Gratitude

There are so many things in this life for which I am grateful. But I think that during this season it's important to take time to truly think about the things that I have been given. I'm truly a blessed woman. I have everything I need, and then some:

I have a family that is incredible. No matter how many times life gives them a beating - they keep going. They push through things that would put most people over the edge. And even sometimes when I feel like that's where we are headed, somehow everything works out. I am so thankful that I have been sealed to them in the Temple for all time and for all eternity. I hope and pray that I can live worthily to obtain all of these blessings with them.

I have in-laws that put the Cleavers to shame. They literally are the most loving and accepting people I've ever known. They have brought me into their home with open arms, and have accepted me for the crazy, hyper-emotional, overly sensitive person that I am. Janet is my living example of what Christ would want me to be. She is the most productive person, and everything that she accomplishes, she does without complaint. She is generous, selfless, and thoughtful.

Next, I'm so glad that I feel things the way that I do. I'm blessed that I've been given this gift to feel things so intensely. I would be lost without my feelings. They are my guide. They let me know when I'm straying away from being myself. And if I haven't cried over something beautiful that day - well then... I'm probably sick. I'm also grateful to have the physical body that I do. I joke often that I'm built for crossing the plains... or bearing children. Hopefully if/when either of those come to pass - I'll really be able to handle it. I do know that it's built to work.... and work hard. I find joy in physical activity - and in pushing my body to it's limits. I worry when I'm not sore from something - I usually feel lazy when that happens.

I'm also thankful for my friends. They are good people. They help me to be a better person. They make me want to stretch myself in new ways, and examine areas for improvement. They encourage me when I feel lost or frustrated. They direct me back to the Lord, and back to nature - both things that bring me back to center. Both things that give perspective and meaning to the seemingly endless days of working.

I saved Jaren for last. Just like dinner, when I save the potatoes for last - I save what I love the most for the last...

I simply cannot imagine my life without him. He is my balance. He is my best friend. He is my coach, cheerleader (most masculine cheerleader you'll ever know right?), and my tissue holder. His shoulder doubles for a Kleenex. I love him so much, and I am so happy that he convinced me to just give him a chance when I was so sure that I was done dating anyone and everyone. I'm lucky that he keeps choosing me every day. He is the kind of person I want to be.

Cycle Camp

I feel a bit like a sluggish squirrel that has been fed by too many humans. I am embarking upon familiar waters... and yet feeling entirely unprepared. As many of you know, I sustained a knee injury last year at the Spudman triathlon. The result was a catastrophic (in my eyes) ending to my season (and training). My response = food and physical therapy. Unfortunately physical therapy doesn't quite add up to the amount of training that I was previously accustomed to. Therefore, my body began to adapt to it's new sedentary lifestyle. The product = Exhibit A as seen above.

Luckily, I'm blessed with a determined mindset, and a competitive drive. So I'm literally back in the saddle. I am participating in coach JR Smith's Power Cycle Camp again this winter. I was impressed with how much my biking improved in one year, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it can do in two. I'm also blessed because Jaren is letting me do it again, and is very supportive of my dreams as an athlete.

I'm currently determining my race calendar for this next year. One thing is set. The Utah Half Ironman. And as it turns out, I am blessed in one more area. As I was injured last year, the race officials agreed to transfer my registration to the 2008 race! Let's just hope that I can train my body in such a way as to prevent injury this year!

I feel very lucky to have a body that likes physical activity. I honestly feel lost when I can't workout or train. I'm grateful to have friends and family that understand my desires and dreams, and that are so supportive. I am so thankful for all of the support that I received last year when I couldn't compete. I am a social worker, and yet, I was entirely unprepared for the "grief and loss cycle" that I went through in losing my ability to do whatever I wanted.

For anyone out there that is looking to do some fun races this year... let me know! I love doing these events with friends and I love sharing in the joy that completing a goal brings.

Even more than that... I love training with friends. No easier way to get through that 5 mile run than yapping it up with someone!

Happy Training!

Ahh crap - thanks for tagging me Emily!!!

Here are the rules:
#1. Rules of the game must be posted at the beginning.#2. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.#3. At the end of the post, the player then tags other people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. As a child, I was a spinner. You know... one of those kids that twirls around over and over until they fall down. I did this a lot. Probably too much. May explain some of my neurological issues...

2. I'm a vegetarian that craves meat, and misses McDonald's cheeseburgers. Oh the number two... whoa... miss that. Love the pickles and the mini onions. Might actually kill me if I were to eat it now. I recently found a good fake turkey product though. After 7 years of no turkey, I'm in heaven! Tastes like turkey, texture of turkey... no turkeys killed. Bonus!

3. I have always been this stressed out. It's genetically encoded into my DNA. I was in 6th grade, and I had to be put in a stress relieving class with this kid Jeremy... who was also stressed out. We had to go down to the counselor and listen to relaxing tapes... and progressive muscle relaxation. I cried for days over an A-. I still keep my homework, because for me... it was that important. I recently was told (by Jaren) that I had to pick my favorites and condense it into a file drawer... well this was my Elementary up to High School homework... this was one of the hardest things I've ever done. You never know when your gonna need your elementary homework!

4. I have lived in Yosemite for a month in 2000. No tent.. just a bivi sac (that's like a shell for your sleeping bag). Best month ever.

5. I have two real fears in life. Failure and being alone. Both scare the tar out of me.

6. I was a state champion in high school in swimming. I went to state every year of high school, including 9th grade. I had a Letterman's jacket at Albion Middle school... kind of weird if you think about it. I wasn't a terrific swimmer... I just worked really hard. That's pretty much how my life goes. I'm not great at anything - but I try really hard at most things. :)

Now I'm tagging Josh.