Merry Christmas!!!!

Yeah, I said it! Merry CHRISTMAS!

Man I LOVE the holidays. I know we all get stirred up with mixed emotions about this time of year. On the one hand, our hearts can't help but feel some sort of magic...like we did when we were kids no matter how "adult" we are. On the other it seems like the month of December is synonymous with, "credit card thief" because of how fast our funds slip through our accounts. Yet, when I see my Christmas tree lit up for the first time of the year I feel instant happiness and peace!

For some reason, during the holidays, anything is possible. Do you remember that feeling? At any moment you could see a miracle. For example...maybe you would see an elf at some point. Maybe you might just catch Santa Claus and his talented reindeer high in the crisp winter sky. Maybe you have tried looking up into that same night sky to try and find the same star the three wisemen used to find baby Jesus. Heck! Maybe you might even see an Angel for crying out loud!

I remember one Christmas, my family hauled off to Montana to spend the holiday with my mom's side of the family. That Christmas Eve I was playing a game in the living room when my aunt and my mother called me frantically into the kitchen to see Santa. I was trying to act cool and said, "Yeah right, that's not possible." As I stepped into the kitchen I saw a bright light in the sky through the kitchen window. I crept outside, peered into the Big Sky country night and BAM! Swear to God I saw that fat man, his sleigh and his 8 reindeer PLUS Rudolph!! I couldn't act "cool" much longer. My eyes were the size of quarters and that solidified my belief!

I look back at that and laugh, but I still have a small, child like faith that that man exists. And don't let my aunt or mom hear you say that he doesn't cause you will be getting COAL for Christmas! lol. Christmas is a time for family. Christmas is a time for faith. Christmas is a time for magic. Christmas is a time for miracles. While it should be this way all year, and I try my best to keep it that way, for some reason it is now that these values are punched into high gear. Hey, at least we have some push to be better people at least ONCE a year right? Better than none!

So aside from trying to bandage our bleeding check books, I wanted to know what Christmas means to you. What made it magical for you as a child? What was the one tradition you looked forward to most? Do you have one Christmas memory that stands out from the rest? Email me, leave a comment, twitter, whatever! Have a great holiday season!

Long Lost Friend

Have you ever reconnected with someone you lost contact with for several years? Maybe you and this person were good friends and for no good explanation, contact was completely lost. You spend the next few years, off and on, making small attempts to locate this person and no such luck...then by the grace of Mark Zuckerburg you FIND that person. It is the coolest feeling in the world! I found my friend last weekend just randomly...here's our story...

Once upon a time, in a hidden alley of Everett, WA, an adventure seeking little girl named Torie lived in a small, green house. This house was located at the opening of this seemingly parallel world. She faced many trials and tribulations as a young girl there. However, she had a friend to help protect her and his name was Tyler.

Tyler lived on the edge of the alley too. Between his house and Torie's, was a senior living condominium. The back of his house faced the alley while the front faced the rest of the world.

For roughly 6 years this dynamic duo were scene running around, end to end, in the alley way. They played baseball, cops and robbers, climbed trees, played music, had sleepovers and everything in between! If you had to find one kid, the other one was right there.

In this alley however, lied many obstacles and enemies. All were blocked and defeated from harming Torie because Tyler always stood up for her. They taught each other loyalty, friendship, and one day they learned how to tell "Yo Momma" jokes! Those always came in handy with a group of little rascals.

When the summer of '95 (maybe '96) came, is when it all began to slip away. Torie's family found a bigger house to buy 2 miles down the road and coincidentally, around the same time, Tyler's family also found another house...25 minutes away. At first, the two were very disappointed but planned out to be together on weekends and during the summer. The innocence and simplicity of a child can be poetic but not typically realistic.

They saw each other a few times after the move. When the two were in their teens, they made an attempt to see each other but it never worked out...

This all happened 16 years ago....3 days ago Torie decided on a whim to look up Tyler on Facebook. To her surprise, the VERY first person to pop up was the Tyler she grew up with in the alley on 52nd street. A few messages later and a long awaited phone call, the two reconnected. For an hour and half the two swapped memories and caught up on a 16 year absence. It was a phone call long overdue, but the pair didn't skip a beat. Hopefully, these two long time friends will keep in touch this time! Maybe even get to meet each others new families and continue to make more memories.

