Washington day 5 and 6

Well, as they say all good things must come to an end. Tonight is my last night in Washington , and then it's back to work, and my routine down in San Antonio.
Yesterday, I looked in Inklings, got groceries, and saw my friend Becky for a little bit. Then my dad and I listened to some records at the house. Today Melanie and I went to.the Valley Mall to see how much that changed, and what was still there. It made me wonder how much money I spent there during my college years. (Proably more than I should have been spending, knowing me.)  Then dad and I went to the old house to see if they have seen some stuff for my telescope. Then I met up with my friend Devi for dinner, and now it is time to get ready to head back to Texas  tomorrow. I am still wondering why I have to go back and be an adult again after reconnecting with everyone. But, it isn't the end of my adventures. It's only the beginning.
Love you all.
-Donna

Washington Day 3 and 4.

On September 9th , Maggie, a friend from college got married to her fiancee John. The wedding took at the Rosewood room in Bothell,Washington. What happened at the wedding was the same thing that happened when I reconnected with Rachel the night before. Me, the Hartmanns, Maggie, and our friends Andrew and Viktoryia caught up like no time has passed.  After the wedding, I even got to see Matt's seven month old son. :0) 

This morning, Melanie and I met Rachel and her husband at IHOP for breakfast and they showed us a comic book store they go to once in a while. Then Melanie re introduced me to her new boyfriend before we headed back to Yakima. 

 I know I needed the re-connection more than any of them did because ever since grandpa passed away , I feel like summer is over for me  because my grandparents where who I used to spend my summers with growing up, and I can tell I am still learning how to make my own memories now as I go forward in life. So thank you , if I saw you over this weekend. Even if you didn't know it, you helped me out a bunch. Thank you all for the reminders of the good times we had, and the good times still to come.

Love you all

Donna 

Washington Day 2

In the midst of watching the news about Hurricane Irma, and learning more about the  brush fires that came to Washington and Oregon, I learned that I really am blessed. 

Today I ran before Melanie came into town. After lunch , Melanie and I went to the drug store to get last minute things for the wedding, and we met our friend Rachel for dinner at Los Palapas, a mexican restaurant in Lakewood. 

It has been years since I have got to meet up with Rachel, but if you don't know her and Melanie - you should. Rachel and Melanie lived, and worked with me when we where going to school, and they still choose to be around me, even though I am a handful.  Rachel like me,  is half white and filipino. Rachel now works at the Washington State Department of Corrections doing PR work.  Melanie is working with her dad at the Kwik lok factory. Even years later, they are both just as hardworking, ambitious, and funny as the day I met them.  It was like the three of us never stopped talking when we where at the restaurant. 

Teddy has known me since birth , has been the mediator between my mom and me for 32 years, and still chooses to host me when I come to the westside. AKA Teddy lets me look through/steal her books and confuse her cat Prince Edward with all the going in and out that I tend to do when I am traveling.

The Hartmanns have done nothing but treat me like family since we met at Central Washington University , and my mom well I know she wants nothing less than for me to be successful , happy and healthy. (I just won't admit that aloud .) 

I want all of them to be nothing short of successful, happy and healthy as well and really, I am the one that is blessed to have all of them in my life. 

Love you all,

Donna 

Washington -Day 1

Well, after a later start than planned, I made it to Washington state. So far, Teddy and I have caught up , ate dinner , and now we are just relaxing for the night. I still need to wrap up my friends wedding gift for Saturday , and I am trying to figure out how to get some running in while I am up here.
Today I have decided , whenever I get a place of my own, I want a place with a big attic that I can walk in. I want to make it my personal library. Everytime I go to Teddys I always have to go up in hers at least once while I am visiting. *hehe*
For me it's still hard to believe how much has changed since I started going to school here. Some  of my friends already have houses of their own, and are , or have already got married .
But I hope no matter how old we get, or where life takes us, we're never to get together every now and then.
Love you all
Donna

San Japan...

Well folks, Saturday turned out to be a busy day.
I got up early that morning , ran three miles and  kept the eye on the booth until Laura came to
I got to go to San Japan, the annual anime convention here in San Antonio with my friend  Laura this past Saturday. Laura needed help with her costume as the Diva from "The 5th Element."  I didn't even need to go around the whole convention to see all the different costumes people put together. I just had to wait until they wanted to take Laura's picture and then take their picture while I was there. *Hehe*  It reminded me that Laura and I really have known each other for a while now. I still remember when she started working on that costume, and even way before she started cosplaying. So, I knew the diva before she became a diva. haha. We ended the day after having a dinner with some friends.  It was a blast getting to take my picture with someone dressed as pikachu, and catching up with people I don't get to see everyday.
Saturday also reminded me that  both have played an important part of my life.  If you know me, you know I am a geek to the core. I love anime, Disney movies, I am still waiting for my acceptance letter to Hogwarts, and dream of becoming a Pokemon master.  But when I run, I can't help but think of  where I've been,  and the road still ahead of me. As I get older, I hope both things can continue to be a part of my life.

A decade later...

Hello everyone!
Well Tuesday it was back to work for me.
Before that, I just enjoyed the fact I had extended  weekend because  of the weather.  Here in San Antonio,  the weather had definitely cleared up on Monday. Now we're making sure the victims get the help they need.
I also spoke with my friend Matt on Monday night. He reminded me we have known each other for a decade now, and decided that it was a good thing when we where going to college we did not have snapchat. I was already bad enough with text messaging to the point where the president of  ABLE( the advocacy group for students with disabilities at the time I was there had to tell me there was no sexting ( sending sexually explicit text messages) at our meetings. ( I know where's the fun in that, right?) Although, we both agreed having UBER back in college would have come in handy, because that way we could have had a designated driver after a night of drinking - I mean studying .  It made me wonder what makes some friendships last over the years, and others not so much.
10 years later, I am still just as perverted , and  sarcastic as I was back in the day.The only difference is I have to keep it PG  during the day since I work in an office. 
Perhaps the answer to what makes relationships of any sort last is last genuinely accepting people for they are. In the book I finished Sunday night, Bittersweet,the heroine of the story was getting a divorce because her husband in the story just wanted her to stay home and raise the children, and not work at all- even after their kids where away in college and he knows photojournalism is a passion of hers.  But ,in the end, the heroine found someone who really appreciated what she had to offer , and she didn't have to change at all.
 So here's to another decade of friendship , and  many cups of coffee together.
 Love you all.
-Donna

Hurricane Harvey....

Well,  yesterday was quite the day. They let us all leave work at 4  yesterday because of Hurricane Harvey and unless they say otherwise, I am off until Tuesday.   Anyway, after I got home, mom and I went to the store to get some supplies , and now we are waiting for the rain to pass. We have bottled water, some soup, and now it is time for the storm to pass.
Today I ran three miles on the treadmill, let everyone know I am ok, and I have Mamma Mia on so I can imagine singing ABBA songs on a Greek island while I am housebound. So far there has not been any flooding, however it is raining and  still windy , so  I am staying home unless I really need to go somewhere.  I have only went out to get the mail, and  as of three hours ago, according  to the national weather service we are under a tropical storm warning.

