Merry Christmas

Or in tagalog (filipino), it would be, "Maligayang Pasko!"  I had a lot of fun spending time with my family and friends this year.  Christmas is ultimately the best time of the year.  I am very lucky with a healthy relationship with my great hubby, family that lives in town, good friends, a roof under my head, continuing college education, and a job that pays pretty well.  God has blessed me with many great things and I cannot describe how grateful I am.

Nor, my brother, got a snuggie and was proud.

This year was a little different, being that Grandma wasn't here for Christmas.  She moved to the Philippines back in September for good.  My family and I gathered and ate yummy filipino food, played catch phrase, and just enjoyed each other.  Being that Grandma wasn't here, which we usually spend Christmas eve at her place, we decided to have everyone come over to our little place.  It was a little crowded, but it was still fun.  Traditionally in our family, we all eat and stay up on Christmas Eve until midnight to open presents.  This year I talked the family into opening the presents at 9pm, so we can all sleep early.  Hopefully we can just keep this tradition up for the rest of the Christmases.  We also did a different thing where the adults did a Chinese Gift Exchange.  I was the only one that stole a gift, and I stole glass tupperware from my Aunt.  Everyone else seemed satisfied with their gift from the exchange.  It was great.  Then we watched all of the kids open up their gifts and they were happy to receive games, clothes, and toys.  Every year the kids get spoiled, mostly because they get so many gifts from the so many family members.  Watching the kids open presents reminded me of when I was a child, with how many gifts I used to get.  Now that I am an adult the only person that spoils me is my husband, which is awesome!  I better be good forever so I can get good gifts, wink wink.

Mom during the Chinese Gift Exchange

My brothers, hubby & I

The Fam that came over

Joy

Everyone probably left at around 10pm.  Cory and I were spent, so we went right to bed.  Hopefully next Christmas, Cory and I will have a nice house to hold my family in.  They don't have a big place either, so at least one of us should.  Although, first I must pray that Cory gets the job on base he has been trying to get.  Anyways, the next day, on Christmas morning, we woke up by his phone going off.  His mom texted us "Merry Christmas" and it was about 7:30AM.  We have been sleeping in all break, so that was a wee bit early for us.  It didn't matter, we were excited to open up our presents that we got for each other.  So, we got up and we ate some Captain Crunch cereal together, then we dove into present opening.  Gotta feed the machine first, ya know.

Hmmm, what can this be?

I am just going to get down to it and share what I got, and what Cory got this year.

Gly:
- snowboard, bindings, and boots
- two pairs of colorful liner gloves
- colorful scarf
- a new hairbrush
- a nice watch
- a Coach swing pack
- a purple silk robe
- the book, The Power by Rhonda Byrnes
- a star necklace
- Victoria Secret perfume: Pure Seduction

Cory:
- An Affliction zip up reversible hoodie
- North Face hoodie
- Head Scratcher
- New wallet
- UnderArmour beanie
- A robot coin collector that counts your coins
- A blue squishy bean bag pillow
- snow board socks
- $100 worth of supplements from our credit card

The Gift Card I made for Cory

The rest of the day we just vegged out.  We later went to Walgreens to pick up some stuff.  I made some baked beans with pineapple to bring to a Christmas Dinner.  Our friends, the Taylors (Ruthie and Justin) invited us to join them for dinner.  The Leopolds (Justine and Rob), their baby boy, Meredith and Bundy also joined us.  There was so much food that Ruthie cooked.  We had some delicious chicken pesto pasta, salad, halibut, brushetta, baked beans, and nacho dip.  Yummy!  The girls ate the table to catch up in life.  I haven't seen them for awhile, so it was really nice to see them.  Life has been way busy as you know.  The boys ate in front of the TV watching an NBA game.  After dinner we tried out their PS3 move playing tennis and volleyball.  It was pretty neat and entertaining.  Then we all did a Chinese Gift Exchange.  Cory and I ended up with a bag of beef jerky and a gift card to Wendys.  We were all getting pretty excited, so we decided to play catch phrase.  Ladies vs Men.  We played for 4 rounds, which took up almost 2 hours.  We took breaks between rounds, of course.  The men were getting pretty competitive and just wanted to keep playing until they at least won one round.  So the final scores were ladies 3 and men 1.  Everyone started leaving at around 11pm.  Not only did get get to come home with gifts, but we got take halibut and chicken pesto pasta leftover with us.  Thanks Ruthie!  We were very glad we went because we had a successful fun night.

