New York

I'm really behind in blogging... A few weeks ago Josh and I went out to New York for a road race he was doing. I'd only been to new york for half of a day (a few years ago). We had alot of fun. We visited the basics like Central Park (our hotel was only about 1/2 mile from it so we got to run there each morning) we went to "ground 0" and Magnolia's (the delicous bakery) and Grenich village etc. etc. We also got to go to the Broadway- "Mamma Mia" that's the one with the Abba music. It was good, and fun! We were going to wait in the Line for discount tickets for like $50 a piece (people said this was the best deal.) We ended up not having time to wait in the line so we went straight to the box office and got great seats for $30 each!

This is at the Hershey's chocolate store. Me drinking a huge thing of hershey's syrup. (america's chocolate is a bit, okay, more than a bit, behind that european stuff.)

All in all New York is really cool. But I do prefere a place that is less populated... I feel like in big cities you can't really be independent... you'r always waiting on a train, or traffic, or something like that. Hard to get to a grocery store etc. I like just being able to hop in my car and run a quick errand on my own time... plus, I like more open space, I for sure couldn't live in NYC.

Labrynth Goblin

This is one of my favorite pictures of myself... because I look like one of the Labrynth goblins!!!
( if you have not seen that movie, it's worth watching, I love it.)

Tagged

I was tagged again by my cousin Koy, because I have nothing better to post about I'll follow through with the tagging. I'm supposed to tag 7 more people and then link back to them on my page, but I don't know how to do that, I'm sure that probably makes me sound dumb!

7 Random or Wierd Facts about me

1. I love to eat Andees mints when I am sick with a cold.
2. I never had a boy friend in Jr. High or High School
3. I'd like to have a trail mix candy despenser in my house (if I ever get one)
4. I like to run (that's wierd to most people)
5. My favorite Job ever was when I was repair woman at an outdoor store (fixing rafts, and tents etc.)
6. I read 2 of the Spiderwick Chronicles books today (the ones out of the reeces puffs box)
7. I am VERY paranoid about chicken germs (in our kitchen...when we cook!) everything must be sterilized after, including the soap bottle.
* Bonus: I am DISGUSTED by tomato skins and green chillie skins (when they are like cooked, but have come off the tomato chillie or like when you have tomatoes on your pizza and you take a bite and the skin like all comes off with that bite)

Mac Vs. PC

I've been using a MacBook lately b/c that's what I have for work. Can I just say that I am not impressed. I've used one before (when I was doing student teaching) and I just think they are stupid. Granted, I am more used to PC's... but that aside I still feel like a PC is a better option, more straight forward, if you are using it for your normal everyday computer needs. I am convinced that the reason people think Mac's are so cool is because they like the feel and sound of them as they type on the key board, and they like the white, that is their signature color... also, the little icons that line up on the bottom are a little more aesthetically pleasing. Not to mention the fact that "PC " from the commercials is a much more likable, approachable guy; unlike the arrogant, annoying "Mac". Lets be honest though, PC's (or "normal computers" as we call them) are just the better option!

for the purpose of making a post

I haven't made a post in like a month. I keep thinking about it but can't think of anything to post. Life for me has basically just been work. I've worked over 60 hours for the past 3 weeks, but it hasn't been bad. We've had several track meets (hence the 60 hrs.) and it's been really fun. We've got several new girls on the team who are totally dedicated and really doing some great things!

Josh has also started his indoor season. He's run 2 mile races. One in NY and one in Seattle just yesterday. He's so close to breaking 4:00 but I guess he'll have to wait till nationals to do so. In NY he ran 4:01 and in Seattle he ran 4:00.8 He only needs to take off .8 of a second and he's there! (ha ha, easier said that done)

The snow is dumping down on us. Just last night we must have gotten 6 inches of snow and it's still going strong out there... it's February now so we just keep thinking, it has to slow down sometime soon. (actually I guess that depends on if the ground hog saw his shadow yesterday. I don't know.)

Back to Timpview...

I've started my new job at Timpview. So far I'm loving it. I have 6 classes, but my largest class is 17 kids! I'm teaching "Academic Support" so it's basically like my last job, I teach about some study skills, then they have time for homework. My students are mostly Freshman, some sophmores who have failed at least 3 classes I've got some AMAZING T.A.'s that are basically tutors to the kids. And my students are pretty great too! Indoor track has also started. I'm the distance coach again, so that's also adding "enjoyment" to my life!

'Twas the Night before Christmas

I think my favorite christmas movie has always been "Twas the night before Christmas" Me and my sisters still watch it tog. every christmas eve. It is a cute little story about a mouse family, who lives in a human familie's house. The son of the mouse family, Albert, writes to santa and tells him that no one in their town believes in him. Santa is offended and isn't going to visit their town. The mouse family and the human family have to work together to come up with a way to let santa know they believe. This movie even includes some songs, my favorite being "even a miracle needs a hand." Every time I watch it, it reminds me of happy christmas' when I was a kid. Merry Christmas!

