what ruthie knows

Things to do today...

2010-06-28T22:24:00.002-06:00

Chiropractor. Check

Workout. Check

Get oil changed. Check

Go to bank. Check

Get car washed. Check

Go SKYDIVING. Check. Check.

ruthie the foodie

2010-05-21T21:33:00.006-06:00

There are many perks to being single and having a full time career.

1. I pay all my bills and have money to spare
2. I don't have to check with anyone else when buying anything
3. I use my extra money to eat out... a lot. Ask me about a restaurant, and I've probably been there.

Here are a few of my most recent favorites and finds.

Slab Pizza

669 East 800 North
Provo
801.377.3883

Seriously, the most amazing pizza you will ever have! Eric, one of the owners has perfected the crust, it's the best mixture of thin, crispy and soft at the same time. The other owners, Andy and Simy, have brought together the most amazing array of unique flavors. My favorites? The Buffalo Chicken Wing and The Thai Chicken. Yes, I did go there two days in a row a few weeks ago and yes, I was recognized and yes, I felt a little sheepish.

Rooster Dumpling and Noodle Bar

163 N University Ave
Provo
801.375.3138

Yet again, another amazing restaurant brought to you by the same people that bring you Slab. The dumplings are amazing, the pulled pork sandwich is amazing and the Provo downtown atmosphere is amazing. One word: Amazing. Eat there soon, open for lunch and dinner. I've heard the desserts are amazing too, but since I don't eat those, you'll have to take a stranger's opinion on that one.

Communal

100 N University Ave
Provo
801.373.8000

I've been to this restaurant a few times, and every time I'm never disappointed. The food is fresh, local and refined. Expect to pay a little more, but well worth it for a special night out. The menu changes seasonally, which makes me happy and always eager to return. Two favorites: Pot Roast and the Potato Gratin. So good. Communal even has a separate larger group room where I've had a friend's birthday dinner. Very fun.

Smashburger

542 E. University Parkway
Orem
801.616.5071

Six words for you. The smashfries are made with crack. Yes, you heard correctly. The fries have an addictive substance sprinkled on top. I think it's actually just olive oil and rosemary, but that's just semantics. My favorite burger is the Beehive Burger. I know I shouldn't ever eat here, but alas I can not help myself and you won't be able to resist either.

Apparently I've gotten around, town that is. I love good food, good atmosphere, good service and all of these places have my high marks.

You may be wondering... no I did not get paid for this. I wish, or at least some free food, I'll take all forms of payment.

My call to blogging repentance.

2010-05-21T21:04:00.002-06:00

Oh dear blog,

It has been a very long time. I have neglected you and have not appreciated your worth. I could share so much through you, but alas I do not. Instead, I check email, stalk on facebook, read other more devoted people's blogs and of course catch up on my dvr. Why have I lost the love? Where did it go? Will it ever return? I want it to. Desperately. You have so much potential, I dream about what I would post on you, if I weren't so busy/lazy. I could share with the world all that ruthie knows. I'm making a commitment to you right now. I will be better, I will share more, I will journal my life. I know in times to come, that I will love looking back and reliving my innocent musings of yesteryear.

With regret and remorse,
ruthie

Fiesta de Paella

2010-02-07T14:51:00.003-07:00

The wonderful Bevedly, did it again.
She transformed our home for a magical paella dinner party. In true Spanish fashion we ate late and laughed lots. Thank you Mic and Pic for the masterful culinary skills.

Part Duex...Christmas in Oregon

2010-02-07T14:28:00.006-07:00

I was able to spend two weeks in Oregon over the Christmas holidays, here are a few highlights of the trip.

Yes, that's me, starting a fire in the wood stove. Since Daddy-O likes to keep the furnace at a balmy 65゜there is much need for the wood stove. That's what a country girl does.

Mt. Hood Ski Excursion

Fun night on the slopes with the fam. We took lessons and rocked Buttercup.

Pittock Mansion in Portland

My mom and I made a trip into Portland to see the Pittock Mansion. It has an amazing view of the city of Portland and was decorated for Christmas. We only got lost trying to find it once, because of a certain GPS navigator, navigated incorrectly, but alas we found it.

Catch Up Part Uno...

2010-02-07T14:14:00.004-07:00

Clear back in November, I was one of the many wildly crazy, women trying to relive their teenage fantasies while watching the premiere of New Moon. Luckily for me and 4 of my other friends we had VIP tickets to see it at 9pm instead of midnight. {Notice special lanyards} Special thanks to my peeps at Nordstrom's.

While standing in line to enter our designated theater we asked a new friend we met in line to take a picture of us (2nd picture)... As you can tell, she was new to the digital camera. After I quickly reviewed the photo, she asked if she cut anything off and I replied "Nothing that's important." Who needs a forehead or a part of their eye...totally over rated appendages.

A Retrospection of Sorts.

2010-01-10T14:31:00.013-07:00

Another year has come and gone, it's true what they say (who's they by the way) that time flies when you're having fun, time goes by so much faster every year and time is of the essence. During my brief stint (10 days when I started this and 18 days by the time I finished) of living in the year 2010, I got a little nostalgic and wanted to do a brief (could possibly turn out the opposite of that) run down of the last ten years.

Side note: I realize this may be the longest post ever written and no one is required to read it. I wanted to do this for my personal history. To see what I've learned, what I've remembered, who I was ten years ago and who I am today. Should you choose to read this and you actually know me, then some of my life events will definitely seem familiar to you, I hope this will bring back some good memories for you too.

THE YEAR 2000:

Relieved that the world was still in existence, aka not surprised. Really? They didn't think computers couldn't handle a few zeros? Isn't that how computers work, ones and zeros?
Was accepted to BYU, and had a bad case of senoritis.
Graduated from Colton High School with 35 other people. (Shockingly small, I know. Visit Colton and you'll understand)
Lived in the dorms, Helaman Halls, Chipman Hall to be more specific.
Had an "interesting" roommate situation.
Met some amazing people that I'm still friends with.
Learned about my self, isn't that what freshman year is for? Chemistry is not necessarily every ones best friend.
Crashed the Freshman Formal Dance at the Cannon Center.
Had a lot of love and support from my family. Thank you.

THE YEAR 2001:

Continued interesting roommate situation.
Started to figure out you don't have to be best friends with everybody
Had fun with friends
Learned how to dance Britney's "Oops, I did it again", how to clog and how to sleep during biology lectures
Went to Oregon for my sister's wedding.
Hadn't quite figured out how to be comfortable in my own skin.
Went to Spain in the summer to pick up my sister from her mission. I had missed my sister, still do, thanks to her returning to Spain.
First time aunt status achieved.
Started Sophomore year at BYU.
Lived in the Riv with my sister, had silly crushes and didn't know how to talk to boys
Watched the Towers fall with my sister and roommates.
Another interesting roommate situation. (Thought I was cursed)
Tried to learn Spanish
Decided BYU wasn't for me and planned to defer for a semester to figure it out.
Went to Oregon for Christmas, flew to Portland via Las Vegas and was no longer an In-n-Out virgin.

