My Birthday

Happy Birthday me...I turned 27 yesterday, I woke up thinking 'I'm 27 and I still don't have children'. I shared the thought with my husband and he chuckled (I'm sure he's tired of my baby hungryness). In my mind I imagined that I'd have at least one child by now. I'm excited to experience parenthood, I know we have a puppy but it's not the same...wait I guess I can't really compare a puppy vs child because I don't have both to know the difference. I figure everthing will happen at the right timing. For now, I'll enjoy my husband all to myself.
I've had such a great birthday, my bestfriends went all out for me. On Saturday I ran 10 miles and then headed to Susiane's for a full body, deep tissue massage. Words can't explain how great that felt. We ate and caught up on life while we each recieved our 1 hr massage. Later we went out for pedicures, I never had one before and I was so excited. It was such a relaxing day, I'm going to miss hanging out with my girls.



I can't wait to show off my toes in sandals when my feet look this good:)




Thanks for the great Saturday and the birthday gifts girls! Also, thanks for the special post Susiane.

My husband of coarse was sweet as could be. He took the day off not knowing that I didn't. He made me breakfast in bed, brought me flowers to work and surprised me dinner at a yummy restraunt and gifts at home.




This picture on the box is misleading...it's just perfume everyone!

Graduation

My twin sisters Shenia and Shikura graduated from high school on May 22, 2009. We drove to Georgia to attend their graduation with my brother and his family. It was a fun short trip, we rotated between 4 drivers so it wasn't too bad, not mention the money we saved. We enjoyed spending time with family, we met up with all my dad's brothers and their families, a rare occastion for my dad's side of the family.





In Georgia, leis are unheard of. Everyone stared as we put the leis on my sisters. When my sisters explained to their friends that their siblings were half Tongan, they had never heard of Tonga. My sisters tried to explain, Polynesian culture and they responded, "isn't Polynesian a sauce?". I made these money leis for my sisters and they loved them.





Speaking of Graduation, a few weeks earlier Braxten finished his first year in pre-school. He requested a money lei after he saw the leis I made for Nia and Kura. Here he is with Siloni and I.



Two years ago on May 2007, I became the first college graduate of the Cazeau and Fevaleaki family. My parents didn't realize how much it would take to send me to college, my grandma Nativa secretly paid my housing while the government paid for tuition and books my first 3 years of college. When I returned home from my mission, I applied for financial aid but my application was denied. My parents made too much money it was great for them, sad for me. I took out several loans to cover my last two years of school. I don't regret it because the loans included a semester abroad. As of May 15th 2009 I have PAID MY LOANS IN FULL! I worked two jobs for the majority of this year in order to do so. I'm glad thats over with, my goal was to pay it off in one year but it was impossible with all the unexpected medical bills we had our first year of marriage. Now it's time to pay off our car...I'm still looking for a job in West Virgina, hopefully I find one soon.

My First Marathon-Part 2

After running 26.2, I was ravenous with hunger. The "Runners only" area was offered fruits, breads, juices, ice cream. I looked around, walked a bit but I much rather lay down and relax. The food didn't seem appetizing at all. My family found me and we took several pictures, boy was I sweaty and stinky. My uncle-in-law (is that the word) Jim who had completed the marathon earlier, suggested that I sign up for a free massage and to get some fluids in me. Throughout the race volunteers shouted "water or poweraid", I drank plenty of fluids and that was the last thing I wanted.
My bib number was finally called and I received a massage. I was so thankful they didn't seem to mind how stinky and sweaty I was. It was such a great massage, it was just what I needed.
Afterward, we headed to my brothers house in Syracuse. I took a long hot shower and tried to sleep but the pain started catching up to me. I didn't notice that my sports bra had been digging into my shoulders and how soar my knees were and the chaffing I received-ouch! My body was so exhausted, I know I needed to sleep but I had a hard time trying to sleep. My husband tried to give me something to eat but I still had no appetite. I ate a piece of bread and my throat seemed to react immediately. I thought I was having an allergic reaction because I felt like my throat as swollen. We concluded that my throat was raw from breathing so hard for 5.20 hours.
By the evening when we returned home, I could barley walk. My stomach hurt so bad but I still had a hard time eating because of my throat. I took Tylenol PM and hit the bed. I woke up so soar I could barley walk to the bathroom. I eventually improved but I'm going to take it easy. I read that recovery time for another rest is normally a month.
I have proudly hung my marathon medal in my car. I even considered wearing it to work I was so proud Lol. Many people have asked about my experience hence the really long post...and YES, I would gladly run another marathon!

