Moment of Truth

So I did a post earlier in the year listing my New Year's (2012) goals. I have loved doing it this way and look forward to making my 2013 ones!

Ok so moment of truth..how many did I actually do.

Spiritual: 

- Read the Book of Mormon 

- Finish my goal of doing baptisms in every Utah temple

Physical:

- Take better care of myself (hair, makeup, dress, etc)

- Get in better physical shape

Mental:

- Pass all of my classes, get on track for Associates Spring 2013


I finished the Book of Mormon and I even started it again but still in Alma. However, I did not finish the temple goal. Again. I'm the worst. I've had that goal for far too long.

I have learned SO much about beautification this year! From hair, makeup, skin care, etc. this tomboy is starting to get it. I have even started to roundbrush dry my hair..heaven. I recommend it to everyone! My next feat is trying to get these long eyelashes of mine to actually curl instead of going straight. Gosh dang. I will get them.

AND heyoh! I passed all my classes. Didn't do as well as I could've but nevertheless I did not fail haha.

I started off the year so well in the cooking department but haven't cooked since I moved home. I blame it on my mom, if she didn't already have dinner every night I probably would've cooked more. Ok just kidding, but seriously my mom is the best! Thanks to pinterest I now have a lot of recipes to try now though.

It was a good year for goals and growing. I don't want my last post to sound as if I had a bad year. This year had both good and bad times but through it all I can sit here on the last day of the year (still alive, thank you mayans) with a smile, excited for the new year.

I feel as if I just finished a marathon and I'm at the finish line just catching my breath before the lactic acid sets in thinking "Wow I'm glad I made it through that". All you runners will know the feeling I speak of. Proud and so happy looking back on your race but thankful that your done.

Here are a couple of my new 2013 Goals: (to be revised)

Spiritual:
Read the Doctrine and Covenants
Read the Old Testament
FINISH baptisms at Utah temples

Physical:
Run a Half Marathon (at least one, probably the AF one)
Better skin

Mental:
Get at least a 3.1 this spring semester
Write in my journal at least once a week


I'm sure I'll think of others and add them on but this is a start. Also currently planning travel ideas :)

Here's to 2013 :)

The whirlwind called 2012

This last week I feel like I have been recovering from a year of ...whatever it was haha. It has literally been a whirlwind!

2012 has brought so many good times, new places, new faces, heartbreak, tears, life lessons, but most of all gratitude.

2012 has not gone without making a permenant mark on my life in so many different ways it would be a novel to write about it all. But as the year is closing I'm finding myself just sitting back and saying "wow" for all that I've learned and been through.

It started with a bang as I bought my first new car!

It has treated me VERY well and accompanied me on multiple trips to St. George and one to Vegas! It's mileage is heaven. Still unnamed though..can't think of one worthy of this beauty.

I turned DEUCES (22) this year! I was born on Easter and every 11 years it's supposed to fall on Easter sunday again but because of the leap year, it wasn't. Stupid.

Then in June I got to go on the trip of a lifetime (literally, read the posts entitled such to read about all the details and adventures) to the New York area. We got to go through surrounding states as well and visit so many historic sites, this nerd was in heaven!

In 2012 I fulfilled a pretty great travelers dream....I went coast to coast in one year. Atlantic Ocean (New York) in June and Pacific Ocean (Seattle, Washington) in August. Crazy right?! I was so excited when I realized this. The world is seriously so pretty and I can't wait to explore another new place.

I could put a quote to this year to completely sum it up.

"There must be opposition in all things"

From buying a new car to having a breast lump scare to best summer of my life to my missionary coming home to 2 of our pets dying to my first broken heart to now. It has been one heck of a roller coaster.

I am grateful I had a good relationship with my Father in Heaven before this year because I would not have made it out without him. I've relied on Him heavily this year and learned that although He sent us to live our own lives we are not meant to and can't go throughout it alone.

I had a post earlier in the year about how I am a closed person when it comes to talking about my personal trials, etc. for various reasons. So I made it a goal to open up and let people help me like I love to help others as well. It is AMAZING and humbling being on the receiving end of service.

I am so blessed and grateful for everyone in my life. There were those that let me just spill it all out to them and sat and listened to my ridiculous sob stories and others who simply made me smile. It's amazing to me how many little blessings come disguised to us each and every day. When your going through a rough time you tend to notice them more. Everything from a funny post that made me laugh, a positive quote, a smile, a compliment, etc. I want to get better at noticing all the little things Heavenly Father does for me. Tender mercies.

