People Are Good.

So, I've been thinking. And I have decided that people are good. You know that person who hurt your feelings? The person who made you feel stupid? The person who yelled at you, or was mean, or cruel, or unfair? The person who cheated you, or demeaned you and ignited your temper? That person is good and kind, and they mean well. However they are imperfect, flawed.

That person is human, and feels annoyed and angered just like you do sometimes. That person has been hurt, and parts of them may be damaged. They may have walls, defense mechanisms that cause them to lash out, or pull away or speak without much thought. Not that there is any justification for a seemingly mean-spirited comment or action, but sometimes there is a cause that produces that certain effect and unfortunately we all encounter the negative of both.

The next time someone wrongs you, or hurts your feelings, or treats you poorly, try to remember what one of my most admired role models once said despite terrible hardships and horrific wrongdoing, "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart" -Anne Frank. 




If Anne Frank can truly believe that Hitler and the Nazi army is really good at heart; then we can surely believe that the people who do much less to harm us than the Nazis did to Anne are good at heart as well. So the next time someone wrongs you, and you feel yourself begin to harden towards them, pause. Soften yourself, recognize their own imperfection and believe in the good in them. 


One more quote to inspire you, hopefully like it inspired me, "One way to bring out the best in people, is to believe in the best that you know to be within them." 

I was enjoying the sunshine today, and couldnt help but think of this day last December when I was in Machu Picchu with Jenna and Jess. Everything was lovely, and beautiful and green. There was a rainbow, and a few glittering rain drops despite the sunny blue sky. I felt so much joy and so much peace at this moment. I may go in to more detail on a later post. For now, you can enjoy this photo of us doing yoga in Machu Picchu. Yes, I said it. You would be justified in feeling jealous, because it was truly spectacular and I will never forget it. Oh, what I wouldnt give to go back to this day. Just for a moment. So picture yourself doing updog with us, inhale, and exhale, and then go on about your day and believe the best in people around you. 

Namaste.

Organization.

This Fall semester has been like a slap in the face. I can not believe how crazy my schedule is every. single. day. I honestly feel like I am running a marathon each day. Some days I feel like a crazy person, running around with no rhyme or reason. Other days I feel like the most productive person on the planet. But most days, I feel overwhelmed, and stressed out of my mind. I have had quite a few semesters similar to the way this one has been so far. Insanely busy, to the point where I nearly lose all my close friends and family. Where I have about two priorities total. 1.School and 2. Work. Where I lose all hope of ever feeling like a happy, content, person going through life at a decent pace. So, I have decided to do things differently. Here are my solutions, and advice to myself as I attempt to keep a bit of my sanity for the next few months.

1. Make time for ME each day. This mostly means exercising. Exercising is one thing I do just for me, where I focus on myself, and leave everything else at home. I havent gotten this one down yet, mostly because I hardly have enough energy to accomplish my daily tasks, let alone run a few miles or hang out with Jillian Michaels for an hour. I do believe that exercise gives you energy when you are consistent, it is a vicious cycle though. If I dont have the energy to do it in the first place, I have a hard time remembering that I will feel good, energized and happy...full of endorphins after I exercise. I'll nail this one down, it is just going to take me a little longer.

2. Stick to my planner. I bought a new, grey, adorable planner on Saturday. Let me tell you, this baby is my life. I had one before Saturday, but it was all covered with palm trees, and hard to read, and the writing space wasnt quite big enough...so I found something better. I carry this little book around with me everywhere I go. I consult it at LEAST 15 times a day. I have my day written down as everything should happen in order. I also have a "TO-DO" section at the bottom. There is no feeling more gratifying, satisfying, pleasing, or empowering as looking at my planner at the end of my day and seeing everything with a nice clean black line through it, crossing it off. Mission freaking accomplished.

3. Not allowing time to pass being idle.  I do not have time to sit for ten minutes and think about where I am going to go running, or to wander around trying to decide where to grab lunch. I have to have these decisions made before hand. I have found myself several times sitting, thinking, THINKING about what I have to do next. Not doing it; thinking about it. What good does this do me? None. How annoying is that? Super. Because then the time for doing said task, passes. And what did I do? I thought about how badly I needed to do this thing, and now I havent done it, and wont have time to do it for the rest of the day, but dont you worry, I really know I mean at this point I REALLY understand how badly I need to do it. Because I have been sitting there, thinking about it this whole time. This has to stop. No more I tell you. It is completely counter-productive, and there is no room for it in my life any longer.

