My co-workers

The people in my office are all pretty great (most of the time). Today, they were great, and they were all on one. We laughed and joked for the majority of the day...which makes being at work for 9.5 hours way more fun! I'm thankful for the people I get to work with and the fun we had today.

A U of U t-shirt

Today was the first game for the U of U football team. My co-worker insisted that I needed to go to the "Red Zone" (the local U of U paraphernalia store) and purchase a t-shirt to wear to class. I ended up doing just that. And I liked it. It's fun to belong to group - even its just a group of football fans! I was a little bummed that I was heading up for class when everyone else was headed up to have fun at the game! But I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to go to school. It's really been an awesome couple of weeks!!

An incredible sunrise and a beautiful sunset

My days are very full. This morning I was out the door by 6:45am and didn't get home until 8:15pm. Today I'm thankful that I got to start and end my day noticing the sun. The sunrise was incredible - pink sky, followed by beautiful clouds that looked like they were on fire! And tonight, riding the train home, I watched the sky turn amazing colors as the sun set. I'm not looking forward to the day (coming way too soon) when I will start an end my day in the dark! So for now I wil be extra thankful for the light!

The green line train

I've become quite well versed in the UTA (public transportation) world. On school days I ride the train to work, then I ride the train to school, and then I ride the train home. It's actually worked out really well so far. The only down side is - sometimes I get out of class early. This should be a good thing...except it means my train schedule is ruined! I got out of class an hour early today. That would be awesome, except according to the schedule I made, it meant I would miss the frontrunner train by 3 minutes!! The next frontrunner train doesn't come for another hour after that! I was super bummed. But, I didn't end up waiting an hour after all! Instead, the green line train (which is not on my schedule because it comes from west valley...) appeared to save the day! I made it to the earlier frontrunner train and made it home an hour ahead of schedule. I'm thankful for that green line train!

1 mile

Last Friday I took a steroid injection to the hip joint. It was not a pleasant experience. It HURT!! But, my doctor is hoping that the steroid will calm down the pain in my hip and get me back to where I want to be. The bad news is - if it doesn't work, I get to entertain the real possibility that I need hip surgery at 27 years old!! But the good news is - so far it's working like it should. They told me that today, if my hip was feeling okay, I could run for 10 minutes. And today, my hip is feeling good and I ran a mile! I never thought I would be so grateful to be able to run a mile!! I'm really hoping that I don't wake up with a sore hip tomorrow! Then I can try running a little longer in a couple days. We shall see!

Focus

I knew that having a new challenge in my life would be good for me. That's the biggest reason I decided to go back to school. This weekend I feel like I've gained all the fringe benefits from having a challenge. Yesterday was so productive because it had to be! I had to get a bunch of things done and I knew that - so they got done. And today was the best Sabbath day I've had in a long time! I literally had tears in my eyes for the majority of our three hour block. The Spirit just had a message for me and I couldn't deny it! I'm grateful for the focus I feel like I have in my life right now. I feel a sense of purpose and direction. It's kind of ridiculous to feel that and be so overwhelmed at the same time, but I do. I'm hoping that overwhelmed feeling will go away soon so I can just enjoy the focus!

Little kids in soccer uniforms

Today was the first day of the fall soccer leagues I organize for work. That means I get to go in for a few hours and make sure everything gets set up and rolling. I love this part of my job! I'm thankful for the opportunity to actually see the work I've done. My co-worker Amelia and I drive around to all the parks and say, "We did this! We ordered the uniforms that these adorable kids are wearing. We trained these site supervisors and these referees. We scheduled these games. We made sure these kids ended up on a team with their little friends." It's just rewarding! I'm so thankful for that part of my job!

Reminders

I'm so thankful that I don't have to decide the plan! I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves us, knows us, and knows what's best for us to learn and grow. I'm thankful that Heavenly Father really, truly hears and answers our prayers. He's looking out for me. And He's looking out for the people I love. And I have no doubt that there are people on the other side of the veil looking out for us too. I'm thankful for the experiences I had today to remind me of all these things - because even though I know them, and I'm thankful for them, reminders are always good. And I'm thankful for all the joy that knowledge brings to my life!!

A ride to school

My co-worker Linda offered to give me a ride to school today. She was headed up to the Huntsman Cancer Institute about the same time I would need to be up there. It worked out perfectly. I didn't have to ride the trax, I made it to campus early, got my U card (now I'm official), and made it to class EARLY! That was especially great because I was late on Tuesday and yesterday!! I'm thankful for a fabulous day at school that started with a rode from Linda!

Quotes that fit

Every once in a while a phrase or quote will hit me. Usually when that happens its because it applies to me in that moment. That happened to me twice today.

