Playing To Win

Most of the time in my life, I am playing to win. I work hard at trying to do what is right. I know the things I need to do to get what I want.

Sometimes though, my train seems to jump the track and I find myself somewhere else entirely. All of a sudden, I realize I am playing not to lose. Which usually means I am not doing what I know I should be doing. I am just scrambling to stay alive. Situation: Chaos. I feel so out of control.

I have to ask myself this question: Am I doing the things I should to get what I want? For example: if I want to be a great artist, should I take a Physics class? No, I should take and art class, right?

So, are you doing what you should to get what you want? Are you playing to win or playing not to lose?

I know that in my life right now, I need to get back on track. Because I want to win.

Emotional Eating

I am an emotional eater. If I'm happy, I eat. If I'm sad, I eat. If I am stressed, I eat. Are you seeing a pattern here?

This is a problem on so many levels. I am constantly battling the last 10 pounds. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I am fat, I am just not where I need to be.

I have had a lot on my plate lately and my stress levels are through the roof a lot of days. I try to control it so I don't snap and freak out on some undeserving person (usually Ross. Sorry honey.) But then I turn to eating to feel better. However, when I am stressed, nothing tastes good so I just keep eating, trying to find satisfaction that never comes.

Somebody please help me stop the madness! I know I need to figure out how to channel it into something positive but for the life of me, I have not figured it out yet.

What do you do? Tips? Suggestions? Interventions? I am so open to anything you can throw at me.

Run, Bike, Bike, Run, repeat....repeat...repeat

I may be crazy. My fitness goals for this year include running 4 races and biking 4 races. One might think you could spread that out over a whole year. I say, why do that when you can make yourself completely crazy and exhausted?!

Starting May 21, I have something almost every weekend through the end of June. I am not talking 5K's (which are great). I am talking half marathons, Ragnar relays and bike relays. By the end of June, I am either going to have the nicest butt I have ever had or I am going to be dead by the side of the road (with the nicest butt I have ever had). Please throw me an oxygen mask should you pass by.

Bring it!

The (overwhelming) Power of the Priesthood

This kid, turned 12 today. This kid has more confidence at 12 than I have ever had my whole life! This kid is taking the world by storm. He knows what he wants and he isn't afraid to work his booty off to get it. This kid adores his dad and brothers and most of the time, his mom. :)

This kid does what is right. He doesn't care what anyone thinks. This kid never stops, never slows down and never gets tired.

This kid will be ordained a deacon in 2 days. That will be 3 of my 4 men. The power in this house is unbeatable. This kid is so ready. His testimony is solid.

I love, this kid! Happy Birthday J-dog! You are one of a kind!

Positively Negative!

A few years ago, I joined the Facebook world. After only a month or so of being on it, I decided I was shocked, saddened and disgusted with how negative a LOT of people are. I decided I wasn't going to be that guy.

I have taken it upon myself to try and inspire the masses. I mostly try to post uplifting, encouraging and positive things. There are occasions when I get down and reach out to people because I think we are all in this together and that's what friends do, help each other.

On occasion I get a few haters. I know we all see things from a different perspective and I really appreciate all the different points of view. It makes me so insanely sad though that there are those people who just refuse to find happiness in any form. They are in my most sincere prayers.

We are here to have opposition in all things and that's how we learn but "Men are that they might have JOY!!!!!" Look for it, find it, embrace it! We are not meant to be miserable.

I love my life in all it's imperfection and I don't mind shouting it from the rooftops every day. I challenge you to do the same. And who knows? Maybe you will find something more :)

My Dad

My birthday was a couple of days ago. My dad called to wish me happy birthday. While we were talking, he asked me if he had ever told me the story of when my mom told him she was pregnant with me. Surprisingly, I had never heard it.

They were only married for a month before she got pregnant. He said he was standing in their bedroom when she told him. He said he was shocked and thinks he may have even collapsed backward onto the bed! Between all of the thoughts of "How are we going to afford a kid?" and "Are we ready?", he said he felt such a peace and happiness come over him. He said he was more excited than he ever had been before.

I was so grateful to hear this story from my dad. It made me feel so special and so loved and endeared me to him even more.

I love my dad so much and I know that Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he gave me to him.

Miss Teacher Kelly Lady

The title of this post is Ross's nickname for me. I have started substitute teaching this year. I am mostly at the elementary but I have been to the junior high a few times as well.

I have to say that I love it. I was not sure if I would but I really do. It is challenging and I am exhausted by the time I get home. But kids are amazing. Most of them really want to work hard to impress you and gain your approval.

This last week, I subbed for a friend of mine while she went out of town. I was a 6th grade teacher for 6 whole days. My birthday is tomorrow (Wednesday) so I told the class on Monday I would be accepting gifts all day Tuesday. We had a few laughs about it.

Today at school, a couple of the girls in the class, passed out papers to everyone (without me knowing) and had them write why they liked me and to wish me a happy birthday. They then read them to me in front of the class. I was so totally touched. I even started to cry. It was so sweet and sincere. They didn't sign their names so the compliments were totally anonymous. What a great present. They also sang to me and had the secretaries in the office call down on the intercom and wish me a happy birthday.

I love kids. They are so great, in so many ways.