the flavor of the day...

Happy German Day of Unity Oct. 3!

2011-10-02T22:36:00.002-06:00

**SAMPLE**

German History from 1990 - 2010 | 20 Years of German Unity*

Bonus!

Political Borders of Europe from 1519 to 2006

**FULL SCOOP**

Going to an event at the German Embassy... above is a clip of a past performance there... let's hope mine is just as exciting, but with more lederhosen (see below -- we'll probably do a more thorough discussion on this topic another day... haha! : ) I'll be back to tell you how the event goes...!

**Your turn: In regards to the lederhosen, I'm kind of speechless... but... my question is, do you really think these were easier to work in??? (again, we'll probably discuss this more in another post... but I couldn't resist...don't you fret! ; )

*No, you're not crazy, yes there are two tracks playing... Remember to turn off background music at the bottom of the screen before viewing... : )

New Goals!! Poor Man's Travels

2011-09-26T20:38:00.001-06:00

***SAMPLE***
German Coastguard... : ) & Brief tour of Hamburg

***FULL SCOOP***

Oh heeeeeey!!!! ; ) So it's been a while... I know I have wild masses of fans who have mourned my absence.... : ) but don't you fret... I am going to try to repent for my personal record of my life (note sarcasm in wild masses of fans... ; ). If anyone still/ever did read this... get ready, because... I'M BACK!!! Okay, actually, I struggle with commitment, so no promises... BUT I'm going to try to write more because....!! I have a new goal. If you know me well, or if you hardly know me at all... you probably know I have a slight obsession with experiencing and tasting as much of life as I can. (and when I say taste... I DO mean literally.... ; )

Here's the scoop... I have a passion for travel, but limited resources in regards to $$$ and time... and (yes, it's true) I have a personal mission statement, and part of it includes experiencing as much of life as I can -- whether it be through actual travel, talking with people about their life stories, foods, music, dance, art, work, lifestyle, religion, etc. etc. etc. and do my best to do more with less.

As I was pondering recently how I could travel with limited resources, I have decided to experience it the best I can on my own. Last year I started this on a smaller scale with Tapas Sundays when I would put on my flamenco apron, listen to flamenco music and invite a friend over to have tapas (in honor of my love for Spain : ). I have decided to re-start and re-vamp this goal; meaning, my new goal is, to choose a new country each month and learn about/experience it each month. The ways I do this may vary each month. I am banking on DC being really cultural and having lots to offer... let's hope it does : ).

Here is where you come in -- as I scan for movies, documentaries, music, recipes, youtube videos, phrases, jokes, culture tid-bits, events, games, traditions, news, cool person of that country to learn about, awful American assumptions/stereotypes about the country, outfits to try on, etc. to try/do -- or just even share with me your own memory or experience for a little inspiration : ).

I already have a full plate, so I am not going to get too obnoxious with this goal, but am going to try to get a little country action in each week. Upcoming country for OCTOBER.......... (drum roll.......) GERMANY!!!!

Plans thus far for my "poor man's travels":

I'm attending a dinner at the German Embassy -- so I'll even get to touch some German soil! : )
Hitting up some kind of PG Oktoberfest event
Finding somewhere where I can do a photoshoot with some traditional german clothes..... any recommendations of where I can get my hands on some?? : )
Rest of the ideas I'll be deciding from here and FB... so shoot me some ideas! In the future, if this takes off.... maybe I'll even let people vote on my adventures or the country for the next month -- or even give out some invites to come eat/cook/attend with me if you're up for it....!! : )

Let the games begin! Taking ideas/love experiences/feedback starting............... NOW! : ) As I love traveling with others and sharing adventures with people... I hope you'll join me in the journey and tag along ; ).

..................danke.....!

(OR maybe I should just re-enact this like these folks... even if it doesn't REALLY have anything to do with Germany... still could be fun...!! : ) Ferris Bueller... Danke!

40 line, 3 word update each... just trrrry to interpret : )

2011-05-10T23:32:00.000-06:00

**SAMPLE**
Life is a highway baby... I think I drove 40 hours in two weeks... (later update, later 80 hours in 6 weeks... who loves road trips?! : )

**FULL SCOOP**
I am taking off to DC soon... here is 40 line, 3 word update each of my recent adventures I made... have fun trying to interpret!! : )