Like I mentioned earlier: I had the best summer of my life this year! I lived in a complex in provo and met some of the greatest people and just had the time of my life.  There was always something going on everyday. So many laughs, so many adventures, friends, spiritual experiences, etc. We played sand volleyball probably every night and I miss that like crazy! I miss running around with no shoes and living like a beach bum with a day job in good ole provo.

 

One of my best friends also got married! It was such a gorgeous wedding, so happy for both of them :)

2012 was such a great year and at the same time one of the worst. I've learned so much and grown as a person more in this year than I ever have. I've met the best people, said goodbye to 2 pets, went coast to coast, bought my first car, married off another friend, and had so many other experiences. WHAT A YEAR. I'm so excited for what 2013 brings and can't wait to start planning the next adventure!

A Condo Christmas

This year my family wanted to go on a trip for Christmas which I was completely thrilled about seeing as I have had the travel bug lately.  But after finding out that Christmas at Disneyland is the busiest/most expensive time of the year, we decided to look a little more local.

My parents found a little condo in a place called Eden, Utah for a week over Christmas.

It has been the perfect little get-away! It's about an hour and a half away from our house, set against some beautiful mountains, and in a warm and cozy condo.  Just enough away that it feels like a vacation but just close enough so we didn't miss our family Christmas parties.

We've done stuff together every day, the first day was ice skating!

Then, as per tradition, we went to Dee's Restaurant and had breakfast for dinner. So yummy!

Sunday was spent seeing the Christmas Lights at Temple Square. It's so beautiful, I love it!

On Christmas Eve we went up past Logan to a Ranch where wild Elk spend winters. They take you out on a sleigh and literally ride among Elk.  It was such a beautiful area, I wish I would've brought our nice camera because the backdrop was amazing!

I was digging my outfit Christmas Eve. Everything I'm wearing is literally my favorite it each category! haha

On our last full day at the condo us four got to go skiing/snowboarding at Wolf Mountain Resort. It was by far the best powder day I've ever had! It was just puking!! I was in heaven!

The two skiers. It was Ryan's first time and even though he picked it up pretty well he didn't leave without making his mark...he took out a fence.

This was by far the best Christmas I can remember. Not because I got such cute boots or that we got decked out in Adidas gear but because we were all together and had an absolute blast!

It was probably our last Christmas all together as my brother will be heading on a mission and who knows where I'll be.  It was especially nice just relaxing near a fireplace, with my family, while the beautiful view outside was completely white. I had no studying, no work, and no stress. It was amazing and I can't believe its over!

I couldn't be more appreciative to my parents for planning all this and doing so much for us kids.  We are so blessed to have them. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude this year.

Merry Christmas!

Wrong-Way Parker strikes again

So if you haven't heard about this or just need to laugh again watch this...

This happened back in August to a unlucky Kent State player who is now sadly known as "Wrong-Way" Parker. For those of you who don't know football...he ran the wrong way. Not only did he run the wrong way, but the opposing team tried to tackle him when he was about to score for them. One of those sports moments when you remember that ish happens, these crazy kids are still human.

WELL, why did I tell you this almost 4 months later??

Because "Wrong-way" Parker struck at American Fork High School.

My little sophomore team..bless their hearts..were playing Snow Canyon. Let me set the scene for you:

Snow Canyon inbounds the ball under OUR basket. I had my team in a press so there were 2-3 of my players up there as well. A sweet-spirit from Snow Canyon catches the inbounds and proceeds to shoot at our basket..not once...not twice...but THREE times!! (yes, she missed all three layups)

Not only are they shooting at our basket but my girls are trying to box them out and get the rebound! Oh bless.

So here I am standing halfway on the court yelling, "LET THEM SHOOT!!!" When the nightmare strikes...

one of my players gets the rebound and starts heading the other direction thinking she was on a fast break. 

I'm now panicking..please, don't let us score for them.

Thankfully she decided to shoot a half-court shot as the clock hit 3:38 to go in the quarter...what in the?? ya... and it went out of bounds as the crowd is roaring with laughter and I am in complete shock. It literally took me a good five minutes to snap back to reality..did that really just happen? Speechless.

Now this is not the first time someone has run towards the wrong endzone, shot at the wrong basket, etc. and it definitely won't be the last. Don't tell my team this but I may or may not have done that as a youngin'.

I am seriously loving basketball right now! Those girls make me laugh every day and come wanting to learn and play hard and nothing makes me happier. I love teaching the game, I love coaching. I'm sure I'll have more funny basketball posts because well, there isn't a day that someone doesn't make me laugh.

