19 July 2008

Skillet Challenge

Last night, Friday, the 18th of July, two couples put their dancing skills to the test at the Golden Skillet in Sandy, Utah...and it was great! Both couples did wonderfully! Congrats to Ron and Clerece for winning the challenge :) From what I've heard, Scott and Melissa have re-challenged them. ::Eye of the Tiger begins to play:: Well, good luck to both on the re-match!

Here are the links to their fast dances:
Scott and Melissa:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9EQPh4Vrys&feature=related
Ron and Clerece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5HwbsSNd3U

11 July 2008

BYU 106th Ward Musical Extravaganza

Wednesday night my ward had a musical extravaganza aka musical talent show. It went very well! There were not as many people there as I had hoped but still a fairly decent turn-out. We had ten acts and everyone did so well!
I sang a solo from The Land Before Time. I had my roomie's boyfriend record it on my camera so I could show my parents. I decided that it would be useful to put it here so my friends and family could watch it too. Why not? Hope you like it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5kyITM9FJI

02 July 2008

Captain's Log 29 June 2008 Hawaii Trip: Day 7

We got up at some ridiculous hour. No lie! Getting up before the rooster was both an accomplishment and a victory. Our flight left right on schedule at 7:10am. We landed at 3:30pm. By eight that evening we had done some laundry, re-packed, attempted to rest, and left for Arizona. Nelson, Jane, Jacob (our cousin), and Scott (Nelson's friend from Fountain Valley) are in Thatcher for EFY this week. We got to the Chadwick's at 3am. I immediately went to the room I knew I would be in and was asleep in moments.

This Hawaii trip with my family was very fun. I enjoyed spending time with my siblings and my parents. I love my family and am sad that I am not able to spend a lot of time with them other than on vacations. This was a nice break from the stresses of school, work, Church responsibilities, and social engagements but I am thrilled to be back in Utah for the summer.

Captain's Log 28 June 2008 Hawaii Trip: Day 6

Today we went to Waimea Valley. There we embarked on a gorgeous 3/4 of a mile-each way-nature walk. The destination: a waterfall. Much to Katie's disappointment there was no waterfall and very little water in the pool below due to lack of rain. Very sad.

We stopped for lunch and then parted for the afternoon: Mum and Nelson to the PCC to watch the island shows we missed (particularly Samoa) and the rest of us went to Kualoa Ranch. Kualoa is the filming destination of Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, and (my fav) LOST :D I was thrilled to be there. It was SO COOL!! That evening we got all packed p and ready to leave the following morning.

Captain's Log 27 June 2008 Hawaii Trip: Day 5

Today may well be summed up in the title of a national holiday: Memorial Day. The fam and I left Laie early for Pearl Harbor. There, we would visit the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missiouri, and USS Bowfin. I have been to this hallowed site twice before so I knew what to expect. Or, more accurately, I thought I knew. We started with the USS Bowfin (a submarine), then the USS Missouri, and then, finally, the USS Arizona. To be honest, the USS Arizona isn't the most exciting memorial I've been to; the ship is the same, the building is no different, and the chapel, while humbling, is static as well.

My favorite part of this memorial has nothing to do with a sunken boat or a pretty white building in a harbor. While standing in the center of the memorial you are free to gaze in any direction through the gaps in the wall. I spent a good deal of time looking up through the ceiling where the flag of the United States of America fluttered in the harbor wind. Interestingly enough, the flag is posted at the center of the memorial: the lowest point. The building symbolizes the forward, onward progression of the Spirit of America. That low-point, over the sunken hull of that great battleship, serves as a reminder that no matter how hard times may be, if we unite, the United States can come back stronger than ever and move forward with faith and hope.

The rest of the day was spent in Waikiki. Mum, Jane and I went to the International Marketplace while Dad, Nelson and Katie set off for the beach.

Captain's Log 26 June 2008 Hawaii Trip: Day 4

Today Dad, Nelson, Jane, and I did baptisms in the Laie, Hawaii Temple; it was a very interesting experience. The font is upstairs, which makes no sense to me. I thought that all the fonts were under the ground. The architecture reminds me of the Mayan and other ancient South American cultures. I know they are not the same as the Polynesian cultures. I'm just saying that their architecture looks similar.

