May 16, 2013
losing touch
So...basically I feel like I've lost touch with this blog, the readers (if you still exist), my writing skills, and anything else to do with Something Inconvenient. It was a great chapter in my life, I don't regret a single word I've posted or thought I've shared, but I think it's time to start something new. Clean slate, fresh pair of panties, new beginning, you get the idea. Stay tuned for information on my new project, I'll hope you'll join me there!
March 20, 2013
“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
More often than not, I wonder why I even bother making plans. Whether my plans be after-work plans, workout plans, weekend plans, vacation plans, career plans, social plans, or romance plans, these plans of mine hardly ever come to fruition.
I was reading this post from a few months back during my lunch break today. Remember these great plans I had made?? Remember how none of them came to be?? I was going to change the world!! Okay, maybe not the world but my life circumstances for sure.
Again, why do I even bother??
Then I remembered how many things have happened in spite of my plans. A beginning to a career I love, dating an incredible man, deciding to marry that incredible man, finding a place to live, meeting some people who can help me get where I want to be in 15 or 20 years...the list goes on. Seriously, God, the world, and life have been so good to me.
So now my question is why do I bother trying so hard to make my plans happen?? Clearly I can't predict the future. I mean, if I could, I wouldn't try so hard to do things that weren't supposed to happen. Talk about wasted energy. And usually money too.
So here's to the next set of plans I know I'll make but that won't really happen. And here's to knowing that whatever does happen will be so much better than what I had planned.
Cheers!!
*credit to T. Swift for the title quote
I was reading this post from a few months back during my lunch break today. Remember these great plans I had made?? Remember how none of them came to be?? I was going to change the world!! Okay, maybe not the world but my life circumstances for sure.
Again, why do I even bother??
Then I remembered how many things have happened in spite of my plans. A beginning to a career I love, dating an incredible man, deciding to marry that incredible man, finding a place to live, meeting some people who can help me get where I want to be in 15 or 20 years...the list goes on. Seriously, God, the world, and life have been so good to me.
So now my question is why do I bother trying so hard to make my plans happen?? Clearly I can't predict the future. I mean, if I could, I wouldn't try so hard to do things that weren't supposed to happen. Talk about wasted energy. And usually money too.
So here's to the next set of plans I know I'll make but that won't really happen. And here's to knowing that whatever does happen will be so much better than what I had planned.
Cheers!!
*credit to T. Swift for the title quote
March 19, 2013
movin' on up
Silly Google Reader.
I'm moving to Bloglovin.
Follow me??
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5587801/?claim=mewbxa8f7ab">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
I'm moving to Bloglovin.
Follow me??
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5587801/?claim=mewbxa8f7ab">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
February 21, 2013
January 28, 2013
pretty sure THIS one's a keeper
True story: About a year and a half ago, I met a guy in my singles ward. We shall call him SWG (or SWAG if you prefer), for singles-ward-guy of course. Little did we know we had the exact same group of friends in high school, but SWAG and I didn't meet until 5 years later. We became insta-friends. Like, insta-best friends. We spent every day together for 3 weeks. It was fun.
Then SWAG started dating a girl he was dating right before we met. Insta-friendship severed. Don't get me wrong, we stayed in touch and sat by each other every week at church, but that was the extent of our friendship.
Six months later, I met someone at stake speed dating (shouldn't that have been my first red flag??) who I thought was going to be "the one". (Now, let me know clarify: I don't believe in soulmates, love at first sight, blah blah blah. But, I do believe that I will be married only once...hence "the one".) We shall call him SSDB, for stake-speed-dating-boy of course. He's the person I titled "pretty sure he's a keeper" after. Well, after a six-month rollercoaster of a relationship, I ended things. Yes, I ended them. Go me!! It wasn't too much longer after that SWAG re-entered my life in a way I never expected.
Remember that post from fall 2011 in which I posted a picture of me jet-skiing with a boy?? A really tan one?? Yup, that's SWAG. His name is Wes. I like to call him Westley James. He's cute. I like him.
Anyway...SWAG was patient enough to semi-wait for me while I was dating SSDB over the summer. And he was patient enough to wait (not semi-wait, actually wait for me this time) while I figured out the aftermath of the SSDB relationship and tried to not date anyone, including him (shouldn't that have been my first opposite-of-red flag??). What kind of a man does that?? After running out of excuses to not date SWAG, I figured I should give it a shot. I mean, really--he's cute (in a manly way since cute isn't manly), kind, patient, caring, intelligent, driven, gospel-centered, and he wanted to date me (who does that??).
Well, 3-4 months later--since we can't decide how long we've been dating--here we are. And I think I'm happier than I've ever been or ever thought possible!! Why did I wait so long??
That's all I wanted to post about. I don't care if you like it or not. I just wanted to brag.
The end.
***other possible post titles included "the post in which i ask far too many questions" and "the post in which i use far too many parentheses***
Then SWAG started dating a girl he was dating right before we met. Insta-friendship severed. Don't get me wrong, we stayed in touch and sat by each other every week at church, but that was the extent of our friendship.
