Just some thoughts

It is kinda nice being alone in a new place with new people and things to experience. I am left with nothing but my own thoughts a lot of times. And even though I am in Washington I have realized that (besides my family being further away) things aren't that different afterall.

I am surrounded my people who are just trying to do their best. The other day I was outside in the backyard and the backyard that is connected to this one has a tramp in it. Lots of kids were jumping on the tramp and throwing balls at each other and a few of the balls landed in this backyard and I threw them back. The dad of some of the kids starting talking to Erika and I...nothing different than home. People just doing their best and trying to survive. The kids were laughing and sreaming and their daddy was trying to make sure everyone was staying safe. Not much different than being at my house...

Blazing new trails...

Tolman, my nephew is certainly one of the things I will miss most about home. I love this little boy the way I imagine loving my own little ones.
Tolman taped me to the chair and said, "Now you can't move to Washington. You have to stay here." Soo sweet and soo sad. I keep looking around and wonder if this is really my life...

A few days ago I packed up everything I own into a Budget rental truck (I would suggest a Penske for anyone who is planning to make a long drive. There were times we would max out speed at 45 mph and watch Penske trucks fly by...) and drove from Logan, UT to Lake Stevens, WA on Wednesday. I came without a job, a set place to live, a limited social network, no idea where anything is and I absolutely love it!

I have wanted to move for quite sometime but kept waiting for the perfect time, perfect job, perfect opportunity...I learned there is no perfect time for anything-or perhaps NOW is the perfect time for everything.

It certainly hasn't hit me that this isn't a mere vacation; That I won't be going home in a few days, that I can't hop in the car and drive to see my family when I want to, that this forgein place really is my new home. That is all just a little crazy but so, so exciting.

Last Sunday my mom had a little party for me. My family was there along with some of my friends. When the night was coming to an end and I had to say goodbye to some of my siblings, I was a complete wreck. I don't know if there is a family as close as the Nelson clan-I adore my family, particilarly my siblings.

Danny has always been my best buddy-but more over the past few years than ever before. He will always be one of my favorite people! He is such a good friend and always makes me laugh. His wife Emi is just as wonderful! This is Erika, Danny, Emi and me!

Taryn and Brittany came by...SOOO good to see both of them. Hadn't seen either of them in awhile but will always been great friends of mine. It's soo great to have friends who you can see every now and again but it seems like nothing changes. Love you girls!

Ang, Steve and little Owen came. This was my first time meeting Owen. I had plans to kipnap him but those thoughts left when I saw how Ang looked at her little guy. So much love... Some day I will have my own!Erika flew down to Utah to drive back with me. I decided to show her the my favorite place in Utah while she was here. This is us above Silver Lake.I don't think I would have been able to move without Patrick. First of all, he took over my job, a job that I absolutely adore AND he came and packed up my truck. Thanks Patrick!

My first night in Washington...Sarah and I went long boarding on the same long board. It was pretty stellar.

The things I love about this place...

Right now I am happy and I am sad. Happy because a new adventure is right around the corner. Sad because I am leaving my home and creating another. By the end of the month I will be a Washington resident...

I can't really explain the excitement. I feel that change is the most liberating thing for me. It reminds me that I'm human. That I exsist in a world full of other humans who are doing exactly what I am doing-surviving and loving it.

I'm not too sure if I will ever find a place that I adore like Logan. I can ride my bike a few minutes and be in the middle of a mountain. Its heaven to me. It isn't only Logan though-Utah is amazing! Sure, it is the land of the Mormons (seems to be the first thing that outsiders mention when I tell them where I'm from) but it is soo much more. I have traveled throughout a lot of the US and parts of South America and Europe. I don't think I have ever been to a place that I love (just based on geographical wonders) as much as Utah.

I'm confident that this will always be my home. It will always be a place that makes me giddy when I think about it...

Father's Day and Nils!

Perhaps this is a little out of order but better late, and a little out of order, then never.

To explain a little about my family I would like to refer you to my sisters blog http://www.thelambfam01.blogspot.com/. I feel I have worlds funnest and perhaps funniest family!

My dad is a great dad! So glad he's my dad. He has been such a big support and perhaps my biggest fan my entire life. I love you dad!

Now to Nils. I am so happy he's home. Can't believe it had been 2 years since I saw him. His homecoming was fabulous and it was so fun to hear some of his experiences AND see so many people.

I have always adored my little brother. I am so glad he is home.

One of the people I got to see was my best buddy Danny. Haven't seen his since he got married and he and Emi came to visit. Love you guys!

Tribute

Today is a special day for me for so many reasons. Reasons that I can't really explain. I won't try and explain them. I don't know the words to being explaining.

Sometimes people come into my life-even if its just for a few moments-and change the way view something-or perhaps give me a deeper (or newly formed) appreciation for something. For example, the other day I was walking into a gas station. There was an older woman who was walking near me. I was kind of in a hurry and was on my cell phone and walked into the store without keeping the door held open for her. It wasn't until a young child-couldn't have been above the age of 8 ran from where his parents car was parked to the door to open it! The older woman was in tears from the kindness of this young child. He reminded me that small things do matter...

