POWDER + SUNNY DAY = GREAT SKI DAY

Reason why I blog

Each year I put all of my pictures & blog entries into a book. I started in 2008. This book took me until now to finish it but in the end...it's worth it. There are many companies out there that make books but I have been very pleased with blurb. Plus I got 20% off the total - love promotion codes. Can't wait until the hard copy arrives!

Optimist Project 2011 by by: Valery Gines | Make Your Own Book

somebody that i used to know

original

cover

cover

Granite Hot Springs XC Ski adventure

On Jan.14 we cross country skied approx. 20 miles (round trip) into Granite Hot Springs near Jackson Hole, WY.

We celebrated Sarah's birthday at the top with cupcakes and candles - thanks to Jen.

Top:Bill Middle: Janie, Levi, Ben, Kimberly, Sarah, Natalie Bottom: Jen, Craig, Valery, Marissa

Quick drive to the TETONS before church - What a view!

Clearly not a picture taken on the trip (no snow) but check out those facts.

Check out this ride! My next adventure up to Granite Hot Springs will be on one of these fat tire bikes. I think the downhill would be insane!

COLLECTION/WORDS:

I come across so many nice inspirational art + words so here's a little collection of some little messages and lovely words/advice to live by in 2012. Hope you're encouraged + inspired today, sweet friends. I WAS/AM!

FROM THE BLOG: OH, HELLO FRIEND

sing sara sing

2012 S.M.R.T. Goals

I know my 2012 goals should be S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, timely) but I’m feeling more like Homer Simpson these days...

 

1. S

Spontaneity * I was going to say “do one spontaneous thing each week”, but planning spontaneity is a bit of an oxymoron. I want to say ‘yes’ to doing and trying more new things: yoga, cooking, lead climbing, traveling, dating, anything really that will add to my 2012 adventure.

2. M

Marathon * Yes, I am going to register for the St. George marathon this year. It’s a lottery and I will register in April and race in October if I am “chosen”. 2012 could be my marathon year. I've already registered to run the Utah Valley Half and the Wasatch Back Ragnar again in June.

3. R

Ride my first century * 100 miles on my road bike – Goldilocks in Herriman, UT on May 12. I will need company during my training if anyone is available…let’s ride. *My 15 lb. food baby should be gone by May (side goal...result of training).

4. T

Testimony * Strengthen my personal testimony of Christ * In 2012 I will read aloud scriptures/Ensign daily, pray on knees once a day, and attend temple 2+ a month.

5. Spend more quality time with my parents, sister, and sobrinos. My family help me correct papers, we eat dinner on Sundays, and play in CO regularly. But there's something special about walking around the neighborhood chatting, jumping on the trampoline together, and riding our bikes laughing and chatting. I need to really listen and take time to BE with my family not just be in the same room.

6. Write a GRATITUDE journal entry at least once a week * I usually journal about daily life, adventures, lists, and concerns. I need set aside my needs, desires, and wants every now and again and remember...I AM  truly BLESSED!

7. Live in the moment and be more present * Simply taking a few moments to look up from my phone and experience what’s going on, turning off my iPod (once in a while) and start to actually listen, stop trying to distract myself or pass the time and enjoy the present.

8. Put $300 in saving each month for my future car payment. Following Dave Ramsey I will be able to buy a new car with cash in...34 months. OK OK, not sure if paying in full with cash will be my thing, but at least I'll put a good amount down.

9. Go to a concert * I love live music and I only went to one concert in 2011. Loved it but I need more live music in my life!

10. Go on a sincere second date * I have gone on my fair share blind/set up dates but none of the guys have asked for a second date. I must give off the wrong first impression. I wasn't sure if I wanted to write this goal but this truly is a desire of my heart. I want someone to like me for me (not) for what I look like.

11. Write 12 handwritten notes to family & friends expressing my gratitude for their love, support, and encouragement.

12. Be happier * I want to be the best version of myself. I want to be continuously inspired, remain optimistic, keep my head high, look at the good in situations, remind myself that there’s always tomorrow, not take myself too seriously and laugh often. It’s silly to think I’m going to be happy 110% of the time…all I’m working towards is having a smile on my face more often than not and feeling good about the decisions I make.


13. Stop the Snooze button * Get up on time. When the alarm goes off, get up, and get in the shower.

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

I need to learn how to use my Pinterest account. I would totally "pin" these image quotes. (goal 14)

Happy New Yurt 2012!

My 4th adventure bring in the New Year - YURT STYLE

2011-2012 Yurt Clan: Marissa, Erin, Sarah, Dustin, Valery, Jared, Natalie, Craig, & Jen

(Leanne, Brian & Ben not pictured)

The weather could not have been better!

We started celebrating the New Year at 11:00pm dancing, throwing confetti, and eating goodies.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... 12:00AM MIDNIGHT

January 1, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

After staying up until 1:30AM we woke up around 8am ready for another great day in the Uinta Mountains. We slept nice and comfy thanks to Dustin - he kept the stove stoked.

What better way to bring in the new year - XC skiing!

Each yurt year a snow sculpture is created. The theme this year was Hawaiian and Jared had the vision of the Easter Island Tiki. The snow was so dry we had to use the environment for the extra features.
(image from bing.com)

back row: Natalie, Dustin

front row: Craig, Brian, Valery, Sarah, Ben, & Leanne

Until 2012-2013

Trying the 80s family pose. Classic head tilt, posed hands, and smirks;-)

B = location of the yurt

Yurt New Year Creations

2012 Easter Island Tiki

2011 It was -20 below so the snow pile is more than expected

2010 Olympic Podium

2009 Stegosaurus 

Books I read in 2011

My cousin, Emily, gave me this idea to post the books I read this year. To be honest, I listen to a lot of books on tape because I commute 40+ minutes everyday for work.

1. Wednesday Letters - Wright
2. The Maze Runner #1 - Dashner
3. Uglies #1 - Westerfield
4. Pretties #2 - Westerfield
5. Specials #3 - Westerfield
6. Enna Burning - Hale
7. Al Capone Does My Shirts  Choldenko
8. The Scorch Trials #2 - Dashner
*9. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Smith
10. The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women - Dais
11. The Titan's Curse - Riorgan
12. Extras #4 - Westerfield
*13. Divergent #1 - Roth
14. Rules - Lord
*15. Tree Girl - Mikaelsen
16. The Calder Game - Balliett
17. Matched #1 - Condie
18. Extra Credit - Clements
19. Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister - Kessler
20. Bud, Not Buddy - Curtis

My top three favorite reads this year are *starred and bolded. Please comment what were some of your favorites that you read this year or in past years. I am always looking for GOODREADS. I'm currently reading Into The Wild by Krakauer but not finished yet. It will have to be on my 2012 goodreads.

Christmas Morning