Hiking

So over Easter weekend (when I hadn't unpacked from Hawaii yet) we went hiking in San Diego and out to the desert to see the wildflowers. I think I missed their peak by about a week, but there were still some things to look out. This was one of the falls out by cuyamaca. It was a fun little hike.

I thought the Polynesian Cultural Center was very interesting, had a very nice presentation, and was especially excited that Scotty could get us in for a great deal because he teaches at BYU. This is one of the only pictures where my hair was not out of control! The humidity and my long, straight hair didn't really get along. If I moved there I think I would have to get a trim, for sure!

North Shore

I think I loved the mountains because the island is small so you are always so close to them.

The first morning I was there I woke up early (jetlag) and went for a run on the beach. The sand was softer than on my beach, the sun was just coming up through some palm trees, the air was already warm and sticky, and as I looked behind me there were two rainbows against the vibrant green mountains. That was the only time I didn't have my camera with me. I think the part I really missed when I got home (other than my darling little cousins) was the fact that I picked fresh bananas and plumeria (for my hair) everyday. I've got to admit, bananas are my favorite fruit but I've been disapointed in them since being back in Long Beach.

Remember being 11 years old?

I'm a dental hygienist -- did I mention that?
So today I called one of my patients from the waiting-room. He's an 11 year-old boy sprinkled with freckles in a black base-ball cap and wide, blue eyes. Here's how it went.
Me: So, how's everything going with your braces?
Patient: awwwww (deep, painful sigh, descending many octaves)... I miss bubble-gum.
I held back the sudden urge to giggle and looked understandingly back into his serious and troubled eyes. I realized that everyone has trials according to their situation. For some people that means the bubble-gum and braces variety. It was cute.

Taxes

I was worried about doing my taxes this year -- mostly because I worked a lot last year and don't have any big deductions (spouse, house, etc). But my Dad is a tax god and and somehow it all worked out in the end. In case you haven't done your taxes yet, and are worried like I was you can contact him. I promise it will be worth it.
http://dougsevy.com

vampire books?

ok -- so a friend loaned me 'twilight' by stephanie meyer on sunday. i read the back and saw it had something to do with vampires and thought 'oh no, i don't read books like this.' i started it monday and by wednesday was on my way to the bookstore to buy number two 'new moon' and now here it's friday and i've already started number three 'eclipse.'
let me just say addicting! -- but in a good way, and not a disgusting, blood-sucking way either.
i don't know where i've found so much time to read, although i do remember turning a page or two between patients this week...

Here's a picture from my recent trip to yellowstone National Park. It was AMAZING! But then, it was my first trip to the snow, while it was actually snowing. Guess that's what happens when you are a socal girl. I still can't get over how beautiful it all was. And I lost 2 lbs cross-country skiing for a week. Not a bad trip just following the holidays...