Tomorrow will be February 1st. I can't believe how quickly January has passed by. It's been a pretty busy month with wrestling, tutoring, running, working, visiting, shopping, etc. February will probably be just as busy, but that's OK. Most of the things that keep me busy are because I am doing things I love or doing things for people I love.
I also plan on keeping up the two-year tradition of blogging about the things I love during the month of February. The first year I was really good about blogging every day. Last year was a little more hit and miss. This year will most likely reflect last year's hit and miss approach, although I intend to make it more hits than misses.
No promises that there won't be some of the same things that I have blogged about in the past.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
A Super Saturday
Yesterday was awesome. I didn't do any sort of typical "Saturday" things. No laundry. No cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, etc. (although all of those things definitely need to be done). I didn't do any grocery shopping. Nope, not one of those things. Mostly because I really wasn't home long enough to anything like that.
But my Saturday did include two of my favorite things to do. I went for a run with friends. And I spent the afternoon and evening with my favorite high school wrestler. It was a super fun day.
I found a great way to run 10 miles. You start in the morning (not too early, 7 a.m. is good), run 6 miles with one group of friends, and then go to Starbucks for a hot chocolate. Then drive about 45 minutes to participate in a community fun run. Run the fun run with some other friends. Tack on a mile out and back to get in the 10 miles. Get a really cute technical shirt for participating in the fun run. Seriously, the best 10 miles I have run lately.
Then it was home for a quick shower and some lunch. I might even have taken a quick little nap before it was time to head out on the next adventure. This time the adventure was with Carson. Dave had to work so he missed out on the fun.
We went to the RV show. Honestly, I don't know why I enjoy going to these types of shows so much. I can't imagine ever shelling out that kind of money for something that depreciates in value for every mile you drive it. I may have passed this bias on to Carson. He made this comment after we walked through one of the big buses valued at $293,000.00, "I don't think I could ever drive something like that." "Why?" sez I. "Because I couldn't stand knowing that for every mile I drive it, it depreciates in value." Hmmm, I guess he does listen. Nevertheless, we enjoyed walking through the different RV's and discussing what worked, what didn't, what looked absolutely cheesy (like a fake iron rod railing in one RV), and how having to go through the bathroom to get from the bedroom to the living area is probably the worst set up ever.
After the RV show we went downtown for the Spokane Chiefs hockey game. We had some time so we decided to grab some dinner at Red Robin. Yay for me because they have gluten-free hamburger buns. Dave had told me not to let Carson get too fat so he ordered off the appetizer menu. I may or may not have smuggled in a RC cola for him. Anyway, we had some good conversations and a few laughs.
We finished up the night at the Chiefs game. Unfortunately the Chiefs lost. But it was still a fun time. We got home about 10:30. I was wiped out and headed to bed. But not before I told my boy thanks for going with me. He said thanks for taking me.
It was a super Saturday.
But my Saturday did include two of my favorite things to do. I went for a run with friends. And I spent the afternoon and evening with my favorite high school wrestler. It was a super fun day.
I found a great way to run 10 miles. You start in the morning (not too early, 7 a.m. is good), run 6 miles with one group of friends, and then go to Starbucks for a hot chocolate. Then drive about 45 minutes to participate in a community fun run. Run the fun run with some other friends. Tack on a mile out and back to get in the 10 miles. Get a really cute technical shirt for participating in the fun run. Seriously, the best 10 miles I have run lately.
Then it was home for a quick shower and some lunch. I might even have taken a quick little nap before it was time to head out on the next adventure. This time the adventure was with Carson. Dave had to work so he missed out on the fun.
We went to the RV show. Honestly, I don't know why I enjoy going to these types of shows so much. I can't imagine ever shelling out that kind of money for something that depreciates in value for every mile you drive it. I may have passed this bias on to Carson. He made this comment after we walked through one of the big buses valued at $293,000.00, "I don't think I could ever drive something like that." "Why?" sez I. "Because I couldn't stand knowing that for every mile I drive it, it depreciates in value." Hmmm, I guess he does listen. Nevertheless, we enjoyed walking through the different RV's and discussing what worked, what didn't, what looked absolutely cheesy (like a fake iron rod railing in one RV), and how having to go through the bathroom to get from the bedroom to the living area is probably the worst set up ever.
