Beauty at its Finest!

Hapuna Beach! I have picked up running while I have been out hear. Gary and I went running up and down this beach. I swear I could have ran forever because it was just so beautiful!
Waipio Valley! Gary and I hiked around Waipio all day. Sometimes in the rain, sometimes in the river, and sometimes while singing the Indian Jones theme song. We were feeling pretty adventurous!

We ran into this beautiful waterfall while hiking in Waipio. Beauty doesn't get much better then this!

Green Sand Beach! I love living on the big island because you get every kind of beauty. We have seen green sand, black sand, and white sand beaches. One side is jungle tropical and the other is a volcano, but no matter where you go there are palm trees. It is so great! We love Hawaii!

Aloha from Kona, Hawaii!!

Aloha family and friends! Oh how I miss you all! We are loving Kona more and more. I am having a tough time uploading images but these are sights that are just down the road from where I live. Yesterday we went to "Captain Cook" which is the number one place in the state for snorkeling. It was so beautiful! After we went to "Bungo Ben's" which is a fantastic restaurant. We stayed there and watched the sunset go down as we listened to the live band that was playing our wedding song. It was so Romantic and such a beautiful moment. We shared this seven layer chocolate cake that was sinfully good to top off the evening. It was a perfect day. I felt like for the first time since we have been here I really got to see the Island. It made me realize how lucky I am to have this opportunity and especially to share it with Gary. Since I have been here I have also come across some interesting facts about Hawaii that you don't realize unless you live here. Here they are

* The state fish in Hawaii is the Humuhumunucanucaapua' a. I get the biggest kick out of
this! I just find it so humorous. This just gives you an idea of how hard it is to pronounce the street names around here.

*Another interesting fact about the people here is that if a family has all boys then they turn there last child into a girl. Ya that's right. They dress them in skirts and have them play with barbies. So, as a result you see a lot of transvestites around these parts. Very interesting wouldn't you say?

*Unlike where I come from, the women here are the bread winners. The men stay home and do relatively nothing and the women work like crazy. And not suprisingly, domestic violent rates are incredibly high around here. Its pretty sad.

*On the other side of the Island of Hawaii is a town called Hilo which is the rainiest city in the US! They also have the highest mountain in the world here if you are measuring from sea level on up.

* Teen pregnancy is the worst I have ever seen here. It is not rare at all to see a group of young girls on the beach and one with a huge tummy. They even dedicate one of the pages in their high school year book for all the babies that were born that year.

* The Ironman takes place right down the street from me! This is a world wide ridiculous event! 26 mile run, 3 mile swim int he ocean, and 112 mile bike ride. The human body can do amazing things!

Well more is yet to come! Hopefully I will find a way to upload more pics. Love you all!

Fitness Blog - Where Do I Start?

I had someone ask me how to get started with exercising. This is a great question. Sometimes exercise is hard to fit in your day and when you go out for a run or what not it can seem really exhausting and basically, not fun. Exercising is a consistent adaptation. Your body has to keep adapting in order for you to keep getting stronger. Even professional athletes have to keep pushing themselves and hitting that uncomfortable stage in order to build muscle and improve their skills. However, the more exercise you perform the more endurance and adrenalin you have to push through that adaptation phase so exercise becomes more doable and enjoyable. This is a concept that you should know before you begin an exercise program. It is a consistent adaptation. It is a lifestyle change. I would suggest to pick an exercise that you can enjoy. Exercise doesn't necessarily mean running, biking, or swimming. It can be dancing, yard work, roller blading, aerobics classes, hiking, etc. Create a hobby out of exercise. Make it a daily ritual. Also track you progress. If you choose to run, start at 10 minutes and then go to 12 minutes the next week. Its exciting to see what your body can really do, push yourself. Also make sure you have a healthy mind set before going into exercising. Do it for your health and happiness, not to look like the girls in hollywood or any other sterotype. The greatest thing about humanity is that we are all different. Love yourself now and weight loss or exercising or any goal for that matter will come much easier. If anyone, especially the person that asked me this question, would like me to create a specific exercise program for them then I would be more then happy to do so. The program would depend on your age, your goals, and your capability. I hope this helped. Thanks again for the question. Again if an one else has any other questions regarding health and fitness just let me know!

