2016 + 2017

Just like that 2016 is over. In some ways this year went by so quickly, but when I look back and think of all I did and accomplished, maybe it wasn’t that quick after all. This year has been life changing. I have grown as a person. I have accepted who I am and what makes me happy, and I’ve clung to it. I’ve learned that I can do things on my own. Or I can find people/groups that enjoy the same things I do. I’ve gone out of my comfort zone. I’ve spent time on myself. I’ve paid attention to how I spend my time. And I’ve found that I can be happy, even when life tells me I shouldn’t be. 

As I sit and reflect on the year I’ve had and the year coming up, I’m happy, content, and excited. I wasn’t able to accomplish every goal this year, but I came pretty dang close! My biggest goal was to be happy and to find happiness and I can honestly say I’ve been able to do that. Other goals I’m especially proud of accomplishing: getting a job that uses my master’s degree. I love teaching for BYUI! It doesn’t feel like work to me and has made me realize that’s how all jobs should be. Also, I love that I’ve become a better runner this year. I set such small goals (but big when I set them in January) only to far surpass what I thought I was capable of. I ran a marathon. I honestly never thought that day would come. I ran over 800 miles this year after setting a goal to run 200 (and I thought that would be hard!). I’ve realized that running is my stress-relief and it has become essential in ensuring I feel good. I consider myself a better, more rounded reader after reading 52 new books of various topics this year. And I feel close to my Savior as I’ve been to the temple this year.

My two goals I didn’t accomplish were buying a house and becoming foster parents. Unfortunately, those two things just weren’t in the cards for this year. And honestly, that’s okay. I don’t know if we’ll buy a house next year or not, but I know we’ll have a roof over our heads. I don’t know if we’ll foster or not, but I know we will actively move forward to becoming parents. And someday, when the timing is right, both of those things will happen for us.

And until then, I’m going to live my life purposefully…which is my theme for next year. And I can’t even begin to say how excited I am. Let me explain: to live purposefully means to do things intentionally, not letting the moments pass before you. It means spending less time on the couch and more time doing. It means making every single moment count and living a life you love. It means you don’t work at a job just to earn money. It means you try new things and have new experiences. It means you live. And you do it on purpose. How liberating, right?  

I started thinking up my goals in October/November-ish and I have been so excited for them! Making goals should be exciting. They should be things you want to do/accomplish, not something you feel obligated to do. If you’re not excited about your goals, nothing is going to change and chances are, you won’t get anywhere with them. I have learned that by creating a theme and planning my goals around that theme, I am most successful. As I thought about how I wanted to live a more purposeful life, I realized my goals for 2017 will be (mostly) loosely structured and all about taking opportunities that come my way. Learning not to be scared and saying yes.

When I began writing out my 2017 goals, my header was: “how to have a bomb year by:”... and I decided I’m going to keep it that way. A bomb year is a purposeful year which will turn into a purposeful life. So, without further ado, here’s what I have planned thus far.

·       Re-read all of the best books (my favorites) and for good measure, read some new favorites.          No new goal number, but no less than 12 new authors.

·       Earn the trifecta medal with Runtastic. And also, only new races, with one freebie.

·       Speaking of running, I’m going to run 1,000 miles in 2017!

·       Visit 6 new temples (ones I haven’t done temple work in) + Continue to visit the temple at least          monthly.

·       (My favorite goal for the year) Travel more than 200 (ish) miles each month

·       If I’m going to have a bomb year, I need a good camera to document it with (aka buy a SLR            camera of sorts)

·       If I’m going to be taking a lot of pictures, I better scrapbook them as the year goes by. (or for          heaven’s sakes, at least print them)

·       And while I’m at it, I better blog and or journal each week so I don’t forget.

·       Last, create a lifestyle that will allow me the freedom I want to go have adventures and create          lasting positive memories.

Overall, live a life I would be jealous of someone else living. Seriously, just do it.

I have learned to accept what I cannot control, I’ve learned to find happiness around me and how to cultivate that happiness, and now it’s time for me to go out and do. This life isn’t lived to get from weekend to weekend, or to sit behind a desk. It was meant to live and experience. It was meant to live each moment with a sense of purpose. I will know I’ve had a successful and meaningful 2017 if I can look back on a bunch of new memories and know I’ve developed a life of freedom, happiness, and if I can say that I am experiencing what this world has to offer me. This is the year I develop my own Happiness Project (Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin http://gretchenrubin.com/) 

Good luck to everyone setting goals for 2017! 

12.16 review

Here we are at the end of the year. People are posting about how 2016 was rough and they want to watch it die. Maybe you accomplished your goals, maybe you didn’t. But for me, 2016 was a great year. One I will look back on with happiness. I’ll keep it brief as I plan to post a reflection from the past year and my goals for 2017.

This year I wanted to be happier. I knew I could find and create happiness all around me in my day to day life. This is something I feel like I can say I accomplished. I enjoyed writing about what made me happy each day so much, that I plan to continue it. I learned that I can find happiness in every day and is has made such a difference!

I set out to run one half-marathon this year as I didn’t run one in 2015. I ran the Phoenix half in February, Drop 13 and the American Fork half in June, Revel Big Cottonwood half in September, the St. George marathon and the Haunted Half in October, and the South Davis 5k on Thanksgiving. I am so proud that I was able to keep my running up all year. Never before had I run over 150 miles in a year. Usually I would train for a race and then pretty much stop. So this year, I set out to run 200 miles. I thought it was going to be hard, but then I ended up running over 800 miles. I suppose I didn’t give myself enough credit.

Last December I graduated with my Master’s degree and set a goal to get a job that would use it (as in it’s on the list of qualifications). I applied for a job in December and then was hired for it in August.

I knew I wanted to travel somewhere new this year. My sister Lisa and I had talked about visiting our other sister in Romania, but nothing had been planned. We were able to go to London and Romania in May and had such a nice time! I can’t wait to go back to Europe in 2018! 

As always, I made a reading goal this year. In 2014 I set a goal to read 100 books (which I did) and last year I didn’t know how to top that, so I didn’t read much. This year, I knew I couldn’t top 100, but I still wanted to do something. I stumbled on a reading challenge that had you read 52 new books with certain categories. I thought this would be pretty easy, but it was definitely harder than I thought it would be. I finished in plenty of time and was able to read books I wouldn’t have read otherwise. 

