Summer So Far

Every year I look forward to Summer and have many elaborate and amazing plans. Then before I know it, it's July 4th, summer is nearly half over, and I have yet to accomplish what I set out to do. This year especially, I feel like summer has just flown by. It didn't help that the first 3 weeks following the end of school, I had class. I took some health endorsement classes with the the hopes of getting completely health endorsed within the next year or so. I may then try getting into teaching high school or junior high although I have really grown to love teaching at the elementary level. Although I didn't like the idea of having to go to class every day and do homework, I did enjoy all three of my classes. They were taught by some excellent teachers and I feel completely confident that I could teach health now.

Luckily my classes were only 4 days a week and usually ended around 1 so I still had time to throw other things into my schedule. One of my goals for the summer was to go to the gym more and start lifting weights again. I've been pretty good about it but love being outside so I usually lift at the gym then hike, ride my bike, long board, or Frisbee golf to get in other exercise. I'm still playing softball and golf so I'm spending lots of time outside which I love, love, love. Of course trips to the pool and seven peaks are a must and I find time for those too.

Once my classes ended, I was able to feel like my summer officially began. Most days include sleeping in, going the the gym, spending time outside, reading, and watching movies. It's a tough life! The rest of my summer plans include going home to Colorado, visiting friends, going on more hikes, and hopefully camping a bit. Then before I know it, school will be starting again.

One of the highlights of this summer so far was going skydiving. It is something I've always thought about doing. A friend and I were going to go last year but it never worked out so we didn't let the opportunity go by this year. My dad happened to be in town so he and my sister came to watch. There were definitely parts that were uncomfortable but it was still awesome! I had a hard time breathing during the free fall but managed to get one good breath to keep me from panicking. The pressure on my ears hurt a little bit and they remained plugged for a day or so. The harness also pulled quite hard which didn't feel too great but none of that compares to the pure rush you get and the breathtaking views you see from 13,000 feet in the air. I would totally be up to doing it again!!! I was nervous on the plane ride up and was glad that the person connected to me basically pushed us out or I don't know if I could have jumped. In the end, I'm sure glad I did it. Here are a few pictures documenting the adventure. I will even throw in an embarrassing one of my cheeks flapping for your pleasure.

 H

 Here are some other things I have enjoyed this summer so far:

Hiking

  

The American Authors, Script, and One Republic Concert

Strawberry Days and Having my Dad Here

and a great July 4th with friends.

Spring

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. I love seeing plants and trees blossom; everything starts to look alive and beautiful again. I love the warmer weather and getting to spend time outside. I love having spring break and knowing summer is just around the corner. My life gets a little busier with softball and golf leagues but those are things I love as well so I don't mind. Because of my busy schedule, I have had little time to blog but I thought it was time for an update.

Here is a little glimpse of my spring so far:

I started out the month of April with Spring Break at home. The weather was typical for the San Luis Valley, VERY windy and chilly. I was hoping I could spend some time outside and perhaps get in a little golf but nope, 5 straight days of wind, wind, and more wind. I basically spent a lot of time inside. I got to visit my grandma several times,

made a large batch of strawberry freezer jam with my mom,

 and enjoyed not having to worry about work. I spent lots of time with all of my family which was wonderful too. One thing that did keep me busy was working on a project. I turned an old wooden window frame into a memo board. The wind made painting a bit of a challenge but I love the result!

When I got back to Utah after Spring Break, life picked up where it left off and got a whole lot busier. This time of the year at work is a little crazy. There is so much going on and the students are ready to be done. They try my patience on a daily basis but we are hanging in there together.

The weather so far has been pretty great. Of course it is spring so the weather is a little bipolar but there have been several wonderfully warm days. I am in a softball and golf league so I get to be outside doing things I love a few times a week which is awesome. I've also managed to get in a few hikes this month. 

This was a good first hike of the year at Bells Canyon.

I did Grandeur Peak yesterday and it was definitely harder! Going back down really made me realize how steep of an incline it was the entire way. I was proud that we made it and the views were spectacular. 

 And because you can't have too many pictures, here are some more:

Jordan River Temple

 Flowers on Temple Square

 Easter Sunday

 Sunday Bike Ride

 Miniature Golf

 

2013 Review

2013 was quite the year. In many ways it was a very good year but it definitely had it's tests. I battled sickness, stress, and challenges at work. On the other hand, I feel like I have grown a lot emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and a little physically. I now consider myself (although reluctantly) an official adult. I feel more confident in my teaching abilities and feel prepared for whatever the future holds more than ever. Bring it 2014!

Here is my 2013 year in review:

LOWLIGHTS

The most challenging things of the year had to do with medical issues. I had my first surgery getting my tonsils out and really dealt with insurance for the first time. This is why I feel like a real adult. I realized the importance of having good insurance and having a savings account. I'm glad I had my tonsils out at the beginning of the year so I didn't have to deal with it any longer but it was trying financially. I also REALLY got to know my dentist this year but am glad I had the money to do what I needed to.

  

HIGHLIGHTS

One major highlight of the year was receiving my endowments at the Albuquerque Temple in April. Through the temple I have discovered greater happiness and have filled a void I didn't know was missing. I'm proud of my decision to go and am thankful to have temples close by to go to often.

 I also crossed something off of my bucket list by going to Washington DC.

WORD OF THE YEAR:
GRATITUDE
Something I really wanted to focus on in 2013 was being thankful for everything I have. Like anyone else, I face challenges, difficulties, and problems. I know I would never be able to get through them without three very important things: The Gospel, My Family, and my Friends.

GOSPEL
I honestly would not be able to get through this life without the Gospel and my testimony. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows me personally and loves me. I can always turn to Him and He will be there. I also know that I have a Savior who knows exactly what I am going through because he has experienced everything and atoned for my sins. Knowing these simple truths has helped me tremendously throughout my life.

FAMILY
This is nothing new that I discovered but I was often reminded this year that I have an amazing family-immediate and extended! They love me unconditionally and provide much needed support and guidance.

And in case you didn't know, I also have some AMAZING sisters!

FRIENDS

I now want to give a special shout out to my wonderful friends. I have been blessed throughout my life to have incredible friends. These people understand my craziness, love me in spite of my imperfections, and know how tp make me laugh. These are people who I may only see once a year but it feels like nothing has changed. These are people who have stuck with me through some of the biggest changes in my life and to each of them, I want to say thank you!

This past month I was lucky enough to spend some time with some of the best college roommates and friends a girl could ask for. We have been friends for over 6 years (crazy!) and have remained close through marriages, births, moves, and everything else life decided to throw at us.

 (One of my besties, explained how we all met and if interested, you can check that out here.) I absolutely love these girls and am forever grateful that we were all placed together as roommies!

Here are some pictures of us throughout the years. I look horrible in a bunch of them but oh well :)