THE END

I know this is long but I thought it would be fun to write a little story. I suck at writing so no comments on how I suck at it!! lol. Besides, if you know me, you know I can RAMBLE on...and I sure could with this story so I did my best to keep it simple. Ya know what I am now realizing? How much of a sappy girl I am! I think that is what makes me unique though. I am very passionate about my relationships with friends and family. Never miss a moment to tell someone what you think about them and how much you care. You could just turn someone's day completely around! Anyways, this is probably the coolest moment of the year hands down. Thank you for reading my story!!!

Long Time Comin!

Wow its been awhile since I've written a blog! Between work, the flu, and getting back into the coaching scene I've been SOOOO dang busy.

There are a lot of highlights though from the past month. One of the BIGGEST once was my UW Softball Alumni weekend! Here's a link to a small web album of the day:

UW Alumni Game 2011

There were a TON of pictures but I only re-did a few. The rest are on FB somewhere. ;) Festivities for that started Oct 15...well a Friday (whatever date that was) with a tailgate on the softball field and the football game afterwards. The following day was the actually softball game which was AWESOME. Brought back a lot of memories as well as silence all my inner battles with the past I had involving my time there when I was a kid. I made some terrible life choices in the past that completely changed my life but as it turns out, no one cares. They are still proud of me, love me, support me, and we laugh like we never missed a beat. Whether the team (past and present) and myself talk much, if at all, when we are together we pick up where we left off. Friends for life and I know I can't count on them if I need them. Dawgs for life!

For the past couple months though, I typically work about 15 days in a row before a day off. Even though a work day may only be 5 hours, sometimes its 7, sometimes it 9, sometimes its 14. If its a good day its 14 hours. Even on some days off, the only reason I'm not "at work" is because I have something else planned the whole day. So a day off for me doesn't mean laying around and chillin. It means helping someone, going to a coaching event, or celebrating awesome achievements my friends have made. All good things but my body told me to knock that shit off last Sunday at about midnight. Haha. Had a fever for a solid 35 hours. Took 2 days off work, 3 days of nothing, not I'm back on the grind. No time to relax but its a fun ride!

I apologize to all my family and friends that I haven't spoken to in a long while. When I do have time to myself, I prefer to just turn the world OFF for a minute. Yet, I'm still thinking of you all and I appreciate your patience. I still have some learning to do when it comes to balancing work, outside events, free time, my relationship and family.

Life life happy, enjoy it, and smile lots! Next time I post something it'll be a real story not just an update. ;)

A Day with My Pup!

So yesterday I went and walked around the western shores of Whidbey Island. I wasn't out too long but I took some fun pics along the way. We went to Ebey's Landing and the Port Townsend Ferry. Nothing special to post other than some pictures! A couple pictures come out sideways...ugh...and there's only like 10 but I still wanted to share! Here ya go!

What's A Weekend?

Holy crap! This past month I have been working as much as I can. Hence the lack of communication between me and the world.

Around the last week of August, I picked up a part time job at Old Navy. I started strong...you know, folding clothes and all ;) ,  and my boss is very impressed. Which is funny cause apparently I'm one of the few on staff that takes what I do seriously. What's the point if I don't put in any effort? Anyways, as a result, he's giving me all the hours I can get. Then school started after Labor Day and I've been subbing too! When I don't work at Old Navy I'm subbing and vice versa. Sometimes I do both in the same day! Why am I working THIS hard you ask? Here's why...

First off, being a substitute doesn't mean I have a job everyday so I wanted a job to supplement it. I didn't get a full time teaching job because I'm only endorsed for elementary education. The elementary school times conflict with high school and that's a problem because I coach the high school softball team.

Second, I'm not being a very good "roommate" right now. With virtually no income, I haven't been able to help with bills or anything. Thanks to the love and massive support of my fiance, he's been patient and encouraging through everything! I love that guy!

Third, I want to pay off my student loans and have a family without financial burden. I have a goal of paying off my student loans by the time I'm 30....just shy of 4 years. I want to be EXTREMELY close if anything. Right now those loans are in deferment so I'm saving money in the mean time. Starting next winter, I'm payin em off baby!!!