Fitness Blog

Aloha everyone! Hawaii is beautiful and things are going great! I have to take a bunch of pics and then blog about it so be expecting some exciting blogs to come. For those who visited my other fitness blog and commented on it, thank you! For some reason I can't log onto the account so I figure I will do my fitness bloging on this account. Hopefully that works. SO, I had a person ask me about water and if it can help with weight loss. The answer to that question is yes! Water helps our kidneys function better and our kidneys help our Liver function better. The Liver is the "filter" of the body. It cleanses the digestive system which makes our metabolism faster. SO, in a nut shell, drinking water speeds up our metabolism! Yay! Not to mention it is good for our skin and helps produce more ATP which is what gives us energy. Water is grrrrrreat! I also got another question about muscle soreness and if it is ok to work out sore muscles. The answer is that it is 100% ok and even recommended to work out sore muscles. Working sore muscles can possibly break down the lactic acid that is making you sore. Just remember to always wait 48 hours before working out the same muscle group. When we work out our muscles we are damaging them. It is during the recovery time or healing time when you actually build muscle. SO, something to keep in mind. Thanks for these questions! It makes me feel good to talk about these things because I am not training in Hawaii and I miss it. Thanks again and please leave a comment on either this blog or even right me an email on my facebook or gmail account (ebuckway@gmail.com). I will respond on this blog. Thanks guys!

Sike! We are off to Cozumel, Mexico

So we got a call today from Del Sol and they told us that we were going to Cozumel instead. They said that they reviewed Gary's resume and realized he had a lot of sales experience. Cozumel is their 2nd highest selling store and so they said they needed us there. I think I am even more excited about this destination then I was about Kona. Funny thing is that Gary and I have a picture just like this one in our bed room that says at the bottom "DREAM." We have always said that one day we will make it there and go to our dream place. I was going through images of Cozumel and this one is the exact same as that picture. We are going to our dream destination! We are so excited. Cozumel is 10 miles wide and 30 miles long! Its average temperature during fall is 70 degree's! Sounds like heaven to me! I am so excited!!!

Kona, Hawaii here we come!

Kona here we come! Gary and I applied for this internship through a company called Del Sol. Del Sol is a retail store that sells products that change colors in the sun. They have stores right off the dock of where cruise liners go. Well, last week we found out that we got the internship and that we are going to Kona, Hawaii!!!! We are so excited! We will be managing a store right on the shore of the big Island. We will be gone for 4 1/2 months and we leave August 22nd. I am so ready for another adventure and am so excited to see what Kona has in store for the Buckways. We will miss you all during Thanksgiving and Christmas time but we will come back bearing gifts and stories to be told. Ah! I am so excited!

Fit and Fabulous

Hey everyone! I created a new blog called Fit and Fabulous. If you have any questions about health and fitness you should leave a comment and I will do my best to answer in a post. Check it out! Its www.fitandfabulous1.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Gary!

Happy Birthday Gary! Gary is officially 26 years old, emphasis on the "old." Crazy! The day before Gary's birthday, the 4th of July, we went to Tucanos with his best friends, brothers, and dad. It was soooo good! I think I ate my entire body weight and I think Gary ate his body weight and my body weight put together. When there is steaming meat being offered constantly, Gary keeps going and going. That night we went to a barbecue with my family on Cougar Hill. It was great to see everyone. My mom brought Subway sandwiches and also a yummy cake for Gary. She is a sweetheart. Then Gary and I decided to hike the Y to see the fireworks. It was so fun! There was so many people there. Gary and I just talked and goofed around as we waited for the Stadium of Fire to start firring away. It was definitely a site to see. Then on Gary's official birthday, Sunday, I made him a birthday breakfast and then we went to church. We teach the 13 year olds and I had them all sing Happy Birthday. Then we went o Gary's families house and had dinner, opened presents, had cake, and played the Wii. It was some fun festivities over the weekend that is for sure!

The other night we got together with some of my Snow College friends. I love these people. We are all married now so it is just that much more fun getting together. We had a barbecue, swam in the hot tub, and talked about the good ol snow college days. It was great seeing all of them. I love Snow College. I am so glad I decided to go there. Not only did I meet these wonderful people but I met my hubby there! Ephraim, UT will always have a peace of my heart.

A Weekend Full of Fun!

This past weekend was soooooo great! On Friday Gary and I went golfing with Andee, Rob, and Josh. It was so much fun. Andee and I mostly talked and watched our hubbies hit. I love my sister Andee. She is so genuine and fun. I can talk to her about anything and I know she will understand me and get me. I love little Joshie too! He is in love with Gary lately. Every time he see's him he yells his name. Gary loves it. I love it.

