pathetic for puppies.

Occasionally my Grandpa will forward me these chain emails with the silly animal pictures or stories of heroic dogs such as the Retriever that saved hundreds of people from the Twin Towers (don't get too excited because that one was actually proven wrong on Snopes.com). Fiction or not, they do however bring cheer to my day and I love how my Grandpa takes time to send them to me, his animal-loving Granddaughter. I mean who doesn't enjoy looking at a teacup Pomeranian stuffed in an actual teacup every now and then? But believe me when I say that this specific video really hit home for me. Here I am on your typical Friday night and I'm actually tearing up. Guys, this is RARE. Now that you've been warned, I present to you the video of Daisy the Pup: Now, if you're still left wondering why the sudden waterworks over this video of a dog, you must understand that this video has become so much more than that for me. It hasn't just been a rough day, but a rough YEAR. Living multiple months(added up all together) in and out of the hospital with no direct answers will definitely get to you. Especially when sometimes the time spent out of the hospital even feels worse than being trapped in it because the progress it worse. Through all these complications of health I'm still living some how this puppy really got to me. I could feel her pain as I watched her story. However even so, I'm left with a renewed inspiration and a touched heart. One day, I will be that running pup. While I don't know what exactly is going to cure ailments and bring me back to my healthy adventurous-self I do know that it's going to happen. I've been put down a long road, but my hope is that my story can inspire others. All my pain and troubles will be worth it in the end. And how happy will be my story.

january 2005

june 2009

PS. Take a look at the cause of my HAPPY tears Christmas morning of 2004! Macy Moe, my little shadow, and best companion there ever was. Of course she's even sitting by my side as I write this. Love this little furball.

with all thine heart.

It's no question that I've been hit with quite the load of health trials this year. People often ask how I do it and honestly sometimes I wonder the same thing myself. I've never been one to ask why these things may happen to me, I just try to carry on and wait for the storm to pass. Optimism will always get you further than you think. I believe my mom likes to call it denial, but hey- take your pick. 

My ultimate favorite scripture has always been Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct they paths."

     You can thank freshman year of seminary for that one. It's perfect. Though I may not understand everything I go through and setbacks I face I can always count on my Savior. His plan for me is far more perfect than anything I could have planned on my own. If we put our trust in Him we cannot fail.

     Never underestimate the power of prayer. You build trust with Jesus Christ, along with your Father in Heaven, the same way you would your friends and family. Through constant communication and loyalty. If I want to build a close relationship with someone they need to know they can always rely on me. Here's where obedience to the standards comes into play. If I want to have that same relationship with Christ why wouldn't I obey his commandments? It just makes sense. PS. this reminds me of one of my favorite talks "The First Great Commandment" by Jeffrey R. Holland which includes this marvelous quote: "Love God and remain clean from the blood and sins of this generation... Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of your life." Love it.

it's time.

Tonight was Cassidy's graduation from Mission Viejo High School. The theme was "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons check the song out, good stuff! Man I love that school... sorta made me wish that I walked for graduation. I guess life happens right? Mission Viejo High School rocks! Congratulations Cassidy and here's to many new and exciting adventures ahead! Love ya!!!

daddy's girl.

My dad is the greatest. He's always been there as my biggest mentor and motivates me to become something remarkable. I'd say my father's basically the modern Mr. Disney but I highly doubt Walt had the same charisma and ability to shoot a free throw. My dad is very business-minded which is something I continue to admire as an aspiring entrepreneur myself. He very much fits the definition of work hard, play hard. I love that. His constant drive and ambition are a definitely a hard one to match but no matter how busy as he gets, he has no problem setting time aside to relax and have fun with the family. He's a great story teller, just his life story alone would make a great book! His creative spirit and love for adventure continue to make life interesting. As much as that may drive my mom crazy sometimes, it has always been one of my favorite things about him. He has a huge heart and is always giving to those around us that may be struggling for one reason or another but never takes any of the credit. There are so many traits that I love so much I can only hope that one day I can marry someone as amazing as my father. I love you dad :)

Alaska... it was cold, okay?

PS. It amazes me the way no matter how old I get I still make weird faces in pictures with my dad. Whoops.

my best friend.

We may be about 26 years apart but that doesn't stop my mom from being my ultimate best friend. She's always been there for me through the toughest of times and I've had many years to only grow closer during the times I've been limited from attending school. I can always count on her to be right there by my side during hospital stays or doctors appointments no matter how many miles away they may be. Who knows how many times she's slept in those uncomfortable cots! Plus she's basically the only person who can actually see through this thick shell of mine and tell when I'm really not feeling well-which has saved this stubborn soul quite a few times. We have the same taste in TV shows from Gilmore Girls or Criminal Minds and chocolate cake with white frosting is both our favorite birthday dessert. I can tell her anything and everything and she's always got my back no matter what. (not to mention the fact she has the best advice and I know I'm not the only one who looks up to that!) Our trust is unbreakable. She's such and upbeat, caring and fun person even my friends love having her around. I've never had to forge a note at school or break curfew because she's always got my back in those moments. One time she even drove me and my friends during a mutual activity to TP another members home. My mom is a pro when it comes to designing pools and floor plans or booking the funnest vacations. Countless memories have been created because of her that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Love you Mom :) PS. She makes the worlds greatest tacos and if you don't know that already you're seriously missing out!

please remove your shoes

Welcome to my blog "barefootage". First, let me explain the inspiration for the name. "barefootage" is actually two of my favorite things merged together... my love for being "barefoot" and "footage" or film. You could even dig a little deeper and wonder hmm is it "barefoot age" or "bare footage". That decision is really up to you because it can really go both ways...

barefoot age signifying I'm in my most free-spirited/carefree years of my life

bare footage meaning the fact this blog is simply the raw unedited snapshots/ stories of my life.

Take your pick.

I love anytime I'm able to be barefoot. At the beach, the river, the park, relaxing at home, pedicures, the spa, wakesurfing... if I'm barefoot I'm most likely doing one of my favorite things! I just love the relaxed feeling of removing your shoes after a long day. In fact, I can't even sleep with socks on cause they drive me crazy! The significance behind being barefoot goes hand-in-hand with my relaxed, carefree, easy-going personality. Sometimes a little too relaxed... I've been bitten by a black widow before for not wearing shoes when I should have! haha but that's a story for another time.

Video editing has always been one of my passions and favorite hobbies. The ability to create a lasting memory with footage from various events is something that I've always loved doing. I'm definitely no pro but transforming clips by putting them to music with various effects can occupy me for hours! This blog will incorporate some of that edited "footage" while giving you sneak peak of all the raw "footage" of my life including events, recipes, crafts, and all any other craziness I happen upon!