Gratitude Day 4

1- BYU fudge! I've never had it before but today my brother-in-law bought me a chunk. All I can say is the world has never been a better place. Yummy!

2- Hope. Sometimes taking a step into the darkness is scary and though I have no guarantee of how all my "what ifs" will turn out, hope sustains me.

3- Gilmore Girls. I don't watch TV very often but this show is a regular. Always makes the day bright and happy.

Gratitude Day 3

1- Cell Phones. My grandparents corresponded with letters back and forth. Phone calls were quite the rarity. When people did call one another, apparently the whole town could listen in on the conversation (or maybe it was just the operator). I'm grateful for the ability to talk with those I love whenever I want.

2- Afternoon naps. Though I had other work to do, this just hit the spot today.

3- Folded laundry. Yes, I know that I am the one responsible for completing this task, but it feels so nice when it is finally all put away after sitting for more days than I should admit.

Gratitude Day 2

1- Opportunity to vote.

2- Working from home. I like that I can be wrapped in a blanket on my couch working. I still go to campus a couple of times a week but I love that I'm not required to work in a non-existent office.

3- Musicnotes.com. Great website where I can download and print sheet music. If you want a $6 credit, let me know and I'll send you an invite.

Gratitude Day 1

1- Last March I interviewed with a company in SL and they were interested in hiring me. I am grateful I did not take a position with that company. This morning I found out they had a swath of layoffs and I would have been included in that group.

2- Pumpkin bread. Yummy! I've already had two large slices today.

3- Texas Roadhouse. First time eating there tonight. I'm definitely not a vegetarian.

Attitude of Gratitude

Well folks, the trees are changing colors, the days are getting shorter, and you can just smell autumn in the air. It's time for jackets and pumpkins and the November Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. For those of you who have not played before, the challenge is outlined below.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
* The challenge is to come up with three ORIGINAL "things" you are grateful for each day during the month of November. Try not to repeat entries.

* Definition of "things"- the term "things" is used here to encompass a lot of stuff including, but not limited to: a certain set of circumstances, an event, an inanimate object distinguished from a living being, possessions or effects, a deed or act, a product of work or activity, an idea or notion, a piece of news or information, a person, a memory, anything that makes you smile.

WARNING OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS!!
Please note that challenge participation may result in any or all of the following:
- you will be surprised at all the Lord has done for you
- angels will attend
- you will feel help and comfort
- you may find yourself singing as the days go by
- your doubts will fly

Comes in Waves

I'm not sure if I have shared this poem before, but my life feels like this right now. I know the Lord is guiding my life. I know that all things come through Him. I know that everything will be okay. But for now...

Waves of Life
It comes in waves
sometimes just barely lapping at your feet
tickling your toes
and even calming your fears
Not only is it bearable but it's even enjoyable
It is easy and carefree
not worth much thought or struggle
But these aren't the waves
When they come, they come in force
The swells catch you off guard
as they pull you out to sea
Breathing is drowned by the pounding surf
You struggle to gain direction
but the current drags you further under
When you catch a breath hoping it is over
another wave crashes on you
harder and fiercer than before
The surge is stronger and more brutal than the first
This time you are thrown against the rocks
creating deep stinging cuts
Your tears and pain are dismissed
even mocked and laughed at
You are tossed and thrown and tortured
until you no longer have the energy to fight
The beating has taken a toll
Your spirit is left bruised and broken
Then slowly as your body washes to shore
you begin to feel the warmth of the sun
healing and calming
You aren't the same
and as time passes you find you are stronger
Slowly, yet hesitatingly, you rise and stand
knowing it comes in waves

Quote of the Day

I saw this on a friend's blog and liked it so much I thought I would share it with all of you. For those interested, the full time job I want has been opened. Hopefully an interview and an offer come within the next few weeks.