Stay safe and dry everyone.  Love you all.
-Donna

Jumpdrive pictures....

So, I am 32 now. For my birthday , Wendy one of the coaches from our running group made a birthday cake, and my mom and I ate lunch together. I went to the movies with my friend Debra , and a couple of friends of ours, There I learned if enough people in your group tell the guy at the ticket counter they are senior citizens,  out of confusion, they will give everyone in your group a senior discount. I ended up only paying 5.00 for my ticket .  The movie we saw, Girls Trip was funny, and I want to see a movie at the Hueber Oaks theater again. I loved the reclining chairs we got to sit in while watching the movie.
 I  also got some packages from Washington in the mail.
 I came across a jump drive with old photos, and writings from when I was 18, and the beginning of my twenties because my grandma loved to save everything.

While looking back at pictures, and things I wrote back back then I wondered how much I have changed since then.
 I know I at least try to be healthy. I have learned that I can keep a job, and since I have been 18 have between now and then have lived with a friend, boyfriend, and of course family. My friend Shavonne said I have more backbone then when we first met. I would like to think I am a little better with money. I remember being in the red at the bank when I was younger, and charging things on credit cards that I knew I really couldn't afford.   I hope that I continue to  grow as a person. I want to be the kind of person that is always doing something to keep my mind, and body active, as well as be  that person  you can talk to about anything and everything.

 But of course there are some things that will never change with age. I am still neurotic. I still daydream alot.  I still like coffee,  swimming, seeing friends, reading,writing, netflix binging, and staying up late. I am still waiting for my acceptance letter to Hogwarts, and I am still the girl who can't leave half price books without buying a book, or two, or three there.
So, perhaps  as we get older, we are more like the trees in our yard. As much as we branch out, the important things will always stay the same.
Love you all,
Donna

So,this is why you don't want to go to a bookstore with me..

Hello everyone!
Well today turned out to be a great Saturday. I ran with my running group at Bourne lake, then we swam for a little bit, and had a picnic before taking off. Then after mom went to Houston so she can do her hundred mile bike ride tomorrow, I went to  Half Price Books with a friend from work.
As we walked and talked, I think I almost had 6 books I wanted to buy.  With me, I have no partcular type of books that I typically go far. I just buy whatever sounds interesting. In my book collection, I have everything from mythology books, to "He's Just Not That Into You." Anyway, at one point my friend ended up carrying some of the books I had picked out. In the end, I was good, I only bought 4 books. (Although between that , race fees, and running gear I still wonder how I manage to save up any money.)
Anyway, after a day like today, it is hard to go back to work. But, that is a part of life as much as anything else.
Love you all
Donna

Costco adventures...

Well, it's Friday night again.
Today after work , mom and I ended up going to Costco.  Going to Costco is always an adventure because you can get everything there- a t.v. , clothes, books, groceries in bulk, plus you never know what kind of food they are going to have to sample there.  Tomorrow morning my running group will be running at Bourne lake in the morning and then we will be going for a morning swim, and a picnic afterward, so it is going to be a fun morning. :0) Now it is time to watch some Sex and The City before it's time to head to bed.
Love you all
-Donna

Saturday night blog

Well today turned out to be errand day. Today I  went for a 6 mile run with USAFit. Then mom and I ended up going to  Bourne Lake for an hour swim. We also got clothes at Academy, got an oil change for the car, and  went grocery shopping. Whew! At least we got  alot done. Now I am just relaxing at home with " When Harry Met Sally."
In the can  men and woman be just friends debate, I think it is possible for men and women to be just friends. It's like any other relationship,  in order for it to work, it's a choice, and it's their choice if they make the relationship any more than that. In my book, if we can make each other laugh,  or talk to one another you're a friend no matter what.
Anyway I am getting ready to start the workweek now. I am glad I am starting to slowly get back to where I was running wise. I know I am still rebuilding my base again. I hope I continue to get stronger as the weeks roll on.
Love you all
Donna

halfway through summer..

Happy Friday everyone!
Well my  Fourth of July turned out to be a pretty good one. I work, but it was a pretty easy day at work.  My co workers and I just ended up talking with one another inbetween everything, and it was nice to be able to do that with them. After the fourth, it was back to business as usual.
I was off today so I went to sports conditioning and zumba.  Then I finally managed to get most of my books in a new bookcase I got.  I am starting to wonder if I get enough sleep because when I am off I end up falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon.  Anyway, I went for a swim in a little bit in the evening. As much as I love a good swim, I am starting to look forward  to the end of summer.  I am starting to think about what I want to do for my birthday, and I have a trip that is coming up in September.
Love you all
Donna

From zero- twenty

Happy Sunday everyone!
Today I had the morning  off so I ended up going for a 20 mile bike ride with my mom, Stephen ,and Stephens daughter Vanessa. I just went because I wanted to do something active before I had to go in to work. I really wasn't sure  I would be able to make it because the last time I rode a bike, it was only for ten miles. It was definitely a reminder I can persevere, and do anything I put my mind to.  After that, it was time to go to work from 12:30-9.  I still don't have any major plans for the fourth. I am just hoping that I will be able to see some fireworks to celebrate.
Right now I am wondering about taking chances.
I am willing to get up early to go on a 20 mile bike ride , or train for a marathon , but in other aspects of my life, I have trouble making that leap of faith. My best friend Melanie was telling me how she is going to spend a week to get to know a guy she reconnected with over facebook.
I hope I am brave enough to take that chance on someone someday.
Love you all
Donna

Friday night blog

Well another week has past.  Thursday, I ended up going to Persall Park for another workout. We did stations after running up and down the hill there. Then we did a 20 minute tempo run. I still don't feel like I am all that amazing in the heat.  Today I went to sports conditioning and zumba at golds gym. Later on my mom and I ended up having dinner at the Wurzbach Icehouse.  Now I just have the live action version of Beauty and the Beast on. (Yeah!)
Anyway,  tomorrow we are running 4 miles at tobin park.I am just looking forward to when the weather will be cooler so it will at least be a little easier to run.
Blessed be all
Donna

Sunday Night Blog

Well Saturday turned out to be a busy morning. Before the run, one of  our coaches  gave  a brief lecture about stretching then it was time to run. After the run, some of us went to Jims for a quick brunch, then mom and I went grocery shopping.  Then mom went out for speed dating. I couldn't help but think if I where the one going to one of  those things, I would be the one circling "no" on all of them, heh. After everything I still wonder if I am really ready to be out there again, heh.
 Today it was back to work. It turned out to be a fairly good and quiet day. I also  finally got thank you cards from my uncle mike to send out to everyone.
I am hoping this is the beginning of a good week.
Love you all
Donna

The heat is on...