THE YEAR 2002

Whilst figuring out my life's ambitions and dreams, worked at a dietary supplement warehouse and froze while bottling colloidal silver, with my buddy Paco.
Went to California with sister and friends for some fun in the sun, while the Winter Olympics continued back in Utah.
Finally decided that I wanted to go to cosmetology school and had the strongest confirmation of that decision, just had to figure out how to tell the parentals.
Told parentals and there was no need to stress, they were very supportive and excited for me.
Slowly started to learn of God's love for me and that He cares about what I'm doing and the choices I make.
Bade my time before beauty school started with job as a telesurveyor (promise, you don't want to know what that job was like)
Second time aunt status achieved, was privileged to be at the birth.
Started beauty school, loved it, had lots of fun and started to figure out how to style my own hair.
Moved to Orem and had a lot of fun. (Romper room, prom curtains, a la cantina etc)
Turned 20, no longer a teenager.
Had amazing roommates that I'm still great friends with to this day.
Worked part time at Hogi Yogi. Not the worst job, but for sure not the best. Only broke the chicken slicer once.
Started in on a long term, mad crush on KC.
Had a great ward with fun friends.
Decided that exercising was a good idea and attempted Tae Bo, you remember Billy.
Performed regularly in beauty school in the group, "Doty's Dance Girls"

THE YEAR 2003

Celebrated JT's birthday, yes JT, meaning Justin Timberlake.
Went to California for a Hair Show with Dallas Roberts, also went to Knotts Berry Farm
Had black and blood red hair, I guess I went through a goth phase for 2 weeks.
Got a new fabulous roommate because my sister decided to move to Spain for... love.
Continued figuring out who I was. Where I wanted to be and feeding and growing my testimony.
Asked out long term crush KC for a group date, apparently felt nauseous before the call (as written in my journal, I don't remember that)
Many, many pages in my journal devoted to said crush, KC. Obession... yes.
Attempted to make a music video of Avril Lavigne's song "I'm with you" (Complete with party scene, wind makers and costume changes.
The night of Carlos and Ali. Anyone involved in that night understands that craziness, ie roses, yellow polyester and blue dixie cups.
Went to a baseball game, experienced date envy and told my date to Keep it Real, stones included.
Summer of Fish, Lee and Robert
Prayed and received answers to my prayers.
Graduated from beauty school, rocked the state practical and theory tests.
Went to Oregon for a family reunion, stayed longer than expected because...
Grandmother passed away, Sunday August 3, 2003

Quote from my Journal:
"I will always love her and want to be as kind and generous and also have the great gift she had to see the good in everybody she met"

Turned 21, oh such a baby still...
Moved to a townhouse, far away from crush, best thing that could have happened.
Started working at Aspen Salon
Learned about the Lord's time. Still am to this day.
Made fitness goals: It may have taken 6 years but I finally achieved them.
Video Vignettes: tackling random guy, singing and dancing in the mall, and body rolls
Crashed a freshman dance at BYU with friends and lied about our ages.
Loving what I did and who I was.
Christmas in Utah, New Year's Eve in Oregon.

THE YEAR 2004

Moved to Orem, excellent move.
Admitted to crush that I liked him, didn't go as well as hoped... wow, I still liked him?
Didn't love my new ward, because of the "cool clique"
Loved my roommate
Learned a lot about moving on, or at least moving on from nothing...KC
Lack of dating, frustrations continue
Had a brief stint in Online Dating. (Should I admit this?) Interesting experiences ie: bowling, movies and wedding receptions.
4th of July, Park City, sunburn, fireworks, Papa Johns and hand holding.
Third time aunt status achieved.
Was asked for my number but didn't know that's what the guy was doing till later... life would have been a bit easier if I had jumped on that band wagon... DOJr.
First cell phone
Stopped working at Aspen and moved salons to Platinum Studio, excellent choice
Met more amazing friends
Fourth time aunt status achieved
Grizzlies game, lame nachos and a late night movie...
Went to Oregon for my sister's wedding and then on to Spain for a reception.
Christmas in Spain, lot's of blankets and Dan Brown books
Jet lagged New Year's Eve.

THE YEAR 2005

New attitude about ward, tried to be more involved.
Continued to build clientele...that's a long arduous process
Red high heels, movie and a kitchen counter
No more online dating
Lot's of self discovering, trusting in the Lord, understanding the realities of Satan and finding out how strong I really was.
The year of many travels, Arizona (hot and lovely), San Fransisco (crashed wedding, video cameras, Alcatraz and discovered IKEA), and Oregon
Grandfather's 90th Birthday in Oregon
Started to learn that I can't solve other people's problems although I've tried
Discovered the beauty of Nordstrom bra fitting specialists
Late night pranks...popcorn.
Fifth time aunt status achieved
Christmas in Oregon with most of the fam
New Year's Eve spent in a random motel on the way back to Utah from Oregon

THE YEAR 2006

Started planning my epic trip to Spain and Italy.
Addicted to yoga
Second part time job, inspecting, packaging and freezing
Continued planning for epic European vacation
Trip to Las Vegas for a hair show with salon friends. Limo ride and Club Pure
Surprise visit from Spain family.
Sixth time aunt status achieved
Met someone that would end up being a part of my life long term.
Went to NYC for a hair show with two great friends
Left from NYC to head to Spain. Traveled all by myself and only had one slight difficulty at the train station.
Happy reunion with sister, brother in law and new nephew.
Spain for a week, then off to Italy
Met up with two friends in Genoa, miracle in it of itself. Thank you Divine intervention
Explored Cinque Terre, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii and Rome.
Lost luggage (not mine), new travel friend, Italian men, scary Naples, long nauseating taxi ride, the beach, David, amazing food, gelato, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, and many more amazing sites.
Trip back to Spain, overnight sleepover in Barcelona airport. Why did I plan that? Scary gypsy lady, yelling at me.
Another week in Spain with family. Love the little one, so cute.
Tearful goodbye to my loves in España
Return to reality.
Started dating someone. Met him through mutual friends. Interesting and educational.
Received my own Endowments from the Temple August 16th at Mt. Timpanogas
Summer of fun, tried to wake board, unsuccessfully
Had a few intense personal growth experiences, learned a lot about my self worth, the Love and Atoning Sacrifice of Christ and the power of the Priesthood.
Thanksgiving in Oregon
Started instructing at Dallas Roberts
First official car accident, totally my fault, a lot of damage on mine but none on the other car.
Christmas in Utah with boyfriend
Uneventful New Years, they are always overrated and a let down.

THE YEAR 2007

Moved back to Provo, temporary move with old friends and then to the Townhouse.
Continued relationship with said boyfriend, although it was dramatic.
Bought my first car, the prizm had seen better days
Worked non stop both at the salon and as an instructor, started to burn out
More roommate drama, perhaps I was cursed.
After receiving the strongest thought of "I need to brake up with J," I did it the next day. He was apathetic and unresponsive, not surprising. I hurt.
Bought a Mac, best choice ever.
Camped out overnight for the grand opening of IKEA in Draper. Why?... An amazing free chair.
While at the airport waiting for my flight to Oregon, learned that my grandfather had passed away that day, June 18th. Cried with strangers.
Helped with funeral preparations while my parents traveled back from Europe

Quote from Journal:
"My grandfather will always be remembered as a good man. A man who didn't push the Gospel upon others but instead led his life in such a way that those around him knew there was something different about him."