Find a penny pick it up...

... and all day long you'll have good luck. I walked out to my car yesterday and found an old rusty penny lying on the ground by my car. I picked it up, hoping that this penny would really bring me the good luck promised in the rhyme. 2 minutes passed and my phone rang... it was the assistant principal at Timpview High School, calling to offer me an awesome full time job (that I hadn't even applied for) for next semester! Then an hour later Josh found out that we could get health insurance through the USATF (something that I've been way stressing about because I've been without for a couple months) and we also found out that USATF will give him tuition reinbursment for grad. school next year! Work was ok that day and when I got home Josh had made a DELICOUS cake! I am now a firm believer in the lucky penny theory!

Atlanta 1/2 Marathon

Josh and I are in Atlanta to spend thanksgiving with his family and grandma. Josh decited to run the 1/2 marathon out here. It's a huge race that included 7,770 people (not to mention a few kenyan's) we all went out in the McAdams family 15 passenger van, to cheer him on and had a real adventure. We even made it on the atlanta news! I'm famous! (okay, mostly it's just josh on the news, but i'm in there for a split second) click on the link to see my debut. http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=5008999&version=1&locale=EN-US

forever fall...

This is the tree in our front yard. It was soo pretty a few weeks ago, now all the leaves have fallen. The beautiful leaves are done with for the season, but the weather has stayed beautiful. How crazy is it that today is november 18 and it was like 60 outside? This whole week I've gone running in a tank top and shorts, and I've still been hott! I hear the winter weather is on it's way... but I say LONG LIVE FALL!!!

Turkey Trot

We ran in a 5k Turkey Trot last weekend. We recruted all the Utah McAdams to run it with us, so that made it fun. from left to right we got Andy (josh's younger bro.) me & Josh, Clint (josh's older bro) and Jayna (clints wife). I hadn't run a race for about 5 months, so I was excited to run this one. I had a goal to run under 20 min. I made my goal by running 19:46! Of course Josh won, and his prize was a turkey gift certificate!

Ohio

Last week Josh and I got to go out to Ohio to visit and to watch his little bro. and sis. compete in the Ohio State Cross Country Meet. It was fun to see and visit with Cindy, Russ, Megan, Brett, Brittany, and Marcin. It was especially awesome that Megan's team won the state title and Brett's team was 4th (highest finish ever by any cross country team that's gone through their high school.)

The bad thing about this trip was that my luggage was "lost" by the airline (hence the poll that was on my blog.) I'd had an overnight flight so I was wearing sweats and a T-shirt and then a half-zip. This is what I got to wear for the rest of the trip... I finally got my stuff back (thanks to my sister in law's mom who works for this airline...) when I arrived back home. My next purchase will be one of those big annoying carry on bags.

I hate my Job

I just have to take this opportunity to publicly announce how much I hate my Job!!! I think I'd rather clean mens dorm room bathrooms all day...I'd have quit weeks ago, but the trouble is, I'm a teacher. I work at Jr. High. I teach classes that consists of kids who: 1. were failing another class and their counsoler didn't want them to get an F so they put them in my class mid-term (which totally displacees any accountability they have for grades and for not doing their H.W.) or 2. They were disrupting their other class or being a behavior problem so they were transfered into my class. (That's no lie) Help!

tagged?

So, this is the first time that I've participated in these tags. My dear old cousin Koe hit me with this one. I'm kindof embarassed to do it because you just have to tell 6 things about yourself: habits, traits, deep dark secrets, etc. So here we go. Also, I'm supposed to pass this on to 6 people so I think that if you read it you should consider yourself tagged.

1. I was really scared of tonz of things when I was little. A few of these things include: E.T. Dinasaurs, Hitler, Witches, Gophers, Billy bob (at showbiz pizza), I really thought that all of them were going to come and get me in the night. Oh, and vampires, I even went through a phase where I had to wear turtle necks to bed so it'd be harder for a vampire to bite me.

2. I'm still scared of tonz of things, only the list of things I'm scared of have changed... sharks in lakes, intruders, people that may be lurking in my shower, Grizzley bears, badgers, rocky ledges, and being home alone.

3. I LOVE taco bell mild sauce. I eat them plain, from the packet. When I go to taco bell I grab a few extras for the road.

4. When I'm eating candy or something, like M&M's for example. I like to eat so that I have the same amount of each color of M&M

5. I have a large need to celebrate every holliday (and for some reason also feel the need to create theme meals, which usually ends up just creating more work...)

6. I'll eat lots of discusting things... for example... When I was in H.S. we were driving back from a track meet. Someone passed out a piece of bubble tape to everyone (including the old grumpy 65 yr. old coach) then they collected all the ABC gum and and put it in a big clump and I chewed it all!!!

