Hello, Dear Friend.

 I love this place. I would sit in my apartment  on a  tiny rock in the Pacific and click away at buttons that would eventually create Bubbles in Paradise. I wrote about stuff that was turning over and over in my mind, mostly about learning how to grab life by its horns and riding it to wherever life would take me.  And something amazing happened. People, granted not many, read my blog. And we had a great community of friends. I'm missing that sense of community especially now that we live back on the mainland.  Most of my friends still write on the blogs, but  babies have been born, moves have been made, and honestly Facebook and Instagram happened making connections with people quick and easy. Anyways, my blog is hanging out there in outer space, unwritten and unread. But I am so grateful to have written when I did. I am so grateful to have accounts of my life in the islands, diving adventures, and quotes that were part of my world back in the day. It is here forever.  I love to visit. Just clicking on the compose icon gives me a sense of nostalgia. So what am I turning over in my head these days?

-I've been thinking about creating a small business while I work Dental Hygiene part time. I'm wanting to tap into my creative side so I'm thinking about taking online modern Calligraphy classes. I have always loved Calligraphy and Weddings. Eventually I would like to be a wedding Calligrapher and create wedding invites/envelopes/signs for clients.

-After having three babies in less than four years, I am ready to start having an active lifestyle.  I'm not committing to running any half marathons or marathons but i'd like to pick up running again.

-We bought a home this year and we will be working on our vegetable garden and other small projects around the house.

-Thinking about if we should send the kids to public school or private SDA School. I am honestly torn on which way to go. Fortunately we live in a really good school district. I grew up going to a private SDA academy all twelve years and had a great experience.

Anyways, this blog post was just an exercise to get me blogging again. Thanks for stopping by =)

Grocery Shopping in Saipan

Greg: I want to return this rice.
Cashier: Why?
Greg: Because it's bad!
Cashier: That's why its $2.99
****long pause****
Greg: Why?
Cashier:  It has bugs!
Greg: I DON'T WANT BUGS IN MY RICE! YOU SHOULD PUT A SIGN $2.99 WITH BUGS IN RICE IF YOU'RE GOING TO SELL IT!

LOL

Yummy Vegan Waffles

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast hands down!  What is yours?  I having been experimenting with some vegan recipes and found this yummy waffle recipe here.  Thanks Cake Duchess for the delicious recipe.

The first time that I made it I left it on the counter overnight and it had a strong yeast taste to it in the morning. The second time I made it I put it in the fridge overnight and I liked that the flavor wasn't so strong. I followed the recipe exactly except that I added some cinnamon last minute.

Voila!  We had it with fresh kiwis, powdered sugar, and coconut nectar. =)

"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast" - John Gunther

Small Business Ideas on Saipan

G and I were just talking about how we wish we would have seen Saipan at its peak in tourism and in the economy.  We are hoping and praying that Saipan's economy picks up for everyone's sake.  Let's face it, austerity Fridays suck.

Well it looks like there may be a some hope.   BOH is accepting grant applications for small businesses on Saipan.  I would apply but I don't have a proven track record or management experience in owning a small business. Still I keep wondering what type of business would thrive out here.  It's sad to see so many empty commercial buildings and shops along Beach and Middle road.

 I was thinking about what type of small business I would open if I got approved! I have two lists. One list is what I think Saipan really needs and the second list is my wish list for Saipan.

What I think Saipan needs:

1. A top notch birthing center like the one in Guam called Sagua Managa.  Come on! Wouldn't you rather give birth in a more comfortable environment rather than CHC or any other hospital? I would have if I had a low risk pregnancy.  At Sagua Managa you can Facetime or Skpe with family and friends on their free wireless network after you give birth.  
2. A farm that produces organic fruits and vegetables much like this one called  Pie Ranch.   I would also incorporate an educational program with the schools that would teach kids  the importance of sustainable farming and food system education.  Plus I would have a cool barn that you could have community functions at.
3. A Japanese Cultural Center and Tea house-Saipan has a lot of Japanese memorials and relics from the war so why wouldn't we have a Japanese cultural center here to?  Plus a Japanese Tea house could feature tea ceremonies.  G and I went to a traditional tea ceremony in San Francisco and it was awesome!   I think the tourists would enjoy it and so would the locals.