1. Heidi C-section TODAY!!
2. School lunch grandkids
3. Swam with grandkids
4. Ate yummy salsa
5. Saw Mom NM
6. Played catch grandkids
7. Cleaned prego's house
8. Ate at Chilis
9. Got temp-job call
10. Bob wants me (temp-job guy)
11. Crazy decisions DC
12. Need be there
13. Temp no go (see above)
14. Motivation to go
15. Interview when arrive
16. Microsoft skills tests
17. Other networking plans
18. Pack up go
19. Drive drive drive
20. Love phone GPS
21. Loved MCDs StrawberryLemonadeFreeze
22. Saw "don't pick up hitchhikers near correctional facility" sign
23. Saw suspicous hitchikers : )
24. Called PoPo justincase : )
25. LOVED driving scenery
26. Listened to books
27. LOVED St. Louis & Elk City, OK : )
28. Enjoyed state stereotypes
29. Ohio -- tired, Erin (friend/neighbor)
30. Scared Dad TV : )
31. Harry Potter Erin
32. LOVED home ward
33. Sister/Fam visit M-day
34. 4 yr. old Niece say, "I can't keep up with you and David" ha! : ) (or something like that, also asked why I wasn't married : )
35. Watched "Waiting for Superman" again (and y'all should too!)
36. Cheap Massage, Erin
37. PF Changs, Erin
38. FHE with Dad
39. Email catch-up
40. Musana Conf. call

Bonus: This, now SLEEP!!!! : )

40% off Musana Jewelry to Celebrate International Women's Day!

2011-03-08T01:35:00.005-07:00

So I've been a little inactive in the blogging world for a while... but I'm making a comeback for a very important reason! : ) Musana Jewelry is the NGO I helped some friends start over a year ago. We have a new Spring collection coming soon and are currently doing a clearance sale to celebrate International Women's day! Check out: www.musanajewelry.org

40% off + Free shipping if you blog about us or make the image above your FB profile pic and email us about it at info@musanajewelry.org!

Even if you are not up for new jewelry, please share the message with friends -- your few clicks can make a world of difference to these women and their communities. See our Musana blog for details. Let me know if you have any questions or want to get involved, enjoy a quick intro. video here... Happy International Women's Day!

Much Love,

In Celebration of Our Lord & Savior!

2010-04-04T13:30:00.001-06:00

**SAMPLE**
HAPPY EASTER!

**FULL SCOOP**
In honor of Easter, the holiday that has been set apart to celebrate that Christ was resurrected and lives, I would like to share my simple but sincere testimony of our Savior through the following video messages, as they speak for themselves. Please watch and enjoy : ) As you do, **despite your faith or denomination,** I invite you to ponder and reflect what the Savior has done for you and invite you to express your gratitude in prayer -- He is there, loves you -- and is listening, as He is aware of your situation in life, as well as your desires and hopes. I know that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and that Christ is His Son and that not only did He live and die for us, on that third day, He rose, and... He lives again!! : ) I know that to be true.

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Just as there were Apostles in the bible, as a Latter-day Saint, as result of a loving Heavenly Father who wants to provide a clear path for us to return to Him, I believe that there are Apostles on the earth again today -- this is the simple but touching reflection of one of them about this Easter Holiday.

***An Apostle's thoughts on Easter:***

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The following are a few of my favorite hymns that honor Christ and His sacrifice and the hope we can find in Him.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I Stand All Amazed

His Hands

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***Finally, the following is a link to a text version of a combined testimony of the 12 Apostles of The Living Christ - it is a true and beautiful testimony of our Living Christ.***

More messages like these can be found at http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages and http://www.mormon.org.

Getting to know you... at work : )

2009-12-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

**SAMPLE**

I don't want to brag, but... I DID work in the library computer labs... don't be jealous BYU has an incredible library... ; )

**FULL SCOOP**

Want a glimpse into the innerworkings of Kristina? Or at least the random questions my work uses to interrogate people? If anything, the questions themselves are pretty entertaining. Enjoy my answers 4-12 of a get to know you survey we did at work... good times -- would love to know any of your answers to these questions, please feel free to share! So random, right?! : )

4. What’s your favorite color?

- Blue. No yel-- auuuuuuuugh! [ explodes and dies ].... (I actually just love the whole rainbow... : )

5. What do you like to do in your free time?

- Dream of more free time : ) Read, run, be outside, spend time with people, make tapas (Spanish appetizers : ), etc.!

6. It’s a Friday night, what are you doing?

- Getting treats and doing fun things, getting groups together to do stuff... and an occasional a hot date ; )

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?

- A Mom : ) As well as.. the first lady : ) Or... would love to work for the Government in the Foreign Services or in the non-profit sector

8. Any big plans for Christmas?

- Having a fondue dinner with family and playing with my nieces and nephews!

9. Please tell me one short, interesting story about yourself.

- When I was little (say 8/9/10 or so), I would play "business" instead of house : ) (I did that too, but just wasn't as fun : ) j/k I had a little "office" I created for my self and among my many careers (I was a teacher, a counselor, aerobics instructor, etc.) I was a banker. I lent money to my sister and the deal was you have to give me back the money in the exact change I gave it to you (meaning if I gave you 5 pennies, you have to give me 5 pennies back : ) Well, she signed the contract, and once her time was up, the interest charge was $1 a day for everyday late the first week, $2 a day the second week, etc. Long story short... I made $20 off of her... and it was beautiful : )

10. What’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?

- Other than my mom's old room in my Grandma's house... probably the tent home of a Moroccan nomad family in the Sahara.

