I'm Addicted

I am in need of an intervention. Those dang athletic companies keep making cute stuff in pink, and I keep wanting it. The guys at the bike shop call me "the pink bike girl" because, hello...I have the cute pink bike.

I was also entranced by these cute shoes...because of the pink. Luckily, they are actually good shoes for me to run in.And now this...I think I must have the pink plaid running skirt. Don't you think Missy and I would look SO adorable if we got these matching plaid skirts to run in when she comes out to run the Salt Lake Half Marathon with me?

My Review of Urinetown

I'm not making this up. This is actually the name of a musical. I went there...on a date. I have to give the guy points for trying to find something cultural to do...and this is not something I would have chosen to see on my own. However, I don't know if I would take someone I had never met to anything if I had to say the word "urine" to tell her what we were doing. Afterwards, I looked it up on the internet and apparently it won some Tony awards and junk. Why? I cannot fathom. The whole thing is about, well...you know, in public. When we walked into the theater, there was the sound of dripping, oh, let's say, water. There are yellow lights aglow, and the stage has graffiti announcing "Let my people pee." There are song lyrics like "It's a privilege to pee".

I didn't get it. I thought it was the stupidest thing I have ever seen. I can only guess that the guy who wrote it is laughing all the way to the bank. Maybe I'll write a musical about vomit or picking my nose. As long as there is a catchy sing-a-long in there somewhere, I'm sure it will be a hit.

Going Private?

I can't decide...I've been thinking about going private...and I need feedback. Yes? No? An anonymous commenter hinted, well, not so much hinted, but came right out and said, that I thought I was too good for the guys who email me and how would I feel if I was browsing around and saw my photo on someone else's blog? First of all, I don't think I'm too good for these guys. I just don't want to go out with 5o+ year olds. Second, I never meant to disparage others. I am just somewhat amazed at the wide and varied range of singles out there.

So, what do you think? What should I do? If you think I should go private and you want to continue reading about my misadventures in life, leave your email in the comments. If you don't think I should go private, tell me why!

Who to choose...I'm so torn.

This weekend I went down to St. George to train for my Ironman race. I thought running 18 miles, biking 100, and swimming 4000 meters was painful, until I opened my LDSPlanet mailbox this morning. A whole new kind of pain there, my friends. Dale and Bob.

Dissing the Diet Coke

I got this random message on LDS Planet today from a guy whose screen name is "IlikeHats". I think it's sweet that he cares enough to send an email warning me about my love for Diet Coke. This is him.

"You seem to be very nice.... if we were closer ... it might be fun...to do somethings...

Anyway...I noticed that you drink diet coke... I am from New Jersey...where they make the sweeting crap that goes in sodas...

I have a friend who worked on the huge scales...that weighed the chemicals...that go into that sweetener...His stories...of how acidic...and destrutive...it is to the equipment...he worked on...would shock you....The stuff is very toxic...and you are a lovely girl...it is better to drink soda...with sugar in it..Jack v"

I have to give him points for actually commenting on something I wrote, but I find it fascinating that it apparently bothered him enough to send me an email about it. Thanks, Jack, but you're not changing my mind. And I can't take your "information" seriously when you have not only totally abused the ellipses (...) in your missive, but also my favorite refreshing beverage. Diet Coke is DELICIOUS! I love it, so even though I'm not drinking it right now while I'm in training, I am looking forward to my post-race splurges with the most ginormous Diet Cokes I can find. Until then, I wanted to wear this necklace. Unfortunately, it was sold out. In that case, Jack's got a lot more emails to write.

My New Year's Resolution...

They say that to make a goal more than a wish, you have to write it down. So, this year, I am going to meet a nice guy and date him enough that I can actually call him my boyfriend without freaking either one of us out. I turned to the internet for advice and found an article entitled "Where to Meet Men: How to Find Great Single Guys" to use as my resource. The article (with my comments in italics) is below. I also welcome suggestions from anyone who has ever met a "quality" guy in some other way...