Top:  Me, Cory, Leopold, Bundy, Meredith, Taylor
Bottom:  Justine, Ruthie and Jude

That about sums up our Christmas this year.  Yay for family and friends.

Love,

Gly

Tricky, tricky

On the chairlift and pumped!

Last night, I let Cory open up one of his presents.  Only because today we went snowboarding and I wanted him to use what I got him.  He opened up the present I gave him, which were smartwool snowboarding socks.  He has never had a pair and when he opened it, he was excited and glad I got him sweet snowboarding socks.  I loved seeing his smile.

So, today Cory and I went snowboarding for the first time together.  After being together for this long and living in Alaska, we haven't gone once together.  Well for one I never had a board because I used to use one of my girlfriends' extra boards AND two he sold his snowboard when he moved here in 2006.  It was his first time going since he was in high school, which was about 8 years ago.  It was like riding a bicycle for him, because he did great.  He even did some air tricks, which was impressive.  As for me, I haven't snowboarded for 3 years and last time I checked, I was alright.  This time, I was definitely rusty.  I had to get my right turns down again.

Well, we went to Hill Top because, it's cheap, close to home, and we needed to see where our snowboarding skills were.  Hill Top only has one lift and probably three different routes to go down.  One day we will go to Alyeska together, which is 10 times bigger than Hill Top.  Alyeska is our biggest ski resort and it is located in Girdwood, AK.  I believe it has 7 chair lifts and a bajillion trails.  I still have an overnight stay voucher to use one of these days!  Also, the first monday of the month is a free lift ticket for military.  

All in all it was a lot of fun.  I wish we got to stay longer because I was getting pumped.  I was getting better as the runs went on.  I can't wait to go again.  The single digit cold weather didn't stop us.  The cold can't keep you inside living in the AK.  We geared up and layered up for the ride.

When we got home, we had crockpot beef stew awaiting for us.  It was delicious with a little spice kick.  There were carrots, onions, potatoes, celery and beef.  Can't tell you the secret spice mix.  Here is our picture recap!

Together, at the top of Hill Top

aaaallll byyy myyysseelllfff

Cory, posing.

Us at the base

Our beef stew!

Gear up

Well the last time I wrote in here, I was just about to start my Christmas Break.  That inservice day at work was really fun because some of the staff and I played volleyball and ping pong.  It was great and I hope we get to do that again.  I definitely got sore after playing for 2 hours straight.  That Friday night, Cory and I went to the movies with our friends Chelsea and Kevin.  We checked out our new movie theater, called the Tikahtnu theater.  There is an IMAX screen in it and is the first and only IMAX theater here in Anchroage.  We didn't go for the IMAX, too pricey.  We watched The Figther starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale.  I thought it was a great movie.  Good plot and action.  It is about boxer, Mickey Ward, and how he got famous in boxing with his older brother training him.  Anyways, go watch it, it is worth the money at the theaters.

On Saturday, Cory and I bought myself some snowpants and snowboots to prepare ourselves for a hike in the cold.  We went out to McHugh Creek and Beluga Point, south of Anchorage, and took pictures.  It was fun.  We stuffed hand warmers in our gloves, which made the cold tolerable.  Here are some pictures of our outdoor adventures.

Turnagin Arm sunset

Giant Icicle

A break from our hike

Camo eskimo

Sunday, we did some house chores and grocery shopping.  I also got a new haircut did something different this time.  I had the hair stylist cut off about 3 inches, frame it, layer the bottom, thin it out, and give me side bangs.  I love it!  I was kind of worried as to what it would turn out to, but I really like it.  Most importantly, Cory really likes it. Yay.  When evening came around, we headed out to Eagle River to Chelsea and Kevin's house.  We took Christmas photos and had dinner together.  We had steak, asparagus, and potatoes.  Next time, dinner is on us.  It was a delicious and filling dinner.  After being at their house, we zipped to Wal Mart to print out Christmas photos to send to friends and family.  Here is are some of the photos we took together.