Well summer is in full swing here in San Antonio.
The neighborhood pool is open, and it is hot outside. 
Today since I went to the gym in the morning, got a few things done at the house, and then  it was time to go to Persall Park with the USAFIT crew. We ended up doing excercises at the stations set up, then running up the hill before going on to the next station and ended the evening with a mile jog. The hardest part of the workout was going up the hill after each exercise. I hope it helped, although tonight was a definite reminder of why it's hard to be a runner here in the summertime.  It 's hot!
I went through two water bottles at least tonight. I am just hoping the old saying is true.. what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Love you all
Donna

Acclimation is key...

Happy Friday everyone!
Well it has been another crazy week. I worked Sunday-Wendnesday. Thursday I ended up going to the abs and assets classes at the gym, and  then I went for a 30 minute run with USAFIT San Antonio at Eisenhauer park.  Well , ok more like me run/walking and pouring water on my head whenever I get a chance.
Today I went to sports conditioning class , and zumba. Then I went to Costco with mom and her friend Lydia. I am starting to feel like my old self again, slowly but surely.
It's just a matter of getting used to the heat, and being on the road again…
Love you all
Donna

Running in the rain..

Well, today it was back to getting up at  5 in the morning to run. At 6:15, mom and I where at Tobin Park for the first day of USAFit San Antonio training.  Mom gave a speech , and introduced the coaches. Then, after a warm up, we ran three miles. I learned once again it will always rain when you are going to be outside for one reason or another. It started to drizzle while we where warming up, and it rained when we where running.  But of course after everyone was done running, it wasn't raining anymore. ( That is San Antonio weather for you.)  But despite the rain, it was a good turnout , and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. After that, mom, Irene , and I went to Jims for a little food and coffee. Then, it just turned out to be errand day.  Mom and I went to get the car inspected, and then we went to the post office to mail out a book for dad, and after we rested at home for a little bit, and then went grocery shopping. After dinner I went for a swim, and now I am resting for the night before my work week starts.  I am hoping this is the beginning of a good training season, and good workweek.
Love you all
Donna

Friday Night blog..

Happy Friday everyone!
Well, this week was more just getting back to my work routine.  It feels weird going back after everything.  If you know mw, you know there is one thing I am wondering about , but I know only time will answer it.
I am still thinking about what I want to do next in light of everything, and I know it is a choice only I can make.  Anyway, since I was off today I decided to go to the gym for a couple of classes  I used to go to all the time, until work kept me from going as often as I did before.
It was nice to know that the members there still remembered me , even after all this time.
Anyway, tomorrow is the first official day of training for USA Fit San Antonio.  I am looking forward to see who is with us this season. I am hoping that i will be able to somewhat get back to where I used to be last season. I can tell I am definitely not there yet. But we shall see what happens.
Love you all
-Donna

Washington- Day 6&7 and how a Yeti saved a car trip

The temperatures are slowly starting to rise. Spring is slowly turning into summer, and that means schools will be getting out soon, and it will be time for summer vacations!
For me, it still feels like summer is over.  On Monday,  it felt like everyone was at the house.
A lady came over to talk about what to do with the rest of grandma and grandpas stuff. Pretty much she was saying to figure out what we want to keep, what needs to be thrown away, and the rest they can figure out  if it is of any value. After that, dad and I took the dogs to my friend Serena's salon so the dogs could get groomed. After dad and I got back, I ended up looking at some of the tapes on the shelf.  Aunt Terri and I figured out which videos where family videos and which videos where just tv shows and movies grandma recorded.  Then, a real estate guy came  to take a look at the house. He believes it will sell quickly.  While the real estate guy was there, mom and Teddy came into town so we visited with them through dinner.
Tuesday before the memorial, Melanie and I went to Becky's house, and we visited with her until it was time for church.  I was quiet at the church, aside from the usual greeting of family and friends when they arrived.  I cried when Aunt Terri and dad sang "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and when the service was over. After having some food in the fellowship hall, mom, Teddy and I took off for Tacoma. After the three of us settled in Teddy's house for the night.
Early the next morning, mom and I boarded our flights to San Antonio. Two planes, and a layover in Denver later, I arrived in San Antonio. After I got back home, I couldn't help but think, I used to love going to Yakima in the summer time growing up because it meant school was out for three months, we had an in ground pool to swim in , and we always went on a trip somewhere.
I realize I was blessed to have grandparents who let me come up and stay with them every summer.  I just hope I am able to continue to make  more cool summer memories as an adult.
Now it's back to work, and running. USAFit will be starting training for the San Antonio marathon now.  As I get back into my routine, I have come to realize  things have a funny way of working out. Mom and I got coffee before our run. The lid was apparently  too big for my coffee cup. Luckily, my moms Yeti happened to be in the car. So I was able to put my  coffee in that instead of having to  worry about having hot coffee all over me.  (Yeah! lol)
Anyway, love you all.
-Donna

Washington Day 3,4,&5

Good evening everyone!
Well, it has been a busy few days . Everyday my family and I have gone on some sort of outing.
On the 19th, after getting some errands done, Devi, Melanie and I met up with my family , and we ended up going to Inklings bookshop for the afternoon. We got lost looking at books, and I was good I only bought 4 new books- not 5. (I know, I don't have a problem, do I?) We got coffee at Starbucks, looked around a chocolate shop, and ofcourse slowly but surely started looking through grandma and grandpas stuff.
On the 20th, we went to a 5k at Franklin Park which had a 5k to raise awareness for the Yakima K-9 unit, the Yakima Strong 9K4K9 5K Fun Run and Walk. There people brought their dogs and could walk or run three laps around the perimeter of Franklin Park .  After that ,  I headed back to Melanie's house for dinner. After that night, I am convinced whenever Melanie tries to cook, we should put it on YouTube. She made a chicken and asparagus complete with bread rolls and fruit to eat , and the preparation for all that went smoothly. But when Melanie tried to make our desert- chocolate cake baked in an orange things got crazy. Devi forgot we needed the top halves of the oranges and threw them away. Then we forgot to put the aluminum foil on after we put the cake batter in the orange before we started heating it up. I ended up on the floor laughing. But, despite everything , it still turned out to be a nice and chocolatey desert. :0)
Today, we all ended up going to church.   I cried through most of  the service because the minute I got there , some of the members still remembered me because when I visited grandpa and grandma in the summer, I would go to church there with them. I remember going to vacation bible school there, and enjoying going up and down that big hill the church is built on.  After that my Great Aunt Vikki came to visit for a couple of hours. Then we started going through some pictures, and I saw that grandma kept pictures of Uncle Mike, Aunt Terri, dad and Uncle Richard through the years.  It reminded me of how grandma did a good job of labeling everything.and keeping pictures of everyone. After that , we went to Red Robin for dinner. Now I am back at Melanie's place, relaxing for the night.
I am glad we got a dent in going through some of the boxes.Although, I know we still have a ways to go. I am hoping we at least get it to a point that it won't be too overwhelming after Uncle Mike, Aunt Terri, and I  have to go back home. Over dinner, we talked about what places we would like to travel. It made me long for the days when our schedules could be as open as our hearts instead of being tied down with things like jobs.
But, mostly I am hoping all of us find ways to keep in contact , and see each other every now and then after everything is over.
Love you all
Donna

