2012 and Things I know

Twenty-Twelve is almost over!  It is hard to believe.  I don't know if I got too terribly much accomplished this year, but I like to think that I am a better person than I was a year ago.  So, as the year ends I am going to declare 10 things I know...

1) The church is true.  Even if I wanted to deny this fact, I couldn't.  How do I know?  Because I have had days where I have wanted to deny it and couldn't.

2) I love my students. They drive me crazy, test my patience, and bring so much joy and happiness to my life.  I don't have kids of my own, so it is nice to be loved by so many children and to know that they are mine for 8 hours a day.

3) My nieces and nephews are the cutest things ever.  They have wonderful parents.  Each one is such a unique individual and I know each one has the potential to change the world

4) Family is everything.  Sometimes I can be pretty mean to my family. Still, they are always there and show me more love than I sometimes feel like I deserve.

5) I love CrossFit!  It has truly changed me...I could go on about this, but won't.

6) It is possible to maintain long distance relationships with friends.  My 4 best friends are all at least 1,500 miles away and I still feel as close to them as I did when we all lived less than a block away.  I just miss cooking, cuddling, and star-gazing with them.

7) If you don't put yourself "out-there" you won't get results.  This is true in so many aspects of your life.  Even failure is a result.  You won't always succeed, but you will never know what the result will be if you don't try.

8) Be happy.  The only other choice is to be grumpy.  That doesn't sound fun at all.

9) Just do it!  If you want something go out and get it.  Talking about it doesn't get you anywhere.  This is definitely advice I should follow more often.

10) I am less than a year and a half from turning 30!  YIKES!!!

My Latest New Obessions

I may have a weird obsession with cleaning my ears lately.

I am nervous I am going to go to the doctor one day and he is going to think I have really nasty ears if I don't clean them MULTIPLE times a day.

 

I may be obsessed with granola.

This is to the point I delay getting in the shower because I can't eat the granola while I am in the shower.  Today I sat and pondered how I could manage to eat granola in the shower and avoid getting it wet.

I am obsessed with the way my Mr. Clean with Febreeze bathroom cleaner smells.

I can smell it all throughout the house every time I clean.  I would probably just sit and sniff it out of the bottle if I didn't think it would kill my brain cells.

Alma 32

There is so much on my mind.  So, I am going to write in paragraph format tonight and hope I don't ramble and become boring.

I finished my study of The Book of Mormon yesterday morning.  Today, sacrament meeting focused on The Book of Mormon.  I had the opportunity to hear a member's conversion story and how The Book of Mormon played a large role in his conversion.  It is always refreshing to hear converts' testimonies of The Book of Mormon.  I listen to their testimonies with awe because I have never been without the book and don't understand how life would be without the fullness of the gospel.  I am glad that he was so willing to share his conversion story.

He mentioned reading about faith in Alma 32 during his talk.  This is the second time within the past few weeks that a friend had mentioned that particular chapter about faith and had been meaning to reread the chapter since my first friend mentioned the chapter.  I had wondered how faith played a role in my life outside of believing the basic principles of the church.  For example, "How does faith play a role in my daily decisions as an educator?" or "How does faith make a role in the small decisions I make on a daily basis such as what I eat?"  I also wondered how faith played a role in how I perceived my future.

So, I may or may not have chose to read Alma 32 while the last speaker spoke in sacrament.  I am still researching to find answers to my questions.  Still, the answer that came to me today was how inner connected faith and hope were.  Sometimes I feel like I have faith but I do not have hope.  Then, I wonder if one can have faith and not have hope. 

In conclusion, life is going to be hard no matter what.  The things that are bothering me now will probably seem so small in a few months.  I have a lot to learn about faith and hope.  Maybe my lack of faith and hope are connected to how self-centered I can be at times.  I don't know.  So, I am going to try to find ways to serve others and nourish the seed of faith I have and learn to hope.  While I am dong this, I will keep smiling.  After all, tomorrow is another day.

