Puffy Eyes

I'm exhausted, but have to tell this story. More because I just need to get it out, and they best way I know how is by writing it down.

So my niece is spending the night at my mom's house tonight. Ashley loves staying at Gigi's. It makes her sooo happy! She always says, "I wish we could put all hour houses together so we can have a HUGE house so we can all live together!"

Tonight we made almond cookies :) I had Ashley help, because she LOVES to help in the kitchen, and she's pretty good at it! So as we're getting the almonds ready, Ashley says, "Cece, are these California Almonds? I LOVE California almonds, and they lady said on tv that they're the best!" Not knowing the commercial I said "yes" to please the 4 year old. As we took the skins off the almonds, Ashley would say, "these California almonds are busting out of their skin! And some of these are busting on to the floor!! hahahahaha!" I thought it was the cutest thing for her to say "busting" she's SOO my niece :) We had fun making and eating cookies, and lo a behold it was LATE. WAY past her bedtime, so by now she's getting a little cranky pants.

So my sister takes her to get ready for bed. DRAMA occurs, after which I then take over and tell Ashley that I will put her to bed, this of course causes Mayhem and she's balling her eyes out, I mean completely balling. I tell her that I'm sorry, but this is what happens when we don't listen. Needless to say, Ashley still is having a break down, #1 because she doesn't have her "best friend Erin" putting her to sleep and #2 because by this time she is SOO SOO tired.

I finally convince her to go to her room and I'll read her a book, she's still sad Erin isn't putting her to bed, but Erin comes in to say goodnight, and that she loves her. Ashely doesn't understand why Erin isn't putting her to bed, and we explained that it's because of her behavior and now it's late and Erin has to do her homework. Ashley then says, "but I want Erin to still be my friend, why isn't she my friend anymore? Why doesn't anyone want to be my friend?" Perplexed, Erin and I both reassured Ashely that we each love her and are her friend, she says "ok, but no one at school wants to be my friend, I only have one friend at school and the other kids don't like me, why don't they want to by my friend? How come no one at school likes me?"

OMG!!!!! Talk about water in the eyes!!! So (as I'm completely teary eyed again) I spent about 45 minutes explaining friends to Ashley, and that we don't have to have all our friends in one spot. That it's ok to have only one friend at school and the others some other places.

--side note-- I remember crying about not having friends, tho I don't think that cam until 2nd or 3rd grade, NOT when I was 4!!!!!

How do you comfort a 4 year old, who believes her world is not fair, and that she has no friends? I am completely CRUSHED tonight from hearing my little niece say that to me. My heart is crumbled, and my eyes are filled with tears. I love this little girl with ALL my heart and more and I feel SOOOOOO helpless. I want everything for her, happiness, FRIENDS, EVERYTHING. I feel like I'm kinda getting a taste of "a mother's love."

Anyway, my EYES are PUFFY from crying over this and I'm not really sure what else to do. I feel like I sort of got through to Ashley about friends, and I'm hoping she goes to school somewhere different soon so she can be around different kids. (for the record, my mom and I are NOT fans of the school she's at, but she'll hopefully not be there for too much longer AND right now it's the place that 'just works' for all other reasons I won't get into)

So Ashley, if you read this one day, life isn't always easy, nor fair. People come into our lives for more reasons than we'll ever know. It's not about the quantity of friends you have, it's about the quality. The qualities that they have and the ones they bring out in you. I now that I may know a lot of people, but I don't have a lot of friends, and I'm ok with that, because they ones that I have I cherish with all my heart. I want you to know how beautiful you are, inside and out. I want you to know that we all have our trials and moments where we feel like our hopes and dreams have been shattered, but I'm always here for you, and you have a Heavenly Father who watches out for you and loves you dearly. I know that my daddy is looking down on you watching over you as well and hoping the best comes your way every day. Don't let the pebbles in life knock you down, and when you feel like there is a boulder that is too heavy, ask for help, there will always be someone there to help. I love you. <3 Cece

Up all night

I don't always find myself lost in a book. I've tried book clubs, but I, for one, do NOT read fast enough to keep up with the group. I DO however have a "Living Library."

"What is a Living Library?" you ask.

