My goal date has come and gone. I did achieve most of my goals but some eluded me, like the scrapbooking goals. I haven't scrapbooked in over eight years. Some goals I will still work on like writing my kids stories and letters, they really enjoy reading stories about themselves.
I really enjoy setting goals for myself and seeing them through, it's a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I wish I was able to finish all of them, but now I need to make new ones.
Start Date: 3/10/08 End Date: 11/12/09
1. Run one mile nonstop 1/26/09
2. memorize A of F 5/08 Bug & I made it a contest
3. Send at least one story/article of mine in to be published 10/10/08
4. Scrapbook at least 10 pages per kid
5. Write about seeing the Lord's hand in my day for two weeks straight. 3/28/08
6. Enter a photography contest
7. Paint a picture
8. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy 7/9/08
9. Pick a book of Scripture and study it. (Leviticus)6/23/08
10. Cook for in-laws 4x's 5/10/09
1~November 2nd: Dinner in a pumpkin
2~ January 2nd: Chicken Noodle soup
3~ January 2nd: Breakfast casserole
4~ May 10th: Taco Casserole (Mother's Day Dinner)
11. Host a dinner party of at least six people whom have never been to my home.
12. Join a social group 4/21/08 (book club)
13. Lose 20 pounds
14. Make my husband feel extremely loved 7/17/09 (Happy Birthday)
15. Write a story for each of my kids as them as the hero
~ Bug's 5/5/09
~ Beaner's 5/5/09
16. Don't complain about my calling for at least a month 4/13/08
17. Make contact with Emily and follow through 1/17/09
18. Get a pen pal 5/28/08
19. Write a one paragraph journal every day for one month 8/31/08
20. Give $100 away (it doesn't have to be in a lump sum) 7/15/08
21. Pass my English class with a 'B' 5/12/08
22. Visit a place I've never been 6/17/09 MA, NH, ME
23. Get an 'B' in my News Reporting and Writing class 12/23/08
24. Go to the temple once a month for six months straight
~ 4/24/09
~ 5/15/09
~6/12/09
~7/21/09
~ 8/6/09
~9/3/09
25. Cook a new recipe for dinner once a week for a month 7/6/08
1st~ Turkey Stuffing Divan, OK
2nd~ Chickette, rave reviews
3rd~ Nacho Dogs, Huge success
4th~ Sloppy Joe Pizza, OK
26. Go above and beyond the call of duty 7/3/09 (I hunted across the U.S. for a sewing machine that my mom has always wanted and shipped it home to her.)
27. Explore Craters of the Moon
28. Read the B of M
29. 5k 5/18/09
30. Take Bug out on a date just her and I 2/6/09
31. Take Beaner out on a date just her and I
32. Take Bud out on a date just him and I
33. Take Bear out on a date just him and I
34. Go on a romantic overnighter with Big D (not for a special occasion) 6/17/09 - 6/26/09
35. Teach Kinnzi a new trick 5/3/08 (to shake hands)
36. Potty train Bear 5/28/08
37. Run away with my sister's for one weekend 10/3/09
38. Take my mom out for lunch or dinner in another city
5/16/09
39. Scrapbook with my mom all night
40. Run away with girlfriends for one weekend 8/09
41. Do something childish with my kids 3/27/08
42. Find a long lost friend and renew our friendship 9/5/08
43. Try Indian food 5/30/08
44. Write each one of my kids a letter telling them how much, and what, I love about them
~ Bug's 5/5/09
~ Beaner's 5/5/09
45. Compliment five strangers a day for one week 6/17/09 ~ 6/26/09 (I know that's a bit longer than a week but in Boston I was complimenting people left and right: wonderful food, great store, nice people, etc.)
46. Do not go out to eat for one month straight
~ Start 8/31/09
~ End 9/29/09
47. Plan my dream vacation 10/12/09~Italy
48. Meet all the neighbors on my street
49. Plant and maintain a beautiful garden
~ Planted my garden 5/23/08
~ Harvested Aug - Sept
50. Visit Nursing Home 3x and talk to at least five people
~ 3/16/08
~ 4/13/08
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Goal #37 Run Away with Sisters for Weekend
Okay the goal said to run away with my sisters, but there was a substitution. My brother, Lowell, and I went down to visit my sister Ann for her birthday. Marie was home visiting so she wasn't there.
Ann celebrated her big 3-0 this month. She was feeling down because she feels like she hasn't accomplished anything in her thirty years. She feels even worse when she compares herself to me: married and gave birth to all my kids by 28.
I think she's accomplished a lot. She's getting her education which is soooo important. She's gone ski diving, something I would love to do. She's wrestled herself into every one's hearts and made us all feel special and loved.
She has served a two year mission to Jackson, Mississippi, that is something I can't do until all my kids are raised.
Ann is a strong, beautiful person on the inside and out. She has always been the peace giver in our family. She has a angelic singing voice that I've always been jealous of, but I am very grateful she has such a talent.
I love how she hates to write but she always encourages me to. She loves to share her ideas with me and then push me to write a story about it.
Ann is always the first one to jump in with a hug or a kind word when she knows you're down.
I love being around her because she inspires me to be a better me.
I think Ann is one of the best sisters anyone could have, Marie is right there with her. I wish Ann knew how special she is to her whole family. I hope we gave her a small clue by coming down just for her, and I would do it again in a heart beat.
Happy Birthday! I love you to Eternity and Beyond!
Ann celebrated her big 3-0 this month. She was feeling down because she feels like she hasn't accomplished anything in her thirty years. She feels even worse when she compares herself to me: married and gave birth to all my kids by 28.
I think she's accomplished a lot. She's getting her education which is soooo important. She's gone ski diving, something I would love to do. She's wrestled herself into every one's hearts and made us all feel special and loved.
She has served a two year mission to Jackson, Mississippi, that is something I can't do until all my kids are raised.
