Truth Tuesday

Hey everyone! Here is a picture of my cat! In the snow!

She was hesitant at first, but she ended up running around in the snow (sort of). We really just wanted to see how she would react and it was another excuse to put a leash on a cat. There is something funny and great about a cat on a leash. Here are some other things going on!

• The biggest update in our lives is that I found out I have to commute to Logan next semester for my classes. That's a LOT of driving, folks. However, secretly I'm pretty excited. I tell someone and they say, "Oh my gosh...that's horrible. Such a long drive." Outwardly, I'm like, "Yeah...it sucks..." but inwardly I'm like, "But I LOVE Utah State, I don't mind driving, I have most of my friends up there, I'll still see my husband and cat a lot, and I've been out of school for a year and I'll be happy to take classes no matter how far I have to drive." But saying "I know...it sucks..." is a lot quicker and people understand better. 
• I really am in love with my cat. I've never been in a cat person in my entire life, but this tiny kitten stole my heart. She does funny things like hide behind something and then REALLY slowly start peeking around the side of it just so you can see one eye and she stares at you relentlessly with that one eye. She's laying on my chest as I write this and I'm smitten by the cute. BUT...let it be known that I'm still very much a dog person. And apparently now a crazy cat lady. 
• I don't know what it was about getting married, but I go to bed so much earlier than before I was married. I get tired at like 8:30 and want to be in bed by 10:30. That was when my nights started before. 
• There are way too many snow haters in this world. It's pretty. It will go away. Enjoy it and play in it. 
• Speaking of playing in snow, my husband and his brothers (and probably some friends) invented a winter activity/sport. It's called skedding. You screw a ski into the bottom of a sled, build a huge jump and make up new tricks. I went skedding for the first time yesterday and it was SO much fun. You get a lot of speed and also get a few bruises, but it's entirely worth it. I told him they need to patent it, but that probably won't happen. So if you steal the idea and patent it and sell it and get rich...please give us a cut of the money. M'kay? 

So there is a little update mingled with some random thoughts. My life is great but changing. A year ago I had no idea that I'd be where I am with school and work and everything, really. Even right down to owning a cat. But you know, sometimes a plan going array is just what you need. I feel peaceful, hopeful and excited. I'm lucky to be married to such a wonderful man that keeps me calm and helps me remember the important things in this crazy world. 

Until next time! 

source

Truth...Wednesday?

So, it's not Tuesday. If it's any consolation, I THOUGHT about writing this post on Tuesday. I haven't blogged in a while, I have some free time right now, so I figured I'd write my Truth Tuesday post a day late. My blog, my rules. So here it is.

• I feel like I have a husband that's going to be embarrassing to our future children. He dances in public places, he lip-syncs to the songs playing overhead, and you know what? I think it's great. It makes me laugh. A lot. As we stood by the spaghetti sauce, he slowly started dancing saying, "Don't stop this...don't stop it." And I fell further in love, it's true. 
• I got yelled at by a customer at work for the first time since getting hired at Home Depot. I'll tell you what, it's not fun. Especially since it wasn't anything that was my fault or that I could control. People are mean sometimes. 
• We played in our first tennis tournament last week. It was a real good time, despite losing a lot. We played mixed doubles and Kam played singles. I would have played singles, but there weren't enough at my level to really make it worth playing. Anyway, tennis is fun. 
• I LOVE that the weather is getting cooler. This is my favorite time of year. 'Tis wonderful. 

Well, I'm going to go practice my tennis serve. Just learned a new one. I'm kind of obsessed with tennis now. Have a good week everyone! 

Show Me a True-blooded Aggie from Utah

Everyone. 

I love Utah State University. 

I never really, truly realized how much until I was gone and I watched them take it to Utah in a college football game on my couch in Salt Lake City. I longed to be there, wearing blue, losing my voice, jumping until my legs couldn't take it, and storming that field, adrenaline and pure joy pumping through my veins. I watched Gary Anderson unable to contain his excitement after the final whistle and hear his voice so full of emotion as he talked about how proud he was of "those kids" of his. 

There is something about that Aggie spirit. It's something you don't fully understand until you're part of it. We are a tight-knit group of individuals, fans and students. You see that when you're walking down the street outside of Logan, you see someone wearing Aggie gear, and instantly you feel some connection to them. 

