Motivation

How does one acquire motivation? I need some, and have every intention of doing stuff, and then it goes unnoticed by me. Because I have no motivation when I see this obstacle that I need to face.

Motivation at work is very easy. I like being one of the best, and so working hard there is fun. I get in a zone of listening to music and answering questions. I guess it helps that I do get rewarded with a pay check, and also other bonuses; but I would work hard because thats the me everyone sees.

When it comes to me time, whether it is as simple as picking up the house, or as complex as working out motivation seems to pass me by. i can always find something else to do. Another facebook status to check, another thing to pin on pintrest, and another blog to post (that is why i am writing right now.) But all of this wasting time is just that, a waste of time. It doesn't prepare me for something that will help me in the future. Unless in the future they have a job on procrastination (in which case I call CEO)

For 2012 my goal is to motivate more, procrastinate less; yet I need to know if there are any tricks I can learn. A saying, maybe. Gold at the end of the rainbow? What can I do?

11 of 2011

With the year ending, I am seeing top 10 lists all around. Top 10 best/worst celebrity baby names. Top 10 NYE Celebrations. I have decided that I would do my own top 10, but why only stay with 10, when this is 2011? Wouldn't it just make sense to do the top 11? These are my Top 11 things. I don't have a have a specific topic. It's just things that I like throughout the year.

1. PINTREST.com This site is the best site I have found to take ideas that others have done, and do it yourself! I have done many crafts from this site.  The picture on the right is my art piece that is hanging in my apartment right now. It's crayons melted with a heat gun. another project I am working on is a clock for a friend. I am getting a pattern to make a purse out of old ties. I also love how many quotes are on Pintrest. I love to find all the inspirational ones.
2. PANDORA.com  I know this isn't new for some people. You may have used it for the last couple of years. But this is the first year that I have used it everyday I am at work. I love it because I have such a random taste in music, and I get bored of music fast. With Pandora I can listen to a Top 40 hit, then a Musical, and top it off with a song from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I have Pandora on all day long at work, it calms me, and keeps me going.
3. Hey Tell app. This app is amazing! It's like walkie talkies/texting/and voicemail all in one. It's great for driving. You can talk to someone like a walkie talkie, and if they are available they can listen. If not its like voicemail. The best thing is you don't have to use your phone minutes, so its like texting. My friends and I use it for places to meet, or just about anything. It also has a GPS feature, but that still needs to be fixed. It is available for iPhones, and Androids. So you can talk to all of your friends!



Dallas Mavericks 2011 NBA Champions

4. Dallas Mavericks win the 2011 NBA title! Dirk, JET Terry, Jason Kidd, and all the rest finally sent the big, bad Miami Heat home for the summer. Dallas took the Larry O'Brien trophy home. It was a great series. Miami and Dallas both traded home and away wins. But in the end Dallas took the title 4-2. Some friends and I went to go buy the championship t-shirts at midnight, and they were already sold out! So I got up at 6am to get to the store by 7am when they opened. I stood in line for 30 mins, and was still about 50th in line. But I got my shirt! I didn't get to go to the parade because I didn't have PTO at the time, but thats ok, because I heard that it was a mad house.
5. STOMP I have already written about STOMP in my blog, and recently too, but thats how much I loved this show! I loved it so much that in my Branch Talent Show we did a STOMP inspired routine. It wasn't an actual stomp routine because they are long, and hard. I could see this show 100 more times, and never get bored.
6. Cycloptomus The One Eyed Shark that was never actually born. Every time I see it, it half creeps me out, and half is so cool that I want to know if it is real, or just a hoax. Everything I have read says that it is real. But then again, with photoshop, anything is possible. 
7. Harry Potter. Yes, I was so excited when the final movie came out! I have read all the Harry Potter books, and I have seen all the movies. I even have the book The Tales of Beetle the Bard. It's my one book series that I have geeked out with. So I think thats ok. 
8. Vocal Point / Penatonix. Both of these are vocal a cappella groups that were contestants on The Sing Off.  These were by far my favorite. Vocal Point is a group of 9 make singers from BYU. Penatonix is a group of 5 kids from Arlington, TX. Vocal Point is traditional a cappella with great arrangements, hugh energy dance moves, and a fun spirit. Penatonix brings a new age twist on their songs with a great bass and beat. 
9. Zip lining at the DFW Adventure Park. This is the first time I have been zip lining. I was so scared that I was only focused on the landing, not the ride. When I go back next year, I am going to be sure that I enjoy the ride, and the thrill of the flight.  Just one time zip lining, and it makes me want to do more fun things that are off the wall for me. Like indoor sky diving, and a ropes course. Both of these sound like so much fun!
10. LMFAO my favorite party rock tunes right now. Theres Party Rock Anthem, and my favorite song, I'm Sexy and I know it. Both of these songs get me pumped to party all night long. When I get bored at work my co worker and I turn up either one of these songs and do some bad dance of the day, then get back to work. When either of these songs come on in the car, the radio goes up all the way. When the Party Rock Anthem song comes on at a dance, watch out because I am going to dance and party. I love that these songs make me happy, and get me pumped.
11. SYTYCD's Melanie Moore.  If you have never seen her art, just watch the video. If you have seen her, and know who she is, then this is my favorite dance that she did throughout the season on SYTYCD. (So You Think You Can Dance) In the video Melanie literally leaps about 15 feet through the air! When I saw the show dance live, I had to rewind it 4 times to make sure that I was seeing it right. Well that, and I had goosebumps. She has some other amazing videos, including one with the runner up of the show Sasha. And her partner for most of the show Marko, with whom she had 2 memorable dances. Overall I think this has been my favorite year of SYTYCD, there have been so many dances that were memorable to me. Sasha was just as amazing as Melanie, and was my second favorite all season long.

