It's official...

I am the worst blogger ever. Nearly five months of blogging silence is truly pathetic. Not that I have an audience to disappoint, but it's fun to look back at previous entries.

Well since the Fargo 1/2 Marathon, Jeff and I got married, moved, went on a honeymoon, visited his family, and started school. Also I have discovered "Facebook" which, in combination with my laziness, has contributed to the slow death of this blog. But here I am trying to revive it. I'll probably be back some time in March.



Until then, let me show you one of my new favorite kitchen tools...

I love this apple corer by Martha Stewart. I found it at Macy's for $10.99. I didn't mind spending a few extra bucks on it because I've heard of cheaper brands breaking while being used. I prefer not to injure myself while attempting to be a healthy eater.

The Finish Line

Wow...I really stink at this blogging thing lately. Apparantly it's been 51 days because I just ran the Fargo 1/2 Marathon today. Uff da. Jeff and I met in Fargo and we both ran and finished. Yay! It is such a great feeling to cross that finish line. To check out the results visit the Fargo Marathon website.

51 days to go far

Just 51 days until the Fargo Marathon. I'm currently training for the half marathon...I haven't worked up the courage (or insanity) to run the full yet. Maybe another year. So for now my goal is to shave about 6-7 minutes off of my time from last year. My training has been going pretty good so far aside from the fact that I've completely slacked off over the last week, but it was a holiday so I had an excuse. I'm loosely following an intermediate training guide developed by Hal Higdon and I've been happy with it up to this point. I'll decide how I feel about Hal and his guide on race day!

What's in a name?

Hey there Lost fans! Bad boy Sawyer has a nickname for you. To find out what it is, click here.

I heart truffles!

There is a nice candy store located in the Sioux Falls and Bismarck malls called Northwoods Candy Emporium. I've had a few of their treats and thought they were really good (except for a giant peanut butter cup - I know - you wouldn't think you could go wrong).

One of the Valentine treats Jeff got for me was a box of their truffles. I'm about halfway through the box and they've all been good. If you're in the area, splurge a little....just stay away from the giant peanut butter cup!

The Mind-Reading Gopher

A girl I know once told me that when she had the feeling that somebody was trying to read her mind she say to them (in her mind, of course), "Please stop reading my mind. It is very rude." I laugh every time I think of that. Well I don't think she would like this little gopher....

Training Log

There is a new online Training Log at the Runner's World magazine website. On the site you can track all of your exercise including running, biking, swimming, walking, strength training and more. It's really easy to set up and it's FREE!

New Socks!

I love, love, love new socks! Especially fun socks. Well this weekend Jeff came to visit me and we took a trip to Scheels to pick up some new running shoes for him and he treated us to new running socks (Wigwam Dri-Release Running Socks). I've never had special socks for running, but now I know what I've been missing all this time. I didn't really think that they would make that much of a difference, but they really did and we're excited to have them for the half marathon. Every comfort will make a difference I'm sure.

The sock excitement continued this afternoon when I was talking to Jeff on the phone after he left today and he told me to check my cupboards for a present. He hid a bag with some chocolates and Valentine socks in one of my cupboards yesterday when I wasn't looking. What a fun surprise!

This is a true sign of nerdiness. Does anybody else get excited about socks...and then write a blog about it?!?!? I have to get out more...

The Total Money Makeover

My pastor recommended that Jeff and I read the book The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey before we get married, so I put it on my Christmas wish list. My parents got a copy for both of us so we could read it while we're apart. I'm only a few chapters into it, but I really like it so far. Anyway, if you're looking for some practical advice on how to get your finances in order (and a little humor) you may want to check it out.

Ugly Betty

I just watched the first two episodes of Ugly Betty last night for the first time. A girl that I work with always raves about the show, but I never watched it because my loyalties are with The Office (which was on at the same time). Well I was at the video store last night, so I thought I would give it a try...and it was totally worth it! I can't believe that I've been missing out on the fun all this time. The highlight last night for me was when Betty was waiting for an interview with a fashion magazine and she complimented a model-type person on her poncho which was purchased in France and created by Dolce & Gabbana. When Betty later gets the job at the magazine she is sure about what she should wear her first day to work...a poncho her dad got for her in Guadalajara.

I think this show is a gem.

These are a few of my favorite things....

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
The handy new gadget that's on my key ring
These are a few of my favorite things


I just had a car starter installed yesterday (my Christmas present from Jeff), and I LOVE IT!!! My car was warm when I left the grocery store yesterday. It was warm when I left my apartment after supper. When I left the gym, warm. On my way to work this morning, warm. I cannot believe that I've been starting my car for more than a decade. I highly recommend this handy gadget to anyone who lives in eastern North Dakota.

I heart a Montana boy...AND Montana!

I spent my entire Christmas break with my fiance, Jeff, which was such a blessing since we live six hours apart. We were able to spend 16 days together including Christmas with my family and a visit to his home state, Montana. We had a great time visiting his family and spending time in the great outdoors.


We spent one day at Red Lodge where I skiid for the second time in my life. The first time I went skiing was with my youth group in the hills of Minnesota 12 years ago. My memories of that trip include falling into the splits which I could not do. OUCH! Needless to say I was terrified of tumbling down the mountainside. But once Jeff talked me into my skiis and down the training slope I had a great time. I loved it!


Another day included snowmobiling in the mountians near Cooke City, MT where everybody drives their sleds in the street. Sledding through the mountains was unbelievable. It was snowing really hard when we were there and I felt like I was in a snow globe. We had a great time riding around and enjoying lunch at a cozy restaurant. With the exception of my driving the sled off the trail into three feet of snow where we were stuck for about 20 minutes digging and pushing, the day was wonderful.

We had a great vacation and I'm super excited to spend more time out west this summer.