And little do they know just how much that means to me. When I'm having a bad day it's so nice to forget about life and step onto the court with these girls reminding me to not take life so seriously. Love it, love them, I'm blessed.

Well that was a nice break from studying for finals now wasn't it? 

Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving was so great this year! We got to spend it with my mom's side of the family which is always a blast!

Thanksgiving meal is the best meal out of the whole year and I wish it would never end. I wish I could eat potatoes, stuffing, turkey, rolls, etc. every day. Ok, maybe that's a bit of a stretch but really I was in heaven!

This year I found something new to be grateful for....people in my life.

Ya, ya, that's totally not new but this year it's in a whole new way. This year I've become more open about some things with my family and my closest friends and I seriously don't know why I waited this long to be an open person about this stuff. 

I had a post a few months ago (here), where I explained some weaknesses of mine which was the first step: acknowledgement. Second step: work on it. When I did open up and share with people it was amazing to see the blessings just pour in.

The lesson that I learned was that while serving is great, it's important to let others serve us as well. It's important to have those kinds of bonds with people. We are all on the same team, we need to be there for each other and help each other out. There is always going to be someone that needs a smile and a lift but sometimes it's ok to be that person and allow others to be able to do the serving. It's also super important to be close to the spirit because he will lead you to help others in ways you may never know. There were some people who I haven't even seen in years who would say something random that would hit me close to home that I am very grateful for but they probably have no clue.

That's what I'm grateful for this year. Thank you to all the people in my life, family, friends, neighbors, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for even the simple things like saying hello and asking how I am.  Thank you for being my friends and for the examples you set.

Thank you to my family for loving me through it all and for the amazing support system. I feel so blessed to have the gospel and to be with them forever. 

Thank you for the simple little compliments that maybe are nothing to you but mean a lot to me.

You never know who needs that friend so here's to a year of paying it forward.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Life lately with pictures:

Me and Sean about to go do damage on thanksgiving dinner..on a mission.

Last Utah home game with the brothers.

Family Home Evening at the Hardman home..yes that is a microphone taped to her shirt. I think she watches too much tv.

UVU basketball game with the best friend.

Life's good ya'll!

Before I kick the bucket

Guys.. It's snowing on my blog! :)

I got so happy over it that I just had to make sure you didn't miss it.

So the other day I finally watched the movie Bucket List! 

It was soo good! It just added to the travel fever I've had lately.

It got me thinking..if I were faced with being told I had _____ to live, told my time was coming to a close, what would I do?

In the movie, they went skydiving, traveled all over the world, sat on the pyramids, and just discussed their lives with each other. 

JEALOUS!

Bucket list: a list of things to accomplish/experience before you "kick the bucket"

This isn't my first time blogging about bucket lists. In fact, I've done quite a few things off of my ever-growing bucket list. Some of the things (most of the far away lands I want to visit) may be a little far-fetched if I stay as poor as I am now. But then my "Plan Poor" goes into effect...do it the New Years' Eve way. 

Ya know, like the movie. (yes, I've quoted 2 movies in 1 post) Where the lady wants to accomplish her list of goals she had for that year before the new year arrived. Instead of going all over New York they went to a 3D map of New York and she walked all over it. (just an example)

Before I kick the bucket, I'm going to laugh the most and I'm going to be one of those people who are just full of stories. I want to be 80 and still playing basketball, turning some ski lines, and playing right beside my grandchildren. 

"I'm growing older but not up." -Jimmy Buffett. My life motto.

The point of my bucket list isn't to be some extravagant thing. It's really just to make sure I enjoy the little things in life and stop and smell the roses on this crazy rollercoaster called my life. But don't worry the pyraminds are definitely on there...you gotta have something crazy awesome.

Announcing..the new Bucket List tab.  ^ (up there)

Happy Thanksgiving Break!

Your Personal Trainer: Marlisa.

So remember how I was going to stick it to the multi-level companies, gym memberships, and all the supplement companies? Well here it goes.

But before I begin let me just post a disclaimer:

I am not certified in any way. I am just posting all that I've learned by trial and error according to my body, lifestyle, etc. This is meant to hopefully help those who need ideas, help, etc. in working out. Maybe in the future I will be certified but for now, it's just a hobby.

Ok, here is some tips and things that I've found useful.

1) Switch up the workouts.  There are 4 main ways to workout: Upper Body, Core, Lower Body, and Aerobic. Don't be one of those people that walks on the treadmill everyday for 5 minutes and wonders why nothing is working. It's better for your body to work out all parts, better for your mind to switch it up, and sometimes it makes it easier to go do a workout if it's something new.

