On the Run!

THANKSgiving day 7 is dedicated to something that is not high on my "favorites" list...running. It's something that my sister and I picked up a few years ago, for heaven knows what reason! When we decided to start running we decided that when we entered a race, we wanted it to be for a good cause, and so that's what we did. We've done a few races, and with the exception of the Harry Potter run (who could resist that?!) they have helped with raising awareness for various causes. This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the Purple Dash 5k, a race that promotes epilepsy awareness. It's near and dear to my heart, and I am grateful for the chance to participate.
This year was even more special because for the first time, two aspects of my world collided. Thinking about it earlier that week had me near tears, and the actual event saw the leakage break through. It was so beautiful and special, and made me so thankful for all of the wonderful people that I am blessed with!

Goobies

THANKSgiving Day 6 is super easy...I am thankful for good friends, laughter, and Friday night naps! Tonight Jessie and Meg came up for a visit, and it has been so good for my soul! I have known these two amazing women for 10 years now, and I can honestly say that I am a better person for it! They know me-all of the little weird things, the big weird things, all of the weird things in between, and they still talk to me and like me! It's a win-win situation! It's so nice to spend time with friends you haven't seen in a while, but still can pick up as if it hasn't been months. This is the mark of a true friendship. A friendship that will last through the ages. My soul has been uplifted and rejuvenated. Thank you, Red, for the nap! ;) And thank you, Megara, for the new "friends!" Love you both! Also, a big thank you to R & W for bringing some noise and fun into my home!

The Question

Every year I struggle with the same question: when is it socially acceptable to begin listening to Christmas music? On November 1 one radio station began playing non-stop Christmas music. I would listen to a song or two every now and then, but yesterday when it began to snow I decided that I could officially listen to Christmas music whenever I wanted, and I could be proud of it. It sounds silly, but it was freeing for me. As I've been listening to these familiar and beloved songs I have felt my heart become softer and more kind. I have felt myself being turned more towards my Savior, and I am working harder to do as He would do, and treat others the way in which He would treat them. This is one of the blessings of Christmas music in my life-it turns my heart more towards the Savior. I know that there are people who loathe Christmas music until December 1, but for me, it's a spiritual journey. I am thankful to have it on the radio, and I am thankful for my softened heart. Be ye forewarned! If ye ride in me car, 'twill be Christmas music a playin'!

Good teamwork, Team!

In high school I never participated in any team sports. I don't remember doing a lot of team/group projects either. I know the phrase, "There is no I in team," but haven't had much use to apply it. My first year teaching I was having a conversation with my psych and a student, and the psych told my student that we were all on his team. The student stopped and said, "Wait, I have a team? You're on my team?" It was a defining moment for this kid as he realized that there was a team of people ready to love and support him, and that we were all on the same side, fighting for him. He made some great strides after that.
 That "ah-ha" moment has always stood out to me. I have struggled to find my "team" over the past few years...but I have had my "team" moment this year. My team at school is amazing. We are blending together so well, and it is a really good vibe! I am especially grateful for my partner in crime! She cracks me up, lifts me up, and fires me up! I am so blessed to work with some amazing people, and thankful to have them as my team! Go team, go! Thanksgiving Day 4 is dedicated to you!

Just Enough

Today's THANKSgiving post is going to be a little backwards...I just spent the past few minutes spending all of my money. On bills. Because I'm a grown up. And that's what grown ups do. But, I am grateful to have the bills because it means that I have a roof over my head that is temperature controlled, an education that provided me with the opportunity to have a job that I love, and a car to take me where I need to be, and I have the internet to keep me occupied (and post this blog!). Though I would like to keep some of that money, I am grateful for the things that it pays for. I am blessed to have enough to meet my needs, and even have some fun now and then! So day 3 is dedicated to you, my bills! Live it up because come tomorrow I may not be as happy that you took all of my money. :)

"Grown Ups"

A long, long time ago, in a city far, far away, a bright-eyed 18 year old met someone who would become a kindred spirit, a BFF. These two kindred spirits had the best time together in college, so much so that they decided that when they were "grown ups" and got "grown up" jobs, they would live together. Years passed and their lives took them in different directions, but still, the dream of living together as "grown ups" remained.
One day the two kindred spirits discovered that they had, despite their best efforts, become "grown ups", and even better, they had "grown up" jobs. And so it was settled: the kindred spirits set out to find a place to live.
They searched far and wide, ghetto to the lap of luxury. The perfect place was elusive, and just when they thought that they would never have a place to live, they found it. It wasn't perfect, but it was theirs! They moved in on a cold winter day, and their new lives as "cool grown ups" began.

I have learned a lot in the nearly two years that I have been living with Anna! I always tell people that Anna is a saint to put up with me and all of my craziness! I'm sure that it was a lot to take in at first, but now she takes it all with stride! Anna is a great friend to have around, and she makes an excellent conscience! (PS-Anna, I really do need that mug!) She is also one of the rocks in my life. I know that when things get tough, she is there for me. She has learned to speak "Amanda," even when it is covered in tears. And she doesn't laugh too much when I cry over ridiculous things. (Ex: last night I cried over a wedding in "Parks and Rec" it was pretty crazy!) I feel like everyday I learn to value and understand Anna just a little more. I am so grateful to have her in my life, and to be roommates. I love our traditions, and the random things that we decide to do along the way. I have learned so much from Anna, and hope that I am a fraction of the person for her that she is for me. Anna Miller, you rock! Day 2 of THANKSgiving is dedicated to you!

Whale Mating Calls, or Fast Sunday

It would seem that I have neglected my blog for 11 months...oops! But, it's that time of year when we get to reflect a little more on the things that we are thankful for. Thus begins THANKSgiving.

Day 1
Today was fast and testimony meeting at church. Forever ago, when I was at CEU, my friends and I would joke on fast Sunday that the louder your stomach growls, the more you were feeling the Spirit. Boy, was I feeling the Spirit today! Occasionally I wondered if perhaps my stomach had learned some whale mating calls and was calling out, looking for it's soulmate. No one answered, but there's always next month. :)
As I sat through testimony meeting, trying to quiet the beast, I thought about how blessed I am to have the opportunity to fast. It's such a simple gesture: going without food and water for 24 hours, but the Spirit that it brings into my life is amazing. I feel drawn closer to my Father in Heaven and my Savior. I have witnessed so many miracles as a result of fasting and prayer. It's a simple thing that brings so many blessings. This is what I am thankful for today-the opportunity to fast and feel an extra measure of the Spirit. So bring on the whale mating calls-the end result is worth it!