“When in situations of stress we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed. No one was foreordained to fail or to be wicked. When we have been weighed and found wanting, let us remember that we were measured before and we were found equal to our tasks; and, therefore, let us continue, but with a more determined discipleship. When we feel overwhelmed, let us recall the assurance that God will not overprogram us; he will not press upon us more than we can bear."
Neal A. Maxwell

Freak Out Mode

The past two months I have been working at the Marriott School as a recruiting coordinator. Though this job was "part-time", I have been averaging over 35 hours each week teaching a class, helping a professor with his class, meeting with recruiters, and working one-on-one with students helping them with resumes and mock interviews.

With this new job and other situations (dating), I have become completely overwhelmed with the future. I try to remain calm and patient. But inside, I'm freaking out! Heightened amounts of stress plus uncertainty about the future equals an irrational and very needy me. I'm still working on how to deal with this mode. I recognize it. I understand why I am experiencing this. But I don't know how to get out of it, except keep pushing forward. Keeping trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. Keep hoping that I will get a handle on my stress. Keep praying that somehow the force will become balanced once again. Until then...

Eating Greens is a Special Treat

“‘Eating greens is a special treat, It makes long ears and great big feet. But it sure is awful stuff to eat.’ I made that last part up myself.”

To say I was a picky eater as a child is to say Hawaii is surrounded by a small body of water. I was horrible. I remember sitting at the table after everyone had left, with my food still sitting in front of me, having a battle of wills with my mom. Sometimes she won. Other times she would find my food dumped in the garbage can or down the kitchen sink. Once I even had a debate with my dad over who was going to eat my dinner. He explained to me that it was my food; therefore, it was my responsibility to eat it. I countered that argument with the logical explanation that I was giving him my food, which meant he had no guilt in taking and eating it. Though he smiled and laughed at my sound rebuttal, he didn't bite and I ended up forcing myself to eat whatever it was sitting on my plate.

As a teenager, I realized I needed to venture into uncharted territories. Little by little, I began trying new foods hoping to find a taste that seemed palatable. Recent events have caused me to think upon this adventure. I have had the opportunity to try new foods, not by choice, but because circumstances and decorum deemed it necessary. I realized I have added quite the array of new foods to my list of likes (or food I will eat) the past ten years. You may be shocked to see certain foods on my new list of likes, but remember, as a child, I went to great lengths to avoid eating anything that looked suspiciously healthy. For now I am content with my progress and happy to say that I no longer feel that "greens" are awful stuff to eat.

Not an inclusive list: Strawberries, Avocados, Raspberries, Spinach, Broccoli, Artichokes, Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, Green Beans

Little by Little

Accomplished another milestone today: I ran eight miles! Something I would have thought unimaginable three months ago.

Playlist

What are your favorite songs as you work out? Please post a few of your favorites on the comment board so I can add them to my running playlist.

Finishing the Run

A couple of months ago, I signed up for a half marathon. I wasn't a runner but needed something in life to distract me from the uncertainties that were in front of me. My sister gave me a running schedule to help me transition from a walker to a runner. Through the past two months, I have made some great improvements despite meeting a few obstacles. For example, at the end of May, I became sick for a week. This sickness made it difficult to jump back into my running schedule. I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up. I felt like my body was rejecting running.

Yesterday my sister imparted great words of running wisdom. She reminded me that the half marathon was not a race. It was a run. The goal was not to finish first. The goal was to finish. During a half marathon, people need to stop and stretch their muscles, drink to replenish nutrients lost, take a bathroom break, and so forth. Each runner has different needs and how I run and what I need during a run will be different than the person next to me.

As I reflected on those words last night, I found myself running with more consistency and with less grumbling. I started focusing on the goal of finishing the run and stopped worrying about the time it was taking. When I wanted to stop and walk, I realized I could give myself a moment's rest (I walked only half a block) then continued forward.

With this new mental attitude and focus, I ran 3 miles. I have never done that. I have always given up or just walked or let my body tell me what to do or some other lame excuse. This week my running schedule has me pushing myself even more. I can do this. I can finish this half marathon. Why? Because it isn't about finishing first or finishing with an amazing time or finishing with glory, laud, and honor. It is only about finishing and I can do that.