4. Adequate Rest. I am a baby. Seriously. Some people can function well enough on a few hours of sleep for several nights in a row. They are able to do their day, tired, but still functioning. I admire these people. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I need my sleep, or I am a completely useless, grumpy, counter-productive, beast. So I make time to sleep, or everything else may as well be cancelled. I cant do it. And so, sleep is not something I sacrifice when I have too much to do. Sleep is essential. I never allow myself to think that it is not. My close friends and family appreciate this.

5. Yoga.  I am a huge fan of the stuff. It is life changing, and amazing. I wish I could do yoga all day, every single day. However, I do my best to fit my yoga in to my schedule. It doesnt happen every day, but my goal is three times per week. This gives me time to shut everything else out of my mind, and focus on breathing in and out. It is truly amazing what yoga can do for your soul. Im not kidding, whatever you are struggling with, I believe yoga can help. Try it, you wont be disappointed.

6. Adequate Nutrition. When I am stressed I crave french fries. Lots and lots of french fries. Its a comfort thing. It is also unhealthy, and I do not indulge this weakness. I fuel my body with proper nutrients. I try to be mindful every day as to what I am putting in to my body. How can I expect my body and my brain to function the way I need them to, if I am only putting unhealthy, indulgent things in to it? I eat some kind of chocolate every single day, and this is something I include in my adequate nutrition. Its not a lot, but some form of chocolate is consumed daily by this girl, and it is the best part of my day. (probably.)

7. Prioritizing. Things that are most important, like God, my family, close friends, and my health get priority over school work and hours at my job. I always make sure that I find time to do things that are most important, because when this semester is over, the things that are most important to me, still need to be there. It is my job to make sure that happens. So things can fall through the cracks, but those things will not be what is most important to me, because that simply does not make any sense.

I have a few other things I do to keep my life balanced (as much as I can) but it is late, and I am tired. So I will stick to #4, and go to bed.

Getting control over my life has been difficult. Realizing how to fit everything in to my day, and making my schedule work how I want it and need it to has been a really amazing lesson to learn.  So here I am, doing a crazy semester at school, and living by a mantra that has seriously changed everything for me. It is the following: "I choose not to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, but to feel empowered". Instead of feeling like I am going to die because I cant breathe as a result of my overwhelming schedule and daunting list of things to-do, I feel empowered. Because I am strong enough to do it all, so long as I am realistic and honest with myself, and I keep my priorities straight. So my advice to you is, feel empowered. That my friends, makes all the difference.

Namaste.

A Snowcone Summer.

If you know me, it is no secret that I love snowcones. My favorite flavor is rainbow, mostly because nearly every bite is different, and they are such a beautiful little summer treat! I have had plenty of them this summer, but I rarely get my fill. My favorite snowcone shack closed on Saturday, and I would be lying if I told you I was heartbroken about it. I enjoyed my last rainbow snowcone of the season while going for a bike ride. It was a blissful end to a beautiful summer evening.

I documented my snowcones on occasion throughout the summer, because seriously, few things bring me joy like a rainbow I can hold in my hands.

Life.

I honestly feel better about things just looking at those scribbles. I am so overwhelmed, exhausted, and spread way too thin. I have so much to do, so little time, and close to zero motivation to do any of it.

All I want to do is:
Lay in the sunshine
Watch Greys Anatomy for a solid day
Finish my book. (Tom Sawyer, currently.)
Take a nap. Please.
Learn Italian. (yeah, right.. except I am totally serious.)
Eat chocolate
do yoga
But come on, there is hardly time for any of that. And, it is still Summer! What on earth am I going to do when school starts again in a week? I cant even think about that. So, lets just not go there.

I am collecting clutter on the shelves of my day to day life...along with dust bunnies and yellowing to-do lists. I think its time for a good mid-august life gathering, organizing, and de-cluttering session.

Care to join?

