forever twenty six...

i've been the biggest procrastinator but i finally found the time to upload a bunch of pix to my bday trek to eastern washington and down to austin for the ACL festival - good times! everyone makes fun of me for being camera happy all the time but how does one document their life and capture kodak memories? i felt blessed this september for being surrounded by all my loved ones and for having mother nature being so good to me. it was on my beautiful ride back through mt. rainier that i made the revelation that seattle will be my second home. i was flirting with the idea of removing myself from this wonderful place so that i could escape and start my world all over....but it was on that magical day that i realized that there is so much beauty in the pacific northwest that i've never had the opportunity to tap into. plus, i have the freedom to explore and live while it would only take me 2.5 hours to go 'home' if i had to see fam & friends. so with much thought, i pulled the plunge and made my decision - i've started the whole green card process and i just got accepted to an intro climbing course where i will continue my journey and explore...

beer, chips and salsa!

so pat convinced me to go on a quick little getaway to a warm destination. i figured i had to use up my companion pass so we worked it out and booked flights to loreto, MX for the new year. called the 'aquarium of the world', by jacques cousteau and 'beer, chips and salsa' by our flight attendent ... we made our way to the baja california sur region for a six day trek from loreto, la paz to cabo san lucas and back. much fun was had as we lay by the pool at the loreto bay inn, explored the underwaters near the lovely island of espirtu santu, picked up canisters of jalapeno pringles, checked out local taco stands throughout town and drove through the insane roads of mexicali. if i ever get the chance to go back, i'd love to camp out on the island of espirtu santu and check out the pacific coastline of rancho nuevo....it was so breathtaking as the sun was setting on our way to cabo.

see pix to baja california sur.

much thinking was done while i was away and as much as i hate to use the word 'new years resolutions', i made a few solid decisions while i was away as a part of the enriching my life plan. in pecking order....green card, happy home, mister mooks, creativity, yoga, sit still and read, basic climbing course, vancouver half marathon, ride charlie all summer long, biz planning and creating unique moments in life!

a few noteworthy things to mention. matt & allison's reception @ xmas was lovely as our entire familes were brought together to celebrate the festive holiday and their marriage. lori's visit was a riot as always as we chatted about anything and everything and reconfirmed our friendship of well over two decades. the births of chloe, natalie, haaken, lauren and soon to be gunnette. ted & jana's engagement. grant, jinah & kids paid a visit to my 2nd home and i was blessed by the presence of mimi & tae - such darling kids. seeing taos the movie and how it inspired me to live with imagination and creativity and to just go for it! and then the best xmas gift ever...from imee & pete - custom made mister mooks note pads that put a perma-smile on my face.

2008 is going to be an amazing year! i have this uncanny feeling in the pit of my stomach and sometimes this weird glow in my chest - good things or momentous life changing events are going to happen to the loved ones around me. i can't wait to see how it will all unfold....

si's sweet fish

i had the chance to check out simon's travel pix to hawaii and japan and was blown away by this lovely underwater shot he took while scuba diving in maui. if only pat and i had a camera while we were in la paz - oh the sea lions wrestling. enjoy this gorgeous pix and i hope it brightens up your day!

children learn what they live

i just got off the phone with my dear sweet cuz, nic and she read this wonderful little blurb that made me think about my family and the person i've become today. admist all the chaos and drama, i'm sincerely grateful for my family. i'm thankful for having a feisty little grandmother who had a heart of gold and a head of steel. i'm grateful for having a mother who was calm, open and so well balanced and for teaching me to always look at the bright side of things. and i would have to admit that there is a part of me that needs to thank my father. he challenged me in so many ways that most people couldn't fathom, but what it instilled in me was the beauty of resilence and to push myself in ways that i could only surprise myself.

so thanks for teaching me the things that i live by.....

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.