The first two years I had a temple recommend, I didn’t go very often. And in fact, I waited about 4 months to renew it as I didn’t ever go. After I renewed it, I made it a goal to go once a month. I fell in love with going to the temple as it brought me so much peace while I was living in Arizona. For 2016, I decided to step it up and go twice a month. I love going, but at times it felt more like a chore and less like I wanted it to feel. I spent time in 6 different temples this year. I will probably always miss the Mesa temple, but I consider myself so blessed to live so close to so many temples.

The two goals I didn’t accomplish this year were buying a house and becoming foster parents. I was really upset about not accomplishing these two goals. They were the goals I most wanted to see succeed. But sometimes, things are just out of your control and you have to reassess and move on. 

2016 has been wonderful, but I can’t wait for 2017! 

My reads

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book”. –Dr Seuss 

Earlier this year, I was afraid I wasn’t going to accomplish this goal. I had been behind in my reading all year and I felt so busy all the time. Reading has always been important to me and in the last 6 years, I’ve tried to make it a priority by setting reading goals each year. I’ve read more than 52 books in a year, so I felt like this was an easy goal when I initially set it, but I didn’t realize how hard it would be to do an actual reading challenge with specified topics! I loved this challenge because it made me read books I would have never read otherwise. I have new favorites and read from many new authors. 

Here’s how I finished up my year: {see my post in July for the first half} 

*As a reminder, these were all new books for me, I didn’t re-read a single book this year. 

 

24. Life after life- Kate Atkinson (for the category: a book with more than 500 pages)

25. Talking as fast as I can- Lauren Graham (for the category: a book published this year)

26. Flatland- Edwin A. Abbott (for the category: a book with nonhuman characters)

27. I feel bad about my neck- Nora Ephron (for the category: a funny book)

28. PS I still love you- Jenny Han (for the category: a book by a female author)

29. The shadow of the wind- Carlos Ruiz Zafon (for the category: a mystery or a thriller)

30. After you- JoJo Moyes (for the category: a book set in a different country)

31. Songs of the humpback whale- Jodi Picoult (for the category: a popular author’s first book)

32. The education of little tree- Asa Earl Carter (for the category: a book at the bottom on your to-read list)….recommended to me at the DI 

33. Anne of Green Gables- L. M. Montgomery (for the category: a book your mom loves)

34. Sting- Sandra Brown (for the category: a book that scares you)

35. The book of Joy- Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams (for the category: a book based entirely on its cover)

 36. Not that kind of girl- Lena Dunham (for the category: a memoir)

37. Two by two- Nicholas Sparks (for the category: a book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit)

38. Matilda- Roald Dahl (for the category: a book that came out the year you were born)

39. Alice’s adventures in Wonderland- Lewis Carroll (for the category: a book with bad reviews)

40-42. The Matched series- Ally Condie (for the category: a trilogy)

43. Stuart Little- E. B. White (for the category: a book from your childhood)

44. To all the boys I’ve loved- Jenny Han (for the category: a book with a love triangle)

45. Delirium- Lauren Oliver (for the category: a book set in the future)

46. The color purple- Alice Walker (for the category: a book with a color in the title)

47. Jacob T. Marley- R. William Bennett (for the category: a book set during Christmas)

48. Harry Potter and the cursed child- J. K. Rowling (for the category: a play)

49. Brave new world- Aldous Huxley (for the category: a banned book)

50. Friday night lights- Buzz Bissinger (for the category: a book based on or turned into a TV show)

51. I am Malala- Christina Lamb & Malala Yousafzai (for the category: a book you started, but never finished)

52. Miss Peregrine’s home for peculiar children- Ransom Riggs (for the category: a book with magic)                  

 

Out of all of the books I read the second half of this year, my favorites are (in no particular order):

Anne of Green Gables

Talking as fast as I can

The matched series 

Harry Potter and the cursed child

 

Overall, my favorite was either Anne of Green Gables or Talking as fast as I can. I read both this month though, so they are still fresh in my mind. 

Next year, my reading goal is going to be a little bit different, but I’m excited! Have you read any of the books I listed above? If so, what were your favorites? 

11.16

I distinctly remember this time last year. I was feeling bad about the way things were and struggling to feel happy in my everyday life. In an ordinary conversation, my friend mentioned that she wrote down a few things about the day every night. Instantly I had this idea that I was going to buy a weekly planner and use it as a daily happiness journal. From there I decided my focus of the year was going to be finding ordinary happiness and changing the way I thought. I was so excited about this concept and that excitement has carried me through all year. I have one month left of 2016 and I can honestly look back and say it's been a good year. Nothing has really improved by any means, but I feel like a different person. My happiness journey has come so far, but really it's only beginning. 31 days left and I feel really good about where I am...

Go to the temple 24 times: I have been 22 times. This month I took advantage of working so close to the Salt Lake temple and went on my lunch break, it's been so nice! 

Run a half marathon: Done, done, and done. This month I ran my first official 5k (haha) and registered for my first half marathon for next year! 

Run at least 200 miles: I don't even want to talk about this one for this month. I ran a whopping 8.5 miles in November. Embarrassing. But I've ran over 800 for the year. 

Travel somewhere new: Not this month. But we already have plans set in motion for next year! This one seriously has me heart eyes. 

Get a job that uses my Master's Degree: I am still head over heels with my BYUI job! 

Buy a house: This could potentially be a goal for next year, I don't know. 

Become foster parents: We can't foster now, but are very seriously reconsidering for October when our lease is up. We talk about which way we want to "buy a baby" (it's a joke people) and feel foster care may be the best option for us in becoming parents. 

2016 reading goal: I'm on book 48, so 5 left for those of you who are counting. I am getting so close! If you need me, I'll be reading. 

November goals:

Read 5 books and go to the temple 3 times. --------> goals accomplished! 

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There's 31 more days of 2016, crazy right? But that's plenty of time to make and accomplish a goal. If you want something to change, you have to change it. 

31 more days of 2016, what are you going to do with them? 