Birthday Week

I recently turned 20. Talk about mid life crisis. I feel like turning 20 was a bigger deal than 16, or 18 combined. I am no longer a teenager, which is both good as well as not so good. I love that I am moving on towards becoming who I want to be, but I hate that my teenage years are over. They were so bittersweet, I learned so much and changed every single day. Those years were just as exhausting and disheartening as they were carefree and full of adventure. I really grew in to the person I am going to be for the rest of my life during those years, and from here on out I am just shaping, trimming, adding and cutting for the rest of my life as I try to create the best possible version of myself as I can. Knowing that I have passed that stage, and can close that chapter of my life is weird. I never really thought the day would come where I am no longer a teenager. But here it is, and here I am, and time just keeps passing as the world spins madly on. Perhaps I will be taken seriously now that I have entered my twenties... or, perhaps not.

After all, like my sweet 16 year old sister told me several times, "How do you expect anyone to take you (a celebrating twenty year old) seriously as you wear a sparkly birthday tiara?" She's probably right. Who cares? Age is just a number. It's my birthday, and I'm 20! I'll do what I want..which includes ridiculous birthday head wear.

I decided that I am initiating a new birthday tradition with this tiara. Although I have a feeling I may be the only one who ever takes part in the celebrating festivities to such an extreme. Birthdays are a big deal in my family, and an even bigger deal to me. I had an awesome birthday week thanks to my lovely friends and family. 

It all began with my best friend Marissa, and our self-declared "Day of Fun".

 We took some fun spring pictures because she recently bought a new lens that she has been dying to experiment with. We had so much fun. Oh! How I adore her! 

We then headed up to our favorite store where Marissa was incredibly patient for hours. (literally.) While I tried on almost every article of clothing in the store looking for the perfect birthday present to myself.

On our way we stopped for a delicious lavender boba, which was truly delicious. Not many people love the stuff as much as I do, but I think I may have successfully passed my obsession on to Marissa.

After shopping, we were exhausted and starving and decided that the only way to appropriately celebrate the end of the semester as well as my birthday is with our famous "Ice cream for dinner" night. So we did just that. Had nothing but some french fries and ice cream for dinner. It is a really fun tradition that Mariss and I take pretty seriously. Don't mess with us when it comes to our Leatherby's. We usually end each semester with a trip to our favorite ice cream store where there is only one rule: Leave your calorie counter and your Jillian Michaels conscience at the door. 

  People usually comment on how impressed they are with the two of us eating most of a sundae of this stature, as we appear to be pretty healthy and fit individuals. But when it comes to good food, Mariss and I have our priorities straight. Which helps us to have our fitness priorities even straighter. (haha)

The next day I played basketball with a good friend of mine for several hours, and if you know me, you know that is one of my favorite things to do. I wish I did it more often to be honest. I went straight from basketball, to rock climbing with my soul mate Jenna. I am not a climber, but she has been trying to get me to climb with her for a while now so we took this Friday to make it happen. It really was so much fun, I cant wait to go again! Jenna was so patient and so encouraging. I just love that girl. She then took me to dinner at a delicious restaurant where she absolutely spoiled me. She knows how much I love good food, and we can definitely appreciate that together. After dinner we saw Jane Eyre, which was absolutely amazing. One of the best films I have seen in a really long time. In fact, I plan on buying it as soon as I can. I still haven't finished the book, which is pathetic, I know. It has taken me 3 months to read..can you believe that? I can't. I am embarrassed to admit it, but to be honest until now I just haven't had the time to devote to reading. Now that school is out, that is going to be different, and I couldn't be more excited to get started on my summer reading list. 

The next day I spent with my mom and sisters, we went shopping, got pedicures, and then went to dinner as a family at one of my favorite restaurants. The Cheesecake Factory! And yes, I really wore my sparkly birthday tiara throughout dinner.

The next day was my real birthday, so all my extended family came over for a picnic and delicious white chocolate coconut birthday cake (thanks to my sweet momma) after church. I wish the weather would have been just a little bit warmer so we could have played in the sunshine, but I have high hopes that the warm weather really is on its way.

I had the best birthday week, seeing as I was completely spoiled by those around me. I have such wonderful friends and family that made my birthday really amazing. So here's to being 20, the beginning of a decade sure to bring a ton of change.. I can't wait!

Sister Sleepovers and Mountain Vistas.

I seriously can not believe how quickly time is passing. Every morning when I wake up and realize the date, I can hardly believe we are almost through with November! This fall has passed so quickly. I have loved every second of the beautiful colors and the marvelous sunshine that just refuses to give up. I missed Autumn last year, however I think that has helped me to appreciate the season that much more this year.

