~Eclecticgiggles~

What is Your Dream?

2011-10-28T08:04:00.000-06:00

This is a post I wrote over a year ago. For some reason I never posted it. Not sure what happened. It was an amazing experience I am still trying to follow those dreams.....

From July 2010....A few days ago I was with my family stopped at a rest stop on I-70 in Central Utah. When we pulled up I noticed 3 people dressed in full dirt bike gear they were just chilling a bit on the benches there. After a bit they got back on their bikes and took off. When we got back in the car my husband asked me if I had read the sign on the side of their bikes. I told him I hadn't noticed it and he told me it had stated they were doing a Transcontinental Ride all on dirt roads and trails. As we drove down the Freeway a ways of on the side of the freeway on a dirt trail I saw them again riding along, going after that dream. What a moment that was for me, just being able to witness the greatness of those riders trying to achieve their dream.

It is times like this I wish I was more aware of things going on around me. I realized I had missed talking to these amazing people. It made me stop and think about what my dreams are and if I am doing all I can to accomplish them. After all I am the only one that can make my dreams come true.

It is never to late to start living your dreams. I plan on reaching out for that star, holding on tight and enjoying the ride. I will keep you posted as to how it goes. I hope you will also realize your dreams and go for them.
Enjoy the Journey!!!

My Boys in the News!!

2011-03-30T21:38:00.000-06:00

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/north/eagle-mountain/article_3d78cbf5-7afb-51c6-a3b6-dae11b194d67.html

Random Ramblings

2011-03-13T21:04:00.001-06:00

I often wish for a night at home with no commitments and no plans. I thought it would be great..... Well sometimes when you get your wish, it doesn't turn out quite the way you planned.

Here I sit on a beautiful Sunday night with nothing to do. Sometimes you just don't feel like reading a book; this rarely happens but you know tonight I am just not feeling it. Nothing on TV, the boys are playing video games, Allyssa is with friends and Allen is on a little hunting trip which leaves me a long wished for evening. But my choices are not sounding all that great. I want to eat a huge bowl of ice cream or sugar cookies or some other food that I know I shouldn't..... I won't I have worked too hard to turn to emotional eating again; but boy is it tempting. So to prevent the overeating I am keeping my fingers busy on the computer.

I want to do something worth while, I want to laugh I love laughing....but laughing at myself is not fun if I am doing it alone. I am not sad or feeling bad, just bored and I don't like it. What do you do when you get bored?
I think I like having too much to do over boredom. Now I am just rambling not even making sense. Maybe I better just find a good book.

Well here is to long awaited evenings...Cheers!

Ragnar Relay- Del Sol- AKA- My Birthday Party

2011-02-28T12:42:00.002-07:00

I will! I am! I can! I will actualize my dream. I will press ahead. I will settle down and see it through. I will solve the problems. I will pay the price. I will never walk away from my dream until I see my dream walk away: Alert! Alive! Achieved!

Robert Schuller

I posted this same quote a few months back, I love it, I love the empowerment I feel when reading it and the courage it gives me to get through some struggles.

One of my dreams for about 2 years now was to get to the point that I could run a Ragnar Relay and not have to walk any of it. Not even a few yards.
I have struggled with my running and was never quite sure if I would get to that point. But, when I found out they had a relay in AZ that started on my birthday, I knew this was the one I had to do. I started training about a year ago and struggled for months and months.

Well this past weekend, I did it! I watched that dream walk away achieved. 14.6 miles in 3 legs over a period of 33 hours. I ran it! I am still on an emotional high! My dream actually came true......

Being overweight for so long I never thought I would get to this point. I do still have a long way to go. But thanks to some amazing friends and some amazing new friends I can now move on to another dream--- I will! I am! I can!

The best part is, so can you! GO FOR IT--Live your dream

Elizabeth finishing the 1st of her 3 legs

Allyssa running the first of her 3-- she started a new trend in water bottle holding!

Here I am waiting in the chute for my 1st leg. What an amazing sunset for a back drop!