Anyway, today is significant. Today is the anniversary of the death of my best friend Ashley Richardson. She died 8 years ago. Eight years is a long time but I still think about her most every day.

She was the prime example that small things matter. I could write novels about the small things she did that made a difference in my life; not to mention the lives of other friends, family and strangers. Her smile was contagious and her love and kindness didn't have boundries. Ashley certainly was, and still is, my hero!

I still talk about Ash on almost a daily basis. I use some of her stories at work. I have tried to treat people the way she encouraged me to everyday. She loved people. She loved life.

Sometimes I still dream about Ashley. Those are the hardest dreams to wake up from. I don't know if I've ever known anyone that has understood me more than her. I don't know if there has ever been anyone who has seen as much goodness in me than her. She reminds me in those dreams.

Eight years ago could easily be one of the hardest days in my life thus far. But it was also a beginning. Perhaps that sounds morbid and weird but there is no other way to say it.

Here's to all the pizza and ice cream! And to the picnic in the middle of the lunch room! And of course the Fat Camp on the way to St. George!! I love you Ash!
Love, Chelsea Marie! :)

Family is together!

What a day!

Today Nils returned from his LDS mission. He has been gone for two years. My family woke up early (some of us didn't sleep) and went to the airport around 10:30am. We went to the place we last saw him.

When we got inside of the airport I went and stood by my dad. My dad looked contemplative so I asked him what kinds of thoughts he was having. He looked at the escalator and said, "the last time I saw Nilso was on that escalator. I can't believe that was two years ago."

Since then I have been in and out of thoughts about time and how quickly it passes. Two years ago my family was saying goodbye to my brother thinking it would be forever until we saw him again. That day is already here. That day is almost gone. Crazy. Time goes so quickly.

I have always thought that the most precious thing in my life was my family. Of course they are toward the top of the list but the most precious thing is time.

My brother came home a different person. In the last two years he has changed parts of his life and has a more firm dedication to doing good. I can see it. I can feel it. I am trying to think back to when he left. I wonder what kinds of changes have occured within me. I wonder if he can see it. We have had the same amount of time since we last saw each other...it just makes me wonder...

Time. It is a crazy thing to think about. I will use my time to do good things.

I got tagged...

I got tagged. I don't really know what it means but my sister insists that I play along...here it goes.
ABC's "getting to know you" TAG. Complete the ABC's of you. Then, each player tags 3 people and posts their names, goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.Thanks Monica, here we go:

A- Attached or single: I am attached. Attached to family and friends and my arms and legs are attached-but not attached to a boy-except for my dad, brothers and nephew
B- Best Friend: Curtis is in the room right now and is telling me that we are best friends
C-Cake or Pie: Pie. Apple pie
D-Day: Don't have a favorite-like all my days when fun things are planned!
E- Essential Item: Lotion
F- Favorite Color: Anything BRIGHT
G-Gummy Bears or Worms: Bears
H-Home town: The one and only WJ baby!!
I- Indulgences: I have a slight obsession with hair removal
J- January or July?: Umm. I like both. I am boring.
K-Kids: Can't wait to have them
L-Life is incomplete without: My family!
M- Marriage Date: Not married
N- Number of Siblings: 2 sis' & 2 bros
O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: Not following my dreams...
Q- Quote: If you don't like it, change it. If you can't change it change the way you feel about it.
R- Reason To Smile: I have a beautiful life
S- Season: Fall.
T- Tag Three: Umm... Angie, Ariel and Annie
U- Unknown fact about me: II got stabbed by a deer horn once
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Huh?
W- Worst Habit: Driving without a seat belt
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Neither
Y-Your favorite food: There isn't anything like a good peach
Z- Zodiac Sign: This may surprise you but I don't know. My birthday is March 14th.

Videos

I forgot to put these videos on the page. They were taken when Curtis was visiting... ENJOY!

The first two are of me and Curtis on the Zipline!

This is Curtis riding the cycle! Good job Curt!!

New Things

Yesterday was fantasitc! It was the first day in Logan that actually felt like summer. I love the summer time in Logan. People are out and about and it seems there are always something to do. Logan Canyon is 5 minutes away from my house and there are loads of other canyons a short car ride away. There is simply no place like Logan.

To celebrate the frst day of summer Jamie and I put on the swim suits and hit up First Dam to catch some rays. Luckily for us we met Bill and John who let us join in their adventure of slack lining from bridge to bridge. It was quite the challenge-having to walk from bridge to bridge withouth falling in the water-which made me stop breathing for a few seconds because of the tempature of the water (another example of why life is NOT about the things that take your breath away...). Slack lining takes a ton of concentration, core muscles and balance. I didn't have what it took yesterday and hit the water. Maybe next time.

