The MoonWalk

Well, Matea and I have begun our moonwalk challenge. We have a video of our first attempt; however, I am having trouble uploading it for some reason to the blog. It is actually really funny because clearly neither or us have any idea what we are doing. Thank goodness for you-tube though. This is the beginning of a very fun challenge and a great way to spend time with my friend Matea.

The Next CHALLENGE

Today I begin two new 30 day challenges. One with Drew and one with Matea. It is fun that people I care about have decided to join me for challenges!! (Anyone else is welcome jump on the wagon too!)

Drew and I are going to be memorizing scriptures in the hopes of enriching our understanding of God and His word and growing to more fully love, appreciate and treasure those things that He has taught. Not only are we going to memorize them, but we are going to critically think about how they apply to us and will be discussing them every day.

Matea and I are going to be doing a 30 day dance challenge. I am honestly not sure as we begin this one how it will serve to enrich my life, but I am sure that it will be fun. We will be attempting to learn three different dances, or dance moves. First, the MOONWALK!!!! I have always wanted to be able to moonwalk. Second, we are going to learn the Thriller dance! This one is going to be a bit of an undertaking, but we are committed, right Matea? Leaving the MJ theme third we are learning the dance from the movie "Hitch". Good thing Matea has the movie because I haven't even seen it, apparently, it is a really funny dance moves though.

Stay tuned for videos and updates on the dance challenge. Yes, we are going to video tape ourselves attempting and then succeeding in mastering these dances.

P.S. Just a side note as well, my Mum is currently challenging herself to learn how to juggle three balls. AND, her next planned challenge is to learn how to text message!! GO MUM!!!!!!!!!

Not Just An Isolated Event

Today is Day 30 of my picture a day challenge. I was talking about these challenges on Sunday night with Drew and mentioned to him that I didn't want them to be just isolated events, that I wanted them to become part of a better me. So, I asked myself why was I taking these pictures. Initially it was just fun to document my comings and goings, my thoughts, and sometimes my rants, however as I look back at what I have accomplished, I realize that the habit I have integrated into my life is good.

Writing a few thoughts each day has been fun and therapeutic. It is neat to look back even now after 30 days and realize the things that I have accomplished. To think about the fun I have had and to even recognize change in myself.

President Eyring in a General Conference talk from the October 2007 conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints tells a story that has been on my mind for the past few days. When President Eyring's family was young, his father-in-law who lived near him came out of President Eyring's house carrying an arm load of pipes. He had been helping the family to build a system to pump water to the house. As Presidenty Eyring was thinking of all his father-in-law was doing for him, a voice came into his mind, that was not his own saying, "I'm not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down." So, he did just that, he went in the house and began to write.

He continues by saying, "I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done."

I have never been very good at journal writing, mostly recording events, feelings and impressions sporadically. I know that there is real value in recording details of my life, not only for myself and my own self-reflection, but for the future family that I desire to have. My own family is very fortunate to have the record of my Grandma's life. She died when she was 96 and even at that age, each day she recorded a few details of what was happening in her life. What a blessing it has been to me, and will be to my future children, to know who she was because of the things that she wrote.

So, with all of this in mind, I am committing to writing a few lines each day. The picture I took this morning is of a journal I found in amongst some of my things. I want these challenges to enrich my life. And, I know that they will as I let them. I am going to write in a journal. I am going to use President Eyring's question, "Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch me today" as my guide. I am confident that as I being this exercise that I will become more acutely aware of His presence in my life, of the blessings He has bestowed upon me and of His plan for my life.

I LOVE Books!!

It has been said that "a house without books is like a room without windows". And that, "reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body". I complete agree with both of these statements. Since I was a little girl books have been a way for me to learn, make friends, and challenge my thinking.

Last night I finished To Kill A Mockingbird for the umpteenth time. I think perhaps since I first read it in high school I have devoured it at least three times a year. It is one of my favourite books of all time. It is a book about social justice or perhaps injustice, gender roles, racism, role models, courage, innocence and coming of age. I suppose that it stirs in me a desire to change for the better. A desire to reevaluate myself, who I am, where I come from and to examine the values, ideals, and even prejudices that dictate my thoughts and actions. It is interesting to note that Harper Lee described her own novel as "a simple love story".