My First Marathon

PRE-RACE
In January I signed up for my first marathon. I had been wanting to run a marathon for years but fear kept me from running one. This year I was a little more proactive, instead of including the goal on my list of 2009 new years resolutions, I registered and paid for the Ogden Marathon.
As the months and weeks crept by, I increasingly became anxious and doubtful of the decision I had made to run a marathon. I considered calling the Marathon director to ask if I could run the half marathon rather than the full marathon. Life had gotten in the way and I didn't feel as prepared, I wasn't able to train as much as I wanted to.
The Ogden Marathon was scheduled for May 16,2009. I called an old mission companion who resides in Ogden to arrange to stay with her and her family the night before, thanks Phipps family. Janelle and I caught up on our lives and we lost track of time. I didn't get to bed until 11:30pm but I didn't mind, I was so anxious and nervous that I new I would lose sleep. I tossed and turned until I eventually fell asleep at around 1 am.

RACE DAY
I was awaken by the ringing of my cell phone at 4:15am, it was my brother, he shouted "What mile are you on?". I quickly jumped out of bed to get ready. The bus loading began at 5:00am and I didn't want to forget anything. I didn't feel as nervous in the morning. I ate a quick small breakfast (a cliff bar) and Janelle dropped me off at the hus loading. Wall Avenue was swarming with bus and runners everywhere. As I stood in line, I could hear all the excitement in the conversations going on around me. It was cold and I was tired, I was not interested in striking conversations with random marathon runners.
The bus ride lasted 45 minutes, the drive seemed endless. During our drive I listened to a veteran marathoner 54 year-old woman seated in front me. She openly admitted to how nervous she was although she had completed 65 marathons. I was amazed that she had participated in runs all over the world, her favorite was in Rome. She reported that she loved the scenery but they race did not provide Porto potties.My nervousness quickly returned after she had mentioned how she felt despite all her experience.
We finally arrived to the starting line where music blasted, runners encircled the camp fires to keep warm and over 50 Porto potties were available for use. I thought I had prepared for the 35 degree cold weather but I was freezing. I promptly found a camp fire and tried to warm up. I stood awkwardly close to random strangers, I no longer had the option to avoid conversation. A group of young runners offered me pain pills, the went on about how hung over they were from the previous nights activities. Another runner questioned me about my marathon experience. When I informed him that it was my first marathon he gave me advice that his wife gave him. "Run the first 10 miles with your head, Run the 2ND 10 miles with your legs and run the last 6 miles with your heart." He went on to tell me how many runners fail to complete the marathon because they over estimate their abilities and run too fast. I thought that was great advice, it was a good thing I had already decided to run to finish rather than run for a specific time.
After 1.5 long hour in the cold the cannon was shot and we were finally on our way. It as amazing to see all 2,000 marathons running down the road. I had committed that mans, wife's advice to memory. I wore my hydration belt so that I could keep my pace, I didn't have to slow down during the water stops offered every 3 miles. The first 10 miles flew by and I felt great, but I ran past several runners who were obviously not feeling as great as I felt. One man held his had in his head tight, others limped, they were great examples of not running with your head. By mile 17 I received another call from my brother, he is a jokester,he finds humor in stereotypical jokes he screamed,"Run the Po Po's [police] are chasing you!" I found no humor in his comment and continued to run. As Corney as it may sound, I cheered "go legs go"in my head to keep myself going. At mile 19 Derek called to inform me that he was waiting for me at the mouth of Ogden Canyon and he cheered me on. By mile 20 I was determined to push harder to run the last 6 miles at a faster pace. I ran mile 21 fine but then I hit what is known as "the wall". I struggled to put one foot in front of another, I finally spotted my husband at the mouth of the Canyon.

Mouth of Ogden Canyon, picture taken by my husband Derek
I nearly cried I was happy to see him. He ran with me for about a mile before he returned to the Finnish line. The weather was increasingly getting hot and I was so tired my pace slowed down to a 13 minute crawl. At mile 24 my visiting teacher Tara (who had promised to run the last 3 miles with me met up with me) appeared out of no where. I was over joyed to see her, she took the weight of the water belt off me by wearing it for me. The last 2 miles seemed to go on forever. I poured water over my head at the last water stop because the heat was so intense. As I came closer to the end of the race, my husband joined me once again and I saw the Phipps family cheering me on it made me so happy to see them there to support me. Near the finish line I spotted my mother to my right with a sign cheering me on. I yelled "I told you I could do it!" She was so worried and paranoid about the race that she offered to pay me not to run. She didn't realized that her offer only fueled my determination to complete the race. My brother and his family were on the left hand side cheering me on. It was such an amazing feeling to have people I didn't even know cheer me on. I seriously felt like a superstar, especially when I was awarded a metal.
To view pictures of me running during the race, please click:

http://www.zazoosh.com/events/searchPhotos/201?bib=3539

POST-RACE thoughts and advice for future runners to be continued. . .

April 2009

Derek and I had a great month. We enjoyed Confrence, the Oakland mission reunion, Easter with family and visiting my mom in California. My mom begged us to visit one last time before we move away to West Virgina. Whenever we visit California, we binge on Seafood (thank goodness I married a seafood lover) and just relax. It was a short trip so we didn't get a chance to visit my mission or my buddies who live out in California.
Mom cooked us a big breakfast every morning, we always gain a few pounds while we're there. Here we are in the kitchen after a nice big meal.


