Memorial Day weekend 2011
Green Idaho goodness!
5/25/11
Grill for Sale
We're headed into BBQing season, right? Hot dogs! Hamburgers! Shish kabobs! Eyelashes! Wait, what? Apparently we're the only ones serving those up. We had a mishap with my grill which resulted in a freakish fireball flying straight into my face. There was so much force that it blew my hair right up off my face and singed everything in front. Hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, all those little baby hairs around my temples that I didn't really care for anyway. Very luckily not my skin. Need a visual? Well then it's your lucky day:
Don't judge me on my facial expression. Because exactly what facial expression would have been appropriate for this situation? I went with the "I think I'll keep my eyes closed cause they're all swollen from the never-ending waterworks" one. Besides, it emphasized what I had left of my eyelashes.
Now. If you're laughing a little bit and feeling sorta guilty about it - you're forgiven. It IS funny ... now. But I assure you it wasn't at the time (and maybe still a little not funny when I'm trying to do my hair in the morning).
Here's another thing: after I realized (VERY gratefully) that my skin wasn't burned my next thought was about my hair. Cause listen - some people can really pull off short hair/being bald. Natalie Portman made it look good, right? Demi? Well, I'm no Natalie or Demi and I'm well aware of how NOT attractive that look would be on me. Need another visual? Well lucky again cause I crudely photoshopped this little treat for you:
YOU'RE SO WELCOME. All I can say is whew. That was close.
Don't judge me on my facial expression. Because exactly what facial expression would have been appropriate for this situation? I went with the "I think I'll keep my eyes closed cause they're all swollen from the never-ending waterworks" one. Besides, it emphasized what I had left of my eyelashes.
Now. If you're laughing a little bit and feeling sorta guilty about it - you're forgiven. It IS funny ... now. But I assure you it wasn't at the time (and maybe still a little not funny when I'm trying to do my hair in the morning).
Here's another thing: after I realized (VERY gratefully) that my skin wasn't burned my next thought was about my hair. Cause listen - some people can really pull off short hair/being bald. Natalie Portman made it look good, right? Demi? Well, I'm no Natalie or Demi and I'm well aware of how NOT attractive that look would be on me. Need another visual? Well lucky again cause I crudely photoshopped this little treat for you:
YOU'RE SO WELCOME. All I can say is whew. That was close.
5/23/11
5/20/11
5/17/11
That Big Apple
This post feels very rushed and poorly written, but I know that if I don’t do it now I probably never will. So here it is, albeit a bit disjointed. The short version is this: I really loved the city! I found it full of energy and interesting things. Random picture highlights below:
Our first day there we were able to be top notch audience participants for the Dr. Oz show at the last minute. Are carbs addictive like cocaine? I don’t know because thanks to a red eye flight we were pretty much falling asleep during the taping. I haven’t watched the actual episode but I’m okay with it because I’d rather not see myself on national television looking disheveled and sleepy-eyed. We were also lucky enough to get into a taping for Jimmy Fallon. His guests were Alec Baldwin (!) and the girl from Nikita (who, by the way, was RAIL thin - I was worried she’d trip on her heels and shatter into a thousand pieces). We randomly found the yellow teddy bear in on display, made a few H&M stops, and ate treats at Serendipity … twice (don’t look at me like that). We did a session in the Manhattan Temple, which is really ornate and beautiful. At the TKTS stand we scored tickets to the Broadway musical Memphis, which certainly didn’t disappoint.
We went to Times Square a few times for different reasons, but I always found it super crowded and frustrating. Wal-Mart on a Saturday x 500 which gives me anxiety. But we were able to get treats at Roxy’s and at least sit down for a minute or two. After being photobombed by some random guy on our picture (see below), we ended up wasting time doing our own fake ones, which we thought turned out pretty funny. Let it be known: Miss Shanna Taggart is the queen of photobombing (possibly tied with Natalie Buttars).
We had planned to see Ground Zero on Thursday which, coincidentally, was the same day President Obama chose to visit. We probably should’ve just switched the day altogether because it was crazy crowded. We waited along the street with everyone for a bit, craning our necks to maybe see a glimpse of him. People were smushed EVERYWHERE selling Obama buttons and overpriced American flags, taking pictures, and probably stealing purses. We got tired of it real quick and decided to come back later. On the way out we talked to a police officer who said that the President had actually already visited Ground Zero and was on his way out of the city. Glad we didn’t wait any longer. A few days later it was much less crowded and we were able to take it all in and see what they have planned for the site.
We made it a point to eat at Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge. We weren’t expecting the line we saw as we walked up, but figured it was probably worth it. Long story short, Shanna made friends with one of the head honchos which skipped us ahead in the line. The picture below on the right was taken (accidentally) the same time as Shanna’s BFF was letting us know our table was ready. People probably hated us as we slid past them but hey – we were starving at that point. Great pizza and really friendly people.
After dinner we decided to forgo the subway and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. We took our time and stopped more than once for random pictures. Like awesome jumping ones. Too bad you can’t even see the city in the background since that was sorta the point of the shot. But the city was beautiful, even if it didn't appear with our Toyota jumps. Overall it was a really great walk and one of my favorite nights there.