"Knowing where to meet men, quality men, is a trouble that many women face. The only guys in her life are the creepy dudes at the office and her weird neighbors. So where are all these good guys? Quality guys are all around you. The better your life is and the more compelling person you can make yourself into, the more location doesn’t matter. Good men are attracted to women that exude personal power. Basically, the best way to attract a man is to be awesome yourself. Guys with a good intuition can sense this.

Start with your interests
Unless the things you do hold no interest for men, the greatest places to go 'man fishing' are in ponds you’re already familiar with. These are the best places for you to meet the men you’re after. (They are calling it "man-fishing". Yikes. I thought I was doing this with triathlons and marathons, but I've only met married guys and those are the ones you throw back. I did meet one single guy at the bike shop...)

Try an adult education course
If you want a smart man or at least someone interesting in self-improvement. This is a veritable goldmine where to meet men. The key is to pick a subject that you’ll find interesting, and is likely to be full of dudes. Sorry, that quilting class probably won’t have a good choice of men. (I have never met a guy that was taking an adult education class. I don't know about this one.)

Let people know
Don’t be shy. Tell people you are looking to mingle. Your friends know someone who knows a guy perfect for you. Blind dates can be pretty painful. Try to double date if you can or simple “show up” at a place you know this guy will be with your mutual friends. (Um...hello...this is YOU, people. Step it up. Did I mention that whoever sets me up with the guy I marry gets to sit at the head table at the wedding? Should I throw in naming my first-born after you, too?)

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer
Guys that have the time to volunteer usually have the means, too. Not only that, they tend to be a bit more socially responsible. You’re a lot less likely to meet a man while volunteering who turns out to be a maniac. (Actually, I have been giving blood for years...never met a guy there. Also, I volunteered at the library and LDS hospital. Never met guys there, except for that one 80-year old who had just accidentally yanked out his IV. Also, I volunteered at Deseret Industries once, and yes, it is possible to meet a weirdo while volunteering. I ended up bagging MATTRESSES for 4 hours, while a creepy guy kept wandering back and forth saying, "We usually don't get girls down here...he he he.")

Quaint hang-outs in your neighborhood
When it comes to meeting men, this one is gold. Go to the coffee shop down the block and become a regular. Don’t be afraid to talk to people in line or ask if you can sit at a cute guy’s table when the place gets crowded. (Quaint hang-outs in Draper...anyone...anyone?)

Ask to be taught
You can do this anywhere. Say you’re walking through the park and you see a guy just starting/finishing rollerblading. Tell him you’d really like to learn and see if he bites. Anytime you see someone doing something interesting, go talk to them about it. People love to talk about their interests. They might as well talk to you about them.

Not only that, guys love to be considered the expert at something. By letting him teach you about his interest, you let him feel the testosterone surge of pride. What would happen if you end the conversation with, "This is all so interesting. Is there some way we can continue this conversation?"

He'll have to ask you out! (Seriously? I am stumped about this...I don't run into single guys, let alone single guys doing something interesting.)

Bars and clubs
Of course, there are always bars and clubs. If this isn’t your “scene,” it can be a little scary. Try to find a great smaller place that fits your personality. Sit at the bar and chat with the people around you. Maybe there’s a Jazz bar near you or a place with live music that’s not to loud. Loud places kill romance and make it nearly impossible for seducing men. (I don't think the loud music is my problem...possibly the drunk guys from these places are, though...)

Singles events
What better way to communicate that you are searching for a man than a singles event? People go there specifically to find a mate. This might be a little too forward for your tastes, but some of these parties and activities can be a blast! (Oh gosh...31 and over single adult firesides????)

Meet him online
It used to be that online dating was reserved for the unwashed and the crazy, but listen Honey, everyone is doing it! That's right, completely normal women meet completely normal men every single day online. Tons of women have the inside secret on how to meet men and... it's online! If you don't have a profile up on SEVERAL different sites right now, you are missing out on an amazing opportunity to meet the man of your dreams! (Well...we've all seen how well this has gone for me.)"

I'm really going to try hard this year. Seriously. Or else I'm going to be stuck with this guy...he thinks I'm hot.

33 Years and THIS is what I have to show for it...

I saw this on another blog and thought it would be fun to see what I have been doing with myself. My checked items are in bold type. Copy and paste the list to your blog...

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Pacific Ocean
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument