Am I really old enough to be a Young Women's president?
I guess it doesn't matter much cause I am officially as of today.
I am super excited and totally humbled to have this opportunity. The girls I work with are so awesome and I really can't think of a better calling to have. I am taken back that people have the faith and confidence in me to serve this role. Of course with the help of some amazing leaders I know our YW will be great.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
And we're back
In true Murray Steenblik fashion Aaron and I did Oahu right. We were able to see all the island has to offer. We loved every minute of it. We both have never been big on going to Hawaii, I had never been and I have to admit I always wanted what I thought was more adventurous. I have always thought if I am going to pay money I want to see a new culture and get a totally different experience. With that being said I LOVE OAHU and I want to go again...NOW. I loved how easy everything was. We rented a jeep and went around the whole dang island many times. It was clean, good food, and accessibility. It would be correct to say that Oahu changed my mind, sometimes it is nice to be a bit more comfortable while traveling.
We flew in on Saturday and spent the day at the hotel settling in.
Sunday we started bright and early (let me just say our plan was to do nothing that day) and headed to Haunama Bay to snorkel. It was fabulous. We saw tons of amazing fish, a 6 foot moray eel (not my highlight but Aaron was stoked), and of course a nice Hawiian sea turtle. We then hiked Diamond Head and soaked in a great view of the big city.
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Monday we went straight to the North Shore and how happy I am that we did. We snorkled at Shark's Cove which was incredible. I thought Sunday was the coolest until I snorkeled Monday. Again huge fish in this amazing cove that honestly looked like a movie set underwater. The ocean was FLAT, like a bay and we couldn't have hit it right on the money that morning. After snorkeling we got some treat's at Ted's Bakery, which we frequented many more times. Then to Waimea Bay we went. Again some snorkeling with a ginormous sea turtle which we just hovered over for about 15 minutes watching it eat on the bottom of the ocean and then it decided to show of a bit and swim around us. We went to go out to these spinning dolphin but when we had swam out they had left. They were putting on an amazing show. We spent the night in the North Shore until just after Sunset which we enjoyed at none other than Sunset Beach.
Tuesday was another filled day again, which I am sure does not surprise you. We hiked Maunawilli Falls which was excellent, hot, sweaty and fun. We then went continued our journey in the area to Lanikai beach. We rented stand up paddle boards and played in the sun for the good part of the day. We paddle boarded out to an island which was pretty rad. The ocean was so clear and beautiful. Most of these pics are on waterproof cam so will upload at a later date.
Wednesday we actually did chill a bit in the am at the hotel and went to the beach at our hotel for a little while. Then it was time to head up to the Laie to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was super rad. We went 2 hours before our Luau which was the perfect amount of time. After the Luau we had the most excellent surprise. We took the tram to the temple which has been completely renovated and was going to start its open house on Friday. We went up the steps and a man offered to give us a private tour right then and there. Truly amazing. The temple was beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. It was such a treat to get a one on one tour with the man who oversees every temple construction and remodel, he shared all the little details with us. After that he drove us back to the polynesian cultural center so we would not miss the show. We watched a great show and enjoyed the evening. We decided to take the round around the top of the island past the north shore as swell reached 15 feet that day (remember monday the swell was 0 feet). We sat on the beach in the dark with the moonlight and watched huge waves crashing.
Thursday we headed to Pearl Harbor which was pretty interesting. Did you know that the USS Arizona still leaks oil (tears of the victims as they refer to it), they say it could take up to 200 years after the attack to completely drain. It was really cool and they told us that those who did not die the day of the attack on the ship have their ashes taken into the boat when they die to be with their friends. Love the loyalty. After Pearl Harbor we went back to the hotel and relaxed a bit and went to a movie.
Friday we hit up the North Shore again as it really is I think one of our most favorite places on this earth. We checked out Sharks Cove yet it was still too big of swell to snorkel. So we went back to Waimea Bay which still had waves but calm enough to still play around, which we did. We then drove to the other side of the North Shore near Laie and went to this awesome secluded beach park that was kind of tucked in the woods. It was crazy cool. We then picked up some treats from Ted's and watched sunset at Sunset Beach.
Saturday was our last day and we decided to vedge out at the pool. It was a brilliant way to end our trip. We hit the island hard for 7 days so it was good to end with some relaxation. We went to another movie and headed into Honolulu for some excellent food and SideStreet Inn and got back on the plan to our life back in LA.
Not mentioned in here are the fabulous meals we had. We really did eat good food, which of course should not be much of a surprise as we are foodies. We went to some of the most yummiest places we had ever eaten thanks to Food Network Suggestions and those from friends. Ted's, Helena's, Motsumoto's, Side Street Inn, Grass Skirt Grill were all excellent!!!
I am so thankful that we were able to go on this vacation. We really did need it. We figured that 2 years is the point where it is time for a long break. Of course weekend trips help but a good week away from work and responsibilities does the body good...pretty sure is better for me than milk. I have to give a special thanks to the Murray's for giving us a week of their timeshare (Marriott Ko Olina, it was great with the most excellent lagoons and pools) and to Jeff and Rachel Nelson and Jer for taking such good care of our kiddos so we could get away.
I feel like a new person.
We flew in on Saturday and spent the day at the hotel settling in.
Sunday we started bright and early (let me just say our plan was to do nothing that day) and headed to Haunama Bay to snorkel. It was fabulous. We saw tons of amazing fish, a 6 foot moray eel (not my highlight but Aaron was stoked), and of course a nice Hawiian sea turtle. We then hiked Diamond Head and soaked in a great view of the big city.
t
Monday we went straight to the North Shore and how happy I am that we did. We snorkled at Shark's Cove which was incredible. I thought Sunday was the coolest until I snorkeled Monday. Again huge fish in this amazing cove that honestly looked like a movie set underwater. The ocean was FLAT, like a bay and we couldn't have hit it right on the money that morning. After snorkeling we got some treat's at Ted's Bakery, which we frequented many more times. Then to Waimea Bay we went. Again some snorkeling with a ginormous sea turtle which we just hovered over for about 15 minutes watching it eat on the bottom of the ocean and then it decided to show of a bit and swim around us. We went to go out to these spinning dolphin but when we had swam out they had left. They were putting on an amazing show. We spent the night in the North Shore until just after Sunset which we enjoyed at none other than Sunset Beach.
Tuesday was another filled day again, which I am sure does not surprise you. We hiked Maunawilli Falls which was excellent, hot, sweaty and fun. We then went continued our journey in the area to Lanikai beach. We rented stand up paddle boards and played in the sun for the good part of the day. We paddle boarded out to an island which was pretty rad. The ocean was so clear and beautiful. Most of these pics are on waterproof cam so will upload at a later date.
Wednesday we actually did chill a bit in the am at the hotel and went to the beach at our hotel for a little while. Then it was time to head up to the Laie to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was super rad. We went 2 hours before our Luau which was the perfect amount of time. After the Luau we had the most excellent surprise. We took the tram to the temple which has been completely renovated and was going to start its open house on Friday. We went up the steps and a man offered to give us a private tour right then and there. Truly amazing. The temple was beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. It was such a treat to get a one on one tour with the man who oversees every temple construction and remodel, he shared all the little details with us. After that he drove us back to the polynesian cultural center so we would not miss the show. We watched a great show and enjoyed the evening. We decided to take the round around the top of the island past the north shore as swell reached 15 feet that day (remember monday the swell was 0 feet). We sat on the beach in the dark with the moonlight and watched huge waves crashing.
Thursday we headed to Pearl Harbor which was pretty interesting. Did you know that the USS Arizona still leaks oil (tears of the victims as they refer to it), they say it could take up to 200 years after the attack to completely drain. It was really cool and they told us that those who did not die the day of the attack on the ship have their ashes taken into the boat when they die to be with their friends. Love the loyalty. After Pearl Harbor we went back to the hotel and relaxed a bit and went to a movie.
Friday we hit up the North Shore again as it really is I think one of our most favorite places on this earth. We checked out Sharks Cove yet it was still too big of swell to snorkel. So we went back to Waimea Bay which still had waves but calm enough to still play around, which we did. We then drove to the other side of the North Shore near Laie and went to this awesome secluded beach park that was kind of tucked in the woods. It was crazy cool. We then picked up some treats from Ted's and watched sunset at Sunset Beach.
Saturday was our last day and we decided to vedge out at the pool. It was a brilliant way to end our trip. We hit the island hard for 7 days so it was good to end with some relaxation. We went to another movie and headed into Honolulu for some excellent food and SideStreet Inn and got back on the plan to our life back in LA.