Gary came to my sculpting class Saturday morning. It made me feel so good that he came and supported me. He said that I kicked his butt. It made me feel tough. I love Gary SOOOOOO much! That night we went to a family barbecue and then Bubba’s, Gary’s best friends, house warming party. We all had so much fun dancing, singing karaoke, and playing skipo.

To make the weekend even better, on Sunday we went on a hike up Spanish Fork Canyon. We hiked to these hot springs. It seriously was a spot of paradise. There was this big beautiful waterfall right by these amazing warm sulfur pools. It was like a giant hot tub. Gary and I brought our swimsuits and stayed in the springs for about an hour just relaxing. It was very romantic, that is it was romantic until we saw 4 old men strip down to the buff! Yeah, apparently a lot of people like to go nude in these hot springs. Hmmm, very interesting.

Graduation Trip!

For my graduation gift we went to Cali with some friends: Marse and Lance and Cassie and Danny. It was a blast! We stayed at Cassie's families time share right on the beach, beautiful! Through out the trip we went to Universal Studios, Sea world, Price is right, and the beach where each one of us faced a battle with the Sun (the Sun won, ouch!) Cassie and Marse have been close friends of mine for a long time. Years ago we went to Cali together on Dance Company Tour. I definitely liked the additional people that we had on our trip this time, our husbands! Marriage just makes everything more fun! This trip was just what I needed after my final finals and graduation!

The Price is Right! We made T Shirts and everything! Too bad we were in the verrrrry back row and none of us got called up. We still had a blast!

Sea World! Ha, Gary looks loco!

It's the Kwik-E-Mart! Gary, being an avid Simpsons fan, thought this was the coolest place ever. He just had to purchase a Duff SODA (hehe, scared you there) and a giant hommer donut.

Joes Crab Shack right on the beach! Mmm mmm good!

On our way down to California we decided to take a picuture at the most exciting thing in Beaver, UT, a giant rocking horse. It doesn't get more exciting then that!

We all decided to take some model shots on the beach. Gary is one good lookin goof!

We have been doing shots like this since we were in Junior High. Hurry and flip your head to catch the wind and the suprised model look. Ha, love these girls!

I love this shot! Creativity at its finest!

Graduation!!!

Well it is official! Ellie Buckway finally graduated from college! Wah hoo! Graduation Day was very memorable, fun, and long. My entire family and Gary's parents came to all 4 hours of my graduation. Talk about amazing support. I am so lucky. I am so proud of myself. There were definitely rocks in the road that brought tears and frustration and feelings of inadequacy. But with the help of my friends and family, especially my dad, I realized that my college education is very important to me and that I could do it. I am so glad I did! I received a Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health. I loved it! Going into it, I knew that this major was going to be very challenging for me. Before I entered my major, science was my most challenging subject. But I figured if I was going to do this then I was going to make it worth it, even if it was going to be hard. Now that I am done I love science and am completely fascinated by the human body. I love it! My major has qualified me to do what I am doing now which is in home personal training and teaching aerobics. I absolutely love this job and truly feel like there couldn't be a better calling for me right now. I am so very grateful for the support I had through out these four years of college and am so happy that I had the opportunity to receive an education. Yay for graduation!

Gary is and has been my constant support! love you babe!

If it wasn't for my wonderful Dad I might not have made it to my graduation day. He always seems to know what is best for me and is consistently there with advice and motivation. Love you DAD!

Gramps! After graduation we went to Los Hermanos. My wonderful grandparents were there!They are such wonderful people. I truly don't think I will ever know a more funny, humble, supportive, and righteous couple. I hope Gary and I are like them when we reach our older years.

My mummsie wummsie! My mom is not only an incredible mother, but she is my best friend. I love you mom!

Gary's Parents came and supported me at my graduation. They are such good people. I feel so lucky to have married into such a good family.

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

The other day Gary came home and said, "Let's go fly a kite!" I jumped at the suggestion and thought it was a perfect Saturday activity. So we went to Wal Mart and purchased some kites. Gary got a Transformer kite and I got a Barbie kite. Then we were off to the park. The last time Gary and I went kite flying was when we were dating so this was really fun.It made me feel like we were back in those dating days. Gary bought an extra 200 feet of string so his kite would get extra high. My kite was a very emotional kite. It would be up in the air and then all the sudden plummet to the ground. I should have known when I purchases the Barbie kite. We all know how emotional us girls can be, hehe. Gary and I laid down on the grass and talked while we watched our kites fly away. It was such a fun Saturday activity and of course I forgot my camera. Just try to visualize if you can.

Spring Break!

Is this not the most beautiful scenery you have ever scene! Gorgeous Red Cliffs!
Me and the guys

This is after we hiked this old volcano. I love the mullet look I got going on. I'm considering it as a permanent look.

