Toby Keith’s

Last night I hung out with a few friends.  We watched the destruction of the Suns by the Lakers.  So sad.  Kobe is amazing, and he knows it.  To cheer ourselves up, we went to the Toby Keith Bar and Grill in Tempe.  My salad was terrific.  The cover band was decent.  The conversation was super.  The dance was fun.  And the cowboys were fine to look at.

carrot cake

Is one of my all time favorite desserts.

I really have been fine without gluten and dairy.  It's Day 20.  I have found most substitutes.

However, today it was hard to resist such temptation of pure joy.  BUT I DID.  Carrot Cake. Why does it smells so divine, look so fabulous, and make my mouth water so?

books

It has been a long time since I have read a really good book.  I have been reading, but nothing has been keeping my interest, so it is taking longer than normal.  Sometimes I give up on the book, other times I read a few pages a night.  That means I'm probably not loving the book.  This week I have enjoyed a book.  "Austenland" by Shannon Hale.  It's a young adult book, so it was a fairly easy read, yet entertaining.  Her writing is not complex and flows smoothly.  It is not a deep thinker, either.  I think it is a nice change of pace for me.

Any books you recommend?

Gila Valley Arizona Temple

Today the Gila Valley Arizona Temple was dedicated.  I was privileged to be attendance via broadcast.  It was a wonderful experience to learn more about the temple, the grounds, the service of the people in the valley, and feel the Spirit of temple work.  I hope to travel the few hours and spend a day there sometime soon.  I loved listening to President Monson speak and interact with the crowd during the cornerstone ceremony.  President Monson spoke of President Spencer W. Kimball and his love of the Gila Valley.  President Erying and Elder Holland also spoke, along with the newly called Temple President and his wife.  I am so glad I was able to be there today.  I look forward to the Gilbert Temple opening.

Oak Flats

A couple of girls from my ward enjoy camping and bouldering, so almost every weekend they try to get out.  I have been lucky to go a couple times.  It is so nice to get away from the city and be in nature.  I love the hiking, the campfire, the stars, and quietness.  

Two years.

I thought this photo was great.

Dear Dad,

As I look back on the past two years it seems to have flown by.  Of course, there were some moments that never seemed to end.  I miss you.  There has been much that has happened. We have a few new additions to the family: Luke, Ava, Will, and Zac.  I graduated school and I am now considered "a grown-up."  I had to sell Ned.

I miss your advice on life.  Yet, I know you still watch over me.  I know you are doing great missionary work.  You always loved to serve others.  You were so dedicated to temple work.

Every time I go to ward choir I think about how much you loved to sing.  I loved to hear you, except early in the morning with "Good Morning Sunshine."  I need to perfect that singing talent of mine.  I loved to play the piano for you.  Many songs remind me of you.  I'm grateful you gave me the Clavinova (even if Mom didn't approve).  It has been a great blessing.

Life continues to be busy with work, looking for work, church, callings, family time, and occasional social time.

I still see you sitting at the kitchen table early in the morning reading your scriptures.  You were always a great example.  I continue to learn from you.

I miss our Sunday evening stories.  And our road trips.

I spent the evening with JP, Mary Ann, Max, Ian, Ava, Rachel, and Zac.  We enjoyed a nice meal with good conversation.  Your grandkids are growing up fast.  And they are as funny as ever.

Spring is shifting into summer.  It is starting to get hot here.  I am excited to visit family in Utah next month.  It will be nice to get out of the city and heat.

I am so glad you are my Dad.  I look forward to visiting with you again.

Always thinking of you!

Sending you lots of love, Sarah

to be young again

I know I'm not old, but I know I'm not young. A few friends of mine wanted to see the new Robin Hood on opening night at midnight. I never stay up late, especially not on a work night. (I've become responsible, and boring) Since I knew the work schedule was slow, I decided I should live a little.  Around 930 I started to question my decision. Then I watched the trailer. Excitement rushed through me. I told myself I could do it. Some anxiety with the thought of inadequate sleep. I've been working really hard at keeping a regular routine/sleep hygiene to help my sleep cycle. Well, I went.  We waited for a like an hour before the movie started.  Super fun people watching. I think everyone was in high school or just out of high school. Giddy & loud. Sensational. Hard to get sleepy with all the noise, but it happened. Right before the movie started. Then it began. And it was GOOD. I love action and adventure. Plus, Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett are amazing.



Waking up was tough.  Once I was out the door I was alright.  Work was fine this morning.  Another half day, so I'm just relaxing.

Day 5

Yesterday was a tough day. I woke up feeling lethargic. You know, that feeling after you've been fasting for 24 hrs? I knew I wasn't "sick" but I just didn't feel right. It could be the change in my diet, or the severe pollen count, or my imagination.  By the end of the day I was starting to feel better.

I went to Sprouts and bought a few gluten and dairy free foods.  There are actually quite a few substitutes.  I am interested to try the rice bread.  The pretzels were pretty good. I purchased Tofu. I have never liked it, but I am going to give it another try now that I'm older. And I've been enjoying lots of fresh fruits like strawberries, banana's, and apples. I have a delicious smelling pineapple waiting to be sliced into.  That will be a weekend treat. I don't love rice milk, but I'm using it with my cereal anyway.  I started drinking rooibos tea.  It is very earthy, and sweet.  I think the taste will be acquired with more time.

30 day gluten/dairy free challenge

My sister-in-law, Mary Ann, has been reading a book on allergies.  She has determined all my "problems" are related to my eating habits.  I have been 'diagnosed' with Gluten/Dairy sensitivity.  What a bummer!  Because I love cookies, skookies, doughnuts, bagels, pasta, and breads.  The two main substances to my diet are wheat and milk.  It's going to be hard to cut those out of my diet. But I'm willing to give it try for my health.  I am determined to work on integrating new foods into my diet while I re-vamp this next month.  I am learning how to read my labels better, and realizing that I definitely don't get enough fruits/vegetables or protein in my diet.  This will be a good learning experience, I hope.

I am on day 3.  I am hungry. I looked though my shelves and not many food options for me.  Almost everything I own has some form of whey or wheat.  This morning I was in a rush, as usual.  I had read on my friend, Daina's, blog about substituting ingredients.  She is vegetarian.  Anyway, she added black beans to her brownies.  As I was making my smoothie this morning i though, "How can I get extra protein without all the extra effort?" An epiphany happened (aka black beans).  It wasn't too bad.  Definitely different, but I will probably do it again tomorrow.

My diet will now consist of fruits, veggies, eggs, chicken, nuts, rice, and potatoes.  I haven't given everything up. My one vice is Coca-cola.  I don't think it would be fair to be rid of all my goodies, at least, not yet.

If you have any good recipes...send them my way!

Wish me luck!

learning how to upload video’s

I know, I'm behind the times!

I like this…

Test Post for Video

I will update the blog

As soon as Max is done taking pictures with my camera.  I may have left it at their house on Sunday after Rachel's birthday bash.  Get excited!