Chris' List

After paying $13 for two medium-sized smoothies at Jamba Juice tonight, Chris is officially adding Jamba to his "list of places he's done with." Jamba also didn't help their cause when they added greek yogurt instead of sherbet to my smoothie, causing Chris to run back into the store and ask them to make a new one for me. I like to think that Chris' gesture was simply for me and my "pregnancy craving", but I'm pretty sure it's because he was not about to have a $5.60 smoothie go to waste. He is a Gourley, after all!  

For similar reasons, these other places are currently on Chris' "list": Swig (Chris is on his own with that one), Chili's, and Firebird Pizza. 

RIP Pink Star Smoothies. 

cleaning out my drafts box

I've been wanting to blog for a while, but haven't had anything super blog-worthy to post about (do I ever?), so... I guess this post is just tidbits of non blog-worthy things that have been sitting in my drafts box! Don't scroll too fast now! I know you're all just dying to read another bullet point post from me. Here goes...

One Tree Hill- my newest Netflix obsession (thanks to my friend Keisha). Yes, I'm quite aware that I'm about 13 years behind on that train, but holy Chad Michael Murray! And lesbihonest, Sophia Bush... is it okay if I maybe have a bigger crush on her than Chad? Look me in the eye and tell me you don't think she has the best voice! Such raspy goodness. Anyway... um... can I still keep my temple recommend after confessing all of that? But really, One Tree Hill really is just good stuff, man!

Peach Fresca- a favorite bevi in the Gourley household right now. It's just so... happy? Summer-y? Sunshine-y? Not-Winter-y? You get the idea. It's become our new little pick-me-up and we're not sorry about it (even if our future beach bods are). Oh, and I only used the word bevi because I laugh every time Chris says it.

Nivea Men's Post Shave Balm- if you watch YouTube, chances are you already know about this "face primer." For those of you who don't, you need this stuff in your life like yesterday! I've tried quite a few higher end AND drugstore face primers, and I can honestly say this has been my favorite product to prime my face with so far. For starters, it's so cheap and comes in a huge bottle (primers are usually in tiny packages and a freaking rip off!), you can get it at Wal-Mart, AND it's super moisturizing, but doesn't make you look greasy. Oh, and it smells like a dude! If you're into that sort of thing...
Just go try it, ok?

New students- I completed my first semester as a first-year teacher! ... which meant I had to say goodbye to my first group of students :( Do you remember on Friends when Monica had to break the news to Rachel that Chandler was going to move in with her, so Rachel was going to have to leave? And at first Monica was really upset that Rachel didn't even shed a tear about it because she didn't really think it was going to happen? But then Rachel realized it really was going to happen, and both her and Monica started to break down and cry and Rachel says, "It's like the ending of an era!!" Yeah, that's how that transition was. I was Monica, my student's were Rachel, and my new in-coming student's were Chandler. It really is like the ending of an era for me. I miss my first semester student's every day + get a little sad when I see them in the hall going to their new classes. Luckily, I've had lots of them come back and visit, but still! It's hard to imagine loving these new student's as much as my first ones. There is just a special place in my heart for them, you know?!

New huuurrrr- I guess I figured new students, new hair! It was just time for a change, you know Annnnnd maybe Khloe Kardashian may or may not have been a main contributor in my decision to start going blonde... I know, I know. But you can't tell me Klo Money isn't looking freaking amazing right now! Anyway, I've really had to tell myself that going blonde has to be a commitment. No switching back to dark 2 months later. Not this time. Wish me luck! And maybe pray that I quit watching E channel? Or quit following Kardashians on Insta... whichever you think I would benefit from most.



Ah, doesn't it feel so good to clean out the drafts box?

Things I'm Loving Right Now (just another bullet point post)

+ My students (seriously-they are so cute and hilarious), but also my prep period, which is much needed after trying to keep up with the energy my student's have. BLESS THE PREP. Since my prep is after lunch, I get lunch time + 45 minutes to rest and recover, which brings me to the next thing I've been loving:

+ McDonald's in Herriman. It's just so welcoming with the waterfall in front of the drive-thru and the never-ending supply of foam cups! Oh, and Scott who always laughs when I pull up to the window is a nice touch. 