I never thought I had it in me to push my self so hard in something (other than sports). Although, I come from a long line of back breakers. My Bapa has worked his WHOLE life! He supported a big family, built his own Colonial Style home in Medina, WA and has been able to give his wife, my Nana, anything she has ever needed. My mother has worked since she was 12 doing odd jobs here in there. She never came from much money so working was always a necessity. Through her own dreams she put herself through college, became a nurse and raised 4 kids! She put me through college and all of my travel ball expenses. As well as private school K-8th grade. She's an amazing person and I've never met anyone who works like she does. That goes for her WHOLE side of her family. The third inspiration of mine are my 2 cousins, Blaine and Evan. Both are entrepreneurs and tech savy geniuses! They have so much ambition, drive, and talent. If they want something, they do it. Have dreams? They pursue it. Have multiple goals? They do them all at the same time. I love those guys and they motivate me every day. The same goes for my two sisters. Both have huge families and both give every dime they have to their kids. So incredibly dedicated and family driven. I love my family and the support and motivation they give me.

You have a goal? Go get it! Set up long term and short term goals to stay on track too. Is your goal to expensive to achieve? NO ITS NOT! Save! Find ways to cut corners and save the mula! If it's a dream worth having let nothing get in your way. Yeah, achieving dreams and goals is hard. If it wasn't we'd all have everything we want. Life doesn't just hand you over the things you want...unless you are Bill Gate's kids... ; ) Don't let anything get in the way! If you dream you can achieve! (cheezy but Just Do It! ;)

My Small Dream

As a kid growing up we regularly had friends of the family over, a holiday, or some birthday or athletic thing to celebrate. I remember hanging with my cousins, friends of the family, and what not to hang with while our parents (without the best of our knowledge) drank and cracked inappropriate jokes while we were in the next room.

My whole life I've dreamed of having a family that had close friends and family to mess around with while our kids played and had their own fun. Tonight, I realized I have slowly come to know that family.

I am a dangerously shy person. I keep to myself making sure I don't make you mad and feel you, and the team, out, before being to out-spoken. Well, 3 months later, I made some good friends.

This post goes out to those I've met on Whidbey Island and Mt. Vernon that have helped me adjust to the life of a military wife. I've always dreamed of a house full of adults AND kids having a blast. Who cares what time it is. I don't care if the time of the shin-dig ends at 5, everyone is welcome and I had a great time.

To those of you I just met, thank you for giving me life out here. Love you seriously. Whatever you need let me know, cause I'm here. Have a great night people. Can't wait for Monday night football!!!!!

Love The Life You Live

Have you ever pondered the meaning of your life? I mean like, YOUR life and how its going. Do you ever put a value on it based on what you have or don't have? Ever have those days where it seems like you have the worst life on the planet and then the next day is one where you want life to just stand still?

I always catch myself thinking, "Man, I have a boring life. I've never left the United States or lived outside of the Seattle area. I don't have any climbing adventures to talk about, a huge car or house to brag about, or even a paycheck that would impress a homeless person. I wish things were different." I think about what life would be like with different decisions that I could have made...but let's be real, who hasn't?

I could sit here and type a lecture on how you should feel but really, that decision is up to you! The worth and meaning of ones life is in the eye of the one who is living it. I personally don't think our lives should be defined by materialistic things or how far we have physically traveled. What's the point? Why do we rate our lives based on what society and glamorous stories of the rich and famous say? I hate when I fall into comparing my life to someone else's. 

I've got a pretty good life. What I love and count towards the worth of my life isn't the same as yours. It isn't the same as anyone's but I'm proud of it. I've got an amazing family. Strong mom and siblings that would do anything for me. My fiance was my teenage love (but he didn't know it at the time. lol) and now we are about to be married! Which I thought would never happen. I could go on and on about what I have but the whole point is that what I think is a successful and worth while life is family, friends, health, and finding a reason to laugh everyday.

One of the things we all need to remember is that we are alive. We are breathing and we are healthy. We can work, play, laugh, poop, eat, run, jump, skip, etc. Sometimes we go-go-go so much we forget how just being alive is amazing! Here's what I suggest. Even if its for 10 minutes, you have to have time for yourself. Take a walk, work out, journal, make something, play with your kids, take a nap, watch a TV show alone, write a letter; whatever you want! Whatever you have to do to just relax, unwind and appreciate things! Sometimes all it takes is some "me" time. 