After the RV show we went downtown for the Spokane Chiefs hockey game. We had some time so we decided to grab some dinner at Red Robin. Yay for me because they have gluten-free hamburger buns. Dave had told me not to let Carson get too fat so he ordered off the appetizer menu. I may or may not have smuggled in a RC cola for him. Anyway, we had some good conversations and a few laughs.
We finished up the night at the Chiefs game. Unfortunately the Chiefs lost. But it was still a fun time. We got home about 10:30. I was wiped out and headed to bed. But not before I told my boy thanks for going with me. He said thanks for taking me.
It was a super Saturday.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Doctors, Doctors and Doctors
I think it must have been some unwritten goal that I didn't know about to meet our yearly deductible in two weeks time. Between 2 of the 3 family members currently living in the house we have seen a doctor or PA for the following maladies:
Fortunately everyone now seems to be on the mend. Well, except for the subclinical hyperthyroid but that is a post for another day.
- subclinical hyperthyroid
- shoulder bursitis
- x-ray of shoulder
- thyroid up-take scan
- physical therapy for bursitis
- possible bronchitis
- skin infections
Fortunately everyone now seems to be on the mend. Well, except for the subclinical hyperthyroid but that is a post for another day.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Why It Is Awesome to Work in the Schools
Of course there are the obvious perks: usually home by 4 p.m., no weekends, no holidays, and summers off. But there are also other advantages of working in the schools.
First, we are in the kid-business and mostly family-friendly. This culture and atmosphere is great, especially when your own child is sick, hurt, etc. and you have to leave work to help them. Administrators and colleagues are understanding and willing to cover if needed (fortunately, I have a job that has even more flexibility than teachers because I don't have to wait for sub if I need to attend to one of my own kids).
Second, did I mention the kids? They are awesome. Working with them, watching them grow, seeing them attain new skills is enough to get me through some of the monotony of my job. Let me tell you that reviewing immunization records and chasing out-of-compliance offenders is tedious work. Entering health information into the computer is important, but boring as heck. So I'm thrilled when I actually get to work kids.
And finally sometimes there are days when funny things happen that make for great retell. Today had one of those moments. I was returning back to the elementary school after being to the high school. In the elementary's front office was a mom waiting to pick up her kids. She is a lady who I have run with a few times. So as I came in I said hello. She gave me a look that showed some slight recognition and then the light went on.
-Oh Heather, hi. It's you. I didn't recognize you out of context. You look so pretty. Wait, not that you don't usually.
I reassured her that I understood what she was trying to say. Not everyone can look awesome in running gear, wearing yesterday's make-up, and barely awake. We had a little laugh over that whole conversation.
Awesome hours, family-friendly environment, and seeing friends in the workplace are just a few of the reasons why I love working in the school.
First, we are in the kid-business and mostly family-friendly. This culture and atmosphere is great, especially when your own child is sick, hurt, etc. and you have to leave work to help them. Administrators and colleagues are understanding and willing to cover if needed (fortunately, I have a job that has even more flexibility than teachers because I don't have to wait for sub if I need to attend to one of my own kids).
Second, did I mention the kids? They are awesome. Working with them, watching them grow, seeing them attain new skills is enough to get me through some of the monotony of my job. Let me tell you that reviewing immunization records and chasing out-of-compliance offenders is tedious work. Entering health information into the computer is important, but boring as heck. So I'm thrilled when I actually get to work kids.
And finally sometimes there are days when funny things happen that make for great retell. Today had one of those moments. I was returning back to the elementary school after being to the high school. In the elementary's front office was a mom waiting to pick up her kids. She is a lady who I have run with a few times. So as I came in I said hello. She gave me a look that showed some slight recognition and then the light went on.
-Oh Heather, hi. It's you. I didn't recognize you out of context. You look so pretty. Wait, not that you don't usually.
I reassured her that I understood what she was trying to say. Not everyone can look awesome in running gear, wearing yesterday's make-up, and barely awake. We had a little laugh over that whole conversation.
Awesome hours, family-friendly environment, and seeing friends in the workplace are just a few of the reasons why I love working in the school.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
A Smile
It is just a smile and I wasn't even aware that I was smiling. But the organist notices. She told me so last Sunday.