Ann is a strong, beautiful person on the inside and out. She has always been the peace giver in our family. She has a angelic singing voice that I've always been jealous of, but I am very grateful she has such a talent.
I love how she hates to write but she always encourages me to. She loves to share her ideas with me and then push me to write a story about it.
Ann is always the first one to jump in with a hug or a kind word when she knows you're down.
I love being around her because she inspires me to be a better me.
I think Ann is one of the best sisters anyone could have, Marie is right there with her. I wish Ann knew how special she is to her whole family. I hope we gave her a small clue by coming down just for her, and I would do it again in a heart beat.
Happy Birthday! I love you to Eternity and Beyond!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Goal #46 No Out To Eat
I so didn't think this goal was going to be as hard as it was. I didn't realize how many times we fell back on the fast food system. Wow, I'm a bad mom.
I think it was really good for our family to take one month and not go out to eat. Not only did it help our pocket book it also helped us with our healthy goals. I'm not saying that one month of no fast food made us healthy, but it did help us feel better and realize what we are doing to our body putting that crap in it.
The funny thing is, to celebrate not going out to eat, I went out to eat at Mama Inez for their Wednesday night Nachos with some girlfriends. They were not that good so I only had a couple bites and ate ice chips the rest of the night.
I think the world as a whole is getting way too dependent on the McDonald's and Taco Bells. And then we whine about being a fat nation.
Well I know I'm fat and I know why and I still whine about it. I wish things could be different, I wish milkshakes didn't take so darn good. And how come healthy food can't taste divine? The world would be a better place if chocolate was the biggest element on the food pyramid. Maybe some day, who knows.
I think it was really good for our family to take one month and not go out to eat. Not only did it help our pocket book it also helped us with our healthy goals. I'm not saying that one month of no fast food made us healthy, but it did help us feel better and realize what we are doing to our body putting that crap in it.
The funny thing is, to celebrate not going out to eat, I went out to eat at Mama Inez for their Wednesday night Nachos with some girlfriends. They were not that good so I only had a couple bites and ate ice chips the rest of the night.
I think the world as a whole is getting way too dependent on the McDonald's and Taco Bells. And then we whine about being a fat nation.
Well I know I'm fat and I know why and I still whine about it. I wish things could be different, I wish milkshakes didn't take so darn good. And how come healthy food can't taste divine? The world would be a better place if chocolate was the biggest element on the food pyramid. Maybe some day, who knows.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Goal 24: Go To Temple Once a Month
I really enjoyed passing off this goal. When I started back in April I went with my sister to the Salt Lake Temple, my favorite temple. I love the architecture and the history. They spent a lot of time on the detail work and it's every where from the moldings to the windows. Each room is perfectly decorated and the murals are spectacular. I think the live sessions just add to the ambiance of the whole experience.
A couple months back, I think about three or four, my brother Brook and his new wife Andy started coming with us. Andy tries to go once a month and she started inviting us along with them to help Brook feel more comfortable. He went through the temple for the first time in May when they got married. The temple can be a bit overwhelming and I feel so grateful that he wanted to share his experience with us.
After Brook and Andy started going with us we started inviting my other brother Lowell and his wife Rae. Rae just blessed me with a new niece in May so she's been a bit tied down with all of that. Yesterday was her first time coming with us and it really added to the whole evening. I love getting to know my sister-in-laws better and what a better way to get to know them.
I have really enjoyed making the temple a monthly goal. I hope that now that I'm done with that goal I continue to make my temple attendance a priority. I've found that I'm a lot better person when I go once a month rather than the once a year that I was doing. I think it's just way too easy to let life get in the way so I had to stop and ask myself what I was really doing here; trying to get ahead in the world or trying to get ahead spiritually? Sometimes it's nice to be reminded what's important.
A couple months back, I think about three or four, my brother Brook and his new wife Andy started coming with us. Andy tries to go once a month and she started inviting us along with them to help Brook feel more comfortable. He went through the temple for the first time in May when they got married. The temple can be a bit overwhelming and I feel so grateful that he wanted to share his experience with us.
After Brook and Andy started going with us we started inviting my other brother Lowell and his wife Rae. Rae just blessed me with a new niece in May so she's been a bit tied down with all of that. Yesterday was her first time coming with us and it really added to the whole evening. I love getting to know my sister-in-laws better and what a better way to get to know them.
I have really enjoyed making the temple a monthly goal. I hope that now that I'm done with that goal I continue to make my temple attendance a priority. I've found that I'm a lot better person when I go once a month rather than the once a year that I was doing. I think it's just way too easy to let life get in the way so I had to stop and ask myself what I was really doing here; trying to get ahead in the world or trying to get ahead spiritually? Sometimes it's nice to be reminded what's important.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Goals 22 & 34
Visit a place I've never been and go away with my hubby on a romantic over nighter not for a special occasion. We'll I think coming to Massachusetts counts for both of those.
Neither of us have ever been here before and we've had a lot of romantic nights, without kids.
We are having so much fun that it's going to be hard to write it all down, plus I'm sure some out there would get bored. I've taken probably two thousand pictures and I'm excited to share them. I haven't loaded them onto my computer yet but when I do I will share the best ones.
Neither of us have ever been here before and we've had a lot of romantic nights, without kids.
We are having so much fun that it's going to be hard to write it all down, plus I'm sure some out there would get bored. I've taken probably two thousand pictures and I'm excited to share them. I haven't loaded them onto my computer yet but when I do I will share the best ones.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Goals, Goals, and More Goals
I passed off quite a bit of goals this lately. I cooked dinner for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day, which was my fourth time cooking for them (Goal #10). It's kind of sad that it took me so long to pass off that goal. I just get so nervous cooking for them.
I also passed off the goal of taking my mother out to dinner in a different city (Goal #38). I kidnapped her on Friday night after Brook and Andy's open house. We went down to Salt Lake to stay in the room the happy couple would've stayed in on their honeymoon. My dad ended up getting them a lodge in Yellowstone so they chose to go there. We stayed in Salt Lake and paid for the room because it was too late to cancel. It was fun, we had a nice adventure.
