On my mind...

My job continually reminds me how short life is on this precious Earth, and today was no different.

I have the utmost respect for families that have a family member who is diagnosed with a terminal illness or cancer.

Or for those whose baby has died in childbirth or at a young age.

They stand strong.  They respect their family members wishes.  They are there for them. 

To me, this has to be the hardest job to endure, yet, they are doing what they can.  And that's what matters. 

Being on the outside, I don't usually know their story.  I just see them, for who they are, right now. 

I find it hard to put into words on what I want to convey through this post.  The people I have met through this job, my customers, will forever change my outlook on life. 

To smile and joke with me, when you aren't sure if you will be alive in the next 45 days, shakes me to my inner core.  I am amazed at the strength and courage these people possess. 

I am inspired. 

Today, I stopped.  I stepped back.  And I said thank you. 

My life, all 23 years, has been amazing.  Simply put, perfect.

I couldn't have asked for anything more.  I am so very blessed.

Remember and celebrate every day, milestone, moment.  Life is short. 

New Years Resolution...

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? 

I used to...

They would last approximately a week...maybe two if I was lucky.

Then they would be done. 

Usually it involved eating more healthy and exercising...yes I know...how original am I?

This year I think I had my New Year's Resolution come to life in the middle of the year, August to be exact.  I needed something different in my life...something new, less stressful, and maybe a little more rewarding.  My life has changed so much in the past 5 months, yet been the same as well...funny how things work out that way.  After switching jobs in August, I have been happier...found more joy in life, and appreciated everything I have a little more.  I started taking care of myself by exercising with my husband everyday, I found myself being thankful more often.  I helped coach a group of cheerleaders to a state title, I ran a 7 mile cross country race.  I celebrated one year of marriage with my husband, Jason.  And Jason went back to college this August as well.  I have found a great outlet and spot to take my thoughts...here...on this blog. 

I will not have a New Year's Resolution this year...

I am going to continue doing what makes me happy.

-Celebrate the little joys in life.
-Coach cheerleading.
-Bake and cook more.
-Read books.
-Live in the moment.
-Be spontaneous.
-Pray more.
-Take care of myself.
-Make memories.

No pressure this year to keep a New Year's Resolution for more than a week...I made a Life Resolution, and it's really been working out great for me!

Christmastime is here...

do you have all your cards sent?

are the presents wrapped and under the tree?

is the baking done and ready to be eaten? 

is the tree trimmed?

is the sidewalk shoveled?

is the wreath hung on the door?

are you ready for this?

or, have you maybe forgot the true meaning of Christmas? 

Sometimes, it's ok to forget about all those things I mentioned above, the cards, presents, tree, and shoveling.  Think about this Christmas and those who mean so very much to you.  Material things should not have a hold of your heart...that iPod you have been hoping for, or that pair of earrings you have been hinting about are things that will be forgotten much faster than the memories you have made with the people you love. Think about all God has blessed you with.  Where would we be if God hadn't sent his son to Earth?  When you think about it that way, presents don't really make sense anymore do they?   
If you still are not really getting what I mean, check out this video, Linus has a clear meaning of what the season means...

After being so very busy these past few weeks with work, cheerleading, Jason with school, wrestling meets and basketball games, and teaching religion, I can hardly wait for tomorrow.  Why?  I have nothing planned that I need to be at.  I have the entire evening to be with the one person who understands me better than anyone in the world.  Who wouldn't want that for Christmas?

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for....

• Jason...he makes me squirt milk out of my nose because he is so dang funny...who wouldn't want to spend their life with their best friend?
• My mom and dad...they are always there...always...I am blessed to have them as parents.  I love you mom and dad!
• My siblings...because they bring the best out of me! : )
• My Mother and Father-in Law...they shared their son with me and welcomed me into the family with open arms.  Thank you for all you have done for us this year, Dick and Kathy. 
• All of the in-law siblings and neice and nephew...Andy, Holly, Bridget, Adam, Justin, Danna, Titus, Cici, I LOVE spending time with all of you as often as I can!  You all mean so much to me, words can't express how blessed I feel when I get to see you guys!! : )
• Working at a job that I love...
• Being a coach to a great group of girls who love what they do...and coaching with Kristi who is as driven and passioniate about cheerleading as I am.
• Where I am today...I am happy, blessed, and thankful....life is better than ever.  I often ask myself how I got so lucky...how the puzzle called life fell into just the right spots to make me so happy.  I couldn't ask to have anything more than that. 

3 questions for you and me

If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
--I don't know on this one.  I really like my job, so I think I would maybe go part time?  I would actually let my husband quit his job first.  He works hard and does a good job even if he doesn't love what he is doing.

To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
--Well, I have always been a leader of some sort.  If I was passionate about something, the sky was the limit.  I worked hard in school.  Not because I had to, but because I wanted to.  I wasn't a traditional "college student."  I worked almost 40 hours a week between two jobs when I went to NIACC, and then 44 hours full time when I went to Upper Iowa.  Not sure on this time in my life if I was more concerned about money or school.  I wish I would have lived in a dorm.  I have wondered what that would have been like.  But who knows if I would have been lazy and not done my homework.  When I worked for Sherwin-Williams I was somewhat miserable.  I wasn't doing what I really truly wanted to do yet.  And now, I am satisfied at this job, but still curious as to what is out there.  I am glad I made the move though. 
I think I have totally controlled my course of life.  I chose this path, and I excelled to the best of my ability. 

If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don't like, and like so many things we don't do?
--Things I don't like:  washing dishes, paying bills, lots of other random things.
--Things I like:  traveling, spending time with family, shopping, relaxing.
I think you choose what you want to do and how/when you want to do it when it comes to this question.  I hate washing the dishes.  So we bought a new faucet that has a button on it to make it spray instead of just pour out...this is small, but I liked it so now I am semi okay with doing dishes.  Yes, I know it seems stupid, but it really did make it better for me! Paying bills is a given...sure no one wants to fork over their hard earned cash for heat and water instead of a new pair of shoes, but that's life!  Deal!  I looooove seeing new places.  Traveling is huge for me.  Jason and I want to see things.  We have already been to Mexico, New York City, and Texas together.  We have dreams of seeing Oregon, NYC again, and maybe another tropical place?  I spend time with family whenever I can...those are moments you can't get back, and if I have to rearrange my schedule to do it...so be it! 
If you want something bad enough, and have the drive to get it, you can do it.  It takes time, but anything is possible!!

I like these...they made me think a little bit : ) 

Go Huskies!!

I was offered the N-P Assistant Cheerleading coach position today and I took it! I was a cheerleader all through high school and LOVED it! I did a little volunteer coaching at Charles City right after I graduated and liked that, so I know this will be a great thing for me to do! I will be busy, that is for sure, but I can't wait!
Cheerleading brought out the best of me and kept me out and away from trouble too...=) I can't wait to be a mentor for the girls and help them to achieve all the goals they have set for this year!