So thats my Top 11 of 2011. In case I don't say it, Happy New Year! May 2012 be the best year yet! I plan on 2012 being my best year for me. I'm going to be braver, and stronger. 

Family

Today is Christmas. I was going to post about the Savior. About His birth, and the humble surroundings, His ministry, and His atonement. How without the atonement we wouldn't celebrate His birth.

I am still grateful for Jesus Christ. But this Christmas has taken a different turn. This year is about family, and whom I call my family.

You see My immediate family consists of me, and my mother (in TX) she is amazing. She raised me as a single parent for 23 years of my life. We have had our hard times, but I realize now that she gave me everything she had. She always thinks of me first. My father, stepmother, and stepsister (in CA). My father has been my knight in shining armor since I could remember. He makes me laugh out loud all the time. We can talk for hours in the phone, and he gave me memories that I will remember forever. My stepmother is so different than my father. I don't know how they ever fell in love, but I am so glad they did so I could learn from her. She is very analytical, and sees the world from a different point of view. I know that if I ever need advice and dad doesn't understand, she will have advice that I couldn't have even thought of. She also has the best since of who I am. When I moved into my new apartment, she sent towels, I didn't even tell her the colors I was going for, and she sent the exact color! My stepsister and I have never had a close relationship, but she is a great person, and we laugh about the differences of our parents all the time.

I never had the big family that I always wanted. I remember pleading to my mom, telling her how much I wanted a little sibling when I was little. Well I never got that wish. But as I have grown older I have realized that even though I don't have physical brothers and sisters; I have friends in my life that I wouldn't trade for the world.

New Traditions

Today is Christmas Eve. I was asked by some coworkers to go to the airport this morning. I decided to go, and am now SO happy I did.

We didn't just go to the airport to pick up someone, or to see someone off, but to welcome home active duty soldiers from the United States Armed Forces. I was amazed at how many people came who didn't have anyone to say hello to.

The Crowd that came

I thought I was going because I wanted to give holiday cheer to all those who have been at war. But the opposite happened.

When I got to the crowd of people everyone had signs, and balloons. This crowd clapped every time someone new walked through the door. It didn't matter if they knew them or not. There was also patriotic music playing in the front.

Many of the soldiers couldn't stop smiling. You could tell the soldiers that were coming home for the first time. It was like they were in a parade. They would look around, they were soaking it all in. 

I was almost overwhelmed just watching them come home. But 3 times brought me to tears.

First, When a soldier who was wounded came through. He was on crutches, and walking with the crutches, so it could have been an ankle or a knee sprain; but you could tell as soon as most to the crowd saw that he was on crutches they all erupted in a loud cheer. 

Second, when a soldier was walking towards the exit, and his wife/girlfriend finally broke through the croud. She ran up to him, and flung her arms around him. I have never seen a man literally melt into a woman now that he was home. 

