You know those days when things just seem to fall into place? Anytime that happens, it amazes me. Today just happened to be one of those days. Mondays are, on average, disastrous....and they are notorious for it. So I'm sure you can image my surprise when I woke up this morning ON MY OWN at 7:00am. I needed to be up by 7:30, so I just laid in bed half awake. It was nice. Afterwards I got up thinking I was going running with a new found friend, only to find out that she was still out of town. :( Well, I wasn't going to let the fact that I had gotten up early, dressed in running clothes, found my nano AND had actually remembered to eat breakfast go to waste, so I decided to go running by myself. Now, it must be clear that the last time I went running in Ala BAM a, I almost died. Seriously, I couldn't even make it 2 miles. Sad. I was ready to go---out the door even--when I realized my nano was on 2% battery life. Inside I went. AND to not let my energy down while charging my nano, I decided to call my life long gal pal, cami nurray murray jo heaton. The one and only. It's amazing the things you can get down when you actually decide to get out of bed. By now the nano is charged and I'm out the door running to "I'm a believer" covered by smashmouth. With my new found exhilaration, I not only go for a run, but I go through the parts of the neighborhood formally banned in my mind because of spiders and snakes. (or course I was praying constantly that I wouldn't find any surprises) and to make things even better, it actually felt nice out. There was a slight breeze and because it had been raining, it was a little cooler. An unlikely surprise. I come home and give Kuma a bath..outside. SUCCESS. Afterwards I take him for a walk and brush and blow-dry his hair and get in a phone call with my mommy. It's now time for my bath, brush and blow-dry and I'm done just in time to hang out with Aaron for his lunch break---leaving at the same time he does to meet up for lunch with one of my new friends for SUSHI!!! YUM! Who knew you could find good sushi in Daleville, Al? Next a productive hour of cleaning and talking with my other friend, Lacee, ending with Aaron getting off early from class. What joy!! I send him to take a nap and even though I was tempted to join him, I amaze myself by accomplishing more in my living room and I come up with a brilliant idea of how I want to decorate it, clearing out empty boxes and conquer more spider fears by going into our storage units. Aaron is now up and we make a yummy healthy dinner together, clean the kitchen--going "virtual" shopping with my non-biological sister and end the evening with an amazing FHE, and now actually updating my blog...which in effect, is very much like a journal today.
It may not make sense why I felt the need to log my entire day's activities, but I was so happy to have accomplished so much of what I wanted to do today. I believe that this was because of something I failed to mention that I should have...the actual start of my day, last night. I prayed last night that I would have a productive day today. It may seem silly to people, but I believe that God answers prayers and He loves us enough to care about the small and simple things of our daily lives. He answers our prayers if we care to enough to look for His answers. We just need to take action. I know that sometimes answers come in life-changing events, but mostly---especially me, they come so subtly that I hardly even know they are there at all. I love that how having a productive day and a clean house can bring the spirit into a home. It amazes me at how much a simple hymn before praying can change the course of what you pray for. I love how much God guides our lives and our families. I know this gospel is true. I love it with all my heart. I am so grateful for a wonderful husband who is a priesthood leader and loves the Lord. I am grateful for the scriptures and how they are examples to us, and how going to church can touch you in ways that are so incredibly unique and personal---even when everyone is hearing the same lesson. I know that I won't always feel this way, but I believe it's important to record the times that you do. It's important to write down your testimony and what you are thankful for. It's for this reason I write today for me. For the future me who may wonder if I have what it takes. I can look back and read this and be amazed and think.......if she can do it, so can I !!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
My Daddy, My HERO!
It being Father's Day and all, I thought I would write a little somethin', somethin' about my daddy. Not to mention his birthday is later on this week. I just adore that man! He is everything I hope I can be one day. Cheesy? Ha, who cares, this is MY blog. haha. Anyway, what I thought I would do is share some of my favorite memories about my daddy and some qualities about him that everyone should aspire for. So here we go, even though a list could never be complete and I KNOW I will miss some of them, here is my TOP TEN reasons why I love my daddy in no particular order.
