For most of us, we are making plans to go out on Saturday night and ring in the New Year. Whether we are having people over, or going to the game, or the pub, even those few that decide to just stay home and get to bed early; we are all making plans on how to close out the year. No matter what it may be, we all have similar thoughts running through our little minds.

Being the introverted, over analytical being that I am (INTJ according to Meyer Briggs), I sit and “Consider the lilies…” (Luke 12:27). Am I where I had hoped to be? Did I accomplish all that I set out to do after making my goals for last year? Did I lose the number of inches off my waistline I thought I would? Did I make the choices that not only made me happy, but choices that those who love and care for me can have peace in their hearts that I have done well not only in their eyes, but in the eyes of my Heavenly Father? Did I choose well when presented with opportunities to serve my fellow man despite challenges? Am I living a balanced life?

The questions I ask myself seem to be endless and ever increasing. I even find myself veering away from focusing on the things that are the most important. I have decided that on this, the last Stay Sexy Thursday of the year 2011, I will list my goal/resolutions/affirmations, whatever you choose to refer to them, right here on this post. I believe, a firm conviction that is so fierce that it’s nearly tangible in the world around me, that by keeping these few basic things at the center and forefront of my mind, heart, and daily life, that we will see “sexy” in ourselves every time we look into a mirror, when we walk with our heads held high into a room of strangers we don’t know, when we are in our frumpiest clothes and sweating at the gym, or when we wake up in the morning with our hair in disarray. I’ve listed below the affirmations words associated with the word “sexy” in hopes of helping all of us to better understand where real and true beauty lies and can be found if we know what we’re looking for. Happy End of the Year to all, and may the start of the New Year be pleasant and fulfilling.

1. Put my Heavenly Father first.

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
                                                       Luke 12:27-32

2. Making “Me” number 1 in my life.

If I need space, then I need to take it. Taking care of my own spiritual, physical, and emotional health is priority. If I can’t take care of myself first, then I can’t properly care for those around me if they are in need. Only do what I am able without sacrificing Self, but be mindful to serve Freely and without Guile.

3. Be accountable.

Take responsibility for all aspects of my life and the choices I make. I can only be in control of my own actions and not the actions of others, but I choose how to respond to those who come into my life for both the good and the challenging. The asking and giving of Forgiveness also means choosing to be appropriate in how it is carried out.

4. Choose to be happy.

So often, being happy seems to come down to choice. No matter how challenging a day is, we can still make choices on the things we can control, rather than dwell on the things we can’t. Not to say that human nature won’t get the better of us, but we can choose the “super” human within ourselves and choose to take happiness and keep it close always. Smiling (not the crazy smile) to strangers as we pass them in the mall, or on the street, or looking the kid working the drive thru in the eye and saying “thank you” with a smile never hurt anyone. Believe me, they won’t expect it, but even at Mickey D’s, they work hard and have bills to pay too! Share the love and choose to appreciate it.

Sexy – generally attractive and interesting: appealing

Synonyms

Charismatic, charming, enchanting, attractive, magnetic, captivating, fascinating, bewitching, and my personal addition, simply, AWESOME

ej

Are you Hurt or Injured?

If you're hurt you can play, if you're injured you can't. I live by that rule in most of what I do in life. It has served me well and keeps me moving forward always. I recently thought about this concept as I was "talking" to my friend who is serving in Afghanistan. He was recovering from an altercation with an IED that went off right behind his seat while on a mission. Even after being knocked around by the blast, when he came around still engaged in the firefight and "handled" his business as he put it.

He spent about two weeks recuperating (if you can call it that, he was still doing two a days in the "gym", silly man) and then was sent back out to run missions. As his friend, my initial response was "Don't go! You're not ready." and I posed the question "How can you be 'okay' with going?" His response was simple, "it's my job. It's what we do." I started to recall all the many conversations I have had over the years of competitive and even non competitive play in my various sports and activities. People asking me "why" or "how" I continue to do what I do despite an impairment. In his case, shaking hands, ringing ears and pounding head due to exploding devices racking his brain, and in mine, usually a sprained finger or ankle, or perhaps a debilitating migraine. However, I always played. Even if I had to puke during a timeout, I did what I had to do to play. It's just what I did, and what I continue to do. It's really not that different.

Mad props to him and his other two mates that were affected by that IED and the Purple Hearts they earned for that encounter. I know this may seem silly, but as our friendship has developed, I feel like every time he comes onto Facebook (silly, I know)it's a blessing. It's one day closer he is to returning home...and one more day that he is alive to tell me all his stories. Some people I can't relate the stories to that he shares with me, because they are sensitive to the details, but for me, I'd rather him tell me about those things. I don't want to read about them from someone else and see his name in black.

Two more months, mate! We'll be here with pints of Strawberry ice cream, a case of yogurt, a few good books, a copy of "Marley and Me" in hand and ready to chill. We have plans!

ej

Too much sleep...

