3 golds!

source

I think this was my favorite Olympic moment of this week--Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings winning their third Olympic gold medal. Amazing!

Both teams played incredibly well (and both were from the USA!). There were a few times I wasn't sure if Misty and Kerri would pull ahead, but never fear! They always did.

It's hard to believe that Misty is retiring--what will Kerri do? In the interviews you could see how close they've become over the years, and how this is going to be a MAJOR change for them both.

P.S. It's a bit ridiculous how easy they make sand volleyball look. Seriously. Running in the sand is not easy. Can you imagine jumping in the sand? These athletes don't get all the respect they deserve.

P.P.S. Did I mention that I love the Olympics? 

Sometimes I go to the movies by myself...

It's true.

Sometimes I do go to the movies by myself.

But it is a rather recent occurrence. It wasn't until I read this blog post from Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo, that I had the guts to try it out.

My first movie: Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1.
I know, I know.
I couldn't find anyone to go with me, and I really wanted to see it. So one evening I decided to just do it. I was a little self-conscious at first, sitting all by myself, but it ended up being the most enjoyable experience. I was able to enjoy the movie without wondering if my friends were thinking it was dumb or lame, because it was a bit. But I think that's why I liked it so much.

Last night, I was really in the mood to see a movie. I'm waiting to see Dark Knight with a roommate, and she wasn't feeling it last night. As I was looking at what films were in theaters, I saw that Step Up Revolution was still playing. It's another one of those movies that I knew I wouldn't find anyone to go with me, so I went on my own.

The acting was bad, but the dancing was amazing. And that's all that really matters in the Step Up series anyways. Even better, a ton of dancers and choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance were involved. Twitch! Mia Michaels!!! Need I say more? There is one scene that is filmed in a museum, and swear I almost cried it was so cool. Dance makes me emotional, okay?

The more I go to the movies on my own, the less awkward I feel. It's empowering!

Have you ever been to a movie by yourself?

On my day off...

I saw some of these:

Fed this little beggar some french fries:

And ventured here:

And it was glorious!

Last Friday was declared a company holiday, and I did not protest. My mom and I ventured into the city for a day of fun. Those are the very best kinds of days!

To start out, we headed across the good ol' 520 bridge to Madison, the dwelling place of City People's Garden Store. And boy oh boy what a treat this place is!  I'm a sucker for nurseries, and this one did not disappoint. Beautiful (cheap) plants, cute garden accessories--what more could you ask for? And I happened to find some pretty slick cat-eye sun glasses. Always a bonus!

Our next stop was Leschi Beach to stake out a spot for the BIG EVENT. And by BIG EVENT I mean the Blue Angels practicing for their Seafair show (which is pretty much exactly the same as the practice runs). The planes flew right over our heads!  Dogs barked, children cheered, umbrellas were bountiful (but not because of rain), and most everyone got sunburned.  It was joyous!

Because we were already in Seattle, and already paid the ridiculous toll (I'm not a fan), Mom and I decided to head down town, and act like tourists. With our car parked near Pioneer Square, we strolled along the piers where we watched the ferries come and go. We ate fish and chips at Ivar's, and fed the pesky seagulls. We checked out the new Ferris Wheel, and decided it was a little pricey for what it was.  

Then we hiked up the hill to Pike's Place--quite possibly my favorite place in the city. Tourists were everywhere, and I then remembered why I almost never go down town during the summer. What is it about tourists that make one claustrophobic? 

Mom, a true Seattlite, had never seen the infamous gum wall, so it was a must on our list of things to do. It's pretty disgusting, but amazing at the same time. Don't you love how my shorts match the wall?? 

It was a wonderful day spent with my lovely ma. I'm so glad I moved back, so I could be close to her and the rest of my family!

Here's to family, the Blue Angels, and Seattle in the summer! Hurrah! 

My Olympic Favorites

Oh, how I love the Olympics! Religiously, at 8 o'clock every night, I've been downstairs in front of the TV. I don't know if that means I'm pathetic, or really cool. But it's undeniable that I love the Olympics, I can't bear missing any of the events.

There is so much I have to say about the London games! But if I wrote about everything, you would be bored. Really, I promise. So I've decided to jot down a few of my favorite--mainly athletes and moments.

Favorite Athletes (so far)

I think Gabby Douglas has been my favorite athlete to watch so far in these games. She's an amazing athlete, and has such a positive attitude. I love seeing the pure joy she has when she competes. And did you see her on the bars during the all-around? They don't call her the "Flying Squirrel" for no reason! And I also have to say that I love that when she won the all-around she gave all the glory to God. That isn't something you see very often nowadays.

Missy Franklin is right up there with Gabby Douglas. Not only is she an amazing athlete, but she genuinely seems like a good person. I love how she's so down to earth, and is a good sportsman (sportswoman?). When she hasn't won gold, she's always congratulating those who do win. I love how she lives the with the true spirit of the Olympics. I'm excited to see her in the next Games!

I have to admit that men's swimming has been my favorite event to watch so far. What amazing athletes! And we hardly give them the credit that they deserve once the Olympics have ended. I also have to admit that I like Michael Phelps. So many of my friends dislike him because he was a bit cocky in Beijing. I guess living in Taiwan at the time did me some good, as I wasn't able to watch any of the swim meets. If he was cocky back then, I feel like he's matured into a respectable athlete. My favorite athletes are those who treat their teammates and competitors with respect. He cheered for his teammates in their personal heats. And you cannot deny that he is the best Olympian around--22 medals, and 18 of them gold!

Nathan Adrian.

Need I say more?

