Dessert & Dancing ~

DESSERT:

Aren't you jealous?

Just kidding! Okay. So, this past weekend I got to go to California for a commemorative show to my Grandmother. It was a last minute decision to go. (I'm glad I went.)

"What's with the pink stuff" you may ask? Well, let me tell you! This is a picture of one of my favorite desserts. It's strawberry mochi ice cream! It's sooooo good! I ordered this just for myself! (Yes, I was greedy, but Mochi Lovers can relate!)

Here's a picture of my niece lovin' up on the mochi ice cream too! I can't say that I blame her. After all, she takes after me! ha ha ha! (That's such a lie!) She definitely has a little mind of her own, and she'll tell you that too! She was the cutest thing to watch though!

It was fun to watch her pull my sister-in-law's hair, stick the hashi (chopsticks) up her own nose, in her eye, then on other people's plates. I think she had duck for the first time too. She was grinding away! (She's definitely obtained the Baclayon appetite!)

Oh, and she LOOOOOVVVVEEEESSSSS to go to the "potty". That doesn't necessarily mean she uses the washroom, but hey... better safe than sorry, right?

DANCING:

**WARNING** Slapping yourself and jumping around like an ape (or mad man) should not be done at home. Leave it to the professionals.

(P.S. They are not professionals. Many of them are first timers.) The crazy guy at the end is my brother. (Sorry ladies, he's taken.) =)

The Elk Lodge was beautiful and decorated in absolute awe! Many of my grandmother's students and the students of her descendants were there. It was like a great big family reunion! There were people you were some of my grandmother's very first students! (I wish I had my camera on other parts of the night.)

Here's how packed we all were:

(Sorry it's so blurry.) Anyway, you get my drift. This place was standing room only!

Not to mention that it was really hot! (I couldn't wait to get home and jump in the shower.)

Anyway, if I can find a picture of my grandmother, I'll put her on here.

Let's see, some other snip-bits, I got to go to the Tri-Valley Ward for sacrament meeting. It was great to see a few familiar faces. (Even though a lot of them were new.) How I miss my California!

Sniff, Cough, Hack, Gag...

Well, that's pretty much what I'm doing these days. I'll admit it... "I have the flu"! It's finally Spring, and I have the stinkin' flu! The only thing I've seen that's good come out of it, has been dropping 1 1/2 pounds, because I can't keep things in... Oh well, such is life.

Today, I didn't go to my MS 115 class. (I slept instead.) I can just hear everyone on Monday... "Pili... why weren't you hear on Friday? There's no excuse for being sick!"... My response will be, "I'll give YOU an excuse!!!" As I lovingly kick the Lieutenant or Major in the shin, while smiling and enjoying myself. Of course all of this is playing out in my head while the real answer slips from my lips... "Yes, Sir!" **Then, I drop and have to do 20 push-ups** (Of which, I will totally rock at!!!)

OH!!! Here's something funny. Who starts talking about Bob Marley, and then busts out "Don't Worry, Be Happy"! I had to laugh. (Well, not really, I was doing push-ups at the time.)

Anyway, life is beautiful, I'm not feeling well, friends all around me are getting married, having babies, dating people, and then there's me. I guess I can't be the best at everything I do... yet. =) (That will be a totally different blog regarding the affections of the heart.)

PINK!!!

I just realized that I saved my blasted blog in PINK! I can't stand pink! I figured I'll keep it pink to see if any of my friends really read this. If so, feel free to make comments! ha ha ha ha ha

One love~

P.S. I had the Joshua James band stay at my house on Saturday night! HECK YEAH!

MS 115, Lungs and Jackson

First off: HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!

Whether you're a mother, expectant mother, grandmother, aunt etc, hope your day was fabulous!!! =)

So... Class on Wednesday, 7th of May, resulted in the MS 115 & Ranger Challenge class running ladders on the field with push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks etc... between each run. Towards the end, when we had to run the 5 yard "suicides", I was definitely out of breath.