10. He is quietly hilarious.
People have told me before that my dad can be intimidating because he is so quiet. He can look quite serious when he wants to and has these piercing beautiful eyes that really just demand that you be honest and truthful to him. However, once you get him going, he so quite witty and can outsmart you on pretty much anything. There are several "witty" stories that I could tell about my daddy, but really it's something you have to experience, like when little kids think he's Santa Clause and he plays along, or when you don't realize he's been listening to a conversation and then BURNS you. He's wonderful...and for all those who don't know him, he may be quiet, but watch out....he's usually got something up his sleeve.
9. He unconditionally loves his wife.
Growing up in my house, the sure-fire way to upset Daddy was to disrespect our mother. He could listen to us arguing our case to our mom, and mostly he would let her handle it ( cause Heaven knows, she can handle herself in an argument), but as soon as you let a "that's stupid" or an "I hate you" or any other sentence that was disrespectful, my daddy got mad. I can still remember him saying very strongly and firmly, "You NEVER disrespect your mother"! Maybe it is for this reason that I see my brothers treat their wives with such sweetness. Growing up, I never doubted that my dad loved my mom. As a child, I took that for granted, but now I see how incredibly lucky I was. Here is a cute story about my mom and dad.... when we were traveling to Montana to visit my mom's side of the family. My mom is from Montana, so we traveled this way often. On one occasion we came across some baby foxes traveling with their mom. As I remember they were in the middle part of the highway (not in the middle of the highway, but there was this grassy part, with some trees and such). My mom and I both saw them and perhaps someone else, but my daddy was driving and so I turned to him and said, "Dad, did you see those Montana foxes?" and he said " What do you mean? I already have a Montana fox." I giggled and thought my dad was BRILLIANT. My mom blushed and swatted him playfully on the arm and said "JAK!" hahah! I love it. Even now, I love hearing their stories of how they went to the movies, or seeing them hold hands. I love it!
8. He is always levelheaded.
I asked Aaron what he thought about my daddy and this is one that he came up with and I 100% agree. In times of drama/turmoil or confusion, my daddy always seems to know what to say and what to do. He always keeps his calm and understands the situation. He's probably the only reason our family has any common sense with all of us stubborn and opinionated yahoos!
7. He is the smartest man I know (although Aaron's catching up! ;) )
For this one I wish I had a picture of my daddy reading a book. I have absolutely no idea how many books he's read, but I know it could fill an entire library. I asked him what he wanted for Father's Day and he said "a good book". I love him! People come to him for advice and knowledge, his resume is extremely impressive and on top of all that, he volunteers for a historical museum, just because it interests him. I've seen him read biographies of some of the greatest men alive, several of our Church's prophets, as well past presidents and other figures of authority. I am pretty sure I have never asked him a question that he couldn't answer. When I grow up, I want to be just like him. Seriously.
6. He LOVES The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
This is what I know about my dad. He has always been a faithful servant of the Lord. I watched him study his scriptures, teach lessons, fulfill callings, go to meetings, give blessings, heal the sick, give selfless service. In fact, I am pretty sure my dad is more like our Savior than anyone else I know. He has dedicated his life in bringing up an amazing family and I know that all his children thank him for the testimony he has given us. For me, I wouldn't be the person I am today without the love that my dad has for his Heavenly Father, the Son, Jesus Christ and for the gospel. I remember he bore his testimony at my niece's confirmation and he spoke about how he wanted all of his children and grandchildren to know that he loves them and that he has a testimony. It was amazing. Also, when I was on my mission, my dad's letters were always SO profound. Looking back, I wish I would have kept them. Maybe I will have to go onto my old email account and print them all off. I want my kids to benefit from my daddy's wisdom.
