Recently I was asked to help plan a large event. I learned some very valuable things through this process.
Number one: I really dislike being in charge of big events. I can handle smaller functions, like baby showers and birthday parties. In fact I enjoy planning those, but being in charge of something huge, and having to make executive decisions stresses me out. Big time. I am more of a follower than a leader, meaning I am really good at showing up, bringing things, and being told what to do. I will do it! I don't like having to tell other people what to do, or how to do it. Unless you're family, or a dancer. Those are the only exceptions. In other words? Big events? No. Small events? Yes!
Number two: I am cranky when stressed. If I am overwhelmed by something, then I will more than likely snap at you. I don't mean too, but hey, who doesn't get a little snippy when overwhelmed.
Number three: I don't like large crowds of people! I am a shy person by nature, and therefore, would rather be in a small group of people that I know, or at home by myself, than out in a crowd of hundreds. I get overwhelmed by the noise, and chaos of the situation. You can imagine my anxiety then, at having to be in a room of 250 people because I was half in charge of the event taking place and worrying about what they think of said event and of me as a result. Its like putting an ant under a magnifying glass and saying, "now dance for me!" Yeah right!!! This ant is getting the heck out of dodge!
Long story short? Big things make me stress out, and I have some sort of social anxiety. Lessons learned? Take a break from the crowd every so often, and stick to people I know. Also, try to avoid being in charge of big events, if at all possible, but don't be afraid to offer assistance. Done.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Too Much to Choose From...
Have you ever had those moments in life where you can't decide what to do with yourself, because there are too many options? That's how I feel right now. There are so many things I want to do, so many things that I would love to learn to do, and so many other things that I would like to be able to say that I've done.
I have typically been the kind of person who would rather stand back and watch, then be in the spotlight, except when it came to dancing of course, but I have recently decided that I would like my turn to experience life, and find the freedom in pursuing a few of my dreams. I have so many!
The only problem with this way of thinking, is my timing. I just became a Mother less than a year ago, and my husband just went back to school. Time and money are not exactly things I have in abundance right now. But, I am still trying to pursue one or two of my passions. For instance, I have discovered that I have a love of writing. I enjoy putting pen on paper, or in this case letters on a computer screen, in a way that is witty and enjoyable to all who read those words. In light of this new found love of writing, I have started to write a children's book. I hope to publish it one day, and be able to say, "hey! I wrote that!"
I am still trying to decide which other passions to pursue, but am working at the ones I can do with my son in tow, and in the comfort of my own home.
I have typically been the kind of person who would rather stand back and watch, then be in the spotlight, except when it came to dancing of course, but I have recently decided that I would like my turn to experience life, and find the freedom in pursuing a few of my dreams. I have so many!
The only problem with this way of thinking, is my timing. I just became a Mother less than a year ago, and my husband just went back to school. Time and money are not exactly things I have in abundance right now. But, I am still trying to pursue one or two of my passions. For instance, I have discovered that I have a love of writing. I enjoy putting pen on paper, or in this case letters on a computer screen, in a way that is witty and enjoyable to all who read those words. In light of this new found love of writing, I have started to write a children's book. I hope to publish it one day, and be able to say, "hey! I wrote that!"
I am still trying to decide which other passions to pursue, but am working at the ones I can do with my son in tow, and in the comfort of my own home.
The Fence
Well, we finally did it. We put up a fence just over a month ago. We pulled together some help, from the Elder's Quorum in our ward, and got it mostly done in five hours. You would think that would be the end of our trespassing problems, but no. It wasn't.
We have had two different teenage boys, either break, or try to climb over our fence. I have caught them seperately twice, and Vince has caught them seperately twice as well. Well one night, I had had enough! We had just gotten home from running a few errands, and getting dinner, when we saw a teenage boy walking along the neighbors property like he had just hopped our fence. Vince and I start talking to him, and find out his name is William, and that he doesn't come through our yard too often (supposedly...). We told him to find another way around and he went on his way. We went inside the house and I pulled out my phone and called the police. I gave them a very good description, and they came out to our house. All they said was that we need to get a picture of the kid, otherwise there isn't much they can do.
