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!