Thanksgiving

What am I most thankful for?




My grandparents! And the 23 people in the above photo. =)

For raising four beautiful girls in the faith of Jesus Christ, one of whom is MY Momma.

For keeping Jesus at the center of their life, and leading by example.

For always supporting me, whether at sporting events (all the way into college!), my studies or in my own faith walk.

And for knowing about Bieber fever, water skiing at 70 and for creating family memories that we all cherish

Thanks NANA and GRANDPA!

The 13 cousins


My SISTER!

(And yes the sign reads, Sisters from the start, friends from the heart)

Dad+Daughter Weekend

After anxiously awaiting and counting down since June! This weekend I got to spend time with my Dad while he visited me in CA.

On Friday, I had a few work related items to take care of, but then we were off to LA. We visited the Getty Museum in LA, what amazing views of the city and the ocean. LA is so flat you can see as far as you wish, and I felt I could see my home 30 some miles away. Dad's camera holds all the pictures from the museum...

Saturday started off with a Dad-Daughter run around town. Next up we went to the Coliseum, which a very neat stadium filled with such history. Unfortunately the Dawgs didn't show up to play and got crushed. But we did get to see the police escort the team as they drove by us on the freeway, watched them get off the bus and walk into the stadium AND I got my picture with one of my favorite (really Mom's favorite) ex-Husky basketball players.

We finished off the evening watching more football! What a great but too short of a weekend with my Daddy.



People asked me when I graduated from UW... I guess I fit into the crowd, sorry WWU.



Throwing out the "W"



Me and Quincy



The view from our seats, don't worry we were sitting in the sea of PURPLE!

quick update

A quick update on my life here!

1. I received my completion form from school. Which means I have finished ALL of my course work for APU! I just picked up my research paper which we had bound like a hard-back book! (If you want to do this for any of your books you are writing, Staples does the trick. It WAS easy!)

2. I have applied for the the California PT License and to take the National Board's Test on 12/5/2011. The testing location is yet to be determined at this point.

3. It also means that I can work as a PTLA - Physical Therapist Licensed Applicant. That means I can be completely independent as a "PT", I just need to have my charts co-signed. This came in the mail today!!!

4. I am currently working part time at a clinic near my house, to make cash to pay for all of these expenses (it isn't cheap!). I am hoping I can continue working with them, to fill in my other days once I start working with Kaiser.

5. My weekend plans include STUDYING! and watching the Dawgs (hopefully they can make it an interesting game). Dad is coming down to visit me next weekend, and we are going to take in the USC v UW game. It should be lots of fun, the last time he was here was to move me into my place.

6. Yes, it rained today. And yes I plan to go running in the rain!

7. I dog sat for Theresa this past weekend, we slept in our sleeping bag, gave auntie morning wake-up kisses, watched some football (his Bear's had a bye weekend) and went on walks together.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!




From: Lady and the Tramp

I'm a fan of homemade costumes, so after much research on the internet this was what we decided on going as. One of my classmates had a get together at her place where we wore the costumes.

In search of FALL

I'm trying my best to find fall, but 100 degrees weather last week made it difficult.

I miss the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp cold air and the excuse to wear sweats and snuggle up to watch football. In my attempt I lit a candle with an apple cinnamon scent and whipped up some pumpkin pie cupcakes.

Source: gallamorewest.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

The hope is they turn out looking like this!

I started with the following ingredients. Mixing first the dry and then the wet before combining them together.



Then folding in the pumpkin. It called for only 15 oz, but I was unable to find the right sized can. That only means one thing, more pumpkin baking.



Here they are in the oven, I enjoyed the swirled colors.

This post has a sad ending.

I left the cupcakes unattended on the kitchen table, and when I went to check on how they were cooling. Mr. Wrigley had either climbed up a chair onto the table or one was knocked off the cooling racks. I found evidence of cupcake crumbs, at least someone got to enjoy them!

I guess though, that only means one thing, this cupcake lady will have to try the recipe again!