Utah State might not be as "respected" as other schools in Utah. We may be considered the "Little Brother School" to some. We may not be as big, or as widely known. But those bigger schools with bigger names...they don't have our pride, our friendships or our camaraderie. It's somethin' special, folks.  

Now, I'm not saying other fans at other schools don't have extreme fans who support and love their school more than anything. They definitely exist, and in strong numbers. But in Logan, Utah...our own little loyal college town...I feel like there's just something a little extra you can't find anywhere else. It's magical. 

I'm not in Logan anymore but there will FOREVER be a piece of me there. I'll always be an Aggie. A true-blooded one. 

For now I will fall asleep wearing one of my many USU shirts and smile at all the goodness I've seen from being a part of that smaller-in-numbers but bigger-in-heart group. Hail the Utah Aggies. 

Clarification

I recently blogged about how happy I am. In that post, I highlighted and implied that someone close to me was unhappy because their beliefs differed from mine. (Note: That paragraph of that has been changed in the previous blog.)

As I have discussed it with that person, who I can say is my brother, I realized I was too quick to write it the way I did. It made it sound like I didn't think he could have happiness in his life. And that the only way to be happy is to be a member of the church. My brother is a happy person and is extremely happy with his decisions and new view of the world. I am in no place to say he is unhappy, and I apologize to him for using him as a contrast to my happiness.

I think the reason I used him as an example is that I am certain that if I didn't have the church, I would most definitely be unhappy. There have been times where I haven't been straight on the path the Lord wants, and once I got back, I realized the change from unhappiness to happiness.

However, what I understand now, and really I think I've always understood, is that what brings me joy may cause unhappiness for others. I may not understand how, but I understand it is true. He may not understand how I find so much joy in living the gospel, just as I don't understand how he is not unhappy without it in is life.

Anyway, I love my brother. He loves me. That's what matters. :)

When You Chance to Meet a Frown

I've been working at Home Depot for about two months.

Working at such a place you begin to see regulars, whether it be contractors, business owners, painters, electricians, or just people that do a lot of work around their house. I begin to recognize them, and they recognize me. One thing I hear nearly everyday regards my smile. "Hey, Smiley!" or "Keep that smile!"

It's not just the regulars that say it. It's other customers too. It makes me think.

I like my job, but it's not like I've overly happy to be there every day. Customer service and friendliness is a priority in my workplace, but I don't constantly remind myself to be smiling at everyone I see. I don't notice the smile that is so apparent to those around me.

I guess that means I'm truly happy.

Of course I'm happy. I have many, countless reason to be happy. I have a fantastic, new marriage with an incredible man. I have a loving family and loving in-laws. I'm healthy. I'm employed. The list goes on and on, but the most important piece to this happiness puzzle is the fact that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

There are many in this world that have different views than I do, some very close to me. They are happy with their choices as well as the direction they've chosen. What makes me happy may not make them happy. But, to me, it seems as if it's a different kind of happy. I'm not in a position to say that they are unhappy people, for the world would be a very grim place if those who do not share my beliefs had no happiness at all. People are happy. But for some reason, mine seems different--deeper almost.

I believe there is that "light" they talk about. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I believe His light shines through me. I love other people. I look on the bright side of things. I feel happy daily. It's not a decision I make on a daily basis to be happy--it's part of a lifestyle I've chosen to live. I know the plan in store for me, and with that knowledge, how can I not be happy?

I've felt the happiness the gospel brings me, and I will never veer from it, no matter which way the world is turning. The church is under attack from many areas--politically, publicly, and for some of us much more privately. People say hurtful things. People speak ill of things I find very sacred and dear to my heart. But I know one thing: I am happy.

And I'm certain it's from a place much bigger than The Home Depot.

Truth Tuesday

I haven't posted in a while. I feel like I've been really busy. In all reality, there are a bajillion other people in this world that are far busier than I am, but when you go from doing nothing all day to working all day, you feel busy. But here are some updates and some things that are on my mind!

