Who loves quizzes?
This is a tough one: http://www.gorgeouslygreen.com/quiz/
I answered most of the questions incorrectly. hahaha

I pledged

Over the span of my life I have read several books that require action. I usually don't participate in the action part of books because I tell myself I will do it after I have read the entire book. I don't remember afterwards to go back through and do the activities and exercises. That's not the point, now is it? Why waste my time reading if the info is going through me? So I have started actually doing some of the things the books encourage.

Right now I am reading Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano (which I purchased at the deseret industries! Talk about a green start!) I am pledging to live a more gorgeous and green life.



The Gorgeously Green Pledge:
1.I commit to cutting my beef consumption down by 25-50%. I will prepare at least three meat-free meals a week. Meat production has a very heavy eco-impact.
2.I commit to buying organic, seasonal, and locally produced food whenever possible. I vote with my dollars and want to support sustainable producers.
3.I commit to cooking at least three meals a week at home so that I can save money, my health and the planet.
4.I commit to reducing my food waste by 50 percent by sticking to my eating plan and my shopping list and by using my leftovers.
5.I commit to growing something edible (even an herb will do!)
6.I commit to recycling my paper, plastic, glass, and cans, and to buying recycled paper products (paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper) to preserve more trees.

After reading through the list, don't you think its possible that everyone including you could follow this pledge? I think so too.

A Must See

Some of you may not believe or may not care, but its HUGE and its effecting your DNA, your health, and your future: it's called food. I know how easy it is to buy pre-packaged food or to buy the cheapest things at the grocery store. However, if we start demanding better produce and general products then my guess is we'll get them!

Mutant Message Down Under

I read this book in high school. I really liked it. I found it at the Deseret Industries and couldn't refuse. WOW! I missed so much of the message the first time around. I suppose this is the type of book you can pick up every 5 or so years and re-read. If you haven't read it, read it! It is slightly controversial :)))

Pics from doula training

I just joined Twitter today and found these beautiful pics from my instructor. Thank you technology. By the way, does anyone know how to use Twitter because I don't!


Eating some yummy snacks on day one. Still a bit reserved, but definitely happy.


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Day two: I was pregnant here on the birthing ball getting some doula support!


Group picture on the last day. We were all chummy and friendly by then:)


We are the 'V' ladies because at the end of the training vagina was just another word.

Feminist Explosion

Normally I am a feminist, but for the time being, I am a 'super-feminist.' Thank you doula training. Anyway, at my training I learned about a site http://www.owningpink.com/ I read through it quickly. I like what I have read so far. I really love the article, The True You: Are You Living an Authentic Life? It brings up good points like: Do I express the real me? Do I even know who that person is? Self Expression is really important for me because I spend the majority of the time introverted.

My mom has a scripture up by the computer that says "And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better." D&C 25:10

Life is totally a learning a process for all of us! I know that I spend too much time being a product of the world. I am not! We are all God's creation. We are all so different and unique. Let's find our authentic selves and stop trying to "fit in" with the world's expectations of a good wife, good mother, good daughter, good mormon, good student, good woman etc... Finding the true you and learning to express her is among the better things. Own your pink!

I am a trained doula

I went to a doula training this weekend and loved it. I couldn't have imagined a better experience. I left the training feeling empowered, educated, and interwebbed with women. Our bodies are divine, capable, and strong.

One thing that really amazed me is how many different options are available to us while giving birth. I want everyone else to know their options too.

Also, I need to attend three births to become internationally certified. So get pregnant or if you are already pregnant consider me as your doula.

10 most embarrassing massage questions

I found these questions and decided to answer them myself:
(http://inner-harmony.gaia.com/blog/2009/2/10_embarrassing_massage_questionsand )

1. Do I have to take off my underwear?

YES (just kidding). Your comfort is the most important thing. But honestly it makes it a little easier sometimes with garments.

2. Do I tip the therapist?

YES Leave a tip. Even if your strapped for cash. Utah is known for being terrible tippers. Law of karma- it will come back to you

3. What happens if I sleep and drool or snor?

Its totally okay. Sometimes its nice when people sleep:)

4. Will the massage therapist be in the room when I take off my clothes?

NO you are in the room alone. Once I asked someone if they were ready for me to come into the room and they said 'uh huh', but he/she actually said 'nu uh' and I saw some nakedness. Lesson: be clear or you might have a similar experience

5. What if I get an erection?

It does happen. Believe me it is uncomfortable for both parties. I would like to think it is controllable, but I have been told otherwise. So, basically what really happens is we both ignore the elephant in the room.

6. If the massage is too soft or too hard should I speak up?

YES speak up! I am not a mind reader

7. If I am self conscience about an area can I tell the therapist not to massage there?

YES most people are embarrassed. We are a society that is so afraid and uncomfortable with our bodies: blemishes, fat, hair, scars, etc.. I have seen it all and you don't need to be embarrassed, but speak up if you don't want to be touched somewhere.

8. What if I fart?

Once again, it happens. It is really embarrassing. Side note- I had a client that couldn't hear and I used fart all the time while massaging him/her. So sometimes your therapist does it too.

9. Do I talk to the therapist or stay silent?

It doesn't matter. Usually excessive chatting is a sign of nervousness. My rule is that I will chat back, but I don't encourage chatting because this is your time.

10. How do I know if my therapist is legitimate?

Most therapists have his/her license displayed in the office somewhere. If not, you can request the license number ahead of time- its public info at dopl.gov

Does anyone have any embarrassing questions that weren't covered?

