What do your cards read?

I went to a friend's birthday party this past Saturday evening and the women there were so awesome and full of positive energy. I only knew about four of the women and wished I had more time to spend with the others. One that I already knew, was talking to me about the "Cards". I thought it was some psychic ready but it wasn't. The cards that are used are regular playing cards and they correlate with the universe. Sound silly? Well it had my attention and made me think and wonder...what card is mine and how my life is played out. I began to ask the difference of the scientific thought process but yet the spiritual aspect of it as well. I do believe in a higher power i.e. God but how does the scientific part of it play into as well?

There are many questions I have and would like to do more research on this subject but in all, we are given choices in life and it's if we make the right ones or not. God has our path written out for us and it is up to us to follow that path. Maybe there are other avenues to help us guide ourselves into that right direction but whatever card or hand we are given, it is our duty through God to make those right decisions.

Balance?

After training for months for triathlons; I now feel my balance is a bit off. Training for triathlons is a dedicated and thought out process months before the event. Once crossing that finish line, then at that moment all the hard work pays off and is well worth it. I have one or maybe two more sprint triathlons left this year and love the addiction and drive I have to want to complete these events closer to 1st place. I have come a long way; first triathlon ever was in New Mexico finishing in two hours and now my last triathlon was completed in an hour and sixteen minutes. I was ten seconds away from fourth place. I would be thrilled to death for a third place medal.

I'm trying new exercises such as; P90X, pole dancing (now that is fun and very interesting), racquetball and golfing. Not having a schedule of something to work towards is a bit unbalanced for me but I do enjoy all my new events.

Yoga is very important to me and that is where my true balance is. It helps me to focus on my body and what is happening to it. There is an awesome yoga studio in my neighborhood (Yoga 4 Ewa) that I would love to attend daily but my schedule does not allow me to. The owner has created a CD of a recorded class which I now have on my IPOD so I can do the class anytime of day. She is an awesome person and wonderful instructor. So where to find balance? YOGA!!!!!

Beautiful Bike Ride on the East Coast of Oahu

This is my favorite ride on the island. From the beginning of the ride, where I start and back is about a 40 mile ride. There is a bit of traffic along the way but once off the main road, the scenery is absolutley beautiful. I will miss this ride once I move in April 2010. Hawaii has some beautiful scenery but it is a challenge not to get hit by a vehicle. Just about everyone I know, knows of someone that has been hit by a car while on their road bike. This island is very crowded and sometimes people just don't pay attention. This does not stop me from getting on the bike and riding. You have got to live and enjoy life to it's fullest. I want no regrets when I'm older and look foward to many more awesome rides here in Hawaii before I depart!

5,000 Calories

Wow, what an awesome week it has been. I've hiked, biked, hiked again, golfed, weight training, swimming and a little working! There is nothing more I love than to burn calories, well one other thing I love and that is my honey! The satisfaction I receive from a good workout is unexplainable.

Monday 8-3-09
I did a short 3 mile hike with a friend which led to beautiful swimming pools formed by the gorgeous waterfalls. The hike was Waimano Pool with an elevation gain of 700 feet and was suitable for novice and intermediate hikers. First of all, I would like to know who and how "they" decide who the hike are suitable for. In my opinion they are off at times but I'm guessing they want to be safe rather than sorry. Also, who gets that kind of job and hiking to find out elevation gain, type of hike etc. That would be an awesome job and I may have to look into something like that! The hike lead into the lush Waimano Valley and then ending at the two deep swimming pools which had ropes to swing from into the water. My favorite description of this hike reads this "On the return, take your time climbing "cardiac hill"". Calories burned 510!

Tuesday 8-4-09
I met a friend thinking we were going to play golf but the golf course didn't open until 1:00 so we decided to have coffee, breakfast and some chit chat. After that I met another friend at the gym where we worked our upper body, abs and did some cardio. Calories burned, 494. I then headed to pool and swam some laps which I haven't done in quite some time. Finally, around 2:00 I got a massage from a new therapist which his usual clients are boxers and fighters. I was a little nervous at first but we hit it off great and he did some awesome work. A massage is not relaxing for me because of all the "beating" I do to my body. I am trying to work on this by doing more stretching and hopefully more yoga! I need more time in the day, how do I get some?

Wednesday 8-5-09
Riding my road bike on the open road is great but riding along the North Shore in Hawaii is awesome. I met two of my girlfriends and we headed East starting from The Market in the North Shore and turned around just past Turtle Bay Resort. Heading out East was a bit challenging due to riding in the strong head wind but it makes for a great workout. We turned around at about 15 miles and headed back West towards the starting point. I was on fire and got up to 26 mph on a nice flat part. I stayed in the low twenties and felt so free and alive as long as the cars stayed on their side of the road! This is always a plus when riding your bike "in" traffic" and of course tons of tourist! We took at rest top looking over Waimea Bay and the water looked so calm and blue. In the winter months Waimea is usually pretty rough. We got back to our cars, placed the gear away and headed to Cholo's Mexican Restaurant. There is nothing better than Mexican food after a hot 30 mile bike ride! Calories burned, 1058!