I respond with a sly "Jac-Attack of course!"

you have a verypuzzled look on your face and say, "Right...whatever you say."

I finish by explaining. A "Living Library" (in my own words), is someone who is your "go to" for book selections, or ideas of genres to read, or the modern day - real life "cliff notes," or the "you should read this book - and here's why" person, or "I'd have you read this book, but I'm not sure you'll LOVE it, so I'll tell you the brief summary and you tell me what you think." In other words, (since I'm sure this isn't making any sense) Jac-Attack, my girl who is AMAZING when it comes to books. Everything I've asked, she's read, or knows someone who's read, or has it on her 'to be read list' and still knows what the book my be about. She is BETTER than Google, BETTER than Amazon's or Barnes and Noble's 'take a look inside the book.' SHE, is a "Living Library."

So why do I title this --- up all night --- ???

I, thanks to Jaclyn, started reading --Love Walked In -- by Marisa de los Santos

and last night, I couldn't put it down! I started the book ages ago (see this is why I'm not in a book club), and had a little trouble in the beginning. The book just starts. You know, like you're right in the lives of the characters and it isn't until later that you get a lot of the background info on who, what, where, when, why. In the middle/end of the book, DRAMA happens and I just couldn't help but keep reading. So, last night, I just wanted to lay in bed and read. To be kind to my husband, who had to work today, (yes, work on a Saturday) I turned the lights off, put on my running headlight,

(yes, folks, I was that desperate and wanted to stay warm andcozy in my bed, I didn't want to have to get up just because I was reading a book) and I read until I finished the book. LOVE. I'm a fan of the book, I was desperate enough to stay up all night and wear a headlight for crying out loud to finish, AND now I'm on my way out to get the next book by Marisa de los Santos --- Belong To Me ---

I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

January 18th

Can we be over-scheduled? It's the 18th of the month and I feel like so many things have already happened this month and there are so many more things that will occur. I don't know how the rest of the world does it. I mean, I'm young (relatively), in pretty good shape (ok just decent shape I suppose), work (but NEVER bring work home, no thanks), and married (but no kids), How is it that I'm busy?

If you ask me what I do, I cannot tell you. If you ask me if I have time, I have none.

I'm not complaining, I'm just curious. How can I be busy?

A few quick things...

`I love that I work just 8 miles away from home. I don't love that I drive on Interstate 580 to get there, but there are definitely worse things in life.

`It's been 5 months of marriage, 11 years of knowing each other and we still have things to learn about each other. Life is good.

`My family and my now extended family (which goes in lots of directions), ROCK.

`Friends pretty much help the world go round.

`I think about carb-o loading daily, for what? That mystical run that I'm going to do...right... NO, let's be honest, I could live off carbs if I could! Though I never feel that great when that's all I eat.

`I want to be crafty. I feel like I should have a knack for that. My latest adventures with crafts are...

1. Homemade jam and jelly.

2. Cute girlie hair clips.

3. I'm currently working on a cute tote, and I want to start making my own skirts.

`Shoes were made for walking in. I have too many shoes to walk in. I may have a problem.

`I need more than 1 closet for my things. I know I have a problem

`Heat. Done and done. I slept in a sleeping bag a few nights cause I couldn't handle the cold. Thank you Husband for putting in our pellet stove!!!

`Even though there are moments that bring me down, I'm really blessed.

Mooving along, just get them shoes on and go!

For those of you who actually read this, and know me, you'll remember that I ran my first half marathon way back when, October 2010 to be exact.

I trained for almost 9 months and honestly enjoyed it! (what the heck was wrong with me?) I loved the race, it was awesome! I have to say that I promised myself this wouldn't be the last race I ran either.

Well, by the looks of the date... it's been OVER a year and I haven't been in a race. I had an interesting experience when running the Nike Women's Half in SF. It pretty much scarred me from running... but I'm BACK in the game and training all over again!!!! The race will be in October, which gives me plenty of time to train AND the best part...

I'VE GOT RUNNING BUDDIES! YEP, REAL RUNNING BUDDIES!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!!!!

Now, if anyone else is interested, just let me know, I'm all about having more people get in on the run! I'm totally pumped, and even started a training schedule -- sweeeeeeet.