The next morning, Vince heard noises in the backyard. We've both been quite jumpy since this whole thing started, as you can imagine. Come to find out, it was the same kid, William, poking his head over our fence. He had the nerve to ask if he could cut through our property just this once. Vince told him that if he did, he would take a picture of him, and send it to the police. William reluctantly got down off our fence and went a different way.
The good news is, we haven't seen either of the kids who were using our yard as a short-cut since. I hope they stay away! If they don't, I have a camera stashed next to the sliding glass door, and I will not hesitate to use it...
We have had two different teenage boys, either break, or try to climb over our fence. I have caught them seperately twice, and Vince has caught them seperately twice as well. Well one night, I had had enough! We had just gotten home from running a few errands, and getting dinner, when we saw a teenage boy walking along the neighbors property like he had just hopped our fence. Vince and I start talking to him, and find out his name is William, and that he doesn't come through our yard too often (supposedly...). We told him to find another way around and he went on his way. We went inside the house and I pulled out my phone and called the police. I gave them a very good description, and they came out to our house. All they said was that we need to get a picture of the kid, otherwise there isn't much they can do.
The next morning, Vince heard noises in the backyard. We've both been quite jumpy since this whole thing started, as you can imagine. Come to find out, it was the same kid, William, poking his head over our fence. He had the nerve to ask if he could cut through our property just this once. Vince told him that if he did, he would take a picture of him, and send it to the police. William reluctantly got down off our fence and went a different way.
The good news is, we haven't seen either of the kids who were using our yard as a short-cut since. I hope they stay away! If they don't, I have a camera stashed next to the sliding glass door, and I will not hesitate to use it...
Friday, September 7, 2012
Intruders: KEEP OUT!!!
Our house was abandoned for a few years before we moved in, and as a result, a lot of the kids like to use our yard as a short-cut to the neighborhood behind where we live. At first I tolerated it because the kids weren't doing anything harmful to our yard, and they seemed nice. They were simply passing through. Then our house got broken into. Ever since then, I have been paranoid that someone is going to break-in again, and that this time, we'll be home. I suspect that it was one, or a few, of the kids that use our yard as a short-cut.
Now, due to the break-in, we are going to be putting up a fence! As of September 22, 2012, our property will be closed off to trespassers. I will not hesitate to call the cops, if I see people on our property. This will definitely ease my mind, and help to create a safer environment for my family.
Now, due to the break-in, we are going to be putting up a fence! As of September 22, 2012, our property will be closed off to trespassers. I will not hesitate to call the cops, if I see people on our property. This will definitely ease my mind, and help to create a safer environment for my family.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Our Small Frame of Existence
Today I am reminded of how small and insignificant my wants and needs can be in this life, when compared to the Grand Scheme of things. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us that we cannot possibly understand and fathom. At the same time, the Lord takes our concerns, wants, and needs into consideration. He is so loving that He knows exactly what will comfort, bouy-up, lift, humble, strengthen, and guide us. He is all-seeing and all-knowing, and I owe my life to Him.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Steep Hills and Gradual Inclines
My favorite way to exercise currently is to go for walks around my new neighborhood since we recently moved and the weather here is gorgeous right now. Nathaniel loves the stroller and being outside, so really its a win win situation. I have noticed on our walks that there are several hills in our neck of the woods, and I have taken to walking up and down some of them. When Nathan and I are out, cruising along, I notice that not all hills are created equal! (I know, I have WAY too much time on my hands...). There are two types: steep hills and gradual inclines.
The first type of hill is a steep hill. You know, that type that are even hard to get up in a car, but don't generally last very long? Yeah those one. This is the hill that I have commited to walk up and down once a day, weather permitting, and excluding Sundays. This hill is a beast to climb! It only gets harder as you go up too, but I always think, if I can make it past such and such a point things will level out, and all will be well! I will feel accomplished, and eventually, stronger!