Thursday 8-6-09
My two friends and I are eager for today with a 12 mile hike ahead of us. We meet at a coffee shop at 6:30 am for an early start and hit the trailhead by 6:45. We are all excited and ready for an adventure.....long adventure. Two of us had to be somewhere later that afternoon so we were hoping to see this faboulous summit. The hike we did or attempted was Manana. The book says it is a 12-mile round trip with 1,700 feet of elevation gain and suitable for novice, intermediate and experts. The first 2-3 miles were very easy and nice to follow but after that it seemed to get more narrow and a bit steeper. I enjoyed the ropes people had placed there to help you climb the steep parts. It was especially fun coming down. After 3.5 hours we had reached the 4 mile marker and were running out of time. We decided to turn around due to the fact we wouldn't make it to the summit and back in the time we had left. Towards the end the group grew tired and quiet. Maybe it was a good thing we didn't make it to the top although it would have been really cool. We finished at about 10 miles, 6.5 hours and 2,237 calories later. It was long but very fun and we saw stunning views of the Leeward side of the island.

Friday 8-7-09
Started the day off with an awesome golf game with a friend. I had my best game ever with two pars and a score of 43 (par 3 course with 9 holes). I celebrated with a flavored ice coffee from McDonalds. As on cloud nine I meet another friend at the gym where we did legs (if my legs could speak they would be telling me to sit the hell down already), upper back and a bit of cardio. We then headed to the pool where I could only punch out 500 yard. I was truly tired after burning 502 calories and ready to just soak up some sun. I finished this day off with a wonderful dinner at Outback with my sweetie! They have awesome burgers!

Saturday 8-8-09
Today was the easiest of them all! I coached a client at Ko Olina Lagoon and after her swim we went to my work where I taught a spining class (715 calories). I then met a friend at the movies and it was nice to just sit and relax!

Sunday 8-9-09
Celebrate my honey's Birthday! Happy Birthday sweets!

Where we are now!

When we were a little girl or boy we had dreams and visions of what kind of life we would have when we grew up. Funny thing, most of us if not all, are doing something totally opposite or something we thought we would never do. For example I knew I didn't want to live in Texas when I grew up, but wasn't quite sure how or when I would move on. I'm 34 now and have lived in 4 different states (Cali, Florida, New Mexico, and Hawaii) and I never thought I would be able to say that.

One saying that really gets me is "Got to keep up with the Jone's". This society we live in is so embedded in our head that both parents need to work so we can have the finest things like cars and a huge beautiful house. Along with that you need to pop our a couple children and live happily ever after. Who says this and is right?

The main reason why we end up where we are and who we meet is through the hands of God. He is our master planner and only he knows what we will accomplish in life. We tend to fight him at times because what we may think is good for us may not be. When in doubt pray to the Lord and ask him what he wants us to do, for all he is the one that gave us life!

We are all human and sometimes it is difficult to understand what we are suppose to be doing or how to do it. An example is being a military wife. It is very exciting by possibly traveling around the world, seeing new things and meeting new friends but on the down side spouses are left behind due to deployments, living far away from family and seeking new employment every 3-4 years. I truly believe this is one of the greatest test of marriage of becoming stronger or ending it forever. It is what we make of it and reflecting back on the values and morals we were taught as young children.

To everyone that is reading this please take a moment and think to yourself "how did I get here and how happy am I"? Happiness is within and only you can be happy with yourself before you can be happy with someone else. Life is short and you, your spouse or family member can be gone tomorrow so live for the moment and today!

Motivation

What gives us motivation? Is it the people around us, out inner drive or a task or goal that drives us to accomplishment? Everyone has motivation and is interesting what motivates each and everyone of us. Some have motivation in learning and stimulating their brain and other are motivated in health and fitness.

Ahhhh health and fitness, yes that would be me! I sit (yeah sometimes I just sit) and wonder why and how I have such a drive to want to exercise and stay healthy. Some think it is pure craziness and others encourage, I like both responses myself. First, I broke my back when I was 17 and wore a back brace for six months (well not all six months of course) and today it affects me a great deal. I can not sleep in a soft bed nor can I lie on a sofa for a couple of hours without having to get up and stretch it out. Staying active is a key component in keeping my back healthy and strong, for example, running is an awesome weight bearing exercise that keeps me from hurting or in pain. Second, I enjoy sports and trying new things. I don't necessarily want to be good at just one thing but experience many.

I guess I would have to say my motivation is staying out of pain, enjoying life and making my Mom proud of me. We are only here for a short period and there are sayings about live life, be strong, love one another. All of those are all so true! If sports don't motivate you then something does and only you know what that is. People all over the world are suffering from lack of food, missing limbs on their bodies etc. I could go on but I pray everyday that I have the ability to do what I enjoy each and everyday, not many can say that!

This message is to ask yourself what motivates you and why! Would love to hear your feedback!

Family visit to Houston June 23-July 7

Going back home for two weeks was a blast! I had purchased my tickets months before my departure date and was excited the day I booked that flight. When the day finally arrived I was a bit sad due to leaving Brian behind knowing I wouldn't see him for two weeks but excited about seeing the family!

I got into Houston on June 23rd and was greeted by my Mom, sister and two nieces. We headed to the resturant, Aquarium where we saw sharks, fish, sting rays and many fish while enjoying our lunch. After lunch we rode the train and a farris wheel which overlooked downtown Houston. The next day my friend, Rene came to visit me from Jacksonville and we enjoyed a day at the Galleria and lots of Mexican Food!

The first weekend i was there my family and I headed East to San Antonio. We stayed at The Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch Resort which had a lazy river, swimming pool and two waterslides. It was very hot and it was refreshing to cool off in the water! We ventured over to a drive through animal park where we got to feed all types of animals from our vehicle. Then headed to New Branfuels for a little shopping and some tasty lunch!

The second weekend was spent in Lake Palastine at my Uncle's Lake house and got to see a lot of family members. It was like a small family reunion. We swam in the lake, tubing pulled by the boat, fishing and tons of eating! It was an awesome time and was great spending time with the family.