More Sunday Ramblings

I have been off sugar for 24 hours and I am pretty sure I am having DT's.

My body is constantly sore.

I had an epic fail while trying to go salsa dancing.

I feel like I spend too much time with six year olds.

I miss grown up time.

Being over-animated is overrated but part of being a teacher.
Lesson planning consumes my life.
I don't think fried pickles should count as carbs.
Bacon is probably the food of the Gods.
I may be a little too competitive.
I think too much...maybe I am ADHD.
The thought of becoming a cougar has been entertaining me.
I miss star gazing with my besties.

Thoughts about Ether

 I finished the book of Ether today.  I am almost finished reading the Book of Mormon this year.  I try to read it at least once a year.  Anyways, today as I was reading I was struck by Coriantumr's reaction when he noticed that his people were really going to be destroyed because he chose not to repent.  He mourned but, "would not be comforted." (See Ether 15:3)  I can only imagine the sadness that comes with seeing men, women, and children fighting until death and their bodies heaped upon the Earth.  Yes, I visualize the wars every time I read about them.  It makes scripture study so much more exciting!

Although my trials in life are nowhere near compared to Coriantumr's and I am pretty sure I make better choices than he made I often wonder how often I refuse to be comforted.  How many times are we told in Isaiah that "His hand is stretched out still" no matter what.  I have struggled with some things lately and I wonder if I would be struggling so much if I allowed myself to be comforted.  I wonder if how my attitude towards myself and others would differ if I swallowed my pride.

I am going to try to allow myself to be comforted.  Maybe then will I embrace the great things in my life and the not so great things won't seem as significant.

Thoughts for the Day

This has been a crazy, busy, stressful week for me!  

Overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe how I am feeling.

I finally got moved into my classroom but it is still a mess.

I still don't feel like I know where everything in my classroom is.

I should probably just take a few deep breaths.

I realized how much I HATE hospitals.

The would have, should have, could haves in life really make me contemplate.

I am still petrified of the unknown.

The idea of moving still intrigues me.

Life is too short to have regrets.

A Few Things

I have an unhealthy relationship with s'mores.

Looks like I am teaching FIRST, not second, grade next year.

My new classroom is a mess.

I backsquatted 175 pounds tonight.

I strung thirty-one double-unders tonight.

Turns out I do NOT hate my dog.

I can't wait for Cheesecake Factory this week:

White Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Cheesecake rocks my world!

I can't talk myself into washing and vacuuming my car.

My introduction PowerPoint for my students talks about my love for bacon...

I don't want summer to come to an end.

Mom

I saw this quote on a sign today and thought of my mom:

"Goodly mothers give life and then teach their children how to live it."

Even though I have been reminded more than once in my life that I was an "accident" and my mom cried when she found out she was preggo with me (not tears of joy) I think my mom is thankful she gave me life.  At least, I hope she is.  If carrying me in her womb for nine months and birthing me wasn't enough, she has taught me how to live. Here are a few examples of how:

• Mom  taught me how to laugh at the crazy things in life.  Unfortunately, I still inherited my dad's dry sense of humor.
• Mom taught me the importance of family and continues to do so.  Mom loves her family to be around and I don't know if anything makes her happier than all her children and grandchildren being around her at one time.   She loves family and makes family a top priority.  
• Mom taught me how to serve those in need.  Although her service is often done behind closed doors she is constantly serving others.  
• Mom taught me to be clean.  Let's be honest, I definitively didn't get my OCD clean traits from my dad.
• Mom taught me to believe in myself.  I remember when I would have rough days in primary school or even in college.  Mom reminded me that I was "special" (hopefully not in a mentally handicapped way) and that I could do anything I put my mind too.
• Mom taught me to cook.  I still haven't reached my mom's status when it comes to making cornbread or banana pudding but I plan on giving her a run for her money one of these days.
• Mom taught me how to be a true friend.  My mom has always been there for other people and her children.  She is concerned for the welfare of others and is always willing to give a listening ear. She will also give advice rather you want it or not.
• Mom taught be how to be opinionated.  Actually, she taught this to all of her kids.  This can be why family gatherings can be somewhat interesting at times.  Still, she taught me how to stand up for myself and what I believe.  Standing up for what you believe can be hard in this crazy world we live in today, but she made sure I had a backbone.
• Mom taught me the importance of following my dreams. Mom never went to college but she made sure all her children did in order to follow their dreams in their chosen profession.  I love hearing her brag about how proud she is of all six of her children.
• Mom taught me how to love.  Mom has the biggest heart of anyone I know.  She cares for those around her and truly "mourns with those that mourn."  I think I am a big squish when it comes down to it because of her.