This kid is adorable! And he's from Bremerton, WA, and he respects his mama. And did I mention he won gold in the 100 meter free-style? And that it was an amazing? And that he's a smarty-pants as well as athletic and good looking? Well, he is.

Favorite moments so far

The US men's and women's relay swim teams winning gold!
US women's gymnasts winning the all-around.

Duchess Kate talking to the US women's gymnastics team after the individual vault competition. How amazing would that be? She has such class. I would die to meet her!

US gymnast, Aly Raisman's parents. I don't think I've as hard as when I saw the play back of her parents' reactions while she was on the uneven bars. Now that's what I call intense! Watch the full reaction here.

I have to admit that I took a little time off this weekend to enjoy the fabulous weather we've been having up here in Seattle, but I'm looking forward to more women's gymnastics and all the track and field events. What I've seen so far in those events is making me excited!

Hope you all have been enjoying the Olympics as much as I have!

Hello Olympics!

osource

We not the Opening Ceremonies absolutely fabulous?!
Well done, Danny Boyle, well done!

I am so pumped for these games.Despite the well covered glitches (thanks American media) that have led up to the 2012 Summer Olympics, I think London is going to show the world a good time.

I was in Taiwan during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Funny enough, in Taiwan they cover different sports and countries than they do in the States. Fancy that! More ping pong and the martial arts, less of the sports I really wanted to see (beach volleyball, gymnastics, etc). And all the commentary was in Chinese. I don't know why that was such a shock, but it was. It made for a unique experience.

Back to London.

I loved the transitions to the different eras of time--from the more pastoral era to the industrial age and then to the digital age. Amazing music (I think all the best music comes from the UK or is at least influenced by other artists from the UK). And that love story? So cute.

But my favorite part of the ceremonies was the parade of the nations. I loved seeing the athletes from the smaller, lesser known countries, bear their flags with such pride. It was interesting to see the athletes from the warring countries in the middle east that have been through so much, and yet are able to compete. I loved seeing Bolt carry the Jamaican flag. I loved that the Czechs were ready for the rain (those rain boots and umbrellas!). And I loved seeing "Chinese Taipei" march, despite not being able to participate under their real name--Republic of China.

I love the hope, the camaraderie, and the spirit of the Olympics. It's infectious! And I hope that London 2012 won't let me down. So far I'm pretty convinced it won't. I mean, they did chose Muse's single, Survival, as the official Olympic song. Can it get any better than that?


Muse - Survival - Official Music VideoMuse - [HD] by AceVideos

Homesick for Taiwan

I've been missing Taiwan this week. My cute students, the simplistic life-style of an English teacher, the people, the food...

Yeah, pretty much all of it.

I posted as much on FB, and one of my former students wondered if that meant I was coming back. So sweet! But, no. Not at this time.

While I was there in 2008 the film Cape No. 7 was released. It became so popular that it was hard to escape it's effects. It wasn't the most amazing film that I'd ever seen--I had some issues with the main characters--but it captured much of the Taiwanese spirit and culture. For that reason, I love it.

I remember coming to class one day and telling my students that I'd seen it. They then burst into song (I'm sooo not kidding). Each of them started belting out the song shown below. It was an amazing memory, of my wonderful time in a country I love.

Please enjoy.

A few things...

Three weeks!
We've had summer weather for three whole weeks!

That is definitely one thing to be grateful for...I think we had two weeks of summer last year, and then we went back to the frigid drizzle typical of the Pacific Northwest. Though, rain is what makes this place so beautiful!

A few things that made me happy this week:

The glorious sunsets. The one pictured above I captured on the way home from visiting my bro in Monroe. The sun's rays were absolutely amazing. I have never seen anything like it. Sunsets make me happy. Their beauty reminds me of how much God loves us, and that life is a gift.

Ilene. I can never say enough about this fabulous friend. We met while playing softball in 4th grade, and have been friends ever since. It's mind-boggling how long that has been. She's seen me through it all--junior high, high school, college, post-college living in DC/NY (she was in the Big Apple while I was in our nation's capital), and now back in Seattle. I'm lucky to have a friend like her. As she was giving me a much needed pep-talk this week (I've been struggling with post-diagnosis weight gain, and post-break-up life), she reminded me how much she knows me. And it's true. She truly does. We have history. She's one of my people. I'm grateful for her straightforward demeanor, for her talent of "telling it how it is." I'm grateful for her kicking my butt. I'm grateful for her making me realize how amazing I am, and that I deserve the best--things I know that are true, but are nice to have reinforced every once in a while.

Answers to prayer. Since my diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, I've received answers to several prayers. Yesterday was another witness to me of God's love. I went to Institute (a scripture class), and the class I chose was discussing Matthew 8-10. And it was exactly what I needed. In these particular chapters the Savior heals those with certain diseases and illnesses. I loved the discussion we had about those who were healed, and the great faith that they had. Miracles are evidence of our faith--a tool to reinforce it. Not that I expect to be healed of my diabetes, but it's amazing what the Lord can do if we have faith in Him.

Technology and medicine. I go in for my second eye surgery today (Hurrah!), and it's amazing to me that it is a 15 minute procedure. Only 15 minutes! I'm grateful to live in a country that is so advanced in both technology and medicine.

Running. I got the go ahead by my ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) to start running again, and I realized how much I missed it. It clears my mind, and I just feel good afterwards. After today's surgery, I'll have to wait another couple of weeks before I can run again, but I'll be looking forward to it! (This reminded me of this awesome book that I read by Ann Patchett called Run. Read it. You won't be disappointed).

Here's to life and it's wonders!