101 things you may or may not have known...

GETTING TO KNOW ME...GETTING TO KNOW ALL ABOUT ME...

1. I graduated May 2nd from the U of U with a BA in English Literature.
2. I am sick of being asked “what now” or “what’s next” because I honestly don’t know how to answer that. As I have no idea what is next for me this question leaves me extremely apprehensive. I know where I came from and where I am headed in the eternities, but it’s this fuzzy middle portion called adulthood which keeps me up at night.
3. I am a girl that likes to have plans.
4. Because I am a girl that likes to have plans the fact that I can’t answer the “What’s next” question constantly haunts me.
5. When I graduated high school I received several letters of recommendation from different teachers, one of which said I was a person with many opinions. It has been 6 years and I am still not sure if that was a good or a bad thing.
6. Though I have opinions, I feel awkward expressing them when I disagree with others (except with Adam…perhaps I should practice holding back a little more…hehe).
7. One of my least favorite things is confrontation and I avoid it at all costs.
8. I have the most amazing parents, Jim and Loraine. My dad is an extremely hard working man who has always provided for his family and I have never once heard him say something was impossible. He is humble to the core and an amazing support. My mother is adorable, a spiritual giant, and my best little buddy. Together they are an amazing team and because of their generosity and support they have made so many of my life dreams happen.
9. My siblings are amazing and I feel privileged to be the youngest of the bunch! They have left amazing footprints to follow and are inspired, talented, amazing, and hilarious people. Not to mention EXTREMELY attractive!
10. I am not a bragger. I am a truth teller!!!
11. Unlike Marci McDaniel, I was an extremely unattractive child and a not much better adolescent. Its’ true. Just ask my grandpa Heward who in his aged wisdom grasped my hand and said “you were a homely child, but your getting better…”! Wow if that’s not brutal honesty, I don’t know what is! My hope is that like a good wine, I will get better with age.
12. I have expensive taste that I can’t afford, thus our house resembles the D.I. rather than pottery barn.
13. One of my greatest fears is that my children will be ‘sweet spirits’… however, looking at Adams adorable Zack Morris-like baby face gives me hope!
14. I am pretty sure I have seen “My Father the Hero” more times than any other movie.
15. I should be at the gym right now, but instead I am writing this list.
16. I have always secretly desired to be an athlete, but my hand, eye, leg coordination isn’t all that great.
17. I don’t consider myself to be competitive, but I hate to lose.
18. My greatest fear is failure.
19. The best thing I have ever done is marry Adam (cheesy).
20. The second best thing I have ever done was study abroad with BYU in Vienna.
21. I have an extremely short term memory. If I am not looking at you I probably won’t remember what you said.
22. I have an amazing group of friends, many that I have known since elementary school.
23. One of my favorite things to do alone is drive around on a sunny day or to clean while blasting my tunes!
24. My favorite CD currently is Maroon 5 “Wont Be Soon Before Long”.
25. I don’t own any comfortable shoes....save one pair of flats. Life is too short to be comfortable, so am I.
26. I love new clothes and new accessories.
27. I want a new purse but am not sure which type.
28. I am in love with my husband. He is in Chicago and I am missing him muchos!
29. I like to think I am a good cook...but know that Adam is way better.
30. I love to learn but don’t have a desire to go to grad school.
31. I am an extremely impatient person.
32. I wish that I lived in a more happening city on the coast or in Europe.
33. I have always been more mature than my age and generally get along with people much older than myself easier than those younger.
34. I can’t believe how long this is taking me.
35. I love to have people over and get together with friends.
36. Book stores are my weakness. When I go in it is at least an hour before I come out.
37. I like to surround myself with motivated and positive people.
38. I wish I was in Chicago with Adam.
39. When I am bored I like to shop.
40. The cleanliness of my house and car has a huge impact on my mood and sanity…
41. My hair looks awkward today. I wish I could pay Marci to wash, dry, and style it each day.
42. I am a nerd and love to play strategic board games such as Settlers of Catan and Scrabble.
43. I have always wanted to be a lawyer but politics scare me.
44. One of my biggest aspirations is to write a book.
45. When I first started school I wanted to be an artist.
46. I have always wanted to be a college professor…. * sigh * maybe one day.
47. One of my favorite things is Adam’s optimism and how easy going he is! He is always up for anything and is never moody! He’s ideal.
48. I hate for people to feel left out.
49. I love to read and am excited to read anything that I want!
50. I care too much what others think about me.
51. I worry that I will never feel maternal.
52. I am grateful that I have always had good health.
53. I have never mowed the lawn and don’t really have the desire to.
54. I want an iPod but my husband won’t let me get one.
55. One day I want a BMW or Mercedes.
56. I love my ward and hope to get to know people better than I currently do.
57. I love milk chocolate and dark chocolate.
58. I have gone shopping for new sheets 4 times and have come home empty handed each time…perhaps I will go again tonight.
59. I want new bedding.
60. I wish my parents would let us paint this house.
61. If I had the money I’d re-carpet this house.
62. I like the new JT & Madonna song.
63. My feet are very ticklish but I love to get pedicures.
64. One of my favorite de-stressors is a hot bath.
65. I think all of my friends and family are extremely talented individuals and like to surround myself with their amazing-ness.
66. I hope that this next year I will get to see Adams family more often and get to know them better.
67. Driving on the streets near my house is a joke and each day I am afraid I am going to fall deep down into a pot hole never to be seen again.
68. Udot is a joke.
69. My parents changed my name when I was 2.
70. I am excited for my cutest tiny friend Ashlee to get married and am honored that she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids.
71. I wish I could get my hair to curl the way Jessica Simpson’s does.
72. I have never died my hair and don’t plan to do so anytime soon.
73. I loved my wedding day, but if I could do it over I would go with Ashlee’s photographer! Talk about gorgeous pics!
74. I hardly have any pictures of Adam and I together since we have been married. This must be remedied.
75. My graduation party was absolutely ideal!
76. One day I hope that my closet is like Cher’s on “Clueless” so that each day I can reinvent myself in different little outfits.
77. Each Halloween I get anxiety over what costume to be…this year I am going to plan early.
78. I think Yellowstone is one of the most magical places on earth.
79. I can’t believe I still have 21 more of these to go.
80. I love the Spanish guitar.
81. One day I hope to be a good dancer.
82. Adam is a very good dancer.
83. Adam is pretty much great at everything.
84. I love jazz music and 1950’s style music such as Frankie, Dean, Michael Buble, Norah Jones, the Pink Martini.
85. My biggest pet peeve is people that are inconsistent and flaky.
86. I wish I was more informed politically so I could have a better formed opinion on the upcoming elections.
87. College has made me a bit of an environmentalist.
88. I wish that all drinks came in funky glasses and not just alcoholic ones.
89. My family has a tradition for pretty much everything: birthdays, Christmas, vacations …and I love it!!!
90. I have a truly embarrassing moment at least once a week.
91. The Walmart by my house is so ghetto that Adam and I drive 60 blocks (about 8 miles) to a nicer one.
92. This summer I am going to start voice lessons.
93. I wish this didn’t take me so long.
94. I am so glad that sandal weather is now here!
95. I think I suffer from SAD: Seasonal Affect Disorder. I am so much happier when the sun is shining.
96. My absolute dream is to sing on Broadway one day and so I live vicariously through my amazingly talented Paul.
97. When I hear powerful songs I cry…for example “For Good” from Wicked...
98. I am pretty sure I have the most adorable nieces and nephews…they did the hula at my graduation luau while my mom played the ukulele. It was classic!
99. My taste in music I feel is very broad.
100. I need a good idea to do for my 2nd anniversary.
101. In just 16 days I will be in sunny California! YIPPEE!!!!