2) Don't Cheat Yourself.  It is better to do 5 pushups RIGHT then 100 pushups WRONG. In other words: Quality over Quantity. You will avoid injury by doing it right. Don't get discouraged by starting small and simple, that's ok..as long as you are constantly pushing yourself and improving that's the most important thing. As you are more consistent with the workouts the quantity part takes care of itself if you follow the next step:

3) The goal is to fail.  Haha I wish I could see your confused faces as you just read that. When I say fail I don't mean give up or cheat because it's too hard. Push yourself. Mind over matter. Whatever you want to tell yourself, push yourself outside of your limits (not to the point of injury. but if your following number 2, you should be fine). Ignore that voice in your head that tells you you need to stop because your tired, it burns, etc. You will be amazed just how much farther, how many more reps, etc. you can do when you push yourself beyond that point. If you stay within your comfort zone you will never get better. 

4) Find something that you ENJOY. For me personally, I absolutely despise treadmills. I never go as far as I should because it seems to drag on forever, I get tired, bored, and before you know it I'm outtie going to do something more productive. When I coach I try to avoid just doing ladders for fifteen minutes because that is not as productive (or as much fun) as actually PLAYING and running at the same time.

5) Eating healthy and working out go hand in hand. Sorry to say it guys, but it's true. Don't get me wrong, you can do one or the other but you will see the best results and feel a difference when you are doing both. Let me just remind you that I am in no way a health freak. Confession: I love chocolate, french fries, and sometimes greasy food just sounds delicious. Solution: moderation in all things.

So there you have it. I might add more to the list but for now those are the main tips that I use and have learned over the years. I'll post actual workouts next time. Let me know if there is something you would like to see, feedback is awesome.

Today's workout for me: Basketball game.

I got that itch.

I need a new adventure.

I feel the need to get away and fly..as in an airplane. I am in love with airports and flying, it gives me energy and makes me feel so on top of the world. I know weird, but I seriously love it.

So that's where all of you come in. I need suggestions.

Obviously I can't exactly afford a cruise to Europe..still a student. But I want to know where you've been, things you've done that have been your absolute favorite that you would recommend to everyone...well, just me actually. :)

Update on the lately in the life of me.

Basketball season is here once again! My favorite time of year! This season is already looking awesome and I'm super excited with all the players we have. Coaching really isn't a job to me, it's my favorite part of the day. Just like in high school, basketball is my time where I can forget about the problems, worries, stresses, homework, etc. and just play ball.

I'll have some updates on here but to keep up with all that is happening with our team, follow our journey on twitter: @LadyCBasketball or our website: Here.

I'm really excited about what life has in store for me next. I'm at that point where there are many paths I could take, who knows where I'll end up. The possibilities are endless and for the first time in my life I don't feel confused or frustrated by it, I feel excited about it.

It's ok to not have your life planned out to a "T", in fact, I like it better. It is, however, very important to have goals and a vision. In the past, I didn't feel like I had purpose if I didn't have an exact path I was taking. But this time I didn't have a choice in the change of paths. So, that's where faith and trust in the Lord comes in. It's liberating. 

Here's to life...l'chiam. (I've been watching Fiddler on the Roof lately) 

Suggestions below!! 

                                 

Meet my Support System

I'm what psychologists call an Introvert. Well according to the quizzes I've taken: slight introvert.

I'm not really shy but I can be quiet. I'm not the type of person to tell the world about my problems, not even some of my closest friends. Not because I don't trust them, but because I'm not one to talk about myself, that's just how I am. If someone were to ask about something, I wouldn't lie and I can be an open person but for the most part I'm closed. Only a few people in my life have ever seen all the way through me. 

Anywho.. this past week I have felt so much love and support from people in my life that it has been literally overwhelming. So this post is dedicated to them and all they do for me.

 My parents.

I have always been a daddy's girl and just like every other teenage girl..I didn't always respect and appreciate what they do for me. I have a better relationship with both of them then I ever had and I feel so happy. They are my heroes. They are so selfless and sacrifice so much for me and my siblings. I love them.

The Priesthood in my life.

I cannot even begin to describe how it feels to live with 4 priesthood holders. Growing up with my dad always being a worthy holder I sometimes took it for granted but every time I move out or go on trips without a male I feel the difference. I feel so much more safe with them there and so grateful for who my brothers are growing up to be.

My momma.

We are almost opposites. Like I said, I'm a daddy's girl. But I seriously was blessed with the greatest mom ever. She is the strongest, most caring, loving, understanding, supportive woman I know.

My two best friends.

I really can go to them for anything and everything and I'm so blessed to have them! There is never a dull moment with us three :)

Aprilyn.

