Steph & Isaac's Wedding 4/09

Stephie, my "B," got married to an amazing guy named Isaac...and I was honored to be a part of their blessed wedding!!!
























I think it truly was a Godsend that I was asked to stand up...standing at the alter, supporting their union was an honor and reminded me what true love is all about!









The ceremony was so vibrant with love, for each other and for God.









I don't think either of them ever stopped smiling the whole day and into the night :)











Stephie even sang with the worship team during the ceremony!







The photographer was amazing and came up with some really creative shots to capture the essence of a Wisconsin wedding!


















He made some of the boring wedding party shots much more fun...





























I even got to sit in and help out making sure the lighting was right for some of the more serious bride and groom shots...












The reception was a blast and there were some crazy candid shots of everyone breaking it down!












I got some hops (above) and this guy, Knowlton, (right) had some ball room moves...although I think I would have ruined our scores from the So You Think You Can Dance judges as my foot was flexed and not pointed!


My partner for the Grand March was different than the one I walked down the aisle with as he had to leave early to get back up north at a reasonable hour...


















The photographer told us ladies to give him some sass...I think we succeeded (right)




But I think my favorite shot of Stephie and I...made into a poster thanks to John...is the one below...




I don't know what he is talking about in the caption...I don't need dance lessons!!!

San Diego & St. Patty's 2009

3/17/09

So, Amazing Race wasn't the only fun in San Diego...it was also St. Patty's Day!





After a bit of a fiasco we all met up
(me, Robe, Robbie, Jen, Anna, & Brady)








Robe and Brady donned their kilts and we met up with Russ who played the bagpipes!























Jen wore a silly St. Patty's Day mug that her friend, the other Robbie, brought!












We went to a pub where most drank Guinness, but I stuck to water...and shared!








And the next day Robe took me on a tour of North County where we stopped to confirm his accomodation reservation for the Half Ironman he was doing in a couple of weeks, had breakfast at this cute little restaurant, and checked out the waves at Swami's

Amazing Race 2009

2/09

So, what do you do when you get a call that says, "They are having Amazing Race Auditions here in San Diego...get your butt out here?!?"

Well, you go of course...

And go I did, but it was a mini Amazing Race just to get there! First I was flying stand-by thanks to a buddy pass I got from my friend Jared, but I was the 1st person NOT to get a seat on the plane.

I thought the dream was over, but Robe wouldn't believe it so he began looking up all the airlines that flew out of O'Hare that had flights to San Diego...he found one, the last one to the west coast out of the airport for the rest of the night...on Delta - 2 terminals over!

I got on the tram, got in line, and with about 30 minutes to go bought a one-way ticket...I raced through security - that is until they found the water bottle I had filled up after I went through security the 1st time!!! Then they had to search my bag, test ALL the electronics I had (which was quite a few), etc.

I sprinted through the airport, down and up 2 huge escalators and through a weird tunnel with multi-colored neon lights. When I finally arrived at the gate they were boarding the last of the passengers. I still had to get a seat assignment and handed my boarding card to the lady at the desk, who, irritated gave me my real ticket.

Once on the plane I discovered not only did I actually make the direct flight, but it was FIRST CLASS - In all my travels I had never flown first class before :) How fun!

I got to San Diego about 9:30pm, Robe picked me up, we grabbed burritos, I showered and then we got in line in the parking lot about 12:30am to secure our spot!




It was mighty cold in the parking lot (as can be seen by mummy Robe)!













And our competition was interesting...and the one on the left quite loud and smoked the whole time!







But when morning came we were ready! BIG smiles and a positive attitude...



















For the audition, they just stick you in front of a camera for 2 minutes and say "Talk" We had to sell ourselves as being an AMAZING duo for the Amazing Race...and I don't think it could have gone any better!!! Now, its just a waiting game to see if the phone will ring...

Miami Boat Show 2009

2/09

Back to the Miami Boat show working for Carver and Marquis Yachts!











This year when I wasn't working I spent most of my time getting up early and running on the beach and the boardwalk. For me it was a great way to deal with stress and prep for the San Diego Marathon...

One morning the ladies met me on the beach after my run for some early morning shell hunting...




we tried to get one of those cool pics where everyone is jumping at the same time, but we failed:(












I got one solo, but why does my calf look as big as my thigh - WEIRD!

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing 2008

11/08 - 12/08





I was so excited to get the email asking if I wanted to come back to Hawaii and work again at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing...this time as the Assistant Media Director!






First, let me show you the house I stayed in...

















The outdoor Rock Shower...ahhh...













The view from my bedroom...there were even horses that would be out sometimes. The house wasn't right on the beach, but I could hear the waves crashing at night!







The contest this year was Epic and Kelly Slate won Pipe!




















Uhm...I gave Kelly that water he's drinking (right)...all in a day's work!!!










And Kelly was presented with a custom board from Gerry Lopez (legendary surfer and one of the nicest, most humble and sincere guys you will ever have the pleasure of meeting!)









Parko won the whole Van's Triple Crown of Surfing (that's my booty in the tan pants speaking to the New York Times reporter)












And behind all of those cameras is me holding Slater's surfboard so it doesn't get trampled in the media mayhem!
















During the contest, my partner in crime, Solange and I kept the media up to date on the stats at all 3 events...we held down the media trailer, weeded out the impostors, rid the area of sand, and kept up the Aloha spirit!






In addition to working there were off days and nights to enjoy beach time and beautiful scenery


















Festivities to be attended...like Lane Beachley's retirement party































Or Donovan Frankenreiter playing at the Annual Lifeguard Fundraiser held this year at Haleiwa Eats (instead of the traditional Waimea Falls)


















Or nights with friends at Turtle Bay or out in Haleiwa Town






















Or hangin' my favorite little man...
Favorite Quotes
-It's Snowing in Haleiwa Town (while throwing ice from the cooler up into the air!)

-Careful o u going to have to go to the hustable (hospital) (yelled out the window to the girls standing up in the back of the truck driving in front of us)

-Daddy, go crazy, go crazy Daddy (to Liam when listening to music in the truck)






Or the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing Wrap/Christmas Party






Here with Executive Director Randy Rarick and Nicole










Check out our Security Guys - I wouldn't want to mess with them...even though my muscles are almost as big!







And here with Silly...Check out check out his beard...














allegedly he had it half shaved for the entire 6 weeks and no one ever noticed! I am not sure if he was pullin' my leg or not...

All in all, another GREAT year at the Triple Crown and wonderful memories made in Hawaii!!!