10.16 Review

And just like that October is over. Somehow there are only TWO more months of 2016...TWOOO! HOW???

I'm not going to lie, I am overly excited for 2017 and may have already started goal setting.....but, let's stick to the present.

This month was SO good! October 1st I ran a freaking marathon. I still can't even believe it happened. I worked so hard and it wasn't easy, but now I can say I've done it! I didn't have a goal time, just a goal to finish, but I kind of also wanted to get under 5 hours. I ended up finishing with a time of 5:09 and initially I was a little disappointed, but now I'm just proud.

I spent pretty much all of my free time with my family, which was wonderful. My sister Khemia came to Utah for a two week visit and I soaked it all up! Fall is my favorite so it was wonderful sharing it with my family. I wouldn't have changed a minute of how I spent my time while she was here...unless I would've spent more time with her, but....I didn't go well with my goals. And that is OKAY! Some months are really great and productive and others just aren't; it's called balance. At any rate, here's where I stand 10 months into 2016:

Go to the temple 24 times: I have been 19 times, so I am still one behind. Ever since I went to the Provo City Center open house in March I have been saying that I want to go back and do a session and this month I was finally able to do so. This temple has quickly become my favorite; it is SO beautiful inside!

Run a half marathon: This month I ran my 5th half marathon of the year! (in addition to the St George Marathon) On Saturday I ran the Provo Haunted Half and I loved it! The course was beautiful and it was fun to see everyone running in their costumes.

Run at least 200 miles: I should've changed this goal months ago, but oh well. I am at 796 miles for the year. This month my mileage was pretty low, but I needed some time to rest up. I have one more race this year and then I wil start thinking about what I will do next year. Favorite half marathons...anyone??

Travel somewhere new: Not this month. Although Mike and I have never been to St George together, so that was new. But stay tuned for when I post about my travel goals for next year. They have me tremendously excited and giddy!

Get a job that uses my Master's Degree: I accepted another semester contract with BYU-I. I have enjoyed teaching so much and hope one day to do it as my primary job.

Buy a house: Which turned into: rent a duplex. If you had asked me a month ago if we were going to buy next year when our lease is up, I would've said yes, but now I think we're good here for awhile.

Become foster parents: I've already written about how we can't foster with my current job. We talked about maybe fostering next year, but Mike works with foster kids and isn't sure if he wants it to be his full life, so we'll see. I'm not ready to give up that easily.

2016 reading goal: This was my ultimate focus this month. I made it a goal to read 5 books, which I was able to do. I am on book #43! I getting towards the end of my list and finding books is starting to get hard, but I am so close!


November goals:

Read 5 books and go to the temple 3 times.

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Every month I find myself more and more amazed at how happy I can be even though my circumstances haven't really changed. It's amazing that by simply changing your attitude, you can start to see all you have and appreciate it for what it is. This year's happiness challenge has empowered me and taught me to shoot for the moon. I've learned how important it is to take care of myself and to embrace all the things that make me who I am.

If you're interested in reading about having joy regardless of your circumstance, check out this talk:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng

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I dare you to set a goal for the next two months, crush it, and then see how good you feel!

9.16

Holy moly! September is already over! I say it every month, but this year has seriously FLOWN by! September was a busy month, a whirlwind; both good and draining! I was busy every weekend and felt like I didn't have much downtime, but I was able to do some fun things! 

Highlights from September: I ran the Big Cottonwood Half-Marathon and got a new PR, I enjoyed a birthday hike up to Willow Heights, I went to the State Fair with my family, Oktoberfest with my family, had a JJ camp reunion, went up to Millcreek Canyon multiple times, drove the Alpine Loop with Trevor and David, and my sister-in-law got married.

I really only have two goals left that I can work on finishing up before the end of the year, so I will start prioritizing them a little more than I have been. 

As I said, I ran a half marathon in September, so my total for the year so far is 4. 

No new traveling in September, just getting so anxious for our cruise in January! 

My running total for the year is 759 miles

I started teaching in September and I LOVE it! I always forget how much I love teaching until I start doing it again! I definitely want to do it again next semester and will probably apply to teach two classes starting next fall. I feel fulfilled knowing I am using my master's degree, which makes it all even better. 

I have attended the temple 17 times so I am behind by one trip. I am hoping to go three times this month. I did go to the SL temple in September which I haven't done in years, so that was pretty cool. I also FINALLY bought a new temple dress with some birthday money and I 100% regret not buying one sooner. Having a comfortable temple dress makes such a huge difference! 

My reading goal is coming along okay. I am behind with it, but only by about 3 books. I will have to read an average of 5 books a month for the next 3 months to finish on time, but that should be manageable. 

Goals not fulfilled this year:

I was really hoping we would be able to foster, we had talked about it and planned on starting the process around this time. With my job, I am not able to foster as it is a conflict of interest. I was so disappointed when I found that out. We are looking at some other options which I am sure I will blog about at some point. 

We had also hoped to buy a house this year. We figured we were both done with school and had the potential to get better paying jobs and the ability to "move up in the world". It took us too long to get jobs and since Mike is still building up his client base, we decided this was no longer realistic for this year. We are moving into a duplex and hope that maybe this time next year we can buy. The good news is we will be saving a lot of money, so maybe we will get to travel some more instead! 

This year really has been a good year. Every month when I sit down to blog about my progress, I am reminded how much I have really tried to stick with all of my goals; the ones listed and my overall goal of creating a happier lifestyle. I have learned that happiness is a choice and it is my choice. My life is far from perfect and not at all what I had planned it to be, but I am still happy because I choose to be and because I purposefully do things that make me happy. I have learned to do things on my own and to find people who like the same things as me. I don't hold myself back from opportunities. I don't sit around waiting for tomorrow or for the weekend. I take a few minutes everyday to think about all the things from the day that made me happy. All of these things have truly changed the way I see things. I wasn't unhappy before this year, but I can truly say that I am happier. 

It's never too late to start making the choice to be happy. 

It's fall y'all!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! I love fall! It is my favorite! I'm so excited to be able to participate in fall activities this year. Living in Arizona, it was too hot and we were limited on what we could do, so this year I plan to pack in all of my favorite things! I've been doing these lists for at least 6 years now, but I'm always looking to try something new, so if I didn't get your favorite fall tradition or activity, let me know what it is so I can add it! 