5. He's always a good sport and up for an adventure.
Most people when they go away for the weekend it's about the comfort and connivence of a hotel. Where people pamper YOU for once. haha, well my mom loves camping and because it's cheaper, they would go camping a lot. How's that for out of the ordinary adventure. Or the fact that he married a very spontaneous woman, who likes to visit her kids on a moment's notice. My daddy was alway up for it. But I think this video shows his free-spirit! :)
4. He supports his children
3. He is loved and respected by everyone that knows him.
It amazes me the amount of people that love and respect my dad. I know it shouldn't, but I have never met anyone that didn't like him. Most of the time when someone hears that I am "Jak's daughter", they sing his praises. It's fun to hear things about my dad that I normally wouldn't know. Some people have even claimed they learned all they need to know from my daddy. It's ok folks, I say the same thing! My daddy is so humble and I think that is why people flock to him. However, I think the thing that has become the most touching for me, is watching my dad get older. His body isn't working as well, and because of health issues he's been in and out of the hospital more than he ever was in the past. As his body has become less reliable, I have seen others step up. My mom, serving him endlessly...spending nights in the hospital and making sure he has every comfort that he could need, my brothers all jumping up for the chance to help him out to the car or getting him a plate of food. I can only imagine the kind of life he would have to lead to have people jump at the chance to serve him now. I want to be like that!
2. He can cook too, on top of the rest.
I think something my daddy is most famous for is his cooking. Almost all of us kids have picked it up. In fact, as a child, I don't remember ever eating leftovers....that could have been that fact that I have four brothers...maybe there just wasn't any leftovers....but I'm pretty sure it was just because he could make anything out of nothing. We had some serious gourmet meals. Most of my friends say they miss my daddy's cooking. Heck, I miss my daddy's cooking. I have called him several times for several different recipes, and I know my brothers have done the same. However, my dad doesn't cook from a recipe. So what happens when you call to get a recipe from a man who doesn't cook that way? Usually a lot of experimenting. haha. Some of my favorite meals include, but are not limited to: Taco salad--probably his most famous, meatloaf, baked beans, beef stroganoff, pinto bean casserole, spaghetti, ck divine and his thanksgiving spread.
1. Because he's my daddy!
I have so many wonderful memories of my daddy, from watching old AMC movies and having him point out the actors, or volunteering with him at the museum, working on scripts, sets and other theater projects, cooking, going on road trips, long talks when I lived far away, helping me pack my entire house, watching endless games of football with him (on TV or live), teaching moments, his never ending perfect advice, but most importantly his priesthood influence he's had. I am so grateful that he is a strong member of the church so that he can give me blessings and watch out for my spiritual well being, as well as my physical. I am so grateful that he was there when I went through the temple for the first time and also when I was married. Families ARE forever and so I'm glad he's mine to keep! He's my daddy and I will always love him for it. I always wanted to sing a song with my dad--the one from Beauty and the Beast the musical. (lyrics at the bottom)
Here you go: "No Matter What"
10. He is quietly hilarious.
People have told me before that my dad can be intimidating because he is so quiet. He can look quite serious when he wants to and has these piercing beautiful eyes that really just demand that you be honest and truthful to him. However, once you get him going, he so quite witty and can outsmart you on pretty much anything. There are several "witty" stories that I could tell about my daddy, but really it's something you have to experience, like when little kids think he's Santa Clause and he plays along, or when you don't realize he's been listening to a conversation and then BURNS you. He's wonderful...and for all those who don't know him, he may be quiet, but watch out....he's usually got something up his sleeve.
9. He unconditionally loves his wife.
Growing up in my house, the sure-fire way to upset Daddy was to disrespect our mother. He could listen to us arguing our case to our mom, and mostly he would let her handle it ( cause Heaven knows, she can handle herself in an argument), but as soon as you let a "that's stupid" or an "I hate you" or any other sentence that was disrespectful, my daddy got mad. I can still remember him saying very strongly and firmly, "You NEVER disrespect your mother"! Maybe it is for this reason that I see my brothers treat their wives with such sweetness. Growing up, I never doubted that my dad loved my mom. As a child, I took that for granted, but now I see how incredibly lucky I was. Here is a cute story about my mom and dad.... when we were traveling to Montana to visit my mom's side of the family. My mom is from Montana, so we traveled this way often. On one occasion we came across some baby foxes traveling with their mom. As I remember they were in the middle part of the highway (not in the middle of the highway, but there was this grassy part, with some trees and such). My mom and I both saw them and perhaps someone else, but my daddy was driving and so I turned to him and said, "Dad, did you see those Montana foxes?" and he said " What do you mean? I already have a Montana fox." I giggled and thought my dad was BRILLIANT. My mom blushed and swatted him playfully on the arm and said "JAK!" hahah! I love it. Even now, I love hearing their stories of how they went to the movies, or seeing them hold hands. I love it!
