Thanks

I should be at a birthday party. Instead, I am at home with Harley listening to Christmas music drinking hot chocolate topped with whip cream and I just started a fire. The fireplace is in the bedroom-which is by far my favorite feature of the house. I am obsessed with fire- I could watch it for hours and not realize anytime passed by.

This is my favorite time of year. My love for Christmas has intensified 100x the past 2 years because Christmas = my entire family is going to be together. And I love that. I love that more than I love anything. It doesn't happen much anymore because Jami and her family moved to Minnesota last summer and I am in Seattle. Christmas might be the only time we are all together- for the next 3 years anyway.

While Christmas is just a couple weeks away, I don't want to ignore that Thanksgiving was a couple weeks ago. Thanksgiving is my moms favorite holiday- and is becoming my favorite too. I love what Thanksgiving means- I love that it hasn't been too commercialized. I love that you can't go sit on a turkeys lap and tell it what you want (I was flabbergasted when I learned you could go sit on the Easter Bunnys lap!). For me Thanksgiving is a day to reflect and express thanks- and I have so much to be thankful for!

I am thankful for God and the love I know He has for me. His never ending love has been a saving grace in my life.

I am thankful for my mom. Lately I have been so aware of her selflessness. There isn't much time to think about yourself when you're a mother of 5. She is my hero!

I am thankful for my dad. He works so hard for his family. He is able to stay positive when things are hard and doesn't speak badly about anything.

I am thankful for Jami. I turn to Jami when I need a good laugh or when I need to cry or when I need advice- or when I need anything.

I am thankful for Jessica. I feel closer to Jess now than ever before. Sometimes we call each other just to chat- and I love that. She is passionate and giving and has such a beautiful heart!

I am thankful for Nils. He is great example of goodness and hard work. I believe all men should be more like my brother; honest, kind, hard working; and hilarious!

I am thankful for Curtis. Curtis just turned 16 but to me he is more like 25. He has a big heart and is able to see what people really are and what people really need. He is an example of love.

I am thankful for Becka. She is a silent example of goodness (unlike the Nelson clan- who are all very loud). She is loyal and dedicated. She is giving. She is beautiful- her heart is the most beautiful part of her.

I am thankful for Harley. He is the best dog and is always so excited to see me. He has brought so much love and so many smiles to my life (along with a lot of ruined things :-)

I am thankful for my mind, and for my job, and for my bed, and that I can go to the grocery store and get all my food- sure does make things easy! I am afraid I would die if I was responsible for growing and killing my own food. I am thankful for my clothes and my car and all of the things that make my life easier (easier but sometimes more complicated).

I am soooo thankful for the beautiful earth. There have been a lot of times where I lose my breath or become completely speechless because Im in awe of my surroundings.

I am thankful for my body. It allows me to do what I want to do. I can walk and run and climb and swim and dance. I love to dance!

There are soo many other things I am thankful for- like little moments in the day when I feel happy because a song comes on that reminds me of a happy memory. I feel thankful when I see little kids or hear laughter.

People say you should have the Christmas spirit all year long- but I think it would be more productive to have the Thanksgiving spirit all year long. Being thankful can change the world.

No place like home

I was able to go home last weekend and I absolutely loved being there. I wish I could have stayed- maybe forever. It felt so great- the only thing that was missing was Jami and I missed her every second. I love being with my family.

The most exciting family updates revolve around Curtis. He was Freddie in his school play, My Fair Lady and did a great job! I was lucky enough to be home during the performances and will give you a little preview.

FALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

There are a few reasons I love fall. It is absolutely beautiful! And I feel lucky because Seattle has had an extra long and extra beautiful fall. I have loved it. The trees look like they are on fire. The air is the perfect tempature. And my insides can't help but smile.

Harley likes the fall too. Here he is at the park playing in the leafs.

I've never been a huge fan of Halloween. I mean, I like it- but I don't LOVE it like some of my friends and family. This year was different though because I was so excited about our costume. Here you have it folks- NOT the Biggest Loser and her trainer Jillian Michaels.This is my Joy the girlscout and I. Its a blurry picture of us showing off our juice but it shows how grossly awesome my costume was. :)And finally, some of the winners of the costume contest. The Biggest Loser and the old school cell phone. I might start liking Halloween now that I realize how great it is to not only be a contender, but to actually WIN costume contests.

