It has been while, hasn’t it? I took a bit of a hiatus. We had a lot going on the past few months. Honestly, it has been a blur. Big changes in our life, but all for the best.

Ha! I had not gotten to blog about my birthday which was back in February on the 23rd. I can say I was super spoiled. My husband does not know how not to spoil me! From the day we were just friends, he would send me gift cards and small gifts here and there–even “just because”. Yeah, he is pretty special.

Our best friend from Arizona came out the last week of February for my birthday. And guess what? We have had the wimpiest snow season for Utah until our friend arrived. Probably two hours or so after arriving, we started getting snow that actually stuck. We hopped outside like happy little children and enjoyed it for a bit. Later that night, we went to our local Wal-Mart to buy some snacks and fun items for our adventures. When we returned home we planned out a route of possible sight-seeing areas; however, the forecast did not look too promising. Snow, snow, and more snow. As much as I wanted the snow, I wanted to take in some beautiful parts of Utah I had yet to see.

The next morning was somewhat gloomy but pretty cold. We decided on going to Antelope Island and the Bonneville Salt Flats. The salt flats have been always a place I wanted to sit and take in from I was a wee-one. We were extremely wary about the weather as the snow clouds started to hover around the city. By the time we reached about 9 miles or so miles from Antelope Island, snow started to float down increasingly so. Though extremely beautiful, I was convinced our trip would be cut short. As we approached the entrance to the park, the skies were about 90 percent clear and utterly still. Breath-taking I thought. We paid our entry-fee and received a pamphlet which I read through, learning a quick rundown and history of the island. About a minute into our drive, our friend took some photos. I no longer have a DSLR and it is painful because I love capturing quality photos to print, document, and remember those moments of feeling serenity and euphoria in nature. It was as if the potent salted air parted the clouds from over the island. Around the receded parts of the beaches lay still-glass waters, reflecting the beautiful skies, clouds, snowy hills and mountains. As we kept driving further into the island, we could see the Wasatch Front and snow storms from afar facing the east side. Looking over to the west side, clear beautiful skies with cool breezes but a sun that warmed us just right. We kept driving, as we spotted the grizzly powerful bison, grazing in the fields peacefully. We came to a dead end area with parking, but a secluded beach that was very much inviting. Little did my EB blistered feet know, the actual beach shore was further than it appeared. But my knight in shining armor, my beautiful husband, would not allow me not to experience the beauty of the Great Salt Lake. We had my wheelchair tucked away in our SUV which I insisted we used, not piggy-back (my hubby already has a bad back). My husband proceeded to drag my wheelchair through the grass and sand field first. We were reminded my husband is one of the coolest people on earth. My wheels sank deep and quick into the tender sands. My husband took short breaks, but I still felt helpless. He never complained nor made me feel helpless, he insisted to make me happy knowing it was a painful day for me. A walk that probably would only take five or so minutes, took about fifteen or more. We finally made it and it was ever so worth to him. There we were… best friends over looking one of the coolest lakes in the US. We were very blessed to have zero insects and low aroma. The sands held the tracks of wild bison that often run through. The thought sent chills through me, envisioning a power beast in a pack running alongside the beach. It must be an amazing sight. Not everyone is gravitated to nature, but I am. I feel I often take it for granted. In my personal belief, it is God’s way of saying I love you and taking my breath away with His art. We started a safe little camp-fire on the beach, just us and my puppy, Luna. The aroma of our roasting hotdogs and marshmallows alerted coyotes in the foothills to sing.

[Part II coming soon]

USeb is amazing, have I mentioned this recently? USeb had a delightful ski retreat the last week of December which was beyond amazing! USeb was started by one of my best friend’s, Jamie Hartley, Chairman of USeb (don’t let her fool you, she is extremely gifted with many talents under her wing! Hi Jamie ;)). The first summer camp was held at National Ability Center in Park City, Utah, where I met many of my friends for the first time back in 2009. If you take a look under my travels, there is an album labeled “EB Camp 2009”.