Book Club

For practically a year now when I get together with my girlfriends or fabulous sisters we often talk about everyones latest read!!! And for a year now my friends and I keep saying 'Hey we should start a book club!" As of right now, no one has claimed this responsibility and for months I have been telling myself to go ahead and start it! With finals only 3 days from being finished, and with graduation approaching in a week and a half, this seems like an ideal time! However, I must admit I have been hesitant to start a 'Book Club' for a couple reasons:
1-I am not really interested in reading LDS Historical Fiction *gasp* !That right there limits me, as that genre is one of the most popular. However, I have never given it a try so perhaps I am depriving myself of something enjoyable...yet my sensibilities say...if your going to read history perhaps it should be fact and about real people and not the 'Steed' family (ha ha...sorry that just really gets me!)? What are your thoughts? Am I being a dork?
2-Over the past 3 years I have been bombarded with literature that is less than palatable to the masses and I feel that my sensitivity to certain subjects has been tainted by what for me has become the norm of literature. I am nervous about selecting books for fear of completely offending someone. So for any of you Bloggers out there, if you are currently in a book club, or have simply read some good books (including LDS historical fiction) I would love some suggestions to get this Book Club under way!!!
Despite my small reservations the best part of the Book Club is the Club aspect and together we can choose which books we would like to read and just go for it! I feel that the first book is going to be "Train to Potevka" by Mike Ramsdell. I went to a fire side last night where he spoke and told of his experiences being an intelligence agent in Russia. I was on the edge of my seat and felt inspired by his words! His message was simple and clear: That God is good and mindful of us all and that goodness is found everywhere throughout the world!

So any of you hot peeps that want to join in our little Book Club let me know!

Newlywed Realizations...