7. and a bonus, because I just remembered this... My Junior year in college I was friends with lots of REALLY trendy people and so for some reason I thought it would be funny if I bought this ugly navy blue sweat suit from D.I. (like the 80's sweats and sweatshirt- all one color, no frills) that was about 5 sizes to big for me and wore it to school every day for one week.

okay, that is enough. those things make me sound like a total wierd-o, but I guess if the shoe fits...

Cancun & swiming with dolphins

Last week we went down to Cancun. Amazingly Josh and I got a free trip from his running. We got to stay in an amazing hotel on the beach with an amazing pool. We got all the free food we wanted, including numerous virgin Pina Colada's and Strawberry Daquaries at the pool bar. But the highlight of my trip was swiming with the Dolphins! This is always something that's been on my list of "things to do before I die" It was so fun! First they kissed you on the cheek, then you got to shake their fins, and the best was doing the "super man" you lay in the water and 2 dolphins come behind you and put their nose on the bottom on your foot, then they push you through the water soo fast that you are pushed up into a standing position. Amazing.

This is a view of the swimming pools at our hotel. you can see the canopy of the pool bar in the largest pool, closest to the beach.

Cereal

We love to eat cereal for breakfast. And sometimes for lunch, or for desert... We don't really care much about choosing the "health" cereals... We usually just get the delicous kinds. Studies have shown that people who eat cereal (any kind) for breakfast feel better physically and emotionally (bell institute) they also show that frequent cereal eaters have healthier body weights. So, we go for the yummy ones, they have the same amount of vitamins, minerals, calories and whole grain as the others...better that we eat our cereal then buy healthy kinds and wish that we wanted to eat it. The cereals that you will usually find in our pantry are:

1. Reeses puffs (Josh even brings a box of these out of town with him)

2. Raisin nut bran

3. Grahm O's

4. Berry Berry Kix

5. Cinnamon swirls

6. Honey Nut Chex

7. Cookie Crisp

8. Vanilla cream Mini-wheats

9. French Toash Crunch (we don't buy this any more since they recently changed the flavor)

10. Muffin tops

11. Blueberry morning

Around Town

My parents and Tracy are living in Hannover. Their apt. is RIGHT in the city. It's a really cool town and I loved all the culture, I had a fun time hanging out with my fam. and with my little sis. Tracy. Hannover is basically the government ctr. of the country so 80% of it was bombed in the war. Most of it is either re-built, or they are in the process of re-building it. A few things they have left in ruins.

This is the Rathaus (or city government building) it was less than 1/2 mile from my family's apartment. Tracy and I would go by it on our run every morning. (p.s. Tracy took this photo. she's a great photographer.)

This is one of the 1/2 timber houses that is so typical in germany. I love this classic mid-evil look.


This is an old church that was bombed in WWII, but has not yet been restored. It has all sorts of pretty red vines growing on it. (credit of this photo also goes to tracy)

This is the Old church just RIGHT by my families. It chimes every hour (and half hour and quarter hour...)

These are the apartments that my parents live in!

I love germany

I got home from my deutschland trip about 2 weeks ago? So sere is yet another post about it. Yes, I love germany. That will probabally show by the legnth of this post. A few of the reasons I love it include...

FOOD...

Soft German Pretzil. They make em' big.
Kinder bar. Now, this is the most delicous thing. I'm actually eating one right this moment. It is a thin wafer like cookie filled with creamy hazelnut cream, and dipped in european chocolate. Need I say more?

Try to forget the fact that I look like a goblin. Take a look at my Kugel's of Ice cream. One of the flavors is Kinder egg flavor and the other is coconut. Very delicous and creamy... Lecker.

This is Tracy holding a paper cone filled with delicous little bite sized scones! They are heavily sprinkled with powdered sugar. Wow!

Bavaria...

Beautiful country side of Bavaria. Maybe my favorite place in the world. The alps would be right behind me as I was taking this photo...

Cows...

Alps. Right on the border of austria. We went running here in the morning and there was a think layer of fog just floating over the lake, and around the mountains. very picturesque.

The little bed and breakfast we stayed in. It had the most delicous breakfast. German breakfasts are the best. They always have boiled eggs and a little egg cup to hold them in, Rolls that are crusty on the outside and soft in the middle, cold cuts, and delicous apple juice that actually tasts like apples, etc.

Neuschwanstein. Otherwise recognized as the Disney Castlel. This is "one of the jewls of bavaria" But I think the countryside is just as pretty as the castle. This is the one that Walt disney patterned sleeping beauty's castle after. So Amazing. Built in the alps of Bavaria.

Tracy and I inside the Neuschwanstein courtyard.

More of Neuschwanstein, with the typical disney turret and the alps in the background. This is the most visited castle because all americans love it, thanks to walt disney!

