Let there be light

Today was another 10 hours of work. I am ready to relax and catch up on reading for book club next week. I have spent the last month working on my application for grad school. The degree would be Masters in Counseling in the Student Development Higher Education Option. I finally submitted my application to CSULB and just need to finish up my letter. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my transcripts show up in the mail tomorrow. Everything is due Monday. I am really cutting it close. Work has become more stressful then ever. I am so grateful that my training for a second triathlon in April is keeping me sane. I have wonderful friends who love and support me! Off to read my book in time for book club Monday night. Hope February ends on a great note for the rest of you!

Long Beach Aquarium

My newphew Jack was left behind while his parents play in Hawaii for 9 days. I had free tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach so I spent my day off on Friday helping follow him around for the morning. I invited my friends Rachel and her two girls, Hillary & Avery along with my parents.

Happy Birthday Becky

Kristin,Laura,Andrea,Becky

Andrea,Becky,Laura,Kristin

The first photo is at Andrea Wedding and the second was taken at Laura Wedding 2007. I met Becky sometime during my first semester at Utah State in 1999. Besides her being a great friend to me she is also a great wife, mother, and talented business women. She has been a huge blessing in my life and opens her home every time I head up to Utah to play. I appreciate her kind heart and fun loving personality. I hope you had a very Happy 27th Birthday and all continues to go well for your family.

My 1st Triathlon

Rachael and I just before the race

And we are off!

We are just finishing the run

Transition Zone

Walking bike down to start line.

On the road

I am taking this corner pretty fast

We are just about done riding and feeling good.

Running bike into transition zone.

I am glad to be done as I wipe the water off my face.

This was as easy as 1-2-3. My number was 123 and it took me 1 hour 23 minutes to finish a 3.3 mile run, 10 mile bike and 250 yard swim. This morning at 5am it was a chilly 39 degrees but the weather warmed up during the race. This race took place on University California Irvine (UCI) campus. A huge thanks for all the best wishes. There was a nice little crowd cheering Rachel and I on the entire time. Thanks to my special photographer for the day. Dad you are the best!

Rock n Bowl

Tonight was great night of bowling while the rain came down in the OC. I did manage to break 100 on the first game. Great group of friends and a fun evening.

February

Aahhhh! I can't believe it is already February. This weekend I threw a party at the house with about 50 guest showing up to mingle and dance. It was a great way to start the month off with my parents out of town. I had the best upcoming DJ spin the music. THANKS Messick!

I had some productive long days and January flew by. I am expecting this year to move along just as quickly. This month there is something going on each night after work and I am excited for life and all that I will be able to accomplish. I have been really diligent about my training for the triathlon in two more weeks. I am working out almost 5 days a week when time permits in the morning for 30 minutes to an hour. This morning at 7am the sun was shinning and the sky was a beautiful blue. My bed was so warm but after 5 minutes of laying there I headed out to the pool for a swim. Just another Great day!

A loved Prophet

Writing my personal thoughts on this blog is something I will be doing very little sharing on. I do feel it is appropriate to share my brief testimony and experience Sunday evening. As I sat down in the fireside Sunday evening I received 4 text message and the first coming from my dad. It was the news that President Hinckley has just passed away in the last hour. My heart became a little softer at that moment. The fireside began and the after the opening remarks the sister conducting turned the time over to President Emmett. Many us already knew the news he was about to share. I watched my father tear up and become emotional in sharing with the group of 500+ young adults how the beloved President of the church had passed away in the last hour at home. His family members and close friends were with him. At that moment I was so grateful for my father and his example and testimony of a living Prophet here on earth. For the last 12 years I have tried to soak in and follow the Prophets council. I truly know that he was a man called of God to lead and guide us through many world events and natural disasters. He always encouraged members to stand a little taller, be a little better, a littler kinder, a little more generous, a little more courteous, a little more thoughtful, a little more outreaching to others. I have been blessed to be in his presences a few times in the last 12 years. While attending college I made it into a few conference sessions and other events in the conference center. Most recently being able to attend the Newport Beach Temple Dedication and him waving hello into the room I was sitting. My love for the temple and testimony is strengthen each time I attend. I am grateful for my membership in the church and my testimony that God lives and that he sent his son to live and die for me so I can return to my Father in Heaven. Funeral Services will be on Saturday February 2, 10:00 am broadcast in most church buildings and KBYU TV.

