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?