I have been thinking about gratitude for the past week or so. When I think about gratitude, I start thinking about all of the things I am grateful for. This might sound strange to some, but today I am grateful for the rain.
I have always loved the rain, their is something comforting about listening to the sound of the raindrops. The rain reminds me of home and it reminds me of God's love for me.
Oregon is in a drought right now and it has been many months since it rained for more that just a few minutes. Today is rained for few hours and it was simply wonderful! To make it even better there was a rainbow. It was beautiful.
October 19, 2015
October 15, 2015
Thursday Thought
A few different things have been running through my mind this past week and they kind of go hand in hand with each other.
Did you know that October is National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States? I didn't know this until last year. Bullying is something that is very real and it happens more often than I think people would like to admit. I think the increase in violence we have seen over the years can in part be blamed on bullying.
I imagine everyone has felt bullied at some point in their life. I can recall several instances over the course of my life where I was bullied. The first time I can remember being bullied was when I was about 6 years old, someone at school called my four eye because of my glasses. During my elementary school years we moved and that was a hard thing. One boy in my class would frequently tell me that I was stupid and to shut up, talk about not fitting in in a new environment. At the end of the school year I was invited to a slumber party with the popular girls. They told me that I looked like a possum that comment really hurt me. I didn't end up staying the night and I found myself a new group of friends. I have been called fat and anorexic. I have even been made fun of because of my religious belief. Bullying doesn't end when you graduate either, it continues on into adulthood.
Being bullied is never fun. It may be fun for the people who are doing the bullying, they claim to be just joking and that it was all just for a laugh. But the damage they afflict on the person on the receiving end of their joke maybe be irreparable.
My second thought is this, we are all unique and we are all different. Instead of tearing each other down like a bucket full of crabs, we need to lift each other up. We need to embrace our differences. Being different is not a bad thing, it is a very good thing. If we were all the same the world would be a pretty boring place.
As we go throughout our days, weeks, and lives, let's make it a goal to not bully each other. Let's stop bullying when we see it happening. It only takes one person to speak up. Let's complement and praise each other for a job well done. Let's make the world a better place.
Did you know that October is National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States? I didn't know this until last year. Bullying is something that is very real and it happens more often than I think people would like to admit. I think the increase in violence we have seen over the years can in part be blamed on bullying.
I imagine everyone has felt bullied at some point in their life. I can recall several instances over the course of my life where I was bullied. The first time I can remember being bullied was when I was about 6 years old, someone at school called my four eye because of my glasses. During my elementary school years we moved and that was a hard thing. One boy in my class would frequently tell me that I was stupid and to shut up, talk about not fitting in in a new environment. At the end of the school year I was invited to a slumber party with the popular girls. They told me that I looked like a possum that comment really hurt me. I didn't end up staying the night and I found myself a new group of friends. I have been called fat and anorexic. I have even been made fun of because of my religious belief. Bullying doesn't end when you graduate either, it continues on into adulthood.
Being bullied is never fun. It may be fun for the people who are doing the bullying, they claim to be just joking and that it was all just for a laugh. But the damage they afflict on the person on the receiving end of their joke maybe be irreparable.
My second thought is this, we are all unique and we are all different. Instead of tearing each other down like a bucket full of crabs, we need to lift each other up. We need to embrace our differences. Being different is not a bad thing, it is a very good thing. If we were all the same the world would be a pretty boring place.
As we go throughout our days, weeks, and lives, let's make it a goal to not bully each other. Let's stop bullying when we see it happening. It only takes one person to speak up. Let's complement and praise each other for a job well done. Let's make the world a better place.
October 13, 2015
Weekend In Review
This weekend was simply relaxing and just what we needed.
Friday
Friday was had a date-in, sometimes those are just what you need. We stayed up late, cuddled on the couch, and watched a movie.
Saturday
We threw on our hiking gear, hopped in the car, and headed out to find a trail. We drove about an hour or so south until we found our desired trail head. We hiked on two different trails, for a total of about two miles and saw two different waterfalls.