11. Who do you think would win out of a fight between Jack Skellington (Nightmare Before Christmas) and the Grinch, and why?

- Jack... the Grinch has no heart. Gotta have heart to win.

12. What is the most awkward/interesting thing you have seen in the labs?

- 2 guys on the same day "diggin' for gold" and then using the keyboards...

13. If you had to be any type of Christmas decoration, what would you be, and why?

- The leg lamp... : )

14. What’s your favorite part of Christmas?

- Reenacting the nativity as a family and the reading Luke 2

15. What’s one unique Christmas tradition your family does?

- Volunteering at the Salvation Army to help distribute food to families and having a full-on fondue dinner at home : )

60 second update...

2009-11-06T12:52:00.007-07:00

**SAMPLE** In honor of the recent Social Venture Team I've joined, as well as my considering Grad school... enjoy a 30 second MBA! http://www.fastcompany.com/mba/node/105

**FULL SCOOP**
Okay, so the past has proven, when I get busy... I get busy...! But I am trying to repent and am hoping to make a real post one of these days : ) However, for a minute update... here is the latest!

1. Ran, finished and actually... ENJOYED the St. George Marathon!

2. Am really enjoying my Advertising class - yay for communications!

3. Just joined a team for the Social Venture Competition... it's a plan that I really believe in and am thrilled about... called Musana... more details to come on that! (http://socialventure.byu.edu/)

4. Have decided to plan on getting a Masters, potentially an MPA (Public Administration) and feel great about it!
5. My laptop pretty much crashed... but I was able to save files and am grateful to be back in business!
6. Was a Flamenco dancer for Halloween : )

7. Started a sweets fast until Thanksgiving... (but I can have cereal as a treat... and an occasional reduced fat nilla wafer : )
8. Am feeling great about recent goals... even made a star chart and progress is being made!
9. Speaking of goals, started reading the Book of Mormon (www.mormon.org) in Spanish... wish me luck!

10. I've been actually getting excited about cooking!! I found that looking at it as an exotic experience and a way to travel by cooking foreign foods can make it inspiring... tapas anyone?!
11. Submitted a funny idea to do at work... and now they are doing it, yay! : ) (that's right... if you go to the computer labs, you could be randomly selected to get free prints and a candy bar... yay for Patron appreciation!)
12. I'm feeling like I finally have a game plan to graduate on time (by my standards... which equals August 2010)

13. I have just decided to help with Y Days which is basically a week long service campaign in March, and it makes me excited to do some "university" work again... and it's about time I really become "invested" in BYU : )
14. Had the opportunity to hear Greg Mortensen speak, the author of Three Cups of Tea (which I've also been trying to read among the other 5 books I've started: ) - super inspiring, read it! (http://www.threecupsoftea.com/)
15. Have been going to bed (a little earlier?) at a decent enough time to get aaalmost 8 hours on most nights... MAJOR accomplishment for me! : )

Well... that's a wrap! there is plenty more where that came from, but that's just a minute sample of what I've been up to/excited about over the last little while. Thanks for tuning in!

Much love,
K*

YOUR TURN/READER THOUGHTS: What is something you are really excited about/looking forward to right now? OR... what was your favorite Halloween costume you saw?

HAPPY.

2009-09-13T02:35:00.006-06:00

HAPPY.

I can’t express just how happy and at peace I am with life right now. I know who I am and I know where I am going… (for the most part : ) at least I know it is somewhere… even if it just where the wind blows me : ) j/k. But I believe that we are here on earth for a purpose, which is to fulfill The Plan of HAPPINESS.

Sometimes I’ve wondered how it could be The Plan of Happiness when there is so much pain and sorrow in the world; however, one must know opposition to fully know just that… the opposition of both good and bad – how much sweeter the fruit of happiness is once one has experienced the struggles of sorrow and sadness, indecision and the unknown, etc. etc.

I won’t go into great detail right now, but I have had some interesting experiences regarding making life decisions about my future, emotional investments and which paths to take and how to go about each of these… it has been an adventure : ) (which I am confident is just the beginning!) but I have found my happy place. I’ve learned so many interesting life lessons through both my own experiences and those shared with loved ones; from studies to heartaches to career paths to deaths to health to travels to goals and set backs, etc. etc.

I’ve been fortunate to be a student of life (and of course continue to be) and to have the Lord as my personal tutor through prayer and scripture. One great lesson I have learned in particular comes from a talk I heard in a church meeting called General Conference last fall, which is that, “I may not know everything, but I know enough” (see http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-4,00.html – You Know Enough, Neil Anderson).

