The Right Choice

I've been reading this website (about 300 women who changed the world) for awhile now. I was ecstatic when I saw the inclusion of gymnast Vera Caslavska, a former Czech gymnast. She is basically the most successful gymnast in history (along with Larissa Latynia), having won more Olympic medals than any gymnast ever. This is not why she made the list however (not the major reason, that is). Take a look at this video. I get goosebumps every time I watch it. Also, read more about her awesomeness here.

Kung Fu Gecko

Via 500px.

The Why Phase

Audrey has officially entered the "why phase." I have to admit, it's more exhausting than I thought it would be and I often want to take the "because" or "because I said so" route. However, it's much more fun to go all the way in the conversation.

Just a quick one...

Audrey (after leaving Target): "Mama, where did the sun go?"

Mama: "The sun went away to let us know it's nighttime and it's time to go to bed... but in the morning, the sun will come back out and tell us to wake up and have a good day."

Audrey: "That's a good idea!"

Very interesting tourism promotions...

I am so over...

Come on, guys. It's not quirky anymore. 

Three movies that scarred me for life (for real)...

#3 - Popeye (specifically the octopus scene)

#2 Watcher in the Woods

#3 - The Incredible Shrinking Woman 

(specifically the garage disposal scene)

Trailer

(couldn't get the embedding to work - sorry!)

Happy Birthday!

To my dear, cancer-free friend, Chad. Cheers!

School is going to make me fat...

While studying today, I ate an entire box of vanilla wafers (somewhat stale- the only way to eat them)! Then I started eating these chocolates, but stopped when I saw the words "milk chocolate flavored." Ewww.

My Tiny Dancer

Sorry, I absolutely hate references to this Elton John song (but it's just too fitting).

"And you're smart!"

My reaction every time someone tells Audrey she's cute or pretty or a princess or beautiful. Sometimes out loud (in front of close friends) and sometimes internally. Not that I don't think those are wonderful compliments, because I do. Just want to keep some balance :).

Audrey's Book Choice Tonight

Lately Audrey and I have been going to Barnes & Noble on some weeknights. It's closer than the library and right between her school and our home. It's just nice for a quick trip. They have a storytelling stage that Audrey dances on for about 30 minutes. I need to get video.

Anyway, this is the book Audrey insisted I read... several times. I want to let Audrey make her own choices when it comes to reading, activities, etc. so they are her own and not mine... so I read it (and cringed internally the entire time).

This is possibly the worst book of all time. To see how horrible, you need to go to this amazon link, so you can see the interior.

Just a few words and names used in this book (it's like they crammed in every "girlish" interest into one book: princesses, marriage, fairies, movie stars, clothes, best friends, boyfriend trouble):

"Gloss Angeles" ~ stylists ~ Princess Graciella ~ Raquelle ~ Zane ~ Crystal ~ fairies ~ opening night ~ movie ~ wedding ~ spotlight ~ red carpet ~ love potion ~ Lilliana Roxelle ~ wings ~ island floating in the sky ~ spell ~ palace ~ "fairy phone" ~ teleporting

This is so me...

Years ago, a seven-year-old gymnast ticked me from behind and my elbows flew back into her face. Black eye. Oops.

For Gymnastics Fans (BEAM)

If you follow women's gymnastics, you're probably super tired of the boring skill-skill-skill beam routines. Every gymnast does the same skills because they code sucks so bad. Front ariel, BHS, LO, front tuck, bad sheep jump, wolf jump, split jump, double tuck or 2.5 twist dismount. Blah, blah, blah.

This is what beam USED to look like (when it was my favorite event)...

Oh, and don't say "but she wobbled" or something like that. That's not what it's about. It's about execution, artistry, extension, and DIFFICULTY (I put that in all caps b/c these routines are so much more difficult than today's)!

NOTE: If you click the link on the top of the video, it will open in a large browser.

#3 Kui Yuanyuan ~ 1997 Worlds

#2 Yang Bo - 1989 Worlds (age limits were lower back then + I could care less how old a gymnast is if she can do this!). The dismount is so sad though.

#3 Olessia Dudnik - 1989 Worlds (tidbit: we considered naming Audrey after this gymnast; I loved her lightness and quiet style). Dismount is again sad. She has done this perfectly, but I can't seem to find a decent quality vid.

Wait For It...

Yesterday and today I BAKED and WORKED OUT! Whoa.

The working out probably isn't very surprising to anyone who knows me since I used to work out religiously. However, since I had Audrey and Dan moved, it has been so hard. Now that I am a full-time student, I have a little more time. And, my health depends on it. I've been having back spasms on a regular basis and hopefully the increased movement and stretching will help. I'm sure it will.

I baked dark chocolate pumpkin muffins and they are pretty darn good. And healthy! Whole wheat and all that :).

My American Apparel Groupon PSA

I have purchased many groupons. Today there is a groupon for $50 worth of American Apparel products for just $25. On the groupon it states:

"Socially responsible, sweatshop-free clothier with wide variety of
chic garment styles & versatile accessories for men & women"

What a bunch of crap. The CEO of American Apparel, Dov Charney, has been accused of and sued for sexual harassment so many times, it's hard to keep count. This is NOT social responsibility. Please do NOT purchase this groupon or shop at American Apparel ever again.

They also have the most sexually exploitive advertising. See the below advertisement for the "riding pant" (this is a very MILD example) I wouldn't care that much about this if their target audience didn't include minors, which is does.