Washington Day 1 &2

Hello! Well it has been a whirlwind of events these past two days.
At 6 a.m. on the 17th I was at the San Antonio Airport boarding a flight to head to Washington.  I had a layover in Dallas, then it was onward to the Sea-Tac Airport. A quick bus ride later, I arrived back in Yakima. The house still looked the same as it always has. Sophie and Megan, our two dogs are still there, greeting everyone as they walk through the door. Uncle Richard and dad are there, along with Uncle Mike, Aunt Terri, and Uncle Carl.
During the day it's easy to stay busy. Today I saw Melanie before she had to go to work. We went to her esthician Patricia since she had an appointment. We sang in her car, and talked for almost the entire appointment. After a quick lunch, it was time for the viewing. Uncle Mike, Richard and I just talked about what we remembered about grandpa for about half an hour, then we headed to Fred Myers. There, Uncle Richard got a new shirt, and pair of pants. After Fred Myers, we went to Safeway to get some groceries, and  shortly after we got back to the house, Aunt Terri and Uncle Carl arrived.
I guess what I have learned so far is the memories you have with everyone never really go away. I noticed Melanie still has a picture of her and I in her room when we went to Leavenworth when we where still going to school.  Another friend of mine that I recently reconnected with, reminded me they still remember hanging out when we where younger back in the day.
I also got a reminder to continue to try new things. My dad took me to the shooting range before dinner tonight. I didn't think I would do very well, but I managed to hit a bulleye before the night ended. So you never know what you can do until you try.
Love you all
-Donna

Change really is the only thing constant in life...

Grandpa,
after all the miles you put on the road here, you finally made it to the big R.V. park in the sky. I still remember the first time I went to visit you and grandma for the summer  when I was 6 ,I threw up most of the way home after I got off the plane. Even after that, I still got to come back summer after summer growing up. During those times we got to see places like Mt. St. Helens, the Washington coast, the Oregon coast, and that is just a handful of the miles we've got to travel together.
It's because of you and grandma I got to meet and get to know some of my relatives here. It's because of you and grandma we all had an in ground pool to swim in the summertime.
No matter where the road of life took me, or anyone else in your life, you always loved and accepted us for who we were. If there's one thing I take from you, I hope it's that as I continue my own journey on the road of life.
Love always,
Little Donna

World Vision 6k water run

I don't think I will ever complain about my life again. (Well, out loud anyway.)
Today I participated in the World Vision 6K water run.
After you register on the site, you get a t-shirt , bib, and finisher medal . You can either run on your own, or find a host site, run/walk, and post your pictures afterward.   The money goes toward making sure the child you're introduced to on your bib has access to clean water, and you can continue that relationship by officially becoming a sponsor, so they can have an education.
The one thing that really stuck in my mind is picturing the kids on  our bibs having to carry 5 gallons of  water ( and not even clean water) the distance I just ran.  I told Irene if I had to carry water, even at 31 it would take me forever and a day to carry it that distance. Lorena said the kids who usually end up having to carry water are usually home and because of that they aren't able to get an education, therefore keeping them in that cycle.
I obviously haven't personally met the kid on my bib, but I believe everyone should have access to things like water, and an education.  If my run helped with this, it was definitely worth getting up on a Saturday morning for.

Where does the time go?

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone!
Have you ever had a moment that made you wonder how time went by so fast? My moment came last night.
Last night,I ended up catching up with a friend I would hang out with when I would go to Washington to see my grandparents . I still remember having to over to swim in the pool in my grandparents backyard, and going to Skateland with her back in the day when it was a big deal for a guy to ask you to couples skate with them. Now she has a job, kids , and will be getting married soon.
 As for me, I have no kids, but I work, pretend to run, and pretend I know what I am doing when it comes to well, everything that has to do with being an adult.
I think it really does show that life goes by quicker than you think it will. I was blessed to have a childhood where I could play with my friends until the sun dipped into the horizon.  I remember wanting to be old enough to work so I could actually buy what I want when I want. Now, with a full time job, I long for the days when my schedule was more open. That is a task I am still working on. I  I tend to get caught up in work, what I need to get done, or just resting  since I don't really get to sleep in. The one thing I'm slowly learning is as you get older, you have to make time for things like friends, and family.
After all, like like they say in Ferris Buellers Day Off "life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Love you all
-Donna

Which way from here?

Happy Saturday everyone! I am enjoying the weekend off. I  went to Stephens 5k and afterwards mom and I distributed USAFIT flyers to some businesses around our area. (Yeah!)
I am just wondering which direction I should go right now.  Right now I feel like I am at a crossroads.  I am still not used to a different workout schedule, and my body can definitely feel the difference. It makes me long for the days when I could just go to the gym right after I get off work, or go the gym before work like I did when my schedule allowed me to.
Part of me feels like giving up and throwing in the towel. But I also don't want to go back to where I used to be. I am just praying that things turn out for the best. Plus. I know peoples schedules change all the time. I guess I still have a bit of adjusting to do.
Love you all
Donna

USAFit San Antonio

Happy Fiesta everyone!
It has been a good, and busy week. Friday I was off so I went for a 6 mile run, and ended up going for a swim in the evening. Today ,I ended up going to the gym for Bodyattack, and BodyPump. Then mom and I went to a potluck dinner to talk about the upcoming USAFit season.
Really, if you want to lose weight,  run a marathon , just stay in shape or anything in between- come run with us.  My mom has ran Boston, is a nationally certified coach, and that's not even why I think anyone is lucky to run with her.   I used to look at my mom like she was crazy when she would talk about running, and I would huff and puff just trying to do a couple of miles. My mom was the one who got me going to the gym so I would get my weight now, and now I have 5 full marathons, and 6 half marathons under my belt. I know I would not have made that kind of turn around without her  giving me that push.  So if there is anyone that can help anyone reach your fitness goals whatever they are , it is my mom. If you have any questions, feel free to message me, and
https://reg.usafit.com/forms/form.php?fid=580 that is the link so you can register.
See you on the trails everyone.
-Donna

An evening with Margot Velasquez Sotelo

If you know me, I hate doing my eyebrows. I hate plucking them, and  I just hate messing with them in general because I always feel like my eyebrows never look right when I personally mess with them.  Plus, I am not the kind of person who likes to spend a lot of time on things like that because mornings in my house are already busy. I try to get some exercise in, sometimes I'll have to make sure mom is up in time to go to work, and of course get dressed, and get my lunch together , so I am ready for my day at work.
Well tonight, Margot Velasquez Soto agreed to worked on my eyebrows. Despite my squirming , Margot managed to clean  up my eyebrows and make them look fantastic. If you need someone to do your eyebrows, or a facial -give her a call. :0)

Good Friday..