+ THIS Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I wouldn't say it's better than the Beauty Blender, but it's definitely a great option when you make a teacher's salary and don't want to drop $20 on a sponge ;)

+ THE ELLEN SHOW. I've always loved watching Ellen, but I can't help but appreciate it more now that it's on after I come home from work. It's a Mon-Fri ritual to come home and not do anything school related until after Ellen. 

+ The flowers Chris brought home last Friday ("just because!") that are now being proudly displayed on the kitchen counter.

+ The Ghirardelli Pumpkin Spice Caramel chocolates that my mom brought home for me from Chicago. I know, I know... so basic it hurts!

+ Chris wanting to go on bike rides with me any chance that we get. I like pretending that when people see us riding our bikes together that they think we're a fitness savvy couple. 

+ The fact that it's my birth week and I'll be getting my free gifts from Ulta and Sephora! Yasss please.

+ That I've made it through another Monday! 

Things I Think You Need to Know

This picture has nothing to do with this post... it's fine. "I'm fine!" -Ross  (if you don't get that reference, we probably aren't friends)

+ I've only had TWO Diet Dr. Pepper's this week. Yes, T W O. I'm turning a new leaf for the Summer of Shay, which means less of that dark poison. Keyword: LESS. Also, I'm broke, so I'm trying to make my Swig giftcard last (thanks Tom and Martha!) 

+ Annnnd to really explain that first bullet point, I (like every other girl in the world) have started the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide. Except I'm mostly just doing the workouts, not the entire meal plan because, HI! I'm human. And I live with Chris. And we like 1/2 priced Sonic Shakes every once in a while. But holy goodness, guys! The workouts... I now understand why everyone says "death by Kayla," but at least I haven't ended up naked in the fetal position like I did with Insanity . . . yet. 

+ I recently discovered the greatness that is the Children's Disney station on Pandora. YES I cry every time I sing "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" when I'm cleaning my house. YES that's the only music that's been played in my house this week. YES Chris is sick of it, and NO I don't plan on stopping. I don't know guys, I guess I'm just not ready to "let it go"... 

+ Not one of my proudest moments, but ... I flipped off one of my neighbors last week. Totally on purpose, too. Before you judge me, just know that he was, as Chris likes to say, "haulin' nutties" in his car down our street and seriously almost hit us. But! It's not even the fact that he could have crashed his car into us that made me so angry, but the fact that my nephew and dozens of other kids (who knew I had such a soft spot for the Gumball Gang?) are always playing on our street! He's not going to be able to get out of his car and just say "sorry about that" to a child he just hit is he? Plus, the speed limit around our townhome is 5mph! I'm about ready to take the Claire Dunphy approach and petition to put a stop sign in front of our house because of him . . .  Do you think I was able to communicate all those thoughts to him with my middle finger? 

+ Speaking of my middle finger . . . it's rare to find it unpolished these days since my mom and sister have converted me to Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel nail polish! Yes, it's on the pricey side, but that's why you have your mom and sister buy it and use theirs because "you're broke" and "unemployed". Seriously though, it's the best. It stays on FOR-EV-URR. 

+ Since I finished Grey's on Netflix and have no plans of watching the 11th season (McDreamy? Really, Shonda?! REALLY?!!) I started watching Scandal and The Blacklist --totally hooked! Anybody else have any other recommendations for shows on Netflix I should include in my Summer of Shay? Please and thank you! 

Happy last day of April! I'm actually sad to see this month go... April was so good to us! But there is ONE good thing about the last day of April. That means...

Sorry, had to. 

