A short story

Hello Friends~

I have never been a fan of writing or sharing anything too personal but this week has brought about many wonderful experiences I don't believe I would have had with out this special Proposition on the ballot. My job at Irvine Valley College as the Student Development Assistant has me working closely with the students in Government and Clubs. First this week I had a student approach me during my lunch break who is part of the club (KCCC) Korea Campus Crusade for Christ. He wanted to teach me about God and had a nice little pamphlet to go through with me. He didn't get very far because I jumped in to let him know about my Father in Heaven and the Savior Jesus Christ. It didn't take me long to bare my simple testimony and add in the importance of Prop 8. He had no clue what it was about and thought about voting no. I am so grateful for my Savior and the Love my Heavenly Father has for me. Today during a stressful Halloween Event I had the opportunity to meet a student who was handing out NO on 8 fliers recruiting for their demonstration tonight at 5:00 on Alton and Culver. I was folding my table covers and asked him to tell me why he would be voting NO. I added I wasn't here to argue or start anything but wanted to see why he was following a NO campaign. I could sense a huge hesitation on his end and he wasn't sure what to tell me. He gave the usual answer about being equal and the judges making the law fair and everything else we have heard. I explained all the reasons why YES is important to me and just added a simple short testimony. I let him know I respected his decision and that this country gives us freedom to vote. To all my friends and family if there is anything I know without a doubt that we have a Father in Heaven who LOVES all his children and sent his son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins so that we may return to him. As the holidays approach and life continues to stay busy for many of you I want to add that I am grateful for your friendship and examples everyday for making a difference and living gospel centered life's.

Happy Birthday Jen

Jen, Kristin, Laura
January 2006

I love my friends and birthdays so I thought I would do another shout out to my dearest college friend Jen Green (now Bell)! I am so blessed that after 9 years from the friendship beginning we are still in each other lives. She is so talented and I respect and look up to her so much. She served a mission, finished her masters degree and just married her best friend June 21, in the Salt Lake Temple. I made some wonderful memories while in school and just wanted to wish her the very best in the new year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Sorry the photo is old but it is all I had on my computer.

taking offers

I have two CHI flat irons for sale! I believe they are going for $80 - $110 online and in stores. I will not let them go for under $60. Make me an offer if you are in need of a flat iron.

Quote 10-27-08

Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others.
Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others.
Remember the sublime words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail: “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Quote of the Week 10-20-08

To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow. This process is very complex and very simple at the same time. Ancient and modern prophets described it with three words: “Keep the commandments”—nothing more, nothing less.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA

Today is Amanda's Birthday and I didn't get to spend the day with her like I did last year on our 25 mile round trip beach cruiser bike ride to Newport Beach. I did get to help celebrate on Saturday night with her many friends for Sushi and dancing after. She is an incredible friend and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I hope this year brings great new adventures and joy in whatever your heart desire! Love you lots!!

This was in October 2007 at Disneyland

This was taken on Amanda birthday 2007 when we rode 25 miles on our beach cruisers down to Newport beach from Irvine.

need a reason to run?

1st Annual Norda's Dr. Pepper, Banana Bread and Cheese Ultra Half- Marathon Run for the Cure.

For all of you that don't know any of the Emmett's you might be missing out. This family all loves Dr. Pepper and my grandmother makes the most amazing banana bread and always seems to have a hot one ready whenever I arrive to town. This is why my uncles and aunt are the coolest people. Feel free to visit http://emmettville.blogspot.com for photos of the run. Since I don't have to live it right now be sure to Pray for Snow!

Jack & Lily are coming to visit

They are bringing their parents but the best part of this weekend is going to be spent hanging out with them. Maybe these two kids are reason to move to Utah?

For Sale- What should I do?

This information is not a surprise to me but has come at well an interesting time in life. When I was making plans to move home from college in July 2004 the house was on the market. It was taken off the market in September because of my father’s new calling in the ward as well you guessed Bishop. I was saved! I was over living in Utah and ready to be back to warm weather year around. I am about 60% behind the idea and am getting more and more use to the thought of moving myself. If I don’t find a better paying job in Orange County before the house sales I will be moving along till something else comes my way. I am asking each you that have an extra minute post a comment where you think I should move next. By far this poll is nowhere close to the voting we can all do on November 4. I will be back blogging again after the elections. Any free time that I have is going to help the grassroots effort for Proposition 8 to protect marriage.

Places that I am considering looking for work

Orange County

D.C

Arizona

San Francisco

Utah

10-13-08 Quote YES on Prop 8

“The issue before us with Proposition 8 is “marriage” – an ancient, yet modern, human institution which pre-exists both Church and government. Marriage, history shows us, is intrinsic to stable, flourishing and hospitable societies. Although cultural differences have occurred, what has never changed is that marriage is the ideal relationship between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation and the continuation of the human race.

