Couch Potato.

I had no access to movies or television in Antarctica, so I have been a total couch potato lately, catching up on favorite shows/movies, and discovering some new ones. 

Our most recent obsession is a show called Coal, which documents the successes (and failures) of a start-up coal mining business. It's pretty much a man show, but it's really interesting to see how hard the coal miners work, and how dangerous the conditions are. Being claustrophobic, I admire those people for crawling into a dark hole underneath a mountain. I would just start crying, I think. The show is extremely entertaining, with the thick country accents and hilarious personalities. It's also heartbreaking though, as the Appalachia region is extremely poor (check out this site). There is definitely a need out there, and after watching the show, I'm really interested in opportunities like this one to help meet the needs of those living in rural Appalachia.

We also watched Voyage of the Dawn Treader. That book is one of my all-time favorites, but the movie was pretty good. I cried. (Go figure).

...and that's about all that's been going on lately in the Wall household. Pretty exciting stuff.

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.

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.