In short, my mom rocks.  She makes me laugh and I love the memories I have made with her over the years.  She is a wonderful woman  with an infinite amount of wonderful characteristics.  Yes, she can be a bit crazy but I still aspire to become like her one day. 

Here's to the mom's who love their family and teach their children how to "live" and truly embrace life!

Serendipity

When I was little I remember going outside, stretching my arms as wide as they would go, and twirling as the wind blew on my face and laced its way through my hair.  It was days like that I loved.  As I was walking through the park tonight there was one of those perfect winds.  The stars shined brightly above me, the temperature couldn't have been better, and the smell of sweet honeysuckle filled the air.  I reminisced on my childhood days of spinning and twirling.  It was then I realized how great my life really is.

Don't get me wrong, my life is by no means perfect.  However, a good friend last week helped me change my thought process a little.  He reminded me the importance of focusing on what is right in my life and the things I want in my life instead of focusing on the things that aren't going as planned for me.  I have done that this week and I must admit that my outlook on things are getting better.  I feel like that giddy ten year old girl again who wants to dance in the rain and laugh just because she can!  Life truly is great and it is meant to be lived!  So, get out there and live it!  Forget about the things that are bringing you down and focus on things that lift you up!

The Snizard...A Reptile Story

If you know anything about me you know that I am absolutely petrified of snakes.  I don't watch them on t.v. and my heart temporally stops beating when I see one in real life, even if I am in a car and it is outside.  I avoid the amphibian exhibit at the zoo just to avoid the temporary paralysis that comes with it after seeing unnaturally large snakes in cages.  With that being said, I have a story to tell.

Being a tomboy has its perks.  It is fun being about to hang out with the guys but then being able to dress and act like a lady as well.  The downfall of being a tomboy is when there are no boys around to do a boy's job...like killing spiders, lifting heavy things, or catching strange animals.  Tonight, I knew I was going to have to put on my tomboy boots when I heard my mom frantically call out my name.

I went to the back room and she asked, "What is that?"  I looked on the curtain to see a four legged reptile.  It had a long, slinky body (it was probably only about 6 inches but in my head it was 60 inches) and a thin tongue that whipped back and forth.  It was probably half snake and half lizard, thus I am calling it a snizard.

I bravely approached the curtain it was on and went to grab it.  My heart was racing as I reached on my hand.  I trapped it in the curtain it was on thinking I was victorious and went to grab it.  The snizard out thought me and jumped into the toy chest!  I tried to catch it again but it wiggled its way in between dolls, Legos, and toy cars.  I had to empty the toy chest.  Finally, it was me, the snizard, and the chest.  The snizard tried climbing out and failed.  His body looked as if it were seizing.  I was victorious.  I grabbed the snizard and held it for about half a second before it opened it gigantic mouth and tried to bite me!  I am pretty sure it's mouth opened up wide enough to take off my thumb.  In self defense I threw it across the room and let out a piercing yelp!

Lucky for me the snizard landed right back in the toy box.  I took it outside and emptied out the box.  I valued my thumb too much to try catching it again.  Yes, another squeal did escape my mouth as it fell out of the box and into the yard.

The snizard is probably still waiting outside for me with a vengeance.  Still, for now, victory is mine. I beat the snizard!

(This isn't the actual snizard but this is pretty close to what he looked like. This is a random pic someone took of another snizard in Jackson.)