Here I go off to my first 5.9 miles

Too bad I was running east away from the view

Here I come running into the shoot ready to hand off to Joel who is patiently waiting!

It's the first hand off for our leg 2--Run Joel Run!

Rae from Ragnar aka awesome asst race director--
along with the biggest loser participants Jessica and Sunshine!

My cute friend April- she rocks

Joel and Nick waiting with me at exchange 30 for the hand off to April to start Van 2's last legs!

Shelley waiting to give April water after her major uphill she just finished and she is only half way done.
Still more hills to go!

Water and she's off!

A big hug for my amazing girl who loves her mom so much she tortured herself and ran this race with her!

Her she is pre-hug racing to the chute for her last hand off of the Race!
Woot! Woot! go Allyssa!

Shelley--yes she is amazing this is the 3rd of hers legs... but oops Tammy had to fly home for the birth of
her new grandson so yep Shelley did do a leg 4! Yes I told you she is amazing!

Hanging at the finish line in our goddess attire!

4 of us amazing goddesses- we look pretty good for being up for the better part
of 2 days and running and running and running!

The Team (well all but Tammy-we missed her) at the finish line!

Climbing on the Ragnar Van!!

Shelley, Sunshine, Anna, Me, April, Jessica and Sione

Joel doing his finish line Ragnar dance!

And the serious team pic

My beautiful baby girl she's had enough!

Goal Setting--Darren Hardy

2010-12-22T08:02:00.001-07:00

3618

I thought with the new year coming that researching a bit on goals was a place to start. I want to make 2011 my best year ever!

The sunset of a great trip!

2010-12-03T10:11:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful ending to a great Thanksgiving with my sister and her kids in Arizona this year. I took Mason and Drake and we headed south for some fun in the sun and time with loved ones. This is a shot from the truck on our way home just before crossing the new Hoover Damn bridge. Amazing sunset--- what a beautiful ending to a perfect weekend! I am thankful for family and for the small gifts that God blesses us with each day. Like this sunset!

Running???- Yes I did the Red Rock Relay

2010-10-31T21:48:00.002-06:00

Well it has been awhile since I posted. I have done some amazing and incredible things over the past few months. I have come to a time in my life when I realize that I need to remember who I am and what my dreams are. When I was younger I was always very active and involved in life. I loved the outdoors and I loved pushing myself and seeing what I was capable of.
Well I guess you could say that over the last 20 years or so I forgot who I really was in an effort to become who and what I thought I should be. I was still happy don't get me wrong, but I felt off somehow like I was not living my true self.
I now realize that life is too short to not find the truth inside of me and live life to the fullest. I want to realize my dreams and make them come true.
One of the things I started to do is run. This is something I never thought I would love, I still am not sure that love is the word I would use to describe my feelings when I run, but I feel free, yes that is a good word. I feel that everything is up to me, it is just me and my inner voice fighting it out and pushing myself to do things I haven't done before. It is a conflict of mind over old worn out body parts and it is me having to overcome myself. It is me against me and I find that I learn about me more and more when I push myself to my limits. It can be scary, and I am not good at it, but I am doing it and I am learning, growing and feeling free.

In Sept. I did one of the hardest but most rewarding things in my life. I ran-well ran/walked- the Red Rock Relay with 11 other people 5 whom I became very grateful for and close to while living for 30 hours with them in a Suburban.
During my first leg of the relay, I start what was considered an easy run. Well nothing is easy for me and I wanted to give up before I ever really got started. This is where the mind and the body experienced a new obsticle. I had done a few trail runs, but never at close to 11,000 feet and I really thought I was going to die. I could not breathe, what should have been an easy down hill run turned into a moment of hitting rock bottom mentally for me. A time when I thought I would actually just give up and I did not want to go on. I thought every negative thought about myself that is possible. What is an old considerably overweight woman like me trying to prove? Why did I think I could do this? You are not in good enough shape. These are just a few of the things that were going through my mind at the time. (I did tone them down a bit. I was much tougher on myself and can't really put into print what I was telling myself).
I am happy to say I did not give up. I did not let that voice trying to resurface get the best of me. I over came, I did have to take a break and I walked for a while until I could breathe again. But I made it! I conquered that demon and I made it down the hill. I did not let myself down and I did not let my team down. Most importantly I had the time of my life over the next day and a half.