Happy Friday everyone.

Well, today turned out to be a good good Friday.  Mom and I got up , picked out her friend Lydia, and Stephens fifteen year old daughter Vanessa then we headed out to Enchanted Rock. It turned out to be quite the walk. We saw two black and white squirrels , and apparently there is a cave at Enchanted rock. Mom and Vanessa tried to explore it- I didn't feel ready to go cave exploring today , and apparently you need gloves and a headlamp to be able to explore it , so we want to go another time to check it out. After that, we looked around the town of Fredricksburg before heading back to San Antonio.
Now, we are just relaxing for the rest of the evening.  Enchanted Rock today reminded me that you can go back to a place, and still find something new about it. Maybe next time I'll be brave enough to explore the cave.
Love you all.
-Donna

It is the little things...

Well, today we learned how many people it takes to put a fan in the living room together. Three, and a certain brunette acting like she knows what she is doing.  Moms friend Stephen and his son came over to help install a new fan in our living room. So now we  have a fan.
Not too long ago we had a new refrigerator delivered, so  now we have a new fan, and new fridge. So the house is slowly coming together, more or less.  Yeah! lol Now the only thing that needs to be fixed now is the treadmill. Yeah! lol  I also ended up catching up with Debra Hartmann.
 The one thing that stuck out of our conversation is she told me to always go forward, not back.  I can't say I didn't need that reminder . I still don't know if moving back in with my mom was a step forward or back for me. It depends on how you look at it.  I do work full time, I am learning how to drive again, and I am going to be doing stuff with USAFIT San Antonio , so it definitely is anything but boring around here. It makes me just look forward to the times I can just sit on the chaise, drink coffee and Netflix binge.  (After all, a Netflix marathon is just as legitimate as a real marathon. Haha.)
Aside from that, I am looking forward to the end of the week. I know mom is talking about going  to Enchanted Rock and Bourne Lake,  so that should be fun for Easter weekend.
Now it is time to go to bed.  I hope everyone has a good workweek.
Love you all,
-Donna

Once a waterbug, always a water bug.

Well, another workweek has past. It is officially spring. The temperature's slowly rising, and my allergies are taking over.  Mom and I went to Stephens house after dinner last night, minutes after petting Stephens cat  Nermal,  my eyes get red and watery-oy.
Aside from that, I had today off so I put clothes away and went for a run while mom worked.
I couldn't help but think after a conversation I had with a co worker  that morning, it is time for a slight change of pace.  As in I need a vacation or something.  Right now everything feels like the same old, same old.
Today I went for a 5k run with my mom and Stephen. and then mom and I ended up going for a swim for a little bit.  When I was in the pool, it reminded me of how much I used to swim all the time when my grandparents had a pool in their backyard.  My grandma even said I was  a waterbug because i spent so much time in that pool. I still remember going for afternoon swims, evening swims, my uncle doing bellyflops from the diving board with a splash so big, you could feel waves in the shallow end of the pool. I still remember grandma doing laps in the pool, or watching everyone else swim from the balcony.  Ofcourse it was such an imposition to ask people to come over when you have a pool in the backyard. Even to this day, I know there will always be part of me that will always be a water bug.
*hehe*

Sunday Night Blog

Happy Sunday everyone! Yesterday turned out to be a really good Saturday. I went for a 5K run with some people in my running group. After that, we took the car to the carwash, and  went grocery shopping.
After going back to the house I lived in when I went to high school, I am beginning to wonder if you really can go back.  It seems like the older you get, the more you get tied down with responsibilities , and a part of me still longs for the day when our schedules could be as open as our hearts.
I just watched the episode of Sex and the City where Carrie and Adian split up for the second time because Carrie wasn't ready for marriage.  Carrie kept on wondering if she was missing the bridal gene. I have often wondered if I am missing that gene too sometimes. Or, does all that go out the window when you meet the right person?  I  have to admit Shakespeare was onto something when he said "reason and truth keep very little company nowadays."  It is as true now, as it was back then.
 Anyway, today it was the start of the workweek for me. I worked from 9:30-6, and I will be working until I am off on Friday. It was one of those days where it rained in the morning to the point where  a race that was supposed to go on got cancelled, and when I got out at six tonight, the sun was out.  That is the thing about San Antonio, if you don't like the weather, all you have to do is wait a few minutes, and it will change.
Love you all,
-Donna

Mother/Daughter CPR and first aid

Happy Thursday everyone!
Today I ended up going to a CPR/First aid class for USAFit with my mom from 10-4.
I thought other people where going to be in the class, but it just turned out to be my mom and I there today. So, it was like having a private session, more or less.
We watched videos on how to give CPR to an adult, kid, and infant. Then we also learned how to give first aid in certain situations, and did a little bit of hands on practicing.  It was a little long, and we where hungry afterward, but we have our certification now. (Yeah! :0)) Now all I need is to pass a certification test, and I will able to be an assistant coach for USAFit in the upcoming season.  We will see how all that goes. Now, it is time to settle in for the evening.  I have Netflix on-, so life is good, and I am looking forward to more upcoming adventures.
Love you all
Donna

You give me fever...

Well, I guess they don't call it spring fever for nothing. Sunday I ended up staying home because I got a fever the night before. When I wasn't sleeping, I was watching "Charmed " on Netflix. So if nothing else being sick was just a way for me  to catch up with the "power of three."
Mom got to go biking and see "Beauty and the Beast" in theaters with a friend.   Life is fair , right?
Today was a quiet day.  I went to the grocery store,  cleaned my bathroom, and got some of my bedroom cleaned, and went to the gym.  (Yeah for the little things!)
Soon USAFit San Antonio will officially be in full swing. I am looking forward to getting back to running on a regular basis, because I know with work sometimes I don't always get to run or work out as much as I like. (The struggle is real.)  I still feel like I am working on that balance because  I either have to wake up really early before work to get anything done now, unless I am off, or I know I won't be able do. I try to do what I can, when I can, after all that's all you can do right, but this will help keep me motivated.
Once my immune system is back to normal, that is. 
Love you all,
Donna

A new season is coming..