I do, want to start a "running team name" as of now I have my Gmail Calendar for running under "moovlikejagger" only because that was my "power song" when I was running the other day. I don't think the boys on the team will go for that name, plus it's not totally original, SOOO back to the drawing board, any suggestions?

HAPPY 2012

There are a few things I know to be true:

* Everything happens for a reason. I'm not saying that I agree or understand what happens, I just know it is all for a purpose. Sometimes I later find the meaning and sometimes I don't, and I'm coming to terms with that.

* Love is real.

* We all have a purpose, and I'm convinced that MOST of the people I hold so dear, I met in the pre-existence.

* Sarcasm is the lowest form of humor, IF you're on the wrong side of the sarcasm. I'm a fan of being on the RIGHT side.

* Music was created for all the emotions, and there's nothing wrong with listening to a song a million trillion times over, if that's just how you feel. I also find it totally OK to dance like you've never danced before to a song you listen to a million trillion times over.

* Your hobby does not completely define you, it is just an extension of who you are in that space of time. I'm pretty sure I've had thousands of hobbies, and looking back it's really about what road I was on, my goals, my wants. I don't think a hobby has to be permanent.

* Technology RULES... most of the time. Technology STINKS when: it doesn't work, you don't want it to work, too much information is shared, when you want to be alone... you get the picture, we've all been there.

* A woman (even tho I'm still a girl) needs to have her time. Her time to veg, her time to cry, her time to laugh, her time with her girls, her time to conquer everything, her time to go crazy, her time to sing, her time to sleep, her time to play, her time, she needs her time.

* We WILL be together forever, there IS a plan.

* Y2K all started in 1999 - what the? Where has time gone? ... oh well, WELCOME 2012!

30 days of Thanksgiving!

Let's be positive and share 30 days of things we are thankful for.

#1 I am grateful for a wonderful family! I don't know what I would do without them, especially my mom. I look up to my mom for all that she has endured and all that she stands for. My mom and I are quite different than one another, but we are so close. Thank you mama!!!

#2 I am thankful for a husband who is supportive of me daily. No matter the day, time, emotion, or reason, he's there. Thank you hubby!

#3 FRIENDS! I am so grateful for you all- you know who you are.

PS-- I'm going to update more tomorrow, with pics, and this may change completely---who knows, until then, I have to go to sleep!

Teaser...

#1 People, it's true, we got married, and Don't worry, we did NOT have a need to use this door. Though the door was locked, soooo if there really was an emergency, what would we do? AND... what really is behind this door?

#2 They say that your wedding day is one of the longest days of your life...Let's just say it was supper hot in Sacramento and I was totally over it by lunch time

#3 This is our humble abode. ( and yes this is a crappy picture)

#4 We live in a construction site 24/7. This is an old picture and we've gotten much further, but there are still moments when I feel like we've barely scratched the surface. (Please note that the big box in the middle of the room is our toilet. It is no longer in the middle of our entry way, it is installed, though I do love the slogan...BOLD. POWER.)

It's true people, the rumors are TRUE

Some people just cannot believe after all these years, 10 to be exact, that David and I finally tied the knot! We are so happy and ready for our new adventures. We are both working to pay the bills and to support our new hobby of working on our HOUSE. Home ownership is A LOT of work and takes up most of our days and evenings. Once we are done, PARTY at our place! Until then, work work work. We sure have lots to update our friends on, and that is on its way. For now, let's just spread the word, that YES indeed, we are MARRIED and loving life TOGETHER!!

May...June...July

For those of you who put up with me, I say thank you. For those of you who don't... I say nothing because you're not reading this!

May, I love May because it is supposed to be getting warm and hints of summer peak through. Unfortunately this May we did not get that....boo!!! Memorial Day was cold, very cold, but we still got to remember those who have gone before us!!! Let's be honest, with the way my life is going, I have NO recollection of what happened, oops!

June, I love June because there are lots of things I think about in June. I always think of my dad, one of my dearest friends Becky, the end of school, hot sunny days, reading (I would have never put this down had it not been for Jac), playing outside, etc. This June went way too quickly for us. David and I were and still are busy planning a wedding and no matter how much time we spent planning, we just never felt like we got anywhere. Needless to say, we ARE, thankfully, so we think, DONE with the plans. Now, onto July...