I was in class (which I finally found LATE after being in the wrong room...TWICE!!). The class went well. The instructor is okay so far. But in the middle of her lecture she said, "If you don't have a dream, how can you have a dream come true?" I've been lacking on setting and accomplishing goals lately. I felt like that was a little kick I needed. I need to dream!

I downloaded a new album - Owl City. I listened to the first song and one of the lyrics said, "follow the light through the dreams and disasters." At this moment I feel like I'm in a disaster. I'm a little overwhelmed with the reality of seeking a masters degree on top of a full-time job! I KNOW it will get better. I'm not worried that I feel like this is a disaster right now. But I'm thankful for the idea that we can follow the light through the dreams and the disasters.

An afternoon breeze

School started today. I made a goal before I started to try riding public transportation on school days. The biggest motivator is that I'm too cheap to buy a parking pass. Riding the train is free. It will actually save me money in gas. When I made the plan, I did not consider the fact that I will have to walk from my office to the trax station at 3:30 in the afternoon. It was warm. I'm grateful for the breeze that blew today and prevented me from being totally drenched in sweat when I got to school on my first day!!

School supplies

I bought them. And tomorrow I will use them. Tomorrow I start my master's degree. Tomorrow. I hope I can turn my brain off to get to sleep!!

A blessing

I've been freaking out a little bit about going back to school. It starts this week. I went to an orientation on Friday. It was good, but it became rather clear that I don't "fit in" with the other graduate students. That's okay. But the more I've thought about my schedule, and doing homework, and when I'll have time to work out, or eat, or sleep, the more I've thought, "What did I get myself in to?!?" I knew if there was one thing that would help ease my anxiety about the whole thing, it would be a priesthood blessing. Every year before school, my dad gave me a father's blessing. I always looked forward to it. Since having a father's blessing isn't an option anymore, I asked my brother Aaron. I went his house tonight and he gave a fabulous blessing. I'm reassured that this is going to a good thing. I know it's going to take a lot of work and planning and organizing and time management. But it will be worth it. I'm thankful for the priesthood and that I have it in my life. I'm thankful for the peace and comfort I feel tonight.

My last weekend of freedom

I start school on Tuesday. I'm freaking out! I keep thinking - what did I get myself in to?! I'm nervous. I haven't been in school for 5 years! I was always really good at school, but what if I suck at it now? I've gotten pretty used to being able to do whatever I want whenever I want. I've already had to turn down invitations to do fun things because I'll be at school. Lame. And even despite all those things, I'm excited. I'm excited for a change of pace. I'm excited for a new challenge. 2 years is going to come and go no matter what...so it might as well come with a Master's degree! I'm thankful that I got to spend my last Saturday of freedom doing fun things - working out, shopping, eating out, going to a movie, and staying up late laughing with my friends. I'm planning on a whole less of those things and a whole lot of studying, reading, and writing instead. I really hope it will be worth it!

The free movie at the capital

Once a month they show an outdoor movie at the state capital. I went tonight (on a date). It was enjoyable company as well as an enjoyable activity!

Tomatoes

I used to be a really, really, REALLY picky eater. I'm super nervous to have my own kids. I'm sure they will be just as picky. And I will deserve it. When I was little, my parents planted a garden every year. Every year, we would harvest the veggies and my mom would spend hours and hours in the kitchen canning. One of the things I remember most is the smell of the tomatoes. She would put them in this grinder thing and our whole house would smell like tomatoes. That would have been fine, but I HATED tomatoes!! My parents used to eat them like apples with a little bit of salt. I would gag. But, I'm thankful that my taste buds changed. Now that I'm older, and more mature, I can absolutely appreciate the deliciousness of a fresh picked, home-grown tomato! Bonus points if it's still a little warm from being outside. I'm thankful that I grew out of being so picky so that I can be thankful for fresh tomatoes! I'm also thankful for Emily's parents, who grew the fresh tomatoes that I have been enjoying the past couple days!

A lighter heart

My heart is often weighed down. Today, the load on my heart was especially great. It was one of those days when it seems like nothing goes your way! About half-way through the day I remembered it was ward temple night. From that point on, all I wanted was to get to the temple! My spirit was aching for the peace and comfort of the temple. It certainly did not disappoint! My heart feels lighter. My mind feels refreshed. My spirits are lifted and I'm ready to take on the world again!

Parent coaches

I organize youth sports programs for a living. I wouldn't be able to run my programs without parents who are willing to be involved and volunteer to coach their kids. I'm thankful for parents who have an interest in their kids.

An internal alarm clock

My external alarm clock woke me up this morning...and then I went back to sleep. I'm thankful I eventually woke up in time to make it to work before our staff meeting started!!

Pictures

I loaded some pictures from this weekend onto my computer tonight. It was fun to look through them again. While I was on the computer, I looked at some other pictures too. I'm thankful we have pictures and that they're so easy to take and share now. I'm thankful that I can see them right away instead of waiting a few days to get film developed! We've come a long way!

