cupcake wars

*the gathering*

I had a 4 day weekend in February.  Seemed like the perfect time to determine once and for all which L.A. bakery made the best cupcake.  This was no small challenge.  I needed a sidekick who was up to the challenge as well.  Lucky for me, my friend Slamanda Whiplash (roller-derby name) was willing and able.  I set out on a cupcake gathering voyage through Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Brentwood.  My three hour journey led me to Vanilla Bake Shop, Crumbs, Sprinkles, Sweet E's, and Susie Cake's.  Slamanda added to the contest with her own creation and with a few cupcakes from Hotcakes.

*the criteria* 

The categories were vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter chocolate and fruit.  Each cupcake was judged for frosting, cake and overall taste.  Data was recorded on a paper plate.  

*the preparation*

Everyone knows eating cupcakes on an empty stomach is not wise.  We prepared for cupcake wars by eating a fabulous burger, sweet potato fries, and Coca-Cola Light from Father's Office 

Delish.

*the contest*

First - the vanillas: 

Second - the peanut butter chocolates (please note the diet cherry coke):

*the results*

cupcake comas

We almost didn't make it past the vanillas.  Barely shoved down the peanut butter chocolates.  It was definitely a war.  Maybe it was the burger we ate before.  Or the diet cherry coke used to wash them down.  We could barely move, as you can see.

We did come to some conclusions -it was a war and someone had to win.  In the vanilla category - best frosting:  Vanilla Bake Shop.  Best overall vanilla cupcake: Crumbs.  In the peanut butter category - best frosting: Slamanda's! Best overall cupcake:  Crumbs.  Which means...best overall cupcake....Crumbs!  Sad to see Vanilla Bake Shop fall from being my personal favorite but giddy to find a new favorite. 

Too bad I'm never eating another cupcake again....

st. george 1/2 marathon

A few months ago my brother signed up for the St. George 1/2 marathon and asked if I wanted to run too.  I was excited to run because the St. George 1/2 is the first 1/2 I did, and thought it would be fun to run with my brother on his first 1/2.  I flew into Vegas Friday night and drove with Ryan and his family to St. George.  We all chatted the on the drive to St. George and over dinner before hitting the sack early.

Pre-race photos - nerves, cold and ready to get moving!

The Las Vegas Crew

Post race - hardly broke a sweat - ha!

(Note: Those tin foil blankets really keep you warm!)

It was great running a race with my brother.  It really doesn't matter who finished first so I won't mention it but will say I didn't train...  I love when people catch the running bug.  Hopefully he'll run many more races and I will get to run some of them too.  Congrats Ry!  And thanks for inviting me to join you. 

Around mile 3 I was thinking about the girls that got me into running and wished they were running too.  I may have teared up a bit.  Around mile 12 I heard a cow bell ringing in the distance.  It put a smile on my face and put a little more pep in my step.  Then the ringing slowed.  I looked up to see where it had gone and noticed a girl walking away, with the cowbell swaying slowly by her side.  As I passed her, wishing she would start ringing it again, I turned to look at her and.... it was SARAH!  I freaked out and hugged her then she started running with me.  She pointed out Candace and Sandy who were holding posters and cheering me on as well.  I was super surprised!  Of course at that point I really started crying which made the last mile even more awesome as everyone saw my tears and cheered me on like it was the race of my life.  Awesomeness.  They made a last minute midnight road trip, staying in a shady motel to cheer me on.  Is this friendship??  I think so!!  Lovely.

Love the signs!

"What are you doing here????"

Friends fo life.

I kind of look like a professor in this picture with my turtleneck and smoking jacket, do you see it?

good riddance

2010 was less than stellar.  It was pretty awful.

And it kept with that theme right until the end.  While I was in Utah for Christmas this happened:

**Note: side dent was from another "awesome" 2010 event**

And then I got sick. Double boo.  

My roommate introduced me to this song and I love it.  It was the theme song of 2010.  Have a listen:

Even though it was a general fail, 2010 did have some pretty fantastic events, and happy times.  Here is a run down of the good ones:

*70 degree winter days*Lisa's wedding*new nephew*completed my first 100 mile bike ride*family vacation at the Oregon Coast*becoming closer with friends*getting my first teaching job*Sarah's wedding*several weekend visits from friends*visit from mom*Disneyland (twice!)*Christmas at home*and lots and lots of LOVE*

I strolled back into San Diego at 7:30 PM on New Year's Eve.  Lucky for me my friend Jen was having a small gathering at her house.  Turns out I DID have a party to wear a fancy dress too.  I may have been overdressed and this may be a horrible picture but at least I got to wear a party dress.

Good riddance 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is to a fabulous 2011.  Stay tuned....

holidaze

I call them holidaze because they were action packed and went too fast.  My holidaze were full of love as I hope yours were too.  Unfortunately, I was lazy with my picture taking and did not capture many of the lovely moments.  Here are a few...

Making gingerbread houses with these nuts.

and...that's it.  I could've sworn I had more...

bomb factory

I have a knack for picking great places to live and work.  Have you heard about the bomb factory house in San Diego?  Specifically Escondido, roughly a mile from my school?  Well if you haven't, here are some nice links for you.  We are on lockdown tomorrow while the house burns.  With no heating or air-conditioning.  Should be pretty awesome.

'Bomb Factory' Evacuations

Burn to Proceed

party dress

I am a little sad I don't get to go to a fancy holiday party this year.

Two years ago my work party was at this swanky hotel downtown.

Last year it was a dinner cruise around the bay.

I don't have a reason to wear a fancy party dress this year.

 I just might pull a Monica/Phoebe/Rachel and get dressed up at 

home and have my own party - for 1.

*Minute 1:07 is where it gets really funny.*

i made it!

That's right kids, I made it to my first holiday break.  And not a moment too soon.  I've been 90% unproductive since Friday at 4:00.  A lot of laziness with the intention to stop being lazy.  Intention is worth something, right?  I am finally emerging from my laziness.  I even set a goal for one thing I need to accomplish everyday of vacation.

• Yesterday - clean my room - CHECK!
• Today - finish the home work that was due two weeks ago - I'll do it when I'm done blogging (master of procrastination).
• And that is it so far...baby steps people.  Baby steps.

One more thought before I get moving on that homework....  Last week in my Primary class we talked about service.  Today one of my Primary kids raised his hand and said, "I like to sit on my sister's head and fart."  Apparently we need to go over what it means to "serve".  He is probably my favorite.

Good night!!