Resources Updated

I appreciate all the sweet comments and awesome ideas from everyone. Thanks for your love and support. I decided that I should share my blessings as well as my complaints in transitioning to a new home. After this post I emailed one of my visiting teachers (an adorable college student who lives nearby) on a long shot. And guess what? She said yes! Turns out she's done some house/animal sitting in the past with large dogs and has no problems staying with Josser while we are out of town! WHAT A RELIEF! I don't think she'll ever know the burden she has lifted from Joe and I. I am also blessed with more wonderful friends who've offered their assistance as well, from visiting to taking Josser for walks. So, though I may still wonder where to get my groceries or who should cut Joe's hair (because he sure as h*** won't let me do it), I am at peace knowing that in the essentials I have many wonderful, amazing resources available to me through my friends. Thank you ladies! I love you a million kit kat bars!

I am grateful to the Lord for reminding me that He is my best resource and can provide anything that I need. And I am grateful for those who are willing to answer His call and to be instruments in His hands. Again, I love you! All of you... near and far!

Missing my resources from home

It's funny how you take for granted the little things, like knowing the best grocery store or the right shop for car repairs. I have a whole list of "service providers" I took for granted while living in Utah. I knew where to go to get which item and the places to stay away from. It was easy. It made sense. Now I'm lost. I'm constantly flip flopping over Safeway or Giant (or should I be going to Wal-Mart?). I haven't found a car place yet I like and don't get me started on "trying on" doctors. I haven't even touched that one yet. Add to that the search for restaurants (italian, mexican, burgers, breakfast, etc), a great hair cutter, a store that sells in bulk (because honestly, the Costco out here sells organic, not big), movie theaters, clothing shops and any other daily need place and it seems too overwhelming sometimes. I've been able to find most of what I need through people in the ward, but it's different. It's the unknown and I am definitely out of my comfort zone.

Most recently--today, in fact--I was reminded again how much I miss the resources I had back home. I'm flying back later this month to visit and Joe will be joining me for the last few days of the trip. That leaves us with one ginormous puppy dog without any owners. In Utah I could turn to my vet. It was easy and inexpensive. I trusted them. They knew me and my Josser. They didn't care that he is "vocal" or a Pit Bull. But out here is a different story. We live where we live because it was the only place that would accept us with "that breed." And now I'm finding the same problem finding a temporary home for him. I'm crying now, having just hung up with what seemed like the perfect place for him (a million... almost... phone calls later), because once more he (and I) have been rejected because of his breed. And while I LOVE our new vet, they don't provide boarding services.

So, where do I go? How do I provide for Josser while we are gone? I haven't even begun to ask my friends yet... how can I push our 70 pound mass of muscle and craziness on them? They have pets and kids and a life. And Josser has special needs (any who know him could testify to that!). Maybe if I could leave him alone without the kennel I'd feel better. At least he'd have space to move around (like in a dog run). Then someone would only have to stop by twice a day to provide food, water and a potty break. But I can't leave without locking him up. He freaks (unfortunately my anxiety issues have rubbed off on him). He whines. He goes crazy. And I don't feel good about leaving him in a kennel for 20+ hours a day. So what is left? What do I do? I just don't know.

I do know I'm too tired to keep searching today. Maybe tomorrow will hold new answers.

Tired but Fruitful

As I mentioned in my exercise review, I haven't been well. Sleep isn't working out and food does NOT love me anymore. But while I've been unable to be physically active, I have kept my mind busy at work developing publicity material for an upcoming stake RS event. It felt good to use those skills again and made me grateful for the time I spent at the RSB honing those skills. I discovered that, EVENTUALLY, everything does work together for our greater good.

Here are a couple of jpegs of the poster & flyer I created for the event. I'm happy with them (and please note these are drafts only). I also created a matching background for a blog we may or may not be using (waiting for approval). But feel free to check it out at http://allworktogether.blogspot.com/.