Oh... so, is a heart rate of 138 normal, after "walking" up a flight of stairs? NO! So, I went to the doctors because that got me concerned, especially since we have mold in our house and I've been progressively getting sick. Well, the doc found some stuff in my lungs. We're trying to rule out other things first. MEANING, I'm on drugs. Yup, antibiotics, puffers, inhailants etc. One of the big side affects I've had so far are 1) vomitting and 2) tremors. Honestly, I could handle the first, the second, on the other hand (ha ha... pun intended... okay, never mind...), is frustrating. It takes about a good 45 minutes for my hand, right hand specifically, to stop shaking. It's pretty bad when I'm typing and keep hitting double letters or double numbers. (Maybe the next time I take my inhailer, I'll get on this and type without correcting myself, that way, you can crack a joke or get a good laugh.) =)

Side note: Sad day, plans for Memorial Weekend might change. No comment.

Okay, so I was asked to post a few photos on here, and even though I know what the person meant, here's some photos... not of me... well, maybe here you go.

DRIVING PHOTO:

I thought this was a neat shot! I love digital cameras! I think it's been one of my best purchases yet!

(And thanks to Bro. Andersen for encouraging our class to take pictures, too!)



Oh, and these pictures are of me taking A.D. and Scott's things to Jackson. (I went to Jackson
through Swan Valley. It was beautiful, although the pictures may not look like it.


WATERFALL PICTURES:

This is a cool waterfall I saw on the side of the road. I got excited, and decided to take a picture of it. liked this picture... (on the left) Kind of neat!
Story behind the the two water pictures:

Has anyone ever told you to "never slam on your break in the middle of traffic, or especially in the middle of the road"? ha! Well, yeah, don't ever do that! =)

As I was drving through one of the mountain passes, I saw this little waterfall off the opposite side of the road, and as thankful as some one who slams their brakes in the the middle of a highway, I was very thankful that no one was behind me. (Actually, I think I was the only one on the entire highway!) I turned around and jumped out of the car like a little girl who just got a favorite doll or something, and ran/ skipped to the water. If anyone was watching, they would've gotten a big kick out of my giddiness to see a waterfall!


ANTLER ARCHES PICTURE:

This next picture is of the antler arches in Jackson Hole. While I was waiting for A.D. and Scott to drive up from Utah, I took the priviledge to "window shop". (Afterall, it was Sunday!) I stuck my camera in the arches and figured that some kind of a "cool" shot would come out of this, and guess what? I think It's kind of funky!

Oh well, such is my life, eh?

BEAR PHOTO:

For those of you who have been to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you may recognize the different animals that are carved into the sidewalk posts. This bear is one of them. I thought it was cute and took a picture. =)

Hope you enjoyed the "photos".

52 Push-ups!!!!

Oh yeah baby!!! I did 52 push-ups!

Today, we ran through campus, up 3rd S., past Yale St. up to the dead end past the temple to 1st W., and back to the Hart Gym.

Major Wilson expressed that after the run, females owed 20 push-ups and males owed 50. One of the guys next to me did 50 and 1 for kicks and giggles. After everyone left, I kept going. And I did 52! All 52 done guy's style!

By the end of the semester, the guys need to do 50 push-ups in 2 minutes, and 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes! I'm going for gold on that one and push myself to keep up with the guys.

I'm so excited for the 1/2 marathon and to improve my muscles and strength on running, push-ups and sit-ups!

Having said that, wish me luck and keep praying that I'll get stronger, faster and endure longer!

"Tough things don't last, but tough people do!" - Larry Wickham

Day 3 - MS 115

So, today was day 3 of Military Physical Conditioning, and guess what? I was late. GADS! Fortunately, we had a guest instructor (or rather, unfortunately), who didn't know our names. Sad thing is, I feel bad! I slept through my alarm clock and before I knew it, the clock read 6:00 AM. But the time I rolled out of bed, prayed, took my pills, found clothes to wear, used the washroom, threw on some shoes and was out the door, it was 6:20. I was a few seconds late getting into formation, but in military time, THAT'S STILL LATE!

Oh well, I'll get over it. Today we had another run around campus, and guess what? I had more energy and strength to run it! (Thanks Eleena.) I still came in as the last female, but you know what, it doesn't matter, because I'm not in a competition with other people. I'm in competition with myself. I didn't stop as often, and when I did, I didn't make them as long.

The downhill was pretty easier as well too. I find that I tend to shuffle rather than taking "strides". So, on the downhill portion, I was practicing "not crossing my arms in front of my chest" when I ran, taking longer "strides" and "breathing". Believe it or not, my breathing, when I run, is as if I never get enough air. I'm working on breathing at an even pace making sure that my lungs and body get enough oxygen.