Valentine's Day

I really do love Valentine's Day and I am convinced that I don't tell myself that to make myself feel better on this day.  Yes, I have dated some pretty lame guys, and by lame I mean jerks (and that is putting it mildly).  Still, I am not going to let their choices dictate how I feel about celebrating love and relationships!

I won't lie, I haven't always loved Valentine's Day and it is rare that I have a legit boyfriend on Valentine's Day (and even if I did, I'd hope he wouldn't need an excuse, such as a holiday, to do something nice/sweet for me).  Still, I have the most amazing family and friends who never fail to let me know that I am loved.  They never fail to get me delicious treats, stuffed animals, and/or chocolates.

This year I was bummed out because I missed my class's Valentine's party due to being sick.  Still, when I returned back to work I had the some sweet Valentines sitting on my desk from my students.  Then, yesterday when I came home I had flowers waiting for me in my favorite vase.

Today,  Valentine's Day, one of my favorite students brought me a orange rose.  Orange is one of my favorite colors.  After work I got to go and WOD, which may be one of my favorite things ever.  Then, I got to end my evening with chocolate covered strawberries.

Really, does life get any better?  Why, yes it does.  My four year old nephew asked me to be his Valentine and is taking me on a date this weekend.  I am super excited to get to spend some time with him.  He is a little stud.

So, you don't need to have a "significant other" to love Valentine's Day.  I'm glad I am single on this holiday so I can more fully appreciate how much others love me instead on focusing on the commercial appeal of just trying to do something to prove my love to someone else.  

I hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day and focused on all the small things in life that let you know you are loved.  Also, I hope you took the opportunity to show those you love you love them by small acts of service.  When you look for the positive and take the time to do something nice for someone else, you can't help but to love life!

I am pretty sure...

• I am pretty sure that I am probably one of the worse drivers in the world. If I had to pass the driving test again, I'd probably fail. 

• I am pretty sure that I have the cutest Valentine in the world. Will (my four-year-old nephew) asked me to be his Valentine today!

• I am pretty sure that I have been having crazy dreams lately with uninvited visitors.  I may or may not end up hurting someone if this visitor keeps showing up in my dreams.

• I am pretty sure that the Jackson Ward has the best Young Women ever. I love them so much and I am so excited to work with them. 

• I am pretty sure that I have a love/hate relationship with my job. I hate going to work everyday but I also don't like not going to work.

• I am pretty sure that I may give the worse advice ever. So, if I ever give you advice you should probably do the opposite of what I tell you to do. 

• I am pretty sure that I look like I've "let myself go" every day I don't put on make-up. 

• I am pretty sure that I am completely happy with my life right now. 

That's all

I'm A...

One of my more recent pet peeves is when people define themselves by their careers.  I really could care less what you do for a living.  It is crazy that in America when asked, "What do you do?" people automatically answer with their job description.  The crazy thing is we do so much more.  I am also annoyed that people define themselves by their jobs because it prevents me from getting to know that person as a person.  So, I am going to try my best to describe all the roles I play that contribute to who I am as a person without divulging too terribly much.

I'm a teacher.

I'm a daughter.

I'm a sister.

I'm an aunt.

I'm a friend.

I'm a lifelong learner.

I'm a reader.

I'm a baker.

I'm a dreamer.

I'm a stargazer.

I'm a hopeless romantic.

I'm a Mormon.

I'm a listener.

I'm an animal lover.

I'm a know-it-all.

I'm a napper.

I'm a cuddler.

I'm an online shop-a-holic.

I'm a writer.

I'm a thinker.

I'm a critic.

I'm a southerner.

I'm a lover of life.

All these roles I play in life really do contribute to who I am as a person, how I feel about various things, and why I form certain opinions.  However, if you just looked at me as a teacher, you would miss all the other things that help define who I am as a person.  Thus, be careful when you meet a new friend or your in a casual conversation.  Don't be afraid to share who you really are!