Waiting on Mom

Lastly, a family who was waiting on their mother. 3 girls, I would guess their ages were 7, 9, and 14, and their father. The dad would put the youngest up on his shoulders so she could get a better view of her mom coming through the gate. They were waiting right there for about 20 min. I could tell that the middle child was getting antsy for her mom to come. She kept trying to look around people, and the sign that she held fell down a few times.

Finally the mother came out of the gates. I don't even remember which child saw her first. But when they finally saw here, all three children lit up with glee. I was lucky enough to get a video of their reunion. It's not a great video, but you can see the emotion.

Also when you listen to the video you will hear a lady in the crowd on the right. She is yelling out "Jared" and then a soldier with red hair comes to go home with his family. The reunions with the families was the best part about today. I could see how much the families missed the soldiers, and how much the soldiers missed their families.

I think this is going to become my new Christmas Eve tradition. What a great way to really say Merry Christmas, than to welcome home soldiers from a long time away from their families. So Merry Christmas to all those who served our country to keep it free. We do appreciate all you have or are doing. I hope that you had the same experience getting home as these soldiers did. 

End of year Review

So I'm never good at telling everyone what I have been up to during the year. And i figured that while i still remember what I did I should write it down.

2011 started off really bad for me. Within a week of the new year I was let go from my job. Not because I had done anything wrong, they just couldn't pay me anymore. This turned out to be the best thing because  I wouldn't have left that job. It took me 2 months, and a good friend to help me land a job for Capital One. Not only did I get a pay raise, but I also have paid time off, and insurance!

In the spring I got to go see the show Burn the Floor! I love this show! Well I actually spent most of the night staring at Pasha Kovalev!

I kept taking pictures, but didn't post as many as I would have liked on facebook, or my long lost blog, because I kept getting busier, and busier.

In the summer life didn't slow down. I did so many new and exciting things that I know I can't remember them all. One thing is I got to go see STOMP! This might have been the best thing I have ever seen! I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough. The 2 hour show went by too fast. My favorite part was the audience participation. They are so good at what they do, and it really is a show. It's amazing to me how quiet everyone was!

After stomp came the not so fun part of my year. In August I had my first ever surgery. I had my gall bladder removed. This also meant my first overnight stay in the hospital. Not something I ever want to do again. (Unless it is for something like I am in labor)

Recovery from the surgery was long. I didn't ever hurt, but even know I see where I am still getting my endurance back for small things like lung capacity. But all in all I am doing better than before. I don't eat nearly as much, and I don't crave the same fatty foods that I used to. I am thankful that i had to have surgery, I am healthier now than I have been in years.

After my surgery I decided that it was time for me to move out on my own!! I now have an apartment with no roommates. I have really learned how to entertain myself (for the most part) I enjoy blogging more, and also doing family history. Each day as I learn a little more about how I entertain myself, what I like to do, and who I want to be I am glad that I moved out. Even though every now and then it gets really quiet around here. But the best part of my house is that I have the BEST VIEW! I can see the McKinney Stake Center steeple from all my windows. When I wake up, and when I go to sleep, I feel like I am looking at the temple with how it lights up.

Lately I have wanted to do some fun stuff. I went zip lining and also Drag car racing. What a thrill! Both of these were so much fun! I get to go zip lining again in January! It's going to be colder this time, but I don't care.

I got to shoot my first ever engagement shoot this fall. I learned so much about color, and light. I'm excited because I am also slated to shoot their groomals, and wedding as well! We shall see what else I can learn at the next shoots.  I love just having fun at shoots. I find that when I am relaxed, they subjects are more relaxed, and the pictures turn out much better.

Looking forward to 2012 is promising. I know that I am going to be busy! But I am learning to take time for myself. This is probably the best lesson I have learned all year long.

Follow Your Dreams

On Sunday I was at a Young Single Adult Fireside. The speaker was President Mike Fisher. His topic was goal setting (of which I could have a whole other blog). His subject really set a fire under me to set goals for myself.

During the presentation he talked about something his mother asked him to do when he was younger. She told him to write a letter to his future children. Not just any letter, but a letter of what he deemed was most important. This simple request touched my heart. It just felt right. That night I went home, sat down with my journal, and started writing to my future children. I'm not going to tell you everything that I wrote, because you are not my future children; but I will share a little bit with you.

