Coming Alive

"don't ask what the world needs.

ask what makes you come alive,

and go do it.

because what the world needs is people

who have come alive."

-howard thurman

It is so important for me to feel alive. I believe it develops potential, makes us happier, more aware humans, and opens the floodgate which love flows from

A blog I love to read does a weekly post on different people and what makes them feel alive. I realized I needed a remedy myself. Here is my concoction:

-exploring nature and letting my imagination run wild
-dancing (anywhere, usually spontaneous)
-singing in the car on a long drive
-running at full speed
-a deep conversation with a loved one
-hugging an animal
-motorcycle rides through the orchards

10 things I know for sure

1. I could eat berries and yogurt and granola for the rest of my life
2. Beta fish like peas
3. No matter where I go I will always miss the canyons and stretching fields of Utah
4. My family is awesome.
5. Spontaneity is a necessity for me
6. I can live off of 1/10 of my wardrobe
7. Rabbit in the headlights and age old tree are amazing blogs
8. I have the best friend/cousin ever
9. Four hours spent doing History homework is too much and may be less beneficial than it is beneficial
10. A mosquito bite on a bruise is really annoying

ps. love this popcorn recipe:
INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup butter, melted
10 cups warm popped popcorn
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

PREPARATION:

In a small bowl, stir paprika, red pepper, and cumin into melted butter or margarine. Gently toss butter mixture with popcorn, coating evenly.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss till coated.

best when eaten with chopsticks!

Swim with dolphins - check!

A friend invited me to go paddle boarding with him. It was something I had wanted to do for awhile. We went out to Waimea bay and paddled to a hidden cliff-jumping spot. After a few backflips we headed back. As we were nearing the bay I noticed something jumping out of the water and doing flips. It was dolphins! We turned around and started heading their way. After navigating through the waters for awhile we got close to them. We watched as they swam around us. At one point when we were heading back, the dolphins swam on both sides of us and were close enough to touch.

I am happy to say that I can now check it off my bucket list. I am extra happy to say that it didn't cost me a penny, considering doing this commercially is over $150.

It was a great spontaneous adventure.

This video isn't of us but it looks identical to our experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhXorqcVqwU

Perfect day in paradise

So today I woke up naturally. Learned how to put together a bike. Went on two hikes that led to waterfalls. Went to a rope swing and did my first backflip off of one. On the way back from the hike I ate fresh lilikoi, greens beans, and strawberry guava. Found out about a flower called shampoo ginger that is like shampoo and smells amazing. Got home and took a hot shower outside while it was raining. Made banana ice cream with chocolate sauce (healthy style). Went on a bike ride with some friends. Going to watch an english film. I declare today a success. summer is wonderful, I'm glad in Hawaii it never goes away.

Have I learned yet?

So recently I got a call from my mother who told me my wakeboard that I never let anyone borrow but let my family borrow this one time got ran over by a four wheeler. Before that my car that i never let anyone borrow but let my friend borrow this one time got wrecked. I suppose I am supposed to learn something from these recurring events. Either it is to never let anyone borrow your things or look beyond things and realize they aren't what matter in the end. Ya I like to have a car to drive and ya I like to have a wakeboard to ride but ultimately I care more about the well being of others than possessions. Maybe I am just being given the chance to prove myself.

Also, thank you Mom and Dad for helping me get my car fixed. I appreciate that.

AloHA WAII

e
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I haven't posted in awhile but here's a quick update.

Moved home from NY. Was a nanny in Herriman, UT. Moved to Hawaii. Still in Hawaii. I am having an awesome time and doing so many things. Things I don't want to forget are:

first time surfing
starfruit
climbing the banyan trees
snorkeling at numerous places
eating fresh mangoes
the rope swing on the beach
backflip on the beach
slacklining on the beach
swimming with turtles
sleeping on the beach

I love the beach even more than I knew I did before I came. My roommates are fun. I became really good friends with one of them who has left on a mission to Nagoya, Japan. I met someone else who slacklines and lives right by Waimea. We are the exact same person. Her name is Tailee and she is getting married soon.

I made some pudding today that was really good. It had avocados, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. All blended in a food processor. It is worth a go if you like pudding.

life as I know it...

I was thinking about how long it had been since I posted anything on here. I wondered why but then I realized that I had moved back to Utah and the extent of my adventures are dinosaur museums and aquariums (with three children). So I feel any future posts will just further prove how lame my life has become since moving back to Utah.