Six months later, I met someone at stake speed dating (shouldn't that have been my first red flag??) who I thought was going to be "the one". (Now, let me know clarify: I don't believe in soulmates, love at first sight, blah blah blah. But, I do believe that I will be married only once...hence "the one".) We shall call him SSDB, for stake-speed-dating-boy of course. He's the person I titled "pretty sure he's a keeper" after. Well, after a six-month rollercoaster of a relationship, I ended things. Yes, I ended them. Go me!! It wasn't too much longer after that SWAG re-entered my life in a way I never expected.
Remember that post from fall 2011 in which I posted a picture of me jet-skiing with a boy?? A really tan one?? Yup, that's SWAG. His name is Wes. I like to call him Westley James. He's cute. I like him.
Anyway...SWAG was patient enough to semi-wait for me while I was dating SSDB over the summer. And he was patient enough to wait (not semi-wait, actually wait for me this time) while I figured out the aftermath of the SSDB relationship and tried to not date anyone, including him (shouldn't that have been my first opposite-of-red flag??). What kind of a man does that?? After running out of excuses to not date SWAG, I figured I should give it a shot. I mean, really--he's cute (in a manly way since cute isn't manly), kind, patient, caring, intelligent, driven, gospel-centered, and he wanted to date me (who does that??).
Well, 3-4 months later--since we can't decide how long we've been dating--here we are. And I think I'm happier than I've ever been or ever thought possible!! Why did I wait so long??
That's all I wanted to post about. I don't care if you like it or not. I just wanted to brag.
The end.
***other possible post titles included "the post in which i ask far too many questions" and "the post in which i use far too many parentheses***
January 12, 2013
successful failure
Week 1 of #lifestylechangenotresolution was somewhat of a success, somewhat of a failure. I was reminded of the importance and blessings of service. I was reminded of the power of reading and praying every single day. I was reminded of how greatly a healthy, more-balanced-than-usual diet can improve your energy levels and attitude. I was reminded of the importance of writing things down, such as these lifestyle changes.
On the other hand, I was reminded of how little I actually plan giving service to others. I was reminded of how much I've been missing from regular, consistent gospel study. I was reminded of how poorly I ate (and not only that, but how much I actually like my horrific diet). I was reminded of the proposed lifestyle changes I didn't accomplish.
One of the wonderful things of recognizing and accepting failure is that you can choose how that failure impacts the future. After looking at the things I've been reminded of, both good and bad, I've chosen to learn from my short-comings. On my bathroom mirror, I've written "Start each day with a clean slate". No matter how poorly I do, how many changes I fail to cross of my list each day, I can start over the following morning.
This truth dawned on me when Friday night I crossed of only 3 of my 15 proposed daily habits. 3 OF STINKIN 15!! I also realized I hadn't worked out once this week!! Blech, the pit in my stomach was awful. But as I went into my bathroom to engage in my nightly routine (1 of the 3 habits I could honestly cross of my list), I saw the reminder on my mirror of the clean slate awaiting me in the morning. I was beyond relieved that no matter how much I didn't accomplish, all that mattered was my reaction in the morning. Was I going to let my failure get my down? Was I going to use my failure as an excuse to stop creating good habits? Or could I use it as a catalyst to start bright and early to ensure I had enough time to complete everything for the day and the week that remained to be accomplished? Luckily, I chose the latter and now I can honestly say that I've accomplished everything I set out to do for the day and the week. Go me!!
President Uchtdorf in the October 2012 General Conference said, "Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents."
I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who is always on our side. He is always willing to help us accomplish whatever we set our hearts and minds to, if only we ask. He wants us to succeed in not only our eyes, but in His eyes as well. He knows what is important to us and how we can become who we want to be. He also knows how we can become who He wants us to be. I truly believe that my lifestyle changes will help me become more of who I want to be as well as more of who He wants me to be. I will learn more about myself, find new talents and things I love, and learn more of the Father's plan for me. I know that if I ask for His help in accomplishing what I've set out to do, He will provide me with opportunities and promptings that will help me get closer to my goal. And for that, I am grateful.
On the other hand, I was reminded of how little I actually plan giving service to others. I was reminded of how much I've been missing from regular, consistent gospel study. I was reminded of how poorly I ate (and not only that, but how much I actually like my horrific diet). I was reminded of the proposed lifestyle changes I didn't accomplish.
One of the wonderful things of recognizing and accepting failure is that you can choose how that failure impacts the future. After looking at the things I've been reminded of, both good and bad, I've chosen to learn from my short-comings. On my bathroom mirror, I've written "Start each day with a clean slate". No matter how poorly I do, how many changes I fail to cross of my list each day, I can start over the following morning.
This truth dawned on me when Friday night I crossed of only 3 of my 15 proposed daily habits. 3 OF STINKIN 15!! I also realized I hadn't worked out once this week!! Blech, the pit in my stomach was awful. But as I went into my bathroom to engage in my nightly routine (1 of the 3 habits I could honestly cross of my list), I saw the reminder on my mirror of the clean slate awaiting me in the morning. I was beyond relieved that no matter how much I didn't accomplish, all that mattered was my reaction in the morning. Was I going to let my failure get my down? Was I going to use my failure as an excuse to stop creating good habits? Or could I use it as a catalyst to start bright and early to ensure I had enough time to complete everything for the day and the week that remained to be accomplished? Luckily, I chose the latter and now I can honestly say that I've accomplished everything I set out to do for the day and the week. Go me!!