Learned first hand to always, always trust your gut and first instincts.
Strangely got back together and broke up with ex. Things were going to be different, but they weren't.
Seventh time aunt status achieved.
Spain family came to visit
Unfortunate relapse into the dramatic relationship.
Frequent flyer mile trip to DC, discovered Chipotle, found favorite boots, bus trip to NYC, tourist in a blizzard, being forgotten at the airport.
Holidays with family in Utah.
Broke up with J...again.
New Year's Eve, air hockey tournament and Chinese food.

THE YEAR 2008

Changed wards and have never looked back.
Surprise trip to Oregon.
Had a few moments of clarity:

Quote from Journal:
"I just know that there is a greater plan at work for me and I had to go through that drama to know with a full assurance what I wanted out of life and a husband. Also it took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that J was never going to magically turn into that person. No amount of time nor patience was going to change the fact that he lacked a depth of testimony required to get through trials in life, he was also going to be manipulative and would belittle me always. I know I'm still recovering from this emotional damage but I also know that I will get through this and I'm learning and have learned so much about myself.

Made more fitness goals: to become a runner.
Became an Ordinance Worker at the Temple. True inspiration by my Bishop.
Went to NYC for a hair show with three great friends, The W, fat lip, sushi, canal street, p.s. I love you.
Ran first 5k, Running with Angels
Summer of wedding hair, at least 12 brides.
Started whatruthieknows.blogspot.com
Had a week where I contemplated getting back together with J and then came to my senses. Thank you to my friends for worrying about me.
Ran two 10k races, 4th of July Freedom Festival and Speedy Spaniard on the 24th of July
Family trip to Bear Lake
Started to understand a small portion of my divine potential
Eighth time aunt status achieved
Decided to stop eating white refined sugar
Salon Halloween party, amazing race, crazy driving and green face paint.
Path to Abundance, life changing.
Surprise trip home to Oregon for Thanksgiving. That's the best way to travel.
Ninth time aunt status achieved
Christmas in Utah with Family
Traveled to Spain, made it just in time to eat my 12 grapes

THE YEAR 2009

First half of January spent in Spain, Los Reyes Magos, Fama a Bailar, frozen at the beach and making it back safely.
Did hair for a wedding at Sundance Resort
American Idol addiction
Started training for my first triathlon
80's Prom night birthday party for K
Smashed up my car because I was in a hurry for work.
Felt like an adult for the first time when I had a rental car.
Thought provoking Stake Conference with Elder Bednar
Tenth time aunt status achieved
New fantastic roommate
2nd Running with Angels 5k race
First Triathlon ever, completed Salem Spring Triathlon. Surprise visit from dad.
First trip to Lake Powell, Imma be, Hot like Wow, possible marriage, big beef and cheddar and photo shoots
New hair blog, hairdidbyashlee
4th of July in Idaho for a family reunion, 5k, horse shoes, lots of food.
Family trip through Yellowstone, driving, construction, old faithful, mama and baby buffalo and more driving.
Amazing trip to California with three super friends, dora, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Wars and extreme exhaustion
2nd Triathlon completed in Idaho, nap in Bountiful on the way there, leg cramps during the swim but lots of fun overall.
Found out ex moved into my ward... on purpose. Had a brief moment of self doubt but quickly realized I was so much stronger than that.
Family from Spain arrived, bowling, shopping, hair, family photo shoot and more
Midnight half marathon, dark, crazy tired, pain, but I finished
Turned 27, never felt better.
Two speeding tickets in 6 days, I wouldn't suggest doing that.
Red Rock Relay, red diablo, green goblin, rocked it, beautiful scenery, 4 am wakeup call, sleeping outside a church and oh so much fun.
Bowled a 150, not too shabby.
New workout class, major changes
Blind date, struggles
Shamu and trainer, karaoke and bringin' the house to their feet. Just wanna dance with somebody. Thank you Whitney.
Halloween 5k
Pre Thanksgiving dinner with friends.
Thanksgiving in Utah, turkey trot, sore body and Black Friday shopping.
Tons of hairdid in the month of December.
$50 date, frozen lake, rocks, Christmas lights
Christmas in Oregon
Apparently I do like to ski
New Year's Eve at an interesting YSA activity in Oregon.

I don't know if I can truly describe the emotions, feelings, and thoughts I've felt while writing out this 10 year synopsis of my life. Cathartic? Educational? Useful? All of the above? What I do know is that the person I was 10 years ago would be extremely proud of the person I am today. What she went through brought me to this place now. I know who I am, I have an intense testimony of the Gospel of Christ and I have this because of the events I've experienced, the people I've interacted with and my knowledge of God's love for me.

Life, when well spent is amazing. I hope to make the next 10 years as fantastic as the past 10. I'll take the ups and the downs, because that is how I will continue to grow towards my eternal progression.

Gobble, Gobble

2009-11-21T21:48:00.006-07:00

...Turkey Dinner...

30 guests

20lb turkey

Martha inspired decor

Amazing food

9 missing folding chairs

6 found folding chairs

Night of fantastic fun

Enjoying Fall.

2009-11-05T23:09:00.002-07:00

Here are a couple of reasons I enjoy living in Happy Valley.
I may complain about traffic, snow, and lack of potential dates,
but I will never complain about this...

photos taken on a hike up Y mountain.

The Many Faces of Halloween

2009-11-05T22:48:00.007-07:00

I may have overdosed on Halloween this year.
I dressed up four times, in four different costumes.
I guess, I'm not great at commitment.

I was an overweight Sea World, Shamu Trainer for my salon party.

I was a Geisha for my ward party.
Is that appropriate?
Japanese prostitute at a church function?

Bohemian Hippie for a Halloween 5k Run.
After run dinner at Shoga.

80's Prom Chica on the actual night of Halloween.
I rocked the double decker bangs.

Moral of the story:
I'm done dressing up for at least a month.
You never know what Christmas might bring...

.Awesome Autumn.

2009-10-19T17:39:00.002-06:00

.fall fun activities.

Summer Lovin'...had me some fun.

2009-09-06T15:29:00.008-06:00

Every year around this time I start to get a little sad about the end of summer and the looming dread of winter ahead. I always think it goes by too quickly and I never get to do everything that I wanted to, ie. spend every Monday at the pool. I promise myself every spring that this summer is going to be different than last summer, I'm going to find the time to play at the pool every Monday, every summer is the same story, I get too busy and slack on my pool days. The question I always wonder is... What am I busy with? Then I start to think about it and decide I did tons of fun stuff this summer, just not at the pool. Here's the run down of my summer.

June

Two of my good friends got married and I was able to do her hair and attend the temple sealing. Amazing sealing, amazing friends and pretty amazing hair.

I also had an awesome opportunity to go to Lake Powell. This was my first trip there and I'm already dreaming about when I can get back.

July

Family reunion over 4th of July weekend in Idaho. Two of my sisters, my grandpa's wife and I decided to get up really early on the 4th and run a 5k run. We had so much fun and everyone else was jealous of our matching t-shirts. Everyone was invited but only a select few took me up on the chance.