And just today I passed off Goal #29: to run 5k. I didn't actually run a race but I ran the distance of a 5k. I thought I was going to die. It took me a little over 40 minutes, which is not fast by any means. I wasn't really going for speed I just wanted to see if I could do it and I did. Of course, running on a treadmill for 3.1 miles is a lot different than doing it on the pavement. We'll see, maybe I will get the courage to run an actual race this summer. I'm just proud of myself for doing, I don't care that it was on a treadmill.
I know some people have been wondering about Big D and our wager: to lose so much weight by July 17. Well, we hit a wall for a couple months. I got discouraged with the lack of progress I was seeing, but I didn't give up. I kept going to the gym at least three times a week. I wasn't eating the best so I didn't lose any weight. But I am back on track now. I've started losing weight again and Big D is started to get a little nervous, which is making him step it up. I will have some weights posted as soon as I get them. Thanks for every one's help in keeping us focused and inspired.
I also passed off the goal of taking my mother out to dinner in a different city (Goal #38). I kidnapped her on Friday night after Brook and Andy's open house. We went down to Salt Lake to stay in the room the happy couple would've stayed in on their honeymoon. My dad ended up getting them a lodge in Yellowstone so they chose to go there. We stayed in Salt Lake and paid for the room because it was too late to cancel. It was fun, we had a nice adventure.
And just today I passed off Goal #29: to run 5k. I didn't actually run a race but I ran the distance of a 5k. I thought I was going to die. It took me a little over 40 minutes, which is not fast by any means. I wasn't really going for speed I just wanted to see if I could do it and I did. Of course, running on a treadmill for 3.1 miles is a lot different than doing it on the pavement. We'll see, maybe I will get the courage to run an actual race this summer. I'm just proud of myself for doing, I don't care that it was on a treadmill.
I know some people have been wondering about Big D and our wager: to lose so much weight by July 17. Well, we hit a wall for a couple months. I got discouraged with the lack of progress I was seeing, but I didn't give up. I kept going to the gym at least three times a week. I wasn't eating the best so I didn't lose any weight. But I am back on track now. I've started losing weight again and Big D is started to get a little nervous, which is making him step it up. I will have some weights posted as soon as I get them. Thanks for every one's help in keeping us focused and inspired.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Goal # 30: Take Bug Out on a Date
Bug was so patient with me. I was suppose to take her out to dinner for her birthday a month ago but things just kept coming up. Now, here it is two days before Beaner's birthday and I finally got around to taking Bug out.
We went to our favorite restaurant, Winger's. We had fun talking and teasing. We both got sticky fingers and she warned me that if she got done with hers before I got done with mine, she'd snake one from me. Sure enough, I looked down to take a bite and she was already chewing away with a huge smile on her face.
I asked her what she wants to be when she grows up and she said an astronaut or a scientist. She's a smart cookie, I totally believe she could be either one of those if she wants too, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mother and oh so proud of her.
Now I get to take Beaner out on a date, I hope she wants to go to Winger's!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friend or Foe
I stepped on the scale this morning, first my scale said 172 lbs,
I went and got my camera and then it read this, 173.5 lbs. Trust me when I say, my camera does not weigh that much. A little while later I stood on the scale again and it said 171.5 lbs.
Then I went to the gym and stood on the scale and it said 167 lbs. I don't which one to trust. Either my scale at home is going crazy or it's dying. But I also think that maybe the gym scale is one of those "feel good" scales to keep people coming back to the gym, if for nothing else then to stand on their scale.
No matter what it is, I really am confused as to how much I weigh today.
Plus, what am I suppose to do on weigh in day to see who won the bet? Am I suppose to drag my husband to the women's locker room at my gym for the official weigh in?
If nothing else, I think my scale at home is my enemy, and it better watch its back.
I went and got my camera and then it read this, 173.5 lbs. Trust me when I say, my camera does not weigh that much. A little while later I stood on the scale again and it said 171.5 lbs.
Then I went to the gym and stood on the scale and it said 167 lbs. I don't which one to trust. Either my scale at home is going crazy or it's dying. But I also think that maybe the gym scale is one of those "feel good" scales to keep people coming back to the gym, if for nothing else then to stand on their scale.
No matter what it is, I really am confused as to how much I weigh today.
Plus, what am I suppose to do on weigh in day to see who won the bet? Am I suppose to drag my husband to the women's locker room at my gym for the official weigh in?
If nothing else, I think my scale at home is my enemy, and it better watch its back.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Goal #1 Run 1 Mile Nonstop
I didn't think I could do it this soon. I've been working out at the gym for three weeks and today I thought I'd try running a quarter mile and see if I could do it.
After I was done with the quarter I still felt pretty good so I thought I'd keep going and see if I could make a half mile. Before I knew it I'd done three quarters of a mile and I was on the last leg of the mile. I was getting a little tired but I kept telling myself that if I quit now I'd have to start all over.
Once I hit that mile mark I felt so good for pushing myself.
My best friend, C, asked me if I wanted to run a 5k with her in May. I told her that unless 5k means 1m I don't know if I can do it. Who knows, it's still a ways off. It would give me something to work toward, even if I didn't end up running with her.
After I was done with the quarter I still felt pretty good so I thought I'd keep going and see if I could make a half mile. Before I knew it I'd done three quarters of a mile and I was on the last leg of the mile. I was getting a little tired but I kept telling myself that if I quit now I'd have to start all over.
Once I hit that mile mark I felt so good for pushing myself.
My best friend, C, asked me if I wanted to run a 5k with her in May. I told her that unless 5k means 1m I don't know if I can do it. Who knows, it's still a ways off. It would give me something to work toward, even if I didn't end up running with her.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Oops! My Bad
I posted our weight updates yesterday and boy did I get some numbers mixed up. I posted that I went from 173 lbs to 701.5 lbs. Wow, I thought I had a horrible week last week. I don't think that is possible, is it?
