Health

View Photos from Provo Freedom Run

Back on July 4th, 2011 I ran my first 10k, my time was about an hour and 16 minutes. For not training seriously I guess that is not bad, but I was a little disappointed. I remember that back in Jr high and in high school I was able to run a mile between 4:20-5 minutes. I was always very competitive and wanted to be the girl with the best time. One time I remember this one girl and I tied at 4:20 minutes, I remember going up to my coach and I asked if I could run it again. She said yes, I had no clue what I was going to do since my body was super tired. Yeah I know only one mile, but when you push yourself over your limits things just get a lil harder. So, I did, I ran a mile again. As I ran I just kept pushing myself, kept telling myself that I had three more laps, 2 more, last one, come on push. As I was about to finish the mile, I just had to look at my timer. When I got to the end of it I realized I had beat my previous time, 4:15. Yeah, I know it wasn't much, but not only did I beat the 4:20 time, but I realized that I could do anything I wanted to, and that I am the only one that can set limitations to what I can do.

Last night I went out to the rec center, hopped on a treadmill, turned on some tunes and just started running. I was fascinated at the fact that an hour later I was still running, didn't know I had it in me, to run non stop. I just wanted to keep going, but the the rec was about to close, so I had to stop. My time per mile was not as great as it was back in my teenage years, its was actually pretty bad. My average per mile was about 12 minutes, so yes, I was a little disappointed at myself. I have been running for a month now and I just can't seem to get our of that 12 minute average. But I am happy that I can now endure running for a longer time. It was something that I was just not able to do back in high school during my cross country years.

I guess where I'm going with this is that I am grateful that by body is healthy and that I am healthy. Being active has been a blessing in my life, helping me realized that I can do anything I set my mind to. My health has always allowed me to be active by participating on some of my favorite activities: softball, swimming, running, basketball, hiking, volleyball and many others. I am very thankful that I had never been seriously ill, and that I recuperate pretty fast when I do catch a cold or flu. I am thankful that I have two legs, two arms, eyes and every other things that is healthy in me.

FOOD

I am grateful for food!!! I am thankful that I have always had three meals a day, and for the hard work that goes in to preparing them. Especially when my mom cooks, she is an amazing cook, one day I hope to be just as good as her. And well I've had plenty of practice ever since I moved out last summer. Today I experimented with essential oils, and here are the recipes. Both turned our very good, even tough I was scared of cooking with the oils.

Lime Cilantro Rice

INGREDIENTS

2 cups water

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup white rice

2 drops of lime essential oil

1 drop of cilantro essential oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring water to a boil; stir the butter and rice into the water. Cove, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 min.

2. Add 2 drops of lime essential oil and 1 drop of cilantro essential oil to the cooked rice just before serving.

Grilled Halibut with Cilantro Garlic Butter

INGREDIENTS

4 fillets halibut

Lime essential oil

Black pepper essential oil

salt

3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

1 drop cilantro essential oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Preheat grill for high heat. Marinade each fillet with 3 drops lime essential oil and 2 drops black pepper, then season them with salt.

2. Grill fish fillets for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned and fish can be flaked with a fork. Remove to a warm serving plate.

3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium hear. Add garlic; cook and stir just until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in butter, add one drop of cilantro essential oil and one drops of lime essential oil. Serve fish with cilantro butter sauce.

Sisters

Today I happen to be very grateful for my sisters and the sisters I have made along the way. And of course, I am thankful for having them in my daily life, not just today. Each of these sisters I have now have influenced my life in many different ways and have helped me be a better person.

My sister Izchel, if there is anyone that knows how to love, it's her. She is not afraid of falling in love and is willing to put her heart on the line. Her willingness to take that risk has shown me that even though its not fun to have your heart broken, it is the only way to find real love. Which will eventually lead you to finding TRUE LOVE. So, if you've had your hear broken once, twice, however many times, it will heal, and the only way it will, is by willing to fall in love again.

Laurita, this girls is my sister from another mother. I don't think ever in my life I have made a friend so easy. I remember the day we met like it was yesterday, and all the good times we had together after. Laurita is just an easy going girl, every where we went she made a new friend. She is not afraid to speak to with people and people just fell in love with her. Her outgoing personality just stands out in a crowd. Her personality rubbed off on me, but just a little, eventually, I hope to be just as friendly as her.

Angie, this girl is the first best friend I made when I moved to Utah. And she has stuck around for the past seven years. For some crazy reason we end up working in the same place, well I have to admit I think I pull her around. But this girl is a hard worker and I am very bless to have her as a coworker. Not only is she a good employee but she is also a great provider for her mom and sister. She is the type of person who puts her needs aside for those she loves and cares for. She puts the I aside and puts the you up on front. Her example of looking out for others well being has shown me that happiness comes from serving those who surround you.

Gaby, this girl has been blessed with the most gorgeous baby girl, our first little ZETA. She has shown me that with motivation and encouragement you can do anything. She works hard for her baby and gives her so much love. Her example as a mother has shown me that there is no limits to what you can do, and that when love is involved what you can do is even greater.

I want to thank this girls for being in my life and for making a difference in who I am. I hope we can be friends forever, no matter where life takes us. I know it won'r be hard, because even though we have busy life's, we always make time for each other, even if its just to check in and see how we are doing. You girls are amazing and anyone that gets to meet you is very LUCKY!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!