It is definitely fall here in Oregon and it made for perfect hiking conditions. The temperature was just right, not too hot and not too cold. It was overcast and sprinkled a little bit on us.
The deciduous trees are changing color right now and the colors are absolutely stunning against the green of the evergreen trees. I tried to snap a few pictures but the pictures don't compare to the vibrant colors and beauty we saw.
I think one of the reasons I love hiking is because it reminds me that God exists. He created the beautiful scenery for me to enjoy and I can't help but feel His love when I am on the trail.
On our way homes the heavens opened and it poured. The rain was a welcomed gift, it hasn't rained here in sooo long. I can't remember the last time that it really rained, spring time...maybe? I love the rain and have really missed it. Along with the rain came a beautiful double rainbow.
I can't wait to go hiking again! I has been four long months since I have been able to hike, that is four months too long. Thank you stress fracture (sarcasm). Here's hoping my foot will continue to heal.
Sunday
We went to church. I know I say it every week, but I'm going to say it again. I LOVE going to church each Sunday!
I can't go to church and leave not feeling uplifted and edified. All of the meetings were wonderful. I think the thing that stood out most to me though was a thought shared by one of the Young Women. She has just gotten home from Youth Conference the night before and shared this thought.
She said something along the lines of this, "People say God won't give you more than you can handle. We all face trials and hardships, the trials are to help us learn and grow. When life gets hard, it's our job to pick ourselves up out of the dirt and keep pressing on. We need to have faith the God knows what he is doing." --I love this! It is so true!
Friday
Friday was had a date-in, sometimes those are just what you need. We stayed up late, cuddled on the couch, and watched a movie.
Saturday
 |
| Pristine. |
We threw on our hiking gear, hopped in the car, and headed out to find a trail. We drove about an hour or so south until we found our desired trail head. We hiked on two different trails, for a total of about two miles and saw two different waterfalls.
 |
| I found the first trail head. |
 |
| Andy. |
 |
| Andy & I. We're just a little excited! |
 |
| Andy & I. |
 |
| Me. |
 |
| The second trail head. |
It is definitely fall here in Oregon and it made for perfect hiking conditions. The temperature was just right, not too hot and not too cold. It was overcast and sprinkled a little bit on us.
 |
| Pinard Falls. |
 |
| Me & Andy |
 |
| Having fun! |
 |
| Love him! |
 |
| Beauty. |
 |
| Throwing rocks. |
 |
| ... |
The deciduous trees are changing color right now and the colors are absolutely stunning against the green of the evergreen trees. I tried to snap a few pictures but the pictures don't compare to the vibrant colors and beauty we saw.
I think one of the reasons I love hiking is because it reminds me that God exists. He created the beautiful scenery for me to enjoy and I can't help but feel His love when I am on the trail.
 |
| One of the two rainbows. |
On our way homes the heavens opened and it poured. The rain was a welcomed gift, it hasn't rained here in sooo long. I can't remember the last time that it really rained, spring time...maybe? I love the rain and have really missed it. Along with the rain came a beautiful double rainbow.
I can't wait to go hiking again! I has been four long months since I have been able to hike, that is four months too long. Thank you stress fracture (sarcasm). Here's hoping my foot will continue to heal.
Sunday
We went to church. I know I say it every week, but I'm going to say it again. I LOVE going to church each Sunday!
I can't go to church and leave not feeling uplifted and edified. All of the meetings were wonderful. I think the thing that stood out most to me though was a thought shared by one of the Young Women. She has just gotten home from Youth Conference the night before and shared this thought.
She said something along the lines of this, "People say God won't give you more than you can handle. We all face trials and hardships, the trials are to help us learn and grow. When life gets hard, it's our job to pick ourselves up out of the dirt and keep pressing on. We need to have faith the God knows what he is doing." --I love this! It is so true!
October 8, 2015
Thursday Thought
With thoughts from General Conference still running through my mind, I think it is only natural to share one of my favorite quotes from the meetings.
This thought was shared by Elder Quentin L. Cook and comes from a psychology study. The thought is this, "Self-control is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets."