When I got on this morning I saw what I'd done and changed it. I really am doing a lot better this week than last week.
However, if you look at how much Big D has lost and what his goal is compared to me and my goal, we are about neck and neck. The thing that really sucks is I have to wake up every morning at 5 a.m. to stay neck and neck with him. The only work out Big D gets is typing on his computer as he sits on his butt at work, that is so not fair that guys lose weight so much easier than women.
Wow, I sound like a whiner. I am very proud of how far we've come. We haven't given up yet and that is great to me. I love that I have my best friend who's willing to suffer right along with me and keep me motivated. Thank you my hunk-a-hunk of burning love!!!
When I got on this morning I saw what I'd done and changed it. I really am doing a lot better this week than last week.
However, if you look at how much Big D has lost and what his goal is compared to me and my goal, we are about neck and neck. The thing that really sucks is I have to wake up every morning at 5 a.m. to stay neck and neck with him. The only work out Big D gets is typing on his computer as he sits on his butt at work, that is so not fair that guys lose weight so much easier than women.
Wow, I sound like a whiner. I am very proud of how far we've come. We haven't given up yet and that is great to me. I love that I have my best friend who's willing to suffer right along with me and keep me motivated. Thank you my hunk-a-hunk of burning love!!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Goal #17 Make Contact w/ Emily
I finally made contact with Emily, after two maybe three years. It was not from lack of trying on my part. The first time I tried to make contact she was detained. The second time I tried to find her she'd barely moved a week before I showed up. The third time I was at her apartment and I reached for the door handle to get out and my cell phone rang. It was my girls reminding me to pick them up from school, right then.
Needless to say, I've taken it as a sign from the Lord. I knew he wanted me to be ready but then I had to be patient for her to be ready.
I feel like I owe her one. It wasn't too many years ago that the roles were reversed. I was off the wall being rebellious and when I'd decided I'd had enough of the smoking, drinking, and partying I didn't have any "good" friends left. I was now a bad influence and no one wanted to be seen with me, which I don't blame them.
Well, Emily was the only one of my old friends that didn't judge me. Her mom was pretty cool too. Her mom didn't tell Emily she couldn't hang around me because I was bad, she invited me over to their house for Family Home Evening and dinner. Their whole family was very welcoming, I even ended up dating her brother for a bit.
One day on the bus coming home from school Emily said something that really stuck with me; she said I was lucky because when I get older and I tell my kids not to smoke or drink I will be able to give them real reasons why because I'd experienced it. She said all she'd be able to do was say, "Don't do it because it's bad". I wonder if she remembers saying that and I wonder how she feels about it now?
I am excited to have Emily back in my life. I know it's not going to be like old times. I know she's changed in a lot of ways, but I also know that she has many people who love her and I know she can come back from this. I believe it will only make her stronger, if she lets it. I know I'm a better person today because of all I've been through. No one has a perfect life, every one has a past. It's how we let that past affect our future that matters.
I just hope I can help Emily the way she helped me, if nothing else I hope I can be a good friend to her.
Needless to say, I've taken it as a sign from the Lord. I knew he wanted me to be ready but then I had to be patient for her to be ready.
I feel like I owe her one. It wasn't too many years ago that the roles were reversed. I was off the wall being rebellious and when I'd decided I'd had enough of the smoking, drinking, and partying I didn't have any "good" friends left. I was now a bad influence and no one wanted to be seen with me, which I don't blame them.
Well, Emily was the only one of my old friends that didn't judge me. Her mom was pretty cool too. Her mom didn't tell Emily she couldn't hang around me because I was bad, she invited me over to their house for Family Home Evening and dinner. Their whole family was very welcoming, I even ended up dating her brother for a bit.
One day on the bus coming home from school Emily said something that really stuck with me; she said I was lucky because when I get older and I tell my kids not to smoke or drink I will be able to give them real reasons why because I'd experienced it. She said all she'd be able to do was say, "Don't do it because it's bad". I wonder if she remembers saying that and I wonder how she feels about it now?
I am excited to have Emily back in my life. I know it's not going to be like old times. I know she's changed in a lot of ways, but I also know that she has many people who love her and I know she can come back from this. I believe it will only make her stronger, if she lets it. I know I'm a better person today because of all I've been through. No one has a perfect life, every one has a past. It's how we let that past affect our future that matters.
I just hope I can help Emily the way she helped me, if nothing else I hope I can be a good friend to her.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Goal #23 'B' in Reporting Class
I got my grade yesterday. I got an 'A' yeah yeah yeah! I knew I was in the range of a solid 'B' but if I aced my final I could possibly get an 'A'. I pulled it out yeah for me.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Goal #3: Send One Story/Article into be Published
Okay, I honestly didn't expect to be passing this goal off so soon. However, I feel I deserve to have it marked off.
I checked my school email, which I do every morning before class. I usually don't have anything interesting on that account I just need to make sure I haven't missed something from my professor, again.
Today was different, I had an email from someone saying I was recommended by my professor for a job. I've never had someone ask me if I wanted a job before, that and I haven't had a paying job since the mid to late 90's. I called the lady and we set up a time to meet after my last class.
I honest thought I was going in for an interview. I showed up and she introduced me to her crew and jumped right into what they were doing and what she needed me to do and when it needed to be done.
When I got home Big D was a little pissed when he started asking me questions like: Did you get the job? I think so but I'm not sure. How much does it pay? I have no idea we didn't discuss $$$. When do you work? I couldn't say for sure I just know I have to write a 200 word article for our university's alumni magazine. The article was to be on a guy who died (that I thought died a long time ago because we have a building named after him) and it is due the next day.
Needless to say we had a sit down discussion on proper business practices and what needs to be addressed before I start work. I'll get the hand of the particulars some day. For now I'm was just overwhelmed and stoked all at the same time.