I am strong! I can do hard things! I am living my DREAM!

2010-06-22T18:26:00.000-06:00

Well it has been a bit since I updated here. It is now summer hip hip hooray!!! Time for all things outdoors and fun. I love it. Just tried out something new today. Paddle Surfing~~What a blast, I will definitely be doing that again, I did fall in the freezing cold water twice but that was part of the fun. I would post pictures except I was in airhead mode and forgot to put the memory card back into the camera after my last download. So I had the camera just no memory card. Oooops I did get a couple on my phone but the just aren't the same. I will still post them just so you can see what it was like. I am ready to go again. Yay! summer! yay I can't stop my excitement. Love love love it!

What a difference a day makes

2010-05-25T07:55:00.000-06:00

Well what else should we expect for spring in Utah? Snow yesterday, sunny and 70's today. I'll take the sunny and 70's everyday thanks!!

2010-05-10T08:00:00.002-06:00

Lovin' every minute of it!

2010-04-24T17:17:00.004-06:00

Well it is a beautiful day out. I love spring! Most importantly because I know that summer follows. I love to be outdoors, there is nothing like fresh air and sunshine. I hope to take full advantage of the warm weather by doing things I love.

I started by once again joining with some great friends from work and playing softball. It has been 20 years. Wow! but I still love it. I just can't move very well the next day....heck I can't even seem to move at the time. But it's great to be playing.

My boys took a few picture from our first game-which we won by the way- Oh yeah can't wait for the next one. Enjoy!

Springtime

2010-03-18T14:51:00.005-06:00

Well it is official. I saw the first robin in my yard yesterday. Yay! spring is on the way. I love, love, love the sun. I realize living in Utah that winter can last well into May but I am hoping for a nice spring this year. Maybe I will get lucky.

I went for my first trail run of the year yesterday. One of these days I will get into shape, but it wasn't yesterday. The first time running outdoors reminded me how different it is then running on the treadmill. I didn't pass out though so I guess that is a positive.

I am really just giddy about the weather warming up being able to spend time outdoors. We are so lucky to have a wonderful Heavenly Father that loves us and gives us so much beauty to enjoy. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do! Yay for the sunshine!

Fun With a Good Friend

2010-03-06T07:35:00.004-07:00

There is a saying that I love that goes like this,“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”
The last few days I got to spend time with a great friend that truly has left her hand print on my heart.
Those of us that are blessed enough to find true friends know how lucky we truly are. Friends who despite all their own trials always find time to listen and support us through ours.
The fun, laughter and experiences of my past few days will forever be in my heart. I thank you Susie for sharing your heart and friendship with me.

Enjoying our gift from the Jersey Tomsik's

2010-02-24T11:55:00.002-07:00

Thanks guys for the fun time we had with your gift. Family time is always good.

Good Days

2010-02-11T17:57:00.003-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days that leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling all wrapped up around your heart? Those days are the best! Today was one such day for me.

I love getting involved in projects, either at home, work or church, where I can use my creativity. Something that makes others stop and think, "Wow, I am special, someone cared enough to spend the time to do this for me." Those are the days I love.

On days like that I feel special; because I can see the looks on the faces of others when they experience a moment of joy. It is even better when they do not know that I was involved. It is those times when you know the emotion they are showing is so genuine.

If I could somehow package that feeling, it is a package I would want to open on a daily basis and share it with you. I am expecting more days like this.

My hope is for you to love something you do so much, you get this same feeling. Joy is something we all deserve to feel from time to time. The more often the better.

Like my son is always telling me- "This is the best day ever!"

