Incredibly Grateful

Today was a really great day! I started a new job with Delta Dental, and am excited about this amazing opportunity. You may be wondering "what about the teaching?" Well, here is the story....

I have been thinking about how I wanted to approach this post for awhile. I have spent the better part of five years going back and forth trying to figure out what I want from life and how I am going to get it. I have been, and in some ways continue to be, lost in life and have made several choices which have resulted in stress, happiness, sadness, and frustration. I have made moves out of state and back again, bought a house, bought cars, and tried to fill some void that never seemed to be filled. Most recently, I decided to go back to school and pursue a career in teaching. After moving back to California, I was struggling to find work and decided a career change was in order. I stopped looking for full time work and started my Master's in Education and started subbing with various school districts. I really enjoyed it and figured I'd finally found something I was passionate about. School was going well and things seemed to be falling into place.

 After struggling through 2014, I approached the 2015 year with high hopes. However, half way through January we experienced a break in at the house (luckily not much was taken and no one was hurt). Insert wake up call. I call it a wake up call, because that is exactly what it was. For the first couple of weeks after the break in, I hated leaving the house and struggled to find the positive. However, it also sparked something within me that I am forever going to be grateful for. Some of the best advice I received during this difficult time was that the break in was maybe meant to be and that I needed to use this time really do some deep soul searching and truly learn to trust and love myself. This is something that is much easier said than done, but is something that I am continually working on.  It took me some time to admit to myself that my internal struggle (mentioned above) really did start about five years ago when I graduated from college. Looking back, I think that I was subconsciously scared that I was now supposed to know what to do with my life and that I instantly needed to figure it all out. As of late, I have spent the last several weeks deciding that teaching is not for me. The art of teaching is something I do truly find rewarding and enticing, but due to other reasons, I have decided this profession is not for me. I have withdrawn from my Master's program, applied for a different Master's program in English, and started applying for several jobs which will help me achieve dreams I've had for quite some time. It was not a decision that was made lightly, but one that I really feel is right for me, at least right now.

As of last week, I was accepted in an online English program with Southern New Hampshire University, and I was offered a job with Delta Dental which is an opportunity that I am truly blessed to be given. I feel so incredibly grateful for life; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Though the year didn't start out as planned, I feel like the rest of 2015 is going to be great. I am a constant work in progress, but I am starting to learn to listen to my instincts and trust myself. I am so excited to see where my new adventures take me.

Project Time

It has been a long while since I have taken on a project of any kind. However, this is changing now. I am undertaking a pretty big task, at least for me, and am attempting something that I have wanted to do for a long time.

I am making a quilt out of t-shirts, one of which is almost 15 years old. As I sat cutting these squares out, I was taken back to my first concert, a few of the plays I did in high school, girls camps I attended, and places I have visited. I am planning to add 10-15 shirts to what it here, but that will require me finding some of the last few shirts and visiting a few more places. Stay tuned for the final project.

Another Year

Here we are in another year. It seems like each year goes a little faster than the last. As I sit here tying, my Christmas decorations are all put away and I feel as if am well into January already. It seems like Christmas has long passed and the goodness of the holiday season has mostly subsided. However, rather than dwell on this, I am grateful to take this opportunity to make some goals for myself in 2015. I have contemplated where to start since I feel as though I have all but lost sight of things that matter, and feel sometimes like a mindless drone just wishing my days away. I have resolved to change this during this year because life is not worth living if you don't actually live in the moment of each day. So in an effort to live more in the moment, here are my plans for 2015:

1.) Spend 1-2 hours reading every day. I love to read, really love to read. I really have no explanations as to why I have not read more over the last several years. This is the year I am changing that. I have already started this and it is truly one of my happy places. More on this later.

2.) Play the piano. This is something I do not do well. I took piano lessons for several years, but never really pursued playing consistently, so sadly I am not as good as I'd like to be. This is okay because this is something I am going to do this year. I find music to be an amazing tool for changing mood for the good or bad. It has a way of touching the soul and taking me to a place outside my real life. In addition, playing the piano is hands down one of the most relaxing things I do. As such, this is the reason for this goal.

3.) Volunteer. I spent the better part of last year telling myself that I was going to find something that means something to me and volunteer for that organization. Yes, well, that never happened. This year I am going to go out and do my part to make the world a better place for someone or something.