Castles...

Heidleburg castle, this wing of it was in ruins. Much of it was destroyed in the war of 1812. I think this castle was built in the 1400?

One of the most beautiful, "Lichtenstein" built right on the edge of the cliff.

Wenigerode castle. One of the few in the northern part of the country.

Wartburg castle. Martin Luther (that the lutheran church is named after) translated the New Testiment here. It was built in the 1200?It was really rainy this day, so sorry the quality's not that great.

Rheinstein Castle. Another of my favorites. Had a mini vineyard here in the cortyard. On a hill, overlooking the Rhein.
Rheinstein Castle courtyard.

Beautiful Germany

I'm still in Germany. My family lives right in the heart of a city, but we've gone out and seen many country sides which are SOOO beautiful! Everyone has old cute houses with red roofs. Many houses (at least in the North) have half timber houses. The leaves are just starting to change color which makes it even more schon (beautiful in german)

Hildesheim

We rented a car and drove down to this town called hildesheim (don't worry, they drive on the right side of the road here) We drove through some nice country side to get here. This town is known for it's beautiful old churches. This first one is called Andreas Kirche. It was built in the 1500's. Inside it had some beautiful ceelings, and candles that you could light etc.

This church was called Michales Kirche. It was built in 1000. It had been bombed out in the WWII (as had most of the churches) and it has been partially restored. It was old and beautiful, and it had an abby connected onto the back.

It's cool how there is soo much history here in this country. Every where you go there are so many old and cool buildings, churches, cathedrals, palaces, statues, buildings and castles. Tomorrow we are leaving to southern germany so see a bunch of the castles.

Hannover- Konigliche Garten

I'm in germany visiting my family (in Hannover) one of the popular sights here is this garden. they have lots of different little theme gardens. This one was the germany theme garden.

This is an overview of the garden that is at the entrance of the whole thing. They had lots of little hedges, and tons of statues that were greed gods and godesses.

For some reason this little statue was one of my favorite things in the gardens. He was in the "island garden" there was a little mote built around the garden that included this statue.

These gardens were really pretty. They have the tallest water fountain in germany, and also had lots of swans and things. On weekends they have fire work shows with different country themes. It was really pretty...

For Josh... this is your "token"

J o s h :

I hope you know how proud of you I am! I hope you know what a good example you are to me (and others) of dedication, determination, positive attitude, and mental and physical stregnth. Running is what you make it, talent can only take you so far... then the rest is contingent upon what you put into it, you've put in ALOT, and it's given you to many great opportunities!

As your race gets close, just remember all us little people who are praying for you and supporting you. And remember " Attempt, and do it with all your might. Determination is power." (Charles Simmons)

When you go out there to run this weekend, just remember to put in a few good laps for this little guy, He'd want you to shoot for the moon. I love you!

Life these days...

I've been putting on lots of exciting posts from trips and such... but I'm all out of cool photos, so I though I'd just give you an update on our lives these days. Josh is currently in Japan for the world track and field championships (this is a BIG race). His trip to Japan is 2.5 weeks so it's kinda been lonley here with out him. When he comes home he'll continue to run, b/c that's his Job! wouldn't that be awesome to be able to support yourself through that? Then he might also work at Home Depot. This would be cool b/c he could learn all sorts of fix-it tips. As for my exciting life, I've had the summer off, no work. I quit my job at Timpview because remember how we were going to move to Memphis? well, in July we decited to postpone that till next year. Anyway, so I've been searching for a new job. I found one at Lakeridge Jr. High in Orem, teaching study skills. I'm way excited for this job b/c I totally love junior high kids, I think they are hillarious! I will also still be the assistant coach for Timpview cross country. I love that part of my "Job". My parents and little sis are in germany till December and I get to go visit them in 2 weeks. I'm way excited... and I'm hoping to take a gander at some of the old german castles. During the time that I'm in Germany Josh will also be "abroad" at a race in either France, or else where in Germany. Welp, that about sum's it up. Oh yeah, and we're making the big move to Orem.

Squash...

I'm staying at my parents house right now. We had to be out of our last apartment by Aug. 15 but can't move into our new one until Sep. 1 . I really love the neighborhood that I grew up in. I drove around the it tonight to see what had changed. On my little spin I found this little stand set up just out side "the fence" Since squash is one of my all time favorites I took advantage of this opportunity. I took a zuchinie and a summer squash.

I love this recipie, containing summer squash. It's from my mom... I don't know where it came from?

Green Chilie Enchiladas

1 doz. corn tortillas

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 can green chilies

3 summer squash

2-3 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Cook the squash lightly & sprinkle with S&P. Add soup & chilies & heat to a boil. Put a little soup in the bottom of a glas baking dish. Alternate layers of tortillas, soup & cheese. Cook 30-35 min. at 350.