After the family reunion, my immediate family and I went to Yellowstone for a couple days. The highlight was when we were waiting for Old Faithful, three buffalo decided to traipse through the park right in front the erupting geyser. Amazing, but sorry, no pictures because my batteries died two seconds before.

At the end of July, I went to Disneyland with a few of my friends. We had so much fun and laughed a lot. I love the look of joy we all have, in the above picture, while riding Big Thunder Mountain.

August

Ward Family Home Evening at the Owlz baseball game. By the look on our faces you can probably guess we were not expecting Mr. Owl to jump into our arms for the picture. He or she was heavier than expected...

Hiked the Y with a few friends and decided to try out laying upside down on the Y. The picture really does no justice. It was pretty scary and intense, but I highly recommend it.

While my sister that lives in Spain was here with her family, we decided to make a whole family trip to the Utah County Fair. We had a lot of fun, saw some very interesting "carnies" and three of us decided to ride Star Trooper. This was the result: Terror and Laughter.

I turned 27 this year and had a super fantastic day. Morning run and breakfast with friends, afternoon with the family at the pool and an evening party my roommate and friends planned for me. Thank you everyone for making my day amazing.

September

September started off with a bang. I did the Red Rocky Relay race with 11 of my friends, down in Southern Utah. 180 miles, 12 member team, 28 hours of running. It was so amazing, so hard, and so fun.

This is my first leg of the race, also known as the red diablo, it was a devil, 2.3 miles of solid 11% incline, no rest for the weary.

Here's the three of us that ran the three legs of the diablo. We killed that mountain.

Team Road Runners, official finishers of the first annual Red Rock Relay. I'm already thinking about planning to do this again next year.

Maybe it's good that fall is coming, maybe I need a little break to breath, but as everyone knows, life marches on and there is no time to stop. Which, really is the way I like it. Bring it on Fall, what do you have in store for me?

I heart amazing photographers

2009-08-31T23:47:00.004-06:00

Last spring I stumbled upon an amazing photographer, Justin Hackworth's website. There was always a hope and dream that I would be able to make use of his skills and talents. That dream came true and my family was captured by his lens. I love these photos, love them. Here is a small sampling of the magic.

Everyone (maybe 5 readers) go check out his website and blog.
You will not be disappointed.

I know hair

2009-06-24T22:46:00.003-06:00

Check out my latest creation,

hairdidbyashlee

Finally...

2009-06-22T14:03:00.004-06:00

After living in the state of Utah for almost 9 years, I finally made it to Lake Powell. It really is all that it's cracked up to be.
Beautiful and majestic.

Come to the House of the Lord

2009-06-10T10:37:00.002-06:00

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

June 5th, 2009

Provo Temple
June 9th, 2009

Triathlon...check

2009-05-31T23:46:00.010-06:00

I did it! I can officially call myself a triathlete. I finished my first and not last triathlon on Saturday. It was a lot of fun. I did better than I thought, although I had few expectations, only that I wanted to survive. Luckily for you, loyal readers, I am still alive.

Nicole and I before the race started setting up our transition area.

Checking out the Salem Pond, yes we swam in that.

Coach K and I, Kirst was our faithful swim teacher. Thanks Coach K!

Line up for the bathrooms, not well worth the wait.

My Dad came into town and surprised me right before the race.
I was so shocked, and may have cried just a little.

The swim, I'm most likely not in this picture because I had a few issues checking where I was going... I almost ended up back where we started. Oops.

Finally done with the swim, definitely need to train a little more in open water. I have pool swimming down, but struggles in a pond.

Bike portion not pictured, but I did ride 13 miles.

Sprinting to the finish line. The run went really well, I could have gone further.
I'm the one in the blue tank.

After all the hard work, training and racing. We did it!
We rocked it!
When should I do my next one?

Four weeks and counting...

2009-05-02T22:37:00.003-06:00

In exactly 4 weeks from right now, I will have recently completed my first sprint triathlon. I am feeling positive about it, hence no disclaimers. I will finish.

Here is the rundown:
First: 800 meter swim (1/2 mile)
Second: 14 mile bike
Third: 5 k run (3.1 miles)

Yes, I'm doing all those things on the same day, with no breaks in between. Perhaps a crazy idea to some, but doing races keeps me motivated in my quest to be healthier and stronger. Going to the gym or going on a run becomes a bit more fun, when there is a goal on the horizon. Please wish me some strength and endurance, I'm going to need it.

We are at an even 10

2009-04-12T14:55:00.002-06:00

My family seems to have grown exponentially in the last few months. The tenth grandchild was born on Friday March 27th. It was an exciting delivering because my sister did not find out what the sex of the baby was, so the anticipation mounted the whole 40 weeks. My greatest hopes and dreams were fulfilled when I got the phone call and was told that baby K had arrived. I was praying pretty hard for the feminine variety and low and behold she graced us with her presence.

Seven months is well worth the wait.

2009-04-12T14:43:00.003-06:00

Way back in September I painted my bedroom a fantastic shade of "Dark Storm Cloud" and promised to post a pic of the finished product. No, it didn't take me 7 months to clean up the mess, just 7 months to actually have a clean room and the exact moment to remember to take a picture of it. I now present, room a la dark storm cloud.

Love is a Battlefield...

2009-03-15T17:55:00.004-06:00

I heart the 80's!

Some have told me that I missed my calling in life to be a woman of the 80's. It's true, my hair has a way of performing well under the pressures of hot rollers, back combing and double decker bangs. My face can handle quite a bit of blue eyeshadow, blue mascara and dusty pink gloss. My ability to work a blue, shiny taffeta dress is proven well in the pictures that follow.

Kirst's Birthday Celebration was a blast!
Thanks, to all those that came to make it fantastic!

Everybody Cut Footloose!

2009-03-02T16:57:00.004-07:00

This is where I'll be on Saturday night! Will you?

I'm so excited for this! With this excitement came a little trepidation. I was worried whether or not I would find the perfect dress for my prom. I had so many visions and ideas but I didn't know if any of them would come to fruition. I made up my mind to scour the county today in search of this perfect dress. My first stop was trusty Savers. Initially, a pink frock was spotted a la Pretty in Pink. "This might work," I thought, "with a few minor alterations and maybe some pink lace added like Andie did, I could really make this work." I didn't want to be tempted away too easily from my original vision, so I pressed forward through potato sack jumpers and denim mom dresses. When I was losing all hope amidst the floral prints, my eyes fell upon the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. My vision became a reality and I'm now a proud owner of the most perfect, fits like a glove, made for me, blue taffeta, puffy sleeved, lace covered dress come true. If you want to see what it looks like, you'll just have to see it at the party. Justice can only be served when you see it in person. See you there!

Valentine Weekend-O-Fun!

2009-02-19T11:22:00.008-07:00

This Valentine's Day Weekend was fantastic. I spent the weekend having a few of my nieces and nephews over for slumber parties.

Friday night started with the two "B Family" boys. They were so excited to come over that they packed the day before and this is what their suitcases looked like. Yes, all this for one night.

We had fun eating treats (at least they did), watching Scooby Doo and Stars Wars Return of the Jedi. Of course we had to take silly pictures and make a music video like their older sister had.