What I wish Saipan had:

1. Blue Bottle Coffee - Java Joes is my favorite coffee shop in Saipan but I am really missing my lattes from Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco.  Luckily they just opened a web store online.
2. Jamba Juice-Saipan has something called Pearl Shakes that are made of ice and a flavored powder.   They're okay once in awhile but I want something healthier and fresher. Plus who knows what type of preservatives or icky food dyes are in those powders anyway.
3. Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt or a Yogurtland -Saipan has the Scoops and the Big Dipper Ice Cream shops but again I think Saipan needs a healthier alternative.
4. A Mexican Restaurant. Man I miss Mexican food. Enough said.  

Anyway, that is all I could think of at this moment. Let me know what business you would open in Saipan if you were approved a grant from BOH.

I had a baby!

A picture of the first time Nolan and I met after 8 hours of labor. Not the most prettiest picture of us but definitely a special moment.

 I'll always remember the first time I saw his cute face.  After I delivered Nolan a nurse brought him by me for a quick moment to meet him.  He was tiny!  He was only 4 lbs and 10 oz.  and he came six weeks early because I had developed a condition called pre-eclampsia.   I had just a couple of seconds to kiss him and they took him away to the advanced nursery to stabilize him.  

Honestly everything happened so fast.  We are so thankful we were in Guam for the delivery.  I felt really well take care of by Dr. Kaaren Zvonik and the nurses at Labor and Delivery at Guam Memorial Hospital.  

Visiting Nolan in the advanced nursery

 It's hard to believe that I had baby Nolan eight weeks ago.  Today he's almost ten pounds and full of life.  I'm so blessed to have him in my life. <3

My Little Coconut

 It's hard to believe that I am half way through my pregnancy. I'm 19 weeks pregnant in this picture taken by my hubby Greg.  The most exciting thing is that I'm starting to feel a lot of movement in my tummy! We had an ultrasound done recently and found out that we will be having a baby boy in July!  

Yoga Mama

(photo credit yogapose.com)

I'm still getting used to the fact that I'm going to be a mom this coming July!  It still hasn't quite hit me yet except that I'm starting to show a little baby bump.   I just entered my 2nd trimester (14 weeks) and so far I'm feeling great.  My friend, Crystal, who is 30 weeks along invited me to her prenatal yoga class held at Brilliant Star School last night and I loved it!  I'm thinking I'll try anything to help the delivery go a little smoother since there are NO epiderals given during child birth in Saipan.  Yup, should be interesting! lol 

A Sort of Homecoming

G and I are back on island and were welcomed at the airport with some familiar faces!   It feels great to be back home!

The Marine Mammel Center

I've found a new way to meet people in the bay area who love marine life as much as I do! I've started a 5 week docent training at the Marine Mammel Center in the Marine Headlands.

The center is a non profit hospital, research, and education facility. The most common patients that we take care of are California Seal Lions, Elephant Seal pups, and Harbor Seal pups! We rescue, rehabilitate, and release these sick animals.

This facility is researching why many of our animals have stranded on our beaches. Some examples are diseases such as Demoic Acid (neurotoxin that causes seizures and eventually death), Leptosporosis (bacteria that affects the kidneys), Shark bites, gun shot wounds from fishermen. The list goes on and on.

I've got two more weeks of training to go and then I get to educate people about what this wonderful organization is all about! So far I'm loving it. More details about it later.

These are a few pictures of the facility. The first picture is of a sea lion statue that overlooks Rodeo Beach. The second picture is some of the pens that the animals are placed in. They have underground pools for them to swim in. The third picture is the classroom that we meet in. And the last picture are actual patients called Harbor Seal Pups! These are my favorite!! More about my new side job later=)

Moraga Mosaic Stairway

We've been discovering other ways of exploring the city other than car, bus, or bike. One of them is setting out to climb every Stairway in San Francisco. I heard there were 300 of them! There is actually a book on all the Stairway Walks in San Francisco by Adah Bakalinsky. A patient recommended it to me and said this is one of the best ways to explore SF and it's unique views.

One of my favorite views of the city and the sunset district is from the top of this Moraga Mosaic Staircase! This was a community project that was started in 2003 and finished in 2005. A couple of local artists led the design and then over 300 neighbors helped design each tile! It's an amazing art piece. It starts with an oceanic theme, to land, and then ends with the sky.