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| My mom is giving my dad a thumbs up! ;) |
8. He is always levelheaded.
I asked Aaron what he thought about my daddy and this is one that he came up with and I 100% agree. In times of drama/turmoil or confusion, my daddy always seems to know what to say and what to do. He always keeps his calm and understands the situation. He's probably the only reason our family has any common sense with all of us stubborn and opinionated yahoos!
7. He is the smartest man I know (although Aaron's catching up! ;) )
For this one I wish I had a picture of my daddy reading a book. I have absolutely no idea how many books he's read, but I know it could fill an entire library. I asked him what he wanted for Father's Day and he said "a good book". I love him! People come to him for advice and knowledge, his resume is extremely impressive and on top of all that, he volunteers for a historical museum, just because it interests him. I've seen him read biographies of some of the greatest men alive, several of our Church's prophets, as well past presidents and other figures of authority. I am pretty sure I have never asked him a question that he couldn't answer. When I grow up, I want to be just like him. Seriously.
6. He LOVES The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
"Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."Elder Boyd K. Packer
This is what I know about my dad. He has always been a faithful servant of the Lord. I watched him study his scriptures, teach lessons, fulfill callings, go to meetings, give blessings, heal the sick, give selfless service. In fact, I am pretty sure my dad is more like our Savior than anyone else I know. He has dedicated his life in bringing up an amazing family and I know that all his children thank him for the testimony he has given us. For me, I wouldn't be the person I am today without the love that my dad has for his Heavenly Father, the Son, Jesus Christ and for the gospel. I remember he bore his testimony at my niece's confirmation and he spoke about how he wanted all of his children and grandchildren to know that he loves them and that he has a testimony. It was amazing. Also, when I was on my mission, my dad's letters were always SO profound. Looking back, I wish I would have kept them. Maybe I will have to go onto my old email account and print them all off. I want my kids to benefit from my daddy's wisdom.
5. He's always a good sport and up for an adventure.
Most people when they go away for the weekend it's about the comfort and connivence of a hotel. Where people pamper YOU for once. haha, well my mom loves camping and because it's cheaper, they would go camping a lot. How's that for out of the ordinary adventure. Or the fact that he married a very spontaneous woman, who likes to visit her kids on a moment's notice. My daddy was alway up for it. But I think this video shows his free-spirit! :)
4. He supports his children
I can't remember anything that was a big deal to me that my parents weren't a part of. I am pretty sure they were at every choir concert, every performance, every soccer game...and on top of that, I'm pretty sure that I went to all of my brother's football games and soccer games and anything else. And if our friends had things going on, they'd go to that too! haha. I love it. This memory, I really wish I had a picture of. I was in Music Man at the Scera Shell Outdoor theater and it was POURING rain. I mean seriously buckets of water. However, someone thought that "the show must go on" and so we did. We danced and sang our hearts out, while it was coming down cats and dogs. I remember looking out into the audience and seeing my dad, there all by himself, with his own chair, his coat, umbrella and a tarp. I'm sure it's not true, but in my memory he was the only one in the audience (I'm pretty sure if only one person had shown up, they would have canceled that performance, but still....in my memory). Another memory that sticks out in my mind, I was dating another guy (I know... shocking) and no one liked us together, it's easy to look back now and see it wasn't right, but in the middle of it all, I was very confused and I was sick of people telling me what I should do, instead of listening to how I felt. Except my dad. He listened and told me that he trusted me to make the right decision, and if that meant to marry this guy, he would support. I can't tell you what that meant to me. My daddy had my back!
