So, I was in Las Vegas this past weekend, and experienced a couple of new things.

First of all, I am told that I've been to the Hoover Dam, but alas, I am too young to remember it. It was an amazing sight to see this time around. Not only that, but if you didn't know (I certainly didn't), they are building something called the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Take a look at the pic below. It is incredible!



I also had the chance to experience the food of the well-known Bouchon restaurant. Friends, I would exhort you to go. Thanks to Chef Eric, I was lucky enough to be there for brunch and got to sample a tasty array of food. Croque Madame - delicious! To see more go here.

Oh, and the temperature... 60 degrees. Beautiful.

2009 Stats

Jobs in 2009: 1
Friends made: Many good ones.
Gigs performed: A plethora
Triathlons finished: 1
5k’s finished: 1
Attempted trips to Egypt: 1
Trips to the homeland (Ireland): 1
Trips to the Scottish Highlands: 1
Days stuck in airports getting home from above trip: 2
Airports visited whilst trying to get home from said trip: 7
Dublin, Newark, DC, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, SLC
Work trips taken: 5
Mexico City, Frankfurt, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Washington DC
New nephew/nieces: 3
Hunter, Lauren, and Jadyn. Love it when family re-marries and adds to the brood!
Marriages in the family: 1 – Megan and her James
Number of crushes: a special few
Number of guys dated with first and middle name initial exactly the same as mine: 1
Meals enjoyed at the Bombay House: at least 5
Mornings spent doing P90X: 30 +
Lessons learned: too many to count
Lessons learned 10 times over: still counting

Here's to 2010. So much to look forward to!

Gimme Snow.

Friends, I love weather. I especially love weather that changes frequently. It must be due to some of my attention deficit. Growing up I enjoyed the ever-changing Hawaiian weather. Blue skies would change into dark clouds of rain lasting 5 minutes, which gave me just enough time as a kid to run outside and cool off in it. I've observed changeable weather in many beautiful places. I am an appreciator of it. Today in my current locale of UT, I am enjoying the beautiful snow falling outside of my window. I know many that absolutely loathe this weather (some of them being members of my own family). I suppose I look at it as an excuse to be indoors to cuddle up with a good book, movie, hot chocolate, or a significant other. There are good times to be had, friends. Indeed there are.

15 days of Christmas Songs #15

I came across this song the other day on youtube, and had forgotten how much I love it. I think these words sum up so much of what I feel for this time of year. It's all about my family, and most importantly about Jesus. Like the last line says, "My precious Jesus is more than an heirloom to me". I am thankful for the life and birth of my Savior. Lo amo con todo mi corazon.

To anyone reading my humble blog, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!



Up in the attic
Down on my knees
Lifetimes of boxes
Timeless to me
Letters and photographs
Yellowed with years
Some bringing laughter
Some bringing tears

Time never changes
The memories, the faces Of loved ones, who bring to me
All that I come from
And all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me

Wiseman and shepherds
Down on their knees
Bringing their treasures
To lay at his feet
Who was this wonder baby yet king
Living and dying
He gave life to me

Time never changes
The memory, the moment His love first pierced through me
Telling all that I come from
And all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious savior
Is more than an heirloom to me

My precious Jesus Is more than an heirloom to me

15 days of Christmas Songs #14

My brother Shane reminded me this morning that the songs from "Scrooge" are pretty great. Of course I knew this, but when it comes down to it, there are so many great songs that it's hard to choose! For day 14 I have added a few songs from the movie. In our Hawaii days, I was actually in this play as a 9 year old. I played an Urchin. It's true.
I love the story of Ebenezer Scrooge by Charles Dickens. Scrooge is a tight-fisted, greedy man who hates Christmas and anything that engenders happiness. Through the course of one night (x-mas eve), he is visited by three ghosts that change his life forever. He repents of his ways and becomes a model of generosity and kindness. "Many laughed to see this alteration in him, but he let them laugh and little heeded them. His own heart laughed and that was quite enough for him. And it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge."

Take note of Tiny Tim's song (#2). I could cry, really.

Holiday thoughts

Two songs coming tomorrow...

Friends, I'm feeling a little emotional today. Good emotional. Thankful emotional. Christmas emotional.
This week I was able to be a part of a Sub 4 Santa, and it was a great experience. It caused me to reflect on Christmas as a little girl, and receiving from good people that wanted to help our financially needy family. I was asked to write up a little something to tell about the family, etc. Here is what I came up with:

The Guzman Family:
On Monday morning, a co-worker and I piled many boxes of gifts into my car and headed for the Guzman home in Orem to spread a little Christmas cheer. From what we knew, this family had come upon hard times not long ago when Sandra and Alexis’ Guzman’s mother died. They have since been living with their grandmother, Alba, who was disabled. Upon arrival at the humble home, Alba met us and welcomed us inside. She handed me a card, then began telling the story of their hardships. Her daughter, the mother of Sandra and Alexis, had been killed while visiting her home of El Salvador. As her mother put it, she was killed for $125. Alba began to cry and told us it had been very hard for her and for the children since her daughter’s death. She told us of her gratitude for the gifts we were providing and hugged us both.
Before we left, I looked around and noticed that there was no tree in sight, then asked if they had one. The reply was no. The wheels started rolling in my head, and I recalled a x-mas tree I bought at an after holiday sale last year for $5 and was currently sitting in storage. I assured her she’d have one. A tree, along with lights and ornaments were provided that very evening.
What a wonderful experience for us to be a part of! I was grateful to have brought a little hope and cheer to a family who had obviously been struggling financially and emotionally.
As a young girl, my family had many years of financial hardship. I recall the same kind of help each year at Christmas time from various donors. I am just grateful that I could give back in a small way for all of the years that I received.

15 days of Christmas Songs #13

Caroling, caroling... this is a family tradition. Every Christmas eve we take to the streets and knock on unsuspecting neighbors doors and sing our little hearts out. Good times are had by all!

15 days of Christmas Songs - #12

Seriously, this is my favorite song to sing in church during the holiday season. This version is a bit different, but the words are the same and just as lovely.

15 days of Christmas Songs - #11

I always love this one too. Friends, I love this season - period!

15 days of Christmas Songs - #10

We've been listening to the following group, The Singers Unlimited, for as long as I can remember. My parents taught us to love the tight harmonies. Hope you enjoy it.

15 days of Christmas Songs #9

This song has much more meaning being far away from home at Christmas time. I remember hearing it while I was in China many years ago. I could hardly wait to get home to my family before Christmas! My sister Shannon and I listened to this song frequently and felt the anticipation of singing x-mas songs by the fire, devouring mom's special x-mas eve soups, and just being with those we loved. I'm sure this song resonates with those who are especially far away from family at this time of year. Some won't be able to be with their loved ones, but like the song says "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams..." Sometimes the memories of Christmases past suffices. Make it a good one, folks!

15 days of Christmas Songs - #8

A classic.

15 days of Christmas songs - #7

Who doesn't love a Charlie Brown Christmas?! This song brings back memories of watching my favorite x-mas movies on t.v. as a kid. Charlie Brown was one of them. Love it so much.

15 days of Christmas Songs - #6

If you have ever been to the my family's home for Christmas, you know that there is one song that is always requested above all others. Heck, it doesn't even have to be Christmas. We've been known to sing it in mid-July! This song is so dear and so sentimental that my mom has requested it for her funeral one day. Ah, bless her - it's going to be a long time! My sisters and I have been singing this song in 3 part harmony since I was about 12. Here is Amy Grant's rendition.

15 days of Christmas Songs - #5

I can't help myself.