Kinsey invited me to go to the movie "The Help" with her. I had not heard anything about it, so of course I googled it. Naturally, this movie is based on a book. I am a firm believer that you should never let a movie ruin a good book and so I decided to read it first. I only just started it, but it seems that it may have similar themes as To Kill A Mockingbird. This book is set in Mississippi, and "the help" refers to black maids working in white homes. I am sure that it will be a book charged with racial tensions, complex relationships and ultimately a call for radical change.

There is an old Chinese saying that says, "to read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one". So, it was nice to meet my old friends Scout, Jem, Atticus and of course Boo Radley again, and here's to new friends I have yet to meet in the book The Help!!

Tennis!!!!

It is a well known fact that sports are not my forte. I do not run, it is so joint jarring. I can't shoot a basketball. Even as a teacher, kids on the playground would want to stand behind me because they could easily get me out. Skating, well let's just say that I only know how to stop by running into the boards. I recently learned that I do not stink at catch as much as I thought, but that doesn't really count because the ball was being thrown directly at me. However, playing the actual game of softball is just embarrassing! And, I could go on and on. I do however, swim like a fish, well maybe not like a fish, but you get the picture, and I LOVE to play tennis!

Just because I love to play it doesn't mean that I am an expert by any measure, but at least I can hit the ball over the net. Tonight was a beautiful night to play. It was cool outside, but not cold. And, there wasn't a breath of wind. Fall is coming and that means that in the city some of the tennis courts are already beginning to be dismantled, nets and fences alike. Fortunately, this is not the case with all the courts.

I was certainly grateful tonight for a tennis partner who was patiently helping me to work on improving my skills. And for one who doesn't play down to my level, but who challenges me to play to his level, thereby learning and strengthening my skills.

Palm Reading

This is not the most spiritual posts for a Sunday and now as I am typing this it might be a touch sacrilegious, but it sure was fun. Also, for the record this picture was taken on Saturday, but so close to midnight that I think it counts for today.

A group of friends and I headed to Calgary for a girls weekend. We ate out and then stayed at a hotel that had water slides and had such a fun time. There may have also been some synchronized swimming involved in the pool, but without permission to reveal the truth, I can neither officially confirm or deny that allegation.

Here Brette is reading my palm. (If you look in the background you can see Kristy eating a bowl of ice cream, my bowl was just out of this picture to my left.) Anyway back to the palm reading...I am not going to go over the art of palm reading, mostly because I don't know much about the art of palm reading, but I am going to reveal the result of the session, as presented by Brette who is pretty much an expert.

I am a fire hand. The length of my fingers is shorter than the length of my palm. This means that I am enthusiastic, outgoing, impulsive and creative. Sounds pretty much like me. On the mount of Mercury, which is where the pinky joins the palm, I have a "teaching square". Phew, teaching was the right choice! My life line is long, so yeah for a long life. I have a long head line which means that I have a good quality mind and that I am dedicated to learning. My fate line is long and straight indicating life will be good for me. I do have a love line, but I can't remember what it reveals about me, darn it! And, of course that is all I can remember. So, it seems like based on this reading that life for me will be just peachy.

Honestly, I am not holding much stock in this reading, not because I distrust Brette, but ultimately because I know that for the most part I can make my life the way I want it. I know that the right to choice is a God given right. And, I think ultimately as I continue to choose to be happy and have faith, that no matter the bumps that come along in the road I will have a GREAT life.

A Wreath Extravaganza...almost!

You might have been tricked into thinking that considering the title of this post, I would be displaying a picture of a wreath. Gotcha!!!

Bright and early this morning Mandy, Drew and I arrived at Michaels. A Christmas wreath was the goal, but alas Christmas has not arrived at Michaels. Who would have thought that Michaels of all places would not have Christmas stuff out yet!! It's Michaels for goodness sake. How can one make Christmas wreath without supplies you might ask, well you can't. With Christmas on my mind, and the fact that they were only 75 cents, we decided to go for the next best thing... wooden paint and assemble for yourself toys just like Santa's elves might create.

From left to right, Drew's half finished boat, he is a very methodical craftsman, my catapult, which actually works and Mandy's biplane, complete with rotating propellor. Definitely one of the most fun Saturday mornings I have had in some time.

