A Healthy Lifestyle

Alright, can I just come out and say the issue with blogging is that sometimes you worry so much about one of two things: 1) offending others 2) how you will be viewed by others.  Am I right?

I am going to try to set aside these things- especially number two, and get down to the nitty gritty.  I wanted to make a post that will hold me accountable for accomplishing one of my New Year's Resolutions which is to live a healthy lifestyle.  In girl language this might mean "lose weight," but I hate the negative connotation that is attached to that phrase.  To me, living a healthy lifestyle is much more than cutting weight- it's becoming strong and taking control of one's self.  So, instead of facing the dreaded scale each week, I am going to focus my time towards making meals with more natural ingredients and continuing my workout regime- with a little twist (as you will see later). I'm not going near a scale because we have had a horrible history together!  With a scale, instead of focusing on how I feel, I focus on numbers. I have found that numbers don't really motivate me- my emotional and physical health cannot be weighed by a scale.

Now, I will have to be patient- which is not my strong suit. I am not looking to lose x amount of pounds in x amount of days, I am simply looking to revamp the role food plays in my life.  And hopefully once this lifestyle is incorporated into my everyday life, I can help instill it in my future children.  I love the phrase "Don't live to eat... eat to live."  I have to remind myself of this quite often.  Although I believe this process will take longer than past attempts, I feel that it will be more gratifying if I focus on how I feel rather than the numbers.  So, to start off on my goal I have done two things.

1. The app: myfitnesspal.  Anyone wanna be my friend?! I've just started and I don't have any.... haha! For those of you who do not know what it is- it's basically a way to track what you eat.  I used to do a journal because I found that it made me more accountable knowing what I ate, but it was SO much more work.  With this app, it has most of the foods already in the system, so all you have to do is click right on it!  Boom.  No reason to say you "don't know what you're eating."

2. New workouts!  I'm more excited about this one, I have to say.  Although Josh and I go to the gym daily, I was in the habit of doing the same few workouts ALL year.  That's horrible!  I should have changed it up every few months because if workouts remain the same, the body gets too used to what it is doing.  So, to break my streak of simply having an upper body, lower body, and ab day, I will be doing several different workouts- thanks to Fitmiss!  I've been following them on instagram (@Iamfitmiss) because they post daily workouts.  What I've done is accumulated some of these workouts and I've put them into a little journal I can put into my gym bag.

So... why am I telling you this?  I need buddies with the same goal as me to tell me their strategies to succeed this year!  Also, I like spreading knowledge, so for those of you who feel that these could help- my job is done (:

For those of you who would like to know more specifics on how I'm organizing my little notebook of workouts- let me know! I can post them if you would like.

21

I'm pretty sure I start off every post stating that I haven't written in a while... once again, I will start this one off in the same way!  I think I keep on telling myself that things will get less hectic.  And they have!  I guess I just haven't gotten in the rhythm of posting often.  I shall try harder!

So, it's never too late to write about my birthday- right??  This year (on July 18th, remember that ;) I turned 21! And as most of you know, nothing toooo exciting happens when a Mormon turns 21... is that bad to say?!  But it's alright- my friends made it super enjoyable even though it was FINALS WEEK- worst present ever.  Despite that small detail, here's the good stuff: pictures!

The day officially started at 11:15- after my first (and least favorite) class of the semester ended.  It was bitter sweet to go to the class because 1. I severely dislike it and 2. it was the last day!!! This was my surprised face to receive a balloon:

In a mad haste, I was lead to the parking lot to my friend's car... her name is Shelbee.  There, I was gloriously showered with gifts.  These included silly string all over my body, a shot glass (which will be used for wild fruit juices), a grumpy cat necklace, a crown, and a seat cover that said "Happy Birthday!"  I was so impressed by the spot-on gifts.  They know me so well!

Soon after, Josh picked me up to bring me home to open my presents/cards from him and my family!  I arrived to a colorfully decorated apartment.  He is so good to me.  

Then I opened my cards..... CATS!

Josh got me lots of clothes.  He is an amazing shopper.  Call me a label whore- but I like VS! He also got me some stuff from Pac Sun (: 

Do you like our butts....?

Then Kayla came over!  She gave me THE cutest gift!  If it's hard to tell in the picture- it's a margarita glass filled with a whoopie cushion, bobby pins, ring pops, pb mnms, NAIL POLISH, and other unmentionables.  You know you have a true friend when they can pick you out adorable nail polish.  She is AWESOME.

 Then I went back to school, took a few more finals, and was ready to parrrrrtay!  We went to dinner and then a movie with the Conways!

 After the movie we went to the Conways and got a liiiiiittle crazy with virgin margaritas.  What can I say?  We like to live on the wild side...

And that was it for the day!  It was definitely busy... the next day I successfully finished my finals- then went to dinner with the whole group!  It's not truly a birthday without getting a free dessert... right?? (;

Aaaaand last but not least... ICE CREAM CAKE!!!

Thank you all for wishing me a great birthday.  It was wonderful!