The next type of hill is a gradual incline. The road right that runs in front of my house is one of these types of hills. The incline starts off slowly, and gradually increases until leveling off somewhere past my house. This kind of hill may seem easier to climb, but can be deceiving. It may not be steep, but you are constantly working from start to finish. There is not so much of a "once I get past this point, I'll be fine," feeling. Its more of a "I just past what looked like the top, and I'm STILL climbing? Oeuf..." type of feeling.
Where am I going with this you ask? I really do have a point, and it is this: There are two kinds of trials, or "hills," in our lives. (There are probably more than this, but these are the two types I have discovered).
The first type is the "steep hill" type. The type of trial where there is a very real and definite end. Sometimes you can even see this end! For example: "If I just make it through my finals and pass, I am in the clear and can move on!" Or, "if I could just get this fever to break, I would know that everything is going to be alright." Or even, "if I could just get this child out of me, I won't have to go through this again for a VERY long time!!!" You get my point. These trials consist of a short but intense struggle, with it becoming the hardest towards the end, and then almost instantaneous, sometimes immediate, relief.
The second type of trial is the "gradual incline" type. This type of trial is harder to describe... Examples: Having an autoimmune disease. There are things that will help you heal, but they take time to take effect, and you have to put in a constant effort. There is not such a definite end. Grieving for someone or something is the same. It is a constant battle, with a clear start date, but no end date. Only the knowledge that things can and will improve in time. With this kind of trial all you can do is your best on a daily basis; making sure you are doing the things that you know will help. That being said, you don't notice "the end" of your trial nearly as much as you do with the steep hill. In fact, you may have completely overcome the trial and not even notice until asked by someone else, or it is brought to your attention.
Regardless of what kind of trial it is, we all have trials and struggles that feel like up hill battles. The point I am really trying to make is that whether steep or gradual, our loving Heavenly Father provided a Savior for us and therefore, a way out! "...if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
Therefore, hold on thy way ...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9
"34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." Doctrine and Covenants 6:34
I testify that through the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we can overcome all things. Even death. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
The first type of hill is a steep hill. You know, that type that are even hard to get up in a car, but don't generally last very long? Yeah those one. This is the hill that I have commited to walk up and down once a day, weather permitting, and excluding Sundays. This hill is a beast to climb! It only gets harder as you go up too, but I always think, if I can make it past such and such a point things will level out, and all will be well! I will feel accomplished, and eventually, stronger!
The next type of hill is a gradual incline. The road right that runs in front of my house is one of these types of hills. The incline starts off slowly, and gradually increases until leveling off somewhere past my house. This kind of hill may seem easier to climb, but can be deceiving. It may not be steep, but you are constantly working from start to finish. There is not so much of a "once I get past this point, I'll be fine," feeling. Its more of a "I just past what looked like the top, and I'm STILL climbing? Oeuf..." type of feeling.
Where am I going with this you ask? I really do have a point, and it is this: There are two kinds of trials, or "hills," in our lives. (There are probably more than this, but these are the two types I have discovered).
The first type is the "steep hill" type. The type of trial where there is a very real and definite end. Sometimes you can even see this end! For example: "If I just make it through my finals and pass, I am in the clear and can move on!" Or, "if I could just get this fever to break, I would know that everything is going to be alright." Or even, "if I could just get this child out of me, I won't have to go through this again for a VERY long time!!!" You get my point. These trials consist of a short but intense struggle, with it becoming the hardest towards the end, and then almost instantaneous, sometimes immediate, relief.
The second type of trial is the "gradual incline" type. This type of trial is harder to describe... Examples: Having an autoimmune disease. There are things that will help you heal, but they take time to take effect, and you have to put in a constant effort. There is not such a definite end. Grieving for someone or something is the same. It is a constant battle, with a clear start date, but no end date. Only the knowledge that things can and will improve in time. With this kind of trial all you can do is your best on a daily basis; making sure you are doing the things that you know will help. That being said, you don't notice "the end" of your trial nearly as much as you do with the steep hill. In fact, you may have completely overcome the trial and not even notice until asked by someone else, or it is brought to your attention.