🍁🍂It's fall y'all! 🍂🍁

1. Visit a pumpkin patch

2. Make apple cider 

3. Watch: hocus pocus, it's the great pumpkin Charlie Brown, house on haunted hill 

4. Hike: willow heights, silver lake, bells

5. Alpine loop

6. Make pumpkin chocolate chip bread 

7. Bake a pie

8. Be thankful 

9. Carve a pumpkin 

10. Candy corn! 

11. State fair! 

12. Oktoberfest 

13. Gardner village 

8.16 review

How is it already September?? I don't understand. This year has flown by! 4 more months and I'm feeling pretty good about where I'm at. I feel like I've been actively working hard on my goals and working towards a happier lifestyle. This year has been really good, but I'm not done with it yet. 

Here's where I'm at so far: 

Go to the temple 24 times:  I've been to the temple 16 times! I only went once in August because I was so busy, so I need to step up my game. I keep complaining that the temples are so far and too busy and I need to stop. I'm way too lucky to have my choice of where I can go and need to take better advantage of it. 

Run half marathon: Even though I've already completed this a few times over, I have two more halfs and one full to go! Then a breather for a bit. Haha

Travel somewhere new: I'm so excited! This month we booked a Bahamas cruise that we will go on in January! Since Mike didn't come with me to Europe this year, we are using that money to go on a trip with two of my siblings. We can't wait for some sun in dreary January! 

Run at least 200 miles: hahaha so I surpassed this goal awhile ago. My total miles for 2016 is 628! This month I ran 113. 

Get a job that uses my masters: I start teaching in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping I don't burn myself out! 

Buy a house: we were hoping to be in a house by now, but I've decided I just need to stop planning because planning doesn't always work. But! Mike finally got his Utah license so he started working last week...so maybe in a couple months! I hope. Cross your fingers! 

Start the process to become foster parents: unfortunately because of my job, we aren't able to foster. I'm pretty bummed about it. :( 

2016 reading goal: my reading is going pretty well. August started out really well, but I slacked the last week. Oops! I'm on #34. 

Like I said, overall this year is going well. All the goals I can completely control are progressing well. I'm starting to think about next year's goals and it's a good feeling knowing it will be tough to beat all I've accomplished this year. 

Sometimes things you really want to do aren't in your control. So I challenge you to pick one goal or something you want to do and work on it for the next 4 months. Really prioritize it and you may be surprised to see what you are able to do! 

7.16

7 months down, 5 to go! Here's my progress: 

Go to temple 24 times: So far this year I've been to the temple 15 times. It's been so nice having family be able to attend with me since we've been back in Utah. This month I made it to the Bountiful and Draper temples. With so many temples near me closed in August, I'm hoping to branch out and go somewhere new. 

Run a half marathon: I've already shared my half marathon experiences from this year. I didn't race in July, but I have really gotten into my marathon training. 2 more months! 

Travel somewhere new: I'm already ready to travel again. I have the travel bug so strongly. I love new experiences and new places. We will be booking a cruise for January in the next few weeks. So any recommendations for the Bahamas, send them my way! 

Run at least 200 miles: This goal was obviously too small for me. Oops. In July alone I ran over 100 miles. My mileage for the year is 515. 

Get a job that uses my masters: I've been working on this goal since December. I'm so excited to check this goal off! I was recently hired by BYU-I to be an online adjunct professor. I will be teaching an online class this fall. I'm SO excited!! On a semi-related note, I was also offered a position by the state of Utah to be a case worker for DCFS. 

Buy a house: Now that income will be coming in again, we can start looking at houses in the next month. Hopefully we will be in a house in October. !!! 

Start the process to become foster parents: At this point, this may not happen until next year, which is such a bummer. To be foster parents takes a lot of work, but we still plan to do this in the very near future...as soon as we can! 

2016 reading goal: My reading goal is going okay. I've found having to read specific topics is kind of hard. Sometimes I just want to read what I want to read. I've already decided that next year I'm going to read all of my favorites. I'm on book number 28, so not too far behind schedule. 

This year has been so wonderful and I feel so blessed. I'm incredibly proud of the progress I have made with my goals for the year. I have worked so hard and it's been worth it to see the results. I don't know if I am going to fulfill every goal, but I'm never going to stop trying. 

These goals I've been working on have been hard at times, but ultimately have been good. Happiness was my biggest goal for this year. I have truly learned that I can choose for myself how I want to feel. Nobody can dictate how I feel except me. There are days I'm grumpy, frustrated, or sad, but everyday I write down something that was happy about the day and I reflect on that and think about how blessed I am. I have spent more time doing things I love. I've realized that I can do the things I love alone or I can find others who love the same things. Mike is not always going to love what I love, but that shouldn't stop me from what makes me happy, and it doesn't anymore. I am happy and have found the joy in my life; and with the year a little more than halfway over, that has been my biggest accomplishment yet. 

2016 reads (so far)

Well I'm a little behind on my reading goal, but because the year is halfway over I'm going to share what I've been reading so far! 

1. A Thousand Miles to Freedom- Eunsun Kim (for the category: a book that was originally written in a different language) 

2. The Zoo Keeper's Wife- Diane Ackerman (for the category: a book based on a true story) 

3. Adulting: how to be a grownup in 468 easy(ish) steps- Kelly Williams Brown (for the category: a book written by someone under 30)

4. Wuthering Heights- Emily Bronte (for the category: a classic romance)

5. The Lake House- Kate Morton (for the category: a book from an author you love that you haven't read yet)

6. Big Magic- Elizabeth Gilbert (for the category: a book you can finish in a day)

7. Angela's Ashes- Frank McCourt (for the category: a Pulitzer Prize winning book)

8. Survival in Auschwitz- Primo Levi (for the category: a nonfiction book)

9. Exterminate all the Brutes- Sven Lindquist (for the category: a book a friend recommended)

10. My Fight, Your Fight- Ronda Rousey (for the category: a book you own, but have never read)

11. Will Grayson, Will Grayson- John Green & David Levithan (for the category: a book set in high school)

12. Grimm's Fairytales- Jakob & Wilhelm Grimm (for the category: a book of short stories)

13. Fangirl- Rainbow Rowell (for the category: a book with a one word title)

14. Next to Love- Ellen Feldman (for the category: a book written by an author with your same initials) 

15. Daring Greatly- Brene Brown (for the category: a book by an author you've never read before)

16. The Jungle Book- Rudyard Kipling (for the category: a book more than 100 years old)

17. 1984- George Orwell (for the category: a book you were supposed to read in school, but didn't)