Happy Couples

The ladies

Kevin, Chelsea, and Drake the dog

Our Official Christmas photo with my new hair cut

Christmas is just around the corner and I can't wait to see my family all together.  This year we are doing a Chinese gift exchange with the adults in the family.  Will be interesting.  I am excited to see the kids and Cory open their presents.  I hope Cory likes what I got him this year.  Anyways, I got my snowboard ready, bought some sweet snow board boots, and now I need to pick up my bindings from REI today.  Hopefully, tomorrow we can go snow boarding.  Should be great!

2 weeks off ahead of me

Today at work is an inservice day and I have decided to use my time right now to write in this wonderful blog!  After this day, I will finally start my two week off from work.  Yay for Winter Break in the school distrcit!  I can't believe how fast time flew.  2011 is just around the corner.  Well since the last time I wrote in here, I dyed my hair back to black.  It had high lights on the bottom layer.  I mean it isn't a huge change, but now I definitely need to get my hair cut this break.  I think it has gotten pretty long and now I don't know what to do with it.  If I only knew how to french braid, which I should learn this break.  I have already tried,  but I will have to keep practicing.

So, I did have an opportunity to take photos of a wedding.  A friend of mine, Stephen Bahner, owns Sweet Action Photography and he is planning on taking me on board for big, long weddings.  Right now it is him and his buddy, but he is looking to recruit one more photographer.  Before I officially get on board, I needed to get more experience in weddings.  This wedding was on December 14th for Stacy and Eli.  I was glad it was a small wedding, 5 people, because it was kind of fast and on the go.  It was held in the Bayshore Clubhouse and it was pretty dark inside, which made it difficult to shoot.  We managed.  It did make me realize how I cannot wait to get a new camera that can take in more light.  The camera I have now, isn't a full frame, which makes it tough for light to get in.  I am still debating which kind of camera I want for my birthday.  I am very excited.  Here is at least a sneak peak of a picture I took.  The rest of the pictures weren't what I wanted, considering the difficulty of the darkness.  All in all, I come to find out the bride and groom graduated from Dimond in 2005 and I am 2006.  We all went to the same high school, what a small world!  Congrats to them both.

Stacy and Eli 12/14/10

Cory has been working on base this week.  He is doing part of his annual tour and plans on doing the other part the week after my two week vacation.  This way we can spend this break together.  I have been getting up an hour earlier to drop him off at work, which hasn't phased me.  One morning he took me inside his shop to check it all out.  It was pretty fun.  He is a hard worker and I hope he can get this job permanently.  Still waiting and hoping.  Here is a picture of him in his shop.  I wasn't supposed to take a picture, but since no one was around, he let me do it.

My Sergeant Larson at work

Lastly, I got to open a Christmas present really early.  I was in bed and Cory set it on top of me.  It was a large, long box shaped present.  I had a good guess of what it was and I was right!  It was a snowboard and it was perfect.  I love the design and everything.  He knows how to pick the perfect things out for me.  He also said my bindings were coming into the mail soon.  I am super excited to use it and shred the slopes.  I haven't snowboarded in a couple years and I know I am not that good.  I am just excited we can snowboard together.  Cory hasn't gone snowboarding since he has lived here.  I definitely plan on going this break too.  Now I need to get myself some boots and snow pants :)

Cool toy

Now I am just excited for break.  Get to hang out with family and friends.  Get to relax and not see students, ha.  I already set up schedules for next semester for where us as sped teacher assistants will go. I am pumped about my schedule.  I get to help in a photography and food science class aside from the math and science classes.  On top of that, I also figured out my plan for UAA.  I have calculated that if I do everything right according to my master scheduling, I will graduate with a Bachelors in Chemistry in Fall 2013.  Right now that seems so far, but it will probably be here before I know it.  I am really excited to get this college ball rolling.  I will be 25 years old and that is the goal!  Then I will obtain my Masters in Teaching in hopefully 10 months after that doing through the UAA fast track.  Then I will officially be a TEACHER!  Can't wait.