And here's a little discovery... I have biceps again! Seriously folks. I don't have to flex to feel my bicep muscle anymore. I just lift my arm at a 90 degree angle, and BAM BABY! I'm all muscular and sorts! Okay, so the bottom "flap" of my arm, I'm working on as well. (After all, that would be pretty weird looking to see someone with bicep muscles in the front, and then a bunch of skin sagging on the back.) Eww. Just the thought of that weirds me out.

Anyway, I'm excited for the 1/2 Marathon! I know how it feels to endure to the end, and I know I can be successful at it too. Keep praying and sending good thoughts my way! Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to run the campus again, and then head to hula. (Talk about getting a work out!)

Make it a great weekend, and take a walk somewhere. In whatever capacity, just be active!

Paz...

Run, Squat, Jump, Push, Cruntch

Welcome to my life of Military Physical Conditioning.

Okay. First off, let me say that I'm really sore! My body hurts immensely. Today was the first day of doing "actual" physical conditioning. How embarrassing. The girl that I ended up being partners with totally showed me up and kicked my trash at everything we did. (I think I'm going to get a new partner.) =) Not to mention that by the time I was jogging back to the Hart Building, people where already driving/walking to their first class that either starts at 7:45 or 8. I DO NOT want to feel that way again. I guess now more than ever, I'm pissed off enough to push myself harder and do better.

Tomorrow at 0630 I start training with Major Williams and/or Major Esplin. Major Williams indicated that if I was serious about getting physically fit, that I could join him Tuesdays and Thursdays. Well, you know where I'll be!

I'm determined to be the best me. So! Here's to getting my body whipped in shape by the Military.

Simper Fi, Do or Die.

www.eclipsesingers.com

One of the many things I absolutely love about my job, is the opportunity to help other departments, in the Division of Continuing Education, with their different programs!!!

This past weekend was the Best of EFY (Especially For Youth), and the speakers were amazing! So much truth and light that they shared, and personal experiences, I felt, really connected with the youth.

However, I must say that for me, the best part of this was getting to listen to one of my favorite groups: "ECLIPSE"!!!! (Aren't you jealous!) Okay, maybe not, but that's okay. I soaked in the music for all of us! There were 3 of my friends that also assisted with the BEFY, and I've turned them into Eclipse junkies! It was nice to be able to work with Eclipse, and to see them at a fireside last night too. (P.S. Don't tell President Palmer that I skipped Sunday School to make a "to go" dinner, and Brian skipped Elder's Quorum to stand in on a blessing and then to get good seats at the fireside.)

The fireside was wonderful! Great stories and great music. (You know, I don't think I introduced myself to any of the guys. ha ha ha... oh well... serves me right, eh?) Hey, Patrick Rose was even there, that was cool!

Anyway, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go buy their new album! I promise, you will NOT regret this purchase. Oh and P.S., please don't burn their album and spread it around. These guys have families to support.

Much much love, and thanks for reading.

2 Timothy 4:7

Yesterday a great man passed away. My dear friend and co-worker, Larry, passed away from cancer and an inoperable tumor. The tumor was massive and growing at an extensive rate consuming and destroying everything in it's path. This University and it's many surrounding areas and states will definitely miss this great man, his accomplishments and his passion to work and serve hard.

Lately, I've been wanting to do something different. Something that I can say that I've accomplished, and be healthy and love myself even more for. Something that stretches me and allows me to grow and to conquer the "impossible" and the "yeah, rights's". SO, I signed up to run a 1/2 marathon.

Yes, you read that correctly, on June 14th, I'm running the Teton Dam Marathon. http://www.dammarathon.com/ The course will be 13.14 miles. (Remember, this is a 1/2 marathon.) The longest I've ran is a 10k back in grade 11 and 12, so this will be quite the challenge for me. I've usually considered myself a "swimmer", and now, I'll be a "runner". My goal for this 1/2 marathon: "To Finish My Course".

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"

This race will be for Larry. The next event I'll train for? I don't know... maybe the Rush Triathlon 2009. Stay tuned.

Larry: This one's for you.

Life Happens

A friend of mine held her daughter as she passed away surrounded by her family's love.