18. Can't we Talk about Something More Pleasant?- Roz Chast (for the category: a graphic novel)

19. Wild- Cheryl Strayed (for the category: a book that became a movie)

20. 50/50- Dean Karnazes (for the category: a book with a number in the title) 

21. Me Before You- JoJo Moyes (for the category: a book that made you cry)...like a baby!

22. Letters for Emily- Cameron Wright (for the category: a book that takes place in your hometown)

23. Big Little Lies- Liane Moriarty (for the category: a book with antonyms in the title) 

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Books to read! 

Out of the above books my favorites (in no particular order) have been: 

The Lake House 

Big Magic 

Daring Greatly

Me Before You

I think Big Magic has been my ultimate favorite so far this year. I read it in a day because I literally couldn't put it down. It's about living creatively, but that isn't really what you think. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to read it again! 

6.16

Can you believe June is already over? 2016 is halfway through. Is anyone working on resolutions still? Have you completed any? 

I think this is the perfect time to sit back and contemplate on the year and how it's been going. 

This year has been my favorite year ever. I've mentioned throughout the last six months that I am focusing on choosing happiness, because really, it IS a choice. I'm unemployed and living in a basement, but it doesn't matter. I'm so happy because I have been choosing to be happy. Each night before I go to bed, I think back on the day and what I enjoyed about it. Everyday I have been able to pick at least one thing, and many days I have more to write than lines to write on. 

I have sincerely enjoyed focusing on my needs and giving myself time to do the things I enjoy. It means I spend less time watching tv, maybe less time with friends, or sleeping, but I have created so many wonderful memories to look back on from the last six months. Happiness has been my ultimate goal this year and I am so thankful I have shifted my attitude in regards to my happiness. 

My other goals have only amped up my levels of happiness. 

I've been to the temple 13 times this year. I've been to 4 temples and even though I miss the Mesa temple, I am excited to spend the next six months attending sessions and doing temple work in other temples. The peace I feel in the temple is unlike anything I have ever felt. It gives me such joy being able to sit and feel of the love my Savior and Heavenly Father feel for me. If you haven't been in awhile, and you're able, Go. You will leave feeling so much better than before you walked in. 

I made it a goal this year to run a half marathon. I hadn't run one in 2015 and really wanted to run one in 2016. I've run 3 so far this year and have one more plus a marathon to go. Likewise, I made it a goal to run 200 miles, which is more than I've done for a few years. It's incredible that I have already run nearly double that (397 miles). I love seeing what my body is capable of. Running gives me endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Thus, running=happiness. I always come back from a run feeling so good. I'm glad I have pushed myself to run more than the small goals I set for myself. 

I already talked about traveling somewhere new and it was so wonderful going to Europe, but I still strive to look for new experiences. Last week, Mike and I were able to go to goblin valley for the day. I was so excited to go somewhere new. It was so fun and made me so happy to see a new spot in Utah. New adventures are still coming and I'm excited! 

June was helpful in amping up my reading. I'm on book 23, which is only 4 behind schedule. This month my favorite book was 'Me Before You' by JoJo Moyes, but I'll be writing all about what I've been reading in another post.  

I'm still looking for a job and hope to find something which will use my masters degree, but in the meantime, I'm not stressing too much because I know I can't control it. I'm respecting myself and my abilities and not settling for a job I won't love or that won't support us financially. I've never really done that before and I'm glad I can stand up for myself and what I deserve. 

No house yet, but it will come and we will love it. 

No fostering yet either, but I'm so excited for when we are in the position to start in on the process. We have talked more about it and can't wait for the experience. 

All in all, 2016 has been wonderful. It's not too late to work on those resolutions or to make new ones. Go out there and crush your goals. You will thank yourself later! 

5.16

Well it was bound to happen eventually. May has been a blur and I pretty much accomplished 0 goals. It's okay though, right? I still have the whole second half of the year to get where I want to be. Nobody is perfect and I don't ever want to claim I am perfect at accomplishing my monthly milestones. I can only hope I will catch up some other time. 

Man, May was so busy! I finished up at my job, we had my in-laws come and we were able to take them to Sedona. Mike graduated, we moved back to Utah, and I went to Europe. So busy! But it was good. I had so many happy moments and I only wish time would've slowed down just a little so I could've enjoyed it more. 

So here's my progress...it's going to look pretty similar to April's, but it's okay! June is a new month and I'm ready to take it head on! 

Run 200 miles: my mileage count is up to 311 miles! (I am so disappointed I ran less than 30 miles this month)

Book challenge/read 52 books: I am on book 16, so way behind schedule! Guys. I read ONE book this month. One. What. The. Heck. I'm hoping to read between 6-7 books in June. What's a book that has made you cry??

Get a job that uses my master degree: I am currently applying for jobs...so any hook-ups, let me know! 

Travel somewhere new: London + Romania was so wonderful! It went by all too quickly. Lisa and I spent less than 48 hrs in London, but crammed in so much! We had 5 days in Romania and were able to see a lot as well. I will post all about our adventures. 

This summer I want to visit some other new places, but they will be more local. I specifically want to visit zions. Any recommendations for other fun Utah adventures? 

Attend the temple 24 times: I have been 11 times. It was so hard going to the temple here in Utah. I loved living 10 minutes away from the temple in Mesa. It was never busy and I could always walk right into the sessions. I'm apparently very spoiled, because driving 15-20 mins to the temple seemed like such an inconvenience (insert eye roll here). With some new temple changes, I'm for real (seriously guys) in the market for a new dress. It needs to happen asap. This week I will be shopping around for one. Any favorites? I still want lace. Preferably no zipper. 