I love the fall. I appriciated it more this year. Day after day I was amazed at the beauty around me. I am thankful.

I only like being an adult

I don't love being an adult. I just like it.

When I was a kid I could do anything. Seriously. I could fly and lift mountains and kill bad guys and I was sure to make a wish on every star. I wished for things like for everyone in the entire world to be happy or that I would be the first girl in the NBA.

One of my favorite parts of visiting my sister in Minnesota was hanging out with Tolman and Addison. I am in awe of them and how their minds work. One moment we are on a boat (blanket) throwing (make believe) food to the fish but not to the sharks (because sharks are mean and eat people) and the next minute Addison is my teacher teaching me the rules of the classroom.

I went star gazing with Tol and he asked me what it'd be like if we lived in space. We laughed and laughed as we imagined how fun it would be to float around all the time and drive spaceships instead of cars.

Being an adult is boring. We don't dance as much or skip or hold hands just because. We don't let go of our imaginations and we have a harder time finding shapes in the clouds. Or maybe we just forget to look up. Everything seems to be so serious when you're an adult. I miss the days of being a kid.

I miss (parts of) high school because the only thing I worried about was basketball practice and occasianally filling my weekends with friends. I miss Brighton Camp and all the singing and daily conversation about God and the beauty of the earth. There certainly wasn't talk about work or money or the sad things that we hear on the news.

I miss the days in Logan when I was taking little tiny baby steps into adulthood. I would go to class and listen to my professors and be amazed at their experience and knowledge. I hoped that I'd be that wise someday. I would lay on the grass at the elementary school and stare at the stars and vocalize my dreams. Supa and Koda would lick my face and bring me back from the clouds. I miss sitting on the ropes course platform feeling like I was on the top of the world. And I was. I was on top of my world. I had all the clarity I needed on what to do and how to be happy- just love everything- and I was beginning to.

And now I am an adult. I have been for awhile but not wanting to admit it. When I go to the fountain in Seattle I usually watch kids play in it instead of playing in it myself. BORING! When I hear music I don't always dance-even when I want to. I am on the computer more than I am outside. Depressing. And I haven't searched for all the shapes in the clouds in a long, long time. It is time to be more like a child. Who is with me?!

Rochester

I am in Rochester, Minnesota. Jami lives here with her husband and kiddos. She has lived here for about a month because Dave is doing his medical residency at Mayo Clinic. Ive never been to Minnesota so I was excited to visit. And HELLLLLO! The Mall of America is here.

I don't think I could ever live in a place that doesn't have mountains. Minnesota doesn't have mountains. It feels weird. the mountains make directions easy, they are beautiful to look at, and I feel the most happy when I am exploring them. But Minnesota is still pretty-just in a different way.

Jami lives about an hour away from the airport so after she picked me up we got to drive on a highway that was in the middle of corn fields. It was cool. And pretty. She had to drop off library books and I took them in for her-one of the librarians told me she would never live outside of Minnesota because it is so beautiful here. I thought that was interesting and that she should travel a little bit- perhaps visit Utah or Washington-so she could know the definition of beauiful. But I guess beauty is different to everyone (and I guess I am bias).

Tolman and I shot some hoops when we got home from dinner and then, once it got reallly dark, laid on a blanket and to look at the stars. We talked about what we'd want to do if we lived in space and searched for the big dipper. We couldn't find it. I adore that little boy.

I love watching Jami with her kids. I don't remember what Jami was like before she had kids but I know she was different than she is now. She is better. Having kids has magnified all of her best qualities and have brought others out that I didn't know she had. I think thats what happens for most women when they have babies. I look forward to that happening to me. When I see Jame with her kiddos, I get really excited to have kids of my own.

I have a few more days here and will be sure to take pictures. I am so happy to be here- I love every second I get to spend with my family!

The woman at Safeway

Sooo Becka ran the Portland Marathon last Sunday (I will get get into the details of that later-but she ran INCREIBLE) and on our way out of town we stopped by Safeway to get sandwiches at the deli. We were in line, ordered our sandwiches and then I decided to go get Harley a treat in the pet isle. After I found the perfect treat I went back to the deli and I noticed a woman that I haven't been able to get out of my mind.