After you climb 163 stairs it leads you to another set of stairs. At the very top is an amazing view of the bay, downtown, and the sunset district.

Work Life

I work two days a week in this amazing office that is perched in the hills of Pacifica. Pacifica is a sleepy beach town just a 25 min drive from the city. Half of my room is filled with windows that swing open towards the ocean. I feel like I'm working outdoors with the ocean breeze coming through my windows! On a clear day you can see all the way out to the Farallon Islands. Also, when it's the right time of the year you can spot whales breaching from my window!



The other two days a week I work right in the heart of downtown (Union Square). I work on the 10th floor that boasts amazing views of the city. Of course the city office is a faster pace because everyone is always in a hurry but I meet the most interesting people here! I feel so lucky to have the best of both worlds.

Zucchini and Almonds

I've been trying to cook more because eating out is starting to get expensive in San Francisco! I found this recipe in the Runner's World Magazine and wanted to share it with you. If you have a favorite vegetarian recipe please share it with me! I'd love to try out your recipes! Enjoy.

Zucchini with Almonds

1 cup whole blanched almonds
1 tspn Olive Oil
1 tspn Sugar
1 tspn ground Cumin
Pinch of Salt
Juice of half a Lemon
1 Pound Zucchini
1 cup chopped tomatoes
2 tbspn extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbspn white balsamic vinegar
2 tspn lemon juice
1 tbspn almond oil
2 tspn minced shallots
1 packed cup of mixed herbs: parsley, dill, mint, chervil
2 cups croutons
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix first six ingredients.  Spread on a baking sheet; roast for eight minutes until light brown.  Set aside to cool. Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch semi circles.  Saute for two minutes in extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.  Remove to bowl and cool a little.  Add almonds and remaining  ingredients except herbs and croutons.  Season with salt and pepper.  Wait five minutes, then toss in herbs and croutons.  Serves four.

Green . . . with Envy

It's never a dull moment in San Francisco especially on the weekends. The San Francisco Orchid Society hosted their 57th Annual Orchid Exposition this past Sunday at Fort Mason in the Marina. We headed down with a couple of friends and started walking through a warehouse of beautiful orchids from vendors throughout the US.

I have new appreciation for orchids and didn't realize how many different species there were. I learned this weekend that Dendrobium Orchids are listed as one of twenty top ecofriendly house plants. I also learned that energy from the sun is stored as organic acids during the day, then used to fix carbon at night, releasing oxygen in the process. They do this so they don’t have to exchange gasses during the heat of the day and lose excess water. Through this natural process, these orchids use carbon dioxide, release oxygen at night rather than during the day as most plants do.

Anyway, just wanted to share a few of my favorites from the exposition. I ended up buying my first Orchid plant! They seem really easy to take care of. You have to just water them once a week. Fertilize them at least once a month. As long as you find a spot in your home that isn't in direct sunlight but gets good ventilation you should be fine. Let's hope I don't kill mine!






Some of these Orchids have such crazy beautiful patterns! They almost remind me of Nudibranchs! I miss diving!!


My friend, Julia, and me . . . AND our new Orchid plants! BTW, Julia and I are running the Santa Cruz Half in April. More on that later.

Sunrise

One of the sweetest spots to watch sunrise just across the Golden Gate bridge at Marin Headlands.

Elbow Space and the MUNI 30

One of the things I love about living in San Francisco city is that you can get just about anywhere by MUNI bus, Bart, bike, or on foot. I love not having a car or driving! I love that SF promotes an active lifestyle. Anyway, my day always starts with a bus ride to work into the city from the Marina.

Lately I have been experimenting with taking different bus routes to work. It's mainly because I dread going through Chinatown on Stockton Street. There are about 4 stops and at every stop MASSIVE amounts of people get on the bus. The whole bus is jammed packed! People are sitting and standing crushed up against each other. There's really no elbow space. What's annoying is that some people won't even move to let you off the bus for fear of losing their place where they are standing. I usually try and sit near the exit so I can squeeze by. Now, I'm not complaining because each day is an adventure in SF. It's just taking me awhile to get use to the crowds of people.

