Dumb Drivers - I can't believe these people are on the road

Amanda is driving home from work - very carefully!

Sponsor an Executive

Amanda is writing her check right now!

Not a lot to say

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I just haven't had too much to say. I haven't felt the need to make any confessions, share funny jokes, or share much in general. I'll try to make up for that here a little bit.

We haven't had snow for a while - which always makes me happy. However, that means we also have major inversion so it is cold and the air is very dirty. As of today, according to the EPA's air quality site we currently have the worst air quality in the United States. Logan, Ogden, Provo, & Salt Lake are all beating out Bakersfield, CA right now. Here is the warning they have posted: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. The picture above was taken today at the U of U. Check out that dirty air hovering over the valley.

Resolution update - I've been doing well on the service. I have been working on the geneological indexing project and really enjoying it. I wish I could say I was enjoying trying to eat healthier.

School started back and I'm taking two classes this semester - Foundations of Nutrition and Fitness for Life. Are you sensing a theme in my choices? So far they haven't been too bad. I'm glad to not have to do all the writing that my last class required.

I guess that is about if for now. Nothing too exciting. Unless you want to count the fact that I've saved over $15 in coupons this week. I'm the coupon queen!!

Amanda is trying not to breathe too deeply.

2009 - It's my year to shine

It is time for me to make some New Year's resolutions. I figured I would post them for all to see. I could make a huge list but I know would never follow through so I am going to start with 3 or 4 and really focus on those. I'll post an update on my progress one month from now. Feel free to post your resolutions in the "Comments" section.

1. Commit to exercise & weight loss. (I decided that I have two choices here - I can either make this a serious goal or I can simply commit to gaining more and more weight until the circus asks me to join them)
2. Work on becoming a better person through service. (My mom pointed out a great article in the Dec Ensign on how people can help the Church by indexing geneological files online. I am going to start with this and also work to find other service opportunities. Here is the link if anyone is interested in the article: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/EmailArticleProcess?action=view&cmlId=352194&locale=0&emId=761512621
3. Be more outgoing and try to meet new people (especially when I join the 31 & older singles ward after my birthday this March.
4. Continue working on budgeting & saving

I'll close with a quote from President N. Eldon Tanner from a talk in the Jan 1975 New Era.

"This is the beginning of a new year, and each of us might well say to himself, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Let me begin now to prepare for eternal life, that I may know a fullness of joy and happiness now and forever.” After all, this is really what each of us wants, and it is most important that we take time to find out how to get it and begin now to work at it day by day.

To accomplish this we must study and learn and increase our knowledge and understanding of the gospel. Then by application of our learning day by day and every day we will have an increase of faith and testimony that is so necessary for our own salvation, as well as for our influence on the lives of those we love, those with whom we want to share our happiness and blessings."

Amanda is ready to start the new year!

2008 - It was great (a year in recap)

Another year has come and gone. In looking back on the year 2008, I was able to do a lot of special things. I'll do a little recap for you.

I went to Portland in March to visit my little niece and best friends.

April/May, I went to Hawaii with my roommates Jessica & Patti.

In July, I went to Comic-Con in San Diego with with my roommates Janna & Jaime.
Then I went back to Oregon in early November. All in all I was able to take some pretty cool vacations.

Another special thing about 2008 was that my parents arrived in June and began serving a family history mission. It has been so great to see them on a regular basis. We have been able to celebrate almost all our holidays together and their birthdays. They brought me Gatorade and Pedialyte when my stomach was trying to turn me inside out. My mom accompanied me to the doctor for moral support. We've played board games, watched movies, eaten out, and gone to plays/concerts. We have also been able to go to the temple together as a family once a month. I am very proud of my parents for their service and also grateful we can spend so much time together. The pictures below are from this fall in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Other milestones/interesting happenings this year: I hit my 5 year mark at the University of Utah. I went back to school (again). I went to a Thriving Ivory concert and met the band. Check them out - they have such a unique sound and I swear they will be the next big thing! I saw a ton of celebrities at Comic Con (check out my Aug blog for pics). Last but not last, my best friend had a new baby in December (Livia Marlene) so I'm an aunt again. Of course for me this means lots more opportunities for spoiling my nieces. Here is her beautiful picture below (covered in a blanket that I gave her).







Amanda is grateful to everyone for reading her blog!