The woman was sitting on a stool by the deli. She was probably in her 50's. You could tell she was sad. Sad and/or lonely. She was rubbing her eyes when I first looked at her and when I looked over again I could tell she was crying. I wanted to go talk to her-but I didn't. I wanted to give her hug and tell her things were okay. But I didn't. I got my sandwich, went back to the car, and drove back to Seattle. But I have thought about this woman a handful of times since.

It has made me think about the recent suicides that have been all over the news. Bear with me as I explain.

From my own experience the worst part about being gay before I came out was the lonely feeling- the constant lonely feeling- and fearing that the loneliness would never go away.

There are a lot of unhappy/sad/lonely people out there. Not just people in the LGBT community. There are a lot of people outside of that community who are leaving this world prematurley due to suicide- and there are even more people living but wishing they would/could die. Just like the gay community, people outside of the LGBT community believe that God has been unfair and believe the judgements they receive from family, friends, and strangers are unfair. People are people- and we all experience the same kinds of things. Good and bad.

I don't know what the woman at Safeway was going through on Sunday but I wish I could have extended love. I will next time. I am making a promise to myself.

I wish we would all extend love to the people we know, the people we meet, and the people who are strangers. We all need love. Its the only thing we need.

Skykomish

Last weekend I wanted to get out of Seattle. I wanted to be in the mountains. Sometimes I crave the mountains but for some reason I don't visit them nearly much as I want to or used to. I have realized that I took for granted that I literally lived minutes away from Logan canyon- the 30 minute drive (without traffic) seems far.

So Friday afternoon I talked to Becka and asked her/told her that we were going to Skykomish for the weekend. It was just what the doctor ordered. We saw some waterfalls, made leaf piles, threw the tennis ball in the river for Harley, spent time in the hot tub, and went to Leaveworth. I didn't take as many pictures as I should have but here is a mini preview of the weekend.


I am so thankful to live in such a beautiful place and to have a body that allows me to enjoy it. I am thankful for the sights- the trees, the sky, the leafs, the river, the everything! I love the smells and the sounds and how my insides feel when Im in the mountains. I love the mountains. I love Skykomish.

Change

I am changing my world. And I'm happy about it!

There is so much anger that has been communicated in the past few days via facebook and blogs and the news and, well, everywhere. And I'm over it. And I want to change it. So I am going to change it- at least for me. 

There is a protest in SLC tomorrow. It will be on the church headquaters. I wish I could go. I wish I could organize it. I would take all the protesters and teach them I am a Child of God. and we'd walk and sing our little hearts out. Of course there will be people there who don't believe in God so they obviously wouldn't believe they are a child of God. But that is besides the point. The point would be to communicate respect and observation we are more the same than we are different. We are all people. We all want love and acceptance. And a lot of us, despite differences, love God. Personally,  I would want to sing my testimony that I know I am a child of God and that my gay peers are, too. I would want to communicate that we know that the LDS church disapproves of our lifestyle but we still love God and a lot of us have a personal relationship with Him and are relying on His final judgement-rather than the daily judgements we are receiving. Some of us can't believe in Him. Maybe its because our circumstances are too sad. It is hard to believe a loving Heavenly Father would allow our life happenings to actually happen (being kicked out of our houses, contemplating suicide, constant harassment, lies to stay worthy, etc..) so a belief in God is wiped away. Or maybe the idea of a God just doesn't make sense. But like I said, those differences are small. We are all more alike than different.

I am hopeful that society will come to an agreement that the single thing that makes us the same is we all want to be loved and accepted. and it all starts with individuals. I will make it start with me. 

I am changing my world.

My day

Who am I kidding? I didn't become a regular blogger until I 'came out' but decided I didn't want to only focus on gay topics or being a gay person. I am other things too you know. I am good at basketball. I'm not a good singer but really, really wish I was. I am can sale just about anything. I consider most people my friend-or a potential friend and I have worlds cutest dog. But gosh dang it, despite all of that, I feel like I am being forced to focus on gay type issues.