A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE

I have been blessed with three amazing brothers. The youngest entering the world Jan. 30th 1987. It was not long till I took on the role as playing another mother too him. He endured a lot from me as I was good at bossing him around. He has this wonderful ability to love all those that surround him. He is quick to put his arm around you in any photo. His energy and fun loving spirit has brought a lot of joy to the family. He is a very talented soccer player and skier and all around athlete with little fear. In the last year I watched him become a Man of God loving and studying the gospel daily preparing for his mission to be a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is my little hero! Happy 21st Elder Emmett! He will return home June 2009.

Saturday at Sea World

I don't believe this day could have been any better. My little brother Brian and his new bride to be Jackie were in town for the weekend. I sell Sea World tickets at work discounted and my rep was able to comp me 4 tickets for the day. Love my job! The crowds were small and the weather for a January day was beautiful. I have not been down to Sea World since I was a young teenager. Enjoy the few photos I was able to capture during the day.

Beautiful Friends

Just a few photos from hanging out with friends at the Ure home in Laguna on a Sunday evening.

Loving Lemon Water

In my attempt to drink less Diet Coke I have started to drink more water then usual. By doing this I will have almost 70oz at work each day by squeezing lemons in my water. As you can read below the health benefits are great!

"When life gives you a lemon... squeeze it, mix it with six ounces of distilled water and drink twice daily."

The value of eating lemons is reported by Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden:

"The medicinal value of the lemon is as follows: It is an antiseptic, or is an agent that prevents sepsis [the presence of pathogenic bacteria] or putrefaction [decomposition of tissue]. It is also anti-scorbutic, a term meaning a remedy which will prevent disease and assist in cleansing the system of impurities."

Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently thus controlling constipation and diarrhea.

New Book

I just started reading eat pray love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I just happen to like the title so I will be leaving this up for a while. It is #1 New York Times Bestseller so I will be sure to let you know when I finish if I feel the same way. Hope all of you are enjoying a good book.

8 Dating Tips According to Lauren Frances

I just happen to come across these on my yahoo home page and felt they were worth sharing to the rest of the single world visiting this blog. Enjoy !

Tip 1. Don't be negative about dating. Why should a man pursue someone who isn't happy? It's ineffective manhandling to dump your dating disappointments on bachelor No. 3. Talking to a man about how awful dating is just begs the question, "Are you in therapy?"

Manhandling Tip: Be a romantic challenge, not a mental health challenge.

Tip 2. Don't get tipsy. Always maintain enough sobriety to assess your date's character. Practice restraint, and don't have more than a drink or two when you're out on a first date. Otherwise, how in the world can you possibly observe him and decide if he's remotely right for you?

Manhandling Tip: Always stay sober enough to remember how naughty you were the night before!

Tip 3. Don't talk badly about your exes. I don't care if he cheated on you with your sister, don't recite a laundry list of grievances about your exes. This will only make you sound unavailable at best, or worse, wounded. Reveal your secrets when you're both on a beach in Hawaii or, better yet, engaged!

Manhandling Tip: We all have baggage. Keep it in the closet on first dates.

Tip 4. Don't spook your suitor. Now is not the time to point out your physical flaws. Only bring these complaints to people who can actually do something about them, and not to men who will now be forced to lie to you if they possess good manners.

Manhandling Tip: Confidence is sexy! Sometimes, thoughts are for the inside.

Tip 5. Don't talk about your personal pet peeves. Although your therapist might get butterflies inside when you talk about how traumatized you are by the staggering number of germs that thrive in public restrooms, the typical male will be horrified. You'll have violated the sacred air space of "romantic quality time" and these little monologues of strange pain will be as off-putting as if you started sorting unwashed laundry in a restaurant.

Manhandling Tip: You already know all about you. Keep your problems to yourself and get to know him.