• Back in the summer of 2009, I ran the Ragnar Relay. For those unfamiliar with it, it's a huge relay race that goes from Logan to Park City. 180 miles, 12 teammates, 2 vans, and one heck of a time. Also, one heck of a body killer. I couldn't walk properly for about a week and a half and ever since that summer my knees have never been the same. I can't run more than a mile without a pain. Well, recently I went to the "Muscle Whisperer" aka a guy named Josh Christensen. This is all going to sound crazy, but believe me...it works. First, he tests 300 different muscles in your body saying, "Put your leg/arm/foot/head here. Now resist," as he pushes. If you can resist, that part of your muscle is working. Nine different times during this process, I couldn't resist the push. It's a crazy thing. You try with all your might to resist a push with his blasted pinky and you can't. Obviously, my whole leg muscle wasn't out, but a small part of it wasn't active. In fact, the two main muscles connected to my knee weren't working properly. I went back, he pushes down on some pressure points as he stimulates the muscle and basically reactivates it. Then, he says, "Put your leg here. Now resist." and BOOM. You can resist again. My knee has been feeling LOADS better and he assured me it will feel great in no time. He also fixes allergies and is also a chiropractor. We're hoping Kam can get his constant nasal congestion cured. More on that later. 
• I have a newfound addiction to Flamin' Hot Cheetos. I am NOT one for spicy foods, but Kameron has been trying will all his might to adapt my taste buds to like spicy. Even though these Cheetos kill my mouth after a while, I seriously can't stop eating them and I think I'm getting used to spicy food. They even stain your fingers red no matter how much you wash them. 
• I'm really like working at Home Depot. They are giving me SO many hours. While I'm grateful to be busy and to be earning more money, they are LONG days and I have to work Memorial Day instead of spend it with my awesome family. All in all, I can't complain about being employed, especially since my coworkers are amazing, my bosses rock, the customers are the best, and it's five minutes from my house. I'm pretty lucky, I guess. 
• One of my best friends, Mrs. Jill (Robinson) Binks got married to my other friend Ian Binks last weekend. I got to be there the whole day with them. I went to the sealing, the luncheon and most of the reception. It was so great to see them happily married after having such a long engagement and wanting to be married so badly. It was also so wonderful to remember my own wedding day and remember what a blessing it is to be married to my best friend. Sometimes I get used to being married because it was such an easy transition, and I forget what a good thing I have. This weekend was a great reminder of how lucky I am, and I'm so happy for Ian and Jill. 

That's all for today. Sorry it was a longer post! I'll try to keep them shorter but more frequent. Have a wondrous Tuesday!  

'Ello, Love...

Ohhh blogging friends. How I've missed you.

I haven't blogged in a while. You see, I got a job and while I don't have many hours yet, I've had to wake up earlier than I'm used to and I've just been too tired and lazy to blog. But here I am!

Today I want to blog about things I love because, let's face it, who doesn't like loving stuff?

• I love soccer. I just joined an adult soccer league and played in my first game yesterday. I haven't played a real game in a LONG time, so it was great to get on the field again. I'll tell you what, though...I hurt EVERYWHERE today. Turns out it's hard to play soccer when you're out of shape.  My muscles are shot. Even my arms, which is curious because I played a sport that frowns upon the use of hands/arms.
• I love being employed. I just got a job as a cashier at Home Depot. While I didn't really want to work retail, it was pretty much all I could find. And let's face it, Home Depot is cool. I'm excited about wearing my orange apron. Most of all I'm excited that I'm not just sitting on the couch day in and day out while my husband works hard for us to have a living. He makes far more than I will, but I feel good that I'm at least contributing somehow. Also, this is the first job I've had in a long time that ain't minimum wage. Pretty stoked about that. 
• I love sleep. Not much more I need to say about that.
• I love remembering things from my childhood. I had a dream about Pogs the other day. Those were the bomb. I also remembered playing this computer game we had called Spelling Jungle. Not sure what sparked the memory but it's a good one. While we're on the subject of childhoods, did anyone else put plastic newspaper bags on their feet, secure them with rubberbands, and proceed to sprint around the snow-covered yard with your brothers? I sure did. 
• I love my little Sunbeam class. They're small in number and in age, they can drive me crazy on occasion, but at the end of they day I think they are the cutest darned things on the planet. This little boy named Miles...good heavens. I want to take him home with me. His dad dresses him in a semi-skater way with little tiny vans, skinny pants, button up shirts and cardigans. He's got wavy blonde hair, huge dark eyes and the cutest little voice and spirit you'll ever come across. Hopefully one day he'll marry my niece or something. 
• Last but not least, I love my dear husband. He is kind, caring, hilarious and observant. I love him more and more every single day. We've been married for three months now! The thing is, it feels like it's been at least three times that long. I mean that in the best way possible, too. I can't wait to spend the rest of forever with him. 
• Wait, one more: I really love Slurpees.