This is my favorite picture, my mom bought me color stay lipstick and it is true to it's "stay" claim. We ate lunch, dinner, snacks and it stayed, we woke up the next morning and it was still on as if we had just put on a fresh application.

Thanks for treating us to a well needed vacation mom, we love you! Happy Mother's Day.

This month we have a lot to look forward to, i'll be running my first marathon next saturday and we plan to visit Georgia for my sister Nia and Kura's graduation. We'll be driving with our nephews so it should be quite entertaining.



Wish me luck!I really just want to finish the race, i'm not going to be too focused on time.

March 2009 Update

March 1, 2009: Kura & Nia celebrated their 18th birthday! We’re so excited to attend their graduation in May. Nia would eventually like to become a chef she was recently accepted to Le Cordon Blue and Kura plans to join the Military. I love eating everything Nia cooks and Kura, I can’t wait to have a buff sister to back me up when I’m in trouble☺

March 15, 2009: We celebrated my Bff’s birthday…I won’t say her age, she claims to feel very old. I met Alithie in April 2006 shortly after I returned home from Costa Rica; my other Bff Susiane introduced her to me to her. We spent nearly every weekend together and became the closest of friends.
We decided to surprise Alithie by cooking dinner for her and her husband at their home in Logan. She was definitely surprised; I wish I got a shot of her face when she walked into her smoke filled apartment (I was busy trying to get the food ready). It was a nice get away; we had lots of fun together with our hubbys.

March 16, 2009: Derek and I started salsa lessons! I love, love, love salsa. I started dancing in college and my friends and I frequented salsa dance clubs. I learned to refrain myself from dancing at on my mission, Spanish people love fiestas. Once I returned home and was accepted to study abroad, I couldn’t wait to let lose in Central America (too bad I towered over the majority of males there).
Dance classes are great…a bit tortuous for my husband (although he doesn’t admit it), I listen to the rhythm, Derek counts the rhythm and sometimes it makes for a lack of coordination and a whole lot of awkwardness. We don’t look as smooth as the dancers liked on “Dancing with the Stars” but we’re getting better at ever class and we’re having fun!

March 26, 2008: Community Development Corporation of Utah sent me and the other Housing Counselors to Cucina’s for lunch and the Avenue SPA for a facial and a full body message (why? because we work our tails off to keep people out of foreclosure and it is high stress work). I had never received a facial or a full body massage; it was so relaxing I nearly fell asleep. I definitely plan to get a massage after I run the marathon.

March 28, 2009: Braxten and I ran our first race of the season. Braxten was the only 4 year-old who participated, he ran the one mile race in 9 minutes and he placed 5th in the age range of 5-8. I ran the 5k, I’ve slowed down a lot since last year but I still managed to place 2nd in my age group 21-29 (FYI: I’m not fast, there was only about 10 people in my age group) .



Later we celebrated Alicia’s 19th birthday, she visited from Lewis & Clark University in Washington. I didn’t take a picture of Alicia but I captured several of little Alec, he loves to ride in our new car and wrestle with his uncle Derek. He’s such a fun little boy.
We also visited the Stewarts for Losepina’s 8th Birthday. She had a swim party, I didn’t take a picture because I was busy enjoying little L.J and Andrew, I enjoy holding babies who are too young to squirm out of my arms.

March 29, 2009: Mom celebrates her 46th birthday! Happy birthday mom! Mom has become a huge fan of the The Biggest Looser, she of course roots for the Tongan cousins (and no we are not claiming the fame, we’re not related to them…well, at least not that we know of!) Mom has lost 20 lbs and hopes to continue losing. I plan to look as great as her when I’m 46.

March 30, 2009: I realize after 4 months of working 12 hours a day, I can’t do it anymore. My quality of life has been miserable. Once upon a time, I used to be organized and punctual now I’m lucky if I respond to phone messages, text messages…my alarm clock. My main job has become increasingly busy and by the time I’m done with my second job I’m ready for bed. I’m still juggling back and forth as to whether or not I should quit but I need to be more present in my personal life. Derek and I have so much to do before we move to West Virginia. I also need to get whipped into shape for my Marathon on May 16, 2009.

Our New USED Car...

We have been looking for a vehicle forever. Surprisingly things have been OK with just one car. I work close to home and most of the summer I rode my bike to work and during cool weather I'd have Derek drop me off and I'd run home.
We finally settled on this car because it's #1 Reliable (Derek spent weeks reading reviews about reliability. #2 spacious and we can fit up to three car seats in the back seat (Derek excitedly pointed that one out:)#3 It's cute!

We've already had several problems with it. We took it back to the dealer today. To be continued... (they may have some severely bad reviews coming there way!