Just thought I'd toot my 'lil horn for half a second:
AFTER 5 YEARS, 35+ SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTIONS, 200+ HOURS OF STUDY, TWO SLEEPLESS NIGHTS CRAMMING, AND 4+ NERVOUS BATHROOM STOPS, I FINALLY PASSED ---
MY REAL ESTATE BROKER'S TEST!!!!!
IT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT TEST I'VE EVER, EVER TAKEN!!!!!!
[CUE BRASS BAND!!!]
I'm half tempted to throw a party for myself, considering I was 99.98% convinced I wouldn't pass while I was at the testing center. I was all kinds of frazzled considering I studied until nearly 2:00am, woke up at 4:00am to study some more, had to drive 25 minutes out of my way to Clearfield to get my freakin' Real Estate Calculator I'd forgotten to bring home, then got to the testing center ONLY to realize that I'd left my bloody driver's license in my jeans at home in Centerville, which was required to take the test! The test coordinator told me I had exactly 37 minutes to drive home to Centerville, get my license and be BACK on 12th street in OGDEN to qualify for my test---- driving 110 MPH on I-15 DURING rush-hour, I was exactly 7 minutes shy of being dis-qualified from taking the test upon my return!!!
Then, it took me 3 hours and 47 minutes to complete the test- exactly 13 minutes less than the maximum time allowed, and holy sh*t, I was sweating bullets. My freakin' BRAIN hurt from thinking too much and cleanching my jaw.
But, the stars aligned, and I PASSED!!!!!!! I triumphantly celebrated by (1.) Taking a nap (2.) Getting a 1 1/2 hour massage at the spa (3.) going out to dinner courtesy of my handsome hunk!
Who's yer Broker?! ya baby!!! ;-)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
MotoUtah BBQ
Chris and I hung out with the crazy folk who frequent http://www.MotoUtah.com/ (which is a chat site for local ATV riders, Motocross Riders, and Desert Racers) at the MU BBQ this weekend. Chris is obsessed with the site, and we've actually made some really awesome friends from people we've come to know on the web. Chris has quite the "following" of individuals who adore and abore him, including this guy, John, who actually made a shirt in honor of Chris - as "Slave" is his user name on MU.
I had to work late, and missed a lot of the action - including Chris being attacked by Will's crazy hoard of children, resulting in a broken pinkie finger! He's so cute with kids!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Book Report - Eat, Love, Pray
I only read this book because my (psychic) mother suggested it. I hated the title and thought it was lame, but I started it anyway - and lemme tell you - it's been a 'lil slice of Happy Pie every night I've read it for the last couple of weeks! I was awake until nearly 3:30am this morning finishing the dang thing! What a powerful, romantic, spiritual, realistic, soul-stretching experience this book has been!
I can relate to the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, in every single way - her depression, her tremulous romantic, mental, professional and physical challenges, and the constant anger, resentment, doubt, and fear she inwardly stews on! The constant feeling of unworthiness, incapability, repression, lack of traditional values and lifestyle, which she feels is chaotic emotional misdirection and quietly lets mount and build. I just "get it" because I am SO THERE.
I admire her ability to call it quits on the behaviors, lifestyle, relationships, and circumstances that she recognizes are leaving her unfulfilled. She says, "I was not rescued by a prince; I was the administrator of my own rescue." I wish I too had the ability to get paid to travel the world for a year, writing a book and soul-searching in Italy, India, and Indonesia! It was wonderful living vicariously through her travels, through the meditations and prayers, experiencing, second-hand, the great relief that comes from the release of giving yourself permission to believe in happiness again. And moreso, believing that you are divine creator of your own Happiness. And - to take it one step father - it's wonderful to have your heart opened to the belief that it's OK to "ask" the Greater Power for assistance FINDING a way to create happiness for yourself again. All three of these things have been so far removed from my thinking for the last year or so, it's like a river of opportunity running through my heart again.