I wrote my article and took it to my new boss. She hated it so bad she went in the other room and called another writer and asked if they would please write the article for her. My article looked like she slit her wrists across the paper. When it came time to leave I had to convince her to let me take the article home and rewrite it.
Yes, she hated it that bad.
After licking my wounds and wallowing in my self pity for a couple hours I got to work on the rewrite. In other words, I started completely over.
I turned in the final article by 11 a.m. the next day. I figured if she doesn't like it she won't ask me to write anything else. I didn't know if this was just a one time gig anyway. I am grateful for the opportunity and the experience it allotted me but I won't be heart broken if I missed the mark twice.
I got another email from my new boss saying she thought my new article was "wonderful!!!". She was sending it out to get the final stamp of approval and then off to the magazine.
Wow, my first published article. It feels great to finally say I've been published, even though it is just a college magazine. It's one step closer to being a real journalist. That is, of course, IF they publish my article.
I checked my school email, which I do every morning before class. I usually don't have anything interesting on that account I just need to make sure I haven't missed something from my professor, again.
Today was different, I had an email from someone saying I was recommended by my professor for a job. I've never had someone ask me if I wanted a job before, that and I haven't had a paying job since the mid to late 90's. I called the lady and we set up a time to meet after my last class.
I honest thought I was going in for an interview. I showed up and she introduced me to her crew and jumped right into what they were doing and what she needed me to do and when it needed to be done.
When I got home Big D was a little pissed when he started asking me questions like: Did you get the job? I think so but I'm not sure. How much does it pay? I have no idea we didn't discuss $$$. When do you work? I couldn't say for sure I just know I have to write a 200 word article for our university's alumni magazine. The article was to be on a guy who died (that I thought died a long time ago because we have a building named after him) and it is due the next day.
Needless to say we had a sit down discussion on proper business practices and what needs to be addressed before I start work. I'll get the hand of the particulars some day. For now I'm was just overwhelmed and stoked all at the same time.
I wrote my article and took it to my new boss. She hated it so bad she went in the other room and called another writer and asked if they would please write the article for her. My article looked like she slit her wrists across the paper. When it came time to leave I had to convince her to let me take the article home and rewrite it.
Yes, she hated it that bad.
After licking my wounds and wallowing in my self pity for a couple hours I got to work on the rewrite. In other words, I started completely over.
I turned in the final article by 11 a.m. the next day. I figured if she doesn't like it she won't ask me to write anything else. I didn't know if this was just a one time gig anyway. I am grateful for the opportunity and the experience it allotted me but I won't be heart broken if I missed the mark twice.
I got another email from my new boss saying she thought my new article was "wonderful!!!". She was sending it out to get the final stamp of approval and then off to the magazine.
Wow, my first published article. It feels great to finally say I've been published, even though it is just a college magazine. It's one step closer to being a real journalist. That is, of course, IF they publish my article.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Mission
In sacrament meeting on Sunday the speakers were all talking about missionary work. Big D and I have discussed serving a mission before. We know we are both on board for it, but when do you set a date.
I am a very goal oriented person. I like a deadline that I can focus on. One of the speakers said her and her husband were going to try to serve a mission in about fifteen years. So I started doing the math, where is Big D and I going to be in fifteen years?
In fifteen years I will be 46-years-old and Big D will be 48. Bug will be 24, Beaner 22, Bud 20, and Bear 18. That is still pretty young for us to leave for two years. However, I asked Big D what he thought about serving a mission when Bear left on his mission at 19-years-old, we could be out at the same time.
Personally I thought I was on to something great. Of course then my realist whispers in my ear that he would have to quit his job, Bud would just be coming home from his mission and so would Beaner if she decided to go (girls don't go on missions from 21 to 23-years-old). That is a lot of missionary bills to be paying all at the same time especially if I expect Big D to be quiting his job.
So if fifteen years is too soon, when would be a good deadline for us to be working towards? I don't want to be old old when we go. I would like to be young enough that I can get my hands dirty and enjoy myself. I guess that raises the question of how old is old old? I don't know.
My in-laws are planning on serving a mission in the next few years and I would not consider them old old. They will both be retired and young enough and healthy enough to enjoy themselves. So why don't I like the idea of having to wait until Big D retires?
Retirement just seem so far away for us right now. Not that I want to escape my present circumstances, I just would love to be able to serve more than one mission if given the opportunity. I guess if that is in the Lord's plan for us then it will happen. I am a planner and I would like to plan on a mission in the forseeable future for us.
Of course, we all know what happens when one makes plans: Life.
I am a very goal oriented person. I like a deadline that I can focus on. One of the speakers said her and her husband were going to try to serve a mission in about fifteen years. So I started doing the math, where is Big D and I going to be in fifteen years?
In fifteen years I will be 46-years-old and Big D will be 48. Bug will be 24, Beaner 22, Bud 20, and Bear 18. That is still pretty young for us to leave for two years. However, I asked Big D what he thought about serving a mission when Bear left on his mission at 19-years-old, we could be out at the same time.
Personally I thought I was on to something great. Of course then my realist whispers in my ear that he would have to quit his job, Bud would just be coming home from his mission and so would Beaner if she decided to go (girls don't go on missions from 21 to 23-years-old). That is a lot of missionary bills to be paying all at the same time especially if I expect Big D to be quiting his job.
So if fifteen years is too soon, when would be a good deadline for us to be working towards? I don't want to be old old when we go. I would like to be young enough that I can get my hands dirty and enjoy myself. I guess that raises the question of how old is old old? I don't know.
My in-laws are planning on serving a mission in the next few years and I would not consider them old old. They will both be retired and young enough and healthy enough to enjoy themselves. So why don't I like the idea of having to wait until Big D retires?
Retirement just seem so far away for us right now. Not that I want to escape my present circumstances, I just would love to be able to serve more than one mission if given the opportunity. I guess if that is in the Lord's plan for us then it will happen. I am a planner and I would like to plan on a mission in the forseeable future for us.