Thursday-ness // a happy list

Thursday's are kind of bittersweet for me.  I hate that I have to wait until 11pm for Chris to get home from school, but I also kind of like the fact that Thursday has turned into "my day." Meaning, I can spend 8 hours with just me (Shayli likes Shayli) and do whatever I want and have no one to answer to...is that bad to say? But today I decided to spend "my day" with my best friend, Whit. Oh, and my family, because let's be honest, that's really who I'm with when Chris is gone. Hence, a happy list! 

But first, the struggle that is taking a picture in the blinding sun, and not being on the same page when taking pictures ("Wait, we're taking a "cute" picture now, right?)

+ Getting amazing feedback from my teaching adviser this morning (apparently it's good to talk about your Pinterest board to your class). 

+ Pulling off a fake pop quiz for my students to introduce the topic of stress management. I was able to keep a straight face the entire time! But I'm still shaking from the stress of deliberately being mean.

+ Going to The Hot Potato* because you're a duh face and forgot to bring your temple recommend/clothes to go do a session with Whit. 

+ Getting extra fries AND an extra shake because the waitress at Hot Potato could not get my order right (that I put in on an ipad). 

+ Getting the following text from my mom: 

"Where are you today? I have a drink waiting for you. (my love language)

+ Taking a long, hot bubble bath + listening to a playlist that consists of Cher, Whitney Houston, and the Hairspray Soundtrack (making mama Sanderson proud). 

+ Being in bed BEFORE Chris. So rare around these parts.

+ Not having to plan a lesson for Friday. Ah, bless you A/B day schedule. 

* My thoughts on The Hot Potato... great concept (it's like a fry bar! choose your style of fry + seasoning + sauce), decent food, terrible service. Oh, and their chili cheese fries aren't as good as Del Taco's. But let's be honest, nobody's chili cheese fries can beat Del's. Also, raise your hand if you think Swig should start serving french fries! Rant over.

Best Week Ever

It's F R I D A Y! Which means there are sweatpants to be put on, debates to be had about where to eat for dinner, and Rob & Big to be watched! (our current obsession) Friday, I love you. But before I join Chris for our wild Friday night plans, I thought it'd be fun to just take a minute and reflect on the past week and see who's having the best week ever--according to the Gourley's.

First up is our front door. This guy has gone through some rough patches--one too many church flyers being taped to it + kicks, scrapes, and sticky hands from the Gumball Gang. Fortunately for him, I started to notice and decided to give him a little TLC. I put the vinyl "hello" (which Chris thinks is too inviting...) on him a while ago, but hadn't had time to add much else until last Saturday, which is when I decided to make a wreath!... because wreaths are basically the extent of my crafting abilities.

Front door also got a new doormat this week! I hadn't planned on buying a new doormat, but while I was wandering aimlessly through target with my large soda in hand (so therapeutic), I found that bad boy on clearance! And just like anything that's in the clearance section at Target, I convinced myself that I needed to buy it. 

Next nominee for having the best week ever would have to be Hi-Chews. 

Chris decided it would be a good idea to buy a huge bag at Costco for us since we don't have a membership/luxury of buying crap we don't need in bulk, so he made sure to take advantage when Tom G and Martha took him there. After this past weekend I am now reminded of why we don't have a Costco membership... we ate the whole bag of Hi-Chews in three days, people! THREE DAYS. Hi-Chews may be gone, but they are not forgotten (literally-I'm still finding wrappers!), which is why they most definitely are having the best week ever. I guess you could say my thighs are having the best week ever, too. 

Speaking of my thighs... they, along with the rest of my legs are having the best week ever. Why? Because for unknown reasons, I have shaved my legs not only once, but twice this week! That's about two times more than I usually shave in the month of February (Chris might be a better candidate for having the best week ever than my legs-ha! No shaving=marriage!). 

Let's be honest though, I think we really know who is having the best week ever this week...THIS DRESS!