Like many others, I've been groomed and raised in a conservative family and taught the religious dogma that has made many people happy - it just never "did it" for me. This book, however, had reinforced a very important principle that is best captured in this quote:
"Yogic scriptures say that God responds to the sacred prayers and efforts of human beings in any way whatsoever that mortals choose to worship-just so long as those prayers are sincere." The Upanishad says, "People follow different paths, straight or crooked, according to their temperament, depending on which they consider best or most appropriate-and all reach [God], just as rivers enter the ocean."
This book has gently re-surfaced a desire to be independently happy - to create my own happiness in whatever spiritual way I feel is best for me, and to find happiness in all the circumstances I find myself in. More than that- I find my interest in believing in God has been re-ignited and, yes, I've been regularly praying for the first time a long time. I've been going to the meditations and classes taught at that Zen Center in SLC a lot more too - and every time I leave there, coupled with the later reading of this book and my praying, I feel like I've taken a spiritual shower after a year of camping in the desert without a bath! I am falling in-love with Zen, like I've been waiting for it my whole life.
"Zen Buddhist believe that an oak tree is brought into creation by two forces at the same time. Obviously there is the acorn from which it all begins, the seed which holds all the promise and potential, which grows into the tree. Everybody can see that. But only a few can recognize that there is another force operating here as well-the future tree itself, which wants so badly to exist that it pulls the acorn into being, drawing the seedling forth with longing out of the void, guiding the evolution from nothingness to maturity. In this respect, say the Zens, it is the oak tree that creates the very acorn from which it was born." Maybe I am currently traveling down a spiritual path created by a Greater Me, being pulled into the Truth that will make me the bigger/healthier/happier Me I will soon be.... wow! Deep....
I have to admit - I feel lightly enveloped by a shimmery layer of optimism that I haven't felt in a long time; I feel (as cliche as this is) "at peace" with my slightly (shitty) circumstances, because I feel CAPABLE of genuinely loving life, loving the people in my life, and earnestly wanting to share life/love/the pursuit of happiness with other people - again! I feel like I want to find my life's purpose and go help starving children in Africa again. I feel like "life" isn't all about what I GET from it, but what I can GIVE and SHARE with other people! And yes, that includes a big fat dose of giving forgiveness to myself and to others as well.
Oh I could go on and on and on!
[end of tangent.]
Just read this book- you'll either love it or hate it. But I thought it was delicious!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sugarloafer's Cow Dung Race, Delta UT
Chris and I went out to the Sugarloafer's Cow Dung race in Delta over the weekend of the 13th.
To summarize, I took 2nd place, again! HOWEVER, I had a terrible start and was far, far behind the group off the line because my bike wouldn't start! I did, however, keep my pace very steady through all 4 loops and was able to regain my position.
Through the pits, Chris kept saying, "Trish is right in front of you!" and I didn't believe him UNTIL I PASSED HER! I totally caught up and diced out the entire last loop with her - I honestly thought I had it! I was, literally, praying out-loud "God, just let me win ONE freakin' race!" and was even screaming at Trish, "Common' Trish, just let me win ONCE!"
We were coming around the FINAL stretch of the race, she was right in back of me, and I tried to take a sharp turn too fast and washed out! She made the corner, and ended up winning the race. I'm tellin' you: If I crash, or fumble, or hesitate at ALL during a race, she beats me.
We only have 2 races left - one in Knolls, and one in Page, Arizona. I only have 2 more races to beat her - and, I'm currently ranked 4th in my class, because I missed one race and was disqualified from the other. DAMN IT. So I've gotta kick some butt and take names to even PLACE over-all. Keep your fingers crossed.
Chris didn't race this race, but had fun hanging out on Pit Row, watching the more experienced riders come through the "Endurocross" section of the loop - it was unlike anything we've seen before, and really fun to watch these guys get stuck on the obstacles! Check out the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=homHORBEpmw
To summarize, I took 2nd place, again! HOWEVER, I had a terrible start and was far, far behind the group off the line because my bike wouldn't start! I did, however, keep my pace very steady through all 4 loops and was able to regain my position.