It's time to focus on getting more efficient sleep again. I slept a full eight hours on Friday night and on Saturday night and I had no energy or motivation for anything. Last night I went to sleep with plenty of time for a full 8 hours rest and my 6 hour body clock wake me up and I was ready to roll. Since it was a work day, I decided not to force myself back to sleep and you know what? I have so much more energy and motivation to get things done! Whoever says that everyone needs 8 hours sleep a night hasn't met me! LOL!
So many things to try and get done this week. Today, I am going to try and purchase a flight to Cali to get in on the big sale they are having which ends today. One way ticket to San Jose right now is $230 so I need to take advantage of that...ugh...I mostly would like to implant peeps into my Alaskan life rather than fly down to Cali. It's weird, I thought by now I might miss it a little, but I really don't. In fact, I really, really, really dread the flight down to Cali. I don't miss the "California feel," in fact, if I ever move back to Cali it would only be because whoever I marry had to make us move there for work. But don't think I won't have some words to say about it before that decision is ever made!
I had a busy weekend, but was able to enjoy a substantial amount of time alone. I've really been in need of it.
On Friday, I want to "First Friday" in downtown Anchorage. It is something where the different art galleries and specialty shops stay open a few hours longer so and people go downtown and get a chance to see different art work and go to the different shops. Some of the stores have live music, hors d'oeuvres, or the artists will present to discuss their artwork. Some restaurants that generally close early will also keep their doors open later on that night as well. I went with one of my teammates and her friend. It was a pretty nice time. I will probably do it again sometimes, perhaps when it gets colder. Because it's been so warm out, it was really slushy out and I think it would be good fun to go out on a date or with a group of people there and bring along ice skates and skate downtown near all the ice sculptures.
Saturday was nice as well. Slept in, had some hot chocolate, went to my friend's son's guitar recital, then volunteered at the Roller Derby bout. The highlight though, had to be Twilight. :) Following the Derby bout, my friend and I decided to go watch Twilight and it was wicked good. Probably my favorite one so far and not just because Breaking Dawn is my favorite book of the series, but because they seemed to have captured the essence of the book a little better and are getting the Vampire thing down, effects wise.
Spent most of Sunday chillin' out solo. It was a much needed break from the world. It was crazy windy that day, but the good ol' Chinook winds were in effect because it was super warm. I pretty much sailed across the ice as I crossed the street and had to be a lot more alert as I did so, because the road conditions were so precarious. Good times, good times.
There were pros and cons to the heat wave we just experienced. Besides the fact that I don't like summer weather in the winter time, the warm weather made for some pretty dangerous driving/walking conditions. The bus system was shut down in the morning due to those poor conditions, and school activities were cancelled on Friday as well. Oh, and I don't exactly fancy getting sprayed with water from passing vehicles as I walk down the sidewalk. The pros: all the snow I would have had to shovel out of the back of the truck melted over the last four days! LOL! On Thursday I thought "I'm gonna have to shovel that snow soon, because it is almost blocking my view of the rear view mirror." Well, that's all been sorted, oh, and I can open my windows to my apartment for some fresh air now! The windows were blocked by the snow, so now I can open those too! Yippee!
Well, back to the grind! It's a happy, happy Monday! Roads were clear driving to work this morning, even though the parking lots are all like mini ice rinks! It's gonna be a good week!

You're not in the lower 48 anymore!

So, been house sitting for a week and a half. The week before I started, they homeowners encountered a bear a few times. However, weather was turning even colder and more snow was on its way, so, no access to the gun safe seemed necessary and I didn't take a second thought on getting a can of bear spray.

Within the last few days, "Yogi" has made his presence known by knocking over and opening the big container of chicken feed and had his way with two 50 lbs. bags, and the latest casualties of 4 innocent chickens. Tragic, as my days of being a stand in chicken egg farmer were already numbered, and my short career is ending in a tragic way.

As I prepare for my last night as a chicken egg farmer and reptile and fish watcher, I hope that the bear has had his fill and is heading off to hibernation. With winds expected to blow at up to 100 mph here (more than likely they will stay well below that, as they have been within the 20-38 mph range all day so far), and wind chill of -25 (again, it's not as cold as it sounds, trust me), if he doesn't sleep soon, ADFG will have their way with him, or local home owners will deal with him as they protect their homes. Such is the way of life here in Alaska, even in the "city." The pic below is a pic of the busted door to the chicken house. The chickens live in a one room house, complete with electricity and insulation and a "doggy" door for days they choose to roam around outside, even in the snow when the weather is appropriate for it. This Yogi, just doesn't know how to just go down for the winter.

Tonight, a can of bear spray will be with me as I go in and out of the house and possibly a rifle. Good times!

Stay Sexy Thursday (Facebook Status)

Today's "Stay Sexy" moment was challenging, because my own personal day was filled with a wonderful bouquet of emotions; deep soul penetrating thoughts, challenges, and triumphs that altered and enhanced my perspective on life in general. As I look to the past to gain knowledge, appreciate and assess the moments of today, I look towards tomorrow with all that gives me wisdom. To restate what I posted on her page: "So many things to say, so little time to say them...really, I think it's about having the courage to mean them when spoken." When speaking to those around us in the world and to ourselves, it's all fine to do what we say, but mean what we say when we do. :) Stay Sexy. See it. Be it. Believe it.

First Mid Term of the new School Term

First Mid Term coming up this weekend!  It's crazy how much reading this class has and it is a one (1) unit only!  My counselor has mentioned they are trying to change it to a 3 unit course because there is so much material that has to be covered.  Good thing I know a thing or two about our Constitution already, but holy smokes, there's a lot of reading involved.

We are nearing our first real snow here in Anchorage.  Other parts of the state and even the country are enjoying winter snows and here we are, still seeing lakes with water and puddles on the sides of the road.  What's up with that???  It's time for it to get cold and freeze the lakes over, there's outdoor fun to be had and I am ready for it.  My team is looking forward to the icing over of the lakes as well.  Since we're a recreational league, there are no formal practices, but, we could sure benefit from one!  LOL!  We sure work hard though when we show up for games, but most of my teammates don't even understand the "off-sides" rule yet, and I just barely fully understood it recently (helpful when you're the goalie).  I knew the puck had to cross the blue line, but the other part of the rule I didn't fully understand until recently.

At any rate, snow it on its way and I caught a few snowflakes on my hoodie this morning walking to work, but nothing substantial.  I am also getting settled in nicely at my job.  I've been here for about five months now and still enjoying it.  Learning more each day and will be adding quickbooks to my list of programs I can maneuver through.  I've never used the program, but I am confident I won't have any big issues sorting it all out.