FOURTH of JULY!

HAPPY FOURTH! I've been sad to hear on the news lately that this holiday is the "worst holiday of the year" and "shouldn't be celebrated because we should be looking towards the future instead"... I don't know why people feel that way, but I hope that people still look at the Fourth of July as a celebration of our nation!  Plus, who doesn't like a reason to watch parades, eat yummy food, and watch things explode?

Our day started off early (for us) with a parade at 10.  Yes, laugh as you may, but to be READY at 10- beauty cannot be rushed... ;)

Me, Kayla, and Kalei- I kind of feel left out because my name's not Kaylie, or something.

Colter, Josh, and Grant- taken from afar.  I kind of feel like they look like celebrities.  1) two of them are wearing hats (hiding from people) and 2) I may be biased because Josh is there and he's super good looking.

Here's some random pictures from the parade that probably not many people care about... but I think you'll get a better feel for Rexburg when you see these pictures.

 This is a giant shopping cart.  I probably shouldn't be advertising our local grocery store, Broulims, since their prices are reDONKulus.  But oh well, props for a cool float!

There were probably seven different floats, all with a dance team on them.  Who knew there were so many dance companies in Rexburg?!

Freebie Time.....

There were quite a few things thrown out to the crowd... otter pops, candy, t-shirts, kiwi loco (handed to me) and Colter's mini-sloppy joe.

I didn't have a picture with Josh and his freebie because he wasn't very adamant on receiving one.  Something you have to understand about Canadians is that they don't like freebies as much as Americans.  It's a fact.

I just have to show you how Mormon Rexburg is... there were three floats with the temple and a married couple.  Of course, I am a proponent of getting married in the temple- I just was a little thrown off because this would never happen in San Diego, haha!

 This old man was too cute not to put up.  There were several olden day tractors in the parade- Idaho loves them tractors!

One of the demolition derby cars- my favorite because 1) it says future elder (so Mormon) and 2) it has my lucky number on it! 18- birthday date, water polo number, and the day we were married.

 This girl, who PHOTOBOMBED.

And, last but certainly not least, a wonderful photo of us.  Josh is pulling off the "disturbed/confused" look while I sport the "Asian" look.

The parade lasted for over 2 hours... pretty crazy.  For the rest of the day, before going to Idaho Falls for the fireworks, we made our meals for dinner and then painted our nails (Me & Kayla- not Josh)!  I didn't get a picture of them, I'm kind of bummed... but they were of the Pinteresty type- without the perfection, of course (:

Once we were in Idaho Falls, we walked around and played games!  It was kind of fun to people watch, too.  There was a woman dressed up as the Statue of Liberty- it was intense!  No pictures of the people watching though ):

Here's the couples:

 Colter & Kayla

 Grant & Kalei

Me & Josh!  ...I can't ever get a normal picture with him.

Time for FIREWORKS!

I have more... but everyone knows what fireworks look like.

I hope this doesn't sound as a complaint- buuuuut, I was really really really really hoping for smiley face fireworks.  I was depending on those so bad, that when the finale came, I didn't even realize it.  I was like a little kid in a Disneyland line for a ride, later to have my hopes crushed when the music ended and people began to hurriedly pick up their chairs to beat the rush.  I can't explain the feeling, but I don't wish it on my worst enemy.

Other than that small detail, the day was great! (:

Josh's Birthday!

Well, as we all know, Josh's birthday was on the 2nd of this month and you all probably thought I was a not doing my duty as wife because I didn't post anything about the big day!  WRONG.

Since his birthday was on a Sunday, we went to dinner the night before to a new place that we've wanted to try out... The Hickory!

Here's some awesome pictures with our awesome friends.

Top Left: We ran into Seth and Jaya Jones!  ...They have no clue this picture is up. Muah ha ha.

Top Right: Brian and Brittney Tait

Bottom Left: Nathan and Shelbee Keller

Bottom Right: Pretty much the most attractive couple ever

You may wonder why there's more photos of Brittney, rather than Josh... it is called Musson Mayhem, right?  To answer this ever so prevalent inquiry- boys= don't like photos, girls= do like photos.  Plus, Brittney's so photogenic, I'd rather have her up there than me ;)

The photo that looks like Brittney is farting is actually her knocking over one of the pans on the wall.  The whole restaurant stopped and looked, no kidding.. it got really quiet.  They probably thought we were really immature- but we didn't mean to! Here's proof she knocked it over.

Let us finish off the night with a wonderful group photo:

For the remainder of the night we played games and no one had room for my tremendously amazing ice cream cake ):  It's okay, it lasted for the next couple weeks...