At the top of the Volcano it was really windy so for this picture we just decided to stare at each other rather then at the camera. It was a gorgeous view!

This is us almost at the top of Angels Landing at Zions

Here we are rock climbing. I couldn't believe the rocks Gary was climbing. I took a much easier rout but it was still really high and really scary. Overcoming my fears one step at a time!

This spring break Gary and I and two of his friends went camping down south. We went to Zions, Snow Canyon, and Red Cliffs. It was so much fun! Gary and his friends are super adventurous and fearless, unlike little ol' me that could possibly be the wimpiest gal on the planet. I also discovered on this trip that I am officially terrified of heights. I had never been in a situation where I experienced so many high cliffs and sudden drops before. I seriously would be sick to my stomach every time I faced, what seemed to be, a near death experience, or in other words a high mountain with steep cliffs. I don't know if any of you have been to Angel's Landing in Zions, but you have to hold onto a chain to keep you from falling over the edge! Yeah, I was dying! Although I was very wimpy and afraid, Gary and his buddies were so good at helping me up and down the mountains and pushing me to go places where I would never think of going. I am so glad that I had help overcoming my fears. Every time I pushed myself beyond my limits, it always ended it up being well worth it. Gary and his friends were so great. They are such fun, respectful, and helpful guys. I couldn't believe the stuff they would do on the rocks. It was like watching a bunch of Bear Grylls from Man Vs. Wild. They were climbing, hopping, and skipping all over the place, with an exception of the skipping part. We had so much fun. Just me and the guys. Gary is trying to turn me into a camper girl. I wasn't too excited about this when we first got married, but I am liking it more and more. There is something about cuddling up in a little tent with sleeping bags in the wilderness that is quite comforting and likable. Gary and his buddies made us some great meals that made it feel like we were on a cruise ship rather then camping. I love how Gary helps me experience things I would never do if it weren't for him. I love developing new hobbies and interests. I thought that by the end of the weekend I would be ready to come home, but it was actually kind of disappointing. It was just such a perfect spring break!

Anniversary!!!!

On March 10th it was mine and Gary's two year anniversary! It seriously could not have been a more perfect day. It started by going to a an authentic Japanese restaurant that was so0000 good! Can't go wrong with Teriyaki Chicken! It was such a beautifully cultured restaurant. The waitress was dressed in a fantastic Kimono and spoke with such meek broken English. The food was so beautiful and prepared so well. It was one of those restaurants that you want more people to go to so the owners can have their hard work pay off. Gary and I absolutely loved it there. After dinner and some ginger ice cream we drove up north to my parents house and ate our two year old wedding cake! Surprisingly it was really good. Gary and I reenacted cutting the cake together and stuffing it in each others faces. Hehe, it was fun. After cake we drove down town to the Armstrong Inn. This is were we went on our wedding night and where we went for our year anniversary as well. We love it there. We stayed in the "May Splendor" room. It was so nice! I wish it was our room at home. Once we got settled in we decided to give each other our anniversary presents. I got Gary guitar hero and a picture of us and he gave me a pearl necklace and pearl earrings. He always wins when it comes to presents. He makes it hard to top. It was such a fantastic night! I am so lucky that I found a man like Gary Melvin Buckway to spend the rest of my life and more with. I love you babe!

No More Signature Baby and Having Fun with Friends!

No more Signature Baby! Yeee ha! It was due time to be done with this job at the mall. It treated me well while it lasted, but there is only so much walking around a kiosk, trying to sell baby clothes that one can take. I will miss always meeting up with Gary after work and eating at the food court. I will also miss his random surprise visits and enjoying the life of the University mall together. I also met some great Friends that worked at the kiosks next to mine. They should make a series entitled, "The Kiosk," just like, "The Office." Ha, that would be brilliant. Now I am still teaching aerobics and personal training. Hopefully when I graduate in 2 MONTHS!!!!!! I will be able to find a good job during these difficult times, cross your fingers for me!

These are my two friends, Shay & Chelsea, that I became really close to during those ridiculously slow hours at the mall. I'll miss you girls!

The other day, Marse & Lance, Cassie & Danny, and Gary and I went to Texas Road House (mmm mmm Good!). After we went to Cassie and Danny's house. The boys watched the Jazz Game while the girls watched High School Musical 3, go figure! It was such a fun night! I love hanging out with the married couples.


Isn't this the hottest picture of Gary! hehe, he always looks good, even when he tries to look bad, ha!