Really, between work, school, church, hockey, and the occasional social event, I keep a pretty chill schedule.  Plenty of down time at home to enjoy Pandora's company as I do my weekly chores, and soon, I will have a pair of headphones again (that I don't plan to put through the wash cycle) and will have the company of my tune-age again on the bus as I make my Saturday morning run to the grocery store.  Oh, note to self, pull out the waterproof gloves for when it actually starts getting colder!  Okay, that's it.  Happy Stay Sexy Thursday!

ej

Was thinking about Isaiah

This morning on the bus, I was thinking of my friend Isaiah and it made me smile.  I was thinking of how happy he always was and carefree.  Captain Happy...


He was such a good guy and I was remembering how we tried to teach him how to ballroom dance.  Between my friend Heather and myself, we got awfully close to teaching him how to East Coast Swing.  I loved that he didn't care what people thought of him and moved forward in his objective - make people smile.  At his funeral, the person conducting the meeting was talking about how there was going to be some sort of memorial made for him at the place where he had done his Eagle Project for Scouts.  He said, "Some people were meant to be remembered."  Isaiah was that kind of person.  Heavenly Father took him from this life early for a greater purpose and though I am sometimes sad when I think about his wife and baby he left behind, and how we will not see him again in this life, I am comforted by the greater purpose God has for him.  Miss ya, Buddy!

ej

Hunger Games Countdown

Whiplash!!! ... Again ...

So, the first time I skated out and attempted my first shot on goal I fell flat on my back and got a little whiplash.  That was about a month ago.  Good times right?  Of course right!  Well, last night in class I was hustling over to the net on the opposite end of the rink and was skating hard to get there and totally lost my feet from under just before the first blue line and laid myself out on my back.  Helmet went flying off and the coach came over to make sure I was okay.  Of course I was, it happens right?  He was great though!  I hate when people get all mushy and too concerned for something so small.  Yeah, I fell hard, but I wasn't injured, not even my pride or ego.  I have been skating two and a half months, so I feel like my skating is where it should be.  He quickly asked if I was okay and I replied "It happens."  He handed me my helmet and said, "Put this on and remember to bend your knees."  On that I was back up and skating.  I really like his style.  Didn't waste time coddling.

Lessons learned from class -

Don't be afraid to do what comes to you instinctively.  When goal tending, as in lots of things I do in life, I start to analyze and then over analyze.  My best goal tending has been when I played against the men and I just reacted instead of "decided" on what to do.  I had a few moments of that last night and later I thought "dang, that was pretty darned awesome."  I mean, I really surprised myself with what I saw myself do last night.  Not that it was amazing or anything, but it was just that I was pleased with how my instincts too control.

I need to set my bottom skate straps tighter against my skates.  I have known this, but I need to punch more holes in the leather so I can put the buckle though.  I know a few people that can do it, but only know one person with the right tool, but he has fallen off the face of the earth.  Next step would be to go to the Boot Country guy by my office, but that will cost money.  Blah!  It would give me more control over my pads if I could strap them to my skates properly.

Finally, the biggest lesson I continue to learn and most import habit to create...keep my darn stick on the ice!  I don't know how many times I hear that, and yet, I am always picking it up off the ice.  You would think I would be lazy and let it rest on the ice right?  Nope, I hold on to that bad boy like there's no tomorrow and biscuits keep flying between the five hole!  Ugh...a work in progress am I.  Okay, back to the work of the office!

ej
 

Hockey Weekend

Last weekend was a hockey weekend!  Actually, it was just a busy weekend in general!  I was supposed to go dancing on Friday night, but oops, my wallet fell out of my pocket somewhere while I was running across the street trying to hit up the ATM so I could have cash.  This was one of my back up plans to the date I was supposed to have gone on.  Instead, my friend Matt helped me search the street for my wallet and we tore my apartment apart to try and see if maybe I dropped it somewhere inside.  I was certain I had it when I left my apartment.  I had to buy a new DL at the DMV the next day, get a temporary ATM card, buy a new bus pass and was sad that my punch card for UAA was gone, as well as three school IDs.  Blah!  It's all good though, things always work out.

I played two games, for two different teams.  The game with my team we lost (0-5), and the game I subbed in we tied (0-0).  It was a lot of fun though, win or lose.  I talked to a coach last week about taking his beginning hockey class at the suggestion of some of my teammates after one of our losses!  LOL!  I am certain they are tired of me sucking so much already.  At any rate, I spoke with him and he agreed to take me on.  Since I play goalie, I get to take the class free of charge!  It's a supply and demand thing so that is a benefit for me!  High demand for goalies, and a low supply.  I had my first class on Tuesday and got worked over.  I was so tired I could barely stand up by the end of the class.  The coach said I need to work on staying on my feet and not "flopping" around the crease.  Haha!  Yeah, staying on my feet was very difficult. I have never skated that hard in my life!  My gear got heavier and heavier by the minute (this is not a complaint, I loved every minute of it), and by the hour mark I thought I might puke!  Haha!  I look forward to going again next week!  It's gonna be so on when I can actually do what I mean to do!

I did go on a "date" with a guy, I guess it was a few, but I already called it quits.  He's not a religious individual which was not necessarily the problem, but he had a difficult time with the boundaries I set, so we decided it wasn't worth the time.  He is a super cool guy though, and we parted in a nice way.  It was kind of nice while it lasted.