A couple of websites I have found extremely handy are the www.nextbus.com website and www.transit.511.org website. The next bus website on my phone tells me when the next bus is coming to my stop so I don't have to stand around and wait for it. Whoever created that website is in my mind, a genuis! I usually run out the door when I know the bus is coming within minutes. The transit.511 website can tell you how to get to anywhere in the city by route of bus, bart, or walking. So far I'm loving it here!

So I'm back from the blogging graveyard. Expect to hear more about my life in the Bay=P

My New Favorite Spot

In Saipan my favorite place to be was Bonzai Cliff. I'd watch sunrise or sunset a couple of times a week. Sometimes though I'd find myself going if I was feeling sad or upset about something. It was just a nice place to think and be by myself.

Bonzai always seemed to cheer me up. On many occasions I'd spot a turtle floating below the cliffs. One time I even saw a pod of dolphins making its way towards Bird Island. That place just took my breath away.

Since I moved back to California I have been searching for a similiar place that made me feel at peace. This is a beautiful place called Point Lobas in Monterey. Fall is starting to set in and the air is chilly. I love the cooler weather. As I sit and admire this view I see a bunch of harbor seals playing in the water below. I love this place and am starting to feel at home. Most of all I'm itchin' to start diving in Monterey's cold water. Stay tuned for my dive adventures in Monterey.

Half Way There

I survived my first half marathon! I ran straight until I hit mile 10. My right IT band was really killing me so I had to stop and walk it off a couple of times. Truthfully I was really pissed that I had to stop because I didn't feel tired at all. It was just my right knee that was giving me problems. I finished at 2 hours and 30 minutes at a 11 minute pace. Slower than I wanted but I'm just glad I finished the race.

There were roughly 15,000 runners at the San Jose Rock and Roll Half Marathon this past Sunday. The course took us around downtown San Jose and along beautiful neighborhoods in the city. We had perfect weather and rock bands at every mile to listen to. It was just a great experience overall.

Right now, running is the only thing keeping me sane while I'm still in transition. But I'll keep pushing forward. I'm half way there to a full marathon and I'm more hyped than ever.

Race Pains

Hmmm, what can I say?  Just when I think I'm wonder woman with invincible powers I am proven otherwise.  I am green with envy when running comes so natural to others.  I'm average and I have to work hard at it.  I knew training for a marathon would be challenging but I didn't think it would be this difficult.  I love the challenge though.

As the mileage starts to pile up I start to encounter annoying race pains like chaffing from my sports bra or tightness in my calves.  Worst I've started  to have some symptoms of runner's knee on my right side.  I went down to the the running center and picked up a band to help support my patella.  I ran with it today and felt pretty good with it on.  

This mornings 11 mile run with the Loma Linda Lopers kicked my butt.  I'm trying a new sports drink supplement called Accelerade.  It's supposedly better than drinking water or Gatorade on the long runs because it has a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio.  So far I think it's giving me that extra kick for endurance.  

Since I'll be in San Francisco for job interviews next week I've decided to run the San Jose Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  (sigh) Wish me luck. 

Up and Running

Running with the 10:30 pace group in Riverside. Jessica is in the purple top.

Home stretch.  All smiles after 9 miles.   My right knee has been sore lately.  I read on a running forum to try an ice bath.  It works magic! You aren't as sore the next day.

Chasing shadows.

Running Inspiration: 50/50 by Dean Karnazes

Need some running inspiration while you train for your first marathon!? Check out this book 50/50 by Dean Karnazes. . This book is about a guy who runs 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days! Now, I don’t have a desire to run 50 marathons in 50 days but some of the lessons he learned along the way have helped me tremendously with my training.

Along the way, he uses the various obstacles and inspirations he encounters to present a number of running tips. Some of the topics he discusses are: Marathon race day preparation, fueling, hydration, mind games, music, shoes, visualization, strength training, diet, and sleep.

Overall at the end of each chapter he gave me great reasons to lace up and run wild! I just really enjoyed his outlook on running and his positive spirit.


***marathon training update***

I think my middle of the week runs and cross training have been paying off. What also helped me was that I finally purchased a fuel belt. Plus I took a power gel at about 45 minutes into my run and the goo definitely gave me that extra push to finish. I ran 8 miles on Sunday at the 10:30 pace!! Woo hoo!