Not mentioned in here are the fabulous meals we had. We really did eat good food, which of course should not be much of a surprise as we are foodies. We went to some of the most yummiest places we had ever eaten thanks to Food Network Suggestions and those from friends. Ted's, Helena's, Motsumoto's, Side Street Inn, Grass Skirt Grill were all excellent!!!
I am so thankful that we were able to go on this vacation. We really did need it. We figured that 2 years is the point where it is time for a long break. Of course weekend trips help but a good week away from work and responsibilities does the body good...pretty sure is better for me than milk. I have to give a special thanks to the Murray's for giving us a week of their timeshare (Marriott Ko Olina, it was great with the most excellent lagoons and pools) and to Jeff and Rachel Nelson and Jer for taking such good care of our kiddos so we could get away.
I feel like a new person.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Countdowns
In 5 days we go to the ARCADE FIRE concert (a Kristen favorite band) at the Shrine
In 13 days we go to the LCD Soundsystem concert (an Aaron favorite band) at the HOLLYWOOD BOWL
In 14 days we go to Oahu
In 44 days we will have been married 7 years
In 49 days we see the Utes play San Diego
Excited much about all of this? You betcha. Not that it takes much with me, I get excited just about anything...Case and point (these are just the things I was excited about from today) I was pretty stoked tonight when I downed one my most favorite treats ever a Beard Papa cream puff, I got pumped earlier today when I cleaned out a purse and found many many many quarters (awesome for parking), loved it when I lit my first fall candle of the season, grinned ear to ear when I head my Liam and Georgie on the phone today, laughed with joy when I got the fish report from Aaron and the rest of the Steenblik crew who fished the Green, and am dying to wake up in the am to see my bugga boo Aar Bear even though he has only been gone for 36 hours.
In 13 days we go to the LCD Soundsystem concert (an Aaron favorite band) at the HOLLYWOOD BOWL
In 14 days we go to Oahu
In 44 days we will have been married 7 years
In 49 days we see the Utes play San Diego
Excited much about all of this? You betcha. Not that it takes much with me, I get excited just about anything...Case and point (these are just the things I was excited about from today) I was pretty stoked tonight when I downed one my most favorite treats ever a Beard Papa cream puff, I got pumped earlier today when I cleaned out a purse and found many many many quarters (awesome for parking), loved it when I lit my first fall candle of the season, grinned ear to ear when I head my Liam and Georgie on the phone today, laughed with joy when I got the fish report from Aaron and the rest of the Steenblik crew who fished the Green, and am dying to wake up in the am to see my bugga boo Aar Bear even though he has only been gone for 36 hours.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
new love
This last week I have been completely taken over by CROSSFIT. As most know I have been a Bikram yoga junkie for 7 1/2 years and I never thought something else would take its place. However, I am hooked. This last week I took my first class Monday night and by Saturday I had already taken 4 classes along with Bikram classes too. I am thinking I will shoot for 3 crossfit a week and 2 Bikram a week. I thought I would share with you what all this madness is about. I will post the workouts I did this week, the workouts change every day, called WOD (workout of the day). They are brutal and YES I went to vomit in my first class from pure body exhaustion. I am sore everyday and feel as if my arms are dead arms constantly. It is incredible though. It is all timed, so you are always trying to go faster. Of course form is most important but you are constantly pushing yourself to go faster and harder. I LOVE IT, it totally fits with my intense personality.
These are the WOD I did this week. Check them out. I can't wait for next week to just be worn out again. I remember when Aaron started this and it was all he could talk about, I did not get it. Now it is all I talk about, I get so pumped, big smile on my face and can't stop thinking about the next time I will go.
These are the WOD I did this week. Check them out. I can't wait for next week to just be worn out again. I remember when Aaron started this and it was all he could talk about, I did not get it. Now it is all I talk about, I get so pumped, big smile on my face and can't stop thinking about the next time I will go.