***

Next month I will be running a half marathon and I have another one scheduled for September. Anddddd in October I will be running my first marathon. I'm excited and terrified. And very motivated to keep up with my training. 

We are hoping to be able to get into a house early this fall and after we're settled, we will probably start the licensing process for foster care. 

***

I'm so happy to be back in Utah. My whole soul just feels complete again. I feel like in Arizona I really had to try to find happiness, here I am just happy. Looking at the mountains makes me happy. Being with my family makes me happy. Greenery makes me happy. I'm so happy and full of joy to be home. I can't wait for a wonderful summer full of my favorite traditions and new adventures.

What summer plans are you most excited for? 

Summer list

Utah summer is my favorite time of the year! I am so excited to be back in Utah for this summer. So excited! I've been working on my summer list, what am I missing?? And who wants in on all the adventures?

The we are finally back in Utah summer list! ☀️

1. Backpack to lake Blanche ⛺️

2. Smores 

3. Zions (👼🏼's landing)

4. Eat a bajillion snow cones 

5. Find a new hike to do 🏔

6. Adventure in June, July, August 

7. Farmers market! 

8. Chalk festival 

9. Lone star 🌮 

10. Drive in 🚗

11. Bike ride 🚴🏽

12. Go swimming 🏊🏽

Here's to a fun and adventurous summer! 

4.16 review

Well the first 1/3 of the year is over, but it's never too late to work on those 2016 goals! For all of you [who are not] mathematicians out there, there's still more than half of the year to get going! 

This month I wanted to dedicate more time to reading. I ended up reading 6 books! I'm trying to catch up to where I should be....you've got to start somewhere! 

I also set a push-up goal for April which I was able to finish! 

All in all, April was a long, exhausting month, but I didn't give up and continued to work for all I want to accomplish. 

So my progress for the month of April: 

Run 200 miles: my mileage count is up to 283 miles! 

Book challenge/read 52 books: I am on book 15, so 4 behind schedule. My goal is to read 6 again so I will only be down by 2 at the end of May, and caught up by the end of June. 

Get a job that uses my master degree: I am currently applying for jobs...so any hook-ups, let me know! 

Travel somewhere new: London + Romania is 2 weeks from tonight! We have come up with a travel itinerary and are ready to go!! 

Attend the temple 24 times: I have been 9 times. I'm hoping to go twice before we move. My heart is going to miss the Mesa temple forever. It is my haven here. 

Also, I still want a lace temple dress...does anyone know of one?? I have found a couple that I would be okay with, but I'm not completely sold. 

The rest of my goals will come later in the year, but I am truly excited to see where they take me. 

Now that it is May, summer is right around the corner...I am thrilled I will be back in Utah and my summer list is already in the works. I'm hoping for adventure and mountains all summer long. 

Actively looking for happiness has been the best thing for me. I have so much joy in my life and am so thankful for all I have. Some days it's easier to find the happy moments, but they are there. Every day. 

Happiness is a choice, and don't you forget it! 

3.16 review

It's the beginning of a new month which means it's time to review my goals for the year. 

I've really wanted to take a bit of time each month to sit down and assess how I am doing to ensure I'm progressing and actually keeping my resolutions. 

So...

Go to the temple 24 times: I went to the temple 3 times in March which puts me ahead of schedule. 7/24! I've actually been 3 weeks in a row and hope to be able to go this week as well. My time in the temple has been so essential for me to feel like I can get through the week. I love the peace I feel when I am serving in the house of the Lord. 

I've also been really wanting a new temple dress...lace, preferably without a zipper. If anyone knows where I can find one, let me know! 

Run a half marathon: check! I have another one in June and I actually think I will be signing up for a full marathon! *I'm pretty sure im crazy* 

Run at least 200 miles: I'm currently at 222 miles! 

Complete 2016 reading challenge: I'm still behind on this challenge, but that's okay, because I'm not giving up yet! I'm on 8/52. My biggest problem is finding books that go with each challenge theme. Once I get into a book I usually read it pretty quickly...so send me recommendations!! I especially need a trilogy and a book written with the initials E.F. or B.F.

As for the rest of the goals, I will be traveling to Europe in May! Our plan is to buy a house in the fall, and I will be starting the job hunt (using my masters) in the next couple of months. 

Overall this year I wanted to feel happier. The other day I was having a rough day and I was thinking about if I am any happier this year than I was last year. Nothing in my life has changed drastically. I'm at the same place and doing the same thing. Am I happier? Even though nothing has changed and I feel like my life is pretty uneventful, I AM happier. Because I am choosing to be happy. I am looking for happy moments every single day and it makes ALL the difference. Like I said, I had a pretty rough day last week. I cried off and on all day, pretty much anytime I was alone. I knew I would be working late and so I wouldn't be able to run that evening (or for a few days). I so badly wanted to go let off some steam, but will not run in the dark. That evening, I left my last work appointment earlier than I had planned and knew if I hurried I could get in a short run. That run was my happiness. I knew Heavenly Father was so acutely mindful of me and what I needed so desperately that night. I ran my heart out. Even though it wasn't a happy day, getting that run in gave me so much happiness and comfort. 

Happiness is a choice. Sometimes we have to dig down deep for it, but happy moments are all around if we look for them. I am so glad I've made the change in my life to be more aware of what I have. I am so lucky and so blessed. 

Here's to a hopeful April! I'm shooting to read at least 4 more books this month 🙈 (which I should do anyway). I'm also working on some additional fitness goals...and trying to remain happy while I pack up our lives and get us ready to move in 41 short days. 

Good luck and good work to everyone else working on their 2016 goals. Don't give up yet, there's still 9 months to turn it around! 

2.16 review

The other day I saw this statistic: 

45% of Americans make resolutions, but only 8% keep them. 

This is so sad! How are your resolutions going? It's not too late to make them-or start if you haven't. In fact, there's still 10 months left to have your best year yet! 

So here's my breakdown of February: 

Go to the temple: I went twice in February and have been 4 times total this year. (4/24)

Run a half marathon: I ran the Phoenix half on Saturday! I PR'd by 5 mins which is awesome! I have come so far in the last two months and I'm very proud of my progress. 