As for the next day, his ACTUAL birthday, he woke up to this basket of beauty:

So I know it's not much because:
1. Anyone can pick out someone's favorite candy/drink
2. I didn't get him anything original
3. He goes and finds something off amazon that he wants anyways

But to my defense (not like anyone's on the offense) Josh has been studying for the MCAT and has been buying monsters to stay awake every day!  So, I figured I would buy him something that he needed most at the time... CAFFEINE!  He takes the test this week... so wish him luck! (:

Aside from opening his present, I made his favorite breakfast (crepes with lots of chocolate) and we went off to church!  I prepared and perfectly executed our lesson, as another little present to him, then came home while I anxiously awaited for his surprise birthday party to start!

I was so awkward.  I forgot to give Brittney a few things for the party so I inconspicuously slid things into my purse like measuring cups, tongs, chips, and ketchup.  I pretty much knew Josh knew I was up to no good because I lied so many different times. It's definitely true when you tell a lie, they get so intertwined that you can't remember where you started! ): Josh said it's a good thing I can't lie.

Anyways, we headed to the park and all of his friends were there! I felt like a proud mama.  Enough talk- more pictures!

                                                                                                                                Photobombing at it's finest


At the end, we played a successful game of kickball.


Just the last thing I'd like to say... Not to be all sappy, but last year Josh and I were apart for our birthdays because he was in Yellowknife, Canada aka: the middle of nowhere, while I was home in San Diego, working.  It was such a blessing to celebrate his birthday, not only married, but together! Yay for birthday celebrations! 

That Moment When....

Holy cannoli, guys!  This semester is CRAZY.  Anybody else feel like 24 hours is not enough time in the day?  As we speak, I should be writing a paper.. but am I? No.  And I will not until the night before it is due.  Why?  Because documenting the Musson Family's life is too important to pass up!  

Anyways, this post is about that moment when you realize something, something occurs way to frequently, etc.  If that doesn't make sense, read on.. Hopefully it will be comprehensible by the end.

That moment when you write in Spanish, hoping you phrased what you're trying to say correctly, feeling proud of yourself, then your husband can't understand it.  Mixed feelings.

That moment when a doh doh bird (neighbor) living below you activates the fire alarm an hour before church when you still have to do your hair.  Evacuate?  Ain't nobody got time fo that!

That moment when you think you made your husband REALLY mad because he leaves the house without telling you.... then comes back with flowers (: well played Josh, well played.

That moment when you make deep fried oreos and your husband thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread.

That moment when you don't try to do your hair because it doesn't matter but it looks cooler than when you try to do it when it does matter.  Follow?

That moment when your husband's tired of bringing all the assignments you forget to class... so he gets you this.  So precious.

That moment when your friends in the backseat get caught making out..... Awkward.....

That moment when your BFF gets a salad at a buffet and you feel obligated to do so, as well.

That moment when your friend doesn't beat the high score so just to make sure, three people each take a shark and go at it.

That moment when you're paler than sin.  Just kidding, when you play the little claw game and realize there's such thing as individually wrapped jelly beans.  At least give me a good color, dangit!

That moment when your friends are so sexy you just don't know how to handle yourself.

 That moment when your husband doesn't like to finish the last tenth of the bottles.  So you feel obligated... to do nothing about it.

My Friends Are Old!

So, it feels weird to have friends that are already getting accepted to grad school.  I still feel like a freshman (until I'm around them, then I realize I've grown up (nothing wrong with freshmen)) but I have to face the music- I'M MARRIED!  Just kidding, that doesn't make me old.  Right about now I'm rambling, but the purpose of this post is to show you how COOL my friends up here at college are.

My friend, Brittney, has a husband.  His name is Brian.  They both call each other "B"- it's pretty cool.  But if anybody else were to call one of them "B" then everyone would be confused because they're BOTH "B".  So, it's just a little name they have for each other- just one of the manifestations of the love they have for each other.

Brittney threw a party for Brian for getting into ASU!  Here's the group:

I love how Brian looks like such a boss in this picture.  Speaking of boss, we called him "Master Tait" (his last name) all night- and I'm pretty sure the name has stuck since then.

I've been having a hard time figuring out how to display all the pictures from the night.  I guess we can just start with the 'zoomed in' pictures...

I don't really think these faces need an explanation- only that I couldn't find a photo that I look silly or bad in. So I picked a naturally beautiful photo of myself ;) ...jokes, of course.

The top left photo is of Brittney.  We played this game where you sit in a circle and try not to get "killed", essentially.  At the beginning of the game, cards are distributed, whoever gets the joker is the 'killer'.  They wink at people, thus killing them, trying not to get caught by those who are still alive.  It's pretty fun!  People's facial expressions were hilarious throughout the game, so I had to get my camera out.  I randomly started to take a picture of Brian, and right as I did, Brittney "died"! Isn't she a great actress?  She has the eye-roll down and EVERYTHING.  Made for an even better photo (:

Here's a few other photos from the rest of the night!  There were more people but I don't really know them and I think it would be weird to appear on someone's blog without them knowing... right? haha. Oh wait, I just realized I did a group photo at the beginning of the blog.  Awkward.  Well, maybe they'll thank me for the day they get famous because they're on here? Haha. That's funny.

As you may have noticed, Brian got into Arizona State University- go Master Tait!