After those two boys returned home I hosted another slumber party this time a bit more girly and with two of my nieces. We made dinner together, played together and of course danced together.

If you ever wonder what is takes to be a favorite aunt, this is all you have to do. They don't need more toys, they just want a sleepover party. That's my little secret.

On my soapbox again...

2009-02-16T21:49:00.001-07:00

The Evils of Hidden Sugar

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Nie Nie Concert

2009-02-09T11:34:00.006-07:00

Last Monday my sister and I attended the benefit concert for Nie Nie. We were kind of slackers in getting our tickets, as in the day of, and there were limited options. To sit close to the stage instead of the balcony we forgo sitting together and opted for near each other. We could at least touch.
I kind of felt like a celebrity or at least a celebrity stylist because I was able to go to the retro house before the concert and style hair for c jane, her sister Lucy and the two cutest little ladies, Jane and Claire. Before the show started, the little ladies saw me and waved to me. The couple sitting behind me had to of course ask me how I knew them. Was I family, was I a famous blogger too? I informed them that I was their hairstylist. Not too shabby of a job. It's really hard being so close to celebrity and remembering to keep it real.

How to be...

2009-02-09T10:50:00.011-07:00

The Favorite Aunt:

Step 1: Invite 7 year old niece over for a sleepover.
Step 2: Make dinner together
Step 3: Take a few silly pictures

Step 4: Introduce niece to the wonderful world of ward stare, I'm mean ward prayer.
Step 5: Go home, play Polly Pockets on line.
Step 6: Go to bed, big day ahead of us.
Step 7: Wake up at 7:15am, go to track, run 2 miles and stairs. She kicked my butt, pretty sure she got her running skills from her other side of the family.
Step 8: Go home, get ready, play more Polly Pockets, that girl loves fashion.
Step 9: Dress up in costumes and make a music video

Step 10: Eat lunch while niece wears her Favorite Aunt Ruthie's, sassy shoes.

Step 11: Continue in my reign as Favorite Aunt.

Spain in a Nutshell

2009-02-07T22:40:00.015-07:00

I've done it. I have finally posted pictures from my trip to Spain. I know I've been back for quite a while now, a slacker I am.

My nephew, Mr. Spanglish. He is opening his Christmas presents from his FAVORITE AUNT Ruthie, on the day of my arrival.

On a walkabout with the fam. In the background is some sort of famous submarine but several years ago on a visit there I thought it was a torpedo. Maybe Spain likes large weapons, I'm not one to judge.

Mr. Spanglish, looking oh so cute at the docks. He's always ready with a pose.

Mr. Spanglish and the new addition to the family, Mr. Superman

Los Magos Reyes (Three Kings Day) Parade

Ward Party for Los Magos Reyes. Pictured here is one of the three wise men, Baltazar. Keeping with tradition a white guy paints his face black to be the African King. Hmm...
(Side note: I love the guy in the background that looks like he's being attacked by an unknown force)

All the kings and el obispo, my bro in law

Traditional dessert eaten on Three Kings Day. Yes, I ate some. Don't worry I might have fallen of the anti-sugar wagon in Spain, but jumped right back on it while crossing back over the Atlantic.

Posing with Mr. Spanglish, whose trying his best impersonation of Michael Jackson. I think he really pulled of the Michael attitude.

Walking towards the beach. Probably the coldest day while I was there, but fun none the less.

Catching some rays at the beach with Mr. Spanglish.

Just two superheroes saving the world, one day at a time.

Let Us Compare: Part 1

2009-01-26T22:03:00.008-07:00

After my return from my recent visit to Spain, I couldn't help but make a few comparisons between, My Country Tis of Thee and Spain. With said comparisons came the obligation/duty to decide; which country is better, or at least in that particular genre or category.

Category #1: BEST IN DANCE
as related to reality show television competitions

The first video is from Spain and the show is called Fama! A Bailar! (roughly translated: Fame! To Dance!) Imagine a mix between So You Think You Can Dance and Big Brother, with a much smaller production budget. Just remember that these dancers are in the top 20 of the show from the thousands that auditioned.

Exhibit A:

Need I even continue, but alas I shall. The next videos are from my favorite summer time show, So You Think You Can Dance. Which of course they CAN dance, but I digress. I could not decide on only one. I love this show! Enjoy all of them.

Exhibit B:

There are no words. I'm going to assume you figured out which country won the BEST IN DANCE category. God Bless the U.S.A!

Returned

2009-01-16T20:11:00.003-07:00

Reverse the order of the last post and that sums up the trip home pretty well, with a few exceptions.

I watched 4 movies on the way home and only watched 2 on the way there.
I was blessed with an extra seat next to me so I could relax and sleep on my ten hour flight.
I saw a girl/women (age 23) in the Atlanta airport cradling her doll. Yes a doll. I tried to take a picture but didn't get my camera out in time.

Check back soon, I will be posting about my astute observations of the cultural, political, and socioeconomic differences between, Spain and the United States.

Oh the joys of travel

2009-01-08T12:30:00.002-07:00

On the road/plane/taxi/train to

Cartagena, Spain

Dec. 30th
5am: (MST) Wake up call
6:20am: Airport
8:26am: Flight Departure
2:30pm: (EST) Arrival in Atlanta
4:30pm: Realize I don´t have my sister´s number in Spain in case I need to call her
4:31pm: Call 3 other sisters to get number and none have it. (She lives in Spain people, we don´t often call her, and when we do we get the number from the parentals who are in Spain, we email)
4:37pm: Ask one sister to open my email. Maybe I have an old email with her number... nothing
4:45pm: Oregon sister calls, she hacked into my dad´s email account and found cell phone numbers. Day saved.
5:00pm: Eat
6:29pm: Turn cell phone off, I´m having withdrawls.
6:30pm: Depart from Atlanta to journey across the Great Atlantic.
Unknown time zone: Movie watching, airplane food eating, attempt at sleeping
Dec. 31st
8:45am: (Madrid time) Arrival in Spain
9:15am: Catch Taxi, have an almost conversation with the driver, I have some Spanish deep in the dark resources of my brain.
9:35am: Arrive at train station, buy ticket and proceed to wait.
11:45am: Purchase Jamon (Ham) flavored chips, tasty.
12:30pm: Train departs to Cartagena, via 2 (platform 2)
4:00pm: Debate in using the train bathroom, then realized I had an hour and a half left and defintely could not hold it that long.
5:26pm: Arrive in Cartagena, Spain. Last stop on the line. Reunited with my peeps.
Midnight: Groggy, half asleep, eat 12 uvas (grapes) on the strikes of midnight.
2am: Get into bed and crash. It´s rough not sleeping for 37 hours...

...but well worth it.

Final Countdown

2008-12-28T14:05:00.003-07:00

The time is finally here. I am going to Spain in less than 2 days! Life has been insane the last month so time went by very quickly. Here's a rundown of my December:

Salon, everybody needs holiday hair
Christmas projects (Why did I volunteer to be the family historian?)
Salon, more people need holiday hair
Christmas celebrations/ avoiding sugar (yes, I still don't eat it)
Salon, apparently everyone's hair is an emergency :)
Snow, driving in it takes 8 years longer than usual
Salon, I think I should have slept there because I practically lived there

As you can tell by my list, I didn't really have time to do much else in the month of December besides hair. Don't get me wrong, I love being busy and making my clients' holiday hair fantasies come true, I just need a good break now. Lucky for me, I'm getting one! Spain here I come!