How has USeb changed my life with Epidermolysis Bullosa? Although I was raised to be confident, I still needed that reassurance I could do better than what people saw. I hardly ever met with others with EB, so I often felt alienated from the outside world. I did not feel confident that I would have succeeded by myself; however, I always had the mindset that I would someday. After getting married, I jumped right in experiencing daily responsibilities adults are faced with, but I have always wanted more because deep down I knew I could do more. I am such a free-spirit—always having the desire to travel, soak in, be inspired, but never dreamt I would see that day. My husband and I were gifted the opportunity by dear friends’ to travel to Utah, participating in the first USeb camp back in 2009. We were both overjoyed. It felt like a safe haven where I could be myself—not censor myself, empathize, laugh, cry, sing, hug, and not feel rejected, judged, contagious, or gross. We loved every moment of it. It made me realize how society is programmed into beautified perfection. But really, what does that mean? Having an absolutely perfect body without scars? It is more. I speak for anyone that has a challenge they were born with or recently developed; it does not disable you from pursuing your dreams or bettering the world. We only disable ourselves with the way we think. It is what is inside—the heart and soul.

After the wonderful experience at the USeb camp in 2009, I started going out by myself. I went even beyond that, traveling on an air plane by myself. To many, these are normal easy to-dos, but to me, it is like successfully constructing the most amazing artifact. EB does not define me; it is only part of my charm. I am human.

Beautiful day in Park City

During the recent ski retreat, I had that doubt come into my mind that I am going to be completely horrid at this! I tried being very active as a child by biking, horseback riding, and I even tried skating! It is has been many years since then so my core has not worked much, sadly. When I saw the morning group of friends that skied with their challenges, and the joy beaming upon their faces after their sessions, it immediately warmed my heart. Most of us chose to do the sit-ski in a bi-ski, which is an amazing creation! My instructor taught me amazing techniques to help with my balance and lengthening my spine. I’ve never been to a chiropractor, but it felt as if I was readjusted, in a good way. I could feel a huge difference health wise immediately after one session.

The first day of learning, I was uneasy and not as confident, but felt more at ease during the end of my session. I was stoked for my next session being the next day, but EB decided to me question about going again, at all. Skiing didn’t hurt me at all, but the overall norm of pain at the end of the day came down on me (a typical night for me usually). I changed my way of thinking the night before—rethinking this pain will not defeat me. Because, you know what EB? I just skied down a mountain today!

These are the very few reasons why I love United Survivors with EB. I urge you to spread the awareness of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), as well as the wonderful organization that has changed lives. Please check out their website at: http://www.ebsurvivors.org – Please tell your friends, family, strangers, etc. Donations are needed to continue to have these wonderful events of coming together and having fun!

We were blessed with the opportunity to travel to Arizona. The trip was awe inspiring, thought provoking, and refilled with happy memories. We left Monday late afternoon, staying with two dear friends that resides 2 hours from us. We hadn’t seen them since the Summer time, so it was definitely a great time to catch up. They took wonderful care of us and we were pleasantly surprised by a lovely gift on the mattress. It was beautiful and touching—true Christ-like love in our friendship. I love that. Thank you both so much!

Arizona/Nevada border.

Driving into Arizona made many memories flood in. I was so happy to be where I made our life together after being wed; the person I fell in love with, grew up there, and I had plan to make that our place to grow old together. I thought about our future house we wanted to purchase after we saved a good amount; having our garden to grow raw goods; having a few dogs, and maybe a horse or two (I’m a cowgirl at heart), and I suppose my husband could have had his dream “mancave” and a garage full of tools. At times, God wants you to be somewhere you’d never picture yourself, which is what happened in God’s plans for us. The trials we faced had to break us so we can slowly build ourselves back up, only to be stronger for the next trials. To me it is the moments we may become too comfortable, leaning away from God, and we need to be worn thin to strengthen our spiritual walk. It only brings you closer to Christ, to seek Him much more than ever before, to be blanketed in His endless love. It does not mean God doesn’t fulfill those dreams you may have, but it is only best when we allow Him to stir.

I am learning after so many experiences throughout our life, even after such painful moments. Recently we have had to face some more painful trails, but I am looking to God to teach me through handling it. I reacted in the way as a protective mother bird hovering over her nest. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I make goals to meet the every need of God’s and my husband’s, every day.

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

That verse remains very heavily upon my heart, that I may apply it to those moments I want to lash my tongue. God never changes, but He can change us… here is to the New Year!

With my sister in Yosemite, California

Happy Birthday to my amazing Sister! I have known her since she was the age of twelve, or may even be younger. I don’t know what I would do without God blessing me with a faithful best friend. I am so glad I was granted another year to see my beautiful sister grow into an amazing young woman. The young woman who never thinks much of her herself, but never fails to put a smile upon my face during hard moments. I truly wish I could be there today, baking your favorite cookies in warm fuzzy socks with a mean blizzard whirling the background. I love you, sister!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!