Last week, termination dust was visible on the high peaks of the mountains in the backdrop of the mountain range to the east.  This week, mountains that are a short drive away have snow on them and winter is soon to be upon us!  I am eagerly awaiting the first snow of the winter season and as the temperatures continue to fall my excitement grows.  I love that it is dark more hours in the day and that there will be so much to do when the cold hits.  We are already planning all the fun that there is to be had (except for the peeps with no imagination, or love for the outdoors).  My boss and I were talking today about the things we plan to do this winter.  He doesn't ice climb anymore, but he is excited to get out and cross country ski.  There are miles and miles of lit trails here for cross country skiing and Alyeska has lights set up for when the minimal daylight dissipates so that skiers and snowboarders alike can continue their runs.  Anchorage is so amazing when it is covered in white.  This year, I plan to enjoy the ice sculptures and downtown skating set up.  It's going to be so much easier now that I know my way around so well.  Here's to winter!!!
ej

FHE - Give us this day our Daily Bread

I gave the FHE lesson for the YSA ward this past Monday.  Here are my notes, though I tried to eliminate the discussion questions for the sake of this post.  Despite my nerves, I think the lesson went well and there were  a lot of great and isighful comments shared!  I love how much you learn when you're the "teacher."  I also shared some gems from one of the most amazing people I know, Scott, and it was great to be able to share the words of wisdom with my Alaskan "friends."  Hope life is finding you all well.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread (FHE) 

By Elder D. Todd Chistofferson (YSA CES 09 January 2011)

As a child growing up, perspective was something I knew very little about.  The adage “can’t see past the end of his nose” is really quite literal when you consider one’s youth.

I know as a young child all I thought about was the next opportunity I was going to get to play basketball, or jump on a skateboard.  I never considered the consequences from deciding to enjoy those activities.  Sprained ankles, jammed fingers, cuts and bruises, a sore backside, or breaking my mother’s picture frame or even ending up on crutches for a week.  On occasion, those injuries, sometimes groundings, or an increased chore load, had a great affect on my happiness, comfort and play time. 

Something I have learned as an adult and since converting  and choosing to live a life in accordance with the gospel of Jesus Christ, is the great freedom we enjoy when applying the “little things” the gospel encourage us to do. It widens our perspectives and provides great insight on decisions we make.   Elder Christofferson says:

“[we] often admonish you to plan for the future.  We encourage you to pursue education and vocational training as preparation for life in the years ahead.  We urge you to lay a foundation for marriage and family and to act on those plans.  We caution you to think of possible consequences down the road when making decisions about what you do down the road when making decisions about what you do today.”

I underlined some key words to rephrase his statement and make it a little more concise, which in this case, will hopefully be the jumping off point for this evening’s thoughts.

First thing:  Look to God for What is Needed Each Day

Matthew 6:9-13

9 ^aAfter this manner therefore ^bpray ye: Our ^cFather which art in heaven, ^dHallowed be thy ^ename.   10 Thy ^akingdom come. Thy ^bwill be done ^cin earth, as it is in heaven.   11 Give us this day our daily ^abread.   12 And forgive us our ^adebts, as we ^bforgive our debtors.   13 ^aAnd ^blead us not into ^ctemptation, ^dbut deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the ^eglory, for ever. Amen.

As His Disciples, we are encouraged to look to Him for temporal and spiritual sustenance.

2 Nephi 32:9

9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must ^apray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall ^bpray unto the Father in the ^cname of Christ, that he will ^dconsecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the ^ewelfare of thy soul.

As we look to God for what we need daily in some of the ways discussed already today, this creates a bit of a cause and effect reaction to take place in our lives.  Elder Chistofferson shares the story about Moses and his charge to feed over a million mouths as they were in the wilderness.  They looked to God to have their needs met, but chose not to follow his counsel.   When they heeded the words of the Lord by way of Moses, they were blessed.  When they did not as Moses counseled, they had no Manna.

D&C 82:10

10   I, the Lord, am ^abound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no ^bpromise.

When we are seeking to do as the Lord asks, he will always provide.

Elder Christofferson also shares some gems on how we can persevere and stay commited to our effort to seek Him daily.

1.      Trust in the Lord – Solutions May Come Over Time

a.      It is in the Lord’s time

b.      Remain humble

c.      Miraculous comes in different sizes

d.      We learn from our Journey not necessarily when we arrive at our destination.

2.      Work Through Large Problems in Small, Daily Bites

a.      We had saying in Massage College “you can eat an elephant, one bite at a time.”

b.      Navy SEAL“First of all,” he said, “I do not want you to give in to the pressure of the moment. Whenever you’re hurting bad, just hang in there. Finish the day. Then, if you’re still feeling bad, think about it long and hard before you decide to quit. Second, take it one day at a time. One [phase] at a time.  Don’t let your thoughts run away with you, don’t start planning to bail out because you’re worried about the future and how much you can take. Don’t look ahead to the pain. Just get through the day, and there’s a wonderful career ahead of you.”

c.      “To worry about what is or may be coming can be debilitating. It can paralyze us and make us quit.”  Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:  “Perhaps fear held them back when they should have gone forward.”  Lancelot to King Arthur.  Or, “Not Scared.”

3.      God’s “Daily Bread” is Needed in Reaching our Potential

We need God to be a part of our lives daily.  Several years ago while living in the South Bay, we had a Stake President establish a stake mission statement and goals.  It may still used to this day in that stake and I continue keep a few of them on my own personal list.  The main one is PROs.  Personal Religious Observances. 

4.      Seek the Lord’s Help in Serving Others

5.      Daily Choices Have Eternal Consequences

a.      The choices we make today, can and do affect our future families.

6.      Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. …

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

“I am that bread of life.

“Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

“This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:35, 47–51).

ej

Something Fun

Last night, I somehow convinced Megan to go with me to watch some AWHL games that were going on at UAA.  It's great that she is supportive, even though she really has minimal interest in Hockey itself.  I planned on going, pretty much regardless, or play basketball with my buddy, Taylor, who text me during dinner so I was pleased as punch she was willing to go.

Upon arrival, the first game was in the 2nd period.  I wanted to get an idea of what kind of level the Denali division was playing at.  Oh, so, in my League, there are three divisions:  Hunter Division (beginner/recreation), Foraker (intermediate), and Denali (Advanced/competitive).  However, as is usually the case, at least in my experience, "competitive" in women's sports standards are usually not what I think them to be.  This was also true in last night's Denali Division game that I watched.  Don't get me wrong, I can't skate as well as those women can, not even close, and I do not wish to knock them in the very least, but the game is slower and the way they spread the ice/floor/field/pitch/rink, whatever you want to call it, is typical of what you would expect from inexperienced female athletes.  This being said, it merely gave me hope that my hopes of moving up in a division in the next season or two is well within reach.