Regardless of what kind of trial it is, we all have trials and struggles that feel like up hill battles. The point I am really trying to make is that whether steep or gradual, our loving Heavenly Father provided a Savior for us and therefore, a way out! "...if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
Therefore, hold on thy way ...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9
"34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." Doctrine and Covenants 6:34
I testify that through the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we can overcome all things. Even death. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A Child is Born
For anyone who is interested, here is Nathaniel's birth story:
Disclaimer: this is the hardest thing I have ever gone through, and I am not looking for sympathy, nor judgement. This is just an easier way of sharing the story for me than having to re-tell it over and over.
So on Sunday January 15th, I had done quite a lot, for a women who was 38 weeks pregnant. I had gone to church. Ok, that may not seem like a lot, but after 3 hours of waddling, getting up and down, and sitting in uncomfortable chairs and pews, I was beat! After we got home, I noticed that I had a slight headache. It wasn't bad, so I paid it no mind. Eventually, however, I did end up taking something for the pain in my head, as it got worse. Vince and I had also been invited to dinner that night by the Elder's Quorum President in our old ward, and we decided to go. While we were at dinner, I noticed my headache getting worse and I had some intense pain in my lower back around 9 pm. Once we got home from dinner, I took some more tylenol, and waited to see if it would kick in. My feet and ankles were also very, very swollen. The pains in my back continued, and my belly would harden up. (The thing I thought was wierd though, was that my stomach never really hurt when I was having contractions. It was just my back that hurt). After about an hour or so of waiting for the tylenol to work, my mom suggested calling the doctor. I went and called the after hours number, and they said the nurse would call me back. A few minutes later, I got a call from the nurse and she said to go in to the hospital and get checked (as the doctor's office was closed...).
So, at 11 pm, Vince and I grabbed the bags and headed for the hospital with no idea what to expect. I was just thinking it would be a regular check-up, and they would send me home. You can imagine my surprise when they told me I would be having my baby that night, one way or another. I was in shock! My blood pressure was high enough that I had Pre-eclampsia (toximia) and they were going to induce me to help convince baby to come sooner then he already was.
By this time it was midnight and I was in a state of panic. I had been given a gown, an iv, and was hooked up to a couple of monitors. I knew that the baby was supposed to come, but I didn't think that it was going to be right then! They put me on Magnesium to keep me from having a siezure due to the high blood pressure. The Magnesium made me feel terrible! It gave me hot flashes, and made me so tired, that I was sleeping between the less painful contractions. Thank goodness for a sweet husband who put cool damp rags on my forehead and neck, and fed me ice-chips. I got an epidural very early on, and at 2 am they started me on the Patocin (Oxytocin). I tried to sleep as much as I could with the nurses coming in to check, and take my blood pressure. The magnesium helped me sleep, but it wasn't restful. I kept waking up.
I don't remember a lot of what happened next except that at one point, the edipural wasn't covering the contractions in my back anymore. I pushed the little button, but to no avail. I talked options with the nurse, and I ended up getting a booster to the epidural put into my lower back. It didn't last long, and I was in pain again. By about 5 pm on Monday January 16th, I was in immense pain and I was 9 cm dialated. At 6:15 I started pushing, with the contractions that were coming in my back. The pain in my back was as though someone had stabbed me. Repeatedly. With something long and pointy. And to top it off, I had started to feel the contractions in my lower abs also. All I can say at this point is that I was half asleep, in the worst pain of my life, and I was supposed to bring a baby into the world. Talk about intimidating! I would push with the contractions, lay down and practically sleep, wake up when the pain was coming again, push, sleep and repeat the process again and again for the next hour and fifteen minutes. Thank goodness for a smart doctor, and amazing nurses who were encouraging, and very positive. I ended up needing an episiotimy, but the good news is, I didn't tear, and at 7:32 pm on January 16th my son was finally born!