4.) Exercise. This seems to be an obvious goal for most people. I am not so much putting this on here to set intentions for weight loss or anything, although this is a great side affect. Instead, I list this here as a goal to reach my ultimate goal of enjoying the finer things. I want to use running or yoga as a way to focus on me and use these times to focus on my thoughts and ways to improve my life.

This year is going to be a good year. I want to commit to living in the moment and be excited for each day regardless of what that day brings. I am calling this year a self-exploration year and I am excited to see how these changes will play out. My hope for you is that you have an incredible 2015. Happy New Year!

New Adventures

Hi blog world. What's new with me? Well, things have been kind of crazy around here since I moved back to the golden state. Shortly after moving here it felt like the world kind of knocked the wind out of my sails and I have spent the better part of the last month kind of moping around just looking for my next break. I had high hopes when I moved here and felt like life was not being fair. What I really was doing was sending negative energy out into the universe and wondering why the universe was only responding with negative outcomes. I realized I was doing this to myself and things were not going to get better if I did not change my attitude. So, here I am back to blogger land and ready for new adventures. I have spent the last several days with a new mind set and already feel 100 times better and things are falling into place. It really is incredible how one single thought can change your whole day; for better or for worse.

I have recently enrolled in school and am pursuing a Masters degree in Education. I begin classes online next Tuesday. Yikes! For some time now I have wanted to be a teacher but have let things get in my way or talk me out of it. I am not always too good when it comes to acting on promptings from within, but have finally decided to give in and pursue this dream of mine. I am still actively using my oils and continue to be excited for Strongbrook and what it is and will allow me to do. I couldn't be happier with these new adventures and look forward to each day!

Long Time No See

Sorry for the lack of posting. My last several weeks has been crazy with the move and settling in. To catch you up, my last day of work was February 28th and that was a very bittersweet day. The following week the moving van came and  we were pulling out of town on to our new adventure. For those who have ever moved out of state, you know what a feat this is! Anyway, as with life, things  didn't quite go as planned which meant we got a late start on our long drive. Then throw in a blown tire on the uhaul and that makes for a very long night with cats and dogs in tow. But alas, we arrived and have been settling in. I am working temp and expanding my knowledge so I can continue on my journey to financial freedom. I love my life here and am so excited for what lies ahead. I never thought I'd miss California so much, but nothing makes you realize how much you miss it until you move away. I miss some of my coworkers in Utah but am so happy to be home!  Pics to come soon.

Small Steps

So sorry for the lack of post on Monday. It has been a wild week and I am just now getting time to sit down and write this post. This weeks quote from "The Secret" seems very fitting for me this week. And of course, I hope it speaks to you as well. 

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step." - Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
The Secret

Lately in my life I am finding that I am taking a lot of "first" steps and you know what? It is amazing. Through all the chaos that is my life right now, I feel good about my future and where I am headed. I am not sure I could have said that 6 months ago. I was fearful and inhibited by my own thoughts, but taking the first step into my future has been so liberating. 

My challenge to you is to take that first step if you have not already done so. Fear is okay; I still have fear. But, it is when we let that fear overpower that we lose ourselves in it. Don't let fear hold you back; click here if you would like help in taking that first step. Get a free game plan and get your life back one step at a time!

Dare to Dream

Week #3 From "The Secret"


"You can have, do or be anything you want." - Joe Vitale.
The Secret

This weeks quote really hits me hard. I am feeling an array of emotions at this point and am extremely overwhelmed (in a good way) with the happenings in my life. I am very thankful that I have found two very different, yet incredible companies that are allowing me to make the changes in my life that I have been wanting for quite some time now; both from a tangible and physical/well-being level. I am thankful for some very dear friends who have shared these opportunities that I am now benefiting from...you know who you are! In addition to these changes, I am about to embark on a new adventure to Northern California. Some have called me brave and some ask if I am nervous. I wouldn't say it is bravery nor am I feeling nervous. Rather, I am entering this new phase with excitement and a sure knowledge that I will be successful. How do I know? Because I want it. I feel it. I am living it! I am so incredibly blown away by how applying simple changes in my outlook has helped me be successful in more ways than one. By being grateful for the small things and seeing the good in life has really opened doors for me that I would have otherwise not have had opened. I would be lying if I said I never have negative thoughts or feelings of defeat...I am human after all, and those feelings will always be there. The key is to turn those feelings around and try to focus on what you do have that is great. It works every time, guaranteed! The changes I have seen in my own life have been remarkable. My hope for you is that you can know that the sky is the limit and you truly can do anything! I challenge each of you to dream...and dream big. 