July, I love July because after this July, I will always remember my WEDDING! Ok, for those of you who know David and I, you may say "about time!" or "aren't you already married" or "really?" but I say, there are still things in this life worth waiting for! Invitations are out (if you didn't get one, holler and I'll send one your way), my dress and shoes- check! David and the men: pants, shirts, ties- check! (Uh oh, no shoes...ok mental note-check!) My niece and David's niece flower girlies- check! Momma and Momma to be outfits- check! Food and decor- check! Bridesmaid clothing- check! What more could a girl ask for?!

I want to keep y'all posted on the happs as they come...so I hope upon all hope that I can keep you posted...fingers crossed!!

And Again...

Here I am again, sitting at my computer thinking, "What should I do? Email? Shopping? Facebook? Diamonds? Houses? Email?" ...etc. I never seem to know what I should do with my time on the internet, or rather, on the computer. I have things I want to see, things I like to see, things I need to catch up on and things I randomly find just because I hit a wrong button. Today I had a moment where I thought, "you blogged, so I should too!" So here I am AGAIN...

Let's see... what has happened since... NOVEMBER?! Ahhhh...I'm pulling out my hair. I do this way too often, write, don't write, write, don't write and every time I don't write I apologize, but today I'm not going to do that, I'm just gonna catch you up on my life.

December- fabulous and fun. Christmas was again another success story. I got up early in the AM and made homemade cinnamon rolls for not only my family, but David's as well. He came over to get his batch and I headed out to see the fam bam at my sister's. My niece was of course the LIFE of the day. I watched as she got up and saw what Santa had brought and then I was back home, showered and on my way to David's. I got to open gifts with his family and hung out. After that, we headed back out to my sister's house and did gifts, food, dessert and then sat on the couch (food coma).

January- Welcome welcome 2011. What the? When the? How the? Yup! It's here folks...and it'll soon be gone.

February- this is always a month of chaos in my family. First, we still haven't recovered from Christmas...hehehe. Second, the fam still can't believe it's February and Third, we have three birthdays to celebrate! First my oldest sis has a birthday on the 3rd, followed by my next sis on the 9th, and last but no least my bro in law on the 11th and if this wasn't enough, we celebrated the Hallmark classic, Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I like Valentine's Day, but this year I was over it, and I personally think it's allowed ;)

March- It was here and then it was not. I don't really think much happened in March and if something did, I'm sorry I don't remember... I hope no one is offended if March didn't make any such impact on my life...I do remember...no...no I don't.

April-Wow, it starts off as a joke (get it? April fools :) ... I know, I know...LAME.) Then before I knew it, it was my birthday. Another success of a celebration- thank you to all who made it special, fabulous, and everything in between. I also had to play "mom" and take care of the house while the fam was is Disneyland, which by the way, I for the first time wished I could be there. I know you (ok maybe just Jac) thinking "What the heck? You hate Disneyland! But I really did wish I was there to see my niece while she enjoyed every moment of the magical place. Can't believe it's almost the end of the month too! Wow, time goes too quickly. Just a few more days until May! I wonder what the new month will bring? Fingers crossed!

There are things worth waiting for...

As EVERYONE knows, the Giants just won the World Series. Way to go team, way to go!

Sports have not been a staple in my life, but for the past few years, I have fallen for the Giants. I have to say that it all started when I was invited to a Giants game with Jac. We had recently become friends and she said- "Hey, I've got some tickets to a Giants game, wanna go?" I of course said yes, because we were new friends- I couldn't let her down! The game was fantastic- not too cold, not too hot, and I even went out special to get a "baseball" shirt. Because I went to this game, it sparked a new interest. Here we are ENJOYING a fabulous Giants game :)

Let's just say that watching any sports game in person is the best. You don't get the same feel when you are just watching on the television. I think it has to do with the atmosphere, the fact that 98% of the other people are there rooting for the home team, and of course the great food!