Follow your dreams. Don't let anyone stand in the way. I had a dream that I let another person tell me that I could never achieve. Because of that one little negative comment I have held myself back more than once. Don't ever worry how big or small your dreams are, because end in the end they are YOUR DREAMS. You are going to be the one to work for them. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. You are worth it.

After writing the letter to my children, I thought about my own dreams and ambitions. I'm done with letting life pass me by. I want to make a difference in the world, but the only way I can is make a difference is by working towards it.

My dreams are there. I am going to make them come true, because I want them. They are mine to follow, and mine to achieve. And guess what? I'm even ok with failing at them, because even if I fail, I will still be closer than if I had never started.

The Letter Writer

I was watching a show on BYUtv called the Letter Writer. It's a pretty typical mormon show. Basic acting, sound that is subpar for a movie, and it looks like it was shot all on set. But in this show something was said that really made me think.

Sam, the old wise man who was there to teach the young heroine a lesson, was the letter writer. His gift was writing letters to others to make them feel special. He was talking to the heroine, Maddy, about her gift. When she asks Sam to teach her how to write letters like he does, he states that he may not be able to. Letter writing is his gift, and it may not be hers. When she asks how she can know what her gift/calling in life is, he states that it is something that when she does it she will feel a connection to, and it will be like a line between her and God has been opened up.

When thinking about that I was like wow, that is such a good concept. However it also made me question what is my talent/gift/calling? I have so many things that I truly love to do. I have so many dreams of things that I would like to see accomplished. But there has never been a connection from me to God on what to do in my life. I know I love the arts. I am not good at painting, but I love to listen to music, I love to sing, and I love to do photography.

As I have already stated in a previous post, I really want to write a movie. I actually have a really good plot line coming along in my head and when I am not at work, or posting on this blog, I am probably working on the movie. It has a beginning, middle and an end. Now all that is left is dialogue, and adding some filler scenes to get the story line from A to B to C and so forth.

So I want to know what your gift/talent/calling in life is? Do you know what you were sent here to do? If so how old were you when you found out? What did you do to make it manifest in your life? Have you pursued that goal fully? What is stopping you from pursuing the goal?

Sam also said something else profound. He said to always remember a key. A key can unlock whoever,  and wherever you want to be.

I'm taking this key, and unlocking a new me. A me who is looking to learn of her gift, and to use it to bring others to the plan of happiness. I'm gonna use this key as unlocking my moxie for me to do what my talents lead me to do.

The Most Interesting Man in the World

If you live on the American Continent (and own a tv, computer or smart phone) then you have most likely heard the commercials for a certain beverage that entertains that a certain man who drinks this beverage is the most interesting man in the world. I think these commercials are funny, and witty. But I must admit that I think they are false.

I know the Most Interesting Man in the World.

Thomas S Monson

Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love this picture of him. When I think of him, this is who I see. His smile is always radiant, and he must have a dozen ties of similar stripes, or colors.

I have been listening to the Mormon Channel durring my work. I think it helps me stay focused, and allows me to be spiritually uplifted at the same time. I had listened to the conversations series. Some by Elder David Bednar and his wife; Sister Julie Beck; Sister Barbara Thompson. All of these people I adore, and they have inspiring messages. Then I came across a name I didn't know too well at all, Heidi Swinton, she is an author for several books, and even a playwrite. So I decided to listen to her conversation with Ruth Todd. Even within the fist couple of minutes I was hooked. I learned that she wrote a book about the prohet Joseph Smith.

But I digress. She is the author to a book that I want.

To The Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson.

As she explains in the conversation with Ruth, she was called as a mission presidents wife when President Monson called to ask her to write his biography. She spent the last year of her mission having 2-3 hour video conferences with President Monson.

But the reason I believe he is the most interesting man in the world? He loves. Heidi talks about how people would tell her stories of how he flew to Germany on a weekend off to bless a German officials wife. How he didn't miss a single funeral for one of the 85 widows that were in his ward when he was first called as Bishop.