2010 Volleyball Officially Over

What a great success this season has been.  Last night, we had our end of the season banquet at Dimond in the auditeria.  It was really nice with all of the decorated tables, decorated stage with our 2010 State Championships Logo, slide show, and catered food.  Dinner was a taco bar and was really delicious.  The coaches all went up individually, starting from the C team to the varsity level.  Which meant, I got to go first.  They even introduced Cory to go up on stage and he shook his head.  But the crowd started chanting his name, so he was forced to come up with me.  I was happy he came up.  Anyways, I had been thinking of what to say for a week before the banquet.  In the end, I wrote some notes on a note card of what I would say. I didn't want to type out a paper of everything I wanted to say because that just stresses me out.  I just wanted to wing it and let it all come out naturally.  Of course, I was nervous and I'm sure it showed.  Although, it was the better that I have done speaking in front of a large group of parents and players.  I started off with thanking the coaches, then talked about how season went and how the girls improved.  I introduced my girls up on stage and when I said their name, I gave them a little fun nickname.  I went on and presented my awards of Most Inspirational, Most Improved, and Most Valuable Player.  Then instead of talking about all of the girls and making my speech boring, I made a poem about the team.  I wrote the poem the day before the banquet and thought it would be a great idea.  Cory helped a little bit.  This is the poem

2010 C2 Volleyball Poem

By Cory and Gly Larson

The pyramid push ups, squats, and push fives are done
After working with the Larsons, you made it to number one

Hard work is what we’re all about,

Your efforts paid off with a successful season, no doubt

My roster is full with twelve talented ladies,

I love them all, but most times they drove me crazy

Alaina the court protector wearing her libero jersey

Kelsey on the right side, slamming away with no mercy

Those two were my captains, the leaders of this pack

Nadia, like a tiger, she’s mean with her attack.

Rehtaeh, she’s tall as a tree, reaching to get that big block

Haley with her beast serves, she’s tough like a rock

Oh Katelyn, she’s always energetic, sometimes hyper

Here comes Dakayla, cover your face, she hits like a sniper

Mackenzie, Mackenzie, sometimes forgets where she’s at,

Emma will confirm, “Hey, we’re in setters stack!”

Heidi out like a mongoose, hungry for that pancake

Brittany our team princess, someone kiss her, so she can finally awake

Lastly there’s the lovely Megan,

Like an explosive, she’s our little secret weapon

I will truly miss these women, they’ve come so far

I will never forget this season, you studly stars

I am very thankful to have been your coach,

Don’t worry I won’t bug you anymore about your approach

Good luck in the rest of your volleyball career

Remember, C-Team, it begins here.

I have to admit, I did forget to say two lines, which meant, I forgot to mention two of my ladies.  Nobody noticed but Heidi and Brittany.  I felt so horrible because I didn't realize it until I was off the stage.  Note to self: Point at every line you read.  I was reading the poem and looked up at the crowd, which made me lose my spot.  Now I think it is funny.  I will need more practice with this public speaking, but I am just happy I didn't do the worse out of the coaches.  The banquet lasted for about 3 hours.  It was the first time doing a banquet for me, and there was things I def learned to make next year better.  The girls gave me a gift, which was really thoughtful of them.  I didn't expect a thing.  It was a box wrapped up, with another wrapped up box in it.  It was like digging for buried treasure because I went through 6 boxes to find an awesome gift!  The girls got me a voucher for two for an overnight stay at Alyeska Resort.  I was absolutely grateful for this gift.  I know for a fact this kind of gift it pricey.  Well I have until May to use it, but if only I had a snowboard and Cory and I could use it to snowboard and stay the night out there.

I am so glad the season ended with such success.  A record of 14-0 and winning first place in all three of our tournaments.  I hope those girls take this success through out their lives.  I can't wait to see what they will become in the future.  Coaching is so rewarding, especially after hearing this from Emma Hickel, "You really changed me for the better, and I just can't say thank you enough.  Hopefully if I make it to varsity my senior year, I will owe it all to you guys! Thank you so much!  I feel like I improved so much!" I know my practices weren't easy, but I really wanted to push them so they could be amazing.  Besides improving their volleyball abilities, I wanted to boost their confidence and make them better people all around.  I am super excited for what will become of next years season and turn out.  Although, I will never forget my first season COACHING at my alma mater, Dimond.

Love,
Gly