Although, it's great to be at any sporting event, I have to say that the ultimate place to be- is CLOSE to the players. I have never sat this close to the field before. Jac was SO kind to invite me, and a couple of boys to this special game. Way cooler than anything. This game will definitely go down in history, not because of the game but because of the ride on the way to the game. One of the fine men we brought along with us needed to use the facilities and threatened to go while in traffic on the Bay Bridge- we of course did not want him to get arrested so we hurried off to a local high rise and sent him in. (I know this is TMI and probably not funny to you- but if you were there, you'd be laughing right about now).

Now, the other day I was at work and a patient called saying "I can't make it to my appointment tonight, I have playoff tickets." The best excuse EVER! That set a spark which led to a fire! With a long story short, I ended up buying 3 playoff tickets to Game 4 and took my future mother and father in-laws. It was FANTASTIC! What an emotion game and thanks to Uribe- we took that game!

Now the Giants are World Series winners and what a momentous occasion. People have been waiting for years and finally a dream come true. What a deserving team! Tears were shed and fireworks were lit. Way to go Giants- You made it!!!!

Can you hear bells?

WHO? - Me

WHAT?!- I got engaged!!!

WHERE?- Del Valle, we went kayaking

WHEN?- I know you'll say hopefully not too long, but we're thinking next summer :)

WHY?- Because we love each other, and IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!

I know, crazy right?! I'm so excited and happy. I have to admit that the planning and getting a to do list together has been crazy. I have lots to think about and lot to plan....wish me luck!!!!

Circuit Training- Ever Heard Of It?

What?! So Tuesday

Thi says- "did you get the email about training tonight?"

I say "No, what are doing?"

Thi- "Circuit Training! I'm nervous!"

Me- "Oh wow! Wait...what's circuit training?" (I think to myself, I have a circut machine...is it anything close? LOL)

Thi- "It's like push ups, sit ups, and stuff."

Me- "Oh great I'm screwed! I'm going to die! I can't do push ups...great- we still on for training?"

Thi- "Heck yeah- see you there!"

When I got to the work out I was a little confused. I didn't know what to expect. We started out on a 1 mile run. Then coach Tim put us in 3 groups. Easy enough right?! Wrong. He then told us what our circuit training would be. Each group would rotate through each exercise.

Circuit #1

• V-ups, which are sit ups in which you must bring your legs AND upper torso up at the same time, creating a V.
• Push ups, regular "boy" push ups and each time you have to alternate lifting a leg.
• Forward lunges, making sure your lower knee almost hits the ground.

After that circuit coach says- run once around the field! What?! You want me to run?! huh? Well better get to it!

Circuit #2

• Forward Planks, you get into "boy push up position" and put your forearms on the ground keep your body straight and tight like a plank!
• Mountain Climbers, again "boy push up position" this time keeping knees bent " alternate bending of legs by pushing one out while the other is bent and brought in
• Side Squats, make sure while you do this you're "sitting" on a very LOW chair

After the second circuit coach says- run another lap! "AHHHHH!!!" We come back, and Coach Tim says, halfway there! So we repeat circuit #1, run a lap, repeat circuit #2 and run TWO laps. After which we stretch, breathe, and hope to die!

So I'll give you the little run down of the fun. Here's where it all took place

The pink line shows ONE lap = 1/2 mile

The green circle is where we did our circuits

So all in all we Ran 1 mile + circuit #1 + 1/2 mile run + circuit #2 + 1/2 mile run + circuit #1 + 1/2 mile run + circuit #2 + 1 mile run = 3 miles of running, circuit #1 and #2 two times and delirium. :) OH the joy of training!

Let's make it enjoyable!

Last weekend was our 2nd official coached run at the Berkeley Marina. I have to say that there are a few things I like about the coached runs and a couple of things that are challenging. (the nice thing, there are definitely more things I like about it)

First I love that I get to be with my teammates...

What's challenging?! Getting up early on a Saturday to be in Berkeley and ready to run at 8:00AM!!! Now I'm usually an early riser and enjoy have the whole day to do whatever I'd like, but there is just something about getting up that early in the morning to run that is challenging for me. I mean I have to say that I still haven't found that LOVE for running, that I hope to attain so maybe that's my hang up. I just need to suck it up and be HAPPY to get up early on my Saturday to go run!

Ok hello?! Look at how nice this trail is. I mean now that I've gotten up early, made my way to Berkeley, am freezing because the sun hasn't even gotten up yet, look at where I'm running! I LOVE IT! I love the water and it is soooo nice to be able to have a nice little cool breeze from the water hit you while you run! I love that we've gotten to run in nice places so far!