Beach Run

This weekend I ran with Jessica from Pier to Pier! It was a gorgeous Saturday morning,

(The Sunrise on my way to Jess's)

and I couldn't think of a better way to start my day then with one of my besties doing an activity I love. It took me back to my times running the trails with Jenny and then going to the Farmer's market. How I miss those days and memories.

Jenny was with me in spirit though. Nobody was able to miss me running on the beach in my bright yellow shirt. This was the inaugural wearing of the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Running Shirt". I'm glad I could wear to such an event.


The event was hosted by a friend of Jess's who on his 60th birthday decided he wanted to have everyone run/bike from Huntington to Newport. The event is now in it's 20th year, complete with t-shirts. Friends and family meet at his house, where he has rented a charter bus that transports everyone to the 'start line' and then picks them up at the finish. It was a 5.75 mile run on the beach (aka the sand). I told him this was an AWESOME idea, and if he didn't mind could I steal it? His response was just don't wait until 60! Will do!

Wish I were a Cowgirl

Wish I learned to Rope and Ride! - The words from a Toby Keith song.




This weekend I went to the Rodeo with Jessica and Katrina (who both lived in the room next to me!). Haha. It was fun to sport my belt buckle and be country for the day. We watched barrel racing and bull riding. And might I say the cowboy who posted the highest scores was a Home Boy from Washington!

Girls Night Out

Sometimes it is a pain to be a girl... But sometimes it has it perks.

Three Blondes especially. = )

On Friday night we went out to BJ's. For birthday's they give out Pizookie's (warm cookie topped with ice cream). The waiter asked if we wanted one... I just mentioned to him my birthday was last month.


Theresa's Birthday!



My birthday!


Katrina's Birthday!

Then Monday night we went to Olive Garden. Our waiter happened to be someone I knew from undergrad. He surprised us with Pumpkin Cheesecake, his treat.

I guess life isn't too bad as a girl. YAY for nights out with the ladies.

Weddings. . .

Weddings are great places to reunite with old friends! This summer I got to enjoy weddings of three dear friends from various times in my life. The first wedding was a college reunion and catching up with track and Bible study friends. The second wedding was one of my PT classmates (we hadn't been in the classroom for awhile, so it was great to see everyone). And this last wedding was the first Rock wedding.

During college I lived in a house named the Rock. It was tradition to hang 'family photos' up. We decided to liven up the photos and went crazy.

Some of the original Rockette's Tracy, Katie, Brandi, Allison, Leilonie, Me, Veronica.

This past month Brandi was married in Washington. Brandi and I even shared a room together for about 4 months before I moved to California. Several of us made the trek from California, and those in state came as well. It was great to all be together again and see where life had taken us. Unfortunately, my camera didn't have any photos of the bride...


Katie - Me - Tracy

Katie and I were roommates in the dorm sophomore year and continued as roommates in the Rock. Katie just finished with Teach for America and living in Missouri. Tracy and I were suitemates sophomore year, and shared a room in the Rock for 6 months. I remember crying so hard when she moved out to go back to California, thinking I would never see her again. I was wrong!!! We have reunited on multiple occasions, and she comes down to visit her sister in L.A. every few months.



Veronica, Me, Katie, Tracy

Veronica and I met freshman year when we were neighbors in the dorms. I used to hear her singing and laughing next through the walls. She has such a joyful spirit, it has been exciting being apart of her life and seeing where her life journey takes her. We lived together for 3 years in the Rock, and she filled the house with her sweet melodies.

Posters

Part of graduation is presenting our research project. So here I am one step closer to graduation!!



Our poster was accepted into the annual California Physical Therapy Association Conference in Long Beach, CA.

In summary: As physical therapists we use hot packs and contrast baths as modalities. The aim of this project was to investigate which modality did the patient perceive to be warmer and more comfortable.

New Hobbies

One of my newest hobbies is . . .


C U P C A K E S - eating them and making them. =)

I'm currently in love with the TV show Cupcake Wars. They bring in 4 bakeries and they compete for who will have their cupcakes as the main dessert at events from ComiCon, the ESPY's. Check out for more on the show.