Some Fun

2010-01-20T10:29:00.001-07:00

The January Thaw

2010-01-16T13:05:00.002-07:00

Well we are now half way through January and there is still mounds of snow and freezing temps here in Utah. Nothing different is to be expected I realize, just hoped for. I do love to look out at the frost on the trees and the sparkle from the snow. It is a beautiful sight. The contrast of the white against blue skies makes for beauty uncomparable to any other.

Though winter is my least favorite time of year there is still good to be found. As with life we can find the good in anything. We just have to look long and hard enough to find it some times.

The Magic of Christmas

2009-12-06T21:25:00.005-07:00

I love this time of year, (well except for the cold). Christmas time always makes me think of magical things. I feel the love in the air and see the sparkle in the eyes of others who feel it too. I wish I could bottle that feeling and open it whenever I am feeling down.

I am feeling a bit sentimental this Christmas and maybe reliving the past a bit too much. I guess as our kids get older we tend to do that. I think of past Christmases and the ones I remember the most are not the ones that I got the gift of my dreams. The Christmases I remember are the ones spent with those I love. It is after all love that makes the magic.

Teachers

2009-12-01T11:15:00.003-07:00

This little movie is a great tribute to teachers.

I am lucky enough to have a great teacher for my Daddy. I also work with some of the best human beings I have ever met, and they too are teachers.

Being a teacher is not the best paying job or the most glamorous, but as far as I am concerned it ranks up there as one of the most influential. Teachers change lives and help to shape the next leaders of the world. Thank you, to all of you, for the work you do. Teachers really do ROCK!!!!

Teacher's Rock

2009-12-01T11:11:00.002-07:00

I am thankful for my friends!

2009-11-23T19:54:00.004-07:00

Well here it is again the week of Thanksgiving. I think every week should be a week of Thanksgiving, not the food part-- oops I gained 5 lbs just thinking about that. You know the remembering all the things we are blessed with part.

Some days it can be a struggle to remember all the good. Today was one such day for me. Not that I didn't appreciate everything I have, I did. But today was filled with sorrow for me. In the last few weeks, two wonderful people that I adored and that made a difference to me, passed away. One of them a wonderful lady who had lived a very amazing and long life, she was ready to go home and I am sure she is smiling down on us and loving spending every minute with her children that passed before her.

The other one is much harder for me... It is still so fresh and so painful. One of our students, at the school I work at, passed on unexpectedly yesterday. He was so bright and though he had many struggles he was working on being a better kid. I had gotten the chance to become his friend at an overnight team building camp we took some of the kids to. He was my partner in many of the activities and he was so fun and accepting of such a strange old lady as myself. You are special, my friend. I hope you are looking down on us all right now with a smile on your face and your sister by your side. I am thankful I was lucky enough to know you, if even for such a short time. You will be missed.

You Make a Difference

2009-11-16T14:08:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered if you make a difference? I know I have. It is hard sometimes as we go through our every day routines to know that we are doing anything of value. Very often I have thought to myself that I wish I could do more.

Something came to me today, I don't know if it is profound, but it made a difference to me. If I am out there doing things that I assume the world and I think are big things to make a difference. Would I be making a difference to those that really matter? Isn't it all of us doing the little things for those we love, every day that really make a difference. I have decided that has to be it. We can't all be out there being the hero to the world, but we can be a hero to someone. And if we make a difference to just one person in our lives. Then we really do make a difference. Anyway just my ramblings.....

2009-11-14T20:43:00.002-07:00

Well.... It is here. Winter is outside knocking on my door. It has been snowing off and on all day. My son and daughter-in-law cancelled their visit they have 5 inches. =( That could make me sad.

I really would much rather be outside rolling down some hill or splashing in some mountain stream. Winter just isn't my favorite time of year. But there really is nothing better than a cozy evening cuddled up with a good read. So I am off to make the best of it. I have a fire blazing a hot cup of herbal tea and a smile on my face. Now... where did I put that book?