He is the epitome of the warm fuzzy movement going thoughout the Church. What a life of service, and love. What an amazing man. I can't wait to read his book, and I can't wait to reread all his words from past general conferences. (A little lesson I learned from Heidi, she talks about how when she was wanting to learn who President Monson was, she read every talk he had ever given, because the talks given were from Heavenly Father) The more I listened to her conversation, the more I love this man, the more I know that he is the Prophet of God who leads and directs us today.

'Tis the Season

This might not be like my normal posts.

I want to say that normally I love Christmas. I love the lights, love the warm fuzzy feeling that I get within my heart. Love the family time. But most of all I love when people get together to remember that this is the season to remember Christ.

This Christmas is not like most Christmas' for me. I don't know how to describe it, but it's different. My feelings have changed. I'm not as cheery, I don't have the warm fuzzy feeling of holidays. I am not listening to Christmas music because right now it depresses me.

But I don't want to stay in this mood. So I am going to focus on what I can focus on cheering me up. One thing. Christ. I want to focus on the birth of my Savior. The way He came into this world so meek and mild, but without His entrance into the world we would not be able to return to live with Him again.

I am going to focus on giving of my time and talents to help others to feel the Love the Savior has for all men. And maybe by giving all I can to others, the Spirit of Christmas will come to me again.

I need ideas!

So I have told you in my post called When I am Bored I talk about how I want to write a movie script. It's kinda been a pipe dream of mine for a while. I have a basis of a story already together, with some of the characters already in place, and some I know who they are but I don't have a name for them.

So here is where you come in. I don't want to tell you the plot line (for fear that someone might actually steal it). But what I can do is tell you a little about what I need in the movie.

 1. A NAME for a boy. Age of 24-30. I want a good name, that may can be shortened. He is good looking. Dark hair, blue eyes. Around 6'2". He played football (linebacker) in high school, so he is strong, but a big teddy bear.





2. A NAME for a boy. Age 22-25. This needs to be a biblical name. He is a little geeky, but has fun. He's blonde headed, with blue eyes. He's never been good at sports. He loves to hear himself talk. He has 4 brother, and 3 sisters. He is the oldest out of all of them.


This is just the start of the idea help that I need.

44th Capital One Turkey Trot

Today was the 44th annual Capital One Turkey Trot in Downtown Dallas. This is my 2nd year going to it. Last year I ran in it. This year I got to volunteer.

So as I was in the VIP tent I got to help everyone be in the Guinness Book of World Records. 

They were trying to get enough people dressed as turkeys in one spot at one time. 

The final number of turkeys???  661

This is Lee. He works with me. I think everyone thinks that his costume was the best all day.

Although the kids who made their costumes, and wore them throughout the race was really cute too.

So walking back to my car after the race was over, I noticed a paved piece of road. This was not a normal paved road. It sparkled!! Reminded me of Edward Cullen. I'm not going to post a pic of him cause if you don't know what he looks like by now, then you need to read the books, or go see the movies Twilight. But this is the road, I got a video of it!

Worst day Possible

So yesterday I told you that my best friend moved. I knew today was going to be hard. I just didn't know that hard wouldn't even begin to describe it.

Hard would mean that I was able to concentrate at work. But that didn't happen.

Hard would mean that when I saw a picture of her I would remember the good times, and be sad that I'm not gonna have those with her again. But when I saw a picture of her I remembered the times of my crying like a baby.

Then to add a kicker (or maybe a kick in the gut would be a better description) my job sucked today. Like no deal was good. I verify information, and it sealed like everyones info was missing or wrong. WTH (what the heck!) it's the day before thanksgiving 2011 and I am supposed to be thankful, but instead I am just upset, mad, and hurt.

Let's add to the fact that my bestie was driving through a no cell service zone. I didn't even know that USA still has places that didn't have cell service.

Now I don't like to throw pity parties for everyone to see. I throw plenty with small groups, but I don't like to tell a lot of people b/c I feel like you are then just looking for sympathy. So I am sorry that I am throwing this party all over the Internet. But I had to get it out.

Maybe tomorrow will be better. Only time will tell.

Keep Moving Forward (Gone but never forgotten)

Have you ever seen the movie Meet the Robinsons?

It opened on my birthday in 2007. It's one of my favorite movies. Disney, of course. Well one of the parts I love the most is when Louis (the blonde haired child inventor) was down on himself for not making his peanut butter/jelly gun work. While he is sad, everyone else praises him. Then they show him the Master inventors slogan of Keep Moving Forward.