I actually had no idea who this dress was until this morning, only after I had 3 different students ask me what color the dress was. "Mrs. Gourley is it blue and black or is it white and gold?!" I felt like I was taking a pop quiz every time a student pulled out their phone to test me. At first I thought it was just a high schooler thing to be worrying about the color of this dress, but after checking my Facebook feed, apparently the rest of the world is worried about it, too. Obviously, it's white and gold ;) But when I looked at another picture of the dress, I saw blue and black?! Clearly, I'm a Divergent or something. And clearly, this dress is really who is having the best week ever since it's broken the internet better than Kim Kardashian. What color do you see?!? 

Now it's time for dinner! Where I'm sure me and Chris will still be talking about that dang dress. Happy weekending!

The New Rule

As of Fall 2014, a new rule has been enforced in the Gourley home: No more than one meal of taco soup for (at least) every three weeks.

Seems like a funny rule, but there is a reason for it. You see, in 2013 I may or may not have gotten a little taco soup happy. Meaning, I had a new soup recipe every week that I was SO excited to try. Six-can taco soup! Chicken enchilada soup! Fiesta nacho cheese soup! Beefy nacho soup! Chicken-taco-fiesta-enchilada-soup! Basically, if you just throw a bunch of Mexican words into a sentence, it's probably the name of a soup I made that year. Chris was starting to sense a pattern. So was his lunchbox. So one day, bless his heart, he said so sweetly, "Hey babe, do you think...maybe...we could have soup that isn't taco soup?"

I tried so hard to explain that taco soup and chicken enchilada soup are NOT the same, but Chris pointed out that if it's made in the crockpot and served over chips, it's taco soup. No matter what the name is. Touche salesman, touche. So after that little heart to heart, the rule of no more than one meal of taco soup every three weeks was set in stone for the 2014 season of soup.

But can you blame me for wanting to make taco soup?! It's easy, quick, convenient, and low maintenance--the booty call of soups, if you will. And after attempting to get out of my taco soup comfort zone tonight, I am reminded of why I love making taco soup so much. No making a roux, chopping up veggies, or washing more than one pan! Which was exactly what I had to do for tonight's Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup . Never.again.

Luckily for me, my mom was able to refer me to this recipe, which is a creamy soup, but made the same way my beloved taco soup is! Just throw everything in the crockpot and forget about it. It's even Chris-approved! I've had to restrain myself from making it every day, though. Still going strong!

Anyone else have any soup recipes that may fall under the "booty call" category? If so, please share! I'm thinking I'm going to need a lot more now that I'm student teaching... goodbye folded laundry + clean house. I'll see you in April.

Things That Make Monday Better //

// Grey's Anatomy

(better yet: watching Grey's in the glow of my Christmas lights!)

// Swig

(and Swig girl complimenting your eyes! Oh staaahhp!)

// Getting packages in the mail

// Skipping class

// Going to mom's to eat leftover spaghetti 

(and cleaning up your garlic bread crumbs so nobody knows about it!)

// ZUMBA! 

// Bubble baths + Philosophy's Fresh Cream

Monday, you're alright.

Things I Think You Need to Know

• There is a reason for this #chestie (chest selfie), I promise! Guys, I got that necklace at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart, people! And while we're on the subject of Wal-Mart, I've decided that it's just like McDonalds in the way that a lot of people like to think they are above it, but we all know that you secretly love it! Even if you aren't willing to admit it. It's okay though, your secret is safe with me. If anybody asks, I'll just tell them you prefer Target instead.
• I've only just recently discovered the greatness that is Reese's Puffs cereal. Um, hi! Where have you been all my life Reese's Puffs?! You give me life.
• The cute girl at Swig gave me two stamps on my punch card... just because! *heel click*
• Massage Envy sent a 2 for 1 coupon to "Chris Gouchy" (does the word gouchy sound inappropriate to you, too?) and I laugh hysterically every time I pass the fridge where it's being proudly displayed.
• My sister caused me to ask myself one of life's greatest questions last Monday: Do I suffer from RBF?? To which I realized that doing Zumba with a running injury can cause people to think that about you.
• Even if I haven't poured a bucket of ice water over my head, I still support ALS research. Also, I check my Instagram feed daily to see if Ellen Degeneres has done it yet.
• I finally put something in my "about" section! Fist pump for only taking a year to do it. It's full of super important stuff that my readers to know about. You know, like all of my blog posts.