3. He is loved and respected by everyone that knows him.
It amazes me the amount of people that love and respect my dad. I know it shouldn't, but I have never met anyone that didn't like him. Most of the time when someone hears that I am "Jak's daughter", they sing his praises. It's fun to hear things about my dad that I normally wouldn't know. Some people have even claimed they learned all they need to know from my daddy. It's ok folks, I say the same thing! My daddy is so humble and I think that is why people flock to him. However, I think the thing that has become the most touching for me, is watching my dad get older. His body isn't working as well, and because of health issues he's been in and out of the hospital more than he ever was in the past. As his body has become less reliable, I have seen others step up. My mom, serving him endlessly...spending nights in the hospital and making sure he has every comfort that he could need, my brothers all jumping up for the chance to help him out to the car or getting him a plate of food. I can only imagine the kind of life he would have to lead to have people jump at the chance to serve him now. I want to be like that!
2. He can cook too, on top of the rest.
I think something my daddy is most famous for is his cooking. Almost all of us kids have picked it up. In fact, as a child, I don't remember ever eating leftovers....that could have been that fact that I have four brothers...maybe there just wasn't any leftovers....but I'm pretty sure it was just because he could make anything out of nothing. We had some serious gourmet meals. Most of my friends say they miss my daddy's cooking. Heck, I miss my daddy's cooking. I have called him several times for several different recipes, and I know my brothers have done the same. However, my dad doesn't cook from a recipe. So what happens when you call to get a recipe from a man who doesn't cook that way? Usually a lot of experimenting. haha. Some of my favorite meals include, but are not limited to: Taco salad--probably his most famous, meatloaf, baked beans, beef stroganoff, pinto bean casserole, spaghetti, ck divine and his thanksgiving spread.
1. Because he's my daddy!
I have so many wonderful memories of my daddy, from watching old AMC movies and having him point out the actors, or volunteering with him at the museum, working on scripts, sets and other theater projects, cooking, going on road trips, long talks when I lived far away, helping me pack my entire house, watching endless games of football with him (on TV or live), teaching moments, his never ending perfect advice, but most importantly his priesthood influence he's had. I am so grateful that he is a strong member of the church so that he can give me blessings and watch out for my spiritual well being, as well as my physical. I am so grateful that he was there when I went through the temple for the first time and also when I was married. Families ARE forever and so I'm glad he's mine to keep! He's my daddy and I will always love him for it. I always wanted to sing a song with my dad--the one from Beauty and the Beast the musical. (lyrics at the bottom)
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| My daddy playing "Ishmael" in The Promised Land |
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| Hitting the rides at Disneyland! |
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| Teaching me how to dance! |
Here you go: "No Matter What"
Belle:
Papa, do you think I'm...odd?
Maurice:
My daughter odd? Where did you get an idea like that?
Belle:
I don't know. It's just that, well, people talk.
Maurice:
They talk about me, too.
Maurice:
No, we're not odd, its true
No fam'ly ever saner
Except one uncle who...well, maybe let that pass
In all you say or do
You couldn't make it plainer
You are your mother's daughter; therefore you are class
Belle:
So I should just accept
I'm simply not like them
Maurice:
They are the common herd
And you should take my word
You are unique: creme de la creme
No matter what you do
I'm on your side
And if my point of view
Is somewhat misty-eyed
There's nothing clearer in my life
Than what I wish and feel for you
And that's a lot...
No matter what
Belle:
No matter what they say
You make me proud
I love the funny way
You stand out from the crowd
Maurice:
It's my intention my invention
Shows the world out there one day
Just what we've got...
Belle:
No matter what
Maurice:
Now some may say all fathers just exaggerate
Belle:
That ev'ry daughter's great?
Maurice:
You are!
Belle:
And ev'ry daughter tends to say her father's tops
Maurice:
She pulls out all the stops
To praise him
Belle:
And quite rightly!
