Vacations

I like vacations for a lot of reasons. I just got back from Mexico. It was so nice to get out of the rain and feel the sun and walk in the sand. It was nice to go 10 days without a jacket and having my worry be about applying sunscreen.

But the amazing weather wasn't the best part of my time in Mexico. I like getting away from the routine of life because my mind clears and I seem to come back to life more motivated with motivation and purpose.

I really enjoy reading self help books. I could list off the ones I've read but instead I would like to point out a similarity in the majority I've read. They talk about the importance of positive personal affirmations. You have to visualize who you want to be and talk about who you want to be and then, and only then, you will become who you want to be.

So while I was in Mexico on the beach or in the little Casita before bed I would pull out my pen and paper and write pages and pages of who and how I want to be. People say that life is about finding yourself. No, no. I believe life is about creating yourself. And I want to be better than I am. I want to be kinder and softer and more successful. I want to be a better citizen and I want to be more giving. People are always changing- even when they don't realize it- but I want to be aware of it and be sure that I am changing in the ways I want to change.

Sayulita was incredible! Every place we went seemed to be postcard worthy. We played in the ocean, boogie boarded, took surf lessons, went for a sailing adventure and spent a day at the most incredible home I have ever seen. The vacation was unreal. But I was glad to come home. Not only did we have a short layover in Salt Lake City (my family came to see us and brought Cafe Rio), I came home with motivation and purpose.

I love vacations!

back to the roots

I get mad when bad/hard things happen. I get mad and sad and sometimes feel bad for myself- but after the bad/hard thing happens, I usually feel thankful. I feel thankful now.

It is a blessing when I am taken back to my roots- when I remember what I have always known. This time, when this particular hard thing happened, I remembered that love and service is always the best answer- to everything- no matter what.

When this particular hard thing happened I remembered that I can't control ANYTHING except me and how I act and react. I can't control work, or the weather, or the moods or feelings of anyone else. I can control how I decide to be when things at work don't go smoothly, or when the sky is gray and when the people around me aren't the way I want them to be- and I have made a real effort to act with love and service.

Thank you, hard time, for reminding me what I have always known. My heart feels happy.

  

Time

People say that some things just take time. Or that the timing just isn't right. Or they don't have time. Or they have too much time. There is so much talked about when it comes to time.

Time is weird. Seconds go by; minutes go by; days go by and then before we know it, years go by. Time is always passing.

Right now I am in one of those situations that I just have to give time. It's weird and uncomfotable for me. But nothing I can do will change my situation- the only thing that will change the situation is time.

I'm sorry to be vague. I'm usually not vague on my blog.

The moral of my post is to encourage you to use your time wisely. Hopefully with all of the time that we are given, we can use it to make others laugh, to create lasting memories, to remind people that we love them, to build success and to learn. Hopefully our time is used to say sorry and I love you and to better ourselves and those around us.

Engagement Party

Sarah and Lindsey got engaged in October. They had a big party to celebrate this last weekend and I was so delighted to go. I love both of them AND I love a good party!

Me with the gals. They are getting married in October! YAY!

Me and the most beautiful and RAD gal in the entire world

Me and Lindsey- one of the best people I know! Congrats!

Now, for me to complain- or at least get on my soap box for a moment...

So their party was in Ballard- a little neighborhood about 10 minutes away from super liberal Downtown Seattle. But honestly, Ballard is liberal too. The party was in a crowded pub but had a section reserved that was marked, kinda roped off, by a sign. The sign said, ;Reserved. Sarah and Lindsey's engagement party;- or something similar. And guess what happened. There were a few bystandards- people who were complete strangers who saw the sign and mocked it. They said that it wasn't a real engagement party because gay people can't really get married.

I haven't always been sure on my stance on gay marriage- which is weird because I have always wanted to get married but I haven't really cared what it was called by the eyes of the world- or by goverment- because to me, it would be a marriage. But now, after the weekend, I will fight (whatever fighting means) and stand for marriage equality.

Sarah and Lindsey love each other a lot. Their love is beauitiful and life changing. It should be something that is celebrated. It should be supported just as much as any of my other friends who are married or engaged to someone of the opposite sex. But because they are both women, people don't see it that way. But guess what?! My relationship with my person is just as important to me as your relationship with your person is to you. Because it is real. And strong. And amazing. And I'm happy. Truly happy.

So now, I don't want a civil union. I want a marriage. And I hope I will get married someday. And I want everyone, even strangers who are in the same building as me at my engagement party to support it- or at least respect it. Heck, I'll even take people just minding their own business.

Our balls, your face

I play dodgeball. In a league. With adults. And I like it.

Every Wednesday night for the next 8 weeks I will drive to a Jr. High and throw balls as fast and as hard as I can (I can't throw very hard or very fast) at other people. Those same people who I chuck balls at- men and women- who can throw balls harder and faster than me- chuck them back at me- sometimes at my head. It's weird. And scary. But for some reason, I love it.

Our team name is 'Beastie Balls'. And our jersey's say, Our balls, your face. When we have cheers, that's what we scream. "OUR BALLS, YOUR FACE!"

I laugh everytime. I can't help it. But I love it.

It is nearly 3am. My mind is going a mile a minute. I feel plugged into the wall. Today, or Wednesday (because I haven't fallen asleep yet) was a good day. Tuesday sucked. Im wondering what the difference was.


Sometimes when we wake up all we can do is take a deep breath, head out the door and do the best we can.

In all actuality, we have no idea how anything is ever going to work out. We don't know if our car will start once we turn the key. We hope it will but for some people on some days, it doesn't. The drive to work or wherever we go going isn't always the way we want. Living in Seattle I've learned that leaving my house one minute on one day means free sailing. If I leave the same minute the next day, I will might be stuck in traffic for an hour. No joke. And it sucks. Meetings don't always go as we plan, interactions with people-even friends can be off. Things change our attitudes in seconds. Sometimes we aren't nice although we are nice people. We aren't sensitive although sensitivity is one of our most visible characteristics. And maybe for that particular moment, not being nice and being insensitive is the best we can do.

Lifers

I was sooo happy to be able to see these people over Christmas. I hadn't seen some of them in 3+ years. Some of my highschool friends will be my friends for life. I have no doubt.

Conversations of early morning annoucements, childhood sleepovers, having amnesia, pushing pumpkins out the window, and what each of us wore the first day of 7th grade.

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.