Exercise Review Week 4 (3/1-3/6)

So I've decided to change the title seeing as how I'm having to adjust my C25k program due to weather and laziness. So now it will just be my Exercise Review!

Monday
35 min walking
36 oz of water

Tuesday
23 min C25k program (W3)
10 min walking
Full stretch routine
33.8 oz of water

Wednesday
20 min pilates (beginner)
Full strength routine
24 oz of water

Thursday
Nada
20 oz of water

Friday
Nada
50 oz of water

Saturday
Nothing
Didn't record water intake

Sleep is definitely reaking havoc with my emotions and my commitment to exercising. My sleep progressively got worse last week and I can see it in my daily activity and eating habits. I've GOT to get back to my schedule! I mentioned it last week, but now I am overwhelmed with the data that shows a direct correlation between good sleep and my increased ability to function. The upside is that I have been avoiding this post because I felt my performance last week was horrible but (after actually typing this out) I realized I didn't do so bad. 3 days of activity is more than pre-C25k.

This week I've been sick since Sunday. I think lunch today was my second meal in almost 3 days. So i'm going to continue to rest and hopefully jump back in to exercising/running next week. Oh! And I found some decent running shoes at Costco (thanks for the tip, Chantel!). They are WAY better than my 8-year-old tennis shoes I've been using for running.

Quick Goal Review for Week 5
1. Rest
2. Increase water intake back to the 48 oz per day
3. Love myself... forgive a week of being sick
4. Get back on my sleep schedule!

Coolest Sock Hop EVER!

I wish I had chronicled this night just after it happened (back on February 27th). My mind seems to lose more and more info the older I get. Oh well! Better late than never, I suppose. It really was an awesome evening of live music, dancing, hoola hooping and limbo-ing. Costumes were optional so I was surprised at how many came dressed up! There were tons of poodle skirts and T-Birds walking around, including the little kids. Can I just say that poodle skirts on little toddler girls are ADORABLE!!! Even Joe and I attended in costume. For my skirt I chose a polka dot fabric instead of the traditional felt with poodle. I REALLY like how it turned out, especially considering I didn't use a pattern. Let's just call that one a learning experience! Joe wore his jeans, a white T and a leather jacket and blended right in with most of the guys, hehe. We should have taken a picture with all those guys being so matchy-matchy!

The live music was incredible! It was provided by talent from the ward and while most reminded me of the T-Birds singing cousins, one guy (Brother "C" I'll call him) looked just like a Beattle! Anyway, Joe danced every dance and spun me around the floor. It was a wonderful (even magical evening) that provided great entertainment to adults, youth and kids. Which, actually really surprised me. I'll be honest... when I first heard of the sock hop I was thinking adults only. When I found out the WHOLE family was invited I was a little disappointed thinking it wouldn't be as much fun. I am SO glad the activities committee proved me wrong. I don't think the evening would have been as wonderful without the youth and kids there. I loved watching daddies and daughters dance together and mommies and sons swing around the room. Like I said, a magical wonderful evening.

I didn't get a lot of pictures (should have changed out the batteries before we left!), but here are some I borrowed from friends who were better prepared than I.

The atmosphere in the gym was lively and fun. The activities committee really went above and beyond in creating a memorable evening.

The skirt! No pattern. No instructions. Just trial and error... and believe you me there was a LOT of error! But that's okay; it all worked out in the end and it was fun to try my hand at "free form" sewing.

The Cechinis and us. It was fun helping Annie make her poodle skirt (complete with Snoopy... SO cute!). Hers we did with a pattern. I've learned I'm MUCH better that way.

Upclose with the Cechinis (pronounced Chu-key-nee).

Chantel, Austin and Soren next to Sister McKay (whose coordinating outfit with her husband landed them as Best Dressed Couple... or would have if we had that division).

Chantel with her son Owen. Seriously amazing mom and woman!