I will try to post while I'm there, but don't count on it... :)

As Requested...

2008-12-08T22:44:00.007-07:00

I have a request to expound on the teaser in the last post about not having long hair. Although this is a hard one to tell I will take one for the team, I may shed a few tears. So here's the history of why my hair never got caught in the rope swing while unwinding at the speed of sound is this:

At the tender age of 6 going on 7, circa year 1989, I had a desire to get my haircut. While on a trip to Colorado, my grandmother raved about the wonderful head massage she got while getting her hair done at the local salon. I apparently had already developed my propensity and love of massages while so young because I cried out with a plea to my mother, that I too wanted to get my hair cut and of course get a head massage. My request was granted and I was driven to the salon.

At this point in the story, my memory becomes hazy, perhaps is has something to do with trying to block traumatic, scary life experiences out. It's a defense mechanism. What I do remember is this, I got a hair cut but I never got the head massage only a spray down with the water bottle and somehow my request for a hair cut was interpreted to mean I wanted a hair cut like my grandma. I'm sure you are already imagining Relief Society hair/Roller set hair, and your imagination has served you well. I left that salon disappointed and confused on why I no longer had my luscious, dark curls.

This moment in time resulted in a 5 year drama of short, never cute hair because I didn't know how to do it or had never imagined such beauty as a flat iron. Don't worry I have school pictures to prove it. The battle was finally won in the sixth grade, which in my experience is not the best time to go through awkward stage in the grow out process. It's awkward enough on its own.

Before the hair was actually long I was mistaken for my sister's brother and other such gender guessing questions. Excuse me, for not having any determining feminine characteristics. The "girls" didn't come til later.

To answer a certain someone's question, I didn't have to worry about getting my hair caught in the swing because in my tender, elementary age years, I looked like:

Yes, this is Pat. I was Pat's long lost sibling complete with high waisted "dockers," button up shirt, glasses and of course the hair. It's true, I swear. I think telling my story has been cathartic and good for me, maybe now I can move on in my life... :)

Welcome to the Forest

2008-12-01T16:56:00.020-07:00

Some of you may know, but some of you may not know. I, Ruthie, was born and raised in a forest. This forest to be more specific.

No I was not actually delivered in said forest, but I was brought home from the hospital to this quiet, well secluded region of the Northwest and lived there until the tender, naive age of 18.

Last week I had the opportunity to go home for Thanksgiving and decided to try and capture a bit of my home to share with friends. Now you may start to understand when I say "I grew up in a forest."

The house I grew up in and the very green front yard

My backyard

More backyard (Mt. Hood in the distance)

Front yard, and the trees I used to pretend were the front door to my house, where I would make mudpies.

Tree swings, my cousins and I did "tricks" on. We also spun each other up really high and tried not to get sick or their really long hair caught in the ropes.
(I did not have really long hair but that subject will not be discussed any further)

I also grew up along side Christmas trees.
It still pains me slightly to see fake Christmas trees.
My dad also says it's like taking food food out of his mouth.

I don't know if you knew, but Oregon is always wet. Including the spider webs.

This little guy must love rain.

Does your dad light a soaking wet brush pile on fire on
Thanksgiving morning and get the flames this big?

We lovingly call this area of the property "Fairyland"
I think the picture explains it all.

View from the Christmas tree field.

My grandfather's barn and authentic farm equipment.

There it is, my childhood playground. If you ever need a vacation where you don't ever have to see anyone, let me know. My parents are very hospitable. You could ride around on the tractor with my dad and eat really good food, made by my mom.

The safest place for the two of us... Twilight

2008-11-22T08:37:00.007-07:00

It's officially, I was one of the many on Thursday night waiting semi-patiently to see the the movie interpretation of the super fantastic book, Twilight, at midnight. I may have giggle, or even squealed with anticipation as the credits started. Actually, I didn't do that but a few around me did. Could you really picture me squeal? If you can, then I'm concerned about my public persona, because I wouldn't consider my self a squealer.

In the lobby of the theater before the movie started there were "actors" standing by the Twilight movie poster ready to have photo ops with the adoring fans. There were people who apparently resembled Edward, Bella and Jacob. I use the word resemble rather loosely because mostly they were posers, never comparable to the actual characters in my head, or in the movie. None the less I needed a picture to prove where I was and so I snapped this one.

Kirstin and I went together and I have her to thank for the fabulous night and sweet hook-up so we could see the movie opening night and not have to wait forever in an atrocious line.

Of course you have to have movie treats, but what's a girl to do when she no longer eats sugar (see below). With such a plight, Kirstin came to the rescue and brought us super good popcorn and this fantastic cookie made with no white refined sugar. Thanks again for taking care of your health nut newbie. I even denied my self a starburst. I won it when I answered a Twilight trivia question correctly before the movie started.

Overall I really enjoyed the movie. I don't want to be the blogger that gives out too much information, so if you want to know what it was like, go watch it. I have my opinions and they are positive but I'm going to keep them to myself for awhile. In a nutshell, I heart Edward, Bella's great and Forks for some strange reason reminds me of home...

Livin' Clean

2008-11-16T22:17:00.013-07:00

No it's not cocaine. It's white refined sugar. Some may say they are similar in addictiveness, and some may say this stuff is harmless. I'd like to disagree to the latter. For the past 5 weeks I have been living sugar free and have never felt better in my entire life.

In this 5 week time I have gotten to know a lot of about myself and my previous eating habits. I used to eat random things just because they were there, never really paying attention to what I was putting in my body. Sure, I pretended to be healthy 50% of the time but that other 50% I indulged because I thought, "I deserve this extra cookie or one more small scoop of ice cream won't hurt or salad dressing isn't that bad." What I didn't realize was that my body has a strong dislike towards white refined sugar. All of these said items contain large of amounts of that white stuff. Now I know why I would get sick after eating Chinese food or eating a piece of pie or drinking a milkshake.

I've also learned, that too many items in our daily diets contain this seemingly benign powdered substance and/or it's evil cohort high fructose corn syrup. For example, have you thought to look on the label of your box of Cheezits, your jar of Miracle Whip or even your healthy box of Wheat Chex. It's true, they all contain these evil doers.

When I told a friend that I was no longer eating white refined sugar he said, "Sugar is in everything." That's a pretty true statement when it comes to pre-packaged, processed items at the grocery store. He's correct, I don't eat most cereals found on those shelves or soda or regular yogurt but there are so many better options out there that are way more fabulous and way better for you. Beyond the basics of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Here's a list of a few of my favorites:

They really are just grapes and sunshine!

I love raw almonds as an easy snack to ward of desperation sugar eating, especially when coworkers bring homemade chocolate chip cookies.

This yogurt could be my new found obsession. Not only does it not contain white refined sugar like all other regular grocery store brands but it tastes absolutely amazing and they come in really interesting and unique flavors, ie. maple, bartlett pear, strawberry guava and orange passion fruit. Instead of regular sugar it contains organic evaporated cane juice.