There really isn't thing else that I find challenging about these runs. I just have to "Get over myself!!!!"

When we complete a run it's exhilarating! Before we think about the honorees, past and present and those whom we have a special connection to. That is really what keeps me motivated in this quest. By the time I am done running, I am just grateful to be healthy enough to run. Besides, look at how gorgeous the marina was when we were done! Loving the BLUE sky!

Like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde says, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy..." So true- I mean look at how happy we are! To add to the fun of completing yet another great coached run, we went to breakfast at the greatest place in Berkeley thanks to our friend Maja! She used to live in the area and came to support us in our training run! We went to Rick & Ann's - Yum!

And if that wasn't enough- we made our day complete and totally enjoyable with a trip to Lululemon! (The cutest yoga/work out clothes EVER!)

Three is the magic number

I can run 3 miles! What?! Um yes, I did it today. I had no clue that I could do it and to be honest, I thought it was a fluke that I could run 3 miles. I did it last Saturday as a part of my first coached run. Totally thought it was the adrenaline that got me the whole way, but let me tell you, I did it! I am so grateful to have health and strength to be able to run that far. I love being outdoors and that you to mother nature she has allowed the sun to stay out long enough for me to get in a run after work! I hope it stays super sunny and not too hot so I can keep it up and continue to share in the journey. I'm happy to report, that though I may not consider myself "a runner" I feel like I am well on my way! Hooray! Thanks for all the support :)

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/nikesf10/ttanihara

Run run as fast as you can, you can catch me, I'm not the gingerbread man!

A year ago I had chatted with my girlies about running the Nike Women's Marathon. It's held every year in October in fabulous San Francisco. My bestie Jac-Attack and I, thanks to the help of Rach decided to "be serious" about it and we went to RoadRunner Sports where we ran on treadmills and figured out exactly what kind of shoes we should be buying for ourselves. While running on the treadmill we got to see how we ran (I am a very inefficient runner). We also had to walk on this pad so we could see what kind of arch support we needed. Once completed, Jac and I left with a new pair of shoes.

Let's be honest, I wasn't serious and I didn't run marathon, a half marathon, or a 5K. I did however start walking more and jogging on occasion, which in reality jogged about 2 times a week which was a huge step in the right direction. I went for more hikes last year than I had in my entire life and even was diligent in using my Precor which I have had since I turned 18.

Ok, let's cut to the chase, I'm still not a runner and I can usually manage my 1 mile, but thinking about 13.2 is ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous- I die when I think about running long distances. Argh!

The other day Thi came into work one day and said "let's sign up with Team in Training and do the Nike Women's Marathon!" I didn't even think, I reacted and signed up right then and there! Heck yes sister friend- it's official- I'm going to run the Nike Women's HALF-Marathon October 17, 2010 and training started today!

Help support in anyway you can- and I promise I'm committed to updating my official Team in Training Blog! I already have pics and fun info...so check it out!!!!!!!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/nikesf10/ttanihara

ps and btw- I bought two pairs of shoes last year and this is a pic of my still new in the box pair, not my I've been using for a year pair! :)

Finish out January

Now that I'm nearing the middle of February I feel it is best I catch up on the remaining happs of January.

...talking- yes I'm pretty good at that. Public speaking?! Not so much, though I had the "great opportunity" (as many proclaim) to give a talk. I usually don't mind giving talks, but this was the first time that I've had to do this in years! No worries though, it all turned out well- thank goodness. I ended my talk with my favorite take home message- "The $20 Dollar Bill"

...work- yes I have my moments- we all have moments when we doubt what we do. I was feeling discouraged about work and was very confused. We recently had a "team member" leave our office. Since then, we have all pulled together. Even though we are more busy and have more "work" to do and catch up on, we're all happier and more relaxed. Sometimes things just happen for a reason, this time it was for the better.