Love her to death! She is the greatest friend anyone could ask for. She will tell you how it is no matter what, flat out, she will not lie to you. But on the same note she will fight and protect you and is the most genuine person ever. She also has the gift of being empathetic, she is the best listener.

Little Ifer. 

You want Jen to be on your side if something ever goes down. She has the best motherly instinct I've ever seen. When we were little and sent to our rooms, Jen would stuff food under the door so I didn't starve (we were a little dramatic) often times just to get in trouble herself. Every year she used to buy every one's Christmas presents in October..with her own money. She is extremely thoughtful, caring, and has that Hardman fight gene in that we fight for those we love.

But most of all, my Savior.

I don't want to know what my life would be like without Him and the gospel. I'm so blessed to have been born into the gospel, to know who I am, where I'm going, and where I've been my whole life. I was reading in 1 Nephi yesterday and read the famous story of the Vision of the Tree of Life that I've heard a million times. But this time I imagined me on that path. I've stumbled and let go of the rod a couple times but I'm so grateful that He finds me and forgives me every time. That no matter what, I'm His and He loves me. That is what I treasure most in this life. The fact that He is my constant in my life.

So happy it's November! I love Thanksgiving and the holiday season, its the best :) 

Happy Voting Day everyone!

The one where I stick it to them

And by "them" I mean every company/person who runs a health clinic, nutrition group...you know who I'm talking about. The people who try to get you to buy shakes, health bars, memberships, etc. and promising you an amazing body complete with a six pack.

I have been wanting to get into the health/nutrition field specifically as a coach or trainer but everything I've looked into just didn't feel right. I don't feel like drinking a shake every morning and that's all I will need each day is healthy. I don't know about you but a couple red flags went up on that one. Plus, I like to eat!!

If you know me you know that I am completely against diets. I believe in being healthy the natural way, eating a balanced diet and exercise. I also believe that chocolate is sent directly from heaven and that avoiding it would be a crime.

Plus every single one was one of those pyramid companies that you first have to pay to become a part of before you start making money....poor student here. Um, no. 

Sooo...now that I won't/can't join any of these companies and I can't afford a gym pass what's a girl to do??

Start my own.

Really my dream is to start my own gym but seeing that I currently have a very tight budget with little savings..that is going to have to wait. So for now I'm going to get out there and get into shape and look like those people they advertise {for only $89.99 you can look like in just 4 days}...but I'm going to do it for next to nothing...aka on a poor student budget.

If you would like to follow I will be posting all the workouts, meals, etc. And if you have any input, ideas, suggestions, and such please leave a comment!

Project Sticking It (not like the cheerleader movie) commences today.

Pinterest craft

So one time I decided that I needed to start trying all of these awesome ideas that I find on Pinterest...10 pm last night to be exact.

 

Actually I started this project a week ago with the prep stuff but I actually finished and put it together last night.

 

Everyone has seen these wreaths and there are millions of tutorials so I'm not going to bother with that. Its super easy though! Beginner crafter here.

 

Ok so it was supposed to be a "fall" wreath but the dying went a little different. Instead of red and orange it turned out pink and cream. So here's to an early spring. (I just dyed the filters with paint in water)

Total cost: $1

Two Mormons in Vegas

Whenever I thought of Vegas I thought about the millions of drunks and scandalously dressed people of the world all gathered on one street (the strip).

That still is very true.

But this last weekend me and Stein got to go watch Jimmy Buffett play at the MGM Grand! Such a great concert!

I kinda felt like I was in the 70s as everyone was dressed so and I was the youngest person there by 20+ years haha but I've never been around a better crowd. Your either a die hard parrothead or you haven't heard of him.

And they were the nicest drunks I've ever been around! Haha they were so entertaining yet so very friendly. Say hello to the newest parrothead :)

I had so much fun walking around and seeing everything. But the second highlight of the trip was accomplishing something on my bucket list!!

SWIM WITH SHARKS

Ok so I had to revise this a tiny bit because, well, that was a tiny bit far-fetched. I heard about a hotel..the Golden Nugget..that had a water slide that went through a shark tank!! How cool is that?! So we made our way over there and I was seriously a kid in a candy store..Stein had to make me leave haha.

The first time I was going so fast that I didn't even see anything. But every time after that I had the biggest smile. Yes, I was in line with all the kids and running up the stairs to go again. So what.
It turns out there is a lot to do in Vegas being a Mormon! I definitely added a lot to my list of things to do down there next time.

P.s. this is my first post using my phone so I'm not exactly sure how its going to look. Hopefully the pictures show up!