She said, "I sure do miss your smile when you aren't here."
I missed last Sunday because we were out of town. I asked someone to sub for me as the music director. I guess that person didn't smile enough.
The organist continued, "When you smile at me before the song it is just the little bit of push and encouragement that I need. When you smile I say to myself, 'OK, you can make it through playing this song.'"
I had no idea that I was giving her a little smile and nod at the beginning of each song when I glanced over to make sure she was ready. But I guess I have been. And apparently it was just what she needed.
She said, "I sure do miss your smile when you aren't here."
I missed last Sunday because we were out of town. I asked someone to sub for me as the music director. I guess that person didn't smile enough.
The organist continued, "When you smile at me before the song it is just the little bit of push and encouragement that I need. When you smile I say to myself, 'OK, you can make it through playing this song.'"
I had no idea that I was giving her a little smile and nod at the beginning of each song when I glanced over to make sure she was ready. But I guess I have been. And apparently it was just what she needed.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Today's Trouble with the 40's
So today is not going so well. Not only do I have the heartburn that seems to be my constant companion lately, my body decided to throw a migraine into the mix. The joys of the female hormone cycle.
My dilemma? I usually treat my migraines with ibuprofen and a Dr. Pepper (or Diet Coke) chaser. HOWEVER, both of those typically cause me heartburn. And I have already had 5 TUMS in an effort to keep at bay the constant heartburn.
And I think there is a potential that eating too may TUMS could cause me to form more kidney stones, especially if I become dehydrated. And since even drinking water seems to give me heartburn lately, there is a definite potential for me to develop dehydration.
Really, these are minor issues I know. But they SUCK nonetheless. But I am grateful for ibuprofen, TUMS, Diet Coke, and to know that tomorrow will be better.
So join with me, raise your own Diet Coke, and say "here's to getting through today." Cheers.
My dilemma? I usually treat my migraines with ibuprofen and a Dr. Pepper (or Diet Coke) chaser. HOWEVER, both of those typically cause me heartburn. And I have already had 5 TUMS in an effort to keep at bay the constant heartburn.
And I think there is a potential that eating too may TUMS could cause me to form more kidney stones, especially if I become dehydrated. And since even drinking water seems to give me heartburn lately, there is a definite potential for me to develop dehydration.
Really, these are minor issues I know. But they SUCK nonetheless. But I am grateful for ibuprofen, TUMS, Diet Coke, and to know that tomorrow will be better.
So join with me, raise your own Diet Coke, and say "here's to getting through today." Cheers.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Three Things of Note
1. Running on the treadmill at 8 o'clock at night sucks!
So
2. Get your lazy self out of bed in the morning when the alarm goes off so you don't have to run at night;
However
3. It was an awesome mental boost to pound through the monotony of treadmill running, even at 8 o'clock at night, and knock out five miles with four 800's between an 8:30 and 8:00 minute pace.
Oh, one more thing of note
4. Always run on the treadmill that is directly under the overhead fan. It is a good thing.
So
2. Get your lazy self out of bed in the morning when the alarm goes off so you don't have to run at night;
However
3. It was an awesome mental boost to pound through the monotony of treadmill running, even at 8 o'clock at night, and knock out five miles with four 800's between an 8:30 and 8:00 minute pace.
Oh, one more thing of note
4. Always run on the treadmill that is directly under the overhead fan. It is a good thing.
Monday, January 7, 2013
This Year's Theme: Part II
I re-read the last line in yesterday's post and it sounded like right now I only do service if there is something in it for me. That is not how I feel about service. I do enjoy serving others and stepping up to fill an unmet need. I also don't spend time wondering about what I might receive in return. I don't hold service over the person's head thinking that they owe me something, even if it is just an expression of gratitude.
At least that is how I thought I felt about service. But there were some experiences this past holiday season with a particular person that I am close to that demonstrated that, to some extent, I do expect my efforts of service to be recognized and appreciated. I find that I tie more expectations of gratitude/appreciation for service to the service that I provide to family members.
So as I was thinking about my attitudes regarding my service to family, my irritation at the seeming ungrateful behavior, and trying to be a better person, I realized I need to redefine what service means to me. I also thought about serving and loving unconditionally and in a god-like manner.