Many times in life, we act like we are running a race. We compare ourselves to our neighbors and friends and question why we aren't more like them. We criticize ourselves when we don't measure up to the expectations we placed on us. We allow negative thoughts to creep in our minds and metaphorically believe we can't finish the race so give up. The truth we need to train our minds is this: life isn't a race. It is a run. Each of us can finish. We finish with different paces. We finish with different needs along the way. We finish after taking time to nourish and replenish our souls. But we all can finish.

I Have Finished My Course

Grams built a house next door to my parents about ten years ago. The traffic and chaos of Southern California were starting to wear on her nerves and she wanted to be close to my dad who could take care of any medical problems that arose. She had a cute house that was nestled neatly at the edge of our cul-de-sac. Though it replaced a much loved game field, I enjoyed having her nearby.

Grams moved into a care facility two years ago. She had hired a lady to help in the evenings at her home but that lady had a heart attack and my parents were going to Denmark the next day. A quick solution for the situation, since Grams couldn't be alone, was a care facility. When my parents came home, we all realized this was the better place for Grams even though we enjoyed having her next door. Gratefully, a place was built nearby and she was a quick five minute drive from my parents' front door.

As it became more clear that Grams would never return to her house, my dad, aunt, and uncles began organizing her things. Long story short, my parents became owners of Grams' house. A few weeks ago they were approached about renting it to a new doctor coming to town and my parents agreed. Since my parents were taking off for Europe (they seem to do that often), my mom asked me to pack up Grams' things in preparation for the renters. This way the rooms and cupboards would be cleaned out when my mom returned from her trip and could quickly get it ready.

As you all know, Grams passed away before my parents returned from Europe. Packing up her house was no longer in preparation for the renters. It became a walk through Grams' life as I began organizing the trinkets and memories of the past. To be honest, I started with the easiest room: the washroom. Nothing sentimental in cleaners. But then came the harder rooms. I found little dishes that ignited remembrances of long forgotten events, music collections published in the 1930s, certificates honoring her for her service at the local prison and welcoming her as a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, pictures of all her grandchildren, pictures of Gramps, and other hand written pieces written to her and by her.

Some of the most cherished pieces actually came when I cleaned out her book collection. A testimony about the divinity of the Savior from my cousin Morgan was being used as a bookmark. Her scripture marker was in Alma 34 - a memorable chapter in our family (Gramps license plate one read Alma 34). Notes from Gramps as he read the Book of Mormon. Old books including one which was published in 1891 and had my great-great grandmother's name in it.

As I sit in her house and sort her things, I realize what an incredible life she lived. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the rise of Communism, the first man on the moon, the fall of Communism, the rapid rise of the internet (she even had her own email account for a while), and the development of mass communication in all its forms. I found a copy of telegram from Gramps to Grams letting her know what time he would call that week. Now I can text a friend with little hassle. Grams lived a great life with many details unknown to the world. She wasn't boastful nor sought the praise of the world. She served the Lord in many ways. In her sixties she learned Spanish and served two LDS missions: Mexico and Argentina. Her life was of quite service to others.

One of my special memories of Grams was the first time I went through the temple. That day was important in many regards, but I remembering waiting for the matron to come speak with me before the session and Grams slipped in the room and sat with me. Mom was on one side. Grams was on the other. She missed being part of many others' experiences so wanted to be right with me the whole time. How grateful I was for her gumption and determination to be there.

Grams' possessions may be packed up and stored for a period of time, her posterity may take items to remember her, and other items may be donated to those less fortunate; however, Grams will not be remembered for her things. She will live on as we recount her stories, her life, and her wisdom. Her legacy will live on in all those whose lives she touched. Already miss you Grams!

Happily Ever After Part II

My beautiful and amazing Grandma passed away last night. She was a woman of faith and an example to all. I love my Grandma and am filled with peace as I think about her joyous reunion with my Grandpa. The knowledge of eternal families truly is a tender mercy and blessing from the Lord. How grateful I am for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ which has allowed us to be sealed together as families in His holy temples. Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

From 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Happily Ever After

My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past weekend. They celebrated like most retirees by jetting off to Europe for two weeks. Part of the time they will spend in Switzerland where my dad served his LDS mission and where my parents lived for nine months in the first few years of their marriage. The other time they are traveling Prague and Budapest with three of my sisters who are having their own adventures this week.