My name is Chelsea Nelson and I will continue with my story.

I don't need to start with a horrible episode in the life of Chelsea. I don't need to give the details of the day I went to Bill Bernards garage with a gun with the plan to shoot myself. Or a day of the years of severe depression when I pleaded to God to take my life so I could stop thinking about doing it. I don't need to talk about how hard it was to wear the smile that I put on my face throughout middle and high school or how it felt like every word of praise from family and friends were the things that kept me alive. I will start by telling you about today.

Today started great! It was a beautiful day in Seattle! I swear, the day I neglect to see the beauty of this place is the day I will move. I got up, got ready for work, and was on my way. I was stuck in traffic-which is typical- so I turned on music and sang with the radio. I had 2 big meetings today so I rehersed my presentations in my head and then outloud. I looked good this morning- I recently bought some new work clothes which included 2 new suits and today I wore the black one. When I got to work 2 coworkers were sitting in my office. Sidenote: I started my new job about 2 months ago and decided to bring in a few pictures yesterday. One of my family. One of my neice and nephew. And one of Becka (my girlfriend) and I. My coworkers started to tell me that my family is beautiful and that Tol and Addi are the cutest kids they've seen. Then one asked who my friend was. I said, 'That's my girlfriend Becka." "Why don't you have pictures of your other girlfriends?" "No. She is my girlfriend- my partner." Blank stare. "I am gay." "Oooooh" Blank stare. Awkward silence. "We need to get back to work." They left.

A few minutes later one of them comes back.

"Sorry about that. Sue (not real name) isn't comfortable with gay people." "Oh thats okay." "We had wondered if you were gay. We asked Joe (not real name) if you were last week and he said he thought so." "Well, Joe was right." "Oh sorry-was that awkward?" "Umm, yes. But its okay. Next time you have a question about my personal life, feel free to ask me." "Sorry Chelsea. I better get back to work."

Then later from same person via email. work stuff. blah blah blah- but this is how it ended. "I just saw all these reports of gay teen suicides on facebook. What do you think about all of this."

This, among a lot, lot more is what I wanted to say.

These kids killed themselves because they don't feel like people. They don't feel like people because people treat them like aliens. These kids were taught in elementry school that they can be whatever they want to be. They can be doctors, professional athletes, artists, musicians, ANYTHING- except gay. It's true. Kids learn from adults. They learn from TV. Kids are smart. They listen to what we say. And what are we saying? Gays can't get married, gays can't serve in the military- they can die for their country but only if they lie about who they are, and they can't be a member of a church they absolutely believe in and love.

I wanted to continue with, "please don't bring up my personal life anymore. And I wont bring up yours either. And if we become friends later on and we have a sincere interest in each others lives, then we can talk about these kinds of things."

Now I am home and I am going to get ready to go to the gym. After that, I am going to eat dinner and get ready for tomorrow, and maybe read a book. And I am going to respond to a few emails from friends who wrote to express their acceptance after the talk given by Elder Packer. And I am going to tell them that I still love the church. Because I do.

Love is the only thing I believe in right now.

Conference

I don't know how I feel right now. I feel confused and sad but I feel kind of empowered too. General Conference was on today and I watched some of it. I watched Boyd K Packers give his talk about pornography and same sex attraction, being gay, and how marriage should be between a man and a woman.

My opinion? My opinion is kids die from talks like that. Seriously.

Read this and while you're at it, read this, too.

There were times I went to bed hoping I wouldn't wake up the next morning. I took bottles of advil, benedryl, and a prescription drug (that I can't remember the name of) on different occasions because I didn't want to be gay. My biggest fear was that I'd be a disappointment to my family, to my friends, to my church, and to my God- and I rather have died than do that.

Luckily for me, most of my attempts to leave this world were naive and didn't cause anything more than a sick stomach and really long naps. But I am a lucky one. Too many leave this world-or are taken from this world from people who hate us because of our sexual orientation.

I'm not going to say that Elder Packer is wrong. I don't know if what he said wrong. All I know is that I have had spiritual experiences where I have felt that I am okay being me. I have felt and continue to feel that God loves me- all of me- even the gay part of me.