This is the most awesomemest YW leader ever, Catherine, with her husband Brian. I am SO blessed to serve as the advisor under her for the Mia Maids. Not only is she wise, but she is a BLAST to be with. So far we've stayed outta trouble, but it's only a matter of time, hehe. We love this couple!!!

I won't mention names here because I don't know how they feel about it, but this is the family responsible for the rockin' awesome evening. Sister "She-who-shall-not-be-named-because-I-don't-know-if-I-can-and-not-because-she's-evil" and her committee put a lot of time and energy into pulling this off. I love that she incorporated EVERY age group so well. Instead of the running/screaming children like I've seen at ward activities in other places, kids were either dancing, participating in the games, or working on a HUGE marshmellow project in the back. Thanks TEAM for a wonderful ward activity!

Some of my beautiful and oh-so-wonderful young women. Altheda and Genevieve are sisters (cool names, huh!), and then is Rachel and far right is Kendra. I'm always amazed how much my heart grows to incorporate the new wonderful people in my life without having to let go of any of the old ones. My first set of young women are just as special to me as they were when I was serving them. I think about them on their birthdays (and almost every day) and, if possible, follow their lives via facebook and blogging. Now I have a new set of girls who fill my life with purpose and fulfillment. Their names have been added to my heart right next to the names of my original group. I hope all the girls I've ever served know how much I love them and that, no matter distance or time, they are always in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.

This cute little guy belongs to my friend E. He SO wanted his picture taken and I was more than happy to oblige. He and his brothers each dressed up as a different movie character from the 1950s.

The limbo was fun with both an adult and kids division. Gabe can go CRAZY low (like SERIOUSLY low). Actually, there were several adults with limbo abilities I previously thought impossible. My camera konked out here, but the winner was Mitzy (ADORABLE!!!) with skills riviling the mysterious folding people.

I was sad that I didn't snag some pictures of the hoola hoop contest or the swing competition. But it was all good times. Really I'm just excited Joe and I went, that he agreed to dress up (and no... hell hasn't frozen over), and that he danced with me. We're working on making it less than 10 years before he takes me dancing again, lol.

Thanks, Joe, for being a good sport and for making the Sock Hop both memorable and the best ever! Love you babe!

C25K Review Week 3 (2/22-2/27)

Monday
20.5 min C25K (week 2 skd)
28.5 min walking
Full stretch routine
64.9 oz of water

Tuesday
20 min pilates (beginner)
Full strength routine
72 oz of water

Wednesday
Walked every single aisle at Costco... does that count?
48 oz of water

Thursday
20 min pilates (buns & thighs)
Strenth routine
not enough water

Friday
20.5 min C25K program (week 2 skd)
5 min walking
Full stretch routine
40 oz of water

Saturday
20.5 min C25K program (week 2 skd)
19.5 min walking
Full stretch
not enough water

Discovered that running outside is SO different than running on a treadmill! My body felt like I was pushing a faster pace than in the gym (heavy breathing, exhaustion, etc), but it didn't feel like I was moving hardly at all. Weird! Need to make sure that at least one run each week is outdoors. Good news... my pants feel looser! Which is awesome. I can't say I was super successful eating healthy, but I think I improved. I also found out Costco has running shoes for $30. Need to check that out. And also reaffirmed that workign out with a friend is WAY better than going solo. Helps, too, that Marla and I report our daily actv to each other. Makes me feel more accountable.

My morning schedule has been slipping and I need to get back on track. Water intake was down and I felt it through dry skin and dryer lips. Ouch! Also discovered I need to do some instep strengthening to help with an old injury.

Quick Goal Review for Week 4
1. 3 days of the C to 5k program (week 3 schedule) w/stretching... at least one session outside
2. Pilates & strengthen on "off" days
3. 48 oz of water every day by dinner time (GET BACK ON TRACK!)
4. Healthier meal choices (cont'd)
5. Daily instep strengthening (yay for Annie's ballet techniques!