I hope you don't think this is a RETARDED post...and actually, I don't care if anyone reads it cause I took some "me" time to appreciate me, life and the fact I'm able to write, think and be half lying down while doing it...oh and that Jordan isn't home. lol. Love your life, enjoy it even if all you do is stand out on the back deck for 5 minutes not thinking about a thing. 

Well, philosophy/sappy time is over. I could write forever on this but I have 20 episodes of FRIENDS on the DVR right now. I need to catch up. Lataz!

Celebrate Good Times COME ON!

Holy CRAP! Man have I been busy the last couple weeks! Actually it feels more like the last 3 weeks.

Let's see...it all started Thursday, August 11 when Jordan and I went to see Pat Benatar with a few friends of ours. It was a pretty legit concert. VERY fun. Then that following Sunday we saw the hilarious Daniel Tosh in stand-up. Wow, is he funny. If you don't know him, he's the type that says whatever he wants and feeds off of peoples' reactions to his dark comedy. If that wasn't enough the following weekend I played in a slow pitch tourney in Ellensburg and that was fun. I made a 40 yr old man look like an idiot by faking a throw and having him run into me for the out....what a goober! Then we have last weekend. My fiance's cousin got married!!!! It was a very small and relaxed wedding on the beach of La Push, Wa. I took a lot of pictures! Here are the ones that I have touched up!

Here's a slideshow of the Hopkins Wedding. Congrats Mike and Liz!




Now in the midst of ALL this chaos...I've gotten myself a little job. I am now an employee of Gap Inc. Gap runs Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic. I work at an Old Navy store. At first I was hired as part time but I've kicked so much ass there they are giving me all the hours I want. My goal, before I'm 30...or right at 30 is fine ;), is to pay off my student loans. Or at least get damn close. Between Old Navy, Subbing, and Coaching I hope to make this happen. Did I mention I'm planning a wedding in all of this too? AHHHH!!!

As crazy busy as I am, and as stressed out as I get from time to time, I am very happy. Right now might be tough and hectic, but hey! I'm alive! I'm healthy! I have an amazing fiance! I also have the best family ever and am constantly reminded on how I will never have to go through anything alone.

So before you end your day today, or any day, think about what you are most thankful for. Maybe set a few goals for yourself to achieve in the next month or so. Always have a positive look on what's ahead. Instead of just "getting through" things, have fun DOING things. So what if you have a job that requires you to work long hours or a spouse that is always away doing that job. You have to take time EVERY day to really appreciate what is going on around you and who you have with you. Otherwise, you will go insane, become a cat or bag lady, and yell at "those damn kids that keep throwing their balls in your yard!" Before you know it you're on a street corner asking people for cat food and wishing you could take it all back.....

Alright that last part was a little extreme. I kind of let my imagination run with it. Haha. But it was fun! Do yourself a favor and have fun today. I know I will!!!

BABIES!!!

I HAVE A NEW NIECE! At 1:18am, on August 21st, Kathryn LeAnne Bowker was born! She weighed in at 7lbs 14oz. She was SO excited to meet her new family the nurse had to deliver her!

She is now a part of one of the best families EVER! Crazy...but awesome! Only downside for Katie is that she has 3 older brothers. Between them and her dad I'm pretty sure she won't be dating until she is 30. Sorry Katie! The best news I've heard about her homecoming is how her oldest brother, Garrett is with her. Garrett is a vibrant 14 year old boy. Freshman in high school, girl crazy, and sassy. What boy isn't? Well, he is, Katie's #1 protector. I guess he loves her so much, he always wants to hold her and is afraid to let anyone else look after her! How precious is it to see a young man so protective and in love with his baby sister?

I'm proud of my sister and her whole family! They are all incredible people and I can't wait to meet my new niece! I love you Katie!!!!

Fam BAM!

After spending the day with some family I wanted to just write about the importance and appreciation of my family.

Growing up, family was such an important part of life. On my mom's side we visited Montana AT LEAST once a year to camp with the fam. On my dad's side we got together EVERY holiday, taking turns visiting each others' houses. Everyone was in charge of a holiday. During the summers I was at my grandparents and during the school year I was with my siblings.