-A Statement of the Catholic Bishops of California in Support of Proposition 8: A Constitutional Amendment to Restore the Definition of Marriage.

Sunday

I have learned over the years that when someone pays me a compliment I need to just say Thank You and not try to rationalize why someone would have something nice to say. It always makes me feel better after a friend or even stranger has something nice to say. Since kind words make me feel better I try each day to find the good in other as well. Today while I was driving home from church I had the windows down and was singing along to my church music. It was a beautiful day with clear blue sky's. I was sitting at the light and pulled next to a little older gentlemen who is looking over at me so I turn my head to offer up a little smile and he says "You are very pretty" I said thank you and the light changed shortly and I was off. It felt nice to hear kind words so I hope each of you remember how you feel when even a complete stranger has something nice to say. It can be very difficult sometimes to offer up compliments so start small and let someone close to you know how wonderful they are. Here is to a another wonderful week in October and I plan to be back really blogging again by November.

Quote 10-06-08

"I do not complain," Anne said." Papa says complaining is an activity just as jumping rope or listening to the radio is an activity. One may choose to turn on the radio, and one may choose not to turn on the radio. One may choose to complain, and one may choose not to complain. I choose not to complain."

"Our very lives are fashioned by choice, Mr Ponder. First we make choices. Then our choices make us."

From the book The Traveler's Gift

09-29-08 Quote

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Marin Luther King

Happy Birthday!

This is a special Monday post on top of my usual Monday quote. I am doing well and staying pretty productive with all the extra things I am involved with beside having a job. I should be back blogging by the end of October.

Today I would like to express my gratitude for friendships. After leaving college 4 years ago the most difficult part was saying good-bye to so many wonderful friends. I have been blessed over the years with so many wonderful friends and a great loving family. This post is to wish my newest friend Morgan a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. We met on a jetblue flight to Utah in May when I was fortunate enough to sit on her row. She is kind, funny, intelligent, accomplished, beautiful, sincere and thoughtful just to name a few. I have come to really appreciate her love for the gospel and desire to be a righteous daughter of God. She will listen to me talk about anything and reminds me of how important I am. May you have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY and hope turning a year older brings new joy and adventures living in Newport Beach.

With Love

09-22-08 Quote

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~Nelson Mandela

Monday Quote 09-15-08

Risk-taking, trust, and serendipity are key ingredients of joy. Without risk, nothing new ever happens, without trust, fear creeps in. Without serendipity, there are no surprises.

Blog Stalking

Hello Friends

I love all of you that check in on a weekly bases. I do feel the LOVE. I have two choices to either stop blogging and let you keep checking waiting to see a post or tell you so you don't waste time checking. I will continue to post the Monday Quote but my blogging days are done till I accomplish some of the list below. I just feel I need to spend time accomplishing new things before this year ends. I image I will make time toward the end of each month to update on my progress. Wish me luck and be sure to come back again.

1. Finish reading the book of Mormon
2. Finish another triathlon
3..................................
4. Meet Mr. Right
5. Ride 100 miles on my bike
6. Start attending a dance class weekly
7. Finish another book
8. Lose Weight
9. Volunteer time with children

LOTOJA

My family in Jackson Hole the next morning

Support Crew for Casey

An old friend from college was also supporting a rider

My sister in law Jackie and me in Idaho for the first stop

LOTOJA is a bike race from Logan Utah that ends in Jackson Hole Wyoming. This was my Dad 6th year and my 5th year supporting. The race is pretty insane, watching over 1,000 cyclist ride 206 miles in one day. I realize the ride itself is a challenge but driving the support car is also very difficult. The two biggest challenges for driving the support car is first getting to the feed zone in time, finding parking, then making sure the water bottles and food are in the muzet bags and are ready for hand off. Then you stand there for 15 minutes watching for the rider to arrive. The second part that can be difficult is driving on the two lane highway making sure not to hit riders and also avoid the oncoming traffic. I was driving my brother's Ford 150 and that is not a small easy car to drive or park. The truck made it safely to Jackson Hole. This year at mile 80 while I was waiting, my brother John arrived after having a massive crash where he went down and cracked his helmet during the 2 times his head hit the asphalt. He got back up and rode with some bloody knees and road rash on his leg. The most amazing part is that he took 3rd place in his age group and did it in just over 10 hours. He is my hero and I admire him so much. (I have photos but am not posting). This is always my favorite weekend to kick off the fall season. Next year I hope I am ready to do the relay with my two younger brothers. Michael will have returned home from his mission and Brian said he is over riding the whole thing. Team Emmett's are ready to make great time. Time to get back on my bike and starting riding more!!

09-08-09 Quote

No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve-and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence.

~ Gordon B. Hinckley

strike a pose

I thought I would give modeling a shot. Well, not really, but I did manage to get a few great shots out of the 20 minutes I spent with my cousin in Logan. Thanks Michelle! Love you!!