The last few days we spent with our friend Ryan who lives near Central Park (P.S. he’s going to be on Conan this Wednesday so be sure and watch!) We tried our first Turkish restaurant which was loaded with carbs. I’m sure Dr. Oz would've been extremely disappointed in us. I also tried my very first Pinkberry – assembled with love by Ellis, the most helpful employee on earth. This guy wanted me to try all the flavors they had and experience eeeeverything they had to offer. And thanks to him I really loved my yogurt, even if it wasn’t full of chocolate truffle custardy goodness. We walked around the neighborhood, went through a museum, ate hot dogs from street vendors, looked at street displays, and ended the day lounged out on the grass in Central Park.
Other randomness:
After all that I’m not certain how to end this post. So I’ll just say: I DO heart NY! (And I now have a touristy sweatshirt to prove it!)
Our first day there we were able to be top notch audience participants for the Dr. Oz show at the last minute. Are carbs addictive like cocaine? I don’t know because thanks to a red eye flight we were pretty much falling asleep during the taping. I haven’t watched the actual episode but I’m okay with it because I’d rather not see myself on national television looking disheveled and sleepy-eyed. We were also lucky enough to get into a taping for Jimmy Fallon. His guests were Alec Baldwin (!) and the girl from Nikita (who, by the way, was RAIL thin - I was worried she’d trip on her heels and shatter into a thousand pieces). We randomly found the yellow teddy bear in on display, made a few H&M stops, and ate treats at Serendipity … twice (don’t look at me like that). We did a session in the Manhattan Temple, which is really ornate and beautiful. At the TKTS stand we scored tickets to the Broadway musical Memphis, which certainly didn’t disappoint.
We went to Times Square a few times for different reasons, but I always found it super crowded and frustrating. Wal-Mart on a Saturday x 500 which gives me anxiety. But we were able to get treats at Roxy’s and at least sit down for a minute or two. After being photobombed by some random guy on our picture (see below), we ended up wasting time doing our own fake ones, which we thought turned out pretty funny. Let it be known: Miss Shanna Taggart is the queen of photobombing (possibly tied with Natalie Buttars).
We had planned to see Ground Zero on Thursday which, coincidentally, was the same day President Obama chose to visit. We probably should’ve just switched the day altogether because it was crazy crowded. We waited along the street with everyone for a bit, craning our necks to maybe see a glimpse of him. People were smushed EVERYWHERE selling Obama buttons and overpriced American flags, taking pictures, and probably stealing purses. We got tired of it real quick and decided to come back later. On the way out we talked to a police officer who said that the President had actually already visited Ground Zero and was on his way out of the city. Glad we didn’t wait any longer. A few days later it was much less crowded and we were able to take it all in and see what they have planned for the site.
We made it a point to eat at Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge. We weren’t expecting the line we saw as we walked up, but figured it was probably worth it. Long story short, Shanna made friends with one of the head honchos which skipped us ahead in the line. The picture below on the right was taken (accidentally) the same time as Shanna’s BFF was letting us know our table was ready. People probably hated us as we slid past them but hey – we were starving at that point. Great pizza and really friendly people.
After dinner we decided to forgo the subway and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. We took our time and stopped more than once for random pictures. Like awesome jumping ones. Too bad you can’t even see the city in the background since that was sorta the point of the shot. But the city was beautiful, even if it didn't appear with our Toyota jumps. Overall it was a really great walk and one of my favorite nights there.
Central Park. One of my favorites as well. After walking around the city for awhile it was so refreshing to walk into the park and feel like you had a little bit of space. We rented bikes which gave us a really good taste of the park, which we explored a bit more later. Also on the favorites list: SHAKE SHACK. I’m not quite certain why I liked this so much since I’m not generally a huge fan of burgers. But their food was so good (hellllo crinkle fries) and, true to their name, they also offered shakes. Custard ones. And considering I’ve never tried one before I pretty much fell in love with my chocolate truffle cookie dough banana vanilla custard shake. Um, YEAH. I don’t even want to know the calorie count because I enjoyed it too much to ruin it for myself. We went back twice, thank you very much.
The last few days we spent with our friend Ryan who lives near Central Park (P.S. he’s going to be on Conan this Wednesday so be sure and watch!) We tried our first Turkish restaurant which was loaded with carbs. I’m sure Dr. Oz would've been extremely disappointed in us. I also tried my very first Pinkberry – assembled with love by Ellis, the most helpful employee on earth. This guy wanted me to try all the flavors they had and experience eeeeverything they had to offer. And thanks to him I really loved my yogurt, even if it wasn’t full of chocolate truffle custardy goodness. We walked around the neighborhood, went through a museum, ate hot dogs from street vendors, looked at street displays, and ended the day lounged out on the grass in Central Park.
Other randomness:
- We ran into these guys at church on Sunday. Who knew they lived out there? Shanna about fell off the pew when she spotted them.
- At H&M I learned that jumpsuits are making a comeback. Heaven help us. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – if that’s stylish then I guess I’m out. Unless it’s a swim suit cover-up because then I think it’s pretty cute. Or is that just opening the door?