Maurice:
No matter what the pain
We've come this far
I pray that you remain
Exactly as you are
This really is a case of father knowing best
Belle:
And daughter too!
Maurice:
You're never strange
Belle:
Don't ever change
Both:
You're all I've got
No matter what
**hmm, two songs from the same show, is it possible I'd like to play this role someday?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
I'm amazed at how it's so easy to forget things. Something remain engrained in our brian forever, like when Alex paid Lyra a dollar to squirt toothpaste up her nose and all she kept saying was "it tingles, tingles". haha. Yeah, you don't forget things like that. However, I was looking at my old mission journals. Wow. I don't remember half the people I taught. That is sad to me, those people used to be part of my daily prayers and now I can't even seem to put a face to their name, let alone any sort of personality. I also came across all my other journals. I think by the time I had unloaded all of my books, I had something like 15 journals spread across my shelf. And I'm pretty sure there are a couple that have gotten lost of the years. Wow, I used to be so good at writing. I skimmed through them and floods of memories came rushing over me. There were some entries that I found myself blushing that I thought it was worth a whole journal entry. Boys seemed to be a topic of great interest to me. Hahah, however as I grew older, my journals grew thinner and thinner and the entries are sometimes years apart. :( Sad, now I don't even have a description of the boy that means the world to me! So I'm thinking the next couple of posts will be about our story and we came to be the incredible couple that we are. Complete with the dating story, the engagement and the wedding. If I intend for this to be a journal of some sorts, than I feel it would be best for me to include some of those life changing events.
Here are all my journals randomly on the floor. I guess there weren't exactly 15, but it seemed like a ton when I was pulling them out. Aaron also had his mission journal (all 10 pages that he wrote...lol), but his entries were so much more intelligent than mine. *sigh* Well, maybe it'll help "humanize" me to my girls when they are going through the same age groups.---if I have little girls.
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Tuesday, June 7, 2011
When I grow up...
I had a moment today when I remember all I ever wanted in life. And that was to perform. Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a performer. For a short time I did want to be a professional soccer player, but I realized my talents were far greater in Musical Theater than in Soccer. So today when I was watching the show "The Voice" and I'm hearing people talk about how they've wanted this all their lives, I cried. I knew how they felt. While I am in no way unhappy with my life right now, it just hit me how much I gave up. I never thought my theater career would ever take a back seat. Aaron has always supported me, even encouraged me to continue to do theater, but sometimes I don't think he understands that if I do theater, I don't do anything else. I get to do theater again this fall. I'm really not sure how things will play out. It's hard to do something I love so much, only half-way. I want to finish my degree, but I wonder where the road will lead after that.
It's hard to give up the dreams you've had since you were a little girl. The best way I can think to describe how I feel is through song...a musical one at that.
"A Change in Me" from Beauty and the Beast
There's been a change in me
A kind of moving on
Though what I used to be
I still depend on
For now I realize
That good can come from bad
That may not make me wise
But oh it makes me glad
And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind
My childhood dreams
But I don't mind
For now I love the world I see
No change of heart a change in me
For in my dark despair
I slowly understood
My perfect world out there
Had disappeared for good
But in it's place I feel
A truer life begin
And it's so good and real
It must come from within
And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind
My childhood dreams but I don't mind
I'm where and who I want to be
No change of heart
A change in me
No change of heart
A change in me
It's hard to give up the dreams you've had since you were a little girl. The best way I can think to describe how I feel is through song...a musical one at that.
"A Change in Me" from Beauty and the Beast
There's been a change in me
A kind of moving on
Though what I used to be
I still depend on
For now I realize
That good can come from bad
That may not make me wise
But oh it makes me glad
And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind
My childhood dreams
But I don't mind
For now I love the world I see
No change of heart a change in me
For in my dark despair
I slowly understood
My perfect world out there
Had disappeared for good
But in it's place I feel
A truer life begin
And it's so good and real
It must come from within
And I-- I never thought I'd leave behind
My childhood dreams but I don't mind
I'm where and who I want to be
No change of heart
A change in me
No change of heart
A change in me
what makes a productive day?