Spring is now in the air. In San Antonio  that means time for 80 degree weather.
Monday night, Laura and I got to catch up with a couple of friends visiting from out of town. Aside from that, it has been back to work, and I am off today.
After mom got off work,  we went to Chilis with some people in our running group to talk about the upcoming marathon season. Last year it ended up being a small but good group of people.  This year we are hoping to grow as a group. So if you have a race to prepare for, let me know.
If there is anyone who will make sure you are prepared for a race it's my mom.
We may not see eye to eye all the time. But,  as long as she knows you are doing your part, she will help you however you can. 
As the organizers daughter, I am involved as well.  But, I still feel more like I am an unofficial part of USAFit San Antonio. After all, runners pay for mom and her friend Stephen to help prepare them for races. I am just there, pretending like I know what I am doing. *hehe* By December when we have our Rock N Roll marathon here in San Antonio, I have most of everything figured out.
But, if there is one thing doing marathons and half marathons have taught me is I can go the distance and commit when I want to. It's nice to know I am in a position where I will be helping others go the distance as well. I truly believe if I can, anyone can.
Love you all,
-Donna

Random week..

Hello everyone!
Apologies for not writing until now. Thursday I was under the weather, so pretty much I was resting the rest of the week. Really, the only time I managed to put myself together was when I knew I had to,  like when the people delivering  our new refrigerator came over Friday, and for going out to see the live action version of "Beauty and the Beast."   I loved seeing the backstory to the main characters, and getting lost in a tale as old as time again.  It will always and forever be my favorite Disney movie.  I hope Belle has helped me the inner beauty in all my friends and loved ones throughout the years. After being every pant size between a 24 and a 2, I can honestly say yes looks do count for something but they are not everything. It's still what is in your heart that really counts.
Today I ended up at the Alamo 13.1.  It was a warm, but nice day.  The one thing that stuck out in my mind was what Irene said today about the Alamo. People come from all over the world to see the Alamo. But,  we don't always see it as something special  because we live there . It reminded me that the last time I did touristy stuff around around San Antonio was when my friend Melanie came to visit me from Washington state, unless you count me working events since my old job took me to things like Spurs games, and the Poteet Strawberry Festival.
So, every now and then don't forget to see what your city has to offer , because every city is unique, and beautiful.
Love you all.
Donna

Late Sunday night blog

Happy Sunday everyone!
Well another weekend  has came and went. I ran three miles with my running group, worked, and  then I had to work until 6:30.  Today I worked from 9-6.
Now I am just settling in for the night.   Things are coming along slowly..  I am watching "The Martian." It is about an astronaut that  gets left for dead on a mission to Mars, and the quest to finally bring him back home to Earth. I read the book on the plane ride back home  last time I went to Tacoma, and I wanted to see what they did with the movie, finally. I I like what it says about humanity; that when push comes to shove we don't leave anyone behind, like when a hiker gets lost we do what we can to find  them. In this movie a group of astronauts give up another year of their lives to save their crew member  Mark Watney, who became stranded on the red planet.   There where things I liked about the movie and the book. In the book, I loved reading the communication between Mark and NASA.  But, I loved seeing Mark being rescued in the film. Yeah! One huge step for mankind.:0) It reminded me that I am lucky to have people in my life that never leave me behind , even when I tell them go. My mom always makes sure I am ok, no matter how grumpy I get.  When I run with our USAFit friends we always wait for each other to finish before taking off, no matter what kind of a mood I am in, or how slow I run.
As the workweek continues, I am just reminding myself next weekend is going to be awesome.  My favorite movie is coming out in theaters, and I will be running the Alamo 13.1, another half marathon because I am only half as crazy right now. :0)
Anyway, have a good work week everyone.
Love you all.
-Donna

Still working on that balancing act....

What a random week. I was supposed to be off  Wednesday, but I ended up  having to go into work. Today I ended up getting to leave work at noon, so after I got home, and had lunch, I ended up just sleeping the rest of the afternoon. Now, I am just watching "Under The Tuscan Sun." Yes, I know that I have watched it a million times before. But, I love just seeing the Italian countryside. Plus, I like the message in the movie- prepare for the life you want.  Francis says she wants people to cook for , a wedding and a family. By working on the old house she bought in Tuscany after her divorce, she got that.
It is a definite reminder I am still figuring out what kind of life I want.  I know I want to always be able to travel, workout, write, ect.  I know I tend to get caught up in what I need to get done, and I forget about making room for other things .  Plus, I can very well tell that  I am still in hiding. I don't mean literally hiding. But I can tell I use work, and everything else as an excuse to stay where I am right now.  I am just hoping I will eventually be the girl without the really good excuse.  I know what kind of person I can be when I am not like this, but it takes me forever and a day to get past this point. Or, have I just not met the right person yet? I would like to think when you meet the right person the excuses will just go away. But, I know relationships take effort with both parties involved, and I do eventually want a relationship, along with everything else in my life. I just hope I get this balancing act figured out one of these days.
Love you all
Donna

This is why you never want me to do the grocery shopping...

It's the first Sunday in March.
After  I ran with  my running group Saturday, it seemed to rain off and on most of the day.  Today after the gym I ended up going to Walmart so I had some food to pack for my lunch this coming week.   On top of buying oranges, strawberries, and chicken I ended up buying 5 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. I am a sucker, I know, and this isn't the first time I've done something like that. Last time I was with my friend Carrie, I ended up buying more clothes for work and working out, just because. Plus, I don't know what it is, but you can't say no to them when they are out there selling cookies. So if you need some girl scout cookies, well if you know me, you know where to find me.*hehe*
Love you all,
Donna

Musical Night

Tonight "all the world's a stage."
I ended up putting the musical "Chicago" on Netflix.  If there is one musical I can watch over and over again it's that.  I love how the whole movie is a big metaphor for life's a stage.  The concept is the main charecter Roxie Hart  wants to be an actress so she sees her life as a show . The movie transitions between fantasy and reality as Roxie is put on trial for murder, which Roxie realizes she can use to get what she wants- to be onstage. 
After that, I put on a tale as old as time "Beauty and the Beast." I put it in right now the movie I can not wait to see is the live action version of  "Beauty and the Beast." I am really excited to see what Emma Watson did with the part of Belle. "Beauty and the Beast"  has been my favorite Disney movie since it came out in 1991. (I don't have a problem , do I ?)
I love it because it is the most complex of the fairy tales. Instead of the typical boy meets girl, they fall in love instantly and then there is some sort of obstacle  they have to overcome before they can be together, Belle  doesn't want to be with the Beast at all in the beginning. It's not until later on in the movie that Belle and the Beast develop a friendship, and then ultimately a romance.
I can relate because even today my mom can tell you like Belle, I always have my head in the clouds. Plus, the townspeople say it's ironic the fact that Belle's name means beauty. I find it ironic my name, Donna means lady. I still wonder if I live up to that name.
I know I am still  a big kid for the most part. I am still waiting for my acceptance letter to go to Hogwarts.  I am not motivated to clean until I need to, and I drink way too much coffee.
If I don't live up to it now, I hope I do someday.
Love you all
Donna