Even if you agree with what Elder Packer said, I, a gay woman, who tried for the majority of my life not to be gay, continue to plead for what I have always pleaded for- love, acceptance, and tolerance. Don't support gay marriage if you can't support it but love your gay friends, your gay neighbors, your gay family members.

Wanderings

Seattle Storm. They are a WNBA team. They are currently in the WNBA Finals. The series is 2-0 for Seattle. They are playing the Atlanta Dream. The Storm haven't lost a game this year at home. Lauren Jackson, their center, was the 2010 MVP. And nobody knows about it. In fact, tonight was game 2 (in Seattle) and I, living in Seattle, couldn't even watch the game because I don't have a fancy cable package. And I find it to be ridiculous. (can you imagine the NBA or NFL or World Cup or any other FINALS of a popular sport not being on TV?!)

Wipeout is on right now. Hilarious!  My friend/old Brighton Camp Director is on there and I can't stop laughing. Teva, I'm envious. I would love to be on Wipeout- but Im convinced I would be in bed for a good week with an aching body if I ever did get on the show. 

I get family sick at least once a month. Which is better than daily-like I did about a year ago. I have an incredible family and I wonder when I will live close to them again. Sometimes I wish it was now. I wish it was now when I get family sick. When I think about other aspects of living in Utah, I hope never.

I got a new job a few months ago and couldn't be happier with my employment. I look forward to work everyday. And Im good at it. And I work with people who believe in me- which makes me believe in myself more. Isn't it funny how that works? 

Harley is still the cutest dog. I look forward to seeing him everyday and he looks forward to see me everyday too. People still stop me on the street and tell me he is the cutest dog they have ever seen. And I love it when that happens. Every time.

I worked out today. Twice. I did P90X and played basketball. I laughed a lot at work. I took Harley for a short walk. Becka sent me a really nice message that made me choke up a little. Friends came over for dinner. They left. My mind started to wander and this entry is the result.

Now it is time to relax.

Nie Nie

For the last year or so I have been a reader of the Nie Nie Dialogues and yesterday I clicked on the website and watched this amazing video. I am touched. I am inspired. I want to be more like Stephanie Nielson.

I want to know what my purpose is. I want to feel peace in what I am doing. I want to have my priorties right where (I think) they should be.

I like feeling inspired. I like wanting to be better. I love reading the stories of real life people who are changing the world with love.

I want to change the world with love.

Every time I see a nose qrinkle from a smile, I think of you. I think of you when I see the color green or talk to someone who I know won't let anything get in the way of their dreams. I think of you when I see a Sportage or a Dodge truck or a car that is that (ugly) purple color. When I see beautiful sunsets or people enjoying a meaningful, thought provoking conversation, or red rocks, I think of you. When I am having a bad day and want to be cheered up or have ideas about changing the world, I think about you. When I hear certain songs- particularly those funny heavy medal songs you used to like, I think of you. I think of you when I have good news or when people get sick or when I'm in the mood to goof around.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, even after all this time, I miss you.

It's too bad that some things change. Things like death and distance and differences. I guess its all part of life though.

I am better because of you.

Be remarkable.

Silly

I like to be silly.

When I hear music I like to dance- even when I'm alone. Even when I'm walking down the street. Even when I'm at work or with people I don't know. For date nights I like to finger paint. I like to sit on overpass bridges and watch cars go by. I like to get on my hands and knees and play with my dog pretending that I'm a dog too. I like setting my tent up on my bed and pretend I'm camping during the week. I like playing with Tol and Ad because I like playing imagining with them. I like to listen to the Glee soundtrack and sing every word while pretending to be a really good singer. Wouldn't it be fun if my life was a musical? I like to sing instead of talk. I like to cook dinner in the firepit in the backyard. I like to climb trees. I like to explore and find pretty rocks. and sticks. I like to lay on my back and see shapes in the clouds. I like to pick berries and I like to get dirty while doing it. I like to skip instead of walk.

I like to be silly.

I hope I always like to be silly.

Laughter

Laughter is the best medicine. It is the best everything- the best activity, the best past-time, the best pick-me-up- the best date, the best everything! And I have to admit, I laughed harder than I can remember last week. I was with my family in Moab- and felt like a giddy little kid again. It had been years since my family had been on a family vacation- and it was concluded that we have to do it way more often- because we become closer (which is hard to imagine), and have soo much fun!