A healthy alternative to so many of those sugary cereals, and this cereal actually tastes good.

Whole wheat bread, not to be confused with its impostor wheat bread which is just white bread with brown coloring and usually contains sugar or high fructose corn syrup. WARNING: even some whole wheat breads contain high fructose corn syrup, so read labels carefully, choose honey instead.

Last of all I want to share with you the wonderful world of organic chocolate made with organic raw cane sugar. Surely I'm not going to go without some sort of chocolate in my life. Gone are the days of cheap chocolate m&m's, snickers and hershey bars, but in it's place lies the beauty of super fantastic, very adult, creamier than you can ever imagine, chocolate. I only need a small piece every once in a while and I'm satisfied.

I'm not abstaining from sugar because it's my new diet where I hope to lose a million pounds, I'm doing this because I feel good and if losing weight is its side effect (which it is) then so be it. Maybe you don't want to give up on sugar in your lifestyle completely like me , but maybe eliminating one sugar item and replacing it with a healthier option is a good place to start. I don't know exactly how much weight I've lost but I'm prettier sure I have lost some, my clothes are getting loose and people are asking me my secret to losing weight.

This is my secret.

Coming Soon...

2008-11-11T22:11:00.007-07:00

In exactly 48 days I will be going to this place....
to see this fabulous family...

Fun Had By All

2008-11-02T13:11:00.003-07:00

Audrey Hepburn, 80's Chick/Tiffany/Girl from "Teen Witch", Sarah Palin and African Ham Lady.

Yes, I did the hair or hair accessories for the entire group. Who knew my skills would come in so handy. Sarah Palin was so perfect that people at the parties took double takes and wanted their picture taken with her. Audrey was perfect as well, even down to the crown and earrings. She was easily recognized by most but there were a few 18 year olds who thought she was a beauty queen princess. Oh dear, they have so much to learn. You may wonder why my friend dressed up as an African ham lady. I will explain. Someone we know was in the Macey's parking lot and saw this women walking to her car hunched over and shuffling very slowly. She soon saw a ham drop from between the lady's legs and roll across the parking lot. To the friend's surprise and dismay the African lady yelled out, "Who threw a ham at me! Who threw that ham at me!" After the lady realized no one was paying attention to her she picked up the ham threw it in her car and drove off. So of course my friend had to dress up like the ham lady. Hence the strange expression on her face, it takes a lot of concentration to hold a ham between your legs.

Moral of the story:
Watch out for flying hams!

Weekend-O-Fun

2008-10-16T23:48:00.005-06:00

Time well spent.

Spiritually Fed

2008-10-05T23:21:00.004-06:00

These are some of my thoughts and principles that stood out to me today while listening to Conference. I feel blessed and amazed that every six months we have the opportunity to listen to our Latter-Day Prophets. Their foresight, knowledge and testimony witnesses to me that the Gospel is true, God loves me and with my Heavenly Father's strength I can be better everyday.

If you listened, what did you learn?
If you don't know what General Conference is, go here.

Reign Supreme

2008-09-28T15:25:00.003-06:00

Previously, I had posted about Pet Peeve #1. There is a new Reigning Champ overthrowing the original pet peeve #1 of misspelled business names.

New Pet Peeve #1

If there is one thing in life that just makes me so mad it would be, people leaving during a closing song of a church meeting, conference or broadcast. It's so disrespectful to get up during a song and walk out. It's like those people think the extra 47 seconds of jump time will allow them to avoid traffic or that they must leave because they are late for an extremely important meeting with their couch or cell phone. If that's where your priorities are, then don't come to the church meeting in the first place. Or do they think that actually being present for the song and prayer is not a requirement, that they just can't be bothered to sit still for another 2 min? What ever the reason may be, it's not going to be a good enough one for me or anyone else with a sense of common courtesy and respect.

I spy a...

2008-09-26T10:42:00.009-06:00

So the other night, a friend and I happened upon a book at a favorite literary mega store, at first glance the book seemed crass, insensitive and unrefined. At second glance the book was still crass, insensitive and unrefined, but was actually super hilarious despite the irreverance. This is what we saw,
Inside, on these crass pages was the secret world of douchebags and their trophy girls. Some girls, myself excluded, are strangely attracted to douchebags. Very cute and attractive women are lowering their standards and hanging out and dating these idiots. Why? Who knows? That knowledge still hasn't been uncovered. The entire book has countless pictures straight from myspace to prove it.

"A douchebag, what is that?" I hear the cry of confusion. This is my interpretation of said 'bag':

A guy who:

is semi attractive (in the worldly sense)

spends countless hours, grooming ie, body waxing, eyebrow tweezing, hair gelling, and tanning bed going

goes to the gym to get his daily dose of muscle milk and to pick up on hot chicks with tight little bodies

could at any point in their life wear a hat tilted at a perfect 10 degree angle

spends at least $250 on jeans and an additional $100 on the perfect slightly weathered, and oh so "original" muscle bearing t-shirt.

most likely could wear a leather cuff or have other such outfit accessories

loves to take pictures of himself on his blackberry, and send them to the 8 hot chicks he met at the club last night. Said pictures usually involve some sort of "sexy face," and the caption "u R so hott I can't stop thinking about u"

This listing is in no way complete nor all encompassing. There are so many different types of 'bags' that a book should be written about it, oh wait someone did write a book about it. My challenge to all of you is to ask yourself these simple questions:

Are there douchebags in my life I need to get rid of?
How many 'bags' can I spy at the gym, today?
How can I help rid the world of these 'men' and make the world a safer place to live in?

Extreme case of douchebaggery

Birthday Wishes Do Come True...

2008-09-16T00:04:00.004-06:00

Saturday was my super good friend's birthday, she too has turned the blessed age of 26. We are kindred spirits, like unto Anne and Diana. Her birthday wish was to go to the BYU football game and to watch BYU bring home the victory. The stars, or at least all the cougar fans, were aligned and they did win with an astounding shut out over UCLA.

Moral of the story: birthday wishes do come true.

Skool is Kool

2008-09-08T09:02:00.003-06:00

Pet Peeve #1:

Names of businesses spelled incorrectly on purpose.

For Example:

Skool Days
a pre-school and day care center
Hmm, maybe we should teach the kids how to spell the word that describes their learning location for the next 13 years, correctly.

Have you any examples of my Pet Peeve #1?

Labored Today...

2008-09-01T17:27:00.004-06:00

So, I have a secret. A secret talent that is. I can edge and cut in like a professional. You say, "that's a strange secret talent," but nay, it's a very useful one. I can paint a room and only tape off the baseboards. All you need to have this secret talent is a steady hand and the secret weapon, Purdy. It's true, you can all have such skills with the proper tools. Such as this one...

Sorry you'll have to get your own Purdy, I don't lend. Yes, she is that precious to me.

My Purdy did so great today in the Labor Day Extravaganza of painting my bedroom. She, Purdy that is, helped me paint my room the most lovely shade of "Dark Storm Cloud."

Final pics will be posted when the room is fully decorated and put back together.