The Polynesian Cultural Center was awesome as usual. I have a friend that is going to BYU-Hawaii and working at the PCC for the summer. I was hoping to see her there but I couldn't find her. We met an older couple from Newhall, California and a man who served as a missionary in our home ward for three months twenty years ago. He remember some of the people who are still in our ward. His name is Brother Mahoni.

After eating dinner at one of the buffets, we walked around the villages even though they were all closed for the evening. We stopped to take random pics. There was a group of youth practicing for what looked like a dance or some filming or something. The area they were in was roped off with Police tape.

We ended the evening by watching the Horizons show. I love watching this show! Most of it was the same from when I had been there before but there were some slight changes. My favorite is still the Tahitian dancers. It blows my mind that some girls can shake their hips like that! It looks so difficult! Props to them haha

Captain's Log 25 June 2008 Hawaii Trip: Day 3

It is eight in the morning here in Hawaii but since I'm still on California time I feel as though it is eleven. Dad, Jane and Katie already walked over to the beach just down the road. As a wake-up call we enjoyed a very loud and persistant rooster for many, many hours. Mum and Dad had picked up some breakfast items last night at FoodLand (Hawaii's SuperMarket) like cereal, bagels, cream cheese, and yogurt. In the kitchen there are tiny little bugs that are all over everything! It's pretty gross. We have to keep all of our food in the refrigerator.

Today we went looking for a superb snorkeling location called Shark's Cove. Never fear: no sharks. Unfortunately we were unable to find the cove so instead we went to Waimea Bay (just like in the Beach Boys song!!). The bay was very gorgeous and super calm. Being in the water was just like being in a giant swimming pool plus sand, spinner dolphins, fish, and sea turtles. On the west end of the bay was a huge rock that many people, including my borther, were jumping from into the water. Nelson ran into his friend Andy from back home. Andy and his older brother, Louie, came to Hawaii to visit a friend of Louie who lives in Waikiki. Seeing as how Waikiki and Waimea are on opposite ends of the island we were very lucky to have run into each other.

After the beach we ended inland to the Dole Pineapple Plantation: Home to the World's Largest Maze! Dad, Jane, Katie, and I tackled that maze and found all eight "secret" stations. From doing the maze in flip-flops I developed new blisters on my toes making it impossible to simultaneously wear shoes and walk. Let's just say it made the rest of the day real interesting.

Mum and I did Pick-A-Pearl. Mum let Katie choose her oyster and there were twins inside! So mum had them set as earrings. My oyster only had one pearl in it but its pink! I love it :D I had it set as a necklace and I cannot wait to start wearing it. Dad bought Nelson a beautiful ukulele for his upcoming birthday. Nelson is very talented at the ukulele; he has written some of his own songs.
I stayed up until almost eleven o' clock Hawaii time watching "Jon and Kate Plus 8." I don't even like that show! There are too many kids, a high level of stress, and it makes me scared to have kids haha Not really but having eight kids under the age of six? No thanks!

Captain's Log 24 June 2008 Hawaii Trip: Day 2

As I mentioned before, our original flight yesterday was cancelled. Currently I am sitting in a luxorious cocoon with a down duvet and pillow. We have not taken off yet but wer've already ordered dinner and drinks for later in the flight. First class is amazing! The seats recline fully into a bed and I have never had so much leg room in my life. Maitenience is checking a seat two rows in front of me. I suppose that since we're in First Class, all seats must be working properly before we can head out.

I am thoroughly enjoying my lounge chair, warm blanket and soothing atmosphere. For dinner I am having the following (Quoted from the menu):

To Begin
  • Tropical Mixed Nuts
  • Fresh seasonal Greens accented with Asparagus and Daikon Radish Ribbons, offered with a choice of Greek Vinaigrette or Spicy Oriental Dressing.

Main Course
  • Beef Filet: Teriyaki-glazed Filet of Beef accompanied by Broccolini, and Basmatic Rice with Ginger-Cilantro Pesto.

Dessert
  • Vanilla Ice Cream with a choice of HOT FUDGE, Strawberry or Sweet Coffee Toppings, Whipped Cream and Chopped Walnuts

(Why do they capitalize all the ingredients?)

The rest of the flight went smoothly. We got our rental car from Avis and drove about forty-five minutes to Laie. We are staying in the upstairs condo of a home called Normz Place. We have a kitchen, living room, three bedrooms (two beds in each), and a bathroom. Nelson and I share a room. Its super cute and is within walking distance of the PCC, Laie Temple, BYU-Hawaii campus, and of course, the beach.