Also, we (Megan, Chancy-Megan's Boyfriend) decided to head up to the vending machines for a snack between periods of the second game (Foraker Division).  As we were making our way back to the rink, we saw kids jumping off the diving boards at the pool.  It must have been open rec time, because there were no serious swimmers and no lanes set up.  Since there are big windows that are above the pool, we stood there watching the guys jump and so silly things off the different spring boards.  Some were pretty awesome, some not so awesome.  So, we started giving scores!  It became quite the game and two girls ended up joining the dive competition.  Though, I use the word "dive" loosely here, there were some pretty fun moves displayed.  We even gave some 10s and a foot too!  LOL!  When you start running out of fingers to hold up, you have to resort to the toes!  I always gave extra points for a well executed face or body plant, or for an increased degree of difficulty.  The lifeguard seemed to enjoy the contest and always looked to us for the scores and so did the divers, and would give a nod of appreciation or head shake after seeing his or her received scores.  Next time, we are bringing dry erase boards!  LOL!  Good times!

I know you [Nancy] said you would not feel sorry for me if I injure myself playing hockey, but, just so you know, I am taking all the necessary precautions to prevent injury.  =)  My knees are sore, but that is the life of a goalie, and I am also working on remedying the lasting affects of that as well.  I'm not as young as I used to be, so stretching before and after is going to play an extremely large role in my knee health, as well as focusing on my hamstrings at the gym.  I get a good thigh workout, but the hamstrings tend to miss out on some of the action.  Raising my glass to the wonderful world of hockey as I embark on a different workout routine and also head back to the pool!  It's nearly winter time, so pool time is always my favorite activity when it's cold outside.  Though, in Alaska, you don't see pools outdoors...I'm sure you can understand why, though...how cool would it be to be backstroking, or floating on your back and looking up at the Northern Lights???  If I ever get rich, I will have to build an indoor pool with the option to open the top during the cooler and clear skied days.  Hmmm...

This weekend is going to be our season opener against Champion's Choice.  The team is already looking forward to shooting at me!  LOL!  I subbed as their goalie last week for the pre-season game and they have already let me know they look forward to having me be on the other end of their sticks.  You gotta love it!

ej

Hockey Time!

Well, last week was our pre-season practice and game.  It was a fun night, but I was pretty tired.  Beast and I got there early, like we were supposed to as goalies (out teams were scheduled to scrimmage each other), and the prior session was going but without goalies.  So, they asked if we wanted to sub in after they were done practicing.  I convinced Beast that we should!  =)

So, we were able to practice a bit with them and then scrimmage.  By the time that game was over and the Zamboni was doing its thing, I was then sent into Locker Room #3 to be introduced to my actual team.  Tada!!!  "Hello, this is your goalie!"  So, I stripped off my already sweaty jersey, and put on my new team jersey.  So, we practiced then played a scrimmage.  The coach was nice enough to let me sit out some of the drills since I had already skated a session beforehand.  After awhile, the gear starts to wear you down, especially us newbies, since we're not used to skating in that much extra gear.  We haven't done the math, but we're guessing it's at least 20 lbs.extra weight we carry.  We also determined that the pads all weigh a lot more after being in them two hours.  Walking in was much easier than walking out!

I got a "bagel" in the first game, but since it was only a scrimmage, I really shouldn't count it.  The second scrimmage, well, we're not gonna count at all.  For the first half of the game, the puck didn't even get into our zone.  Since it was supposed to be a learning experience, my team started helping them out by giving the other girls help as they played and letting them get the puck.  Poor girls though, they would end up on their backs more often then not.  So, when they would finally come my way, I pretty much just stood there.  We gotta build each other up in the pre-season!  Next week, the season is officially on and I won't be so nice!  =)

I will cheering on Beast's team Trailer Craft on Saturday afternoon at UAA at 545pm if anyone wants to join me.  I plan to make a sign and everything!  LOL!  Woot!  She's a Beast in the Crease!

ej

My Job and Stuff

Well, I am now about four months into my job and still enjoying it.  Like anything in life, it has its "pros" and "cons," but nothing that is deal breaking.  I really enjoy the work that I am doing and the flexibility I have with my schedule.  It's my GDI home away from!  As much as I miss working/seeing Scott and Nancy, and of course the entire GDI crew, I know this was the right decision to move here [Anchorage, AK].  It's been a wonderful adventure so far and I haven't thought about looking back yet.  My friend said she didn't miss California until about 3 years later when she even thought about going back to visit because she wanted to, aside from obligatory visits with friends and family.  We'll see how it goes for me.

Winter is approaching and I can hardly wait!  This is the last weekend of the State Fair up in Palmer and I have opted out of going this year.  It was a sacrifice I chose when I decided to get my own place.  Next year, there is always next year.  Besides, I am more interested in getting myself squared away on homework so that I will have a few weeks off school when hockey starts!  Grace, you know how worthless I was after the clinic each day!  No homework, or housework got done!  I'm just lucky I clean up after myself on the regular, or else my flat would have been a disaster area!

I am still trying to transition into my new ward.  Sunday our start time will change to 11 and that will make my life a lot easier.  The buses don't run until much later on Sundays, so I won't have to depend on my bike (I don't plan on spending money on studded tires this winter), or having to ask for rides.  I would rather get there on my own, so a later start time allows me more freedom and ease to get to and from church without having to depend on others.  This also means I will have to finally buy myself a legitimate winter coat.  I was able to borrow Jimi's last winter, but now it's time to spend the money and get my own.  I don't want to freeze to death!  LOL!

ej

Hockey Clinic Last Week

Okay, so I attended a three day clinic last week.  Sheesh, it was awesome but totally brutal.  I've been skating pretty religiously for a month and a half, but it was not nearly enough.  I went out to the goalie clinic to try my skills out in the hardest position in hockey.  I ended up on my backside on more than one occasion and I was not alone who found themselves in that position.  Most important part of hockey is to always get back up.  I didn't know how much I would love people shooting pucks at me!  It was a rush to be able to stop a puck with my junk!  LOL!  I learned many valuable and important lessons during those three days.

