Mr. Coffee

Mike and I finally bought a coffee maker.

I know, most people couldn't care less if we bought a coffee maker. But the reason I'm writing about this is mostly because I want the world (or the small circle of people that read my blog) to know that I have officially given up my beloved source of caffeine: Diet Dr. Pepper.

It's going to be difficult, and I'm not very happy about it. But I'm giving it up for the following reasons:

1. The carbonation is bad for my teeth. I already have spotty enamel and always seem to be getting cavities, despite using special toothpaste and fluoride rinse every day. I'd like to keep my teeth, so I'd rather just stain them with coffee than erode them :)

2. The carbonation in diet sodas can lead to osteoporosis. And obviously I don't want that. My mom taught me from a young age to always drink my milk, and I don't want to undo all that good bone building I did as a kid! (In other news, I got these really delicious calcium chews today at Target that taste like Starbursts. No joke, I wanted to eat like 20).

3. There is too much sodium in soda.

4. I think I'll just feel better not drinking it. I can't help but feel like I'm ingesting chemicals when I drink soda, and I'd just rather not feel that way!

So, there you have it. Goodbye Diet Dr. Pepper, hello Mr. Coffee maker. And now I have to stick to it since I've made it public knowledge. Please hold me accountable.

Peace, love, & Mr.Coffee.

What are you on?

So I finally joined 24-Hour Fitness. I've been putting it off mostly because I don't feel like throwing $30 a month away when we could be putting it towards our future home. But, I get a discount with Raytheon so I decided to go ahead and join.

And today, when I walked in, I was annoyed. Immediately.

I know not all people who work out are macho meat-head weight lifters. But SERIOUSLY. They overtake the gym with their huge muscles and it annoys me. I mean, it's really impressive that you're lifting a weight twice the size of my head, but I am perfectly content with curling 15 pounds and I don't need you STARING AT ME, thankyouverymuch.

So then, after two arm exercises, I decided I couldn't take it anymore and went upstairs to get some cardio in. I jumped on the treadmill, but the sweat-drenched man next to me was flicking perspiration on me, so I only lasted a mile. Then I decided to bike. Biking is fun. And people on bikes don't flick sweat nearly as bad. So I started pedaling, and all of a sudden something caught my eye. You see, the gym that I go to is somehow linked to Lance Armstrong (I'm not sure how, I've only been there once, obviously). So Lance's face is pretty much plastered all over the place, which is fine I guess. I'd rather it be Derek Jeter........

*sigh*

Anyway, so next to a giant photo of Lance is a quote from the biker:

"This is my body, and I can do whatever I want to it. I can push it; study it; tweak it; listen to it. Everybody wants to know what I am on. What am I on? I am on my bike busting my ass six hours a day; what are YOU on?"  

And all of a sudden, I had a total change of heart. Because I realized that the reason I'm at this smelly gym is so that I can push myself doing the things I love. Because, Mr. Armstrong, I'm on top of mountains. I'm on a snowboard. I'm on a running path high above sea level.  I'm on a trail leading up to a tucked-away turquoise waterfall. And I guess I can bust my ass at the gym so that I can be even better at climbing 14ers and shredding down the slopes. 

So fine. All you smelly, pump-you-up dudes can stick around. I'm just going to do my own thing. And I'll probably ignore you. But at least I know that I've climbed to the top of Colorado...and that's all that matters to me. :)

Peace, love & AnnoyingMachoMen.

7 Days.

In the past seven days, I...

...read this book in one sitting. Following the near-death experience of a 4 year-old child in emergency surgery, this book is seriously a very good read. Regardless of whether or not you believe in life after death, it certainly gets you thinking about what happens when we die. I started the book a little skeptical, not really sure what to think about claims of visiting heaven and seeing Jesus. However, I finished it pretty convinced that this child experienced something very real. Obviously, no one can ever know what happened. But as a Christian, I believe in divine intervention and in the reality of heaven -- and this book certainly convicted me of whether or not my life really reflects those beliefs. 

...hiked to this waterfall. Our friend David came in town over the weekend, and we managed to work in an overnight camping trip to Glenwood Springs. Hanging Lake (above) is in the area, and I'm so glad we made it! It was gorgeous!

...purchased a mountain car! Mike and I are the loving parents of a new (used) 2002 Subaru Outback, and we couldn't be more excited! Now we won't have to call AAA when we can't get out of a parking spot in Keystone in the dead of winter at 5am. Yes, that almost happened. (Thank you to the random stranger that helped push us out -- we still owe you)

In the past 7 days, I also managed to spill my Iced Skinny Caramel Macchiato all over my work pants, eat 15 mini Reese's in one day, and rack up 50 cents in library overdue fees. 

Peace, love, & ReallyExcitingWeeks.

Antero.

Mt. Antero specs:

14,269 feet high

15 mile round trip if you don't drive up the 4WD/high clearance vehicle road (we didn't)

5,200 foot elevation gain

1 creek crossing and 1 proud American with an ATV

5 hours to summit 

 1 false summit

Recipe for a great hike, I'd say. :) It was certainly the most difficult hike we've done so far, simply because of the length. But, it was a great time, as everything is with Mike Wall as your husband. He kept calling it Mt. Arturo and I think he broke out some Elton John again. Anyway, Antero is in the Sawatch Range, near all of the Collegiate Peaks, which is an incredibly beautiful area! I'm excited to explore it more. 

We also enjoyed a wonderful evening at City Park Jazz on Sunday evening with some friends. City Park Jazz has been a highlight of the summer -- live music, no admission fee, tons of people-watching, bottles of wine and picnic dinners. It doesn't get much more summer than that! We've shared it with some great friends as well, which we've really enjoyed. We're so thankful to have met some incredible people out here who share not only our love for the state, but also for the God who created it. Unfortunately, it was the last weekend for Jazz, which makes it really feel like summer is coming to a close. Sigh. Oh well, I'm sure fall will bring even more adventures!

Peace, love, & jazz.

Confession.

I have a problem: I love bright colors way too much.

I try really hard to be an adult and wear "grown up" neutrals; I feel like my closet should be littered with browns, tans, blacks, and grays. Maybe some slate blue or forest green here or there.

Oops, it's not. I have a penchant for all things bright, cheery, and sometimes neon. I can't get over it, and I'm not sure if I ever will. One time I found a gray snowboard jacket that I liked. One time. But I really like the obnoxious ones -- you know, the kind where you can see me from a mile away.

So today, I was at Marshalls, trying on these shorts...

...when I decided that I will no longer be ashamed to purchase and proudly don loud, bright clothing. So, I marched up to the cashier, paid my $7 for my North Face shorts (Mega sale! I love Marshalls!) and walked out the store grinning like a 5 year old. Sorry world, I might blind you with my neon pink t-shirt or my bright green jacket, but I will wear it and love it. Occasionally I will grace your presence with some solid black...but secretly I'll be wishing I had my turquoise shorts on.

Other items I have recently purchased that further prove my inability to buy normal-colored things:

I thought about showing you things I have almost purchased, but then decided against it. I realized that it would 1) take too long, and 2) blind you.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! We're climbing Antero tomorrow, so check back for photos! 

Peace, love, & neon colors.