- Good walking shoes are important when visiting a big city. No, I apparently didn’t think of this beforehand but my feet sure told me all about it. Running in Central Park will have to wait until next time.
- We didn’t see one celebrity on the streets – not ONE. What the what, Celebrities? I really had my fingers crossed for a James Franco or James McAvoy sighting, but to no avail.
- Apparently the phrase “get a room” doesn’t apply to those making out (+some) in Central Park. Who needs a room when you have the park?
- When the guy at the TKTS stand says that his family gets into Wicked every single time they sign up for the lottery, he’s lying. Right to your face. We tried three times -- NADA. Nonchalantly crinkling your paper doesn’t even increase your chances.
- Opera singers in the subway are pure awesomeness. I’m sure everyone there is pretty used to it, but I was completely loving it.
- And last but not least, never share your dream of petting a NYC pigeon. Or “diseased flying rat” as Ryan would put it. People laugh AT you, not so much WITH you.
After all that I’m not certain how to end this post. So I’ll just say: I DO heart NY! (And I now have a touristy sweatshirt to prove it!)
5/15/11
5/10/11
PoW : May 1-8
We spent this last week roaming the streets of New York City having a really fantastic time. As we walked (and walked ... and walked) around I kept accidentally taking pictures of the ground with my phone-- which is when I noticed that New York has some really nice patterns on their sidewalks/roads/etc. I started taking note and purposely taking pictures instead of accidentally. So for my Photo of the Week I thought it I'd use a few of them, with a little cameo by my feet since it IS the ground and all.
Central Park, some random sidewalk, and the dirty (but so convenient!) subway.
Oh what a trip ... I can't wait to go through all the photos!
4/30/11
4/28/11
Aprilandstuff
My poor neglected blog. If it weren’t for my Photo of the
Week it pretty much wouldn’t exist. It’s just that my mind is racing everywhere. Thinking of all the things I want to learn, see, read, photograph. The
time I want to commit to my family, building certain qualities, reaching goals.
HOW TO GET MYSELF TO DRINK 8 STUPID GLASSES OF WATER EVERY DAY. Followed by
wondering how to make it all happen and how to do it all perfectly on the very
first try (yeah right!). Patience has never been my strong suit and I’m
trying to teach myself to slow down and not become discouraged. I’m not the
only one who feels like this but I often wonder how some people make it all
look so easy. Piece by piece, I’m guessing. Paaaatttiiieennnce, Jess. But in spite of my jumbled mind, April really was a good month. Highlights (documented though Instragram, of course. So convenient!):
I took a calligraphy class. Not the Old English kind, but
the Copperplate style with the intent to kinda do my own thing as soon as I get the basics down. It’ll be worth
it just to address my own envelopes and make them pretty and unique, which I
guess means I’ll be looking for excuses to mail things. Also: Gift tags!
Labels! Logos! Invitations! Endless pretty possibilities. Practice,
practice, practice ...
We went horseback riding for Michelle’s birthday. My horse fear: stumbling, falling, and being trapped underneath. Ironically enough, my horse (Roanie) was older and seemed a bit lazy about picking
his feet up off the ground at times. Bad Roanie. Cue random stumbling and my racing
heart. I thought we were going down more than once.
We took a random little trip out to the Salt Flats and ended up in Wendover for dinner. That makes two
times I’ve been there this year. My Wendover quota is officially full. No
offense, Wendover Will. It's just that I can only handle you in small doses.
ALSO: Charlotte had a birthday, my Five Guys hamburgers cravings
have been hitting with full force, I still have the cutest nieces and nephews around, really started liking this show (am I super late to the bandwagon?), the spring rain has smelled really great, I found my
newest favorite workout song
as well as my newest favorite cool down song,
and I killed it with the last three People magazine crosswords puzzles. Successful month, I'd say.
And still three more days of April left ... anything could happen.
And still three more days of April left ... anything could happen.
4/25/11
PoW : April 17-24
Easter 2011 ... starring Easton
Ooooh can't mom open that egg aaaany faaaaster??
I think he sorta got it this year. At least the part where there's a lot of yummy stuff to eat. And how cute is he in grandpa's sweatshirt turned jacket? Later that night Trace anxiously asked to use my Photoshop and this was his end result:
Yoda Easton! (with The Force, as Trace was very quick to point out).
Next time I think I'll see if he can Photoshop me into an Ewok. Every girl's dream ...
4/17/11
PoW : April 10-17
Talk about a random week.
Also: this is slowly becoming the Instagram of the Week. Don't judge.
4/10/11
PoW : April 3-10
Springtime in Utah. Snow, sunshine, rain, wind -- sometimes all in one day. I love that every year we act completely surprised/shocked/disgusted that Utah would do this to us. How quickly we forget. But hey - it never gets boring, right? This week I even wore capris and sandals topped with a heavy coat. Not my best arrangement, but hey - it's springtime!
4/3/11
3/30/11
Adele
Really liking this song right now! Not to mention that it has a nice little beat which makes this girl a pretty happy runner.
3/27/11
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)