It seems my blog has turned into a travel log which suggests that I
live a boring life and have nothing exciting enough or worthy to post except
for my travel adventures. Truth is I
very rarely have a dull moment in my life, but I tend to only post when I have
pictures and I only remember to take pictures when I am traveling.
I should write about how truly blessed I feel to have busy days because
I know so many amazing people who enrich my life so much. I have a fabulous family who I love dearly
and cherish the time we are all together.
It doesn't happen often enough! I also have awesome friends who have
become so dear to me and I love to be with them. It is people that make life enjoyable and my
normal, everyday life is filled with wonderful things such as:
·
Receiving a Halloween card in the mail from a
friend who simply wanted to say thinking of you and thanks for your
friendship.
·
A phone call from a nephew who asked if he could
come play at my house.
·
A text from a friend to hang out on a Friday
night since I haven’t been around and we needed to catch up.
·
An invitation to dinner at a friend’s house to
enjoy an evening visiting with a friend who is in town for a short time.
·
People wanting me to join them to play a doubles
tennis match.
·
My nephew's baby blessing and a wonderful weekend
with family.
·
Invitations from friends to join them for
Thanksgiving.
·
Texts from previous co-workers just saying hello.
·
Phone calls from previous co-workers who still
value my opinion and insight even though after two years I feel like I have
forgotten a lot and not much help anymore!
·
Friends who want to plan a fun adventure at
Christmas time.
·
A phone call and e-mails from a friend who
currently lives in Haiti.
·
Phone tag with a friend who moved back to
Illinois.
·
Motivation to train since I signed up for
another race.
·
Insight, thoughtful questions, and great
conversation.
·
A friend willing to enjoy the sunshine with me
and go golfing.
·
Sunday phone calls with Mom.
All but one of these things were within the past 3 weeks. This is my life. These are the reasons I feel so loved. I often laugh when friends want to meet up and
the first time I am available is 3 weeks away! I definitely stay busy and
sometimes get annoyed when I don’t have time to do laundry, go grocery
shopping, study for an upcoming test, plan my Sunday lesson, or simply sleep
in, but then I step back and realize how lonely life would be if I said “no”
and how sad I would be if I pass up opportunities to spend time with those I
love. I hope I have chosen the better
part.
Looking back on blog posts I came across one in June 2012 titled, “I
love my life”. I realized that life
hasn't changed very much and I am still just as busy, so that is why I've
titled this one “I still love my life!”
Staying busy has not changed, but what has changed is a better
appreciation for the small and simple pleasures in life, deeper and more
meaningful conversations I have with friends and family, a stronger bond of
friendship I enjoy with a few close friends, and the strength I recognize which
comes only from the gospel. Life is good!
With that, here are some pictures from my recent adventures to
Steamboat Springs, Las Vegas, and Seattle.
I’ll start with the most recent trip - Seattle!
I went to Seattle (Oct 12-17, 2013) and met my new nephew. He is a cutie!!!
Mom and all her kids were there. I'm glad her mission president commanded her to come!
Jared was so cute with Tyler. It was as if they were instantly best buds!
Always fun to hang with my sisters! Love these gals!
He was chatting with Grandma and happy as could be! So cute!
We found shirts at the market that say, "I can't remember... am I the good twin or the evil twin?" Vote now!
This is one of my most favorite pictures. I love that Tyler is giving Mom the "I love you sign"!
Such a wonderful trip! Beautiful weather, beautiful baby, and so great to see everyone! I love you all!
To be continued.... Las Vegas!
Okay, here are Vegas Pictures! Sorry it took so long to get these posted!
Every year my work does a recharge event. This year it was held in Vegas (Oct 11th & 12th). Work pays for me and a guest to attend, so I invited my friend Heather to join me. We had a fun work event on Friday evening and then Saturday was a free day to explore and have fun.
Friday's event was a spin off of "cash cab"... it was Cash Limo instead! So we were divided into teams, piled into limos and were asked trivia questions as we headed to different destinations. My team took 2nd! Yay!
We went to a show Friday night after the Cash Limo event and dinner. It was amazing!
Made entirely out of chocolate!
Saw some wildlife while we were there! Hanging with Lions....
... and tigers...
... and no bears. Thank goodness! Dolphins are much less scary.
It was a fun, quick trip. I'm glad I have a friend willing to go on crazy adventures with me even if they are short! We left Friday morning and both of us flew out Saturday evening. I went straight from Vegas to Seattle- the fun just never ends!
Next up... Steamboat Springs....