That's what I feel like. The day has finally arrived that my best friend (we will call her Andge) moved away. She will be going to another state to follow her dreams. And while I miss her already, I can already feel the help from the Holy Ghost with calmness. And peace from my Savior Jesus Christ that I am going to make it. This move was for the best for both of us. I do look forward to this. I also am going to keep moving forward in all other aspects of my life.

Mighty Moxie just might have been an inspired title for my blog. Because I feel like I am going to have to have more moxie to be myself.

As for Andge, while she is gone, her teachings have taught me so much. She is a force within me that makes me strive to get better. I am glad that she listened to the spirit and decided to move. Her faith helps mine to move towards something. Something new? Something new? Exciting? Something with Moxie.

Walking on eggshells

Every now and then I feel like I am walking on eggshells for people. Not because I want to but because I am afraid of how they will feel. I don't like to hurt peoples feelings, and never want to have anyone mad at me. Therefore sometimes I keep things bottled up inside of me for too long.

Last nights was one of those nights. I have many good talks with my good friends. In fact I love staying up late just listening to them talk, or telling them my stories of growing up. Well last night I knew that I needed to tell my best friend something, I knew that it had to get out, but was afraid of her reaction. I knew her stance on the subject to be very firm, and my opinion was different. So trying to even bring up the conversation was hard. (BTW she did not help either because I tried to ask leading questions, but she never answered a question with another question) So finally I had to just tell her that I had something to say that she needed to hear. As I was able to finally open up about what was needed to be said, I looked at her to see if she was mad, bewildered, or angry; but I saw non of that on her face, only a calm reassurance. She asked me why I hadn't brought it up before, and I told her about being worried how she would react. We talked for a little bit more, and then the night ended.

I was amazed. How could something that I had had severe worries about go over so well? How could she accept? Looking back now I still don't know, but I feel more at peace. I am less wound up, and got a really good sleep last night (once I was able to actually fall asleep).

So that is what I want everyone to learn today. There is no need to walk on eggshells. Pretty much the only one you are hurting is you. When you keep your frustrations locked up inside of you it doesn't hurt the other person; it only hurts you. They might not even know that anything is bothering you. Plus once you clear the air, you feel so relieved. That burden has been lifted off your shoulders. We have so much to carry already, why carry more?

Just to note, I am not saying that it is going to be easy to say; and I am not saying that it is going to be the same reaction as I have had; I am saying that it is going to be beneficial. When there is a wall built up between friends, siblings, lovers; something is wrong. Communication is the key to all our relationships. We can all communicate more.

So this really was gathering up enough moxie to help me to speak. It's good to know that I am starting!!

When I am bored...

When I am bored...

I daydream. Like not just regular dreams. Like these dreams consist of characters with back story. It's like I know them, I feel for them, I want the best for them. Want them to be happy, to fall in love, and to fulfill their dreams. These characters continue to grow; they get angry, they date the other characters, which then they break up because most of the characters aren't right for each other.

I don't know if this is normal or not; and to be honest I don't care if it is or isn't. My daydreams are pretty cool. I have like little movies going on inside my head. Probably just from watching too much TV as a child, but at least it did something good for me.

So maybe one day you will be watching TV, and you will see a trailer for an upcoming movie. Just think of me, because that is on my bucket list. To make a movie that I wrote.

Most likely it will be under the teen category.

Kinda like John Tucker Must Die,

  or 10 things I Hate About You.

I love the teenage angst, the hopes and dreams that they go through, that eventually get crushed, and then renew, and grow as they mature.

Look out world, I've taken the first step (admitting that I really want to do this) next comes putting my daydreams on paper. Once this ball gets rolling, it may not stop.

Faith

Faith. This simple five letter word gets people talking, but it also gets people mad, upset, and angry at each other. Sometimes it can make you walk on egg shells to avoid certain topics; but in other circumstances it becomes the white elephant in the room. Some people boast about theirs, while other people quietly go about their lives while pretending it doesn't exist.

I believe we all need faith. We need to believe that there is someone out there that loves us, and wants us to return home to live with Him again. If we are on this earth just for today what is the point of our lives? Why would we live for just 70ish years, and then nothing ever again?