So, when my friends were in town and since we found ourselves close to a Sprinkles (the original, I believe) I had to visit.


I settled for a Red Velvet, Carrot Cake and Chocolate with Peanut Butter.



Here we are eating our snack and staying cool in the shade.

I most recently made Red Velvet Cupcakes, Margarita cupcakes and then I tried making Chocolate Banana Cupcakes with homemade Chocolate frosting. I have to say each batch was devoured at the events I brought them to. I think up next is carrot cake?!?

Reunited... and it feels so good

Over Labor day weekend 4 out of my 5 high school girlfriends flew to L.A. It was inspired by Athena and her husband who decided to gift each other with a weekend without babies. Athena's wish was for everyone who could to gather together.

We had a wonderful weekend (my roommates happened to be out of town for the weekend, and we had the place to ourselves!).

Filled with trips to the beach,

we ran into the water holding hands, and screaming like school girls. It was the most fun Athena had in the last 10 minutes.

Celebrating Kaleigh's recent engagement,

Most the girls wanted to experience L.A. so we went out dancing, but we didn't get in to the club until 11. Many saying this was past their normal bed time... They got a taste of the LA life.

Going to Rodeo drive.

Seeing the hotel from Pretty Woman, walking into stores with items that would cost us a month's salary. It was a fun experiencing and something I had yet to do.

Visiting Santa Monica, and eating lunch at Bubba Gumps



It felt good to catch up with one another, share in uncontrollable laughter, and celebrate our friendship. I feel the most blessed because each girl flew in and out at different times, giving me the opportunity to spend more time individually with them all. Loves to you gals!

the big 2 - 5

I started my birthday celebration with some classmates.
One of the best birthday presents was watching several classmates join the running cult and race a half marathon!! So proud of them! After three years of thinking I was crazy they can now call themselves runners. =)



Then I talked with family on speaker phone, since my skype wouldn't log in. Most of the family was in beautiful Lake Chelan. This was my first birthday without seeing my family, can you believe it?!? I made it 24 years of celebrating and seeing my parents on my DAY!!!

I then went out to dinner with Todd, we ended up at a Mexican restaurant. The place I originally wanted to go to was closed on Sundays. = ( Guess I will have to wait until my dad comes down to try it out with him.


It ended with birthday dessert. After always eating Grasshopper Pie for my dessert, I finally had the real deal. Typically my Mom just uses chocolate chip ice cream. 5 tries later and two trips to the store (I didn't mean to put you to the test!) it was DELICIOUS!!! MMMMmmmm.

Roomie Love

Katrina, Me, Theresa and our first picture together

My newest Roommate!! Katrina! We have been having so much fun living together. From going to the beach, our love of frozen yogurt, going out with each other, and watching HP together! So glad she moved in!!

Calendar!

So MANY things to look forward to in the next month. I can hardly stand it!!!

#1 My H.S. girlies are going to invade soCal! My friend Athena spear-headed the whole project and now 5 of the 6 girls are coming from the RI, AZ and WA for Labor day weekend. Watch out for the invasion of Stanwood. They will be staying here at my place.


The last time we were all together at Lizzie's wedding last July!!

#2 That same week I finish my final rotation. Which by the way is going really well. I hit the halfway point last week. Several of my patient's have found a way into my heart and have impacted the way I wish to practice. (More on that later). It has been a really great experience, more then I could have hoped.

#3 I'm going HOME!!! for who I like to call my Bosom friend's (stolen from Anne of Green Gables) wedding. Brandi was once my college housemate at the Rock, and we even shared a room together for a short while. Reading bedtime stories, sharing the Love couch (which became our room's name), and just fulfilling each other's needs with love!!!


Hiking up in Washington!

Apple Pie

It's officially summertime! I enjoyed some of America's favorite past time. I made Apple Pie following my Nana's recipe and watched the M's play the Angels.


The ingredients for the pie crust! Never Fail Pie Crust


But before I made the crust I had to run (literally) to the store for some butter. I am just glad it didn't melt as it was 85 degrees outside when I went...


Before going into the oven, can't wait for it to come out!