Making the bed you sleep in

Happy Wednesday everyone!
So far the week has been the usual- back to work. Today I got some clothes put away since I really didn't on Sunday or Monday, or Tuesday. ( I know I sound ambitious.) But Sunday I crashed literally as soon as I got home, and then Monday and Tuesday it was back to work.    Lately I have began to wonder about choices.  I have wondered where I would be if I went to college in Texas instead of in Washington.  I've wondered what other choices I could have made differently and where I would be now if I made those choices.  I do wish we had a way we could go back in time once in a while. After high school and college, life gets nothing but more complicated- darn reality.
My mom constantly reminds me that we reap what we sew. I understand, but at the same time I wish that saying could make an exception in my case.  I am just going along this road call life as I go along just like everyone else. Plus, I know I have made alot of mistakes. I can only hope I have done a few things right. Besides,we don't always know how things are going to pan out in the future.
 But while we don't always know how things will turn out,  we can do is the best with the cards we are dealt. After all like they say in Avenue Q , everything good and bad in life is only "for now."

JailBreak Run

From Satown all the way to Baytown. Irene, Kathrynn, and I ran the JailBreak half marathon in Baytown, Texas this Saturday. The weather was perfect for running, and although it was windy in a couple of spots, it was nice t just to be outside, and run around a new course. Every runner raises money for police officers who face service related illness and injuries.
After that, mom and I went to the Boardwalk there,  and walked around before heading back to San Antonio.  It's always hard leaving a city you don't live in because there is always someplace you want to see , or something to  do before going back home and working again.
The ride home was rough because for some reason, my stomach was hurting so I ended up crashing along the way back home , and slept again as soon as I got back to San Antonio.
Today, I went to the gym, and had a late lunch/dinner with friends to catch up.
It made me wonder about friends and family.
I have come to the conclusion that friends and family are the people who love and want to be with you even though you are cranky first thing in the morning until you've had your coffee, and will be willing to drive you all the way to Houston and back just to run a race, run with you ( literally or metaphorically), or want to have a meal with you just to say how's it going.  I am fortunate to have that.
Love you all
Donna

Midweek blog

Well, in a few days I will be headed  out of town to do another half marathon. I  am looking forward to another race. I am just hoping that the weather will cooperate and my legs will somehow carry me to the finish line. It has been a while since I have been in the area, so it will be nice to explore it again. I believe the next race after this I will be doing is the Alamo 13.1, before heading to Corpus Christi for Beach to Bay. That is on top of San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon in December. So here's to an action packed year.
Recent events have made me wonder about balance.  I like to think there is room in my life for friends, family, and fitness.  Lately I feel like everything has been off balance. I am hoping that everything will be balanced again soon. After all , sometimes you have to get off balance to find it again.
Love you all
Donna

When life gives you lemons..

The weather in San Antonio never ceases to amaze me.  The fog was almost as thick as pea soup this morning. I mean mom and I could barely see outside the car window. But, true to form, it was sunny later on this afternoon.
I have to admit , my mind was as cloudy as the fog that morning because of a situation. It was frustrating because I didn't know how much was really in my control, and how much wasn't. But what's done is done, and it is straightened out now.
It made me think though, perhaps  like when it's foggy outside, it's hard to see too far ahead sometimes.  But eventually the clouds will part, and the sun will  shine again.
 Love you all
Donna

C'est l'amour... a few of my favorite things...

Valentines Day came and went.
The hocolates have been eaten, wine has been drank, and the flowers have been sniffed. The majority of my day consisted of working.  However, since Valentines Day was on a Tuesday this year,  it was ok to eat chocolate and tacos -yeah!  (Get it because Tuesday is taco Tuesday- haha.)
 Instead of one of those what to do on Valentines Day, or how to survive  Valentines Day if you're single, I give you a few of my favorite things. After all, single or taken- we all deserve to indulge in the things we enjoy, on Valentines Day, and well any day of the year,. :0) So here we go my friends.