Again, I can’t express just how truly truly happy I am right now and how excited I am about the future and the adventures held in store. How grateful I am to the Lord for allowing me to experience such peace and happiness which I know is available to all who sincerely seek Him – He lives and I know loves each of us, as He truly is our Father in Heaven.

All this + More = I know enough… = HAPPY! : )

Much love, K*

YOUR TURN/READER THOUGHTS: When was a time you were truly and completely happy? What/where would you consider one of your "happy places"?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years ago... 17... again...?

2009-08-23T22:03:00.019-06:00

**SAMPLE**

17 again… However you feel about the movie… this is in honor of/dedicated to my “Second Helping” ; )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNqwRL4Ir8o …enjoy!

**FULL SCOOP**

Ever thought about where you were exactly a year ago? Or 2, or 3? So, it’s not quite to the day… : ) but I’m a pretty reflective person… okay, I’m really reflective… I’m reflective in regards to both the future and past. I have been known to make 5 year plans… with details for where I would be every season with a plan B, C and occasionally a D with a disclaimer to each of those that includes my “open to revisions/flexibility factors” – Meaning, though I like having a plan, I love NOT having a plan almost just as much… I just like to know my options : ) (I mean, as a veteran girl scout, it’s my duty to be prepared). (We’ll save my planning methods though for another day… that can get pretty involved… : )

Moral of the story… as much as I consider the future, I frequently consider the past… the past little while I have been reflecting on where I was a year ago, and consequently the year before, the one before that, etc. etc.

The following are the results (according to the general Summer/Fall period of the year):

1 year ago (2008)

· Mid-Summer: Turned 21!! Was an Especially for Youth counselor in Ohio (Kirtland, special edition – SO neat : ) Then a family “reunion” – immediate family and some extended came to visit and we all stayed at this 4-H camp… together, so great, got to sing camp songs for our lunch with a 100 sweaty pre-teen 4-H’ers : ) And sister nearly got married! They mutually called it off about 2 hrs before… so brave! She is now happily married to a different man who adores her… : ) Shortly after went to one of my best friends’ wedding in UT – growing up is hard to do… but exciting too – all in all, LOVED IT! : )

· End of Summer: Attended another one of my best of friends’ wedding (best wedding reception I’ve gone to!) and visited some other friends in CA, and again, bittersweet :)

· Very end of Summer: Started packing and headed to DC for a semester long internship with the Washington Seminar – to quote one of my friends, she called it her “BEST DECISION” : )

2 years ago (2007)
Mid-Summer: Spent my birthday and the 4^th of July in Philly (and was recorded in the Guinness book of world records for participating in the largest salsa dancing party!) and went to Maine with my parents ($13 one-way flights!!)… gotta love the east coast!
End of Summer: Finished up doing a few EFYs at BYU-Idaho (aka – Heaven on earth : ) and loved every minute! First time back on campus since the previous fall – also bittersweet…
Very end of Summer: Family reunion in Idaho, hiked Mt. Timpanogos (wahoo!), settled into my first BYU apartment with one of my very best friends (we always planned on living together since we were little… years later, still worked out!) and got ready for my first semester as a new transfer student! (Reason I transferred? That whole prayer thing… just felt right : )

3 years ago (2006)

· Mid-Summer: Was at BYU-Idaho – loving summer semester, going to a little nearby lake in between classes, working my little heart out doing Women’s Events and going to Bear World!! : ) (fabulous nearby Idaho attraction) And went to my family’s “Mountain Man Rendezvous” aka family gathering where we camp, hike, shoot guns, throw knives and tomahawks and pretend we our mountain men, cute isn’t it? : )

· End of Summer: Campaigned for Student Body Office… and rocked it! ; ) j/k I had an AMAZING campaign team and circle of supportive friends… wouldn’t have been able to do it without them…!! (and a whole lot of sweat and tears and everyone working their little hearts out -- but for reals… I have been truly blessed with wonderful associations and friends… I love you! : )

· Very end of Summer: Went home for a whirlwind “break” and headed straight back to school to begin preparations for a busy semester, kicking it off with New Student Orientation… always great.

4 years ago (2005)
· Mid-Summer: Spent my birthday and the 4^th of July in DC and road tripped with my sister to Houston and back (she was moving) stopped in New Orleans (pre-Katrina) and had our car broken into within about 10 minutes of parking it… not gonna lie… I’m still a little bitter… j/k… kind of : )

· End of Summer: Went to an activist camp of which I was one of about 2 republicans with 40 democrats : ) and learned the art of activism!! Then came home and went sky-diving with another best friend and friend’s brother – you'd be surprised, not too bad, it really is much more fun than scary - for reals! (just do it, you know you want to!! : )
· Very end of Summer: Got ready for my first semester of college! Packed my goodies, had my parents drop me off, went to New Student Orientation and met my roommates who I soon came to love again, as some of the best of friends – BYUI – Another BEST decision.