Lesson One

Use the bathroom before putting on all your goalie gear.  As much effort as it is to get it all on, having to tinkle just before hitting the ice isn't like figure skaters that have to pull down their one piece leotard.  We're talking about many pounds of equipment that has to come off before you can even get to your skates, at which point you can throw on blade guards, and then, maybe, if you're lucky, make it down the hallway, hang a right, down another hallway, through a double door, turn left, then make a right, then another right, only to find three stalls in use, so you head towards the other section you discovered a day earlier, make a right, start stripping off your pelvic protector (female version of a guys jock), and your compression shorts at the same time, while  maneuvering in skates that add three or four inches to your height, so the toilet seat is a bit lower than usual, so your aim in getting yourself seated is a bit more of a challenge than you're used to, and then finally relieving yourself only to discover there's no toilet paper.  Yeah, that happens...not saying it happened to me, just sayin' is all.


Lesson Two


Wear your jock!  Listen, ladies, if the puck hits your junk, it will hurt.  Day One:  I didn't wear it and second drill in, I got nailed in the pelvic region.  It was no bueno!  Fortunately, in the actual scrimmage it was against girls in the clinic and they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, and if they could stay on their feet long enough to shoot the puck, it never left the ground and came so slowly you had to wake up from the comatose state in which you had been in for the last 12 ladies who shot before her.

Lesson Three


Playing with boys is much more exciting as they actually shoot the puck with force and you get to make real saves and feel like a superstar!  Nothing more exciting than making a good stick save, or a glove save and then when you realize you really did catch it in your glove you give the glove a little shake and let it fall on the ice for all the people on and off the ice to see hit the floor.  Yep, it's all about the glory at that point!  The satisfaction of a good glove save and letting the boys (especially the boys) see that on your second day of hockey ever, you stopped that junk!  And the crowd goes wild!  Woo hoo!!!


Lesson Four


Never underestimate a girl that says she plays hockey, no matter what she looks like. That little "girl" you saw on the outside of the rink earlier, yeah, that's her over there, yup, that beast over there, she's no joke.  Leanne, my newest friend, may look all marshmallows in cocoa and snowflakes on a Christmas morning, but she's a Beast in the Crease.  She's gonna be skating, as I won the last goalie position in our division, but she's still a Beast and is gonna tear it up.   You become a different person when you put on your gear.  It's amazing!!!


Lesson Five


Goalies, don't get no breaks!  Yeah, skaters go on in shifts that change up every few minutes.  Goalies, they play the whole game.  I was pretty tired and by the end of the pick up game I stepped up to play in, I was worked over!  I hobbled, not skated off the ice, and my friend Giggles aka Wendy, helped me get my gear off!  I couldn't even get my chest protector up over my head!  Yeah, I loved it!  However, the goalie gear did stink up my apartment pretty good!  I need to invest in a fan!  Haha!

Lesson Six

Trying to find gear for a left handed goalie is no easy task!  I might be stuck playing right handed, but we'll see how things go.  I found a used blocker for a lefty, but of course, even used it was $80.  I think they did that just because they are harder to find, because it wasn't even as in good condition as some of the others and they were as low as $15 a piece used for a right handed player.  Blah!  So, I use borrowed equipment for now.  It smells lovely, but at least I am protected and that is what counts!


I left the clinic with plenty of bruises, scrapes, sore muscles and I wouldn't have had it any other way!  Made some new friends in the process!  The goalie side of the clinic was super great!  Since there are fewer of us, we get more attention and cover more material.  Because everyone wants to be a skater and score, they are not awesome enough, or crazy enough to go against the puck flying at you at high velocities!  It's on!  Bring on September and the start of my hockey season!


ej
 

Just whatevs...

oh how we as women are so easily swayed.
when day is as night and the night as day
the pain and agony that comes with love
we say "nay" tis brighter than stars above
days and nights are always as one
no, not one is greater or less till done
when it happens and love not realized
twas just attraction and now we agonize
this we experience all in a moment's Time
we say "yay" we say "nay" it's sublime
we hate it and love it, this we cannot lie
for all that has transpired we just ask why?
as the sun rises again upon a new day
the dawn air kisses our cheeks to play
agony is renewed once again in our minds
and safe shelter from it we seek to find
oh how we as women are so easily swayed
for yes, today is another day  ej

Whoa whoa whoa....hold the phone, I agreed to do what???

Well, hockey season is swiftly coming upon us and I have been working hard to get myself ready for the upcoming clinic that starts Saturday.  I have committed to play the goalie position for the season and I'm excited to get the ice time.  I hope my feet hold up!  They get some major cramp-age if the skates are no bueno!  I am happy to report that my forward skates have been holding up quite well, now that I have the right sized skate going!  My skating has been improving by leaps and bounds since Thursday's "new" skate size implementation.  My crossovers are coming along nicely, and my skating coach wants me to start working on my backward crossovers this week.  We'll see how it goes!  I am in so much control of my feet now, it's incredible.  Instead of spending so much energy trying to keep my feet together with the skate (my skates were a whole size too big), I know feel like my skate is just an extension of my foot and I can actually control my feet so much better, in fact, I can even control my right foot better too!  Who knew?