As a child I was shy about my faith. I wasn't sure about what I knew to be true, and what I thought was good. I didn't like when other children, or their parents made fun of my faith. So I laughed with them, to help me cope. When we talked about faith as teenagers, I knew that people would look at me to see what my reaction to some outrageous thought or belief, but I just stayed stoic, as to not give myself the label of weirdo, or naive.

I also didn't stand up for my beliefs because I didn't think I knew enough about my religion. I was naive about my beliefs. I was bad at church and fell asleep during most of the service. My mom would let me sleep on the pew, and when I was awake, I had a very hard time staying focused on anything more than the music.

But the time has come now for me to stand up, and stand out of the crowd. I have been vague all my life, and I have this burning desire in my soul to go bring the world His truth. To share with the world my light.

Neither do men light a ^acandle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (Matthew 5:15)

I am declaring to everyone in this bloggershpere that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also known as a Mormon. I believe that I will return to live with my Heavenly Father (God) and my Savior, brother and friend; Jesus Christ again. I know that My father in Heaven directs my life daily, and loves me to no end. I see His love for me in the sunsets out my window, and in the evening when the sun sets, and allows me to see the most magical color combinations that I dream of capturing in photography. I know that my brother Jesus Christ died for me so that I can return to live with Him again. He suffered everything for everyone; He has felt the pain you and I felt because He wanted us to return to live with Him again. I know that He would do it all over again if He needed to as well.

Wanting to write

I am writing today because I want to write. I want to type out letters that combine into words which then form sentences. I want these sentences to be funny, uplifting, and thought provoking. But that may come later. Right now I just wanna write. Sometimes I have the perfect thing to say. And I can say it in my head, but when the time comes to put these wonderful thoughts down on paper I lack. Because I want them to be so perfect. Have just the right amount of emotion behind the words that I nit pick too much at the structure of the sentence. Thinking "What if they (you) don't take this how I mean it?" or "does this sound right?" but I cant stop writing because you don't understand. That's not the point of this blog. That's letting my MOXIE go to the side and letting the insecure me step up the the plate.

So in writing to you today it is because I have a voice. I have thoughts and feelings that need to be shared. That need to be let out from my head. Do with them what you will. My job is to get them out to let me light shine. So you can make the decision for yourself. The knowledge that I have within me is not only for my use. Neither is yours. We must share our knowledge so that mankind is the benefactor.

If two heads are better than just one, think of how great we can be with more. Think of the possibilities for improvement in this world.

Preface

Before I just jump into telling you where I am at, and why I think the way I do, I should probably tell you where I came from, and how I grew up.

I was born in the early 80's!  (This was my favorite doll.)

I am an only child (I have a step sister, but we never grew up together)

I have lived in McKinney, TX for close to 28 years. (It started out as a town, and is now a city.)

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints. (Mormon)

I spent most of my childhood living with my mom during the school year in McKinney; and all the holidays and breaks in Covina, CA with my father and stepmother.

I love music, sports, art, musicals, dreaming, and fun!

I don't really like to watch movies, I fall asleep during most of them, even when I really like them.

I had imaginary friends growing up, which kinda explains why I daydream still today.

I am a dominate personality at work, but very chill and peacemaker at home.

I hate wasting time. I would rather be doing something productive instead of siting in front of a tv.

I think that is enough of me, me, me I think I need to play the Toby Keith song, Wanna Talk about Me.

If you can last through this post, we might just make it!

Moxie

When I decided to do a blog again (this is my 3rd blog, I have deleted the other two because I can combine all three into one) I wanted something that would stand out and say this is me, but also something that wouldn't jump out and define me in one second.

So how does moxie define me? What does moxie mean?

mox·ie - fortitude and determination.

I like to think that's what I have at this moment, but more like it's what I am striving to be.

So what is this blog going to be about?

         Well when deciding to start this blog I was having a hard time coming up with a good name. I liked moxie (obviously) but I also wanted to keep my options open. Because this blog isn't going to be just about one thing. It's going to be what is on my mind, what happened in my life, and any other news I deem important. So did I want to have motley (diversity) in the title? But motley and moxie didn't make for a good title. I finally decided on Mighty Moxie, because moxie was the one word that kept coming back to me.

In short, who really knows where this blog is going to go. I am excited to share with the world my triumphs, and my inadequacies; the good days, and the bad. Who knows what is upcoming but I am excited to blog, again...