Catching Up

So it's been QUITE a while since I've blogged. I even almost forgot how to log in and write a new blog. Let's see what I've been up to in the past few months.
First of all, Happy new year! I just had my best new year's party yet. I went with some new friends and we became instant great friends. We all dressed up snazzy and went to a dance (I even FINALLY found the perfect opportunity to wear my vintage diamond tie necklace). The dance wasn't the coolest, but we had the most fun EVER! Haha, it was fun.



We had so much fun partying for New Years, that we decided to take the party to Vegas.




We only went to Vegas AFTER we decided to find a house, renovate it, and move in. Wow, what an undertaking. The house is really cool now, still a little drafty...I'm only regretting that I didn't take any 'before' pictures of the house before we started working on it. We repainted, scrubbed down the floors, walls, and doors, put in new carpet, tore out the bathtub, tore out the floor, put in new subfloor, tiled the bathroom, tiled the kitchen (after we moved in), installed a new toilet, and all the other misc things that come along with cleaning up a run down house. (Sorry John, but it is, I'm sure you'll agree). This was probably the most stressful thing I have been through. I will put up pictures of the cute house once I find my camera battery. One of the many things lost during the move.

I just can't seem to ever let myself just settle and be satisfied with where I am at in life. I always have to stress myself out by doing crazy things. So as soon as the house settled down, I decided with my friend Jenn Barlow, that we would study for the LEED test and become LEED AP's (Accredited Professional). This is just not any test, this is the hardest test I have ever taken in my LIFE! This is the other reason I haven't been on the internet. I studied over 100 hours and have never been more nervous. The test is changing versions soon and I have heard it is supposed to be about 3 times harder than the existing one. I was psyching myself out because I knew that I only have two shots to pass this test. Well, I totally passed it. I even got 91% on the test when 80% is passing, so it was awesome to know that all of the studying I did paid off! I love it! I'm now freaking LEED AP!!!!!! I still smile every time I think about it! I almost threw up right before I found out my score (it posts your score on the computer right after you click "Finish"). But once I saw that I passed, I just started crying and couldn't stop! I walked out of the room totally stoked and couldn't stop jumping up and down. I still can't believe I passed. So basically this test means that I can now work on LEED projects knowing the processes and I can help in the construction process. (It also means that I can help the project earn a point in ID (Innovation in Design) credit 2). Projects that go for LEED certification are using 'green building' techniques to create an energy efficient building with a healthy atmosphere for the occupants. I think it is definitely the way of future building. It's been a passion of mine ever since I was in junior high pulling aluminum cans out of the trash to recycle. Click here to see a really cool project that earned the highest (platinum) LEED certification. I'm just a nerd about this so I could ramble forever. I'll stop.

My triathlon training was put on hold while I was studying, so now I have a month to get in shape for the St George tri. I am really stoked about it, but extremely nervous about whether I will be ready or not. I'll have to see how my week goes now that I have some free time.