As soon as these words were said, a smile crept across my face. Andy looked at me and he couldn't help smiling either because these words are so true! Self-control really is like using a muscle.
With the background I have in health and wellness, this quote really hit home for me. As a society, we are constantly told what we "SHOULD NOT" be doing. You should not drink, you should not smoke, you should not do drugs, you should not eat trans fats, you should not stay up all night, you should not eat doughnuts or lots of sweets, etc. With all the things we are constantly told that we should NOT be doing, I think we have almost changed the definition of the word self-control. Self-control no longer means controlling ones actions or behaviors, it means restraining oneself. Self-control is seen as a negative connotation. Eat one doughnut and FAIL! You lack self-control. This "new" definition of self-control makes me sad and to be honest, I think a lot of people cringe when they hear the word self-control.
For me, self-control means disciplining (not punishing) oneself by making positive changes in your life. Like building a muscle, making changes in your life doesn't always come easily. But with time, you will find that just as a muscle gets stronger, it will be easier and may even be fun to make these changes in your life. Go to the gym, eat healthier, get a solid eight hours of sleep, smile, laugh, dance, recreate, meditate, create, dream, envision, serve, compliment others, express gratitude.
In order to make a change in your life you first have to recognize the need change and then you have to actually have a desire to change. At this point, it would be wise to make two lists, one list will enumerate the reasons you feel you need and want to change. The other list contain the cons to making said change. Your list of pros will need to out weigh the cons. On the days you don't feel like sticking with your goal, look back at your list of reasons for making the goal in the first place and stick with it. You can do anything you set your mind to!
Process of Change:
1. Recognize the need to change
2. Desire to change
3. List the pros and cons of making said change
4. Come up with game plan to make your change
5. Execute!
Now that you have decided you need to change and that you actually want to change, and you have weighed the pros and the cons, it is time to come up with your game plan for implementing the changes in your life. What are you going to do? How are you going to do it?
It's okay to start out small and do said positive change once a week and work up to making it an everyday change, eventually it will become your lifestyle. These changes are small and they don't just happen overnight, they happen over the course of a lifetime. Don't punish your self because you didn't make your goal every single day. But instead, reward yourself for the progress you have made. Remember, we are all human and we all slip up at times and that's okay. Sometimes, it's okay to eat the doughnut, just not everyday.
The more positive self-control you have in your life, the happier you will be!
Carpe Diem!
This thought was shared by Elder Quentin L. Cook and comes from a psychology study. The thought is this, "Self-control is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets."
As soon as these words were said, a smile crept across my face. Andy looked at me and he couldn't help smiling either because these words are so true! Self-control really is like using a muscle.
With the background I have in health and wellness, this quote really hit home for me. As a society, we are constantly told what we "SHOULD NOT" be doing. You should not drink, you should not smoke, you should not do drugs, you should not eat trans fats, you should not stay up all night, you should not eat doughnuts or lots of sweets, etc. With all the things we are constantly told that we should NOT be doing, I think we have almost changed the definition of the word self-control. Self-control no longer means controlling ones actions or behaviors, it means restraining oneself. Self-control is seen as a negative connotation. Eat one doughnut and FAIL! You lack self-control. This "new" definition of self-control makes me sad and to be honest, I think a lot of people cringe when they hear the word self-control.
For me, self-control means disciplining (not punishing) oneself by making positive changes in your life. Like building a muscle, making changes in your life doesn't always come easily. But with time, you will find that just as a muscle gets stronger, it will be easier and may even be fun to make these changes in your life. Go to the gym, eat healthier, get a solid eight hours of sleep, smile, laugh, dance, recreate, meditate, create, dream, envision, serve, compliment others, express gratitude.
In order to make a change in your life you first have to recognize the need change and then you have to actually have a desire to change. At this point, it would be wise to make two lists, one list will enumerate the reasons you feel you need and want to change. The other list contain the cons to making said change. Your list of pros will need to out weigh the cons. On the days you don't feel like sticking with your goal, look back at your list of reasons for making the goal in the first place and stick with it. You can do anything you set your mind to!