Connections

I cannot take credit for taking this photo, but viewed it on a website that I like called inspiration feed. As soon as I saw it, I knew that I needed to write about it.

One of the reasons that I love traveling is that when I visit other places, people and cultures, I feel connected to my human family. We are all children of a loving God and as such we are connected to each other by that love. I know that it is our responsibility to remember that connection when we deal with the people that we encounter every day. We have so much to teach each other.

I like this picture because it reminds me that an exchange of anything, whether it be information, ideas, goods or services, with someone else can have an even farther reaching impact that we could imagine. The truth is that the small choices that I make in Canada do affect others. I think because we often do not see the effect that we are quick to disregard the global consequences of our local actions.

In a world that is focused on just those things that are quick, easy and right in front of us, I worry that people are missing out on one of the great joys of life, learning from others. A narrow perspective leads to a narrow view on life. I know that as we are anxiously engaged in learning about and from the rest of the world that our character is change for the better and that tolerance, love and mutual respect increase.

Hope that didn't sound like too much of a soap box issue!

You Will Listen To Heather!!

This is my Heather!!! She is shown here, reasoning with a bearded dragon named Phoenix. Phoenix is a finicky eater and perhaps suffers from anorexia. The official diagnosis is yet to be determined, but it could also be a food allergy of some sort, that is, if reptiles even get food allergies. (Actually I made up that bit about the food allergy.) This is Heather's attempt to feed Phoenix a meal worm. You can tell by the look on Heather's face that things are not going well...and you can tell by the look on Phoenix's face that she doesn't really care! Heather was determined to feed Phoenix, while Phoenix was determined not to eat. In the end, one of these stubborn creatures had to win out. I am glad to report that Heather was the victor in this battle of agility, wits and ultimately gentle persuasion.

Heather is getting married in May. I am so excited for her and honoured to be one of her bride's maids. I know that she is going to be a fabulous wife to her husband, who will cherish, help and respect him. I know that she is going to be an amazing mother, and if the patience showed to this bearded dragon says anything about the way she will raise her future children, which for the record I think it does, they are going to be so blessed, as I have been, to have her in their lives. I LOVE you Heather!

Status Report: I just spoke with Heather and the diagnosis is in, no food allergies or anorexia, it is likely to have been a food preference problem after all...Phoenix loves to eat crickets! Chirp!!! I mean Crunch!!!!!

Teaching

I am a teacher! And, there are few things in my life that when I think about them make me happier. I love sharing my joy for learning and my passion for science with young people. I love building relationships with students and helping them to find success.

I am not teaching full time this year, but will be substitute teaching. Today I was so excited to be asked to fill in the grade 6 teacher at one of my old schools. What a great day we had, writing stories, investigating patterns in math, studying forest ecosystems in science, playing soccer, and discussing the global impact of 9/11.

I had mixed feelings leaving the school today. I know that it is the best choice for me to sub this year, but as I walked through the halls of the school today that old familiar excitement and yearning feeling returned in full force. Teaching full time is not a smart plan for me, by going back I run the risk of jeopardizing a future career in education. It is a long story to explain exactly how this is true, but needless to say, I have to be satisfied with substitute teaching at the moment.

Have you ever loved something so much, but couldn't figure out how to make it fit in your life?

Chief Mountain

My parents built their house so that from the front windows Chief Mountain can be seen. It is probably the most well known mountain in our area, as it is the most unique looking. For the Blackfoot people in Southern Alberta and Northern Montana it is sacred. For me, it has always been a constant. I can always count on it to stand tall and solid even when, at times, the world around me seems to be crumbling.

Today I have been thinking about constants, those things that I can count on. I know that I can count on the love of my family. I know I can count on the love of my Heavenly Father. I know I can count on second chances because of my Savior Jesus Christ. And, third and fourth and fifth for that matter. I know I can count on each day ending, allowing the beauty of a new and fresh start on the next. I know I can count on a ride on the back of a horse to make me feel free and invincible. I know I can count on hearing a baby laugh and feeling in that moment as if life couldn't get any better. And, this list goes on...

So, now when I lose sight of who I am and what is the most important to me, I know that I can look at Chief Mountain and remind myself of these constants, and have hope.