1. Favorite pet I ever had? Silver . May she rest in peace. She missed me when I was gone to the point where she'd meow at the door when I wasn't home, and  never failed to  wake my mom up every morning at 5 a.m. so she wouldn't be late to work- Silver was a good cat. =^.^=
2. Favorite car I've owned? Silver bullet. She was cool.
3. Favorite meal out, ever? Pasta fasouli soup, spaghetti, and then gelato for desert. Yum!
4. Favorite food I've cooked? chicken, rice and veggies. Simple but still good.
5. Favorite food from childhood? Hamburger. I used to order that where ever we went out to eat.
6. Favorite drink on a hot summer day (include event)? lemonade 
7. Favorite drink on a cold winter night (include event)? hot chocolate with  mini marshmallows
8. Favorite conversation I've ever had with a person? I can't pick. I value all the conversations I have.
9. Favorite total meal that I cook (list all items)?spaghetti with hamburger meat and tomato sauce. Yum!
10. Favorite movie of all time? Beauty and the Beast. It's a tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme- haha,
11. Favorite book of all time? Eat Pray Love.I love what the author says when she's in India- that god works through us as us.
12. Teacher who changed my life, and why? Don't know if a teacher changed my life. But definitely remember a few that were always funny and nice.
13. Professional mentor who changed my life, and why? Don't know if it was life changing but an advisor I got to work with in  college was always so nice and laid back  . I hope some of that has rubbed off on me.
14. Favorite item to go shopping for with a girlfriend? Clothes
15. Perfect day out: what, where, with whom? Go to the gym in the morning,  have lunch , go shopping and relax at home in the evening.
16. Favorite color? Blue
17. Favorite artist?  Katy Perry
18. Favorite song? "Taking Chances "
19. The best paid entertainment I've ever seen? Circque De Solei in Downtown Disney and the play Avenue Q.
20. Favorite hobby activity that makes me get lost for hours? Writing, dancing, getting lost in a good book or movie
21. Most rewarding time I've ever spent volunteering? Getting  to work on a play with my grandmas Sweet Adelines group. That was cool.
22. The most exciting secret I've ever been told? If I told it wouldn't be a secret now would it?
23. My greatest skill (past or current)? I can sound like Ms. Swan from MadTV. ha ha
24. The best advice I've ever been given? Never be late with a house payment
25. The best advice I've ever given? If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving. lol HA Ha Seriously I always try to tell people to be themselves and do what they enjoy.
26. The best birthday I ever had and why? My last birthday. I got to run, chill with my mom, and party the night away! :0)
27. The coolest natural wonder I've ever seen? the blue water and white sand in the Phillipines for sure. That was so cool.
28. The most fun road trip I've ever taken, where and with whom? My last trip to the westside of Washington state with Melanie and the Hartmanns before I moved back to Texas. They definitely made it memorable.
29. The closest call I've ever had?  Ziplining for the first time.
30. My favorite flower, purchased? Roses
31. My favorite flower or plant, personally grown?  Favorite personally grown plant is some sunflowers I tried growing one summer. Sunflowers are always nice. :0)
32. My best hair day ever?  Hmmm... when I did The Vagina Monolouges the 2nd time around in college. Good hair for that show. Yeah! lol
33. The best gift I've ever gotten: what and from whom? IPad from mom
34. My most suspenseful moment? First time I tried ziplining in the Phillipines. Im on film obviously nervous about trying it.
35. My most unexpected achievement? Running marathons. Never thought I would do it because I always considered it my moms thing.
36. The most rewarding volunteer experience I've ever had? I loved being a part of ABLE in college. It definitely reminded me that we all can live happy, healthy , normal lives no matter what.
37. My favorite paid employment, ever?  Workstudy at school.  Just a few hours at a time, and they worked with your schedule.
38. The best dessert I've ever eaten? Cheesecake :0)
39. The prettiest natural landscape I've ever seen? Philipines. I loved seeing the blue water and white sand.
40. The most scared I've been by a bug or critter? When we took a garden snake to be let out at a creek when I was with friends in Wisconsin. I said I would hold the box the snake was in, and I couldn't. Lame, I know.
41. My favorite household chore? vacuuming
42. My favorite piece of jewelry I've ever bought for myself? Necklaces I got at an anime convention.
43. The best cup of coffee I've ever had? I like the instant coffee at my house . There is something about Folgers coffee with some hazlenut cream in the morning. mmmmm....
44. The hardest question a child has ever asked me? Nothing that sticks out at the moment
45. The most important time I've had to "be there" for a friend? Helped a friend move out when she broke up with her boyfriend.
46. The most unusual pet I've ever had? never had any unusual pets. If I had a pet it was either a cat or dog, or both.
47. The prettiest shiny object I've ever owned? My grandmas charm bracelet.
48. The most treasured book in my library? All of them.
49. The most important tool in my craft or hobby kit? Needle and thead.
50. The coolest handmade gift I ever gave anyone? I wrote my mom stories about the running medals I have so far and Teddy made a cover for it. That was cool.
51. The best anonymous thing I have ever done or given? I don't think I've done anything anonymous.
52. The most healthy and vital time in my life? The past few years. It's just now my age is catching up with me - haha.
53. The worst thing I ever got away with? driving with a license. lol
54. The kindest thing a stranger ever did for me?  Make sure I had enough money when they could tell I was short on change.
55. The kindest thing I ever did for a stranger? I've let people on the bus use my cell phone if I could tell they really needed to get in contact with someone.
56. Favorite perfume? Lovespell from Victorias Secret
57. Favorite household cleaner smell? Anything floral scented.
58. Favorite outdoor smell? pine
59. Most fun I ever had on a Saturday night?  All my Saturday nights are fun. That's how I roll. lol
60. Favorite song I ever danced to; with whom? Carlos Santana- Smooth
61. Favorite dinner my mom made? Filipino chicken
62. The happiest moment I can remember? Too many to remember.
63. Song that makes me move no matter how bad I feel? "Firework" by Katy Perry.
64. My favorite patriotic experience? Going to the fairgrounds on July 4th
65. My biggest moment of celebrity? completing my first marathon.
66. My one favorite item of clothing? Shirts.
67. The one item I would take to the desert island? journal
68. The one person I loved who never knew?  Proably more than I can count. I don't tell guys I am crushing on them unless I think they're interested. lol I write about them in my journal . Yes I am girly like that. lol
69. The most fun sporting event I ever attended? Yakima Bears Games. They where always fun to go to .
70. The best place I have ever traveled; where I'd spend my whole life if I could?  England, or the Philippines. 
71. My favorite moment as a parent? Not a parent .
72. My favorite moment as a sister or brother? only child
73. My favorite moment as a spouse or significant other? As long as I can tell whoever I'm with is doing what they really love, I am happy for them.
74. My favorite moment as a daughter or son?  Hmm.. helping with mom with USAFIT San Antonio stuff has definitely brought us closer together , so I can't complain about that.
75. My favorite flowers to receive in a delivery? roses or tigerlilies
76. My favorite cooking or kitchen smell? chocolate :0)
77. The most significant change I've had to go through and how it made me better? Losing weight for sure. I feel healthier, I hope I look better, and hope I get to be around for a little while longer now.
78. My "biggest deal" memory of childhood? Being independent.
79. My favorite non-relative adult growing up? Teddy
80. My favorite aunt or uncle? All my relatives are cool .
81. Best Sunday afternoon I ever had? I liked any Sunday I got to go to  this place called Waffles Cafe after church.  Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on top?  Yes please lol
82. Favorite ice cream ever, and from where? Rocky Road
83. Favorite musician?  Katy Perry
84. Famous person I've admired, living or dead, whom I'd most like to meet? Oprah.  I liked what she said on the last show -"you also have to know what sparks the light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world. You have the power to change somebody's life."
85. Favorite environmental sound (rain, thunder, etc.)? Thunder
86. Favorite person to take a walk on a beach or in the woods with? Any of my friends or family
87. Best time I've had playing with a pet? Getting to splash my grandmas pugs Ethel
88. Nicest thing I've ever done for a little kid?  I gave Penny , Beckys daughter a nice top to wear.
89. Favorite TV rerun I could watch 50 times? Any anime , Charmed or shows like  Full House, Sex and The City, or I Dream of Jeannie.
90. Favorite item no one knows I own? My beanie babies. I still have them.
91. My favorite story or experience with the paranormal? I feel like we had poltergeiests or something one night in Yakima at my grandmas old house because the lights kept on flickering for some reason.
92. The one "splurge" grocery item I have never yet splurged on?    Things you bar b que . My mom and I get steak and chicken, but not enough for it to be a "splurge."
93. The most competent activity I do? Pretending to write, and/or run.
94. The one food item I can never run out of? yogurt
95. The favorite picture I've ever taken? a black and white photo of me my friend Jeanette took in Yakima.
96. The most fun game I've ever played? I like games like Monopoly, Apples to Apples, Scrabble,ect. They're all fun!
97. The biggest secret I still safeguard? (Don't reveal it!) Well if I told it wouldn't be a secret would it? lol
98. The hardest I ever laughed in my life was...? When I was playing Apples to Apples and Melanie put Sadam Housseins card down for the word "chewy." We all laughed for like ten minutes straight. I've heard that man described in alot of ways, but that was the first time I heard him described as chewy.
99. My favorite fabric to pet is? silk
100. If I could go anywhere, be with anyone, be doing anything, right now: Where? Who? What? To the beach with anyone who wants to join me there.
101. If I had one hour to live, what would I spend it doing? Journaling my last thoughts.
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