I'm legit!

Finally,  after months of books, flashcards, practice quizzes and diligent studying I finally took my ACSM certification exam and ...  I PASSED!  I am now a certified Health Fitness Specialist through the American

College of Sports Medicine.  Bam!  I am pretty darn excited.  The test was brutal- 150 questions, 4 hours, no breaks.  Only 58% of those who take it actually pass (not a good statistic to look at RIGHT before you take the test).  So needless to say, I am incredibly relieved and very happy. 

This certification is basically like a personal training cert but a few steps above it.  this means I can work with high risk people like those who have had surgeries, are in cardiac rehab, or who have dieases such an cancer or diabetes.  I am not so much interested in personal training, more just overall health coaching or working with groups on health education.  So... with this new boost of confidence, and resume, I start my search for the perfect job.   I know the one I have now is NOT it.  I just need to find that job where I can use my brain and my degree and not feel like going to work is the worst part of my day. 

So keep your fingers crossed for me and hopefully I will figure it out soon!

Portland summer

Well my friends, it is finally the end of the depressing rainy season and the sun has finally come out for more than 12 seconds!  We have been enjoying the sun and Mark is now officially subject to my compulsive application of sunscreen.  So, while we were watching my friend's dog Elvis, we took our first summer hike at Angel's rest in the Gorge.

Elvis being calm, and Lucy being ADD

Mark trying to wrangle the kids

Fail family portrait

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Quality time

After Boise, I spent a few days with my parents in Bend.  We staying in the Hilton of campgrounds, complete with wifi, hot tub and prefect landscaping at each site.  We were roughing it...  We hiked, shopped and enjoyed each other's company.

  Lucy sleeping in awkward positions

On our mtn bike ride.  Not sure what you're pointing at dad...

Our campsite.  It's ugly, isn't it?

Tumalo Falls

Isn't she cute?!

IronMark

It finally happened!  Mark competed in the IronMan 70.3 in Boise a few weeks ago and he did so good!  His parents, my parents and his friend Justin went to Boise to cheer him on and it was so great!  Mark finished in 5 hours, 36 mins- 20 minutes faster than his goal.  I am so proud of him and now we just have the full Ironman in November in Phoenix!  Bring it on...

Right before the race with his parents

Almost done and still smiling!

Finished!  He doesn't even look tired

The first of many...

Since bringing home our little, furry love child, I've felt like a proud mother, taking pictures of everything!  She's so cute and so funny and boy, does she love the dog park.  Here are the first of what will surely be many pictures of Lucy..

I'm about to throw her ball... the ONLY time she has an attention span longer than 4 seconds.

She's actually tired!

There aren't many wonderful things in Vancouver, but this is definitely one of them.  This is the HUGE dog park the Lucy loves.

Laying down to suck back some water.

Just a little excited about the park.

She's not happy I woke her up from her afternoon nap

 

Her favorite car spot... thru the sunroof.

I made Lucy this awesome dog bed... and she loves to stuff her head into the pocket.  Weirdo.