Tip 6. Don't chase your date. Never deprive a man of the thrill of the chase. Besides, it's so much fun being caught! A woman can always initiate a first tea date, but after that, it's up to a man to decide whether he wants to pursue you. Entice men, play with them, and then release them! Allow men to initiate and take the lead in moving your relationship forward.

Manhandling Tip: When men chase you, they're much less likely to fly away.

Tip 7. Don't keep squawking. Don't feel pressured to try to fill up every second with meaningless chatter. If the conversation falls silent for a moment, don't panic, just let it happen. Natural pauses are sexy, and body language can be so much more powerful than words. Slowly smile at him and breathe. You may be surprised when he blurts out in the middle of a deliciously pregnant pause, "Come here and kiss me!"

Manhandling Tip: Remember, sometimes less conversation really is more.

Tip 8. Learn how to leave. Anyone can be pleasant when they're enjoying themselves, but the true test of character is how one behaves when terribly bored, or worse, treated shabbily. There's nothing to be gained by suffering through a terrible date, so if you're having an awful time, depart quickly and gracefully, without being rude. When you're itching to leave, say: "Thank you so much for meeting me. I think it's time for me to go on home, Jerome. (Smile) Take care." Extend your hand for a quick shake, swiftly turn on your heel and depart.

Romantic Rule: If you're on date number one and aren't having fun, release men back into the wild immediately.

Cycling

This morning I finally decided to get back on my bike after a good two month break. The triathlon is in 4 weeks and I figured to be ready I better train a little. I looked out side and didn't see the sun at 7:30am so I planned to dress warm. I also figured it would warm up after I my heart rate was up. I didn't realize how cold it was till I got home to shower and the warm water was almost to painful to bare. My bike is the Ruby and this photo is of an even nicer more expensive version of the bike. Pretty sweet don't you think? I must have the best dad!

BELIEVE

I am feeling crazy and ready to take on 2008. I am registered and getting ready for my first Triathlon on February 16, 2008. The race will take place on UCI campus which almost my backyard being so close by. The race is a little backwards for a usual sprint triathlon beginning with a 3 mile run, 10 mile bike and 250 yard swim. For anyone interested in the race just visit www.ucitriathlon.com/Race.html or if you rather just send good thoughts to my knees and hip will also be welcomed.

Photo was taken during the SLC half marathon 2007

FOR SALE

Long Day

Yesterday at work I received an email about a spin class my friend Melissa was going to be leading and thought it would be fun to check out. I had never been to a spin class but heard they are great. The class was a AWESOME! Well I got a bike for Christmas in 2006 and have only put 120 miles on it. Can you say pathetic? Well you would think with everything being top of line around this house full of cyclist all the time I would have been out on it more often. With the New Year here that is a goal to start riding more to get ready for a sprint triathlon this year. It just needs to warm up in the mornings. I rather be out skiing in cold weather any day then out on my bike. Please feel free to check in and see if I am riding. :) To my riding partner Rachel first Wednesday in February I am there. Anyone up for running, swimming, or cycling let me know.
I must admit I do have it pretty nice when it comes to work usually. I spent 6 1/2 hours at IVC today sitting at the computer getting up just a few times. I got home today helped with dinner then ate and headed up to my computer to work my second job I do for a City Councilwoman. It is now 9:45 pm I am sick of staring at a computer. I figured if I was going to sit at the computer any longer I might as well blog about it. My morning began at 7am so I could make it to the 8:30 session at the Newport Beach temple. It has been a great day and am loving the new year! Off to do something other then sitting at my computer.

New Years Eve

This year for New Years I helped Aubrey host the party of the year! We had 219 RSVP and another 50+ show up that night. Huge success and I was happy to be part of it (even staying till 3am cleaning up the home). I took just over 100 pictures from the night but decided to just select a few. Here is to a GREAT 2008! You can see more pictures on Aubrey blog.

Sunday Dessert Social

Mike, Kristin, Derek

David & Melissa

Kevin, Aubrey, Alex, Melissa

Chris & Me

Me

This was the first attempt in beginning once a month Sunday dessert socials. I invited people over on December 16 and might be planning another one on Jan. 20th. Thanks to everyone who was able to make it.