Happy Labor Day! Monday Quote 9/1/08

Happy Labor Day! I can't believe September is already here. I really enjoy the fall season and I would appreciate it more in Utah where all the leaves change and you see the rainbow of colors in the trees. I am blessed in California with year round great weather. I am off to Utah this week to spend one of my most favorite weekends each year. I love spending time with my family and supporting my dad and brothers for the bike race LOTOJA. It is a 200 mile rode bike race beginning in Logan UT and finishing in Jackson Hole WY. My job is to support the riders providing fresh water and food along the way. This will be my dad 6th year and my 5th year supporting riders.

Today for my Monday quote I have pulled a line out of the book I am reading by Andy Andrews. It is a little long but worth the read and just maybe it may help you this week.

"A person who moves neither left nor right is destined for mediocrity. When faced with a decision, many people say they are waiting for God. But I understand, in most cases, God is waiting for me! He has given me a healthy mind to gather and sort information and the courage to come to a conclusion. I am not a quivering dog, indecisive and fearful. My constitution is strong and my pathway clear. Successful people make their decisions quickly and change their minds slowly. Failures make their decisions slowly and change their mind quickly. My decisions come quickly, and they lead to victory."

Beauty enters your heart through all the senses

The Giant Jesus over looking the ocean

A Sunset

The best tacos ever made can be found at this little place

Girls with style hanging out in the pool

Some fireworks

The group over looking the beach at Sunset

I spent this weekend down in Rosito Mexico about 45 minutes south of the boarder. The best part of the weekend was time away from my cell phone and internet. I found peace for a brief moment during this fast trip south of the boarder. I appreciate vacations and the opportunity to see some of the world. I got to travel with a wonderful group of friends and glad it all came together so well. I hope you enjoyed some of the photos.

Monday Quote 8/25/08

Today's quote comes from the fireside I attended last night by Brother Matthew Richardson. I was so inspired and loved the council given on hope and faith. He touched on having Hope as a standard. As a Latter Day Saint I often forget the small tender mercy of why things are happening to me. The words "Hang on and out last the devil" couldn't ring more true in this world. With this year just flying by my hope is that I grow as an individual making changes necessary to progress in this world both physically, spiritually and mentally.

"There is no pain so great as hope unfilled"

A birthday party with a some Sun, Sand, & Water

Happy Birthday to Laura! I adore and cherish her friendship. It all begin when we moved in Valley View Tower in Logan Utah in August 1999. We grew up in the same ward but the friendship really began to grow when we became roommates in college. I assisted in the meeting her eternal companion and was a bridesmaid in June 2007. Today for her birthday her wonderful husband Greg hosted a beach party in Newport. There was YUMMY food plus GREAT company made for a sweeeet day at the beach.

The week ends the weekend begins

Let's Go Angels! They may not have won tonight but the company and game was very enjoyable. It was a sweet night to end my week of luck and lots of great news that come my way.

So Lucky

I have been having a great week and my luck has contuinued today. This week at work is "flex week". This is the one week piror to classes beginning. The campus is pretty quite allowing all the employees to finish up prep work. They also hold classes and lectures to help get the energy going for the new 2008/2009 school year. Today during the health fair everyone that attends gets placed in the drawing. I also picked up some free stuff and fliers. Last year I won a bag from the raffel and this year I took home a $25 gift card to Corner Bakery. So tonight I took my parents out to dinner then my mom and I went to the movie to see Mamma Mia. It was another fun night out and I enjoyed the movie and music in the show.

Dinner and Disneyland

On Wednesday night a group gathered for dinner at PF Changs in Anaheim to celebrate Eric Birthday. Following dinner we met up with more friends to play at Disneyland. Just part of my awesome week.

Ali, Wendy, Morgan, Kristin
Kristin, Dan, Helman

Some of the group

More of the group at the end of the evening

Hunted Mansion

A large Lego

What a week!

Dave Matthews Concert 08/19/2008

After returning home from my weekend in Vegas I have enjoyed a great week so far. Monday night I heard some sweet news from two different friends that made my night. Then I joined my friend Tracy for dinner at Taco Rosa. Tuesday night I drove up to LA to see Dave Matthews for my 4th time. These tickets were given to me just hours before the concert. THANKS HILLARY! LV YA. I walked in at 8:15pm to the Staple Center and Dave played from 8:30-11:00. Another great concert but on a sad note that a band member passed away early that day.

"It is easier to leave then be left." ~ Dave Matthews

Check this out!!

A lady that works in the district office did a little article about me. Feel free to go check out her blog.

http://nonoccupationalhazards.blogspot.com/

08-18-18 Quote

"There is no obstacle too great, no challenge too difficult, if we have faith."

~ Gordon B. Hinckley

Here is to another wonderful week in August. I really love the council that has been given to us to live better lives and remember the importance of having faith.