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.

Happy to be With You

First off, I'd like to know who ordered the snow! It's not supposed to be snowing! It's supposed to be getting sunny, warm, springish and all that jazz! It's 1:22 p.m. and it's still snowing! ARGGGHHHH!!!!! Gads. Oh well, maybe the farmers prayed for more moisture for the crops this year, and this is the answer to their prayers! =)

Okay, so a few friends back in California were asking if I was still playing the guitar and writing music. So, for those wonderful people in Cali and Canada... YES! I am still playing and writing. However, it's nowhere near what I used to do in California, nor on the mission. Thus, here's a little something for you. It's for the good 'ol days and you should remember this song! I wrote it nearly forever ago! My dearest roommate Jen took the video. (You might get a little sick, cause it moves around, but it's only because she was clapping.) I did this for our Branch talent show this past October. It was right before the Guitars Unplugged show at BYU-Idaho! Good times indeed!

Much much love...

Photos of Idaho

Here's a few shots I took around Idaho trying to get a good landscape shot. I won't say which one I liked the best, but hope you like these photos.

The Snake River



Snake River



View from BYU-Idaho



Menan Buttes



Farms near the Menan Buttes

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

Princess Azucena:

I'm having the time of my life taking pictures with my new camera. For those of you who know me, I don't really like "being" in pictures... but this camera rocks! I'm not that picture artistic, but, I think some of these pictures are pretty cool. (I doubt you'll see pictures of me, though... so don't get tooooooo happy.)

This is a picture of my beautiful niece Azucena. Okay... so this doesn't exactly show her princess side... but trust me... she's a princess alright! (And everyone tells her that too!) She was born while I was on my mission. In my "video", she's the one who I have laying face down in my arms, and in order to put her to sleep, I had to rock her back and forth like that. Craziness.

Azucena is officially 2 and the cutest little 2 year old going on 23! Seriously! She's very independant and gets her way with things. She's very very adorable! (I'm a little jealous! I don't think I was ever this cute at her age.) ha ha ha

A BUNCH OF: MENTOS

Here's another picture that I took of mentos on my black jacket. I promise I did not make them bunch up like that to look like a bunch of grapes. (Although, it's kind of a neat thought to take credit for throwing them there!)

Um... Yeah.... That's all I've got to say for the mentos!

Anyone, need a mento? Or feeling mento? ha ha ha... get it? Mental? mento?... okay, so you probably needed to be raised in the islands to get that one. (Such is life.)

THE NEW COCA COLA AD!

Just kidding... But this is a picture I took on the plane ride back from Missouri to SLC. I was drinking apple juice, and the napkin had the "Coca-Cola" label, stuff, on it.

So, thinking the picture would look "cool" I stuck my camera over the cup, and took a picture of it! (Flash and everything baby!) I thought the picture came out pretty cool. What do you think? Uh... well, since I haven't really told people about this blog... it's not like anyone's going to respond to this anyway!

Just another day in the life of me!

Life is Beautiful...

Small happenings...

Well, I'm in Missouri, took my Exam #3 online for Humanities, and now, I'm once again, blogging.

Life is definitely beautiful and wonderful. Although, I'm tired. I'm here with my brother K.B. and his family. I have the best sister-in-law in the world, and their baby girl, Azucena, a.k.a. "Nana". That little girl is definitely a mama's girl! Boy is she ever! I'll post some pictures on here when I get back home.

So, funny story,.. well, not really. My plane got delayed in Idaho Falls! Our plane left just about 1 1/2 hours late. I missed my connecting flight to Kansas City, and had to stay in a hotel room! It was actually pretty nice. (I've never used my credit card for things other than an emergency, and this was definitely an emergency!) It was pretty neat to sleep in a hotel room again!

I think I'm going to put "check into a hotel room just because" at least 5 times on my "life goal" list of things to accomplish. Well, I also got to get food at the local "Carl's Junior", and got some cookies at the gas station. Uh... I thought it was hilarious that I got cat calls and horns honking away! Goodness! I just about died with laughter. Besides, there's not really much to call or honk about! (Well, not that I give away anyway... ha ha ha ha ha!)

The plane ride was long. I got some studying done, but I also did a lot of sleeping. It seems that I usually sleep in my extra time. I never know I'm tired, until I have the time to catch up on much needed rest! Go figure!

Anyway, the trip is great. I bought a digital camera today. It's pretty neat. It's a 12 megapixel, Kodak. I'm not familiar with digital camera's at all, so we'll see how I handle this new contraption. I think I'll be taking more pictures. I bought the camera so I can complete my photography assignment for Humanities. We have to submit photos for the following 5 catergories:

1) Portrait (pic. of person/family pet)
2) Landscape
3) Action
4) Depth of field (either foreground/background should be out of focus)
5) Advertisement (photo should "sell" something)

I have #5 completed already. It's a picture of homemade cinnamon rolls. I thought the pictures make them look sooooo inviting and I would buy them!

Anyway, I'm really excited for this assignment. (Because I missed quiz 16, due to the delayed flight) I have to try harder to get really good grades on the rest of the assignments to make up for the missed quiz.

Okay, I've blogged waaaay too much. I'm outties. PEACE~

Little Surprises...

So... the other day, I found out that a very good friend of mine, Craig Shaver, and his wonderful wife, Bethany, became parents to a very beautiful baby girl named Eden Suzanne Shaver! This is glorious news!

Another little surprise is that I am flying out to Missouri in 5 hours to surprise my father, my brother K.B., and his family for the weekend! My mom and I planned this little trip. I get in before my parents do, *surprise #1 for my dad, then drive 1 hour etc... for *surprise #2, #3 and #4!

I think it's wonderful to be able to put work aside, once in a while, and go be with family! Isn't this what it's all about anyway? Life is all about family...

Oh, and, I got to visit with my roommates nieces last night... makes me want to have babies. I used to think that it was funny when one of my brother's used to say: "My biological clock is ticking"... And now... I'm rebuked by my own ticking "biological clock". Gads. Someday!