No! Old Man Winter, you will not get me down. Ha!

2009-11-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have now realized much to my dismay that I am currently in the mist of a mid-life crisis. I didn't realize all these things that I am feeling and experiencing can be a normal part of life. I am not alone, WOW what a relief, I thought I was losing my mind.

I have found some very fun and very interesting things out there on mid-life and have had fun laughing at myself and others. I realize that it really isn't a laughing matter but if I can't laugh at myself what fun would life be?

Worth a look- I Love Andy Andrews he inspires me.

2009-11-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

A time for Gratitude

2009-11-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well here we are all the way to November again. It has been almost a year since I started this little post. I have not done a very good job of keeping it going but will try to do better this coming year. I am grateful for the things I am learning as I try something new.

At this time of Thanksgiving I am also grateful for all my family and friends that bring so much joy to my life. I am hoping to be better at sharing things that will make you giggle and bring a smile to your face. Please check back often and feel free to share with me anything and all things that do make you smile.

Something that made me smile this last week is my new little nephew--Myles Tomsik-- though I wish he was close enough that I could hold him and kiss his sweet little face. I know he is in good hands with a wonderful brother and sister-in-law that will love and adore him. Love you guys. Keep smiling!!!!

Last glimpse of fall 'Pole Canyon" Cedar Valley UT

2009-10-30T13:54:00.000-06:00

Reflections and Sisters

2009-10-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

As I reflect on the happenings of this past week I feel great joy along with great sadness.

I was able to spend an amazing few days with 3 of my most favorite people on earth, my sisters, this was my source of great joy. We had an amazing time filled with love, laughter and living life for the joy of time shared with those you love.

The sadness comes from the knowledge that while I experienced such joy others were experiencing great sorrow. Life is just too short to not tell those you love how much you do love them. I hope that we can all live with the knowledge that we are loved and that love lasts forever. My heart goes out to those who's lives were touched by sorrow. Please know that joy will come again and that we all need to cherish each and every moment we have together.

Thank you to my sisters for the love and joy I was able to experience. I love you with all my heart.

Fall at the Cabin

2009-09-20T13:59:00.000-06:00

Here are pictures my Dad took up at our Cabin last week. If these don't make you smile then you must not love fall. I admit it is a close second behind Summer for me. It is the most beautiful time of year to be in the mountains. Thanks dad for sharing this smile with me.

Onward and upward

2009-09-20T13:08:00.000-06:00

I like laughing!! If you know me at all you know this is true.
Sometimes life can get you down but good friends and family can always give us something to laugh at. (OK with).
I hope that we can all find the joy in our lives and when life gets us down we can look back and remember the good times and know that even though times do come along that make it hard to laugh, laughter always finds its way back to our lives.
Believe in yourself and know you can---- Enjoy the Journey!!!!!!!!

2009-09-15T08:20:00.000-06:00

Oceanside is an amazing place. This sunset picture was taken on our family trip this past July from the Oceanside Pier. What a great time we had. There is nothing like time with family.

Summer Time

2009-06-24T23:26:00.000-06:00

Well it is finally here. Summer, summer summer. Summer has always been my favorite time of year. There really is nothing better than a summer night. I love the warmth and the magic of being out side, gazing at the stars and feeling the cool breeze. A friend of mine once advised us to "ENJOY" to the End. That is what I plan on doing. Welcome summer lets go enjoy!

Giving Thanks

2008-11-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well, only a week before Thanksgiving. It is a great time to reflect back on our lives and take time to remember all the Lord has blessed us with. There are so many little things that makes us smile and bring joy to our lives. I hope you can reflect on the small things that make you giggle and enjoy this thankful holiday.

2008-11-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess it is a historic time in the US. Barack Obama was elected president yesterday. This country has come a long way in the last 100 years. Hope is always with us and we will find the good in everything. May the Lord bless and watch over us. May we continue to remember him and know he is the one that gave us this country. God Bless America and it's people!

~~~Eclecticgiggles~~~