And here it is…!

5 years ago (2004)

· Mid-Summer: Ha ha, most summers would have been conditioning for soccer!! (took a break my Jr. and Sr. to focus on other activities : ) Headed to Switzerland to visit my sister living there… gotta love having family live in cool places!

· End of Summer: Came back and gave blood to celebrate finally being of “legal age” to give : ) *See Second Helping below… Then just had family visit and enjoyed bonding!

· Very end of Summer: Showed our horse for my last time showing horses in our county fair… sad day… but good times : ) Wrapped up summer and began my senior year with our football team winning a game when the previous year our soccer team had more points than they did... per game… (soccer, best game: 18 goals – football, best game: 14 points…) anyway, it was an exciting start to a fabulous fall!

And THAT was a whirlwind blast of my past 5 years...! (well, at least of the summer times : )

Much love, K*
YOUR TURN/READER THOUGHTS: Where were you 5 years ago? And/or where were you/what were you doing when you were 17?

**SECOND HELPING**

Snippet from my blog entry as a 17 yr. old about turning 17… (and a little about dating, ha ha... : ) get ready…! (funny how people change… even funnier is how they don’t ; )

“…After buying a CD just to listen to the one sweet 16 song on it the night before I turned 17... I tried to think of what I could look forward to, because 18 is cool because... you are like, an adult, yet still a teenager, so you are kind of in two stages of your life at once... just kind of an interesting concept I think : ). Anywho (and you can vote and such!! Good times!) So one might think okay, just another year of more great dates right? Well, since we all know the record from last year, pfff, forget that one, who needs those anyway right? I actually I am kind of glad because... well around times when I actually need one... like prom and homecoming... (or rather would like one: ) it is always exciting to see how close I can get to the dance while still not having one : ) he he... Anywho, I have accepted that fact and am happy about my present state : ) so moving on. What is exciting about 17? Um, as I mentioned earlier... most people would say... "Now you can watch R movies!! Wahoo!” {But} since I have chosen not to do that... I needed to find some other fun way to celebrate my 17ness!

“So I thought about it... and realized that every time I have heard about a blood drive they always say you have to be 17 and over some weight, (the weight I got covered baby! But the age was always a different story : ) and not that I love pain or anything, but giving blood is healthy for you and... saves lives!! I mean seriously, who doesn't like the feeling of being needed? Right?! It is wonderful to think that because I gave my blood and one hour of my life... someone can live the rest of theirs. Amazing isn't it? Anyway, so I read about an upcoming blood drive, the first I have heard of since my birthday and just decided I had to go! Also, since Labor Day is coming up this weekend, it is even more in need, because sadly, there will most likely be accidents and people who need it, so of course, all of the more reason! Anyway, It was such a great experience!!

“Since I have been young, I have had to go to the doctors for various health reasons and have had to had many shots and blood samples taken at different times, so I am somewhat used to the process, but it still gets me everytime! I usually am not too nervous about it, but when it is just about time, I just get so giggly! I usually don't get that nervous about much really, but when I am either really happy, really tired, or scared nervous, I giggle like crazy. Those of you who have been there during my giggly times... I am sure can agree : ) It is awful though when I can't stop, I love to laugh, but... oh man, sometimes I just giggle so much, I realize how stupid I must look and giggle more! So it is fun and a good giggle, because I would rather giggle than cry, but goodness, I am sure I seem like a fool, but at least I am enjoying myself! : )

“Anywho... so when they did it I kept giggling, but they were all so nice and friendly so it wasn't too bad : ). Thankfully they were just like, if only everyone laughed instead of cried, we would have a great time! Anyway, throughout the hour, we had plenty of good times. But it was funny because towards the end I kind of started to feel whoozy and voices started to get quieter and echo-ish and I was feeling kind of light headed, so I decided maybe I should tell them and did and immediately these 2 guys hopped up and layed my chair down propped my feet and brought a cool wash cloth the second I opened my mouth! Dang, if only I had service like that anytime I wanted ice cream! So yeah, it was fabulous and I am so glad I did it. A small contribution I know, but it was I think of the most fulfilling things I could do to celebrate my 17ness : ).

Anywho... I had a great week! That's about it! : ) eh heh heh, not much really as you can tell from what I wrote... j/k! : ) -- loves! - K*”

Koh Samed... aka... Paradise...

2009-08-19T16:17:00.013-06:00

**SAMPLE**

Need a break?? Go visit Thailand! http://www.tourismthailand.org/

**FULL SCOOP**

The following are videos from our adventure to the Koh Samed... aka... the beach!! : )

1. Ride to the hotel after we arrived to the Island on a ferry...!

2. My new friend teaching me how to do these fire/twirly ball things : )

3. One of our favorite "Thai" teachers giving us a lesson on to identify a "handsome" Thai boy ; )

4. Natalie and I saw flames from the other end of the beach... this is what we found : ) (and yes, his abs are as defined as they look...: )

5. So our family had a mo-ped growing up, but I've always wanted to drive somewhere crazy, and with Becky being the next most experienced with having ridden a dirt bike once, the other gals never... they were great to humor me and we all had a blast!!