President Uchtdorf in the October 2012 General Conference said, "Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents."
I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who is always on our side. He is always willing to help us accomplish whatever we set our hearts and minds to, if only we ask. He wants us to succeed in not only our eyes, but in His eyes as well. He knows what is important to us and how we can become who we want to be. He also knows how we can become who He wants us to be. I truly believe that my lifestyle changes will help me become more of who I want to be as well as more of who He wants me to be. I will learn more about myself, find new talents and things I love, and learn more of the Father's plan for me. I know that if I ask for His help in accomplishing what I've set out to do, He will provide me with opportunities and promptings that will help me get closer to my goal. And for that, I am grateful.
January 8, 2013
yum yum bagels
Today I was able to fulfill one of my daily "lifestyle changes" in a miraculous way. One of my proposed daily habits is to "perform one small act of service". Over the weekend, I didn't really give much thought to it beyond thinking back on my day and deciding that some act I had done was good enough to call service. Last night, I got sick of passively fulfilling my service duty so I specifically prayed for something to be brought to my attention to fulfill daily habit number 14.
I LOVE Einstein's Bagels. Holy cow, I drive 8 miles nearly every day for lunch to get a bagel...or two. Today was a two-bagel day. On my way into the parking lot, I noticed an older man standing on the corner with a sign that simply said, "Please Help". I wrestled with myself as to whether or not I should buy three bagels and give him the excess--that seemed to go against my monthly habit of setting a budged and sticking to it, which I had done just yesterday. I decided buying three bagels was silly and I could just give him one of my pre-determined two bagels and some cash on the side. As I left the shop and drove out of the parking lot, I quickly pulled over, rolled down my window, handed him the bagel and cash, told him to enjoy his day, and prepared to drive away. Just as I was about to roll up my window, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and thanked me for the food and money.
I have not been touched by someone's gratitude in a very long time. My days typically consist of working with children, all of whom I love, but who rarely utter a "thank you". I guess it's just not in their nature yet, or maybe they don't realize the hard work educators put into their jobs. When I get home, I try not to burden my family, friends, or significant other with bad things that happened that day, how I feel taken for granted at times, or other struggles I may have. So having this one man whose name I don't even know tearfully thank me for a simple bagel and money?? What a day-maker!!
It wasn't until I was a few miles down the road I realized I had fulfilled daily habit 14. I couldn't believe I had done something that seemed so small to me, but apparently significant to someone else, without a hidden motivation. And what's even better is that I felt so much happier than I had before lunch!! Service has a funny way of doing that: blessing the giver more than the receiver.
Lessons learned from today's outing:
1. The Lord truly does hear and answer prayers, sometimes as quickly as the next day.
2. Service is never a bad thing.
3. I have a pretty great life. The fact that I can afford to buy an extra bagel and give it away along with a small amount of money is more than a lot of other people have.
4. Gratitude is important, no matter to whom the gratitude is shown.
5. Never, ever ignore a prompting. Promptings lead to miraculous things.
I LOVE Einstein's Bagels. Holy cow, I drive 8 miles nearly every day for lunch to get a bagel...or two. Today was a two-bagel day. On my way into the parking lot, I noticed an older man standing on the corner with a sign that simply said, "Please Help". I wrestled with myself as to whether or not I should buy three bagels and give him the excess--that seemed to go against my monthly habit of setting a budged and sticking to it, which I had done just yesterday. I decided buying three bagels was silly and I could just give him one of my pre-determined two bagels and some cash on the side. As I left the shop and drove out of the parking lot, I quickly pulled over, rolled down my window, handed him the bagel and cash, told him to enjoy his day, and prepared to drive away. Just as I was about to roll up my window, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and thanked me for the food and money.
I have not been touched by someone's gratitude in a very long time. My days typically consist of working with children, all of whom I love, but who rarely utter a "thank you". I guess it's just not in their nature yet, or maybe they don't realize the hard work educators put into their jobs. When I get home, I try not to burden my family, friends, or significant other with bad things that happened that day, how I feel taken for granted at times, or other struggles I may have. So having this one man whose name I don't even know tearfully thank me for a simple bagel and money?? What a day-maker!!
It wasn't until I was a few miles down the road I realized I had fulfilled daily habit 14. I couldn't believe I had done something that seemed so small to me, but apparently significant to someone else, without a hidden motivation. And what's even better is that I felt so much happier than I had before lunch!! Service has a funny way of doing that: blessing the giver more than the receiver.
Lessons learned from today's outing:
1. The Lord truly does hear and answer prayers, sometimes as quickly as the next day.
2. Service is never a bad thing.
3. I have a pretty great life. The fact that I can afford to buy an extra bagel and give it away along with a small amount of money is more than a lot of other people have.
4. Gratitude is important, no matter to whom the gratitude is shown.
5. Never, ever ignore a prompting. Promptings lead to miraculous things.
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