After our slack lining experience, the four of us played frisbee. Actually, there was an addition to our frisbee crew. Cheyanne (?), a little girl who couldn't have been above the age of 7, played too. I love kids!

As I was participating in the activies I couldn't help but notice the people around me. There were family reunions at the park, people who seemed to be out on dates, kayakers in the water, loads of fishers and cute little old people sitting on their chairs in the shade. Everyone seemed to want to enjoy the sunshine.

The thing that caught the attention of most of my thoughts was a woman who didn't look older than 30 who was walking with 2 canes, had an oxygen tank hung over one of her arms, and who was quite a bit overweight.

I found myself feeling sad for her. With every step I saw her take it seemed she was in pain. I wondered if she was in an accident or something-or if she had an illness-or if she just didn't take time to take care of herself. All three, in my opinion, are equally as sad.

I made (perhaps for the one millionth time) a silent commitment to take care of the body and mind I have. I am so glad that I was born with a capable mind and body. So, here is my challenge to myself and anyone else who chooses to except: take time to improve mind and body every day.

Perhaps the best part of my day...finding a lizard (on his owners shoulder) and got to hold him. Crazy!

Change

So... my thoughts are somewhat complex right now but I will do my best to get them out... just in case there are people out there reading. If not, I will probably read this later on...

Anyway...

I'm not a huge fan of playing on words (?? I think that is the phrase that is used??) but the other day I read one on a friends myspace page and have been thinking about it since. Let me give an example of what I mean. "Life isn't about how many breaths you take. It's about the things that take your breath away." Hmm. It's cute (and for those of you who really like this quote, I am sorry-just a personal opinion) but so far from the truth. Today I played in a basketball tournament for work. I got hit in the gut. I couldn't breathe for a few seconds. At that moment I didn't think that what was life was about at all. On the contrary, I woke up early a few times last week and depending on the day went running/walking/biking. I was cold, the view was AMAZING and I was breathing real hard (particularly when I went running). Those mornings are soo much more what life is about then getting hit in the gut and not being able to breathe. OR, one more example, my sister Jami is afraid of heights but (I think) her favorite ride at Disney Land is a haunted house that takes your real high in the air and then drops you. From the pictures we have gotten back from those rides I think she forgets to breathe. Jami also has two amazing kids. She talks to them, sings to them, laughs with them and she breathes when she does all those things. To me life is about the breaths we take...and what we do while we take those breaths. If it were about the times that took our breath away I would encourage everyone to scare me and hit me in the gut as often as possible.

Now to the 0ne I like.

"If you don't like it, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you feel about."

WOW! Does that speak volumes to anyone else? It does to me. I feel I could write novels about that single phrase.

I should carry a pen with me throughout the day and make a mark on my hand each time I complain or hear someone else complain. Complain about myself, my work, my house, my clothes, my car, my neighbors, politics-local, national and international, global issues, what else? It seems there is complaining about everything.

Rather than complaining about something, what would happen if I used that same energy and tried to change it? Change is hard, perhaps the hardest of all things but I am a human for crying out loud! Humans can do anything-even walk on the moon! And the things I can't change? What is I started using my mind to change the perception? Find perfection in things with imperfection? What an amazing concept!

If you don't like it, change it! If you can't change it, change the way you feel about it! A formula for happiness!

Moving on to my next thought... this came as I came home to change my clothes-out of my basketball clothes back into my ropes course clothes. Just a little preface to these thoughts, I live next to an elementary school and while I was changing my clothes I heard them out and about playing!

If I were to have written those thoughts as I were having them, this is what would would've been written.

Right now I am sitting in my living room. I am looking out my window. It's a beautiful day. The best thing about this moment though is what I hear. There is an elementary school next to my house and I am listening to the kids play. Laughing and screaming and playing.

Perfection. What is it? The best definition I have come up with is: children. Kids are perfect. They are kind, they are loving, they are unable to judge and they find happiness in simple things; to me that is perfection.

Tol and Addi. They are perfect to me.

Kids come into this world and they are surrounded my adults. Parents, perhaps siblings and friends and media-adults are everywhere! And kids come having to depend on those blasted adults for everything. That seems backwards to me.

What would the world be like if the kids across the street made the rules (I am guessing the kids out there are in 1st or 2nd grade)? It would be different. Kids don't notice pretty and ugly, fat and thin, black and white. They don't notice the subtle differences that make individuals different-much less the dramatic differences that make us hate.Perhaps some kids notice but where and how do they learn it? From adults.

I have a pretty idealistic mind. I wouldn't have it any other way though. I know that I'm not always my best self but I would hope that I can break the ideas and stereotypes I have about people and encourage others to do the same. People are people. Everyone wants the same thing. To be loved and accepted for being them-no matter the clothes they are wearing or the numbers on the scale.

The kids are playing RedRover right now. I can hear them. They are ALL holding hands and playing together. They are laughing and encouraging each other. I wish that the adults in their lives could have a front row seat...