I'm a list person. I like my days organized and thought out. I like, no, I LOVE the feeling of accomplishment. Crossing things off my list. So when I have a list, but then only parts of it get done, but other things get done that were good, but not on the list....which is better?
I'm taking these classes on Post helping us to become better leaders/spouses/family members and people, and we were talking about time management and how it's good to have your day planned and to watch out for time wasters and to be flexible. I'm pretty sure I could fit into each one of those today.
Here was my plan:
finish organizing my room
do insanity
read french BOM
clear out all the boxes that I have unpacked
go swimming
Well, here's what happened.
I forgot I had an appointment to take Kuma to the vet today. (btw, he was AMAZING. Dog training is working. Gosh, I just love him)
Stopped by the Arts and Crafts building and got prices for doing, well, arts and crafts.
Came home and updated blogs
Was surprised that Aaron came home for lunch, so we just hung out.
Probably wasted time on Facebook
Went to the pool, read BOM and started a new book, "Crucial Conversations" and planned meals for the week, made groceries list. and also, swam some laps.
Came home and got ready to go to my classes, while watching a new TV show Nate told me about, "The Voice", which I loved/hated--more on that later.
Went to class and LOVED it (see sjarmywife.blogspot.com)
Came home, realized Aaron has become addicted to Magic the gathering on the computer, and therefore didn't get anything else done...like putting away groceries (found a gallon of milk on the kitchen floor..lol) or feeding the dog.
Put stuff away, cleaned kitchen, fed dog
INSANITY
and now I'm in bed wondering if I really got anything accomplished today. As I look through that list, I think, wow, I did do a lot today, but what I really wanted to do was, get organized. I'm sick of living out of boxes/disorganization. I hate the task, so I'm putting it off, by doing other things that are also good. I should probably revisit Elder Oaks talk Good, Better, Best, and get my priorities straight. This happens to me a lot, because there is a task I don't want to do, I think of EVERYTHING I can possibly do--that's good, so I keep myself busy enough that I don't have time to do what I want/should do.
OK goal tomorrow. Organize room. I cannot leave the house, unless that task is done. :(
oh, crap.
I'm taking these classes on Post helping us to become better leaders/spouses/family members and people, and we were talking about time management and how it's good to have your day planned and to watch out for time wasters and to be flexible. I'm pretty sure I could fit into each one of those today.
Here was my plan:
finish organizing my room
do insanity
read french BOM
clear out all the boxes that I have unpacked
go swimming
Well, here's what happened.
I forgot I had an appointment to take Kuma to the vet today. (btw, he was AMAZING. Dog training is working. Gosh, I just love him)
Stopped by the Arts and Crafts building and got prices for doing, well, arts and crafts.
Came home and updated blogs
Was surprised that Aaron came home for lunch, so we just hung out.
Probably wasted time on Facebook
Went to the pool, read BOM and started a new book, "Crucial Conversations" and planned meals for the week, made groceries list. and also, swam some laps.
Came home and got ready to go to my classes, while watching a new TV show Nate told me about, "The Voice", which I loved/hated--more on that later.
Went to class and LOVED it (see sjarmywife.blogspot.com)
Came home, realized Aaron has become addicted to Magic the gathering on the computer, and therefore didn't get anything else done...like putting away groceries (found a gallon of milk on the kitchen floor..lol) or feeding the dog.
Put stuff away, cleaned kitchen, fed dog
INSANITY
and now I'm in bed wondering if I really got anything accomplished today. As I look through that list, I think, wow, I did do a lot today, but what I really wanted to do was, get organized. I'm sick of living out of boxes/disorganization. I hate the task, so I'm putting it off, by doing other things that are also good. I should probably revisit Elder Oaks talk Good, Better, Best, and get my priorities straight. This happens to me a lot, because there is a task I don't want to do, I think of EVERYTHING I can possibly do--that's good, so I keep myself busy enough that I don't have time to do what I want/should do.