Happy Friday!

currently

making// excuses for putting off my reading for class. Um, hi! It's only the second day of class--wish me luck this semester.

cooking// lots and lots of meals that have rice... gotta love that end of the month grind. Chris hasn't been complaining, though. I swear that kid could live on fried rice.

drinking// a lot less dirty DP and a lot more water these days. Ouch! I hurt my arm patting myself on the back for that one.

reading// Divergent. Yes, I'm hoppin' on that bandwagon! But I refuse to see the movie until I've read the book.

listening to// my overplayed, two years-old, beaten-to-death running playlist. Any suggestions for good running songs?!

wanting// any and every product I see Jaclyn Hill using! Girl crush.

looking// for cute, casual, sun dresses! If I click a dress on Pinterest that has no link one more time I'mma lose it.

playing// TENNIS! This is one of my favorite things about warm weather--Chris playing tennis with me! Actually, it's more like me hitting the ball and Chris playing fetch because I'm not very good yet.

wishing// that me and Emma Stone were best friends. Please tell me you saw her lip sync battle with Jimmy Fallon?!

missing// Harry Potter. It's about that time of year to re-read them all again... :)

enjoying// marathon training with my brother. Long runs are so much better when you have someone to talk to.

looking forward to// the Tulip Festival tomorrow + the 80 degree weather this weekend.

liking// my new running shoes! + the fact that my body is no longer shrieking in pain after I run. Who knew I would love Asics so much?

excited about// camping, hiking, and all the other fun adventures that come from being married to Chris during the summer time.

needing// to decide what to do with my hair... should I stay dark or add some highlights for the summer?! (what a rough life I live...)

smelling// the flowers every morning that I run. It makes my allergies worth it + masques the smell of dog poo I try so hard not to step in.

wearing// my turquoise earrings every.single.day. They don't even match my outfits.That's how obsessed I am.

noticing// the zits coming in on my chin. I'm glad they're there to keep me humble, I was just having way too many good hair days in a row.

thinking// that I should really stop putting off reading for my class now.

feeling// like a room without a roof! (you're welcome for getting that song stuck in your head) fun fact: I've cried every single time I've sang that song by myself past month. It's part of what I like to call, "Shayli's April Showers"



p.s. this prompt was stolen from the lovely, Kelli at KGilby

It's 3 in the morning...

...so naturally, I'm Facebook stalking myself. Usually while I'm stalking, I find myself thinking things like, Man, I was so skinny back then... R.I.P. fast metabolism, or Did I really put that as my caption? (ArE CaPtIoNs LiKe ThIs cOoL AnYmOrE?!?), but today (tonight?) the only thing I kept thinking as I scrolled through every photo album of mine--like the true narcissist that I am--was holy crap! Are my eyebrows really that unpredictable?! I was cringing the whole time and seriously questioning how I got Chris to marry me. Bless him.

Fun fact: Shayli is a plucker. Shayli LOVES to pluck anything and everything that is possible to pluck (Why am I speaking in third person? I don't even know. I'll be sure to put a dollar in the DB jar later), even if it's on someone else's body. Again, bless you, Chris. Anyway, the plucking started in junior high, which is fitting, since the awkwardness of my ever-changing eyebrows is comparable to the awkwardness that accompanies the junior high years of life.

So without further adieu, I give you the evolution of my eyebrows + my many, many duckfaces (I'll be sure to put another dollar in the jar).

^^I got my duckface from my dad?

All this cringing has made me tired....I guess it's time to climb into bed with the man who accepts me and my eyebrows that are just as, if not more, unpredictable as the things I cry at.

Bon Voyage!

