Life with Direction

Must #20: Learn Something New

I did it! I finally learned how to make Html Codes!! This is my first button that I'm sharing with everyone and anyone who wants it. Feel free to copy the code below. Let me know what you think.

Copy this Code-Enjoy!!

For those who don't know me cooking/baking is not my strong point. I'd love to call myself a Betty Crocker but I'd be lying. Let's just say I have issues cooking rice. Anywho, last year Jackie bought me this Auntie Anne's pretzel kit and I've been dying to test my skills. I was pleasantly surprised at how simple they are to make and quite impressed with myself when it came to forming the pre-cooked dough-it was like second nature. It's quite possible I was a baker in my last life.

Must #52: Day at the Beach

If you live in California and don't take advantage of the beach you're crazy. It's been 3 years since I moved back from Utah to California and the first time I've spent a day relaxing at the beach. As cliche as it sounds you never realize what you have till its gone. That being said I'm going to try and spend a lot more time in the water and around the beach this summer. This particular day started off with a boot camp class that DESTROYED me. After feeling like I'd been beaten up we headed to Subway and then down to Huntington Beach. We had only been there for about 15 min before this old man decided to sit down and kick it with us. He was a handful and yet I had never laughed so hard in my life. It turned awkward when he started talking about his Ex-wife and was completely jaded. The entire time he made comments like, "Do you know where I went next".....To which I almost peed my pants when Jackie replied, "No, I seriously doubt she has any idea where you went" It was so blunt and honest that it was hilarious. The old guy finally decided to take off but not before leaving us with

creepiest line ever, "You girls are a Delicious Distraction". Although true...it was completely inappropriate and nauseating to hear it come out of his mouth. Despite the creepy old man factor-it was a perfect day at the Beach.

Must #12: Go Karaoking

I'm no Whitney Houston, but who can resist grabbing a mic and singing like the next American Idol?Life's more fun when you don't take yourself seriously. Anyone who knows me personally knows that everyday is a comedy with the craziness that comes out of my mouth. I'll be the first to admit that I'm my own favorite comedian (besides my sister Jenny). I'm the first to laugh at my mistakes. Okay so this is where karaoke comes in. Ever since my sister performed, "Easy", with the lines, "I'm Easy...Easy like a Sunday Morning.." when she was 9 months pregnant 2 1/2 years ago, I haven't been able to get karaoking out of my head. Her provocative and fun dance moves had me busting up. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. That night she taught me that when you karaoke you need to go above and beyond when it comes to the performance:Go Big or Go Home. For my first song I chose, "Hit me with your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar. A Classic and a warm up for what I really came to do. "Let's give Em Something to Talk About", was my pride and joy. I really tried to have fun with the crowd and kept in mind what my sister would have done. I had an absolute blast and have never performed anything like that before. My advice to anyone who tries it...make sure to take some liquid courage- it really helps make the performance that much more entertaining. You can only imagine what it did for me.

Up close and personal with the crowd-This was my most ambitious moment

Mike and I've been friends for over 10 years and I had no clue he could sing...To make matters worse-he completely up staged me with, "Baby got Back"

Must #8: Go to a Baseball Game

Baseball games should make the Must list every year. It's the only game you don't miss a thing when you don't watch. My goal was to start and or participate in the WAVE. Sad to say I didn't get it on camera (next time I will) I was a fanatic about it. I literally was the only one in my section for the first 3 rounds that kept jumping up with both hands in the air. Although slightly embarrassing-it was a really fun experience. We ended up staying for the entire game...which felt like a lifetime. Even though the angels lost (Big Time) it was a blast and I'm looking forward to going to another game this season.

The Peanut Gallery

Must #43: Join a Book Club

I haven't enjoyed a good book since Teddy Ruxpin read to me in the 80's. That being said I've always wanted to join a book club and what better time then now? Book club has helped me make reading a priority and relax more. Every six weeks we get together and share our thoughts over great food and wine. This particular group of women are a lot of fun to be around. I challenge everyone to give book club a try and if you're local you're more than welcome to join mine. If book club isn't your thing than at least unglue your hand from the TV remote and pick up a good book. It might change your life.

Goofing Around in Book Club

Must #45: Balloon Ride at the Great Park of Irvine

It's a bird...It's a plane...It's in Orange in the Sky? Yep, that's right. The city of Irvine provides a free of charge balloon ride in hopes that people will come and visit the new up incoming Great Park. The park is estimated to take around 20 years to complete and will be twice the size of Central Park. It is located in Irvine/Tustin between the 405 and 5. Just head down to South Orange County and look up-you cant miss it. The park is decorated with painted oranges everywhere and an "orange" balloon to represent Orange County. That being said you can imagine my confusion when I overheard someone call it a peach... I mean really? why would they have a flying peach? Soap Box Moment: We need better education and less malls....

To give you an idea of the contraption-The carriage is half mesh/half metal and hallow in the middle. It is being held by the mesh that is wrapped around the entire balloon and then clipped to the middle. Side note: I'm terrified of heights .

All set? Heck yeah...ready?...okay no. When you jump in the carriage you are told to spread out and disperse your weight evenly (so not to tip the carriage)You can bet I stood frozen in place and threatened anyone who moved. Inside the carriage I noticed that the mesh holding the carriage is CLIPPED to a cable that is grounded on the launching pad.....just one clip! My Biggest Concern: The clip breaking which would release the mesh and we'd all drop.

Erika-dealt with my craziness as I gave everyone an ear full of all the worse case scenarios. I remember telling her to choke me till I pass out if the cable snapped. She advised me to imagine being on a ride at Disneyland-one problem-I hate Disneyland. So much for that thought.

This is a great shot of what less than half way looks like....you can imagine my excitement. The pilot at this point informed everyone that he didn't have enough helium to get us down if the cable snapped. This was the number one reason why I told Erika to choke me...there's NO way I'd want to be conscious for that experience.

The view was incredible..but my favorite part was standing next to an older gentlemen who kept saying, " We haven't stopped yet...we're still going up" Great! Of all the 10 people in the carriage how did I get stuck next to Mr. Obvious? Seriously who invited this guy?I felt myself wanting to bend down and hide from the view that could potentially end my life. I found humor extremely handy in keeping me sane especially when I overheard someone say, "I think I've had to much to drink" to which I replied, "I haven't had enough!" This pretty much sums up my balloon ride experience. It's worth every penny...considering it's free.

DIY Practical Joke

The Crew

My favorite are the judging bunnies

Who kills the Easter Bunny?

What better day to perform a practical joke than on April fools day? The theme was perfect, an easter crime scene. Genius to some, morbid to others. 250 eggs, 8+ bags of grass, and creative talent that made it a spectacular Hoppy Fools Day. We ended up decorating 5 offices, which made me realize that next time I'd stick to one. This wouldn't of been possible without everyone who participated...oh and caffine.

First time Shooting a Gun

Aim...Shoot...Fire!!

There's NOTHING like shooting a gun. I had no idea what to expect and I'll never forget the feeling of pulling the trigger for the first time. It was frightening, exciting, and addicting...This was completely out of my element, and I loved every minute of it. Thanks Eric for being brave enough to go with me.

Must #28: Donate Blood

The Funniest Nurse Alive

What better way to start off my Must List than to give to those in need. Definitely worth the pain to save 3 lives

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