We did it! Our beautiful baby boy was here, safe and sound, healthy and strong, and we had both survived the ordeal. He was 7 lbs. 11 oz. 20.5 inches long, and just perfect! We love him very much! This was hard and scary, but very worth it! We have the sweetest little boy! :)
Disclaimer: this is the hardest thing I have ever gone through, and I am not looking for sympathy, nor judgement. This is just an easier way of sharing the story for me than having to re-tell it over and over.
So on Sunday January 15th, I had done quite a lot, for a women who was 38 weeks pregnant. I had gone to church. Ok, that may not seem like a lot, but after 3 hours of waddling, getting up and down, and sitting in uncomfortable chairs and pews, I was beat! After we got home, I noticed that I had a slight headache. It wasn't bad, so I paid it no mind. Eventually, however, I did end up taking something for the pain in my head, as it got worse. Vince and I had also been invited to dinner that night by the Elder's Quorum President in our old ward, and we decided to go. While we were at dinner, I noticed my headache getting worse and I had some intense pain in my lower back around 9 pm. Once we got home from dinner, I took some more tylenol, and waited to see if it would kick in. My feet and ankles were also very, very swollen. The pains in my back continued, and my belly would harden up. (The thing I thought was wierd though, was that my stomach never really hurt when I was having contractions. It was just my back that hurt). After about an hour or so of waiting for the tylenol to work, my mom suggested calling the doctor. I went and called the after hours number, and they said the nurse would call me back. A few minutes later, I got a call from the nurse and she said to go in to the hospital and get checked (as the doctor's office was closed...).
So, at 11 pm, Vince and I grabbed the bags and headed for the hospital with no idea what to expect. I was just thinking it would be a regular check-up, and they would send me home. You can imagine my surprise when they told me I would be having my baby that night, one way or another. I was in shock! My blood pressure was high enough that I had Pre-eclampsia (toximia) and they were going to induce me to help convince baby to come sooner then he already was.
By this time it was midnight and I was in a state of panic. I had been given a gown, an iv, and was hooked up to a couple of monitors. I knew that the baby was supposed to come, but I didn't think that it was going to be right then! They put me on Magnesium to keep me from having a siezure due to the high blood pressure. The Magnesium made me feel terrible! It gave me hot flashes, and made me so tired, that I was sleeping between the less painful contractions. Thank goodness for a sweet husband who put cool damp rags on my forehead and neck, and fed me ice-chips. I got an epidural very early on, and at 2 am they started me on the Patocin (Oxytocin). I tried to sleep as much as I could with the nurses coming in to check, and take my blood pressure. The magnesium helped me sleep, but it wasn't restful. I kept waking up.
I don't remember a lot of what happened next except that at one point, the edipural wasn't covering the contractions in my back anymore. I pushed the little button, but to no avail. I talked options with the nurse, and I ended up getting a booster to the epidural put into my lower back. It didn't last long, and I was in pain again. By about 5 pm on Monday January 16th, I was in immense pain and I was 9 cm dialated. At 6:15 I started pushing, with the contractions that were coming in my back. The pain in my back was as though someone had stabbed me. Repeatedly. With something long and pointy. And to top it off, I had started to feel the contractions in my lower abs also. All I can say at this point is that I was half asleep, in the worst pain of my life, and I was supposed to bring a baby into the world. Talk about intimidating! I would push with the contractions, lay down and practically sleep, wake up when the pain was coming again, push, sleep and repeat the process again and again for the next hour and fifteen minutes. Thank goodness for a smart doctor, and amazing nurses who were encouraging, and very positive. I ended up needing an episiotimy, but the good news is, I didn't tear, and at 7:32 pm on January 16th my son was finally born!
We did it! Our beautiful baby boy was here, safe and sound, healthy and strong, and we had both survived the ordeal. He was 7 lbs. 11 oz. 20.5 inches long, and just perfect! We love him very much! This was hard and scary, but very worth it! We have the sweetest little boy! :)
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