Once I hit about 12, every year after the family became more and more spread out. Some people moved and discourse began between some people...but no matter how far away we drifted apart I still love and dearly miss all the games, jokes, and times spent with everyone. So I feel like the more I can do with the family I have close, maybe I can bring that back or start new traditions!

Now...that being said I have 17 nieces and nephews!! 6 of them live in Arizona, 1 lives in Federal Way, 4 live in Utah now and the rest live within 40 minutes of me. Whatever I can do to keep up with the fam I'm down for.

Yesterday I got a real day with two of my younger niece and nephew. They are in middle school now and are SO much fun! My nephew, Dmitri, is musically talented and will be on the radio soon! He's got a great sense of humor too. My niece, Eva, has really grown herself. The once shy and sassy little girl is now a grown, outgoing, fun loving BIG girl! lol. She's not afraid of much and always makes everyday EXTREMELY fun.

Anyways, this post was just one to let my friends and family know how much I love them. Even though I spoke about 2 people specifically I really do LOVE every body in my close circle of family and friends. If I wrote about everything this would get TO long. But I will one of these days ;) Just won't be long.

Here are some pics from yesterday! I taught them how to ice block and then we got our hair did! (Even Dmitri. lol)

I Can't Believe What's Happening!

Well, where to begin! I have NO idea what came over me yesterday but I was surfin the web for DIY projects. I found some super cute home decor ideas but at first thought, "Yeah they're cute, but I probably won't do anything." After about an hour or two of bookmarking and RSSing certain sites I said to myself (literally, I said this out loud), "Forget it, I'm going thrift shopping!"

It was a total HIT when I left the house. I decorated 2 rooms! Some things I jazzed up with some ideas I got off the web and some put themselves together so to speak! I just got real lucky on my finds. There are a few things I'm going to make that I'm really excited for and we will be getting our entertainment stand and dining room furniture in about 2 - 3 weeks...but here are the pics of my living room and dining room.

*I didn't supply any "before" pics because there were NOTHING on the walls before.

This is a shelf that I made from an old drawer! I'm excited about my creativity here cause that is rare! I put old coasters I never use inside to spruce it up. This is in the master bedroom.

Living Room!

This is a wall that you see as you walk into the house and turn into the living room. I'm going to keep adding pictures of friends and family with small wood frames and ribbons to hang. It will be like my "Wall of Fame"
; )

Dining Room. I'm going to make a "Family" sign to put on the top of the far wall and re-arrange what's underneath. I'm not a fan of it right now but having something on my walls that isn't a photo frame or just NOTHING has me all kinds of excited!

So that's my house so far!!! My next room will be the game room and the master bedroom. I also have some ideas for the guest bathroom and TONS for the "Dude's Room".

I stopped being a jock and 4 years later BAM! I'm turning into SUCH a girl. I'm a teacher, I work at Old Navy, I make scrapbooks and wall decor, cook (sometimes, I'm still learning ;), bake (same as cooking ;), clean the damn house and I want to learn how to use a sewing machine! What is happening to me!!!!

A Camp Counselor Is....

Arguably, the most amazing job in the world is being a Summer Camp Counselor. Being a camp counselor is a job no one hears about and being a teacher that no text book or class can show you how to be.

I only worked 2 summers as a counselor but I will never forget the experience. I learned to always stay young, be positive and creative always, and harbor and nurture a youngster's imagination. It's fun and takes you away from the nagging pressures of adulthood. Why do you think I became a teacher? To have fun and make learning enjoyable! While still having time to play and to take advantage of life and its small blessings! 

I miss camp a lot. It's what helped save me in a crazy and critical time of my life. It's what knocked me to reality and what opened my eyes to my true talents. I'm more than an athlete...I'm teacher, coach and best friend. Last summer, as a gift from the directors, I received a framed photo of a sunset at Camp Gallagher. In that photo were three campers forming the letters CYO. In the foreground was a description of what a camp counselor is and it goes like this:

"Somewhere between adolescence and adulthood there occurs in human development an age which is physically and psychologically impossible. It is that unfathomable stage known as the camp counselor. A creature undefined by psychologists, misunderstood by camp directors, worshipped by campers, either admired or doubted by parents and unheard of by the rest of society.