I had to share this picture because 

there is so much truth to this! Don't 

build someone else's dream...build 

your own! 

Power in Words!

Here is your weekly dose of "The Secret."

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions" - Albert Einstein.
The Secret

I have a sometimes crazy imagination which I think has led me to the places I've been and to the things I have accomplished. I am sometimes told that I am too imaginative and not realistic in my goals, dreams, and beliefs. Maybe that is true, maybe it is not. But you know what? I would rather dream big and set my sights high than believe that I am not capable of achieving great things. So, go out and let yourself imagine great things to come...then sit back and enjoy what the universe has in store for you!

Superstar Entrepreneur

The title of this post may seem odd to some of you out there, but for me this is the first step into my new journey. I was so blessed to attend a Strongbrook Convention over this last weekend and am ready to take back control of my life. I know I can do it and am so excited to see what this next year brings!

This is a subject I have been pondering for a number of years.....about 4 years to be exact. About this time 4 years ago I was in S. Cal and had just finished my final semester of college. I was at a point where I needed change and was afraid of the fact that I would never do much with my life aside from sit at a desk all day everyday while working to make someone else rich.  Sounds like fun, right? Yeah, I didn't think so. The problem was that I did not know how to fix it. I'm a fixer, so when I couldn't figure out what to do, I decided to move...out of state. Not sure that was the best idea, but then again, I believe things happen for a reason whether we ever know the reason or not. For me, I think I know some of the reasons. And, I always say "go big or go home!" Anyway, I digress. Fast forward to today; I am back at a desk yet again making someone else look good and reap the rewards. Don't get me wrong, I like my job and do get my own recognition, but at the end of the day my earning potential is capped, I get told when I can and can't leave, and I spend more hours here than I do at my home. This concept that we have been brainwashed to think has really been weighing heavy on me these last few months and I am bound and determined to change my destiny. And, I know I can.

One reason I know this is because I have tested it. I recently learned about "The Secret" which is all about the law of attraction. I have put this to the test over the last several months, and have been shocked by the outcomes. Believe me, it works! So, I have decided I am going to make "The Secret" a part of this blog. I am going to share quotes weekly from this amazing movie/novel in hopes that you too can be inspired. So, here we go.

Week 1:

"Whatever we think about and thank about we bring about." - Dr John F Demartini.
The Secret

Trying New Things

I have thought about trying a more holistic form of medicine for quite some time but never really knew where I would begin. It is kind of funny how opportunities come knocking which jumpstart your dreams into realities. Anyway, about a month ago I decided to give essential oils a try as I have heard many good things about them...insert doTerra. My mom has a friend who uses them and gave use some information about their many many uses. We ordered some and have been using them religiously for just over a month. They are simply divine and have helped me to get off my anxiety meds which is a huge plus in my life. The meds have horrible side effects that I am not so sure are worth the one issue they seem to fix. The oils are helping and leave no negative side effects to worry about later...bonus! I am having a blast using them and trying different combinations to solve different problems. I am even going to start using them to make my own cleaning supplies and what not so I am not putting toxic chemicals in the air and on my skin.

In addition to the oils, I just today tried acupuncture for the first time and was very impressed. I have been to a chiropractor many times and have seen the effects that has on your overall well being, but never have I used acupuncture. Well, I found a chiropractor who also uses acupuncture for certain issues. I have a few more treatments in the next couple of weeks and am feeling very hopeful that my headaches will be gone! And, this also helps with the anxiety without the added nasty side effects of modern medication. I think those ancient Chinese were on to something with these amazing healing ideas!

Gifty Christmas

I know that I raved about pinterest in my last post, but I have to give a shout out to this awesome website! It has provided me with cute Christmas gifts for my fun co-workers. I absolutely love them!

 This little nifty "To-Do" List frame is handy for your home or work space. Place lined paper - or create your own - behind the glass, adhere a bow and include a dry erase marker. I found some fine tipped multi colored markers that had an eraser attached to them. So cute and very budget friendly.

This little gem is perfect for just anyone - teachers, mailman/woman, hair stylist, co-worker, neighbor, etc. So easy and cute!