We spent our time hiking, exploring, talking, laughing, swimming, and wishing that our time there wouldn't run out. Being there with Tolman and Addison was a real treat- watching them hike around and become excited about the littlest things was a reminder that we should all strive to be like children. Curtis and I hiked around all the big rocks, and went cliff jumping, and we talked. Curtis and I always have good talks. Nils was the work horse. He carried everyones gear- including the kids and I always become captivated by his wisdom and dedication to goodness. Jess cheered everyone up and kept our spirits up. She is quirky and funny and she doesn't get scared-even when she jumps off high cliffs. I cherish every conversation I have with Jami. She is my sound and solid voice. And she was such a trooper! She had a little precedure a few days before Moab, and she still did it all! And my parents are hilarious and truly inspiring! My mom lugged around her oxygen tank to every place we went. And my dad was at her side helping her. They laughed together and sang songs together and continued their example of love. I caught myself smiling just looking at my parents. They make me happy. The best kind of happy.

On the last day of our time in Moab, Becka and I decided to rent a jeep and explore areas in Moab. We took the top off and cruised on top of cliffs, in little streams, and up steep hills. It was insane and amazingly cool! Our first stop was Gemini Bridges and the second was Onion Creek Canyon. Let me just say that during our second stop, Onion Creek Canyon, we all laughed harder than we could remember. My mom was pounding the dash board and stomping her feet because she was laughing so hard. She couldn't breathe. It was sooo good for the soul to laugh that hard while being in 0ne of the most beautiful of all creations. It was the kind of laughter that came from the heart. True happiness. Perfection. The best kind of laughter. I was in heaven.

I was more than delighted that Becka was able to be there! She is part of the family and adds so much happiness to my life. She is an amazing person! Everything is better when she is around. I love you, Becka!

Thanks to the Richardson family for this amazing trip!

PRIDE

Taking a little break from the health kick- and writing about Pride.

This weekend is PRIDE weekend in Seattle. And I must say, I haven't looked forward to a weekend as much as I am looking forward to this weekend in a long time.

I am happy to me. I like me. If I weren't me, I would want to be my friend. I have pride in who I am. And this weekend I am going to celebrate!

I have spent some time learning about the history of Pride weekends- when and why they started. Pride started in New York City in 1969 when a group of gay people fought back againt government groups that persecuted sexual minorities. This particular event is referred to as the Stonewall Riots. It certainly is an interesting thing to be studied. But it makes me wonder- Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and people like them are heroes for fighting for equal rights- but the individuals who fought and continue to fight for a different kind of equal rights remain nameless.

I went to Pride last year- but I didn't feel pride. I looked around and wondered if anyone was looking or judging and I felt bad. I felt bad to be me.

So what has changed in one year?

I have had so many silent conversations with myself, and with God. See, the thing is, I didn't want to be gay. There was a time I rather die than be gay. And unfortunatly, parts of me did die because of the self hatred. But then it hit me, I must be okay- because God made me. And that confidence has grown and grown- and I know that I am okay. And I am thankful that God loves me.

Today I am the best version of myself simply because I love freely and fully and without fear.

Everyone should celebrate Pride weekend. Everyone should have Pride in themselves and who they are.

Thought I would share some pictures of the best things and people in my life!

Wealth

You know how people say that being rich doesn't always equal to being wealthy? I feel the same about being skinny and fit-those terms don't always equal healthy.

I'm not on a quest to lose weight or get skinny (although I wouldn't frown upon those results) but on a quest to become a better, happier, and healthier woman. And in my opinion, the first place to start is attitude.

There have been times in my life when I feel my insides are smiling. It's a feeling of gratitude and thankfulness-even for unfortunate things. It is a feeling I am in love with.

Story time.....

My amazing mom was able to come spend Mother's Day with me this year. I was soo glad to have her! We hung out mostly-and took an occasional outing to the park, or the pier, or down the street to get a pedicure. I am so glad that we were able to spend so much time together-mostly talking. She told me that when she sees people out running or working out she hopes that they have gratitude for the air and for their lungs.

