Sculling

Sculling has been going very well. My class got switched to Tuesdays for a few weeks due to some staffing issues but we didn't mind. It has been glorious. Just so you know...balancing the oars, boat and camera is not easy so be IMPRESSED! It was so worth it for the photos though. I really wanted to attempt to capture what its like on the water. A cell phone is not the best camera but its what I had with me and the pictures still came out better than I expected. I don't think I can accurately describe what this experience has been like for me. To be brief and to the point its empowering, fun, a workout, liberating and serene almost spiritual. I will always look back at this time in my life and smile.

Brazilian Carnival 2012

As many of you know Brandon and I have had a very rough year, well maybe even longer than that.... so MY primary focus besides our usual responsibilities that comes with life is to have FUN! At Christmas I didn't really have to bend Brandon's ear it was pretty clear that I wanted to go out more and experience life like I use to... so he bought us tickets to Carnival. Brandon served his mission in Brazil, in fact, we were actually married on Brazil's independence day and even played Timbalada music at our wedding. We made an effort to go (even though just hours before I was about to cancel) and I am so glad that we went for it! The music, the costumes, the culture.... let me just say that Brazilians know how to throw a party. The drums are especially my favorite... I can feel it deep within me and you just have to dance! We both smiled all night long- there is definitely a different energy around people from South America. A warmth, a zest for life, just pure joy.... its hard to top that. Brazilian Carnival its not just a fun night but a way of life and I can't wait to go again!

A day off...

Time to indulge! I ordered the mini vanilla heart shaped cheesecake and it was scrumptious!

A panoramic shot of La Jolla Cove where I had a wonderful picnic all by myself. Pure Serenity.

I decided to take a day off. Sure I dropped the boys off at school but after that the day was mine. I worked out (meaning did a little Taebo) went to the temple, then across the street to whole foods followed by a picnic at the Cove. It was so peaceful.... I could just breathe... I enjoyed the incredible view at the beach for 2 hours. I was fascinated by the beauty that surrounded me which included admiring the pelicans, seagulls, sea lions, squirrels, dogs of all breeds, a whale that was phenomenal to see, and all the people. I use to love to "people" watch at the beach. There were people from all over the world. I loved hearing the different languages, observing their style of dress and seeing the love that was shared between families and couples. I was in awe of the body surfers, snorkelers, kayakers, and those devoted swimmers that accepted the challenge of swimming from the Cove to La Jolla Shores and back. I was blow away by the way others embrace life and just go for it. I had a lot of questions I was pondering today and I did receive some answers but most of all I felt at peace and that was the best feeling in the world. I truly believe we all need a day off from time to time to breathe, relax, enjoy life and smile. Its well worth it and I can't wait to do it again!