...driving- yes I like to drive, though no I don't like driving alone. SLO is like another "home" it's a mix of a vacation spot and another place I'm absolutely comfortable in. I went to SLO for the weekend and had a blast. I didn't realize that one of my friends who had graduated last year was going to be down there the same weekend. FUN! I didn't do too much while there, though I did make my traditional homemade cinnamon rolls- which were a success, got orange cranberry scones from The Apple Farm, did a quick Costco run, made dinner, went out to dinner, watched a movie, and shopped. (notice how most of the things I did was related to food? that's why I consider it a vay-cay-- I always eat way too much on vay-cay!)

Well, that finishes up my January, now for my next post, catch up on February since we're almost half done!!!!

sometimes

sometimes i sit and think about my life and how i thought i had it all figured out when i was 16 and then when i was 18 and of course when i was 21. let me tell you, most of the planning i had done- didn't work out. am i sad? for the most part no. do i laugh at myself? all too often. do i think i have my life planned out now? yeah right- no chance! i've decided that i am embracing life as it is and enjoying it.

everyday i talk with my patients about life. (no i'm not one of those hygienists who show you random pics of my dog...i don't even have a dog nor do i want one!) i'm the type of hygienist who loves to talk and when i say love i mean LOVE. most people ask me "when the girl is talking to me, am i supposed to answer? i mean how am i supposed to answer while her hands are in my mouth?" i love that question! why do i love that question? because i'm the type of hygienist who majority of the time is telling you a story- when i'm not telling you a story i'm asking questions, but i give my patients a chance to answer the question-- hands removed from the mouth and all. i do have a few patients who continue to try to talk even when i've but my instruments back in their mouth and by some miracle i understand what they're saying. crazy i know, but as you get to know me more you understand it all more clearly.

now that the background info is out there---let's get back on track. so i talk with my patients about life. i talk about everything. i have gotten some of the best advice from my patients. most of the people i see are adults (no i'm not an adult- i'm still growing up that's why i get advice from my patients). i enjoy hearing so many different points of view on a single subject. topic of the month for me has been family traditions. with the holidays behind us i as everyone how they celebrated. some celebrate Christmas, some Hanukkah, and some not at all. no matter which holiday was or was not celebrated, everyone celebrates differently. there has not been a single tradition that has been the same for anyone. i LOVE that. it gives me great ideas for traditions i want to have when i someday have a family of my own. i'm always "future thinking" and hope that i'll be able to keep some of my family traditions as well as create some of my own with my family.

everyday is an adventure. sometimes i like the adventures that i embark on and sometimes i don't. sometimes i am stubborn. sometimes i love the way my hair looks and sometimes my outfit actually matches the purse i've chosen to use for the day. sometimes my niece says "CC stay here" and i think to myself why not?

i love life and the fun that it is- some days are better than others and i still love life :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR- ten days late :)

Roses are red, violets are blue, why is it so hard to keep up with you?!

Happy new years friends!!! I cannot believe 2010 is here. I always remember as a little girl thinking by the time it's 2020 we'd all be living like the Jetsons. Unfortunately I don't think in just ten short years we'll be able to have our lives changed that much, though prove me wrong and I'm totally ok with that.

I want to say first and foremost that I'm am glad to welcome in the new year and say goodbye 2009 with a big smile :) Last year was a little crazy. I cannot pin point exactly the things that made 2009 crazy though there can be a long list made. I've decided to not bore you with the crazyness, and just get you excited about 2010!

I have recently become an advisor for 14-15 year old girlies :) I have to say that when I was initially asked to work with these girlies I was super scared and did not know what the heck I was going to do. In a few short weeks I already have a large place in my heart for each and every girl. We have lots of fun and believe it or not, I highlighted one of the girls hair yesterday :) Hooray for fun times I tell you and here's to many many more fun times with the girlies!

My super cute niece is learning, laughing, and talking tons more! She still calls me "CC" which I hope sticks for all the little nieces and nephews to come. (There are no nieces and or nephews on their way, though I can continue to wish and hope). Ashley got to go see santa and was of course scared of him, though never cried- that a girl- that a girl (photos to be added soon).

As for all the other little tidbits in my life, I continue to have opportunities for growth placed in front of me daily. I know that life isn't mean to be easy and I'm learning to not run faster than I have strength. I can see that this year already holds great things for my life--- I can't wait to get this year rolling and keep you posted!

Ugh- I will work on keeping you posted :)