Over the past few weeks I have accumulated a ridiculously stupid amount of things that excite me or make me happy. Some are fun new gadgets; others are upcoming events that will make YOU dance with joy!
1. I bought a new laptop
Thank you, Black Friday online sales!
I have needed a new computer FOREVER but that type of stuff totally doesn’t do it for me. I’d rather buy new skis or a tent or something. My sound card has been broken for well over a year, so I finally decided it was time to pull the ripcord. Unfortunately, I now have a laptop with Windows 8 which is completely baffling me. Any volunteers to set this sucker up? I can’t even get iTunes loaded correctly! (And no, I didn’t get a Mac for all of you die hard Apple lovers. Those are far too much machine for my purposes!)
2. ….and a new phone!
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| My phone took this photo over at my parents’ cabin….sans filter. Stunning! |
I am an iPhone gal through and through, largely because the phone is so simple that a toddler can operate it. My parents have Blackberries and those little machines confound me. Anyway, I was still rockin’ the good old 3GS until Will realized that I was still residing in the 20th century with my technological prowess. He forced me to the Apple store last week (literally; we had many a dispute over why my ancient phone was still just fine and dandy!) and bought me a new iPhone 5. Y’all, this thing is like a mini-computer. In fact, I think the camera is better than my real digital camera!
3. I’m participating in a Crossfit comp this Saturday
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| Big Horn |
Now, if that isn’t entertaining, then I don’t know what is! I must first clarify that it’s just a small event organized at my box, Big Horn Crossfit, and only Big Horners (that sounds inappropriate!) will be there. I wasn’t going to participate originally because I still don’t know half of the skills involved in Crossfit. However, our coach assured me that there wouldn’t be those type of skills (read: technical) so that everyone could participate. Let’s face it: I’m really just going because three WODs in a day sounds like a fantastic workout that will leave me sore and prepare me for Sunday….
4. ….which is our annual Holiday Cookie Party!
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| Marie with SOME of the cookies from the party last year |
Now do you see why I have to beat myself on Saturday?! For the past three years, a few girlfriends and I have gotten together to bake our favorite recipes. We each bring our two faves (both of mine are Grandma’s recipes that get requested every year) and then make 4-6 dozen of each type. We then swap around so we all have a bunch of each cookie, pack them into festive containers, and take them home. I’ve been fortunate in the past to give some of the tins away to family and friends, but I know that most of my married friends just hand them over to their husbands 🙂
5. I’m Washing My Face With a Gadget
Apparently your face goes crazy when you turn 30 because I have been having some major issues with my skin over the past few months! I’ve been looking into the Clarisonic but was having a hard time swallowing the $100+ price tag for a machine that washes your face. A twitter follower suggested the Olay Pro X since it is a much cheaper alternative (read: knockoff!) I figured it was worth a shot for $30, so I bought it yesterday.
Now, I’ve only used it twice so this isn’t exactly a conclusive study, but I will say that my face feels so soft and healthy! Curious to see if I’m living a lie or if this sucker will still be my dream machine in a few months.
6. ‘Tis The Season
The holidays are upon us and this year I wanted to do something special for all of y’all: my readers who encourage all of my mountain bike crashes and wipeouts on my skis. My blog has opened up some ridiculously exciting doors for me over the past year and I’ve been afforded opportunities that I never would have dreamed of otherwise. I mean, cliff jumping in Havasupai with Columbia? Check. Doing a WOD with Julie Foucher at Crossfit One, compliments of Reebok? Check. Gear testing for Backpacker mag? Check. Some amazing future freelance opportunities? Check. A likely future expedition adventure race on a different continent? Check…but we’ll chat about that one at a later date 🙂
In short, I’m thankful for each and every one of you that I’ve gotten to know online and in real life. Starting this coming Monday, I’ll be doing a series of giveaways throughout the month of December. And y’all, I have some sweet stuff to offer up, so I promise that it will be worth your time!