6. More fun on the scooters, Natalie's turn to drive...! After a near death experience, things went pretty smoothly : )

7. Exploring the beach...

8. Last night at the beach, good-bye fire dancing boys!

More to come...! : )

Much love, K*

YOUR TURN/READER THOUGHTS: Do you have a favorite beach or beach memory?

Special price for you…? To match your eyes! : ) (+pics!)

2009-08-05T18:37:00.007-06:00

**SAMPLE**

First Video - Mini-pre-show outside to Siam Theater Show
Second Video - Sample of the Floating Market boat ride

**FULL SCOOP**

MONDAY – WEDNESDAY*

Itinerary Summary:

MONDAY

Main event: Grand Palace (Home of the Emerald Buddha, former residence of Thai Kings, lot's of beautiful buildings and funny pants – since it is holy ground, you are asked to wear a skirt, or put on a sarong which they will provide, and men are asked to put on scrub-like pants or crazy patterned pajama pant looking things : )

TUESDAY

1^st stop: Ayutthaya (sp?) (Major ancient city in the central plains, trading, government buildings, religious places, etc. but was "sacked" in war in the 1700s – Today…? Cool ruins & elephant rides: )

2^nd stop: Jim Thompson Home (American architect (1940sish) who made Thai silk famous – After mysteriously disappearing at age 61, his house (made up of 6 teak houses he had moved there) is now shared with tourists, a great place to have lunch and has beautiful gardens!

3^rd stop: Thai Cooking with Khun-Uk (sp?) Our roomie's family arranged for their helper to teach us how to cook two Thai dishes – and an unforgettable lesson, "Don't eat too much, make fat!" (Not sure what she was trying to tell us, but… it was pretty funny : )

4^th stop: Siam Niramit (Theater Highest Theater in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World records (and the huge sign outside: ) Has a truly spectacular show with traditional dancing on a stage that has a mini river running through it (they had water literally down-pouring from the roof in a mock rainstorm, elephants walking through the rows, costumes and flying performers and all kinds of other elaborate details and backgrounds – truly probably one of the most impressive shows I've ever been to! – Also, a cute "old village" outside with food samples, little boat rides, and a fun look at the past.

WEDNESDAY

1^st stop: Floating Markets (And they were just that! People floated around in boats and tried to get you to buy their wares and you had to bargain to get the best deal and everyone wanted to give you (and of course only you… a "Special price" – LOVED IT!) I think this has been a favorite for me so far – and not gonna lie, I got some great deals : ) I'll definitely have to write more later, but this was a blast and so fun to chat with the people more – I really loved the interaction : ) Another favorite quote and lesson learned… my roomies were buying dresses and they wanted a longer skirt, the market lady said, "No, no long skirt old, not sexy" (or close) – so great, we'll all work on that ; )– thanks lady!

2^nd stop: Home/Nichada Community Area (Roomie's home area) Went to a local market and had some fabulous adventures with boys asking to get pictures with us, live fish ready to be eaten, half chickens cut open, and plenty more! I also got a fabulous Asian-American shirt… see above (must read) – do you love it or what?! : )

Anywho, more to come later!! Today we are off to the beach!!

Much love, K*

YOUR TURN/READ THOUGHTS: Have you ever had to bargain? What's the best deal you've gotten?

*More detailed updates to come, but with limited internet time, this is the best I can offer! : )

Sa-wat-tee-kah! (sp?: )

2009-08-02T10:19:00.008-06:00

**SAMPLE**

VIDEO: A quickie video of our golf cart tour around our roomie's International Community lake... be-a-u-ti-ful!! : )

**FULL SCOOP**

Sa-wat-tee-kah!! (aka... Hello in Thai: )

Once upon a time, I had a roommate who's family lived in Thailand...

...after listening to her stories about her travels, a few fellow roommates and I decided we should probably visit her... : ) One thing led to another and I started receiving email updates on good flight fares to Bangkok, my roommates started looking into getting passports, and our hosting roommate talked to her family who said we could stay with them... and well, the next thing we knew, we were all sitting together with our laptops clicking "purchase" = 2 weeks in Thailand with roommates... aka... an opportunity of a lifetime!!

I will update more later, but here is a quick whirlwind update of the last few days...