Process of Change:
1. Recognize the need to change
2. Desire to change
3. List the pros and cons of making said change
4. Come up with game plan to make your change
5. Execute!
Now that you have decided you need to change and that you actually want to change, and you have weighed the pros and the cons, it is time to come up with your game plan for implementing the changes in your life. What are you going to do? How are you going to do it?
It's okay to start out small and do said positive change once a week and work up to making it an everyday change, eventually it will become your lifestyle. These changes are small and they don't just happen overnight, they happen over the course of a lifetime. Don't punish your self because you didn't make your goal every single day. But instead, reward yourself for the progress you have made. Remember, we are all human and we all slip up at times and that's okay. Sometimes, it's okay to eat the doughnut, just not everyday.
The more positive self-control you have in your life, the happier you will be!
Carpe Diem!
October 7, 2015
Banana Lips
Many years ago, my cousins taught me how to do this thing we call banana lips. The other night as we were headed out the door to go on a walk, I asked Andy to stand by the door and I instructed him on how to make banana lips. While he made banana lips, I snapped the following pictures.
We had so much fun! Andy laughed so hard. I enjoyed seeing the sheer joy on his face and listening to his laughter. Sometimes things get a little crazy (in a good way) in our home.
We had so much fun! Andy laughed so hard. I enjoyed seeing the sheer joy on his face and listening to his laughter. Sometimes things get a little crazy (in a good way) in our home.
October 5, 2015
Weekend In Review
Can I just say, this weekend was great? I know I say it all the time, but this weekend really was GREAT!
Friday
Friday night Andy and I went out on a date. Going on a date every week is something we try to do, but it doesn't always happen. It was so much fun to go out! We went to a local restaurant that we had never been to before. The service was great, but the food was nothing spectacular-- we are food snobs. We enjoyed each others company and chatting with one another.
Our next stop was the mall. I can't recall the last time I went to the mall to just go shopping. Strange right? I guess that is what happens when you do the majority of your shopping at the thrift store.
I have been in need of some new tennis shoes for work. Because of my stress fracture and the swelling that happened as a result, I can't wear most of my favorite shoes (Toms, Converse, ect). I have to wear shoes that can fit an arch support, a metatarsal pad, and said shoes have to have a wide toe box. Said feet problems make finding shoes a difficult task. Luck was on my side and I managed to find one cute pair of shoes that fit. I feel so fortunate.
Saturday
We made whole wheat crepes for breakfast and watched General Conference. I just love hearing the words the prophet and apostles, they really are inspired.
We managed to squeeze some time in to clean the house and ended the evening with two rounds of Skipbo. We each won one round.
Sunday
We watched more General Conference addresses, I feel so uplifted and edified by the words that were shared. In case you missed General Conference you can find the addresses on www.lds.org.
We made some vegan chocolate chip cookies, went on a nice long walk, played another round of Skipbo (I won, hehe), counted our blessings, and just enjoyed each others company.
Life is so good!
Friday
Friday night Andy and I went out on a date. Going on a date every week is something we try to do, but it doesn't always happen. It was so much fun to go out! We went to a local restaurant that we had never been to before. The service was great, but the food was nothing spectacular-- we are food snobs. We enjoyed each others company and chatting with one another.
Our next stop was the mall. I can't recall the last time I went to the mall to just go shopping. Strange right? I guess that is what happens when you do the majority of your shopping at the thrift store.
I have been in need of some new tennis shoes for work. Because of my stress fracture and the swelling that happened as a result, I can't wear most of my favorite shoes (Toms, Converse, ect). I have to wear shoes that can fit an arch support, a metatarsal pad, and said shoes have to have a wide toe box. Said feet problems make finding shoes a difficult task. Luck was on my side and I managed to find one cute pair of shoes that fit. I feel so fortunate.
Saturday
We made whole wheat crepes for breakfast and watched General Conference. I just love hearing the words the prophet and apostles, they really are inspired.
