't be grateful for radical movements trying to be implemented in our time. But then the question of morality and tradition comes to the surface. When does too much of a good thing become a bad thing?

There you have it. I'm moderate in that I try to hold strong to my beliefs but yet I understand that reform is necessary. Some people may argue that being moderate is cowardly and not standing firm behind your religious fibers is supporting the adversary. I however, feel that moderation is a healthy and wise way to live your life.

Ode to Laura. Set her free. New blog world approaches.

2008-09-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

I recently received an email from Laura Campbell relaying the "retirement" of our blog. Yes the infamous "Laura and Ashley" blog will seise to exist. But don't get too upset. It will be kept as an archive to show the world our time together. The time I spent with Laura, namely in Arizona will never be forgotten. Like the old cliche goes, we both learned, lost and loved. The year and a half of bliss will forever be burned into my soul and our celibate, man-free, relationship will forever go down in the books as one of the best times of my life. Am I being sarcastic? Maybe a little. But I will never deny the great times Laura and I had living together, supporting each other through tough times (I didn't really go through that tough of a time) and just being best buds. So to my lovely Laura, "c'est la vie". You will always be my diamond in the rough.

Blogging Material: The retirement of our blog and our non-lesbian relationship got me thinking, and the thinking got me to create my own blog. Like Laura, I don't particularly enjoy writing about myself. I find it a little narcissistic. The angle I'm attempting to approach (and I say attempt because my political awareness and understanding is fairly minimal) will be more of a current events/political/issue related blog. I will include snippets of my life from time to time, but my goal is to share with you pressing issues or political discrepancies. As we all would most likely agree, this is a very exciting time for "trailer talk" or in other words, discussing our nation's current issues. With the election around the corner, and our economy hanging on by a thread, there are many stimulating conversations and debates to be had.

Why do I bring up such sensitive issues on a blog? Well for those of you who may not know, I've always had a liking for politics. While political science was my original major at the U, I quickly realized that the classes were difficult (I was on the "do what you can to get a C" train in college) and a communications major was much easier and quite frankly a cop-out. Enough said of my college history. I have grown up since then (my family may disagree) and have become a mature, well-educated, non-ignorant, self-sufficient, self-motivated 25-year-old, excluding all the times my dad had to bail me out of debt. I have minimal maturation in budgeting to say the least. But I am learning and trying to be better. With that being said, I hope to entertain your thoughts and bring to the table interesting and provocative issues that we all may have inconsistencies with.

Because of time constraints I will be posting my latest and most stimulating political dialogue in the near future. FYI--there will always be an underlying sarcastic tone to my writing. So please don't take me serious. Most of the time.