...speaking of running, 

Run 200 miles: In February I ran 86 miles! So I am at a grand total of 160 miles! 

Complete the 2016 reading challenge: This is the goal I'm not succeeding in. This month I only read 1.5 books. So I'm still behind, but I'm confident I will be able to catch up. (4.5/52)

I'm really happy with how this year is going. I'm really happy in general. Looking, and I mean actively looking and creating happiness has made such a huge difference for me. There has been something happy in each of my days over the past two months. 

My life isn't perfect, and this year has been far from perfect, but at least I can look back and say I have been truly happy. And really, isn't that all that matters? 

Here's to a JOYFUL March! 

An ode to running.

I don't know about you, but I am so happy when I take the time to take care of myself physically. 

To me, that equals running. 

It was 3-4 years ago that I really discovered running and about 2 1/2 years ago that I realized how much I love it. 

This year I've mentioned my overarching goal is to choose to be happy and to look for the happiness all around me. Two more specific goals I made were to go running for a total of 200 miles + run a half marathon. I'm really excited about my progress on these goals and have noticed a significant improvement on my overall happiness well-being. 

So why do I love to run so much? 

There's something so wonderful about lacing up those running shoes and getting out in the fresh air that may be hard to understand if you're not a runner, but let me do my best to try and explain it. 

It's just you and the road. You're free to listen to music that really speaks to you and drives you to push yourself harder. You're free to think and let your mind wander. Your lungs burn, but somehow you've never felt better.  You have the fresh outside air and the warm sun beating down on you. You're free. You can choose which direction to go and for how long. You see things from a whole new perspective and you appreciate the little things the world around you has to offer. 

I love to run and I love how alive it makes me feel. It doesn't matter if it's 1 mile, 5, or 10; running gives me complete happiness in ways not many other things can. 

*image by Khemia Popa 

L is for love.

February is always a good month for me to focus on improving my marriage. Because, let's get real, marriage is hard and it's not perfect. 

I don't have an easy, picture-perfect marriage, and I probably never will, but that's okay, because I have someone who fights for us even when I don't. 

So this month I made some marriage improvement goals: 

Spend more quality time together. 

Sure we hang out and are in the same room together, but we don't spend a whole lot of time actively being together. 

We've been working on this by really talking to each other more, playing games, baking/cooking together when able, and eating dinner together when able. 

Remind him why I love him.

Everyday I've been writing a reason why I love him. So simple, but we all need a reminder sometimes. 

Show him my love. 

Mike's love languages are physical touch and acts of service. He's been getting lots of back massages as a two in one. In general I've tried showing him my love for him based on his love languages. Read more about love languages here. 

Speak kindly. 

Self-explanatory, but speak with words I want to hear. Changing the way we talk to each other makes a huge difference on how we treat each other. 

                            •••••••

Does this make our marriage perfect? No. And some days are better than others. But I've noticed when I step up my game, he steps up his too. 

In celebration of Valentine's Day next week (because it's my favorite holiday) here's a fun little questionnaire:  

1. Where did you meet your other half? 

At cub country...Indy's Egyptian Treasure

2. How long have you been with your significant other? 

7 1/2 years 

3. If you're married, when did you say "I do"?

December 20, 2012

4. What song did you walk down the aisle to? 

We got married in the temple, so no walking down the aisle, but our first dance was to Ours by Taylor Swift 

5. Do you have any children yet? 

Just our puppy, who most definitely is our baby. 

6. What's your favorite thing about your other half? 

He's dedicated. 

7. Were you and your other half high school sweethearts? 

He was a senior in high school when we started dating, does that count? He wasn't mine, but maybe I was his. ;)

8. Where was your first date?

At the movie theater...we saw the dark knight 

9. How long were you dating before you said "I love you"? 

We said I love you as friends before we started dating. I said it and meant it after about 5 months, he was about 7 months. 

10. How long were you dating your other half before he/she proposed? 

4 years 

11. Where is your favorite place you have traveled with your other half?

We have been blessed to travel to many places together, but my favorite so far would be Italy. 

12. How do you and your other half usually spend Valentines Day? 

Dinner and then come home to watch Valentine's Day 

13. What does your favorite 'date night' consist of? 

Date night for us is usually take out and Netflix. My favorite dates though are when we get out and do something new! 

14. What is the best gift you have received from your other half?

Probably my wedding ring. 

So lucky to be in love with my best friend

Happy love month! ❤️❤️❤️

1.16 in review

In the last couple of weeks, I've seen this all over Facebook and Instagram:

I've decided that my 2016 starts again on February 1st...

This was a trial month. 

Anyone else?

I'm so relieved this isn't me! {but it's okay if it's you} 

I've hustled this month to get going on my 2016 goals. 

Here's my breakdown:

Go to the temple 24 times: In January I went to the temple twice. (Mesa & Gilbert) 

Run a half marathon: In January I registered for two half marathons (one in February and one in June)

Run at least 200 miles: In January I ran 74 miles! 

Travel somewhere new: In January, I purchased my airfare to London & Romania (I'm going in May!)

Complete 2016 reading challenges (52 books): I'm behind on this one, but read 3 books in January. 

Some of my goals, like getting a job which will use my master's degree, buying a house, and starting the process to becoming a foster parent won't happen until later on in the year. 

Along with my goals, I've been recording happy moments each day and have already noticed such a big difference! Nothing really has changed, but I am so much happier.  

I'm excited for what February has in store for me. I feel so good when I'm doing the things I love and working towards my goals. 

If your January was a bust, don't give up! You still have 11 months to reach your goals. And if you haven't thought of any yet, write some down! Start small, keep track of your progress, and reward yourself for your accomplishments. You've got this! Make 2016 your year! 

How cool is it

Last week I stumbled upon this quote on Facebook: 

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this quote ever since I saw it! 

God created everything in heaven and earth, including me. After creating heaven and earth, day and night, oceans, and animals, God made men and women after His own image. Each of us are here because He created us to be. 

I know that God loves me, but how amazing is it that knowing my talents, abilities, goals, etc. He CHOSE me to come down to this earth because He knew I was needed. I was created with a purpose. He knew that with my abilities I could make a difference in this world {even if it's just my little world}

It makes me so happy to know I have a loving Father in Heaven who wants me to be here and who knows me so comprehensively. 