My parents are a great example to me. My dad always greets my mom with a kiss and hug when he comes home from work. When we are watching a movie, my parents still hold hands. It's really cute! They are always thinking of the other person and their kids. My parents have sacrificed so much for us: weekly piano lessons; sports camps; music trips; school activities; driving us around everywhere; giving of their time, talents, and energy.

I have favorite memories of both my parents. My dad would sing to us or recite scriptures as we were falling asleep. He was often busy and this was his time with us. He taught us the constellations, brought us hiking in National Parks and surfing in the oceans of California, and testified of the gospel of Jesus Christ. My mom was superwoman. She got eight kids off to school each day and helped us get everything done at night. She taught me discipline which has helped me throughout my life. She would drive us to Provo in the morning then to St. George in the afternoon. Yes. That really did happen. She has let me cry on her should many, many times and never complained and always comforted. Her daily actions reflect the attributes of a disciple of Christ.

My parents are amazing people and I hope they have enjoyed their "Happily Ever After" the past 40 years.

Merry Old Month of May

I could list a whole lot of reasons why I haven't blogged recently, but truthfully it really is sheer laziness. To those few readers who like to know what is going on in my life here is my May recap:

• Traveled to California. Visited family. Slept. Relaxed. Vented frustrations.
• Signed up for a half marathon. Started running. Wanted to quit running. Still running.
• Helped a friend who got sick. Raging ear infection. Ears swollen. No hearing. High fever. Not fun.
• Still job searching. No luck yet. Still frustrated on that front.
• Cleaning life. Organizing boxes. De-junking. Very therapeutic.
• Sister is engaged. Excited for her. November wedding. Beautiful dress.
• Planning life. Still figuring it out. Hoping for the best.

Graduation Day

I graduated from MBA school last week. Lots of pictures were taken. Speakers were great! The Deseret News randomly chose me to interview and I ended up being the lead in the story. Here are some pictures commemorating the event:

MBA Golf Day

Last week I participated in the BYU MBA golf day. Some of you may be thinking, "You golf?" Yes and no. My brother taught me some golf techniques before he left on his LDS mission. I am quite handy with a pitching wedge and nine iron. Those were the two clubs that let me practice hitting back and forth across the field near our house without the ball going over the fence or hitting another house. But, I am digressing in the story.

People in the program signed up on teams of four. I realized my golf skills were far below amateur so didn't even bother looking for a team. Then I realized that each team could have a caddie. I found a team with my friends and asked to be their caddie. Basically my job was to move the golf cart and grab clubs as needed. Though I didn't golf, I had a really great time. We all laughed and joked throughout the day. Though our team didn't have the best score, we probably had the best time. I am going to miss all my friends. I've spent everyday for two school years with these people. It's going to be quite a shock next week after graduation when I no longer am in daily contact with them. I am grateful I took a leap of faith and applied for MBA school.

Kate and I at Sleepy Ridge Golf Course

Ghetto Skiing

Back in January, I went skiing with my brother Paul, his wife Ashley, and their friends Mark and Amy. We didn't go to a ski resort. We went to a place near my parents' cabin. The road and landscape are such that you you can shuttle people up to the top of the slope. We rotate driving which makes for a great day. Though I call it ghetto skiing it really is cheap and fun! As you can see from the picture, we aren't the only ones who enjoy this little known ski run. I brought a few friends up to this spot a few weeks later and they too were convinced of the greatness of ghetto skiing. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of that trip. With school coming to a close, maybe I can get one more trip in before the snow melts.

Happy Easter!

Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. He suffered for our sins in Gethsemane and died on the cross that we may be resurrected and return to live with Him. We live in a day where His gospel is on the earth, where we are led by His prophet, and where we may receive revelation just like in the days of the Old and New Testament. May we all have a renewed determination to know and to serve our Savior and to live as He would have us live. I love you all!