The time has finally come!  We're at the airport 

right now waiting to get on our first ever red eye flight. Besides the fact that it's now three hours past our bedtime, I actually don't mind the airport at night. The airport staff are a lot more friendly (no one even had to pat me down over my G's this time!) and there's hardly anyone else here! And by anyone, I really mean 

babies.  

It's funny to think that only a few hours ago I wasn't even packed yet. You see, I'm what we like to call a last minute packer--I seriously can't pack until I only have a couple hours before I go. Because, hello!  I'm going to need my toothbrush and my curling iron is still hot! So when Chris got home from work today and not one single thing of mine was packed, he started stressing (it was like looking at Tom G). BAD. He just couldn't comprehend how Cafe Rio and painting my nails were a priority.  But somehow I managed to get two loads of laundry done and throw whatever wasn't on my floor into our suitcase. Oh, and can we all just take minute to appreciate the fact that I shaved my legs? You're welcome, Florida. 

Anyway, we are both so excited for this cruise! 

So excited, that we've already gone into vacation mode and pounded some Del Taco on our way to the airport. Speaking of vacation mode. . . Don't be alarmed if in a week you see a bunch of pictures of two people who are really tan and look like they ate Chris and Shayli... it's just us ;) 

Bon voyage!!!

because we're an old married couple

Does going to dinner the night before Valentine's Day to avoid the crowds make us an old married couple? 

Answer: it does.

 We were so proud of ourselves for coming up with this plan! The only problem with that was the fact that all old married couples think alike. 

Hence, the 45 minute wait at Outback tonight... and hence this picture I made Chris take with me while we waited outside for a good 30 seconds before Chris suggested we go to our car to wait. 

So waited in the car we did! On our phones... not saying much to each other... romantic, right? Don't worry, once we cured our hanger with 4 loaves of bread (ask me about my bikini-ready body for our cruise... I dare you!), we were all kinds of cutesy! 

And to top off the night, Chris took me to Yogurtland! Chris isn't the biggest fan of that place, so we don't go there very often, so I made sure to take full advantage of our visit there by filling my cup to the brim with cookie dough bites and gummy worms. Which didn't last long. I pounded that ice cream on the drive home. Seriously, pounded--it wasn't dainty.

 Sigh... I love this pre-Valentine's Day tradition we've started. 

7 things! 7 things! 7 things!

#1 Vampire Diaries.

I know, I know... so five years ago. Whatevs. 

I.am.obsessed.

All week I've found myself thinking about vampires and witches!

... and how the CW manages to find such beautiful people (seriously Ian Somerhalder, where did you come from?!). 

#2 Eating "healthier."

Which has consisted of a lot of mandarin oranges and string cheese + binge eating at Mi Ranchitos and Chubby's over the weekend and undoing any of our "healthy eating."

(Our New Year's resolutions love us)

#3 Waxing.

In case you were wondering, waxing doesn't get rid of your blackheads... just ask Chris.

Also, thanks to my sister-in-law Haley for making my face smooth as a baby's bottom! Even if it did mean I had to see just how much hair is actually on my face. You would have thought she waxed a werewolf (Vampire Diaries!) looking at my waxing strips.  

#4 Hair
I've been lusting after this hair color.
We'll see if I have the...ahem...lady balls to actually do it, though.

#5 Chris
Chris got a raise at work a couple weeks ago.
He doesn't like to tell people, but I do! I'm so proud of him.

#6 Marathon
Obviously New Year's resolutions haven't quite faded away... but my Dr. Pepper beer belly hasn't either, so here's to 26.2 miles in June! Feel free to join me and my brother, Dugan!
This is what happens when you're bored at work...

#7 Cruisin'

Last but not least... we're going on a cruise in March!! Papa and Mama Gourley are taking us on a Caribbean cruise, so I'll get another experience traveling with Tom G! Who by the way, has already taken the initiative to print out all the different excursions we can choose from and read them to us himself ;) I can't wait! Seriously, though... is it March yet?

I'm educated....feel bad for me!