A camp counselor is a rare combination of doctor, lawyer, and chief. She is a competent child psychologist with a sophomore textbook as proof. He is an underpaid babysitter disciplinarian with a twinkle in the eye. A minister to all faiths with questions about her own. He is a referee, a coach, a teacher, and an advisor. She is the example of adulthood in work out chaos and a sweatshirt two sizes too large. He is a doctor in an emergency, a song leader, an entertainer, a play director. She is an idol with her head in the cloud of wood smoke and her feet in the mud. He is a comforter in a leaky tarp on a cold night and a pal who had lent someone his last par of dry socks. She is a teacher of the out-of-doors, knee-deep in stinging nettles.

Counselors dislike waiting in lines, cabin inspections, and rainy days. They are fond of sunbathing, teaching new games, and days off. They are handy for patching up broken friendships, bloody noses and torn jeans. They are good at locating lost bathing suites and playing the uke. They are poor at crawling out on rainy days and getting into bed early.

A counselor is friendly guide in the middle of a cold dark rainy night on the long winding trail to the BIFFY. He is a dynamo on a day off, exhausted the next day but recuperated in time for the next day off. Who but a counselor can sure homesickness, air out wet bedding, play 16 games of sticks in succession, whistle "Dixie" through his fingers, carry two packs, stand on his hands, sing 37 verses of "Penguins Drinking Tea" and eat four helpings of Thanksgiving dinner?

A counselor is expected to repair 10 years of damage to Jule in 9 days, make Tommy a new man, rehabilitate Susan, allow Paul to be an individual and help Alice adjust to the group. She is expected to lead them in fun and adventure-even when her head aches, teach them to live in the out-of-doors even though she spends nine months of the year in New York City, Chicago, or Seattle, teach them ingenious activities - when she can't even spell it, guide them in social adjustment - when she hasn't even reached the voting age, ensure safety and health - with a sunburned nose, a band-aid on her thumb and a blister on her heel.

For all this, he is paid enough to buy the second text in psychology, some aspirin, some new socks, and some new Chacos. You wonder how she can stand the pace and the pressure. You wonder if he really knows how much he is worth and somehow, you realize you can never pay him enough when he leaves in August he waves good-bye and says, "See ya next year." "

Not sure who wrote this but it is perfect. This is the best way to explain what a counselor does....but to imagine the exact fun and the chaos along with it is something you'll have to experience yourself. Maybe no one ready this, maybe no one finished it, but to me, camp is an amazing place no matter which one you go to. I dedicate this little post to those counselors I worked with, those that are still working, and those that were my counselors and gave me the best summers a kid could ask for! Thank you for what you do and shaping me into who I am!

Mya's Tricks!

Today I've been commenting on videos my cousin and uncle have put up of their dogs doing some awesome tricks. I have kind of been inspired and started teaching Mya a few. She knows a few basic commands but today I taught her how to play dead when I "shoot" her and how to be "sneaky" by crawling on the floor. Then I got a little ambitious and shot her WHILE she was being sneaky. Pretty funny to me at least.

Now due to my cousin's inventive and comedic character, a trait directly from the Coury genome, he has developed a spreadsheet that tracks the score of tricks that our dogs know. It's me, Evan and my Uncle Mike. I'm 10 points shy of second so I have some work to do. Here's my first video of Mya's second day of training on her two new tricks!

80 Degrees of Summer

What a weekend!!! Not only was it in the 80's but it was jam packed! I should have known it was going to be good because Friday night set it all off.

Friday was pretty relaxing. Did some scrap booking, went to the dog park, played a softball game. The game was so so for me but one of my teammates offered me a teaching job for the whole month of September! She just had a baby and wants more time so BAM! I got some work.

Softball tourney in Ferndale happened Saturday. Now, long story short, I kicked ASS at the tourney. Minus a couple fielding errors, I hit the crap out of the ball. 2 triples and a home run were my highlights. I even got a free drink at a local bar because of the HR. We swept all 3 games that day. I had Mya with me and When we got back to my car, she REFUSED to get in the car. Imagine you are wearing clothes to go snowboarding or skiing...and that you were hanging out in 80 degree weather...THEN you had to get into a car, wearing those clothes and the temp inside there was near 100 degrees. That was probably what my dog felt. So we ran to a Rite Aid and I bought the biggest bottle of water I could and drenched her with it. She was a much happier dog afterwards. For dinner, my lovely fiance took me to a new restaurant called Ciao in Coupeville. Its VERY authentic Neapolitan place and VERY good. Call me up and I'll take you out there!