Of course, we all know what happens when one makes plans: Life.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Goal #49: Plant & Maintain Garden
I have been planting a garden almost every year since we've lived in this house, about 8 1/2 years. This year is the first year that we've gotten this good of crop.
Most of the time we'll get just pumpkins, I love Halloween so I grow my own pumpkins for decoration. It's a lot cheaper than having to buy fifteen pumpkins at the store.
We are just so busy in the summer always gone and not watering or weeding like we should. Big D asked me last year if we could just plant grass in place of the garden so we don't have to worry about it any longer.
I am so glad I told him No.
This year almost every thing came up that we planted. We did have a problem with the onions not coming up and the kohlrabi was eaten by bugs of something.
Our corn came in beautifully, the stalks actually grew taller than me this year. We are still getting tons of tomatoes, fabulous. We got more zucchini than I knew what to do with, I actually ended up ripping out the bushes just so I'd stop getting zucchini.
The kids loved checking the garden everyday for peas. I planted four rows of peas just for them. I want the kids to have fun with the garden and learn to love it out there. Maybe one of my kids will learn to love gardening and help me with maintenance.
Big D is muy impressed with the garden this year. I think he was getting to the point he was questioning my skills, for that matter,so was I.
Not only did I have my garden this year but I helped my mom with hers, she HATES gardening with a capital H. Her garden was three times the size as mine, now that was a bugger to weed. Between me, my mom and my brother's families we did it. Thank goodness it's almost done.
Although I'm still harvesting tomatoes I think it's okay to say I've passed off this goal. What a fun goal it was and frankly I am impressed with my gardening skills and I look forward to next year.
I don't think I'm going to plant as many zucchi plants.
Most of the time we'll get just pumpkins, I love Halloween so I grow my own pumpkins for decoration. It's a lot cheaper than having to buy fifteen pumpkins at the store.
We are just so busy in the summer always gone and not watering or weeding like we should. Big D asked me last year if we could just plant grass in place of the garden so we don't have to worry about it any longer.
I am so glad I told him No.
This year almost every thing came up that we planted. We did have a problem with the onions not coming up and the kohlrabi was eaten by bugs of something.
Our corn came in beautifully, the stalks actually grew taller than me this year. We are still getting tons of tomatoes, fabulous. We got more zucchini than I knew what to do with, I actually ended up ripping out the bushes just so I'd stop getting zucchini.
The kids loved checking the garden everyday for peas. I planted four rows of peas just for them. I want the kids to have fun with the garden and learn to love it out there. Maybe one of my kids will learn to love gardening and help me with maintenance.
Big D is muy impressed with the garden this year. I think he was getting to the point he was questioning my skills, for that matter,so was I.
Not only did I have my garden this year but I helped my mom with hers, she HATES gardening with a capital H. Her garden was three times the size as mine, now that was a bugger to weed. Between me, my mom and my brother's families we did it. Thank goodness it's almost done.
Although I'm still harvesting tomatoes I think it's okay to say I've passed off this goal. What a fun goal it was and frankly I am impressed with my gardening skills and I look forward to next year.
I don't think I'm going to plant as many zucchi plants.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Goal #19 Write a One Paragraph Journal
I was writing "How I Saw the Lord's Hand" in about one sentence but I wanted more detail. So in August I thought it would be more personal and informative if I added a little more to my days events. One paragraph still isn't a lot of information but it's a nice insight.
I love writing in my journal. I've filled about seven journals and I keep them all in a fire proof safe, that's where my anul side comes into play.
Who knows maybe someday I will have a whole novel just for my days activities. That is one novel I wouldn't want to read. Boring!
I love writing in my journal. I've filled about seven journals and I keep them all in a fire proof safe, that's where my anul side comes into play.
Who knows maybe someday I will have a whole novel just for my days activities. That is one novel I wouldn't want to read. Boring!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Goal #42 Find a Long Lost Friend
I am as giddy as a school girl today. I found my best friend from sixth grade, Jennifer. I have been looking for her for the past ten years of so. I've even sent Christmas cards out only to have them returned. I knew she moved back east some where. Last I heard it was one of the Carolina's.
I've had to subscribe to the newspaper for my News Reporting and Writing class. I was going through the paper yesterday and notice an obituary for Jen's grandma. I thought it was worth going to the funeral just in case she came.
This is the first funeral I've ever been to that I was excited, and nervous. I was nervous because the last time I'd had contact with her we were suppose to meet at the movies but my daughter got sick and I stood Jen up. I tried to get a hold of her but it was back before the days everyone carried cell phones. I left a message with her grandma but I never heard from her again. I was scared she was mad at me for standing her up. I know it sounds juvenile but I didn't know if she was still going to be mad at me.
When I saw her singing at the funeral all I could think was she is still just as beautiful as when we were younger. My heart went out to her because I knew how close her and her grandmother were.
After the funeral when she saw me she ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug I've ever had. She said she's been trying to find me for years too.
I am so full of gratitude right now I may tear up, whose kidding whom here, I'm not a cryer. But I am so happy that I don't even care that I sound corny right now.
We exchanged information and hopefully we never loose contact again. I am so excited to get to know her again. I got to meet her little boy, Drew. He's probably a little younger than Bear.
I know you can't see it right now but I have a huge smile on my face. I don't think this day can get any better.
I've had to subscribe to the newspaper for my News Reporting and Writing class. I was going through the paper yesterday and notice an obituary for Jen's grandma. I thought it was worth going to the funeral just in case she came.
This is the first funeral I've ever been to that I was excited, and nervous. I was nervous because the last time I'd had contact with her we were suppose to meet at the movies but my daughter got sick and I stood Jen up. I tried to get a hold of her but it was back before the days everyone carried cell phones. I left a message with her grandma but I never heard from her again. I was scared she was mad at me for standing her up. I know it sounds juvenile but I didn't know if she was still going to be mad at me.