I've been told that the best skater on the ice is usually the goalie.  Though I am not a great skater yet, I plan to do my best to fulfill the role of goalie on whatever team I land on.  The best part is, I can still play forward when I play pond hockey, so really, it's the best of both worlds.  It's also half the price or free if I play goalie, and since it is a novice league, they provide all the specialty gear associated with Goalie, so all I will need to buy are the skates and a neck protector and stick.  Skates and sticks are cheap and easy to come by used, and I am sure I can find something affordable for a neck protector.  Everything else, will be issued to me and with grateful hearts.  I am all about being a team player and one of the teams was gonna be down a goalie and I had already expressed interest in trying the position out anyway, so I figured, I can go for it since it is my first season anyway, and I am a fan of learning everything I can.  The real kicker is the cheaper cost to play!  Haha!  I'm not gonna lie, that was a huge factor, besides the fact I am gonna look like a beast in the crease with my size and all that gear!  Hydration, hydration, hydration!!!  That's gonna be key too!  Just wait until I butterfly!!!!  Haha!  Well, maybe someday!

I've really enjoyed my early morning skates and the support of my friend Megan.  She's been great on her vacation, by taking me to the rink every morning and then to work.  She slept in the car while I skated from 630-745 every weekday morning (nearly), and then dropped me off at work.  How amazing is that?  Now, she is all vested in my "hockey career" that she has even offered her services to dress up in my soon to be goalie gear on winter days at the park, so I can practice shooting as a forward, and...she's excited about it!  Her only stipulation:  We get ice cream afterwards, because she likes ice cream after working out.  Skinny girls, I tell yeah!  Fun times ahead and I am stoked.  Can't wait till I get tired and sore from all that hockey playin'!  It's gonna be on!  As soon as I know what team I will be playing on, I will update you all and have pics!  Woot!  See ya on the ice!

ej

We almost smooshed a guy!

On the way to work, my friend and I decided to patronize the nearby Starbucks.  As she pulled into a parking stall she rammed into an open car door with the driver halfway out of his car.  He got a little scared by the impact as did we, but in the end both drivers walked away and even were adjacent patrons in the ordering line.  I was certain that I was going to be really late for work, or have to just walk the few blocks to the office while they got things resolved.  Nope.  I forget, I am not in California anymore.  They just asked if each other was okay and went on their merry way.  How often does that happen?  I mean, there were like two deep gouges in the side of his door from where the top of the hood and the top of the bumper had hit the door and in turn smashed her headlight in, and he didn't even get angry.  He just said, "That's fine."  It shocked me.  My friend said, "This is Alaska.  Dents happen."

ej

The Coolness...

I've been ice skating a lot the last few weeks.  As you know, I am always looking to challenge myself with some new type of hobby or activity.  Since I am in Alaska, and ice will be in great abundance here come late October/November, I decided it was high time I learned the great sport, Hockey.  There are women's leagues here in Anchorage and they are pretty affordable.  To get me started, I realized three things are going to have to happen:  One, I need to learn how to ice skate; two, I might need to hit up a clinic or two to actually learn how to play, as it is one thing to watch hockey and understand what is going on, but to put it on ice and do it yourself, a bit different; and of course three, get a massage table to afford the "habit."  So here is what I have done in preparation for the upcoming hockey season.

Step one:

I got myself a pair of used skates and other equipment.  (Thank goodness for meeting people who know about and love hockey, much cheaper that way =) ).  So, I bought a punch card, and now have an I.D. for UAA (that means free skating anytime I want at the UAA sports complex).  Skating is now one of the cheapest activities for me to do in Anchorage!  Haha!  So, I have been skating three to four mornings a week, and usually on Saturday afternoons.  I met a little old lady that gives lessons and she's now my "skating coach."  In casual conversation, I mentioned I had just purchased a little massage table and she suggested we swap lessons for massage.  How amazing is that???  As Scott would say "you must be livin' right."  That's how I felt when it all started working out like that!  So, I am learning to skate.  Woo hoo!  Thanks to my good friend, Megan, who offered to wake up early every weekday and drive me to the rink.  I can ride to UAA, but she is bent on supporting me, so I let her.  Besides, it's fun girl time driving around chatting in the mornings.  She even lets me toss my bike in the back of her car for when I get off work.  Good times!

Step two:

Cut a hole in the box...no wait, wrong step. 

Where was I???  Oh yeah, next step!  The league I want to play in is offering a three day clinic for only $50 for all three days!  Not just one day, isn't that pretty sweet?  Again, super cool!  that's in a few weeks, so I need to increase the training regiment so I can learn as much as I can during that clinic.  I don't want to waste my time, their time, or my dollars on clinics I will be so focused on sore muscles or lack of conditioning.  The longest I have been on the ice is 2 hours at one time.  I spent 3 hours on the ice one night, but that was including a half hour phone call while sitting on the benches and a potty break.  It's one thing to do drills by yourself, but another when you are doing specific drills with someone hollerin' at ya!  Believe me, when I have skated with my skating coach, I am so worked at the end of my half hour lesson!  I can almost do crossovers now without breaking my face, though, I can do crossovers counter clockwise for days on my roller blades, and cheat a little by going clockwise at the roller rink when the workers are not looking to work on my crossovers going the other direction.  I can definitely stop much better than I did two weeks ago.  Before, stopping involved the wall, or using my face as a brake.  I preferred the wall, but sometimes, it just wasn't fun.

Step three:

Yep, I got a massage table.  I found a great deal on craigslist and I couldn't be happier.  It's a small table, but I got it for a whopping good deal of only $25!!!  It's not quite as nice as my table in California, but for a price like that I am perfectly happy with it!  Now, I am in the process of getting clients together to make some cash flow.  It actually works out that it is slightly smaller as it fits very well in my apartment.  I am so pleased with how it worked out.  My friend even happened to be available on the day I was to meet with the lady to look at it and she took me in her car!  I love it!