 

Thanks Pinterest; not really sure how I lived this long without you!

Ugly Sweater & Christmas Shenanigans

This post is going to be kind of a hodge podge of randomness of my life in December thus far. First I have to say that I am quite fond of instagram and have just recently decided that I need to take more advantage of it's easy and quick picture editing features. I love how it can transform my so so Christmas tree picture into this delightful and pleasing to the eye image! 

 

As a side note, this picture shows my old blinds. I had new blinds put in about a week ago, but that will be saved for another post.

 

Yes, my friends, this is what 10-12 inches snow looks like. We were hit with a bunch of snow last weekend and this was me trying to walk back to our trash can so we could get it out to the street. Needless to say, after 30 minutes and super human strength, we were able to push the can up and over a 5ft mound of snow and successfully take it out for pick up.

Well, Pinterest has done it again. I often find myself spending more time than I care to admit browsing through the fun crafts, cute apparel, and delicious looking recipes. I pin way more than I actually ever prepare or make, and the few things I have tried, don't quite turn out the way I had hoped. That aside, I was on the Christmas committee at work and was in charge of decorations. I found this little gem and thought it would make a cute table decoration. I was unsure how it would turn out, but I must say that it exceeded my expectation. We had 3 jars on each table and they were a hit. Pinterest's version did not include a ribbon, but I personally think it adds to the gloriousness. Well, that and the fact that we used cinnamon pine cones and real pine boughs which smell absolutely delightful. Overall, very pleased with this pinterest project.

 

For the work Christmas party this year we had an Ugly Sweater Contest. I decided to add these little elf shorts to the mix and though I did not win, I sure did get a lot of mixed responses from these little beauties. Fun times had by all!!

Haunted Half

So many things have happened lately and so I am just now getting to post about this. On October 26 my brother and I ran our first half marathon. I had not prepared for this like I should have, but decided to go for it anyway. The first 6 or so miles was a breeze. I felt good, the weather was nice, the slope was downhill, and the scenery was beautiful. Come miles 7 and 8, I started feeling a little sore in my legs. My pace slowed and by mile 9 I was in complete pain in my hips, back, legs, butt, shins, and feet. I honestly felt like quitting several times, but pushed through and finally made it across the finish line to collect my medal.

I am very proud of myself for having gone out there and completed it. I never thought in my life that I would ever do one, as I have not really ever enjoyed the thought of running. I can't say I absolutely love running, but I can say that I understand a little of what runners say about it growing on you until you end up entering into so many races. I am excited to say that I am going to sign up for a 5k on Thanksgiving at Thanksgiving Point. Stay tuned....

Grandma

 

 

February 1919 - October 2013

 

 

My dear grandma passed away exactly one week ago. It seems so weird not to have my grandma here with me in person. After all, she has always been in my life and it is a new experience not having her there. I treasure the time I had with her, and was very fortunate to have a grandma who was a major influence in my life. I know she struggled on earth these last few years and I am grateful she can now be at peace and can be re-united with, Jean, her daughter whom she has missed for 49 long years. I am grateful for the things I have learned from her and will continue to live my life so that her light can shine through me. I will miss you grandma, but I know we will see you again!

Chili Verde

I love chili verde, but have never made it. I usually just order it when I go out for Mexican food, but being that Utah is slim pickins' when it comes to ethnic dining, I am always looking for ways to make my favorite dishes at home. And, thanks to pinterest and my friend Marilyn, whose lovely garden supplied me with some anaheim peppers, a yummy chili verde meal was had by all. Here is what it looked like while cooking:

Most recipes don't use the crock pot, but since I got a crock pot for Christmas last year, I decided to alter the recipe just a bit. Besides, there is something divine about setting the crockpot, letting it cook while I'm gone, and then coming home and not having to prepare anything. In addition to altering the cooking method, I also altered the recipe a little bit and I think it tasted delightful! So, here is the recipe I used:

2lbs Pork (Chopped into chucks)

Chicken Broth (I used a whole carton which is 32oz I think)

2 Sml Cans of Chilies (diced)

1 Anaheim Pepper

1-2 Jalapenos (depending on how hot you want it)

1/2 Onion

4-5 Garlic Cloves (Or, I cheated and just used a couple spoonfuls of diced garlic)

1 Tsp of Olive Oil

1-2 Tblsp of Cumin

1-2 Tblsp Garlic Salt

1 Tsp of Salt

Black Pepper to taste

Throw all this in the crockpot and let cook on high for about 6-8 hrs. You may need to thicken it up with some cornstarch mixed with water. We transferred it to a large pot and let some of the liquid boil off and then added the cornstarch mix. Once it is thick to your liking, eat up and enjoy with some cheese, salsa, sour cream, tortillas, and/or chips. Delicious! 