When I saw her singing at the funeral all I could think was she is still just as beautiful as when we were younger. My heart went out to her because I knew how close her and her grandmother were.
After the funeral when she saw me she ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug I've ever had. She said she's been trying to find me for years too.
I am so full of gratitude right now I may tear up, whose kidding whom here, I'm not a cryer. But I am so happy that I don't even care that I sound corny right now.
We exchanged information and hopefully we never loose contact again. I am so excited to get to know her again. I got to meet her little boy, Drew. He's probably a little younger than Bear.
I know you can't see it right now but I have a huge smile on my face. I don't think this day can get any better.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Goal #20 Give $100 away
I thought I'd have a lot harder time with this goal since I never seem to have $100 let alone a spare. I've always wanted to be the type of person that gives money away to people for doing kind deeds or if they were in need, but it's a different story when you really don't have the money to give. Maybe that's when it becomes more selfless and a greater blessing for me, I don't know.
The other day Big D and I found an envelope on the front seat of our car. It contained a $100 bill and neither of us knew where it came from. Big D had a hunch so he went and talked to our neighbor. Come to find out she wanted to pay us for helping her trim up her 80 foot Locus tree last year. We had rented a big boon to help us reach the top and it cost quite a bit of money. We were not expecting any compensation for it.
Now that we knew where the money came from our wheels began to turn. We thought about all the things we've been putting off that we needed: cloths, food, etc. Big D also recently got paid so we thought about just putting that money in savings and use it as a fall back when things got tight again, because with us that will probably be next week.
The next day I was sitting at my computer writing and browsing the net when I thought about something I wanted to do with the money. I wanted to help someone I knew whom needed the money worse than we did. However, Big D had a bit of a hard time the last time I tried to help but that was because he thought we were worse off than we were (Big D had a pretty big mess up with his paycheck; he ended up without one and we found out in the middle of our vacation).
I kept thinking about how I was going to approach Big D without getting him worked up. I thought about just giving this person the money anonymously and then telling Big D, but we don't keep those kind of secrets from each other.
That night Big D came in the quiet room and asked if we could talk. I quit what I was doing on my computer and listened to what he had to say. After he told me what he wanted to do with the $100 I started laughing, which through him off a bit. I explained to him that I had the same idea I was just trying to figure out how to approach him with it.
Now that we were both on the same page I went over and gave the money to this person. I sure hope they don't feel like a charity case because that is so not how we see them. We just love them so much and they helped us out a ton when we were having a hard time. I guess you could call it carpi Diem.
The other day Big D and I found an envelope on the front seat of our car. It contained a $100 bill and neither of us knew where it came from. Big D had a hunch so he went and talked to our neighbor. Come to find out she wanted to pay us for helping her trim up her 80 foot Locus tree last year. We had rented a big boon to help us reach the top and it cost quite a bit of money. We were not expecting any compensation for it.
Now that we knew where the money came from our wheels began to turn. We thought about all the things we've been putting off that we needed: cloths, food, etc. Big D also recently got paid so we thought about just putting that money in savings and use it as a fall back when things got tight again, because with us that will probably be next week.
The next day I was sitting at my computer writing and browsing the net when I thought about something I wanted to do with the money. I wanted to help someone I knew whom needed the money worse than we did. However, Big D had a bit of a hard time the last time I tried to help but that was because he thought we were worse off than we were (Big D had a pretty big mess up with his paycheck; he ended up without one and we found out in the middle of our vacation).
I kept thinking about how I was going to approach Big D without getting him worked up. I thought about just giving this person the money anonymously and then telling Big D, but we don't keep those kind of secrets from each other.
That night Big D came in the quiet room and asked if we could talk. I quit what I was doing on my computer and listened to what he had to say. After he told me what he wanted to do with the $100 I started laughing, which through him off a bit. I explained to him that I had the same idea I was just trying to figure out how to approach him with it.
Now that we were both on the same page I went over and gave the money to this person. I sure hope they don't feel like a charity case because that is so not how we see them. We just love them so much and they helped us out a ton when we were having a hard time. I guess you could call it carpi Diem.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Goal #25 Cook a New Recipe Once a Week for a Month
It's always difficult to try new recipes with such small children. It has really helped teaching them that they have to try at least one bite of something before they tell me they don't like it. After they've tried one bite and they say they don't like it I don't make them eat anymore. However, most of the time they discover they really do like it and mom really does know what she's doing.
But like anything else, some recipes are a keeper and some don't need to be made again. It is just as fun for me to discover a new recipe that my entire family enjoys as it is for the kids. The sad thing is once I find some thing new I usually make it to death until we are all sick of it. I am a lazy chef, I like simple and quick. Especially when I have four children and one husband whining about how hungry they are and is dinner almost ready because they are about to take their last breath before they starve to death.
I guess if I was smart I'd start making dinner earlier when they weren't so hungry, but I swear as soon as they see me go in the kitchen that is when starvation sets in.
I know there are delicious quick and easy recipes out there. I just have to find them. I am a lot like Lewis and Clark that way, I am discovering new frontier for my family ;)
But like anything else, some recipes are a keeper and some don't need to be made again. It is just as fun for me to discover a new recipe that my entire family enjoys as it is for the kids. The sad thing is once I find some thing new I usually make it to death until we are all sick of it. I am a lazy chef, I like simple and quick. Especially when I have four children and one husband whining about how hungry they are and is dinner almost ready because they are about to take their last breath before they starve to death.
I guess if I was smart I'd start making dinner earlier when they weren't so hungry, but I swear as soon as they see me go in the kitchen that is when starvation sets in.
