I'm a Mormon

10. Run a Marathon

Ok so obviously I never ran the STG Marathon. I didn't get picked for the lottery. I am contemplating trying to sign up again but have not yet made a firm decision. But I will let you know that I have been training for a 1/2 Marathon. Yes, and I have even stuck to the training so far. I decided about 7 weeks ago that I needed to give myself a present to myself for my 30th birthday. Something I could work on that would make me feel accomplished when completed. So since I have always wanted to become a runner,(you know the type: fit bodies, addicted to running, always bragging about their last 20 miler) I signed up for the Provo City 1/2 on May 5th. A day after my 30th birthday. I have really enjoyed training. I have yet to become a "runner" but I enjoy the satisfaction I feel after defeating a steep, never-ending hill or running longer and farther than I ever have in my life. I maybe slow but just like to tortoise in the tortoise and the hare I will complete, let's be honest probably not win, the race. A few weeks ago I ran 12, yesterday I ran 9. This is a miracle. If you know me at all you know that about 7 weeks ago I could barely run 3 miles without dying out and wanting to cry. Yesterday after my run I felt like I could have kept going. Now I realize that this only gets me half way to my goal but I feel like if I can make it halfway it won't be too long until I will be able to make it all the way. I'll let you know how it all pans out in a few short weeks. Maybe even post a personal picture.

#28 See Les Miserables

I have been accomplishing items on my list without even realizing it. On November 3, 2011 I had the opportunity to attend the Dixie High School presentation of Les Miserables. I have always loved the music but had never seen the play, so I was very excited when 3 of my Young Women announced that they would be performing in the production. Being the good leader that I am I purchased a ticket from each of my Young Women. I invited Ashlee and Tim to join me. I was pleasantly surprised. The high school students did such a good job. Jean Valjean's and Fantine's voices were incredible. I was astounded at their abilities. The rest of the cast also did a excellent job. The experience only wet my appetite I look forward to seeing a professional production in the future.

#21 Take Voice Lessons

I forgot that this was even on my list. I did take voice lessons for about 2 months from a friend in my ward. She has a beautiful voice and although I don't sound like her, if feel that I have improved. I learned how to open my voice and make it sound more rich and I just think since I tried to cultivate a talent the Lord blessed me. It was fun but I think that I will stick to singing in my car at the top of my lungs. I will not be performing at Carnegie Hall anytime soon, but it was still a lot of fun to learn something new.

Curse of Mediocrity Update

My last post sounded so negative. This summer was a bit of a dark time in my life. I have since turned my attitude around and am enjoying all life has to offer; including the bumps and bruises along the way. Soon after the previous post my brother Taylor came and lived with me for a semester. I love that kid!! We had a lot of fun together and he helped to bring me out of my funk. He has since moved on to bigger a better things, a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I have not returned to the depressing girl of the past. I do have a new job which is fulfilling and has helped me to reach a greater financial security. Taylor and a new job were great medicine but I was finally cured of my negative attitude when I committed my life more fully to my Heavenly Father. I am far from perfect and have so much to work on but true happiness really does come from living the Gospel to the utmost of your ability. "His was is the only way that leads to happiness in the life and eternal life in the world to come." I am so grateful for this gospel and the testimony I have of its truthfulness. I am so proud of my brother for deciding to help others find the truth for two years of his life. I am happy and that is all that matters. I still dream big but the grass is not greener on the other side it is green enough right under my feet. Single, married, mother, aunt, rich, poor, skinny, fat... these titles don't matter. All that matters is that I know who I am, I am a daughter of God, He loves me, and that I live my life to show my love back to Him by keeping his commandments. So please disregard the previous post. Life is oh so good!!

The curse of Mediocrity

The following post has nothing to do with my list but is does have everything to do with the mediocrity that has become my life. As a high school student I always dreamed of what my life would be like. Those dreams consisted of a handsome, athletic husband, 5 well-behaved healthy children who had a successful mother and a lifestyle not of riches but of comfort. As I evaluate my current lifestyle I am sad to say that none of my dreams have even begun to come true. Not only am I not married I have never been married; therefore since I follow my religious beliefs it goes without saying that there are not five well-behaved healthy children running around. Although I enjoy the work I do and have t good time with my coworkers I have progressed as far as I can in my current profession. I also am not living a comfortable lifestyle but one, no matter how frugal I am, in which I barely survive from paycheck to paycheck. Sure I have a wonderful family and many great friends who I have shared so many memories, but where did I get off my dream path and fall into this pit of mediocrity? How do I build my ladder to get out of this pit? Do I have the ability or am I going to be stuck in this pit forever?

#10 Run a Marathon

I have always wanted to be a runner. When I see others running I think to myself,"What a good hobby and escape from the world. I wish I was a runner." After talking to my friend Camille I have decided to attempt to run the St. George Marathon this upcoming October 1st. 26.2 miles is a long way to run. Especially since the longest I have run to date is a 5k. But I just printed off my beginners training schedule from here and I plan on starting my 6 month regimen tomorrow. I am scared to do this. I really, really want to succeed but I am afraid that I will give up. I am an excellent starter but a horrible finisher when it comes to goals. Maybe, just maybe this will help me overcome this nasty shortcoming I have and help me gain a passion for running. So here's to training and ultimately a 26.2 run from yours truly. I just have to remind myself that the joy is in the journey and that the older I get the harder it will be to run that far.