We all have our own special talents and abilities, and the fact that we're all here and able to enhance those skills to help others is pretty cool. 

I am needed & YOU are needed! And that is cool. 

*imagine design by Khemia Popa 

complaining never was happiness

If you've been following my blog at all, you know I've made it a goal to be happier this year. Except, I keep finding myself complaining. Over everything. But what I don't get, is if I want to be happier, why am I complaining so much? Complaining is not going to make me happy. And almost always just makes me feel bad. And icky.

So why do we {I} complain?

Possible reasons could include:

~to vent frustrations
~vocalizing frustrations often gives validation
~jealousy of others

For me, I think I'm a complainer because I want validation.

"You're tired because you went on a run? That's awesome you even went!"

"You had to work late? That does stink!"

"You got another nail in your tire? Wow, you are so unlucky."

etc. etc. etc.

But do I really need to complain to be validated?

No.

Will complaining make me look better?

No.

Will complaining make me feel better?

No.

Complaining is not going to get me anywhere. It will give me and anyone I'm around a negative attitude and outlook on life. And really, who wants to listen to me complain??

So I decided to read more about complaining. The best piece of advice I read, is to pay attention to when you're complaining. Are you tired? Hungry? Around certain people? Figure out what those triggers are and then fix it so you're complaining anymore. So to do this, I'm going to try and write down what I'm complaining about and what's going on in the moment I'm complaining. I'm hoping by being in-tune to what's going on, I will be more likely to make a change and stop complaining for good. 

Not complaining anymore is important to me because people who don't complain are generally more happy, more enjoyable to be around, have a better outlook on life, are healthier, and more successful. {all things I want to become}

I want to radiate joy and to do so, I need to actively make a choice to stop complaining and more fully enjoy all of the blessings I have!  

From now on, I'm going to talk about the things I love, and zip my mouth about the things I don't.



Quote image: Khemia Popa

www.becomingminimalist.com/complain-less/

I CHOOSE to be happy!

Happiness is a choice; but sometimes it's hard and takes practice. This year my overarching goal is to become happier.

Happiness is defined as: a state of well-being and contentment.

How great would it be to be in a continual state of well-being and contentment??

Well, I've decided that's exactly the kind of state of mind I want to be in! To develop this skill and become happier, I will be doing more of what makes me happy and finding the happiness in every day. Happiness is all around me, I just need to open my eyes and look for it.

                                       

Whenever people ask me about my hobbies, I typically respond with: hiking, running, reading, and traveling. I enjoy each of these four activities and from now on want to spend more time on them. I've made goals to run a half-marathon and a total of at least 200 miles, I will be reading 52 new books, traveling somewhere new {Romania}, and plan to spend all summer hiking in the mountains I've missed so much. 

While some of these goals may sound like work and not things that would make you especially happy, I know for me, there is not much I like more. While my goals are specifically for 2016, I hope to make these changes habitual to become lifelong practices. As I turn my focus and spend my time, energy, {and often money} on the activities that I love so much, I know I will be happier. My best memories come from doing the things I love, not sitting around watching TV or idling my time away. 

Second: I want to stop waiting! I've been waiting to be a mom, to own a house, to have a good {paying} job/for Mike to have a job, to travel the world. I wait for sunny days, Saturdays, holidays, summer; and all these things I believe will give me happiness. But I need to STOP waiting. My life is happening NOW. When I look back, I don't want to remember all the time I wasted by waiting, I want a life full of good memories and happiness. I have committed to change my way of thinking and look for the happiness each and every day. 

Sometimes I'm sad. Sometimes I get down on myself. Sometimes I get angry. And sometimes, I complain. {My inner Harry Potter nerd is about to come out} But as Dumbledore said, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. Sometimes I might have to dig deep and look for the happiness in my life, but I know it's there. To get better at recognizing it, I was inspired by a co-worker to keep a day planner and each day write a few things that I found happy about the day. This exercise has already changed my outlook on my life. Even on the bad days, I am still able to write 2-3 things that made me happy throughout the day. Sometimes it's as simple as meeting my daily step goal, today it was attending the temple. Ultimately, I know if I stop waiting for my happy moments {or what I think will be my happy moments} I will recognize all that I do have that makes me truly happy. 

By changing my outlook on life and creating an atmosphere of happiness, I know I will be able to handle anything that comes my way. 

Today, and everyday, I choose to be happy. 

**Images created by Khemia Popa**

2016 reading challenge

Now that I am done with school, I made it a goal to start reading for fun again. This year I've decided to do a reading challenge, which will include reading 52 books. In years past, I've read over 52 books in a year, but this year will be different because I have to follow the prompts instead of picking any random book. I will not be going in order of the prompts and the rule is, no re-reading a book I've already read. 

As always, all recommendations are welcomed! 

2016 Reading Challenge 

• A book with more than 500 pages

• A classic romance

• A book that became a movie

• A book published this year

• A book with a number in the title

• A book written by someone under 30

• A book with nonhuman characters

• A funny book

• A book by a female author

• A mystery or thriller

• A book with a one-word title

• A book of short stories

• A book set in a different country

• A nonfiction book

• A popular author’s first book

• A book from an author you love that you haven’t read yet

• A book a friend recommended

• A Pulitzer Price-winning book

• A book based on a true story

• A book at the bottom of your to-read list

• A book your mom loves

• A book that scares you

• A book more than 100 years old

• A book based entirely on its cover

• A book you were supposed to read in school but didn’t

• A memoir

• A book you can finish in a day

• A book with antonyms in the title

• A book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit

• A book that came out the year you were born

• A book with bad reviews

• A trilogy

• A book from your childhood

• A book with a love triangle

• A book set in the future

• A book set in high school

• A book with a color in the title

• A book that made you cry

• A book with magic

• A graphic novel

• A book by an author you’ve never read before

• A book you own but have never read

• A book that takes place in your home town

• A book that was originally written in a different language

• A book set during Christmas

• A book written by an author with your same initials

• A play

• A banned book

• A book based on or turned into a TV show

• A book you started but never finished

Join me on this reading challenge!