My mom has to have oxygen on her all the time. Her lungs don't work. They are crystallizing. Years ago my mom was a runner, a choir participant, her kid's biggest cheer leader-among other things. Now she has a hard time walking a few blocks because she looses her breath.

During our conversations, I became grateful for the opportunity I have to breath. I fell in love with a working body. I became excited to skip and jump and ride my bike-like when I was little-just because I am capable of doing those things.

Soooo I guess the moral of the story is being grateful makes my insides smile. And I have so much to be grateful for-including my working and somewhat curvy body! And my new found gratefulness makes me excited to use it, to play with it, and to take good care of it.

Harley Boy, me, and my mom on Mother's Day 2010

Health check

I have neglected my blog for months now-there has been an occasinioal post but nothing consistent. I guess I didn't feel like there was anything significant to write about-so I felt my blog lost meaning.

BUT!!!!!!!! DRUM ROLL please.............this weekend I committed to myself to write about a new and somewhat uncomfortable topic....

After experiecing some hard things the past few months and being inspired by a few people I have decided to dedicate a portion of my blog to my journey in becoming a better, more healthy Chelsea.

I'm not unhealthy but I'm certainly not as healthy as I should/could be. Thoughout the last several months the fact that my body is what I make of it has really set in. Throughout my life I have been around a lot of sickness. My parents have both fought, and are presently fighting, life threatening diseases. Being 'sick' has been a normal thing in my life. Watching my mom go through her most current battle has made me love myself and love my body more-and has made me want to take care of it better.

But lets face it, I don't want to get healthier just for my future. This weekend I went to Shea's wedding and I wasn't as comfortable in my awesome outfit as I would've liked. I have two more weddings to go to this summer and you can count on the fact that I will look and feel better!

There are other people who have motivated me to become healthier. My dad, who is a walking miracle, is a new triathlete. My sister Jess is competing in her first marathon in October. My girlfriend has ran several marathons. My friend Lindsey made a blog about her getting healthier adventure. http://milesyboy.blogspot.com/ which she started nearly a year ago-and man oh man! She has done a GREAT job!

I am going to copy Linds and document my goals, successes, failures, and positive changes I am making in my life.

So here is to a better and healthier and happier Chelsea. Check in for updates!

please pray for my mom

Not really up for going into all the details but I feel it's important that I get this out there, for my mom's sake.A while back she was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease called mixed connective tissue disease. One of the major complications that can occur in patients with this is the loss of lung function. We've known this all along, but were hoping that if it happened, it wouldn't be for a while.Her amazing doctors ran the lung function tests on her last November and the results showed her lungs were operating on the "low end of normal." The doctors ran the same tests again this past week and the results weren't good. In fact, her pulmonologist's words were that her Interstitial Lung Disease is moving "remarkably fast."She is on a few different medications, including a very high dose of prednisone and constant oxygen.The damage to her lungs can't be reversed, but the hope is that the rapid digression will slow waaay down and that she will feel better. She has felt so sick!

We are having a fast for her this Sunday, which will actually begin Saturday night @ 8 pm. My family would be so grateful and appreciative for you to join us.We know our Heavenly Father can work miracles through our faith, and that is what we're praying for- a miracle.

I know.

I remember sitting in my Institute class my junior year of college. I was taking a class about the Book of Mormon prophets. Brother Harding said over and over throughout every class that knowledge is power.

I believe that now more than ever before.

I know that God lives.
I know that He has a plan for me.
I know that miracles occur daily.
I know Gods plan is a plan of happiness-and no matter our circumstrance, there is a way to be happy.
I know I will be with my family beyond this life.
I know prayers are answered.
And most importantly, I know God loves me!

Everything will be okay.

strive to be like my dog because...

he is sweet

no matter what time it is, he is always excited to see me-or see anyone

he gives good kisses

he loves unconditionally 

he makes people smile

he is smart-he knows how to sit, roll over, shake, high five, and spin-and he is potty trained

he is the best listener! he doesn't try to fix my problems-he just listens and gives kisses

he is up for whatever whenever

he is a good travel buddy. he has already been to Portland, Hood River, and Salt Lake

he is a good all the time buddy

And I will try to be as good of a person as my dog believes I am!