Another Graduate School Letter . . . . almost

So we had something really funny happen to us this week (well, I thought it was very funny; Chris will agree eventually). Each day as we walk to our mailbox after we get home, we both feel a little tense and nervous, wondering if a letter from a grad school awaits us. This week (I think it was Tuesday) we found a very official looking envelope from BYU in our mailbox. We were both anxious as we walked back inside. When we got the letter from Tennessee we just ripped it open, so this time around I figured I should take some pictures and capture the moment. We took some pictures of Chris opening his envelope. We leaned in to see what impact this piece of paper would have on our future and read . . . . We were invited to a dinner to celebrate graduation (and we have to pay for entry)! It was a letter from the undergraduate Exercise Science program, not the graduate school. I laughed really hard; Chris grabbed his phone and immediately called the remaining schools to find out when to be expecting letters. He learned the remaining 3 won't show up until mid-March; so we can take a breather.

Oh . . . and we are not going to the dinner.

Inspiration from "Losers"

One of my newest television obsessions is "The Biggest Loser". For those of you who aren't familiar, it is a reality show (not usually a fan) that takes people who are overweight, has them live in a house and learn how to cook and eat properly, deals with why they over-eat, and has them work out--a lot. Each episode has a "challenge" where the winners get some sort of prize. Then at the end is the ultra-intense "weigh in". Each contestant must stand on the scale to see how much weight they lost over the week. The team with the lower total weight loss percentage has to vote to send someone home.

I enjoy this show for a variety of reasons. First, I think (and some people disagree with me) that it is real, or kind of real--however real a reality show can be. The people really lose massive amounts of weight because they do nothing but work out. It is amazing to see the changes over time. Also, it addresses a real issue in American society today. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America, and it is mostly caused by obesity. I think its important that a show (even a "reality" show) bring attention to how important it is to stay healthy. I like how they teach the contestants how to cook, how to work out effectively, and how to deal with eating triggers.

Another thing I like about The Biggest Loser is that is stresses being healthy, not being supermodel thin. Normal people don't look like Heidi Klum (though I wish I did--ha ha), but everyone can stay healthy. When someone goes home, they usually so some current footage of them and how they have continued to lose weight at home. They never look super skinny, but they always look great and healthy and say they feel better. I like that they stress health over "good looks". Finally, its great because it is entertaining and suspensful. They throw in drama, rewards, contests, and then there is the vote to kick someone off. Classic, clean reality TV.

Its interesting though, because the above cartoon is about how people stay on the couch eating chips while watching the show. So, with the help of this "inspirational" show and Chris (Mr. Exercise Science), I've begun an exercise program. I have gained a few pounds since marriage (something about marriage automatically makes you chubby), but I'm really just more concerned with being healthy and having energy. Today Chris taught me how to "cardio lift" which is great for me because I hate treadmills. Anyway, its only the beginning so hopefully I can stick to it with all the school and work that consumes my life. I want to be a Loser, too!

Lovin' Those Oscar Fashions

The Academy Awards are always (well, almost) fun to watch. Due to the Academy's tendency to nominate depressing, dark, violent, and/or dirty movies, I have rarely actually SEEN the movies nominated. This year was no different (though I would like to see Juno if it ever makes it to the $1 theater). So if I haven't seen the movies, rarely appreciate the Liberal political jokes, and am currently angry at Hollywood for the writers' strike stopping THE OFFICE, why watch the Oscars? Easy: The Dresses.

A few of my favorites from last night (I think I had a thing for red this year):

Keri Russell:

Helen Mirren:
Miley Cyrus:


And my favorite, Heidi Klum:

Here Comes the Sun!

Today is such a sunny, beautiful day its giving me hope for spring! Its still pretty chilly, but it isn't so COLD! And the last few days we've gotten rain, not SNOW! Unfortunately, I'm sure I'm getting ahead of myself because its still February. Still, I can't wait.

5 Things I love about Spring :

5. Puddles! I'd rather see puddles than sheets of ice.

4. Opening the windows. Apartments get so stuffy being closed up all winter. Its nice to get some fresh air!

3. Spending time outside. I hate being cold, so I don't spend a whole lot of time outside in the winter. So I love when the sun comes out and I can go jogging, walking, or anything else outside!

2. Opening Day! We love baseball in our house. Opening Day is like a holiday.

1. Winter Semester ending. With no significant breaks (no, BYU doesn't have spring break), Winter semester is long, cold, and stressful. The coming of Spring is a sign you're almost to the end.

Grad School Update!

Well, on Valentine's Day we got a suprise. Chris got an acceptance letter to the University of Tennessee! It was very exciting to get a response from someone--finally! We are still waiting for the other letters and wondering what will become of us.

The Adventures of Grad School Applications

The past few months of our lives (especially Chris's) have been occupied by applying for graduate school. Chris is planning to get a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. He applied to four schools: University of Utah, BYU, University of Tennessee, and Purdue University. All the applications were a PAIN and we are very grateful to be done with them! Deciding on where to go, however is a different story.

BYU and U of U are both nice because we wouldn't have to move, we could stay in the West (which we both prefer), and we would stay near my family. Its just familiar and comfortable. The downfall, however, are those programs are a little "weaker" than the other two, and Chris isn't sure if either is the right "fit".

Purdue and Tennessee would both be fun adventures. Tennessee would be all new, and kind of scary. But its a really good school and would be a lot of fun. Tennessee, however, would require Chris to start in September, and since I don't graduate until December, that leaves a problem. Purdue is also a great school. Chris's parents live there, which would be nice. We also lived there this summer, so it would be familiar, but still new. And Purdue would let him start in January. I've tried really hard to think of negatives on Purdue, but so far all I've come up with is being away from my family and the humidity, neither of which are very good negatives!

It will be exciting to see what the future holds! Only time will tell. . . .

First Post!

Hi everybody! We just started this blog to keep everyone updated on the big and little happenings in our lives. I'm a rookie at this, so it may be ugly for a while! But we love you all and are so grateful for all of you in our lives!