We managed to squeeze some time in to clean the house and ended the evening with two rounds of Skipbo. We each won one round.
Sunday
We watched more General Conference addresses, I feel so uplifted and edified by the words that were shared. In case you missed General Conference you can find the addresses on www.lds.org.
We made some vegan chocolate chip cookies, went on a nice long walk, played another round of Skipbo (I won, hehe), counted our blessings, and just enjoyed each others company.
Life is so good!
October 1, 2015
Thursday Thought
I just love Thursdays! Don't you? Thursday mean that I get a chance to share what's been on my mind. Thursday also means that there is only one work day before I get to chill with my husband for the weekend. And well, weekends with my husband are always the BEST!
Fall is upon us and it seems like a lot of people are back in school. It's weird to be done with college and not in school. For some reason whenever I see school supplies for sale and when the weather starts to charge, I just itch to be back in school and running cross country. I have fond memories of being in the classroom learning and out running on the trails after school.
I have been thinking a lot about education. President Hinckley once said, "You must get all the education that you possibly can." He also said, "Education unlocks the door of opportunities. You will rise according to your education. Work at it. Sacrifice for it. Do it. Pray about it, and the Lord will bless you. You will see yourselves rise and become men and women of strength and capacity."
With these thoughts in mind, I think it is important to keep learning. Learning doesn't just end when you step outside of the classroom or get a diploma. Learning is a lifelong process. And the knowledge we gain in this life, is one of the few things we take with us when we die.
If I could go back and redo college would I study Exercise Science again? Likely. But, I would probably declare a minor as well and maybe go on to grad school (who knows, that may still happen).
Since I graduated I have fallen in love with nutrition and I have an interest in dietetics. I read about various topics in these two areas, frequently and I feel like I have learned a lot.
I guess what I am trying to say is, learning doesn't have to be in a classroom. If there is something you are interested in learning more about, by all means learn about it. Read journals and scholarly articles. Check out books from your local library- you may be amazed at the selection you find.
I recently wanted to learn more about a particular disease, so I went to the library and checked out a monster sized pile of books. I have been eating these books up like candy. I have learned a ton! I can't wait to finish the book am on, so I can start the next one.
Keep your mind sharp and keep yourself educated. Now go find a good book to read and read it! Maybe throw on some pj's and enjoy indulging in your new found friend.
Carpe Diem!
Fall is upon us and it seems like a lot of people are back in school. It's weird to be done with college and not in school. For some reason whenever I see school supplies for sale and when the weather starts to charge, I just itch to be back in school and running cross country. I have fond memories of being in the classroom learning and out running on the trails after school.
I have been thinking a lot about education. President Hinckley once said, "You must get all the education that you possibly can." He also said, "Education unlocks the door of opportunities. You will rise according to your education. Work at it. Sacrifice for it. Do it. Pray about it, and the Lord will bless you. You will see yourselves rise and become men and women of strength and capacity."
With these thoughts in mind, I think it is important to keep learning. Learning doesn't just end when you step outside of the classroom or get a diploma. Learning is a lifelong process. And the knowledge we gain in this life, is one of the few things we take with us when we die.
If I could go back and redo college would I study Exercise Science again? Likely. But, I would probably declare a minor as well and maybe go on to grad school (who knows, that may still happen).
Since I graduated I have fallen in love with nutrition and I have an interest in dietetics. I read about various topics in these two areas, frequently and I feel like I have learned a lot.
I guess what I am trying to say is, learning doesn't have to be in a classroom. If there is something you are interested in learning more about, by all means learn about it. Read journals and scholarly articles. Check out books from your local library- you may be amazed at the selection you find.
I recently wanted to learn more about a particular disease, so I went to the library and checked out a monster sized pile of books. I have been eating these books up like candy. I have learned a ton! I can't wait to finish the book am on, so I can start the next one.
Keep your mind sharp and keep yourself educated. Now go find a good book to read and read it! Maybe throw on some pj's and enjoy indulging in your new found friend.
Carpe Diem!
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