The January un-funk

In the past I have posted about the midwinter funk that I find myself in come the New Year. Just see here and here for some "for realsies" examples. It normally happens that I feel bored, depressed, sad, pathetic, untalented or any other melancholy thought in the midst of winter gloom. But this year has been different so far (who knows, the winter can be long and come February things can change).

So why has this year been different? I think because I have formulated my most recent mantra. You know I'm full of them. Here it is:

Control the Controllables

As I've come to focus on the things that I can control I have gained so much peace. Life is still hard and things are not always what I want them to be. But there are things I can control. This month I have focused on training for my half marathon, spending quality time with friends, reading some good literature, letting go of things I can't control at work, eating better, and embracing January for what it is: a cold, lazy,
nothing-too-exciting-month. As a result, I have been happy. I also know that I have power to change my circumstances. I am an agent unto myself. I can be anxiously engaged in lots of good causes (yes, I'm paraphrasing some D&C in here). I choose to be happy each day. And I can choose to trust the Lord.

So if you're having one of those days or funks, here's my advice: Set goals and embrace the things you can control. You'll be happier. I hope I can remember that come Valentine's Day! :)

My Anna Karenina Book Affair

Has anyone ever read the classic, Anna Karenina? Being a non-reader, this book has completely rocked my world (in a good way). It has allowed me to see and think about relationships from a completely different perspective; relationships based on passion and lust vs. prosaic relationships. I have been overwhelmed with how much I can see myself in the various characters of the book. Am I a crazy, clingy, love starved Anna? Do I doubt myself like Levin? Do I get jealous like Kitty? Do I want to take people away from their core values and connections like Vronsky? Kind of scary, but it has definitely caused me to reflect on my relationships with those I love and it gives me the motivation to act differently and to be secure in my own self.

To those of you who haven't read it, this is all just a bunch of random ramblings. But has anyone else read it and want to share their thoughts? Does anyone even read my blog? Oh well. If you're in the mood for an 800+ page classic, Anna Karenina won't let you down! Read it!

It's not every day you get to sit behind an apostle of the Lord...

But I did. And that's my hair to show for it! (luckily my hair was having a good day!). And no, I did not encourage said friend to take a picture in the chapel. But she did...and now there's documented proof that I sat behind, sang behind, and shook hands with Elder Cook, one of the members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What an incredible experience and surprise!! The church is true. See mormon.org for more information.

Are you down with Downton?

You know, sometimes I really don't like to get into the popular TV fads. In fact, I am really not much of a TV watcher at all. But with winter time upon us, who wouldn't want to cozy in with some Downton Abbey? It involves history, fashion, drama, love, and England! Seriously, it's my happy place!

With the drama of Matthew and Mary, the antics of O'Brien and Thomas, the criminal case of Mr. Bates, and my ongoing empathy for poor Edith (did you see last night's episode? :/) it's a wondrous Sunday evening event. I can't get enough of it right now as I am re-watching the 1st and 2nd seasons. This is a great way to pass the winter doldrums. 

So, I'm on the Downton bandwagon. Are you? And yes, I even entered to win a free trip to England on the pbs website. I'll be sure to tell you if I get it! (which is a 1 in a million chance, but you never know).

ps. If you're a real nerd like me, check out this link to a fake facebook page someone made up based on the season 3 premier. Pretty clever, I'd say!

So long 2012, hello 2013!

Wow! 2012 was quite a year! I am so happy to be gone with it and start afresh.

2012 was a year of heartbreak, recovery, first broken bone, Alaskan cruise, student teachers, crazy students, awesome missionary experiences, traveling miracles, power outages, professional development, first major ER experience, developing friendships, thoughts about grad school, family time, trips to the lake and beach with friends, Hurricane Sandy, presidential debates, epic road trips, tears, laughs, dance parties, purging, cooking, walks, and the hopes of moving forward.

I am looking forward to what 2013 will bring. I don't know if I dare post my New Year's resolutions yet, but I definitely have a few things on my mind that I want to improve. First thing that is planned for 2013 is the Rock and Roll DC half marathon March 16th. Looking forward to getting this bod back in running shape. What else will transpire? Who knows! But I have high hopes that this year will be better than last!

I welcome you with open arms, 2013! (cue, Journey)

Putting the Christ in Christmas

Christmas is such a wonderful but busy time of year (I think we all agree on that). It's easy for me to get wrapped up (haha) in the normal day-to-day routine of work and life that the Christmas season just passes me by. On the other hand, sometimes I feel the enormous pressure to do EVERYTHING Christmas that I don't take care of myself and/or I start getting stressed out about not doing enough or doing too much...the list goes on.

This Christmas season I decided to do a few things that would focus on Christ. I did things that I chose ahead of time and I didn't feel bad if I didn't get around to everything or if I had to say no to a few things. I can honestly say it has been a wonderful December!

1. First, I decided to write in my journal every day. I don't pressure myself to write a lot or to even write about the day-to-day events--mostly I just wanted to write about my thoughts that day so I could reflect on the things that I'm grateful for.

2. Next, enjoying the ambiance of my home. My roommates love Christmas and so our home was decked out in holiday splendor...here's just a peak at what the Grove house is capable of!

3. Enjoying the holiday spirit in DC!


Here I am at the Christmas boat parade. No boats pictured, but I am covered with fake snow in this picture!

I attended the White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony. It was freezing but definitely worth it!

 

A group of us went to Handel's Messiah at the National Cathedral. So amazing (but long!)

4. Wathching PLENTY of holiday movies, such as a Bride for Christmas below. My roommates and I watched a plethora of ABC family/Hallmark/Lifetime movies...bring on the teasing, who cares. Some of my favorites? Holiday Engagement, Christmas with Holly, Dear Santa, and Fallen Angel. If you want to know more good ones, give me a ring and I'll give you the full scoop! Needless to say, as cheesy as these movies are they always put emphasis on what's most important in life: Faith, family, and Friends. A good reminder!

5. Attending a healthy number of holiday parties. See ugly Christmas sweaters below...

And here we are at the Relief Society Christmas party below. We also sang a musical number!

6. Sharing the Gospel through several different venues, like the Festival of Lights at the Washington DC temple. I had many opportunities this season to discuss the teachings and beliefs of the LDS church with my coworkers and friends. See mormon.org.

7. Spending quality time with my nieces and nephews!

Girl party with Megan and Olivia

Building a snow man with Emma, Matthew, Sam and Caroline.

Babysitting Joseph and Isaac on Christmas! I loved playing with their new toys!

Enjoying the Christmas Eve nativity play with the family.

What has resulted? A Christmas season that I enjoyed! I participated in a perfect amount of activities, felt the Spirit, strived to focus on the key elements of life and I feel a sense of renewal.

As I sign off with this post I want to share my testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.  I know that He lives and that we can turn to Him. I know that He loves us and can succor us. Please view this amazing mormon message that I watched yesterday morning before opening presents. http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#an-unexpected-gift.

Merry Christmas! Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday!

And sometimes you make a difference...

Teaching is a hard profession. You never know if you're really making a difference. You teach your heart out each day and hope that students are learning something. Kids disrespect you and you wonder if you'll ever reach them. Results are ambiguous and so is your impact.

And then sometimes former students visit you and let you know that they miss you. It makes it all worth it. Thanks to Ivoree and Amari for the visit! It made the crumminess the other classes bearable. of Btw, I don't like what I look like here but oh well...had to post.