Last weekend my littlest sister and I had a girls night, where we spent the entire evening together. As soon as I got home from work we went to our favorite frozen yogurt shop, and then headed  home to watch Harry Potter in our PJ's. That night we had a sleepover on the couch, and the next night she slept over in my bed. It was so much fun to hang out with my adorable little sis. She is just the cutest thing ever, we always have fun together. I can't believe she is 11 years old. So old, and such a little girl! I love her.

I have also recently been doing my best to run as often as I can. My dear friend and I want to run a half marathon this coming spring, so we are starting now...I have been doing pretty well with running nearly everyday. Which is quite an accomplishment for me, considering I have never been consistent when I run, ever. Also, because I wake up so early to go to school. Every day it is an exhausting internal battle trying to move my body. It is hard to run several miles between school and work when I wake up at 4:30 am. Seriously? I will never complain about another 8:00 am class. 6 am makes 8 am look like a lazy Saturday morning. Only 3 weeks left! I can do it. Right? I swear, once I get a decent amount of sleep at night I will be better with exercising. It may be an excuse, but in my opinion it's a dang good one.

Anyway. I have a favorite running trail. One night I went running just as the sun was beginning to set...you know that time of day when everything seems to have a golden glow? When the sun is in just the right spot as you're driving and you fear for the life of those in your path because you are blinded? It is my favorite time of day. I think everything is so much more beautiful when the sun is working so hard to illuminate the world as best it can. As I was running, I just had to turn off my ipod because I was in absolute awe of the beauty around me. I have never realized the hundreds of shades of red, orange and yellow floating on the tree tops. The sun was streaming through the leaves, casting cool shadows, and thick tunnels of crisp air along the path.

Not to mention the absolutely breathtaking mountains. They had such a golden glow to them, and were so majestic, just waiting for nightfall. I honestly had tears well up in my eyes. I was so overwhelmed with how incredibly beautiful it is. I am so lucky to live somewhere so diverse and rich in seasons. I just had to share.
I love traveling, and I know there are countless beautiful views throughout the world, however I believe that one of the most beautiful views is right in my backyard.

*I did not take this photo. I do, however appreciate whoever did.

Autumn.

I have been terrible at keeping up this blog. To be honest, I haven't quite known exactly what to say. Call it a severe case of writers block, call it laziness, call it what you may. I am agreeing right now to be better. Especially because I am writing for no one but myself, and I love it. So, self. Let's blog.

I have finally come to terms with the fact that even though I absolutely love and adore Summer, it is gone until next year. Words can not do justice to the physical heartache, and absolute despair I felt when this realization finally sunk in.

 I cherish Summer, every second of it. Every single day is so full of promise and adventure, in all its color and sunshine. This Summer was one of the best so far. I spent nearly every day with one of my best friends, and I ate one snowcone every single day. I went on multiple bike rides a day, overcame a huge trial, and proved to myself that I really can do anything. I spent countless hours soaking up the sun, hundreds of hours moving my body and twice as many hours doing next to nothing at all. It was fabulous. Just exactly the way Summer should be.

So here is to one of the best summers so far. You will be missed. Especially when I think about whats coming the next few months....

The snow, the freezing temperatures, frost on my windshield, scraping my car, the sun setting at 5 pm, salt marks on my jeans, being cold, wet feet, trudging through the snow, slipping on ice, constantly being cold, not seeing anything but black, white, and shades of gray for 4 months, driving in scary weather, and did I mention, being cold?! I hate winter. Hate. Luckily, the holidays bring enough merriment to ease us in to the most dreadful time of the year by disguising the preceding months as the most wonderful time of the year.

The most wonderful time of the year begins with October. When the leaves begin to change, and the air becomes crisp. To me, it seems that Autumn is when the world is trying its absolute best to show us how beautiful it can really be by exploding with color. I love it, so much. I love the spicy drinks, and all the cinnamon comfort food. Snuggling up with blankets and cozy clothes. I love all the Halloween festivities, and the family time around Thanksgiving. Lets not forget the perfect temperatures, and the sweet smell of Summer fading into fiery colors. It is indeed a glorious time of the year.

I just wish my life could slow down for a second so I could enjoy it. I am still trying to figure out where September went, and it is nearly the middle of October. Oh, how time does fly.

p.s. Happy 10.10.2010!