Tuesday - Arrived in CA, visited sister and darling family : )
Wednesday - Ran 13 miles with the crazy marathoning sister... I wanted to die... but we survived (while her husband so kindly watched the kiddies!)
Thursday - Woke up, finished packing, scurried to the airport and began the 10 hr. 40 min. flight to Tokyo!
Friday - Arrived in Tokyo, chilled in the airport, had a good time with the fun buttons in the bathroom... (I'll have to explain more later, but all I can say is, from seat warmers to soundtracks, I have never had such an exciting experience...! : ) After a 4 1/2 hr. layover, got back on the plane and began our 6 hr. 40 min. flight to Bangkok... during which I was graced with a chatty neighbor whom I tried to tell (several times) how tired I was and looking forward to a nap I was: )
Friday night - 10:30 p.m. (about 20 hours after take off...) we arrive in Bangkok, were greeted by a shrine to the King at the hotel entrance and slept very soundly!
Saturday - Woke up, explored the fabulous hotel our roomie's fam set up for us with a garden full of colorful flowers which we observed while enjoying the balmy warm weather, caught a cab via driving on the left lane and headed to our next hotel near her neighborhood!
Saturday day/night - Strolled around the neighborhood full of dogs and scooters, snagged some lunch at a Mexican place (we figure there will be plenty of Thai food to come : ) and took a quick visit to the International Community where our roomie's family lives and enjoyed the lake there, took a 3 hour nap (still jet lagged, but adjusting well: ) and finally met up with our roomie for dinner who had just arrived herself!
Sunday - Went to church at their International ward, got to hear testimonies in Indian, Philipino, etc. accents and on our way home, saw royalty pass us on the opposing highway! (the highway was cleared and there was an entourage of cars with the "yellow mercedes" that is for royalty only...!) and closed the evening with finding a little baby gecko in our room... : )

All in all... so far, it has been an adventure already... the best part? This is just the beginning! : ) Much love, K*

PS - I'll try to provide more details later, but for now, I'll just be posting what I can : ) Loves! - K*

YOUR TURN/READER THOUGHTS: What's the craziest place you've ever been to, or wanted to go?

26.2 Miles...

2009-07-27T23:21:00.008-06:00

**Sample**

I think this video is supposed to be inspiring... it kind of made me want to cry... and in a sick and twisted way maybe secretly excited...??

Other goodies...
www.mapmyrun.com - Great resource for mapping routes/distances in your area!
http://www.halhigdon.com - Your personal coach to making long distance running almost seem feasible : )
http://www.stgeorgemarathon.com - Where all of the fun begins : )

**Full Scoop**

So my sister has decided to pick up a bad habit... and she's trying to get me started... it's called "marathoning" (I may have just made that word up... : ).

First, let me just tell you a few things. I love being active and did various sports in high school including track, those were good times on days we weren't running stadiums... on particularly hot days, on a rare but blessed occasion, our coach would give us a couple bucks and let us run to the ice cream stand for practice -- Now, I definitely like to push myself, but let's just say... I really enjoyed the ice cream runs on occasion...: )

So once upon a time I was like, yeah, I'm going to run a marathon someday! Then it hit me, why on earth would I ever do that to myself?? But since I do like to run and set crazy goals, I decided I would settle for just running two half marathons and call it good... someday... (until this last semester 3 miles was the farthest I'd ever gone... and that was like once...)

(see second helpings (SH) below for more background...)

Mental this is a summary of what happened when my sister asked me to run the St. George marathon with her:

1. Mental internal laugh
2. Laugh out loud
3. Secretly consider it remember initial desire years ago
4. Remember my brilliant idea to just run 2 halves (= one!:)...
5. Sister... "so?!"
6. Consider the actual chances of getting in since it's a lottery...
7. Remember it's 26.2 miles...
8. Do want to help my sister out
9. Still think it's crazy
10. Decide, heck, if we get in, I can always walk! : )

The results?! "Congratulations!" (see SH)

The best part? That same weekend there was a 5k and you could either run it or just run a mile... still scared of long distances, I opted out and just ran the mile : )

FAST FORWARD:
...My pride says I have to do it and I start training, run, meet http://www.halhigdon.com, buy better running clothes, run longer, find comfortable routes (http://www.mapmyrun.com), start listening to audio books, run more, find crazy people to run with me, keep putting one leg in front of the other, start out running boys... : ) run farther, almost start to look forward to runs...

PLAY:
As of last week, I woke up and was supposed to do a midweek run of 6 miles... but the night before I realized, I need to do this for myself and stop telling people my sister roped me into it -- I am the only one who is going to get my tail to the end! (Though I am still just doing it to finish, maybe someday I'll do another for time... *gasp* did I just say that?!:)

So, I knew I could do 12... so I did!! The craziest part? I knew I could have gone farther if I had to... even crazier? I almost enjoyed it : )

...we'll see if it lasts... I'll keep you posted! ; )

**Second helpings**

Well... where my sister's habit began and how she is trying to get me hooked...