For The Beauty Of The Earth

Today, Drew, Kinsey, Brayden, Mitch and I went to Waterton for the day. And what a beautiful day!!! The sun was shining and the breeze was gentle and refreshing. I love Waterton and feel so blessed to live so close to such natural beauty.

We climbed up Red Rock Canyon, literally up the canyon. I only made it part of the way up because at one point climbing up a jagged rock face is the only path to continue on. I was certain I could get up, but very unsure about coming back down. So, fearing for my own life I stayed behind while the others went on ahead. You might think that I would get bored sitting by myself, but if that is what you think you would be wrong in this case. I really enjoyed the time to myself. I built a rock sculpture, acted as a greeter for other hikers who reached that point in the canyon, listened to the wind rustle through the leaves over my head, threw rocks in the swirling water and just sat and thought.

I know that I don't take enough time to just sit and be still. The Psalmist wrote, "Be still and know that I am God." Perhaps thinking of this verse and recalling now how at peace and how in tune with myself and with the Holy Ghost I felt today, I need to make a more conscientious effort to get to "know" God by being more still. In a world of noise, impulse, and instant messaging, taking time to sit quietly seems like a luxury. I do know that I can make time for this type of worship. That I need to make time for it.

I am grateful today for choosing to be left behind and for the time to contemplate not only the beauty around me, but the simplicity of God's voice. I am grateful for time spent thinking and the clarity of thought and the Spirit that accompanied this experience.

CAW! CAW!

I love playing games, well board games and card games that is. My favourite card game of all times is Rook. I grew up watching my parents play this game with their friends. So I guess you could say it is in my blood.

Tonight, Matea, Kinsey and I taught our friend Preston how to play. He was a very quick learner, which I was grateful for as he was my partner. Unfortunately Preston and I didn't win the game; however, spending time tonight with people that are important to me made the loss insignificant. Playing tonight with friends made me think of all the friends that I have spent extremely large quantities of time playing this game with. I do miss those old times, but I know that whenever we come together, no matter what has happened in our varied lives, we will always have Rook! Thanks friends!

Filled With Faith

This is my friend Ashley and I. She is one of the most courageous and faith filled people that I know. And I love her so much!! She knows what is right and has now shown her Heavenly Father by her actions that she chooses to follow Him.

Tonight she was baptized. She covenanted with her Heavenly Father to keep his commandments, to remember the sacrifice that Jesus Christ has made for her, and to take the Savior's name as her own. At baptism we promise to consecrate her life to building up God's kingdom on this Earth, to help and support other people, and to always go about doing good.

I was reminded of my own baptism 7 years ago. I am so glad to have made the decision to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a decision that for most of my life I never thought would be the one I would make; nevertheless it has helped me to learn, to grow and to be a better me. I know that as I continue, like Ashley, to be courageous and faithful that my life no matter how many challenges I face will be more rich and filled with loved.

I love you Ashley!

The 3R's...

I am all about the 3R's: reduce, reuse and recycle. One of my latest passions has been crocheting these bags. I make them out of plastic groceries bags. Thanks to these bags, the amount of plastic in landfills is reduced as I recycle the bags to crochet this product which are reusable.

I got the idea after finding a vendor at the local farmer's market who sells them. I asked her all about the bags and she provided me with a pattern.

I am definitely open to teaching anyone how to makes these! Or, just ask me and I will make you one. And, I am soon putting one on Ebay just to see what I can get for it, haha!

Dragon Flies

I love everything about nature, and when I saw this dragonfly today I was reminded why. The complexity masked by simplicity, the beauty, the colour and the perfection of form found in nature are inspiring.

It was initially the colour of this bug that drew my eye to it. I am sad that the picture could not adequately portray the iridescent red this guy (or gal) was. His wings so powerful that they can reach speeds of 60 km/h, yes so delicate that the slightest amount of pressure is damaging to them. Then, thinking that dragonflies have been on the Earth for over 200 million years, I was reminded that life is designed to survive. It is designed to adapt to change and to persist despite adversity. (I think that is a thought to consider in my own life when times get tough.)

It is when I surround myself with nature, and consider it's beauty and wonder, that I am reminded of the love of God. We know that God, our Heavenly Father, created this Earth for us. He knew that we would need a place to learn, to grow and to be inspired. I am then reminded how important it is to honour and respect God by honouring and respecting His creations. I hope that I can always be mindful of this important truth.