The first time for everything

I experience a few first times today:

Today was the first time I have ever hike The Narrows in Zion's National Park.

Today was the first time I've enjoyed a shaved ice (from Swig in St. George).

Today was the first time I've ever been a part of a recreation of the old TV show "Supermarket Sweep."

Today was the first time I've ever seen a meteor show.

I'm thankful that there is a first time for everything. I'm also thankful for all the smiling laughing I've done in the last 2 days. My cheeks are actually sore!!

This whole day

This whole day was great (minus the part where Adam didn't get to come on our trip because the people fixing his car did more damage than fixing). Emily, Deena, Rodney and I took a road trip to St. George. On the way we stopped to go river rafting. We drove a million miles an hour to make our reservation. We all changed into our swim suits while we were driving. We had the most entertaining and inappropriate guide down the river. We ate dinner at Red Robin (yum!). And then we laughed for 3 hours straight at my mom's house. I'm so content. It really was just a great day! I'm thankful for the way things worked out (minus Adam's car).

Birthday love

Today is my birthday. And today I'm thankful for all the birthday love I received - in person, on the phone, through text messages, and on facebook. I am one lucky girl!!

Our rockstar copy machine

Today was a copying king of day. I made approximately one billion copies - soccer schedules, soccer rules, packet labels, etc. I'm so thankful that we have a copier tough enough to handle a day like today. It's stressful enough when the machine is working perfectly.

Amazon

I bought my books for school today. I'm thankful that I could save some money by buying them on amazon. I got two books for less than the bookstore at the U wanted for just one. I'm sure in a few months I will also be thankful that I can resell those books on amazon.

A rental car

I took my car in to get fixed today. A couple weeks ago, my car got hit. Twice. In less than 2 hours. It was awesome...not!! The said it's going to take 4 or 5 days to fix. In the meantime, the car insurance company is paying for me to have a rental. My life is going to be a whole lot easier having a loaner car while my car gets fixed. And while it's not my Honda Accord, I'm thankful for the Chevy Impala.

Adrienne's testimony

I have always loved fast and testimony meetings. There's just a different spirit. Today's meeting was great, but I was especially thankful for one testimony in particular. Adrienne, a newer member of our ward who is originally from New Zealand and who I totally love, bore a powerful testimony. Her message was simply, and sincerely, "He lives." I also have a testimony that He lives. And I'm thankful that knowledge!

The Original Pancake House

I'm thankful I could go there today for breakfast/lunch. I'm thankful for their gluten free pancakes! And last, I'm thankful for the company I got to enjoy while we were there. It was so fun to spend the day with my old collage roommates!

The Midnight Moon Run

I was in charge of a crazy race - the Midnight Moon Run 5K. This year's race was great. My staff was great, the timing company was great, and the racers were awesome! It's one of my favorite races to direct. It almost feels more like a party. I'm so, so, so thankful that things ran smoothly. And I'm thankful I get to be in charge of the races because I totally love it! And I'm thankful that my old roommates from college were able to come run the race. After the race we all came back to my house for a sleepover. It was perfect, and so much fun!!

Lunch with Jared

Today wasn't my favorite day. But it got better when Jared called. He said he just finished a sales meeting in sandy and wanted to go to lunch. I'm thankful to have great brothers. And I'm thankful that Jared called. It was great to leave work for a bit and hang out with him.

Those times when someone else can put into words the way you are feeling

I'm not political. I don't participate in political debates - mostly because I'm not passionate about politics. I don't complain, I don't advertise my support or approval for one candidate over another. I don't get wrapped up in issues that the rest of world feels the need to fight about. It's not worth it to me.

However, I've been a little upset about the current Chick-fil-a situation. In an interview, the CEO of Chick-fil-a said that he supports the biblical definition of marriage. Everyone has totally blown his comments out of proportion and a lot of people in an uproar because Chick-fil-a is "anti-gay." Today was designated as "support your local Chick-fil-a because they don't support gay marriage day." (It wasn't really called that, but that's basically the idea). Normally I wouldn't think twice about a situation like this, but I thought about it all day. I have had a really hard time trying to figure out just why the whole thing bothers me. I loved the way one of my friends expressed her feelings for the situation. She said, "I feel a little sad today. I feel like half the nation needs the same reminder I give my 4 year old - it's okay to disagree or be upset, just do it without being mean or calling names."

I have my own beliefs about marriage, and those will be my beliefs regardless of anything anyone could say about it. I totally understand that other people have different beliefs. And that's okay. And just because they may believe something different, that doesn't mean I will love them any less. They are still my brothers and sisters and they are still Heavenly Father's children. And we can disagree about something without being mean and without calling names!