Thursday, March 31, 2011

Walks in the Sunshine

What is it about taking a stroll in the spring sunshine that just lifts your spirits? Today I escaped out of my office to walk to the city building to mail a letter. It was so pleasant! I'm so thankful that winter is over. I realize, living in Utah, that snow is not out of the question completely at this point, but I just wanted to take a moment to breath in the beautiful weather! I love spring!

Happily Ever After...

Friday March 25th I had the opportunity to attend the sealing of two dear friends of mine, Brice Sherratt and Alec Havens. I've known the two of them for quite some time. We got to know one another in our student ward. 
This blessed event was a long time coming. Relationships are interesting things the way the fluctuate and evolve over time. It takes just the right moment for everything to come together perfectly. 
In the case of Alec and Brice, it did just that.
I'm so glad I got to share this special day with them. It was an experience never to be forgotten. I wish them all the best in their new life and adventure together.




Thursday, March 24, 2011

5 Months From Today

5 Months from today my summer will be all but over
5 Months from today I'll have three semesters at the U under my belt
5 Months from today my student ward could be gone
5 Months from today my oldest brother will be living with us and joining me at the U
AND....
5 Months from today this guy below, will be given the biggest hug of his life!

Monday, March 14, 2011

A Window to My Thoughts

I'd like to share some things that have been going on in my life lately...

To begin, school. When I returned from my mission, I'd hoped to know exactly what I wanted in life as far as education and career path goes. Well, I learned quickly that sitting around waiting for an answer is not generally the best way to go. In the summer of 2009 I decided that I would give myself a year to save my pennies and then go back to school full-time beginning fall 2010. I knew if I waited any longer than that, it would only get harder to motivate myself to do it.

When the time arrived for school to begin, I had decided with a firm resolve that I was going to be a teacher. I declared my major in History Education and began my first semester at a University since 2003. The first week was exhausting, but with a lot of planning, hard work and dedication I made it through the first semester in one piece. 

Towards the end of the semester I decided I needed to ask some hard questions. Teaching is a noble profession, and I admire all who do it. However, I had this thought that wouldn't leave my mind of needing to get an education in a field where it would be flexible and lucrative enough to support a family, should the need ever arise. 

After some serious thought and prayer, I decided to change my major to Accounting. This set me back a little. Its as though I'm starting as a freshman again. However, I am certain I am in a field that I enjoy and can be very good at. 

Spring semester ended up having a lighter load, only seven credit hours. I requested to work more hours at my job. My request was granted. However, within a matter of weeks, a full-time position at my same location opened up. At first I was hesitant. I was determined to remain part-time so I could have a full-time school schedule. However, I felt compelled to accept the position. So I did.

I realize that working so many hours will make it harder to get my degree, but the good outweighs the bad. I have a secure job with good benefits. I should be able to make it through school debt free.

The second thing I would like to share is that I have been having a feast with the scriptures of late. I love reading them every day, studying individual verses and picking them apart. I have been studying the topic of faith. It has enlightened my mind and given me new perspective.

My faith and religion is everything to me. I am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for his atonement. Because of his sacrifice, I can repent and become cleansed when I make mistakes. Sometimes I find it difficult to forgive myself when I fall short. But I know that he loves me and wants me to have the courage to let go. 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Family, 3 Boys, 3 Girls

Here are some fun pictures my mom took of my brother Jason's children. They are definitely related to me, look how cute they are?

Lizzy

Liam

Jane

Ben

Eli

Natalie

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Shhh don't tell...


So what's the big secret? I was not a happy girl Saturday morning. All I wanted to do was stay in bed all day. I was not excited about facing this dreary day. But then I decided to go to the temple. I wanted to take a friend with me, but I had no luck in finding anyone. When I got to the chapel in the temple, to my delight I spotted a dear friend of mine. I caught up to her and we were able to sit through the session together. It was so wonderful to be with her. It turned my day around into one that was filled with the spirit and happiness. It reminds me of a primary song I used to sing, "If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay, quickly turn it upside-down and smile that frown away."

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Del Sol Ragnar Relay 2011

Thursday February 24th I boarded a jet plane to fly to sunny Arizona. I was brimming with excitement, but nervous at the same time. I had been training for the last several months for this weekend, and hoping that my training would pay off.

Friday February 25th I got up at 3:30am to shower and get ready for the race. Why shower? I wanted to at least start off clean. 

We arrived at the starting point around 5:00am. After a brief safety orientation and gathering our gear, we took a few pictures and got Steve ready at the starting line. 

Jake was runner number 2, followed by Patrick, then Katie and finally me... Runner #5. 

My first leg went remarkably well. I ran 6.8 miles with a 12.5 min per mile pace. The scenery was beautiful and the music was motivating.



Leg #2 was not so good. My iPod battery was dead, so I had to run it in silence. I had my watch to keep time, but other than that I was on my own, no van support, no music, no energy. It was 10:30pm and I was sore. The leg was my longest... 6.9 miles. All uphill. About 5 min before finally reaching the 1 mile left sign, I got a call on my cell phone from Jake asking how I was doing. I was not doing well. I wanted so badly to give up, but I refused to do so. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. When I finally reached the volunteer that announced to the exchange what runner number was coming I began to sprint. I sprinted to the exchange then limped away wheezing. I was so glad it was over. 



After a good 3 hour nap at the Brown's home in Phoenix, we trekked out again. This final exchange went much better. With a fully charged iPod, I was energized and ready to go. 4.8 miles through the hilly desert. Call me crazy, but at one point I got a high five from another team, it was a guy wearing a speedo and an afro wig, it gave me a huge burst of energy to push forward and plow ahead. I was so happy when I got to my final exchange. I was done! 



At the very end of the race we joined with our last runner to sprint to the finish line. In the end I had run over 18.5 miles. I was stiff, I was tired, but I felt amazing. I hope to do it again next year. It is an experience unlike any other.