My Life in a List

Things I'm looking forward to in my life right now:

• Ragnar Relay in Las Vegas on October 22nd. Am I in over my head? Probably. Am I still excited? Yes. Does this mean I'm crazy? Absolutely.
• A 5K on October 9th. My first. Yes, I am going from a 5K to running Ragnar. Did I mention I'm crazy?
• My husband's 25th birthday on October 4th. I purchased 9 (yes, 9) Jackie Chan movies for the big event. We also got him a car. (We're donating my dear, sweet Metro to Kidney Cars within the next week. I have to admit, it's bittersweet. I will be sure to post about that event... with pictures... sniff.) I also have a small present idea up my sleeve that I'm quite excited about.
• General Conference. I'm going to fast prior to Conference (a tip from Sheri Dew at Time Out for Women. I'm thinking she knows what she's talking about. ;)) to get the whole effect. I am also planning on taking avid notes throughout.
• My mom coming out for Christmas. We've had many conversations about the many funs we're planning on having. I haven't been with my family for Christmas the past few years, and even though it won't be the WHOLE family, at least I'll have my mother around. In case you didn't know, this woman happens to be my hero.
• Getting the guts to do something fun with my hair. I don't know what this means... but hopefully I will muster up the courage to take that leap.
• FALL!!!

Things I'm appreciating right now?

• Alex! A few nights ago, we were watching a movie together, all snuggled up (mushy, I know!) and I had a realization. Marriage is easy. I also realized that we have entered into this completely and totally comfortable phase. I honestly can't remember what it was like NOT to have him in my life. This guy makes marriage so smooth and problem free. Our personalities fit so well, and everything just meshes. Yeah, I have got it good!
• Running. Alex has joined me nightly to go for a run before we go to bed. We just run around the block until we're dead, then walk the remainder... and talk. It's just a fantastic nightly ritual and I can't get that "high" from anything else. Running has become my new best friend.
• Trying to really love myself. I used to have the habit of always wanting to change something about myself. Every morning, I'd stare in the mirror and critique. I'd over-exaggerate my flaws, and rarely see the positive. Ever since I've honestly tried to make a change, my life has improved 110%. Try only focusing on the positive things about yourself. It will change everything.
• Utah. I love this state. I love the weather, I love always seeing the mountains, I love how easy it is to get places due to the fantastic grid system. I love the constant church opportunity, I love Temple Square, I love living within 10 minutes from a temple. I just love it.
• Getting to know my husband's family[extended AND immediate]. (It's a big family!!) When I first married into it, it was overwhelming to say the least.. but after time, I've grown to love them all. I still have some learning to do, but I really, truly love every stinkin' one of them.

Things I miss?

• My fatha. It was his birthday on the 22nd, and I just love him!
• My family. Of course, this is a given.
• The simplicity of childhood.
• Oklahoma... and those fantastic thunderstorms/sunsets...
• The excitement of moving to UT, and not knowing a single person. I loved the fresh start!
• Time Out for Women. I kinda wish it were every weekend....

And that, in a nutshell, is my life at this moment. :) I've been wanting to post something, but I haven't any big news or experiences to record. Hopefully the coming months will be note-worthy!

Just Breathe

I've been telling myself that very phrase over the past month or so. Without going into too much detail, it hasn't been an easy month. However, I feel like I've grown 10x from the beginning of August to the beginning of September.


On a particular Sunday in the month of August, I had the opportunity to go to Sunday School. (Being in nursery hasn't given me that opportunity often.) It was, hands down, THE best lesson I've ever had. She started with three simple questions:

• What does it mean to fully trust God?
• Do you trust God?
• If so, how do you KNOW you trust God?

Wow. Well? As I sat there, I tried to really think about those questions. Did I trust God? Have I ever been put into a situation where I had to rely fully on God? Well, I know that when I made the initial trek to UT, that was me putting 110% of my trust in God. But I didn't feel that was too difficult, honestly. It was a little scary, naturally... but I was so ready for the adventure. So, that brings me back to that first question. Did I trust Him?

She went on talking about Job, and all of the trials he went through. Losing his children, his wife, his prosperity, even his health! And his attitude through the entire experience? "The Lord gave me these things, he has every right to take it away. He knows what is best for me." The entire lesson I felt as if it were directed at me, though I wasn't sure why. It should have worried me! But it didn't. I did seem to think about it as the week progressed, though.

And then I knew why.

The whole day I thought, "Whatever be Thy will, please give me the strength to be accepting." I prayed. And things didn't turn out the way I wanted. (Imagine that!) I allowed myself time to grieve. After about three hours of an emotions going nuts, I came to and thought to myself, "If I prayed so long and hard for help to accept His will, why am I not even trying to be accepting?" And so there it was. I quit my crying, and I tried. And you won't BELIEVE the night and day difference. It was as if all I needed to do was give a little, and He took care of the rest. I immediately felt peace... comfort... overwhelming love. I wasn't sad anymore. Disappointed, naturally. But I knew that it was for my benefit, even if I didn't know all the answers yet.

SO, from that whole ordeal, I've tried hard to change my attitude. I've started going to the temple more (I'm aiming for once a week), and I've made a goal to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. I'm going to Time Out for Women this weekend (so. so. so. so. excited) and I've been trying to be more personal and grateful in my prayers.

I'm satisfied with where my life is at this moment. I've got so much going for me. There are many who have gone through far worse than I!

Yep. I can't complain one bit.