Sunday, I helped an old teammate of mine move to her new house with her husband. I played ball with Jacki at the UW and I played against her in high school! During the move, when I had time to take a little break, I couldn't help but realize how much we are all growing up, and how fast. I swear it was yesterday we were throwing parties and taking midterms...now we are getting married, buying houses and starting families! Don't ever let yourself be afraid of growing up, cause it is actually a lot of fun and something to really look forward to!

Now the most ultimate, weirdest and fun thing that happened this weekend was my slowpitch game Sunday night. Should have known it was going to be interesting because only 7 people showed up! The other team was short one player but they agreed to play a fun game. I was playing an alright game at shortstop and doing alright at the plate. Around the 3rd inning I hit a double and the shortstop starting sparking up a convo with me. Just some little chit chat and what not. Well this chit chat/joking (he constantly said I was showing him up) went on the whole game. Afterwards, when I was at my car dusting myself off and what not, he came up to me and introduced himself. Then he asked, "You got a number?" What kind of question is that? Who DOESN'T have a number. lol. I responded with "Yes, but I am engaged : /" He said, "Oh," and then told me he was a local rapper. He had a CD in his hand and gave it to me and invited me to a gig next Friday in downtown Everett. Apparently he graduated from EHS in '99 so we had that in common. I don't know, it was just a hilarious night. His CD wasn't too bad and he's done a song with a group that works with Eminem. So that was pretty cool.

All in all, it was a very productive weekend...but I am SORE and tired and I cleaned and bleached this house like it was getting inspected. I'm beat. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the sunshine!

You Wasically WABBIT!

Well, I started something last night that I totally regret!

There was a bunny in our backyard...knowing how fast they are, I showed my dog the bunny and she chased it and it slipped out from under the fence. I thought it was funny how excited my dog was and the way she was sniffin around with such tenacity. It was like watching a 5 year old trying to find their presents under the tree. Focused and relentless.

Eventually, Mya (my dog), came back inside and spotted the bunny out our front window. After to much anxiety, she wanted back out again so I let her go. As I opened the door, Mya shot straight to where the rabbit was. I walked away to get something to drink and when I came back she was diving her nose into the ground. Just before I could yell at her to stop (knowing she had found something), a baby bunny was hopping for it's life to the back of the fence. Probably would have gotten away too if Mya hadn't noticed and snatched it up. I yelled at her to drop it. When I walked over there I passed over 2 other bunnies she had gotten a bite on too. Needless to say I brought her inside, checked out the bunnies, noticed they were all dead and properly disposed them.

It doesn't stop there. This morning my fiance wakes me up and informs me she snagged one more...I guess she knew she was in trouble because when he went out there to grab her to bring her in, she tried hiding behind a bush.

My dog got a taste for blood and can't stop! My fiance keeps referring to her as a murderer but it's animal instinct. Although I have jokingly told him that I will put her on a rigorous rehabilitation program. ;)

Maui Mischief

I recently took a trip to Maui, and get this...I didn't have to pay for my hotel OR the airfare! It was amazing. Ironically I'm headed there on my honey moon next winter but I couldn't pass up an offer like this one. I was invited by my friend Emily. She had originally planned this trip with her boyfriend but they broke up two months before the trip! Yours truly took full advantage!

So this is the view from our hotel. We stayed at the Ka'anapali Beach Club Resort...I think. There were like 4 different Ka'anapali hotels and I never got the name right to the one we were in.

Now....instead of me rambling on for pages about my trip, how about I give you a little traveler's guide to the island and what I found to be some MUST SEE spots.