Guys, I'm happy to report that I made it through finals week. 

...barely.

This week got ugly. 

Like, haven't-showered-or-slept-and-I've-already-consumed-180 oz-of Dr. Pepper-and-holy-crap-it's-only-Tuesday! type of ugly.

There's also a permanent indent of my bum on the kitchen chair currently surrounded by an embarrassing amount of wrappers from the candy cane kisses consumed during my seven hour retreat there yesterday.

But I guess I can't complain too much... after all, it was my fault for procrastinating. Chris was even nice enough to say, "We have such different studying styles, babe. I would have studied the week before finals" instead of just calling me out for waiting until the last minute. (But guess what, babe? You're not human!)

But hey, at least now I can finally say that I'm done! And I can do the important things I've been meaning to get around to all semester... like starting Vampire Diaries and working out  painting my toenails.

Happy finals week to the rest of you who put the "pro" in procrastination out there! 

Oh, hey aunt Flo!

....all men stop reading NOW. Or don't unless you like hearing about lady parts? Actually, just keep reading. I don't mention any lady part words that make you cringe.

I should have known a storm was a'brewin' down in my lady parts...

This week has consisted of me pounding down food. Seriously, pounding. And then asking Chris every night "Umm.. can we go get food??" And holy #*%# I need some chocolate!

Poor Chris...

Who also had to deal with two huge vent sessions from me today: 

"I don't care if breastfeeding is "natural!" It makes everyone uncomfortable when you whip out your boob in public! I don't mind if you cover up and feed in public, but oh my gosh, no one needs to see your breasts in public! I fee like those women are just trying to make a point! Don't you agree with me, babe? Don't you?!!" (this may seem like a random topic, but we talked about breastfeeding in my women's health issues class--I promise I don't just randomly start debates about boobs...most of the time) 

"Ugh, I am so sick of everyone on Facebook complaining about Elf-on-the-Shelf! If you don't like it, just don't do it! Don't make other people feel bad for doing it!!  -By the way, I don't even have an Elf-on-the-Shelf. 

And then I finally went to the bathroom and  all of my days of starving, crying, and wanting to just punch people in the face this past week made more sense... Um, hi aunt Flo! How nice to see you!...NOT. 

I guess having ovaries isn't completely bad... Now I can justify sobbing at this video my friend, Kara, posted while simultaneously shoving two handfuls of candy cane kisses in my mouth.

...the point of this all is that there really is no point. I have a 10 page paper due tomorrow and Chris is gone playing basketball while I sit here and watch the Kardashians. Braless.

gratitude.

The other day in my Mind/Body/Spirit class we talked about gratitude.

Now I know what you're thinking, "Great, here comes another thankful list for November. Scroll down..." Stop scrolling! Come back! This post isn't going to be a huge list of things I'm grateful for! Promise. But if it was, would you really just keep scrolling? Why don't you like meeeeee!?

Anyway...gratitude! My teacher talked about how being grateful improves our health. She told us about an experiment that found that people who thought about what they were grateful for had boosts in their immune system, and those who actually voiced their gratitude had 2x more of a boost in their immune system. How cray cray is that?! I loved that we got to learn about the physical benefits that come from gratitude rather than just the spiritual benefits, ya know?

That lecture also made me realize how much I suffer from an ungrateful heart. I suffer from what I like to call the comparesies. I am constantly comparing myself to others, whether it be on social media, at school, church, or good heck, even with random strangers at the grocery store! I compare, feel bad for myself, start wanting things I can't/don't have, and then just get irritated or sad when I don't get them. I see now how not being grateful literally effects my health! Even if I do get something, it's not long before I find something else to want. It's a vicious cycle. I've realized that comparesies also makes me constantly look towards the future, instead of  just enjoying the present moment and being happy with all of the things I'm blessed with every single day.

