Life so far....2011

Crazy and amazing times have happened so far this year. What a blessed year it has been. I returned from Europe in January and jumped right back into life. Taking calculus during Spring Semester and actually understanding it for the most part, at least the first several chapters. I decided it was time to start taking dating a bit more serious, or I guess you could say I should consider dating in general. I hadn't dated much since my divorce and had the desire to meet my eternal companion and move forward with life. So I did just that. I joined a dating website and met the most amazing man, Jared Gibb. It did take me quite some time to respond to his messages and his flirts but I finally did, as he would say. Then one night we chatted online and Jared got my phone number. Our first phone conversation was about 5 and a half hours, which if you know me is an absolute miracle as I do not talk on the phone much. Jared was living in Southern California but was coming to Utah to visit his brother, so we decided to meet on Presidents Day. It was the Tuesday or Wednesday before and Jared was entertaining the idea of just moving to Utah. This freaked me out a bit, because we hadn't even met face to face and I wondered what if this didn't work... Looking back now, I am so glad that he moved. He made the decision, began applying for jobs on line and had a phone interview the same day. Within days of moving to Utah, Jared was employed and our friendship and relationship was blooming. Our first date was amazing. Our first kiss was shocking... mainly because Jared leans in for this amazingly romantic kiss, and it all begins... then I stop after noticing a light bulb is out and simply state, I need to change out that lightbulb. That is me, always multi-tasking.

Life has been 100% amazing since I met Jared. He is my dream come true for my eternal companion. Jared is beyond supportive of me, my crazy ideas and desires and he allows me to do the same.

Jared and I have been dating every since and have enjoyed getting to know each other, our stregnths, our weaknesses, our quirkes... what a joy it has been getting to know Jared and having him there and sharing my life with him.

Saturday, May 14th was an amazing day and boy did Jared get me good. A few weeks prior we had gone ring shopping, we had designed my ring and ordered it, or had it custom designed/made. So on the morning of the 14th we were off to Sierra West to pick up the ring. As we walk in, I am told that the ring isn't done. I was disappointed, but the final payment was made on the ring. Jared and I were then off to Bridal Veil Falls for a bit of hiking. Before we left, Jared leaves me in the car and runs back into Sierra West to see when the ring will be done, or so he says. The skies are darkening as we reach Provo Canyon, but a little rain never hurt anyone. On the drive down, I am giving Jared ideas of how to propose and how not to propose. I am sure his is just laughing during my suggestions and stories. Well we begin the hike and sure enough the skies open up and down comes the rain. As we head down the mountain, Jared stops, puts his arms around me and says, "will you do me a favor?" I answer yes, he then says will you marry me? I of course answer yes, he then brings his hand around in front of my face with my gorgeous ring on it... yes he got me good and I love it!

February thru May of 2011

Europe Trip!

New Year, 2011

Well here it is, another year has past and a new year has begun. 2010 was very interesting and eventful, from work to school to vacations. I was blest to have the opportunity to visit Disneyland with my wonderful babies from another mother and their mom. It was perfect. I love seeing the excitement in children at the happiest place on earth.

At the end of the year, I was able to spend 2 and a half weeks in Europe with my younger brother and my mom! It was the first Christmas in 6 years that we have spent Christmas together. I love Europe. This trip we visited Salzburg Austria, which is where we spent Christmas, and then several cities in Germany; Mannheim, Trier, Ladenburg, Heddisheim, Frankfurt and Heidlburg. A small jaunt was also taken to Luxembourg. I could live in Europe in a heartbeat. I am slowly learning German and this trip I was more able to listen and not to think in Spanish. I love the time that I was able to spend with my brother, who is one of my best friends and my mom. It was very cold and wet during our trip, each day was overcast, with the exception of one where the blue skies tried to peak thru. I wouldn't trade those memories and experiences for anything.

In looking forward to 2011, even though January is half over, there is so much to accomplish this year. Some of my goals are to complete Calculus I and II, to take one vacation (at least), to date... yes I said date. It has been 2 and a half years since my divorce was final and I feel it is time to get out and start to meet gentlemen and perhaps even get into a relationship. Who knows what this year will hold, it will be wonderful.

I am looking forward to this year and all that it hold! May 2011 bless all of my dear friends and family. Thank you for always standing by me and being so supportive! Love you all!

THE ONES WHO DO

Here's to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things.

They invent. They imagine. They heal.
They explore. They create. They inspire.
They push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.

While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world, are the ones who do.
-Apple

Oh the Places You'll Go

OH, THE PLACES YOU`LL GO!
``You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You`re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who`ll decide where to go...`` - What a great quote by Dr. Seuss!


This great article about this quote from Dr. Seuss that was written by a woman named Jacqueline Wales.She writes the following:

You have brains in your head. Stepping out of our own way is the biggest challenge for most people. We over think, or under think, and many times the thinking is completely skewed in the wrong direction. Using our brains is what changing our thinking is all about. Move from the negativity to the positive and learn how to embrace your fearless self, removing doubts and anxieties that are currently stopping you from being your best self now.

Feet in your shoes. How many of us are standing in our own shoes? It took me years to realize that I was walking in someone else's. It was a proud day when I could say they were mine. Don't be walking someone else's path, and don't go trying to wear shoes that don't fit you. Pinched feet are painful. Leave them at home.

Steer yourself in any direction you choose. Choosing a direction is the hardest part. What do you really want for yourself? Where do you really want to go. Once you decide on that, then take every possible action to get yourself where you want to go.

You're on your own. That much is clear. We are totally responsible for EVERYTHING that happens in our life, whether wittingly or unwittingly, we have made a choice or a decision that brought us into the circumstance or event in our life. Being responsible for each and every aspect of your life means you're on your own, but you are not alone. Everyone is right there beside you.

You know what you know. It's all inside of you. The questions and the answers. Trust yourself more. Fear is essentially our lack of trust that we have all the answers, that we can control our life. We are stronger than we think, and we KNOW a lot. Trust you more often.

You are the one who'll decide where to go. It's your life. Learn how to embrace it, and allow it to unfold the way you want it to be. Be Fearless: See Where It Gets You! You will be surprised at what you find.

Three Words

The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.

1. Let me help
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.

2. I understand you
People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in so many little ways - that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to any relationship.

3. I respect you
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

4. I miss you
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how important you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say "I miss you."

5. Maybe you're right
This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The implication when you say "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting, "Maybe I’m wrong". Let's face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you normally do is solidify the other person's point of view. They, or you, will not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other person.

6. Please forgive me
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

7. I thank you
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

8. Count on me
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship. It is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating "you can count on me."

9. I'll be there
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase "I'll be there." Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

10. Go for it
We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."

11. Bonus: I love you

Perhaps the most important three words that you can say are telling someone that you truly love them. This satisfies a person's deepest emotional needs; the need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words: "I love you." Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone. "