A Little Bit of Halloween

I have always had a very high love for Halloween. I am not really sure where this stems from, but it goes hand in hand with my love of scary movies. I guess it has something to do with the thrill. Or maybe it is the array of adorable decorations that the stores so successfully display to entice me to buy. It also could be that this time of year is my favorite. I love the smells, colors, and the weather. Yes, I am one of those crazy people that enjoys cold and snow. I love my scarves, boots, sweaters, and gloves.

So, in order to really get in the Halloween spirit, I spent the weekend getting my home decorated. I even have some fun orange lights on either side of my garage which are pretty dang awesome if I do say so myself! 

This year is super fun for me because it it my first year being put up my own decorations in my first house. I was out on my own last year, but had just closed on my house right at Halloween and couldn't put anything up. Yay for Halloween! Now if I could just decide what to dress up as.

5k...No Biggie!

So I have run my very first 5k. I was a little apprehensive about it as I am not a runner and have really not been doing so good at training for my half. However, upon completing my run I must admit that I really enjoyed it. That is a huge accomplishment for me. Those that know me know I am not at all into running....like not at all. I finished in just under 40 min and felt great! It actually makes me a little more excited for my half coming up next month. I must get outside though and train my lungs to like the cold air. That was the only thing that kept me from running the whole thing. Anyway, here is before...

during....

and after....

Probably helped that this run was a fun run...it was a lot of fun getting blasted with color as we ran. I am definitely ready to do more runs and am excited to participate in my first half...I shall let you know how that goes!

Run as Fast as You Can!

Some time ago you may recall I set out to do a marathon with a co-worker. Yeah...that never happened.  I kind of gave up on it not long after I declared I was doing it. I hadn't really given it much thought until one day at work a friend of mine asked me to run a half marathon with her (not the same co-worker or employer). Mind you, I am not a runner but for some crazy reason I decided to go for it. Time passed and I kind of thought this might end up like the last time. You see, I am motivated by competition; if I don't sign up soon after I decide to do it, then I probably will lose interest and not do it. That and the fact that I am cheap and wouldn't want to pay for something and then not follow through. So my logic was that we would actually need to find a half and sign up so that I would feel some pressure. Again, more time went by and I was only half heartedly preparing. Well, progress has been made people! We both registered and paid last Friday and I have since been going full force with training. I now have until Oct 26 to get ready for the Haunted Half! I even bought this little number so I would have no excuses...

I am bound and determined to finish this!! Here goes nothin'

Quite the Project!

Howdy friends! Wow, where has the time gone??? I have neglected my blog for too long. To fill you in, not too much exciting through the beginning part of the year and then May was spent with two back to back business trips to Kansas City, MO and then to Orlando, FL. Yes, Florida was very pretty and I was excited as I have never been. Sadly, I did not get out much to enjoy my surroundings as I was in meetings all day. Sadness.

In other news, I have taken on the task of finishing my backyard. When I purchased my home in October the backyard was not finished but I figured I could easily handle it on my own. Fast forward to spring and boy did I severely underestimate the amount of work this is going to take. I have gotten a few bids and rather than pay the exorbitant amount they want to charge, I have resolved to doing it myself...with the help of Mom and Brother! This my friends is what I am working with...

Oh, and this is not even the worst. We had weed whipped the weeds quite a bit at this point. These pictures also do not show the rocks mixed in nor the receding ground where dirt has run off and slipped between the rock retaining wall on the other side. But, isn't my puppy cute? I should mention I got her in April and she is a cute little handful of crazy!

 



Anyway, I am hoping that I can soon fill you in with pictures of the completed project. Maybe this year, maybe next. Only time will tell!! 

Firey Red Roxy

 Meet Roxy...

On Jan 1 I decided to trade in my Rav4 for this cute little red Jetta! I did so because my little Rav was just costing too much money in gas due to poor gas mileage. I am in love with my new car and especially love my heated seats when it's 4 degrees out!