A few nights ago Adam and I had a lovely Sunday dinner with some of our friends. After dinner we played some card games and then brought out 'The Newlywed Game'!!! The game that is sure to cause some laughs, some awkwardness, and even some realizations. Adam and I have been married just shy of 2 years now and we totally spanked everyone in the Newlywed Game...twice(!!! We Rock !!!). However, despite our victory, many of our truthful answers to questions made me realize that I need to re-evaluate my life and prioritize differently.

This brings me to my latest book. I was at work yesterday and a lovely friend and co-worker of mine walked by with a book...not just any book...a self-help Dr. Laura book. The title alone made my eyes roll..."The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands" GAGGGG me with a spoon right? My friend quickly picked up on my blatant expression. She quickly sprang into a discussion of how it has truly helped her to become aware of how she treats her husband, and essentially how to give her husband what he wants/needs so she can get what she wants/needs. I know I KNOW...not exactly rocket science...but I felt intrigued. She was on the last page and dropped the book off at my desk and challenged me to read it.

I've never really been a Dr. Laura fan, and am not exactly a 1950's housewife so it may be surprising to some, including myself, to look in my purse and find this red and white book with Dr. Laura's face staring back at me. However, as I read the introduction I feel that there is much I can learn--not just in how you treat your husband, but how you treat all those close to you. How many times in a day do we bow down to those people we hardly know and are snotty or short to those we care about most when we get home? Anywho...I am all about self improvement, and who knows...perhaps even Dr. Laura...as cliche and awkward as it sounds...can offer some sound advice.

You can expect a full book review after finals :)!!!

Egg Heads

I am excessively proud with my Easter Eggs this year :) I had to post my 3 favorites which are EGG HEADS i.e. Cheri, Kari, Shannon! Who knew we'd all be dead sexy even in egg form? What can I say...wee are pretty eggquisite!

March Madness :)

March Madness for the Hansens began with celebrating Adams Birthday! On the Friday before his birthday, Adam got together with"the guys" and had a game night complete with Guitar Hero, pizza, and "Battlefield"! I love guys nights because it in turn means "GIRLS night"!!! Most of the ladies were working or had other plans so cute Kari and I went out on the town :) We first went to Zuppas which for all you out-of-towners is a gourmet soup & salad place which is totally out of this world! All natural and fresh ingredients!!! My current favorite is their Summer Chicken Salad...which consists of lots of lettuce, plump cranberries, grilled chicken, crushed cashews, juicy grapes, and sliced strawberries!!! Talk about delish! We then went and saw a movie and got our sinful sweet.... i.e. Cold Stone. The best part was just getting to talk and laugh :) I am so very grateful to girl friends and sisters and for the strength and beauty they bring into my life!

Many of you have heard the stories of our lovely vehicles...broken speedometers, smoking stearing wheels, demonic locks that lock on their own, and so on. Well luckily for us the time has come to say farwell to our little Nissan Maxima and hello to our new Infiniti G35!!!

I graduate May 2nd and am absolutely ELATED about my graduation gift from Adam (and well...myself!!! he he!!! we all know the best gifts are the ones you choose!!!) Adam is the best though and I am so grateful for all the hard work he does that allows us to do so many things! We are so grateful to finally own a car that drives amazingly and will allow us to go visit Adams family in Arizona and my family in Colorado much more often! Not to mention our trip to CALIFORNIA :)

Although it is a relief to have a new car, purchasing cars has never been a particularly favorite past time, nor is selling a car! However our little maxi sold in just 3 days so I feel very much relieved :)

This past week ontop of the car purchasing has been SPRING BREAK!!! Which is great minus the intensely horrible food poisoning my sisters Jacque and Shelli, and I received on Monday eve. This is as the Spanish would say, "no bueno". I have never before experienced food poisoning and can't remember a time I have been so violently ill. I am so grateful for my loving husband who stayed up with me all night on Monday and Tuesday and took care of me! He's the bestest! Many of my silly friends believed I was prego...let me put you all at rest...I'M NOT!!! :) And I believe the nausea I have experienced this past week has cured my desire for babies at present. I admire the many mothers that have endured the many months of nausea and morning sickness! You are rockstars and I don't know how you do it!

Now on a more serious note...

The reason for the season.

Dear friends as this Easter approaches I wanted to let you all know of my love for our Savior. Spring is such an amazing time of year and with it comes the celebration of the most important act of the Saviors life. This morning I was reading one of President Hinkley's talks and have enclosed his ending remarks published this March.

"We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.
In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us.
He is the central focus of our worship. He is the Son of the living God, the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is “risen from the dead, … the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). He is the Lord who shall come again “to reign on the earth over his people” (D&C 76:63; see also Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15).
None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. " ---President Gordon B. Hinkley (We Testify of Christ, Mar. 08).

I truly know that our Redeemer LIVES! He is truly the reason for the season and I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

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