Celebrating NieNie

2008-08-23T21:03:00.001-06:00

Tonight I went to a Balloon Launch for Stephanie & Christian Nielson who were in a really serious private plane crash last weekend. They are an amazing couple I know through Stephanie's amazing blog. I'm friends with her sister Courtney (cjanerun) and through her blog I started reading Stephanie's blog (nienie diologues). The balloon launch was in celebration of them and the lives they lead. To learn more about it all go here. To donate to their cause go here. I know that they will be blessed and will recover from this tragedy. This couple and their family are inspirations to us all and of the legacy we all need to start and live.

It's good to be even.

2008-08-20T22:03:00.000-06:00

Monday was a BIG day. Not only was it the 18th of August, it was my BIRTHDAY! It's true, I am now closer to 30 than the long ago faded age of 20. A lot goes through your mind when you reach the point of 26 years, for example, "should I be worried about feeling old, because I don't, do I need to be concerned about sagging body parts, or is it still o.k. that I sing along to Hannah Montana?" The shear volume of questions about life's mysteries at the age of 26 are staggering.

A few years ago when I was 19, I was once mistaken for a 26 year old. The shock, oh the horror of being thought of that Old! Now that I am that Old, I don't feel old, I just feel cooler, smarter and a way better dresser than that 19 year old. She should have looked forward and been excited about her future and being 26, because with every year, life got better.

26 is good, life is good and I can't wait to conquer more of it.

Thanks to everyone that made my Birthday awesome! Thank you for the calls, texts, facebook posts and of course much appreciation to those who spent the day and evening with me. I love you all.

I am a Child of God

2008-08-13T22:44:00.000-06:00

I had an opportunity last week to go to a good friend's temple sealing at the Salt Lake Temple. It was an amazing experience, amidst the chaos of wedding day drama the temple was the much needed respite.

The temple is a place of peace, worship and eternal purpose. A place where life's daily struggles seem insignificant and conquerable. It is where I want to be. This I know.

Better Late Than Never

2008-07-26T08:42:00.000-06:00

My Spaniards finally arrived last night!
They were supposed to come Thursday night but they were bumped off their flight. Fortunately for me, and my near approaching birthday, they were nicely compensated. Mish requested no sign necessary, so of course that meant I needed to make one. I'm just trying to evoke the American Spirit, maybe they'll stay and never leave.

Speedy Spaniard

2008-07-24T12:40:00.000-06:00

I just completed my 2nd 10k Race today, which started at 6:30 a.m. I was able to take off 5 minutes from my last race time. Which was the result of having my secret weapon, Kirstin dragging me along. Thanks Kirst!

Fun Had By All

2008-07-24T12:08:00.000-06:00

Monday Night Family Home Evening
Hike Stewart Falls

Loads of fun! For some strange reason the trail was really dusty and I attracted all of the dirt, as shown in photo. Strange that a hiking trail was dirty... maybe I've drifted too far from my small town, rural roots. (Does that make me a city girl now?)

Change Could Be in the Air

2008-07-21T10:22:00.000-06:00

Sunday

Relief Society Announcement:

Enrichment Tuesday Night 7pm
Come join us for a night of fun and ask a panel of single guys anonymous questions about dating and girl/guy relationships. Refreshments following.

Inner Monologue: Wow, I feel really great about this. This could possibly be the moment where the great chasm of male and female dynamics can be bridged and mutual understanding and trust will ensue.

Tuesday

Anonymous Question #1: Why do guys struggle when it comes to dating?

Male Response: Could you repeat the question, we don't understand what you're asking?

Inner Monologue: Wow, this is going to be a fun night.

Anonymous Question #2: Why do all guys want to date 20 year old Barbie's with testimonies? No matter how old or creepy the guy gets?

Male Response: That's not true at all.

Inner Monologue: Correct!!! Of course that's not true because Barbie's with Testimonies don't exist, just like the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause. But that doesn't stop any guy from chasing after that Pot of Gold. Sorry fellows, any girl with a 25in waist and extremely large man made "girls," probably doesn't read her scriptures or attend all her church meetings.

Anonymous Question #3: What traits and characteristics are most attractive to you?

Male Response: I want to date this type of girl, someone who...

What He Said (What He Meant):

Has a testimony (Goes to church, sometimes)

Funny, good personality (Always giggles at my lame jokes)

Cute, Attractive (Smokin' hot, tight little body)

Successful/Driven (Daddy pays rent when she spends too much on clothes)

Life Goals (Wants to get married before starting the rest of her life)

Be a Good Mother (Won't get fat while she's pregnant or at least loose all baby weight before leaving hospital)

Inner Monologue: Interesting, I'm so happy that single guys in this generation have their priorities in order. Oh wait, they don't. I guess that great chasm didn't get bridged after all. I've been sorely disappointed. They may say they want to date that type of girl but their actions speak louder than their words. I know so many amazing girls who date rarely, if ever and I also know some not so amazing girls that date all the time. Funny, how that works.

Refreshments/Mingle Time Following Panel: Five girls for every guy. I guess we enjoy making it blatantly easy for them and significantly harder for us. Maybe we are creating the world of lazy men.

Moral of the Story/Lesson Learned:
I don't know if there is a lesson learned, just that being single and living in this dating world is EXHAUSTING.

What Ruthie knows

2008-07-20T14:45:00.000-06:00

Gilbert Blythe once told Anne Shirley,
that she should write about what she knows.

This is what I know...

Life is great, most of the time
I am a daughter of God
The Gospel is true
I love my family
My family loves me
I have the best nieces and nephews
Friends help keep me going
Being single is FANTASTIC
Being single is EXHAUSTING
I'm happier without snow
I live to travel
Good books feed me
I love So You Think You Can Dance
I think I can dance
Hair
I love to have a good time
Music runs through me, always

Good food

Prayers are answered

So now I'm going to write about what I know.

Thanks Gil

what ruthie knows

Things to do today...

ruthie the foodie

669 East 800 North Provo 801.377.3883

My call to blogging repentance.

Fiesta de Paella

Part Duex...Christmas in Oregon

Catch Up Part Uno...

A Retrospection of Sorts.

Gobble, Gobble

Enjoying Fall.

The Many Faces of Halloween

.Awesome Autumn.

Summer Lovin'...had me some fun.

I heart amazing photographers

I know hair

Finally...

Come to the House of the Lord

Triathlon...check

Four weeks and counting...

We are at an even 10

Seven months is well worth the wait.

Love is a Battlefield...

Everybody Cut Footloose!

Valentine Weekend-O-Fun!

On my soapbox again...

Nie Nie Concert

How to be...

Spain in a Nutshell

Let Us Compare: Part 1

Returned

Oh the joys of travel

Final Countdown

As Requested...

Welcome to the Forest

The safest place for the two of us... Twilight

Livin' Clean

Coming Soon...

Fun Had By All

Weekend-O-Fun

Spiritually Fed

Reign Supreme

I spy a...

Birthday Wishes Do Come True...

Skool is Kool

Labored Today...

Celebrating NieNie

It's good to be even.

I am a Child of God

Better Late Than Never

Speedy Spaniard

Fun Had By All

Change Could Be in the Air

What Ruthie knows

669 East 800 North
Provo
801.377.3883