Lessons Learned

Once again, running has taught me something about life.
On Saturday morning, I competed in a 5K race. Sure, that may not sound like a big deal. This was my third race (the first I've done in over a year), and I am not a stranger to running. However, this race was unlike any other I have competed in.
That morning, Christopher and I were up and ready to go just after 7:00 am so that we could make a stop and Walmart to get some gloves for me and gloves and a toque for Christopher. The forecast had said all week that there would be chance of snow, but I prayed and prayed the night before and that morning that that wouldn't happen. I love to run, but not in the winter. I am strictly a spring/summer/fall runner and avoid running in the winter at all costs. As we drove, I could see snow flying around, and I just kept thinking "I can't do this in the snow!" When we got to the park, the snow had stopped momentarily, but the cold was definitely still around. I felt good, and just wanted to start running so my body would be warm. When the race started, I was got into my zone so to speak, and went for it. As it went on, the wind and snow were in my face, and didn't really seem to stop until I got to the halfway point -- or maybe it stopped slightly after that, I don't quite remember. Anyhow, as I was running into the wind and snow, I thought about how I had prayed that we would have good weather. But, we didn't. I could have thought of this as Heavenly Father not answering my prayer, but then I realized that He answered it in another way. He gave me the strength to get through it, despite what was going on around me.
I find this happens a lot in life. I pray for Heavenly Father to take away a trial that I am facing, but instead He provides me with strength (either my inner strength, or strength from someone around me) so that I can continue on, even when the trial is swirling around me like the cold snow.
I was able to finish the race, and even beat my best time.

Oh, and I feel like I need to clear something up. I'm not a good runner. I'm slow. Like really slow. And it's rare that I reach my goal of three runs of 3-4 miles a week. I feel like some of my previous posts made me seem like a more diligent runner than I am. But, I am working on it! Christopher and I plan to run this same race next fall, and I'm hoping he'll join me for some summer races as well. I really want to do at least one 10K next year, so I better start my training now! I think I am going to be a treadmill runner for the next few months, unless we get some sunny days on the plus side.

Thankful

I am laying here in bed, next to me sweet, softly snoring husband and my heart is just full of gratitude and love. I realize that I am so lucky to have all that I do.
I complain so much about the year left that I have of school, and the fact that I have been in university for my sixth year now, and will only have one degree to show for it, not two like some people I know. But, the truth is, those extra years that I have taken to finish my degree have been the years where I have really found myself, and I have overcome so much and been able to see how much interest my Heavenly Father really has in my life.
I complain about our tiny basement suite, and how we don't have enough space or a dishwasher, or enough closet space or freezer space. But the fact is, we have a home. We have a roof over our heads every night. We have clothes to wear, and food to eat.
I could go on. I have so many blessings. I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband that supports me in all that I do, or want to do. He is my rock, and I can't imagine my life without him. Actually, I can imagine it. I've lived it, and it's pretty bleak. I am so thankful for everything that Heavenly Father has given me. I really don't feel like I deserve it, but I will take whatever He will give me, and try to do my best with it.

We love to see the temple

While the new Calgary temple was open for public tours, I was able to go twice. I first went with my mom, sister, Joey, Granny, Papa, and my Uncle Mac and his family. It was really special being there with my family, and I was so amazed by everything. I thought about Christopher the entire time I was there, and couldn't wait to go with him. We were able to make time to go together last Wednesday afternoon. Christopher was able to finish his lab early, and picked me up from school while I had a four hour break in between classes. We were lucky to be able to go while the East Stake was working. It was so nice to see people that we know and don't get to see very often now that we have moved to the North Stake. Thankfully we came at a less busy time, so we were able to go into a room right away to begin our tour. From the beginning of the video, I was so full of the spirit, and my eyes were tingling with tears. I love hearing about the temple, and seeing the temple, and being in the temple. So yes, it was a wonderful experience.
Every single room is so beautiful, and I just felt so much love there. I kept thinking about our wedding, and the wonderful day that that was, especially as we stood in the Celestial Room and the Sealing Room. I was just so overwhelmed with love for my husband, my family, my future family, and my Heavenly Father.
I still can't believe that we have a temple in Calgary! I never thought that we would. I am so excited to go to the dedication on Sunday, and keep going back as much as we possibly can!
I love the temple!

It was a super windy day!

My cute husband being silly.

Me + my husband + the temple = happiness

Friday Night Thoughts

There are a few things I need to write about, but before I talk about a few of the day to day things, and our experience at the temple open house last week, I need to share an experience I had on Friday night.
As I pushed through the last half mile of my run, after running up a hill - not steep, but still not friendly, Coldplay's "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" began to play. I turned it up, willing it to envelope my tired body and allow me to continue what I set out to do forty minutes earlier. As the song pulsed through my body, I began to cry. I actually cry quite often when I run. I'm not always certain why. But that night, it was for a very specific reason. I realized that night that it doesn't matter that I had my slowest run in two months. I was taking care of my body. Something I am doing not only for myself, but for my future children that I will eventually have. As I continued on, waiting for the song to be over, and the voice in my ears to tell me I had reached 3.5 miles, I thought back to a song I had listened to while I ran on Monday night. It was Florence + the Machine's "The Dog Days are Over". Part of the chorus says "run fast for your mother and fast for your father / Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers". And I began to basically sob. I learned at a young age that my body is a gift and a temple, and I should take care of it. But since I have been married, and even a little bit earlier, I have thought very carefully about the children that Christoper and I will bring into the world. As a woman, it is my responsibility to carry those children in my body and then care for them after they are born. I want to give them the best home from the very beginning, so that is why I run. That is why I try to eat the right things and just generally keep my heart healthy. As I started my cool down walk home, I walked past my dream house. This house is so beautiful outside, and this time, the lights were on, so I took a peak and saw that the kitchen is basically my dream kitchen as well. I could picture my future little family there, having dinner or something. I just had so much gratitude in my heart for what my Heavenly Father was able to teach me that night. I am so grateful for my knowledge of His plan and that I can one day have a family of my own. I love that I am a woman and I will get the chance to see my potential in some small way as a mother one day. 

I promise we are still alive!

September was such a busy, busy month! Christopher and I both started another semester of school. So far, so good. Christopher is such a smarty pants and loves what he does. I'm so happy he was able to find something that he loves to do. Though he loves school, he is looking forward to graduating in May and getting a job in his field. When he's not in school, he is working at Shaw. Right now, he's been working five nights a week. It makes for long days, and less time with me, but we know that it will be worth it in the end.
This semester has been okay for me so far. I am taking five classes right now (a challenge, since I've been taking three classes for the last two years). I really wanted to be able to graduate this year, so I had to take on a full course load. Every day my attitude towards school changes. Sometimes I love it, and others I loathe it and want to quit. But then I remind myself (or my husband reminds me) that I am so close to my goal and I just have to keep going. My favourite courses this semester are Abnormal Psychology (learning about mental disorders -- a passion of mine), and Italian. Italian has been a challenge, because I learned French at a young age and find myself wanting to say things in French rather than Italian. But, I am really enjoying learning something new.
It's been a struggle to keep up with school, work (still working part-time at Chapters), spending time with my husband, and the house work. I really feel a huge responsibility to keep our home clean. I hate having a messy house, because that seems to mess up all other aspects of my life. Finding a balance is something I am working on daily, and something I hope I can get a better handle on soon.
If you have suggestions, I am willing to here them!