I needed this reminder today...

1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much that they’d die for you.
2. At least 20 people in this world love you in some way.
3. Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to sleep.
4. You mean the world to someone.
5. Someone that you don’t even know exists; loves you.

Another cold rainy day in Alaska

On freezing cold, rainy, dreary days like today... I can't help but reminisce about my happy, warm, sunny life in Hawaii. Oh how I miss it.

I miss beach days with two of my most favorite girls -Yesenia and Chelsea!
Non stop giggles, coconut oil and maui babe, hand stand contests in the ocean, dancing and twirling in the aqua blue waters, photo shoots galore, sun kissed-Vit D skin, taking off our suits and going skinny dipping, playing beached whale, feet covered in warm sparkling white sand, sun tanning under hot sunny skies, playing in the warm tropical breeze... aaahhh bliss.

You are my sunshine

My niece Natalie makes my world a brighter place...

Today I went and picked her up to bring her over to play. When I got to her house the first thing she asked me was, "Are you still sick??" (I was pretty sick with strep throat for the past couple days). I said, "Not any more, I'm all better now." To which she replied, "Oh good! Now we can kiss!"

On the car ride over to Grandma's house we were talking. I told her that Adam left this morning for two weeks and I missed him. She said, "It's okay, I'm still here... I'll be your best friend."

At Grandma's house she told Chelsea, "I feel like I want to keep you guys forever..."

And my most favorite thing she always says to me, "You're my best friend-it's just you and me forever and ever"

Ooooh I just love that little girl!

My Mom

This is my mom. She's the greatest. She is eternally happy and optimistic. She is the most generous and caring person I know. She gives so much of her time and energy to others. She is so understanding and supportive. She has always been there for me, through the good and bad. She makes my world a better place. She truly is the glue that holds our family together. I love my mom with all my heart, I honestly don't know where'd I'd be without her in my life. Happy Mother's Day mom, see you in three weeks.

The Byodo-In Temple

As you already know from my previous post, I really appreciate Buddhism - more as a way of life and discipline of the mind than as a religion. At any rate, I was lucky enough to go visit 'The Byodo-In Temple' here on Oahu last week. I've been wanting to go for quite some time now and it was everything I hoped it would be... beautiful, peaceful, spiritual & inspiring.

Meditation.

Celebration.

Contemplation.

Ring the bell for happiness!

I want to live a long, happy life.

My fellow buddhist temple goers.

So many beautiful Japanese koi.

Chelsea took an extra long time at the wishing well.

Silly Sallys.

Oh happy day!

Me and Anita dear appreciating the beauty of Buddha.

So until next time... three wishes for three hopeful, happy girls.

I miss my beach buddy

This little girl is always up for joining me on any adventure. Our favorite place to go play is on the beach, we have so much fun together! We love to run around and get all sandy and silly. We love collecting things; beach glass, seagull feathers, pretty rocks and shells. We're both happiest on the beach, seriously how can you not have fun on the beach?? We've had so many fun beach days together and I can't wait to have hundreds more when I go home to Alaska this summer. I love you and miss you my Natalie girl.

Getting all sandy.

Taking off our shoes and walking barefoot in the sand.

Drawing hearts in the sand.

Racing each other down the beach.

Finding pretty shells and rocks.

Piggy back rides when she gets tired from playing so hard.

Basking in the sunshine together.

Holding hands.

Saving the purple starfish at "starfish beach"

Cuddling when it gets windy and chilly.

Loving each other and our many beach adventures.

Thankful Thursday

Every Thursday my sister and I add another 'thankful heart' to our wall in our room... a collection of the little and big things from our week that we are grateful and thankful for.

This week I am thankful for:

• Homemade Acai Bowls
• My paycheck
• Tsunami evacuation practice
• My family
• Friendship
• A clean house
• Sunshine/Vitamin D
• Lemon water
• Coconut M&Ms
• Email from old Nordstrom boss
• My new Mondo Beyondo course starting on Monday
• All things Hawaii
• Vegetarianism
• New songs to run to on my ipod
• Run for Haiti race on Saturday
• My alone time
• Being educated about vaccinations
• My sister's Macbook
• Homemade Potato fries/chips
• Food Network: Everyday Italian and Barefoot Contessa
• Karma
• PCC girlfriends
• Holistic/Natural Health
• Reading books
• Song for Haiti: 'We Are the World'
• Friendship with my ex
• Hope