Summer of Firsts: Massage

"Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.

"Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure--structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving--tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids.  Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system.  massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, and the feet.  They are over eighty different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness.

"In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor.  The massage subject may be fully clothed or unclothed. In the case of the latter, the parts of the body that are not being massaged are usually covered with towels or sheets, but this can depend on the preference of the therapists and the type of work being performed."

Summer of Firsts: Bday Party

Every year on June 30th something interesting happens.  A number in my life changes.  I age.  Now, obviously this happens to all of us.  For some it brings an ecstatic sense of excitement: "One year older!  One year closer!"  For others, birthdays bring an impending doom: "One year older... One year closer :( ."  To each person a birthday carries with it a different emotion.  And indeed, that emotion can change from birthday to birthday.

Summer of Firsts: Rain!

Rain is one of the most interesting things.  I should say, I grew up in Oregon.  It rains all year long there.  We tend to just call it liquid sunshine.  I even know people who get seasonal depression when its too sunny and they're not getting rain.  Anyway, all this to say that I grew up with rain.  However, in all those years, I have absolutely hated rain.  The feeling of rain drops hitting my skin was like torture.  And it is something that I never really grew out of.

Yesterday however, it rained.  And I got to thinking about rain.  Its such a wonderful thing.  Rain is the bringer of life, the giver of needed nutrients, the great cleanser of the skies.  You can stand in the rain and feel completely rejuvenated and empowered.  You can also stand in the rain with someone you love, holding them close to you, and allowing every droplet's contact with your skin to heighten the sensation of being close to them.  Holding them in your arms.  And after all, who wouldn't like to be kissed in the rain?  Rain can just be so magical.  And with that out of the way, I now give you my first.

A Summer of Firsts

Not long ago I was reflecting over my time here in Provo.  There have been ups and downs, good times and bad times, friends made and friends lost.  I've learned a lot in my time here am realizing that this ought to be the prime of my life.  It hasn't been really so far, and so I've decided to change that.  This is my last summer here in Provo and also my last school year here at BYU.  So, I've officially declared this to be my Summer of Firsts.  I want to have as many first experiences as I can.  I want to completely live it up, and make some memories that I can truly cherish through out my life.  After all, I don't want to look back on my life and wonder where those years have gone.  So, I'm gonna post all of my first experiences here, I'll try and include pics as often as possible.  I hope that you'll enjoy the journey with me!