She qualified for the Boston on her first marathon and after getting about 3:32 (excellent time PS for any runner, especially for only her second!!) she decided she wanted to do another one to get a better time. Long story short, there is a lottery to get in the St. George marathon, so when she asked if I would put my name down on the ticket so she would have another chance of getting in, which led to the summarized list of events listed above : )

DECISION TIME:
(Sister phone call) So... I say sure, put me down (as I'm praying inside I get the nice sister points but we conveniently won't get in by chance...) of course, after we had already signed up and a day before we find out if we are in, my sister calls and says, "I think I would be okay if we don't get in" after remembering how your life basically starts to revolve around planning your runs... GREAT! She is just a few days too late!

"Congratulations!"
You know those moments they people will never forget when and where they were? This was one of those. During an evening class the day of the lottery I saw my sister tried to call... fear struck... the queasiness began... I could already feel myself aching after a long run... ah!! I knew it was all over. So I of course had to check my email and lo and behold, there it was, "Congratulations! You will be running the St. George Marathon!" (or close enough:)

Game Plan...
Since I'm just doing it to finish and not for time, I'm doing it run 10 minutes, reward yourself and walk a minute... and I LOVE it -- it gives me the energy to run faster and the mental strength I need because I can just tell myself, "10 more minutes" (7 times:) instead of... oh, just 70 more minutes! All I can say it, Hal Higdon, my personal website coach:) says that's what lot's of runners do, and I'm totally sold! :) Moral of the story... if I can do it... so can you! (well... I haven't done it yet... but... I WILL! : )

Much love, K*

YOUR TURN/READER THOUGHTS: Have you ever set some kind of "physically competitive" goal for yourself, or wanted to? (feel free to add advice : )

It's true... I'm baaaack!

2009-07-23T00:06:00.011-06:00

Once upon a blog... I used to record the random flavors, or experiences rather, of my life in a fabulous high school xanga blog... and well, after being inspired in my Communications class about people who do this and make moolah... (just being honest here... : ) and reflecting on how I have had some crazy/unique/funny/exciting/educational/scary/challenging etc. experiences & opportunities (and thus have some fond memories and life lessons I should really record somehow)... I decided... it's time to blog again... so... I'm baaack! So here's the game plan. To meet the various purposes for keeping this blog, here's what I'm thinking for updates... (are we loving the flavor theme, or what?! I am...! I also love food, so maybe that is why... hmm... maybe I should go eat something...! : )

Servings (frequency)...

Weekly/Sundays (but more if I can, so check back!)

Menu (Format)...

Flavors (posts: ) will have 2 parts... (occasionally 3) First, a little sample (for a quick, but interesting digest : ), followed by the full scoop... (to feed your appetite for my ramblings and random experiences/life lessons : ) and occasionally a second helping (this would include any extra information/details that give a little helpful/interesting background on the situation or experience)

Dishes (Content)...

*Samples* A little random flavor that anyone might enjoy; this could be a funny youtube video, interesting article, cool website, helpful resource, etc. etc. (or I may take the liberty to just jot down some random thoughts from the day twitter/facebook status style : )
*Full Scoop* These will include random memories (sad, funny, spiritual, silly, exciting, random - whatever flavor I'm in the mood for : ) which may have a purpose and include a life lesson, or just for personal entertainment/record... which means I may or may not leave you out on some inside jokes/details... we'll see : ) I may also include current updates/adventures or thoughts/tangents as I feel so inspired. (Again, if you're not so interested in the fabulous nitty gritty details of my rambling, I'll try to at least provide some B+ entertainment in the "sample" ; )
*Full Course* Occasionally I may have a story/experience/life lesson that is a little more involved, and so as to not overwhelm anyone, (nor myself timewise: ) I may dish out updates over a few posts... and really, who doesn't love a little "to be continued..." anticipation anyway, riiight?! : )
*Second Helpings* Some posts may just be short or simple stories just for the sake of the story; however, I may include a second helping to enhance the experience/story by giving more info./specifics of where, how, what led to the situation, etc. etc...

DISCLAIMER: For those who know me well, you know that I love trying new things, learning about different people and cultures, setting crazy goals and attempting to reach them...! So in the full scoops, for the sake of personal record keeping, I am going to go ahead and divulge some things about myself, some may be new or surprising, and some may seem "so 5 years ago..." (and that may be the case: ) but I digress... to conclude, please know that as this is my personal record, so I am going to go ahead and reference various experiences with the purpose and intent of getting a little flavor of my life's experiences and lessons learned on hard copy, with the hopes of providing something for the reader that may actually be interesting, helpful, thought provoking... or just some plain, cheap entertainment...: )

On that note...

I look forward to sharing the various flavors of my life and hope anyone who may stumble upon this feels free to share any flavor feedback or flavors of your own ; )

Much love, K*