Those thoughts invoked several questions. Stick with me here as I walk you through my somewhat meandering thought process. I should also tell you that for the most part I was thinking about service to family in relation to providing/buying stuff for them.
I wondered if Heavenly Father serves us unconditionally. I couldn't really find an answer to this question until I realized that I need to separate service/love from providing blessings. Once I got there I could move on and begin to formulate an answer for me.
I then asked myself: does Heavenly Father love us unconditionally, no-strings-attached? Absolutely yes. The scriptures teach that principle and I firmly believe in His unconditional love. Because of that unconditional love He will always be there for us, to serve us in His way.
But, I then asked, does His unconditional love also mean that he will provide blessings without condition or stipulation? The answer here is no. The scriptures teach that blessings are predicated upon obedience to the law.
Walking myself through this helped me to realize that providing service is deeper than providing stuff; it is about loving unconditionally, being forgiving, extending grace and mercy, being patient. That is service.
Providing "stuff" is liking providing blessings and it is OK to place stipulations on the receiver. I don't have to feel guilty about expecting a show of gratitude from the recipient when blessings have been given. Did Christ not teach us to return and express gratitude when blessings are received (the parable of the 10 lepers, anyone)?
My challenge will be to continue to love and serve unconditionally when the providing of blessings seems to be unappreciated. I will do my best to remember that there is an important difference between serving and providing blessings.
So that is my meandering thought process. It all made sense to me. Did it make sense to you?
At least that is how I thought I felt about service. But there were some experiences this past holiday season with a particular person that I am close to that demonstrated that, to some extent, I do expect my efforts of service to be recognized and appreciated. I find that I tie more expectations of gratitude/appreciation for service to the service that I provide to family members.
So as I was thinking about my attitudes regarding my service to family, my irritation at the seeming ungrateful behavior, and trying to be a better person, I realized I need to redefine what service means to me. I also thought about serving and loving unconditionally and in a god-like manner.
Those thoughts invoked several questions. Stick with me here as I walk you through my somewhat meandering thought process. I should also tell you that for the most part I was thinking about service to family in relation to providing/buying stuff for them.
I wondered if Heavenly Father serves us unconditionally. I couldn't really find an answer to this question until I realized that I need to separate service/love from providing blessings. Once I got there I could move on and begin to formulate an answer for me.
I then asked myself: does Heavenly Father love us unconditionally, no-strings-attached? Absolutely yes. The scriptures teach that principle and I firmly believe in His unconditional love. Because of that unconditional love He will always be there for us, to serve us in His way.
But, I then asked, does His unconditional love also mean that he will provide blessings without condition or stipulation? The answer here is no. The scriptures teach that blessings are predicated upon obedience to the law.
Walking myself through this helped me to realize that providing service is deeper than providing stuff; it is about loving unconditionally, being forgiving, extending grace and mercy, being patient. That is service.
Providing "stuff" is liking providing blessings and it is OK to place stipulations on the receiver. I don't have to feel guilty about expecting a show of gratitude from the recipient when blessings have been given. Did Christ not teach us to return and express gratitude when blessings are received (the parable of the 10 lepers, anyone)?
My challenge will be to continue to love and serve unconditionally when the providing of blessings seems to be unappreciated. I will do my best to remember that there is an important difference between serving and providing blessings.
So that is my meandering thought process. It all made sense to me. Did it make sense to you?
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Quote for This Year's Theme
In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness.
But the number of prayers we answer may be of greater importance.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
This year my focus for the year will be on serving others and listening for Heavenly Father's promptings to direct me to those who are in need of my help. Sounds simple, but I'm sure it will be harder than expected. I so often get consumed it what is going on in my own little world that I neglect to look around to see what others (including my own family) might need.
And my goal is to go deeper than just random acts of kindness. Those are good stepping stones, but they are also relatively easy. What I mean by relatively easy is it isn't too difficult to buy someone's coffee/drink, etc. or offer a smile; what becomes more challenging is offering grace to someone who is difficult to be around or offering kind words to someone who gives you nothing but vinegar. I want to learn to give service unconditionally without thought of reward or repayment.
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