Through the pits, Chris kept saying, "Trish is right in front of you!" and I didn't believe him UNTIL I PASSED HER! I totally caught up and diced out the entire last loop with her - I honestly thought I had it! I was, literally, praying out-loud "God, just let me win ONE freakin' race!" and was even screaming at Trish, "Common' Trish, just let me win ONCE!"
We were coming around the FINAL stretch of the race, she was right in back of me, and I tried to take a sharp turn too fast and washed out! She made the corner, and ended up winning the race. I'm tellin' you: If I crash, or fumble, or hesitate at ALL during a race, she beats me.
We only have 2 races left - one in Knolls, and one in Page, Arizona. I only have 2 more races to beat her - and, I'm currently ranked 4th in my class, because I missed one race and was disqualified from the other. DAMN IT. So I've gotta kick some butt and take names to even PLACE over-all. Keep your fingers crossed.
Chris didn't race this race, but had fun hanging out on Pit Row, watching the more experienced riders come through the "Endurocross" section of the loop - it was unlike anything we've seen before, and really fun to watch these guys get stuck on the obstacles! Check out the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=homHORBEpmw
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Adams Canyon - for Hollie & Erin
In celebration of the newest additions to both Erin's and Hollie's families, I thought it'd be cool to spend a day in the place that the 3 of us loved the most, growing up. You guys already have all the baby stuff, so for my present to you both, I thought I'd take my camera and put together a little photo journal of our greatest place! Thought it'd be fun for you guys to see the memories we had of being kids while you are in the middle of raising your own!
It took about 4 1/2 hours (what is it, like 3 miles high?), but I MADE IT to the freakin' top of that canyon, all by myself! It was great, you guys would have loved it - the weather was perfect (a little rain), and the water was low. It's changed a lot since we've been up it - it's much more "groomed" than before. But all the classics are still there: the grooling sandy switch backs in which you say "Holy crap, why am I doing this?!", then the glory of that canyon opening up to you. I laughed out-loud when I saw the "Swiss Family Robinson Tree" in which Erin and I made elaborate plans to one day build a home in the branches and live with the squirrels... LOL. Then there's the tree I was forced to climb 30 feet into the air, OVER the river, to see my carved initials... Then there are all the awesome pools that fill in run-off season, that I remember swimming in. The waterfalls - and the continual contest to see who'd get submerged in the FREEZING water first! Then past the camp ground where Stephanie and I tried to camp out one night, only to hike ALL the way down in the middle of the night because were were COVERED in spiders and Box Elder Bugs!!! I always think of Erin when I get to that scary wall we have to cross on all fours, and Erin: "Oh no! I dropped my water bottle in the river!" and David Powell climbing all the way down there to get it for you... TENDER! And then there's the long stretch in which Hollie tripped and slid down, belly first! - not so funny, but still, kinda funny! And the final 3rd waterfall - hanging out in the sun and playing in the pool of water.
What a great day. Miss you guys both a ton, and wish were all together again to enjoy this. I love you gals, and hope you're both doing well playing Mommy!
-Christie (boo boo)
It took about 4 1/2 hours (what is it, like 3 miles high?), but I MADE IT to the freakin' top of that canyon, all by myself! It was great, you guys would have loved it - the weather was perfect (a little rain), and the water was low. It's changed a lot since we've been up it - it's much more "groomed" than before. But all the classics are still there: the grooling sandy switch backs in which you say "Holy crap, why am I doing this?!", then the glory of that canyon opening up to you. I laughed out-loud when I saw the "Swiss Family Robinson Tree" in which Erin and I made elaborate plans to one day build a home in the branches and live with the squirrels... LOL. Then there's the tree I was forced to climb 30 feet into the air, OVER the river, to see my carved initials... Then there are all the awesome pools that fill in run-off season, that I remember swimming in. The waterfalls - and the continual contest to see who'd get submerged in the FREEZING water first! Then past the camp ground where Stephanie and I tried to camp out one night, only to hike ALL the way down in the middle of the night because were were COVERED in spiders and Box Elder Bugs!!! I always think of Erin when I get to that scary wall we have to cross on all fours, and Erin: "Oh no! I dropped my water bottle in the river!" and David Powell climbing all the way down there to get it for you... TENDER! And then there's the long stretch in which Hollie tripped and slid down, belly first! - not so funny, but still, kinda funny! And the final 3rd waterfall - hanging out in the sun and playing in the pool of water.