It's been great to be out on the ice and to start from scratch.  I have to eat a lot of humble pie too!  I am used to sports being so easy for me.  I mean, I am sure I will pick up the hockey stuff easily, but being able to do all the different things my coach asks of me has been crazy cool.  I see little kids doing all these drills on one foot, and I am struggling on two feet to do the same drill but different.  Sure, they've been doing it longer, but still, it gets into your head some mornings!  I got this though!  It's gonna be amaze balls!  Here's to hockey and keeping all my teeth intact!

ej

What do I miss about California?

People ask me this question all the time and I never really have an answer.  I love living in Alaska, and I realize it is not for everyone, but it is for me!  I liked it when it was cold, icy, and there was snow on the sidewalks.  I liked putting on my ice cleats to go out into the wind and snow, and then having to duck into a business just to get my feet warm again, because I wore the non-waterproof boots that day.  I liked that you didn't have to see the sun at all hours of the day in the winter.  That's my favorite part about winter in Alaska.  I am not a sun worshiper and nor have I ever been.  I am a long sleeve shirts and long shorts or pants in the summer kind of girl, I don't care what the temperature is!  I struggle with the daylight of the summer here, because I am a person who hates to waste the daylight (daytime hours), so my body is taking its time adapting and I knew it was going to be my biggest challenge when I moved here.  It has been.  But I don't hate it, I just prefer the dark and cold.

What do I miss about California?  I miss white nectarines.  I miss unlimited use internet for only $50 a month.  I miss having breakfast at O.D.'s after driving what felt like a hundred miles to get there (it was only technically 52 miles or so), just so I could have their hot chocolate and eat their yummy food.  I miss swimming in an outdoor pool at the wee hours of the morning and watching the moon set as I was doing my cool down laps on my back and seeing the stars and I felt like I was in outer space.  Nothing like waking up at 430 in the morning and going for an early morning swim!

I miss mini road trips to Santa Cruz just for dinner at Lillian's.  Yeah, there is a small theme, but it's not just about the food, it was about spending quality time with cool people.  I have met a lot of great people, but it takes me time to really warm up and get "close" so that I can enjoy those simple moments in life, so I miss those moments of late night drives with Grace, or Jessie, where I would be half asleep and offering to drive.  I miss late night bus rides.  Last bus here is usually around 9 or 10, so it's just not the same.

To be honest, I don't think about what I miss in California often, as there is so much Alaska has to offer.  How often in California, does someone catch a 300 lb. Halibut, and offer to give you some to take home?  How often do people invite you to go to a forest fair and when you get there, it is a fair in an actual forest where you really might see legitimate wild life?  Everyday, I look outside the windows of our office and can see a gorgeous sky and lots of trees.  When I look out and step onto the roof at work, I can see a great view of mountains to the east and to the south, and even in July, there is a bit of snow to be seen.

I feel so blessed to have the opportunities I have here in Alaska, and how things have come together.  I just got a raise at work, coming up on my one month in my flat and love not having to share the space with anyone.  I am blessed with good people in my life and the adventures I have had so far have been so wonderful.  What do I miss about California?  I miss some little things, but I don't dwell on those things and long to return any time soon.  I look forward to doing those things for a visit, but that is all I desire them to be, fun vacation things.  I do miss people, but thanks to technology, I am able to contact them in various ways.  I even write an occasional postcard, or letter.  Heh!  Kickin' it old school!

What I miss most....I miss a boy, but he doesn't even live in California anymore, so it doesn't even matter...

ej

To Girdwood and Back (pictures and unformatted)

 

Got a new place!

 Well, it didn't work out with my roomie on Baxter, but no ill feelings on either side.  We just weren't compatible and apparently, I am very allergic to her dog as I broke out all over my body in a rash whenever I missed my every other day vacuum session in my bedroom.  Since I was practically owning stock in Benedryl and so was she, sweet girl bought me a package to help me out, I decided to move out.  I found a place just down the street from where her condo was and so we can still hang out very easily.

I am happy to report I now live in a flat just half a mile from where I used to live and it's perfect.  It's super great!  It has a full sized fridge, washer and dryer (small, old, and super perfect), dishwasher, and a decent sized kitchen area.  It's a one room flat, so the living/bedroom combo space is small but it's exactly right for my needs.  I will post pics soon.  It's really great though and a good location.  The best part is, I live above a business which has been something I always thought would be cool, though in my mind, it was always a pizza place, or bakery and the setting was in New York City, haha!  I also managed to get my little home network setup all by myself.  Thought I'd have to call a boy for help, but nope, I did it!  They make it fairly idiot proof, thank goodness, and I even have a guest login.  Oh yeah, I am fancy like that.



Since I moved, I brought everything "kitchen" I owned with me from the condo.  I have three bowls, one hot chocolate mug, and an Asian soup spoon (courtesy of my old roomie).  I caught a fourth of July deal at Fred Meyers and bought four big cups for $1.97!  I also went down to Value Village (thrift store) and bought a small frying pan, small metal pot, a cooking spatula, a slotted cooking spoon, and a round baking pan, oh and a package of plasticware from Fred Meyers.  I felt all fancy as I got home.  Thank goodness I know how to find the deals!



Kitchen =)



Each night, as I enjoy my awesome dinner of Cap N Crunch with Crunch Berries, I remember what I had to do to get here, and what sacrifices I made, and it just makes me smile.  That, and I watch Spooks while I eat my Cap N Crunch with Crunch Berries, and I love me some Spooks!  I love me some Adam Carter and Zafa!  Haha!

FYI - deciding on a "rainy" day and on a work morning, to try one of the trails out to get to the bus stop that is about 3-4 miles away when you have no idea what the name of the trail you should be on, is not a bright idea.  I thought I was gonna have to send up a smoke signal and since I left my numbchucks at home, I also had nothing to defend myself against the bears and moose, except for my ninja skills!  It was nice to get to civilization and find a helpful bus driver to get me back on track!

ej