OK goal tomorrow. Organize room. I cannot leave the house, unless that task is done. :(
oh, crap.
Monday, June 6, 2011
"Goals reflect the desires of our heart and our vision of what we can accomplish"
That quote is from Preach My Gospel. Such a worthy reading.
Anyway, each year I set goals, and in the summer I set goals for just the summer. I am so excited to be in a new place and to experience new adventures and have the opportunity to set goals I just wouldn't have the chance to do otherwise.
Aaron and I have some goals together, but mainly it's just me, cause, well, I'm the one here all day, every day all summer. It's the perfect time for me to do things I have never done and to refine/revisit things I have already started.
A couple of my first goals was to start blogging. I really wanted to start one because of something my cute sister-in-law Brittney showed me. She prints a book of their family blog each year. How cool is that??? Scrap-booking done! I thought, I want to be like her and here I am. I have read other people's blogs and I really loved being able to hear about their lives, even if I wasn't an active part of it anymore. Once I decide to do something, I usually go after it right away, so here I am, blogging about my goal to blog.
The next couple goals on my list were: finally finish the Book of Mormon: in French (don't judge me) and to do some sort of fitness thing in conjunction with my brother-in-law Josh. (ps, Josh and Brittney are married, look how much they've influenced me this summer!) So, I must say, my reading has been so fun so far. I don't understand all of it, there is a lot I've forgotten and BOM french is HARD. But, it isn't too bad. I plan to finish the end of August and so I have to read roughly 2 pages a day. C'est simple.
The fitness program Aaron and I are doing is INSANITY by beachbody. It's one of those infomercials--get you in the best shape of your lives in 60 days. It looks intense, but we're super excited. We're going full out and looked through the meal plan they have set up and wrote down our goals and whatnot. wow. Can't wait.
Some of the other goals I have:
sewing project (with the amazing sewing machine aaron got me)
swimming once a week
riding my bike once a week
cooking 2 new recipes a month
go to these Army wive classes they have here on post.
Exploring the post/Alabama:
Do you know they have so much to do on Post? You can make your own picture frames, do pottery, learn how to fix a car (the basics) etc. Plus I have a whole list of things to do in this area. Yup. It's going to be pretty cool.
Reading a book from our "library" each month. Aaron has some of the coolest books that I discovered while unpacking.
Get my dog really well trained
family history! :)
Well, I better get going since I have classes tonight and need to get stuff done before I need to make Aaron lunch. Here's to a productive summer!
to blog...
Blog:
So, here I am. Blog number two in just a few days. I never knew I had it in me. I think my brother Alex might disown me for choosing to go with a free type blogging site, when he much prefers the cooler options of full on websites. I, however, am not that cool and need: free, plain and simple.
I've always like journaling. In fact my first journals date back to when I could first write. Age 6 or 7, I suppose. I stopped as I got older and my life got busier and ironically more interesting. When it used to take me a year to fill up a journal, it now takes me years. Oh well, I'm hoping this will help. I do plan on expressing all my feelings here. Good, bad, religious, patriotic and private. This will, in fact, become the outlet for my journalling desires. It will, also, include our day to day experiences. In fact, my goal for this blog is to have pictures up from our little home. Well, that's it for now.
a web site containing the writer's or group of writers' own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other Web sites.
So, here I am. Blog number two in just a few days. I never knew I had it in me. I think my brother Alex might disown me for choosing to go with a free type blogging site, when he much prefers the cooler options of full on websites. I, however, am not that cool and need: free, plain and simple.
I've always like journaling. In fact my first journals date back to when I could first write. Age 6 or 7, I suppose. I stopped as I got older and my life got busier and ironically more interesting. When it used to take me a year to fill up a journal, it now takes me years. Oh well, I'm hoping this will help. I do plan on expressing all my feelings here. Good, bad, religious, patriotic and private. This will, in fact, become the outlet for my journalling desires. It will, also, include our day to day experiences. In fact, my goal for this blog is to have pictures up from our little home. Well, that's it for now.
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