I know there are delicious quick and easy recipes out there. I just have to find them. I am a lot like Lewis and Clark that way, I am discovering new frontier for my family ;)
The Last 100 Things that make me Happy Goal #8
100. Menus, I made up a menu before we left and that's what I used to buy groceries. It worked out fabulous and really cut down the stress. 7/9/08
99. The Hot Box, a little Pizzaria in West Yellowstone that makes the best pizza in Montana. Calamity Jane pizza with artichoke hearts, Oooh yum my mouth is watering just thinking about it. 7/8/08
98. Play Mill, I've so enjoyed being invited to go to plays with my cousins. It adds a little civility to our other wise uncivil contitions of roughing it. 7/7/08
97. Rafts, we bought a four man raft, which only sits two but we can sqeeze some of the kids in if we aren't going far. We had fun floating it down the Henry's Fork. 7/7/08
96. Late Night Talks Under the Stars, Big D and I would lay out and talk. The stars were so bright in Island Park, of course after the clouds parted. One night it started raining and we had to cut our talk short.
95. Free Water Parks, we enjoyed the interactive water park in Belgrade, Mt. I wish we had one in our home town. 7/5/08
94. Listerine, we used it as bug spray and it worked just as good as the Off bug spray. 7/1/08
93. RV's with a nice shower and toilet make it so I can camp a lot longer than if Big D made me sleep on the ground in a tent with four small children. 6/30/08
92. Bear and his charging personality, I think someday he could be a great leader. 6/29/08
91. Bud and his sweet disposition. He is laid back like his daddy, he's also the spitting image of his daddy. 6/28/08
90. Beaner and wonderful desire to bring a smile to others faces, even if that means giving away stuff that she just got for her Birthday or Christmas. 6/27/08
89. Bug and her innate sense of curiousity which allow her to try new things all the time and seek to master them. 6/26/08
88. I am addicted to a complete nights sleep without interuptions. When I don't get my fix everyone suffers. 6/25/08
87. To Do Lists, getting ready to go on vacation I have about 10 lists of things I need to do, buy, or pack. They help me feel like I'm organized, even though I'm probably not. 6/24/08
86. Dry little boys with their underwear on backwards. 6/23/08
85. I would say a bedroom door, for a little privacy, but I don't have one. So I guess what I am saying is one would make me happy. 6/22/08
84. Having a BBQ to celebrate my Mom's Birthday and making her feel special. 6/21/08
83. Watching my garden double in size the day after I weed. Not only can you actually see my plants now but they are relishing in all the water and sun to themselves. It makes me feel like I might know what I am doing. 6/20/08
82. It makes me so happy when Beaner lays her head on my shoulder and we have a moment, just her and I. 6/19/08
81. I love feeling better. I guess it's nice to be sick every once in awhile so when you finally get better, it helps you to appriciate your health more. 6/18/08
80. Some days, not being able to talk, helps me to step back and realize how I talk to my kids the other 364 days a year. It's not bad making them have to listen really close to hear what mom has to say. 6/17/08
79. Going to the beach on a really hot day. 6/16/08
78. Special days to celebrate how awesomely important Big D our hole family. 6/15/08
77. My gardening chair that Big D bought for me when we were first married. It really saves my knees when I garden. 6/14/08
76. I love love love my bread machine. 6/13/08
99. The Hot Box, a little Pizzaria in West Yellowstone that makes the best pizza in Montana. Calamity Jane pizza with artichoke hearts, Oooh yum my mouth is watering just thinking about it. 7/8/08
98. Play Mill, I've so enjoyed being invited to go to plays with my cousins. It adds a little civility to our other wise uncivil contitions of roughing it. 7/7/08
97. Rafts, we bought a four man raft, which only sits two but we can sqeeze some of the kids in if we aren't going far. We had fun floating it down the Henry's Fork. 7/7/08
96. Late Night Talks Under the Stars, Big D and I would lay out and talk. The stars were so bright in Island Park, of course after the clouds parted. One night it started raining and we had to cut our talk short.
95. Free Water Parks, we enjoyed the interactive water park in Belgrade, Mt. I wish we had one in our home town. 7/5/08
94. Listerine, we used it as bug spray and it worked just as good as the Off bug spray. 7/1/08
93. RV's with a nice shower and toilet make it so I can camp a lot longer than if Big D made me sleep on the ground in a tent with four small children. 6/30/08
92. Bear and his charging personality, I think someday he could be a great leader. 6/29/08
91. Bud and his sweet disposition. He is laid back like his daddy, he's also the spitting image of his daddy. 6/28/08
90. Beaner and wonderful desire to bring a smile to others faces, even if that means giving away stuff that she just got for her Birthday or Christmas. 6/27/08
89. Bug and her innate sense of curiousity which allow her to try new things all the time and seek to master them. 6/26/08
88. I am addicted to a complete nights sleep without interuptions. When I don't get my fix everyone suffers. 6/25/08
87. To Do Lists, getting ready to go on vacation I have about 10 lists of things I need to do, buy, or pack. They help me feel like I'm organized, even though I'm probably not. 6/24/08
86. Dry little boys with their underwear on backwards. 6/23/08
85. I would say a bedroom door, for a little privacy, but I don't have one. So I guess what I am saying is one would make me happy. 6/22/08
84. Having a BBQ to celebrate my Mom's Birthday and making her feel special. 6/21/08
83. Watching my garden double in size the day after I weed. Not only can you actually see my plants now but they are relishing in all the water and sun to themselves. It makes me feel like I might know what I am doing. 6/20/08
82. It makes me so happy when Beaner lays her head on my shoulder and we have a moment, just her and I. 6/19/08
81. I love feeling better. I guess it's nice to be sick every once in awhile so when you finally get better, it helps you to appriciate your health more. 6/18/08
80. Some days, not being able to talk, helps me to step back and realize how I talk to my kids the other 364 days a year. It's not bad making them have to listen really close to hear what mom has to say. 6/17/08
79. Going to the beach on a really hot day. 6/16/08
78. Special days to celebrate how awesomely important Big D our hole family. 6/15/08
77. My gardening chair that Big D bought for me when we were first married. It really saves my knees when I garden. 6/14/08
76. I love love love my bread machine. 6/13/08
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