WOD
5 Rounds of Cindy
500 meter run
5 Rounds of Cindy
500 meter row
5 Rounds of Cindy
100 Sit-ups
*Cindy = 5 Pull-Ups, 10 Push-Ups, 15 Squats
WOD
For time:
500 meter row
21 Pull-ups
21 Handstand Push-ups
18 Pull-ups
18 Handstand Push-ups
15 Pull-ups
15 Handstand Push-ups
12 Pull-ups
12 Handstand Push-ups
9 Pull-ups
9 Handstand Push-ups
6 Pull-ups
6 Handstand Push-ups
3 Pull-ups
3 Handstand Push-ups
500 meter row
WOD
Three rounds for time of:
60 seconds tuck-sit
30 Deadlifts (155/105 lbs) No I don't do that much weight
60 Sit-ups
30 Back Extensions
40 X 4 WOD
40 Push-ups (release hands)
40 Box jumps (20″)
40 SDLHP (75/55 lbs) Sumo Dead Lift High Pulls
40 Pull-ups
4 Rounds for time
Wherever you live check out the nearest cross fit gym. Or if you don't have a gym near by just check out www.crossfit.com for WOD you can do at your local park or home even. You don't need much to be able to do yourself, just a few weights and such and you can make your own home gym. I promise you will LOVE it. If in LA check out www.kmwtrainingcenters.com for the gym we go to, it is mainly a KravMaga gym but crossfit is becoming huge there too.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Weekend of Perfection
We are so thankful to our friends the Beck's for another fabulous weekend away in beautiful Idaho at their cabin, VINHAGEN. Last year when we went we couldn't stop talking about how it was so great for our souls...rejuventating. Well this year was no different. The awesome thing about this year was that not only were we there with our friends but my family was there as well (minus mom and dad that is). I don't think it could have been more perfect if we had tried.We enjoyed amazing home cooked meals, chats, nights by the fire, wood burning hot tub under the stars, canoe rides in the pond, fishing, relaxation, laughs, and the amazingly fresh open air. It was just incredible and I once again find myself trying to explain in the best way possible... not much can be said other than that it was perfection in it's purest form.
***Thanks to the Hunt's for taking such good care of our kiddos here back in LA so we could get the R&R we were in need of.
Hoping to get some more pics from those who went, so there may be a round 2 of pics of this trip.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Lately in LA
Here's another LATELY IN LA post.
The Annenberg Space for Photography next to our place is an all time favorite of ours. They are hosting the Pictures of the Year exhibit again and it was truly amazing. This is just one of the pics I loved. This lil kiddo is just loving life, soaking it all in, and enjoying the rain. Love how the simple things can make some so happy. It was an incredibly moving exhibit and I encourage everyone anywhere near us to make the trip. We have already been 2 times=lots and lots of tears.
I am really loving living in LA. One of the great things about LA is that there is always something fun to do. When Toy Story 3 came out we went and saw it at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. Truly a MUST DO. Before the show started this man was playing Disney songs on the Organ.
Neptune's Net fried shrip and halibut basket is to die for. I crave it often, it's about a 45 minute drive up the coast to Ventura County but well worth it for the food and the scenery is nothing to complain about either.
Loving Peonies these days. I get a bunch of them at Trader Joe's (another favorite). They brighten my house and my mood right away, they seem to last a long time too.
This guy while I love him like crazy has been making me a bit crazy. We had him allergy tested as he has been miserable for almost a year now and we found out he is allergic to 31 of the 75 things they tested. So we have started his immunotherapy shots and keeping our fingers crossed that it will work. Oh and he swollowed a peach pit last night which has made me nervous all night and day waiting to make sure he passes it.
A couple weeks ago I started to sew and quilt. I gotta say I am loving it. My mom has been teaching me and I am addicted. It does not help that the best store ever is down town near where I see a lot of my clients, so I sometimes sneak in and buy stuff during the day and dream away of all the things I want to make. Here's my first quilt I made, no not for anyone specific if that's what you are starting to think, just cause I want to start getting a good collection going for one day.
I am sure you are not surprised I have another pic of food. I know I LOVE food what can I say. This puppy is from a cart in downtown LA in the fabric district. Bacon wrapped hot dog with sauted onions and peppers with fresh avacado and pico on top. Brilliant.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Perfect Heart
Heard this this past weekend and loved it to death. Wanted to share with all of you out there. You may have read before but enjoy again.
One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it.
Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.
Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said “Why, your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine.”
The crowd and the young man looked at the old man’s heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.
The people stared – how can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought? The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its state and laughed. “You must be joking,” he said. “Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.”
“Yes,” said the old man, “Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love – I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared.
Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges – giving love is taking a chance.
Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?”
The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.
The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked away side by side.
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