Extreme Sale

I am selling massage gift certificates for the next two weeks. What brought on this EXTREME sale?: I quit my day job, I am moving this month, car registration is due this month, and I want to attend a doula workshop so I can certify. If you like getting massages, giving massages as gifts, or can't say no to a good deal this is your day (well actually two weeks)

Massages:
one hour: $40
3 one hours: $105

Reflexology:
3o mins: $25
3 3o mins: $60

Prices to match any budget!!!


hahaha- thought you'd all like this pic :)

In the Old Testament there was a huge plague killing the population. Moses prayed and here is his answer in EXODUS 30:

22 ¶ Moreover the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of aoil olive an hin:
25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.

The Lord gave Moses an essential oil recipe to protect him and his family and they survived.



Another example, the black plague (Bubonic virus) that killed 2/3 of Europe. There were a group of thieves who dug up bodies or found dead bodies and stole all of their valuables. When the King finally captured these rumored 'mystics' he discovered they were spice merchants. They were able to rob the dead bodies without catching the plague because they doused themselves with several spices and herbs. Google 'Vinegar of the four thieves' for the full historical record and recipe.




THESE TWO ANCIENT RECIPES ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUNG LIVING AND I CAN GET THEM FOR YOU. THEY ARE CALLED EXODUS AND THIEVES. PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM VIRUSES, BACTERIAS, AND FUNGI.

CHALLENGE: NAME TWO MODERN DAY DRUGS THAT CARRY ANTI-VIRAL, ANTI-BACTERIAL, ANTI-FUNGAL PROPERTIES, CAN BE USED BY BOTH INFANT AND ELDERLY, DON'T HAVE SIDE EFFECTS, AND AREN'T POISONOUS.

I realize that modern day epidemics are in fact dangerous. I also know that God knew what plagues were going to be and created herbs and spices to combat them. For me, its a matter of trusting God and his creations. I don't stress and I don't believe there is any disease, plague, or epidemic that God can't cure.

It was my birthday last Friday. A few highlights:

Meliss had streamers, balloons, and flowers set up when I woke up. No picture of that, but here is us at Baker beach from two weeks ago.


Heather and the kiddos came over to go to lunch and a sweet shop:)


Jaxon took this pic:)


Later in the evening Meliss, Ella, Heather, and I went to a Thai restaurant and to 17 Again. Both delicious.


Heather wrapped my gifts in gold- as it was my GOLDEN birthday (24 on the 24th)


Jeremy and his family came to Utah (not for my birthday- but it felt like a b-day gift- I was so happy). Here are some shots of Jadin and Ava.





Thanks to all those who threw me a kickin' surprise party on Saturday!!!

Old Maid Sprink Break 2009

Meliss and I went to CA last Wednesday and got back yesterday. We went last minute because our house is under construction. Luckily Meliss is from Cali so it all worked out. We called it 'old maid spring break 2009' because technically being a single female in mid twenties in Utah county makes us old maids.

Top 10 Highlights of trip:

1. Karaoke-ing to Cher's "Believe" on the way there. Thank you Orem Public Library.
2. Sleeping at Grandpa's cabin overlooking Lake Tahoe (Melissa's grandpa). There is a HUGE bath tub which took about 45 mins to fill and a sauna. You can only imagine my pure enjoyment.
3. La Panchitas. Nice mexican joint with yummy-HOT salsa
4. San Francisco: Thrift store on 16th and market a must!, smelling Eucalyptus trees on the way to Baker beach, watching the sunset and collecting rocks along the shoreline, Lombard street, and artsy alley ways.
5. Meeting Meliss's grandpa. His house/land is connected to a Native American burial site. He showed us Indian artifacts found on the land. Also, he showed us an old handcrafted oven in his back yard made by an Italian- which had brand new baby birds inside of it- the birds were hairless. We ate lunch, and then got black and white ice cream cones from a dairy. It was nice to be around grandparents again....
6. The Cat in the Hat play. Melissa's little sis was the cat in her high school play. She was the best!!
7. Lounging around the house, eating lemons from trees, watching home videos, laughing, eating food. etc.
8. Rolling hills full of California poppies and purple flowers. Beautiful.
9. Meeting Melissa's family- virtually every family member (extended included). I can't remember the last time all of my siblings were together let alone extended.
10. On the way home I was in and out of sleep. I felt possessed--I had no sleep control. Poor Melissa drove home 3 p.m to 4 a.m. Every now again I would look over and she would be jamming out to John Mayer. hahaha.

It was nice to get away even if only for a few days. Thanks goodness for warm weather, family and friends, flowers, oceans, thrift stores, and road trips!!!

p.s. pics may be coming later

p.p.s many thanks and praises to Heather for a cute blog.

Jaxon and Lori share their b-days on the 5th.




We had a combined pirate party. It was a blast.




One question: Why do I look like Boy George?

One of my very favorite things in the whole wide world is dancing to live music. Going to concerts evokes a child-like joy throughout my body. Saturday night I was lucky enough to go to the Brett Dennen (B.D.) concert. I danced and sang the night away. I wasn't sure if B.D. was a good performer, but he is!! He was dancing all over the stage. Think slow to moderate happy dancing not fast crazy head banging dancing. He is 6 ft 5 in. It seems to me that tall people are uncomfortable or awkward in movement. Not B.D. He was limber and loose and had some sweet moves. It was the last show of his tour- it seemed like all the performers were having so much fun. Among my favorite songs performed: Just Like the Moon, Because You are a Woman, Blessed, and Aint No Reason. His music expresses hope, love, truth, and enjoying life. If you ever need a pick me up or incredibly sweet words listen to Brett Dennen. Blessed is this life and I am going to celebrate being alive -Brett Dennen.

Thank you all for participating- I really like the input: Which LOGO?



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