The finished project! Yummy yummy to my tummy.

First day of Clinical

I started my last clinical experience this week, and the last BIG checkoff for school. I will be working at an outpatient clinic for 10 weeks, and finish in September. Once I am done with the clinical, I just have my research project and various other little things to wrap up. I can't believe that this is the end!!!

During my 3rd week I will get my very own patient load!!! Yikes!! At times my mentor will watch my evaluate and do follow up treatments. I will soon know what it is like to be a real physical therapist! YAHOO I have the first few weeks to adjust to the office and the computer charting.

Several of the other PT's including my mentor are fellow APU alums as well! But one of the biggest perks is my commute. After having to deal with 1.5-2hours each direction for two of my rotations, this one is 20 minutes at the most!!!



My first day of work outfit. Thanks MOM! =)

4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I spent my last weekend of freedom (ok just the last weekend before my residency began) with Jessica and Allegra in Irvine. It was such a fun weekend, the days seem to be a blur of beaches, sunshine and lots of laughs. We hit up Laguna beach two days, and even found a fun restaurant/bar that serves seafood. I tried lobster for the first time, eating a lobster quesadilla. Yummy! We also took our beach cruiser down to Newport. It was a little too crowded to really ride our bikes, but it was fun to be outside in the sunshine. I feel a little more California now that I have 'cruised'. Haha.


After riding the beach cruisers in Newport

Going out for the night.

Last class

Today is my last CLASS ever! I still have a Final next week, a research project to finish and a residency to do. BUT this is the last time I will be required to sit in class for P.T. school. I can't believe how quickly time really has flown, and I will miss the friends that I have made as we sat through 14 hr class days, craziness of test after tests, practicals, trials and joys. It is a bittersweet ending, as this will be our last time as all 38 of us before we graduate. But what a blessing it has been to walk this road with you all!


Our first 'hang out' - a bonfire at Huntington Beach. As my Mom likes to tell me, my classmates and I sure know how to party! There is always something going on from playing sports, to Vegas to just hanging out.


Before we left to go out into the clinics for 6 months!


Our class will finally get to hang up on the wall, with all the other graduated classes!

P.R.

On Saturday I ran in a half marathon. After three years of being known as the crazy runner in class, I was able to get some classmates to join with me. These ladies though had never run a race before (not even a 5k) and jumped right into a 13.1 mile race.

I couldn't have asked for a better race! We were bused into the start, on the top of the hill. It was socked in with fog, and as we came down the mountain/hill the sun came out. But it was perfect racing weather for me : ). I am most excited for how I felt mentally during the race, remaining tough. I ran even splits for the entire race (a near first for me!). I finished in a time of 1:32.14 (a new P.R.).


Me, Sara, Krysten at the Finish

TOUGH!

What a weekend!
I fulfilled my dream of becoming a cheerleader. A few friends of mine asked me to come along and take photos of them as they attempted a 10 MILE course with 20+ obstacles. I took pictures, unpeeled banana's, warmed hands, and gave high fives! I was able to complete the first 5 miles with them (doing everything but the obstacles). One of them got dizzy/faintish and just plain FREEZING so I went back down with her.



7 Tough Mudders + 1 cheerleader!

From the Tough Mudder Website!
Tough Mudder SoCal 2011 will go down in Mudder Lore. Saturday (photos) was picture-perfect with blue skies and optimal conditions to run the very challenging course. 87% finished. Sunday (photos) was the evil step-sister, with average temps of 35 degrees Fahrenheit at the base and 60 mph gusts of wind chill bringing temps below 10 degrees at the summit. Job well done to the 63% who finished. To the 37% who did not finish, Big Mudder is still very proud of you. We look forward to seeing you conquer our upcoming NorCal 2011 event or next year’s SoCal Mudder, where conditions likely won’t be as unexpectedly brutal.

Some of the obstacles they attempted. . .




Other obstacles included carrying logs for 1/2 mile, greased monkey bars, an iced jacuzzi and the finale was running through electrical wires!!! Way to go guys and gal! So proud of you, and thanks for inviting me along to cheer for you.