1) Snorkeling Honolua Bay

Of course, as in any tropical area, you MUST go snorkeling. Afraid of the ocean? Me too, but once you swim next to a green sea turtle or a manta-ray you think differently. ;) I took a tour on the Teralani. They also do sunset dinner cruises if you're interested. On your snorkeling trip they provide food and beverages, including alcohol if you are feelin saucy! On my trip I swam with TWO sea turtles! However, I was so occupied with them I completely missed my shot at swimming with a manta-ray. ;)

2) Road Trip Kahaluki Highway (HWY 30)

The whole drive itself provides so many picture opportunities it is unbelievable. This is a shot from the small town of Kahakuloa. If you ask anyone who lives on the island, this is the major spot on the island. There's a woman here who sells the best  banana bread in the state! People come from all over the islands for it. Here's a picture of her hut.

Just after Honolua Bay, the road turns into one lane. With numerous curves it's tough to know who's coming around the corner but it is still navigable. Just up the road from this hut there's a gift shop that is a must to check out. The lady there sells art from artists all over the state. It's incredible and a must see.

3) Swinging Bridges

                                        

This is a hike towards the end of the Kahaluki Highway. It's located in the back of a neighborhood. The locals there charge $6 for parking. Fair enough considering people are constantly driving through their area and backyards. It also keeps them from breaking into your car. ;) It's a short hike but there are 2 bridges. At the end is a man-made water fall where most people take a swim. This is a must do hike!

4) Mt. Haleakala

 Standing at 10,023 ft, this is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. There's two ways to get here. Either rent a car or do a tour. They offer tours at sunset and sunrise and they will drive you up to the top and then you have the option to ride a bike back down. We chose to drive. There is also a turn off at around 8,000 something feet where you have the option of hiking the summit as well. This is a MUST see for sure!

5) Road to Hana

With over 650 curves and 71 land bridges, the Road to Hana is one of the most fun and exhilarating drives. There's not a lot to see off the highway but the drive is absolutely breath taking! On the 50 mile stretch of highway you'll drive past majestic waterfalls and pass a few trails. The town of Hana is small and quaint and definitely worth touring around. Along the road however, there are a few places that I need to definitely point out....

6) Waianapanapa State Park

This park is home to lava caves, black sand beaches and magnificent blowholes. This is a go to place for sure. There's hiking around the park as well as camping. The photos speak for themselves:

6) Mt. Haleakala State Park

Not only is the mountain itself a must see, but so is a hike at the base of the mountain. There's a hike known as "The Seven Sacred Pools". Starting at the ocean, where there's waterfalls to swim under as well as pools, you follow a trail that takes to you look outs of several water falls and their respective pools. Hence the name. As you pass these pools, the first awesome thing you will come to is a HUGE banyan tree. Definitely worth a climb. Once you get your childhood indulgence out of the way and you cross a few more waterfalls, you enter an epic bamboo forest! Walking through the forest is amazing because of all the sounds you hear as you walk through it. Once you think you'll be lost in bamboo forever, you come to a couple river crossings. Before you know you it you are standing toe to toe with the ginormous (I have no idea how high it is) Waimoku Falls. Here's some pictures of our hike.

7) Lahaina

Last but not least, the heartbeat of Maui; Lahaina. This place was once a fishermans' town but is now the spot to go for nightlife, shopping and entertainment! Not much else to say other than for you to check it out if you ever hit the island!

*picture was taken from downtown Lahaina

Hope you enjoyed it! Mahalo ;)

We got a first timer out here!

Alright...first blog EVER! I'm not to concerned if anyone really reads this but it would be fun to see some followers! Anyways, my name is Torie and I'm from the chilly, occasionally rainy ;) state of Washington. Just some insight on me; I love sports! I played softball at the University of Washington where I was a utility infielder. My love of the sport and the school is the reason for titling the blog what I did. Now that softball is over, and I'm realizing that I won't ever be a USA Softball player...I got a masters in teaching! So I now teach elementary school and coach high school softball. Other than that, I play every sport possible and trying to travel as much as I can, even if my destination is an hour away. You'd be amazed at how many incredible places you live near! So I take advantage of whatever I can.

So far this summer I have been to Maui and Ohio. I'll blog about those trips later but they were pretty awesome and epic in their own ways.

That's enough for now. I just had to get ONE post out there...however boring it may have been to read. For my family that may be reading this, I hope this will be a fun way to include you on what I am doing since we all know how AMAZING I am at phone calls....my bad!!!