So for this holiday season, I want to make it a goal to keep a gratitude journal and just write down some things that I'm grateful for every day. Don't worry, I won't bore you with my list on here, which I'm sure will consist mostly of food and other things like eyebrows. And hopefully this will help me narrow down my Christmas list for Chris ;) But really, I know I need to be more  grateful for what I have, and what better time to start than this week with Thanksgiving coming up?! I know, I know... so cliche. But it's a start, right?!

Also, I know I said I wasn't going to make a list of things I'm grateful for, but I never said I wouldn't say ONE thing I'm grateful for. Loophole! So I'd just like to say that I'm grateful for Swig in Provo. Oh Swig, what would I do without your Dirty Diet Dr. Pepper's?! Actually, I do know. I'd fall asleep easier, be on time to class, and save money, but that's besides the point. You can't put a price on happiness, especially the happiness that comes from a DDD and a sugar cookie.  It's the little things ;)

Here's to being more grateful and boosting immune systems this holiday season!

inside my head on a Wednesday morning run.

Where should I run today?

I'm sick of going right, I'll go left this time to spice things up.

I should have went right.

Freak it's cold!

Good thing I wore a long sleeve shirt today.

Okay, I'm not going to look at my watch this time.

Timing doesn't matter.

I've only been running for five minutes?! 

I hate running.

Oh no, here comes another runner.

Should I say hi, smile, or nod?

I'll do all three.

Rude. She didn't even smile back.

She might be rude, but wow she had nice legs.

I need to run a lot more to get legs like that.

Or just eat better...

Meh, I'll just run more.

Why am I so picky about my legs? At least I have the ability to run.

You're right, Lady Gaga, I am beautiful in my own way!

Ugh, I should have worn a tank top.

Man, Utah is beautiful. I hate when people from Utah say that they hate Utah--just leave then!

WATCH OUT FOR THAT DOG POO!

Who let's their dog poo on the sidewalk, anyway? Smh.

Are there any cars coming? I need to pick my wedgie. 

....no wonder no one wants to run with me.

Please let this stop light be red, I need a rest.

(green light) Dang it. This must be a sign that I'm not allowed to stop.

You're right Biebs, never say never!

I wonder what people would say about my running playlist.

I'm so tired.

One more road until you're home Shay.

I did it!

I love running.

It's amazing when you get to see what your body is capable of.

534 calories burned!

Bagel and cream cheese? Don't mind if I do!

A Friday worth celebrating.

Does this picture make you believe I am one of those crazy runners that runs in the rain or snow? Well, surprise! I'm not. And despite my attempts at trying to be one this morning, after running two miles I just accepted the fact that I'm not one of those runners. Because holy balls! It's cold outside! Ain't nobody got time for rain and hail! 

Even if Utah's weather did cut my run short today, it hasn't ruined my Friday. Now I have the perfect excuse to not wash my hair (again) and shove it under a beanie for the second day in a row + hide my failed attempts of new year's resolutions under a big, fat sweater (Chris is a lucky guy, isn't he?). Cold, rainy weather also gives me the right to put any productivity I had planned aside and just bake and snuggle up in a big, comfy blanket and watch Netflix until I have to go to work. It's a rough life, in case you haven't noticed.

This Friday also happens to be Mama Gourley's birthday! It's her 29th birthday in case you were wondering ;) I'm so lucky to get to call her my mother-in-law! Mama G makes THE best pico de gallo + the dirtiest diet Dr. Pepper this side of Utah county has ever seen. Not only does she fatten me up with delicious foods, but she also goes out of her way to make sure that I'm happy and that Chris is still treating me right ;) She is one of the most caring people I know, and she deserves the happiest of happy birthdays. So Martha (this is me assuming that you actually read my blog?), HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We love you!

My favorite thing about this gloomy looking Friday is that it's almost conference! Which means you might see me in a beanie for at least two more days.... just kidding! But not really. Seriously though, I can't wait to listen to conference this weekend! The older I get, the more I truly look forward to conference. You just feel so happy after you watch it, ya know?

Anyway, I have some un-productiveness I need to get to now... Happy Friday, folks!