A wonderful beginning

On January 5th I took the GRE, which is the Graduate Record Examination. Pretty much, it's the SAT for graduate school. I was so nervous because I felt like I hadn't had much time to study for it. Well, I'm sure you all know by now- but I made 350 points more than I needed to get into grad school!!! WOOHOO! Now, I just have to start working on grad school applications. What a wonderful way to start off the new year.

On a different note, I didn't make many "New Year's Resolutions" because I am starting to feel that just because it's a new year, doesn't mean that's the only time you should make goals. So, I am just continuing goals I made last year.

I am constantly amazed at how quickly life is flying by me. I am really starting to realize the importance of living to the fullest and working on becoming a much better person. With that- I leave you all with a quote I recently discovered:
"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." ~Life's Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Happy New Year's!

For New Year's Eve, a group from the branch decided to go to ATL to see the peach drop. As usual, I am game for anything. It was an interesting experience and I can't believe just how many people do the same. The crazy part- the peach is FLAT! I don't know why, but that shocked me........ haha! It was fun, though, to ring in the new year with such a wonderful group of friends! I am excited to see what 2010 holds!

My little bro got married!!!

Yesterday, Matthew got married to a wonderful girl named Alexa. It was a beautiful day and it was wonderful to be able to help them celebrate such a wonderful day. Don't have much more to say than that! :) I am super proud of him and excited for them both as they embark on their new adventure as a family. They are going to have some wonderful years together!

Heated seat warmers

So, yesterday I had the lovely pleasure of running an 8K with Josh & Natalie. I always love to hang out with them because it seems like we are always laughing! Alright...... so, before the race begins, we go to the restroom. No one is leaving as we walk in. Remember that! So, Madison just built this new town square with a beautiful restroom. As I sit down, I notice how warm the seat is.... and I'm thinking- WOW, heated seat warmers. They went to some serious lengths to make sure the visitors are comfy. Who cares, I LOVE it! ;) So, when I step out of the stall- I ask Natalie how she enjoyed her seat warmer. Her response, what? I repeated. She said- there aren't seat warmers. This continues. Eventually, we head back to the restroom immediately before the race begins....... guess what?! No seat warmers!!! Only me.
Anyway, the above pic is of the three of us right after the race!

Holidays are here.....

Well, when the holiday season started I noticed I was feeling something I've never before felt. I was a scrooge!! I didn't care whether or not the season came and I just wanted it to hurry past. I've put up NO decorations- and to be quite honest, didn't plan on doing anything at my house. If you know me well, my favorite time of year is from Thanksgiving until New Years!! I LIVE for that time. I know, I've been through alot, as people are so swift to point out....... but still!!!

SO, yesterday was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. I do believe I cried through almost ALL of it!!! My amazing wonderful friend sitting next to me leaned over in the middle and said "it IS dusty in here". Haha, how did I get such wonderful understanding friends?! Anyway, I really needed to hear the words that were spoken- about how this season is about Christ. Well, to continue that thought- I got my ensign today. I opened it and decided to read a little in between classes. Let's just say- another reality check. This isn't a depressing holiday season- even when you've gone through a divorce and have no idea where your life is headed! This is a season of light and direction. It's a season of pure love and wonderful families! It's a season when we have the opportunity to serve others and really get a small taste of what eternity will be. I am not alone- nor will I ever be. I am getting blessed with an even larger family than I was blessed with when I started this mortal life! AND- I get to be with them for eternity. So, even though I am single- I will never be alone, as long as we all make the choices that lead us closer to our Father in Heaven. So, now- I can say, without any hesitation, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!

Here are some race pics

So, there are a couple! I just wanted to add some thoughts..... while I was out there jogging I was amazed at how impossible it seemed, just a year ago, that I would ever jog 13.1 miles! And yet, on race day, the miles and time just rushed by. Now, when people find out that I ran a half marathon they say- I could never do that. I just think to myself, you really could- it's all about your mental determination! At the end of the race, when you realize that you did that- all by yourself...... well, it's impossible to understand the emotions that came to me that day. I don't think any other day will be as special to me as the 2 hours and 38 minutes I spent running where a horrible civil war battle raged. I am excited to see where I am headed next in life and see what kind of race, running and just living, I will be a part of.
I am amazed, still, at the thought that I could accomplish a half marathon. It makes me think about how many other things I have said "I can't do that" to. Never again. :)

Well, Thanksgiving is fast approaching, so one last thought: I am so grateful for the love of all my family and friends throughout the years. I know I haven't always been the easiest person to love, yet they have always been there. :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Race day came and went....

So, it's official!!! I am hooked on racing! I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED doing my half marathon in Chickamauga. It was gorgeous, thought provoking, and exhilarating. I don't have any pics of me from the actual race yet, but they will be coming soon. Next up- full marathon!!! WOOHOO! The picture above was while we were waiting for dinner, I decided to test out all the kid's things (train, merry go round, etc). And I casually invited my brothers (okay, I commanded them, but still....) to join in for a photo op! I'm such a wonderful sister!!! The weekend was amazing, and words can't describe how wonderful it was to have my daddy and brothers cheering me on! They really helped motivate me to run just a little further! Families are AMAZING!