What a great day. Miss you guys both a ton, and wish were all together again to enjoy this. I love you gals, and hope you're both doing well playing Mommy!
-Christie (boo boo)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Eat, Pray, Love
I'm reading a book called "Eat, Pray, Love" which I'll elaborate on later, but I wanted to post this quote that really hit me today. For those of you who frequently check my lil' blog, I hope it leaves you something to think about.
"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake."
A whole new perspective about what it means to really love someone. This quote today hit me in the gut with a remembrance that a "real love" is the person who sees what you are capable of being, even when you are in lowest form, and is willing to risk it all fighting (sometimes even you) to make sure you become the healthy, happy, joyful, whole person you deserve to be.
It is from rubble that some of the greatest cities were rebuilt.
"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake."
A whole new perspective about what it means to really love someone. This quote today hit me in the gut with a remembrance that a "real love" is the person who sees what you are capable of being, even when you are in lowest form, and is willing to risk it all fighting (sometimes even you) to make sure you become the healthy, happy, joyful, whole person you deserve to be.
It is from rubble that some of the greatest cities were rebuilt.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Fly Fishing Ogden River
So Eric, my bro, and I woke up super early this morning and decided to try 
and fly fish the Ogden River. Having never officially tried to fly fish on my own, yet alone instruct a completely inexperienced person, it was interesting to say the least! I've gone a few times with Chris, but never without him.
I got hooked up with a really fabulous deal on some very nice gear, so after we grabbed coffee, we loaded up and hit the water, just below The Oaks restaurant. The weather was PERFECT and the water was really great. Apparently the dam was open, so the river was much deeper and faster than we were anticipating, but it was still really fun.
We ALMOST caught a little Brown, but it didn't get far out of the water before it ripped off the line, dang it. I did, however, successfully catch a tree and Eric!! LOL - (don't worry, he didn't get too hurt!) So, minus 1 furry little fly (which ripped out in the tree) and part of Eric's hand, we came out of the experience unscathed, a success by any measure!
I really do love fly fishing, I've decided. I just kinda suck at it still. But I have mastered the Surgeon's Knot, so I'm well on my way, watch out!
and fly fish the Ogden River. Having never officially tried to fly fish on my own, yet alone instruct a completely inexperienced person, it was interesting to say the least! I've gone a few times with Chris, but never without him.I got hooked up with a really fabulous deal on some very nice gear, so after we grabbed coffee, we loaded up and hit the water, just below The Oaks restaurant. The weather was PERFECT and the water was really great. Apparently the dam was open, so the river was much deeper and faster than we were anticipating, but it was still really fun.
We ALMOST caught a little Brown, but it didn't get far out of the water before it ripped off the line, dang it. I did, however, successfully catch a tree and Eric!! LOL - (don't worry, he didn't get too hurt!) So, minus 1 furry little fly (which ripped out in the tree) and part of Eric's hand, we came out of the experience unscathed, a success by any measure!
I really do love fly fishing, I've decided. I just kinda suck at it still. But I have mastered the Surgeon's Knot, so I'm well on my way, watch out!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
NIN: Lights in the Sky Concert
Chris and Local Hero (John), a friend from MotoUtah, went to the Nine Inch Nails concert tonight at the E Center! Chris was going for Cliff's, Chris' best friends', birthday- I think Cliff turned 36 this year. I haven't received the report yet since it's only 11:30pm, but I'm sure the concert was awesome. Shelly, Cliff's wife, rented a suite, and planned for a handful of people to be there, how cool is that? There are a bunch of cool You Tube videos of live NIN performances that are impressive, like this one:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFx2TmQfM-o
I had to work late at the model home tonight, which paid off because I think I'll get a sale out of it, we'll see. Hate to miss the party, and it's weird not being with Chris for these kind of events...
Hopefully he makes it back home in one piece and everyone had fun!!!
Happy Birthday Cliff!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
