New Year's Resolutions

1. Graduate with my MBA (I'll walk on April 22nd and have my final class in the Summer. Can you say EXCITED?)

2. Get a life (I know that is broad, but get a boyfriend didn't encompass the sentiment. Between work, coaching, and grad school there is definitely a major lack of a life.)

3. Move out of my parent's home(I love it here, but once grad school is done, it is time...)

4. Trust more in the Lord and lean less on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)

5. Smile more

And I'm sure there are plenty more where this list came from... I'm sure you could all come up with a few for me :)

Why blog???

Why blog? I don't have the time... I don't have much going on in my life... What to do, What to do...

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 11, 12, 13, 14, & 15

Day 15: I am grateful for good friends that are willing to listen when I need to vent. They don't care how trivial things might be, they are just there to be a listening ear. I hope that I am able to be that kind of friend for all of my friends.

Day 14: Today I was able to attend the "farewell" of a good family friend. She is actually a girl that I used to babysit (which makes me feel old :)) This family is an amazing family and I know that C. is going to be an amazing missionary for the Church. Attending her "farewell" reminded me of how grateful I am for my mission I was able to serve in Japan. I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to live among and serve those incredible people I got to know.

Day 13: I am grateful for trials and past experiences that have helped me to grow and become the person I am today. This evening I ran into the parents of a former boyfriend. It was good to see them and catch up on what is happening with their family. After running into them I reflected on what has happened in my life over the past 2 years and how far I have come since that time. I know that at the time trials are difficult, but they are the greatest growth experiences I've ever been through.

Day 12: I am grateful for FRIDAYS.

Day 11: I am grateful for Utah's Fall and Winter seasons. I love watching the colors change. I love the snow. I love the cool Autumn evenings when it is "not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket."

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10

Day 10: I'm thankful for the amazing people I was blessed to get to know in Japan. Today is one of those dear friend's birthdays. The people I met in Japan have left a permanent imprint on my life and heart. They are some of the strongest, faithful, most dedicated individuals I have ever met and I have learned so much from them. Ai shite iru yo!

Day 9: Today I'm thankful for a warm home, safety and comfort.

Day 8: I'm grateful for Reese's Peanut Butter cups. Just sayin'

Day 7: I am grateful for my personal testimony of the truthfulness of the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the opportunity to KNOW for myself, not rely on others. I know that God is my loving Heavenly Father. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. I know that Christ suffered for me so that I won't have to as long as I apply His Atonement in my life. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in that grove of trees. I know that through Joseph Smith the fullness of the Gospel was restored in these latter-days. I know that the Book of Mormon is Holy scripture, written for us in our day. It is the most correct of any book on the face of the Earth, and by studying its pages we can know our Heavenly Father's will. I know that families can be together forever if we uphold our end of the covenants we make in the Holy Temples. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the chosen prophet to lead the Church at this time. He is inspired and counseled as to what is best for the world we live in. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on the face of the earth. Personal revelation is real. The Holy Ghost will abide with us when we are choosing the right. I know these things, I testify of these things.

Day 6: I am grateful for family. The people that know everything about me and love me anyway. It was wonderful to see my aunt and cousin this afternoon, we don't get together anywhere near often enough.

Day 5: I am blessed to have the most amazing friends that accept me for who I am and welcome me as family. With most of my family living a pretty good distance away I have had to find my own "family" here, and I am privileged to count some pretty incredible and amazing people as my "family."
-"Friends are the family we choose for ourselves."
-"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart."

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 1-4

Day 4: I am grateful for a warm, comfortable bed... Getting up at o'dark thirty M-F helps me appreciate it more and more each day and also makes it harder for me to drag myself out of bed every day. I really did love serving an LDS mission to Japan, but I will never miss the "beds" we had.

Day 3: I'm grateful for the young people I am able to interact with. In a world full of laziness and disrespect I am blessed to come in contact with a lot of young people that are bucking that trend. They are working hard to make an impact for good on the people around them. They are strong, courageous, dedicated youth that all of us could learn something from.

Day 2: Benadryl... I had an allergic reaction to something and was going nuts, so I took 2 Benadryl and became dead to the world. I fell asleep on the couch for 3 hours, woke up, got ready for bed, and was out cold until 5:10 a.m....
With it being election day, I am also grateful for the opportunity to vote and have my voice heard. I've always said, "If you don't take the time to vote you don't have the right to complain."

Day 1: I'm grateful for the opportunity to gain an education. Most people think I'm nuts working on a Master's while working full-time and coaching. My response is that Now is as good a time as any. I am at a place in my life where I can afford the time and money and if I don't get it done now I might not ever accomplish my goal of earning a Master's degree. I'm grateful to live in a country that allows women to gain a higher education and succeed in the corporate world.

30 Days of Thanksgiving

"All over the world at the end of day,

Heav'nly Father's children kneel down and pray,

Each saying thank you in his own special way,

Saying thank you, thank you in his own special way.

"Gracias." "Malo." "Wir danken dir."

All over the world tender voices hear.

Some say "tak," others "merci,"

"Kansha shimasu," we thank thee.

Our Heavenly Father hears them;

He understands each tongue.

Our Heav'nly Father knows them;

He loves them, loves them, ev'ry one."

-Peggy Ryskamp

I Survived...

Thanks to my wonderful family and A.MAZ.ING friends I survived turning 30. I don't know what it is about turning the big 3-0, but it was harder than I imagined.

The festivities and excitement began on Friday, the day before my birthday, when a group of students came in singing "Happy Birthday." One of my basketball girls brought in a basketball birthday cake that her dad made at their bakery. It was delicious!

I took the cake with me up to our annual ward overnighter. The reasoning behind that... take the carb-filled monster and get everybody to eat it so we wouldn't have to :)

Saturday morning we woke up in our tent to about 1/2 an inch of frost and 30 degrees. That's a bit chilly for September, if I do say so myself. I took a group of kids for a walk to see the beaver dam and to get myself a little bit of peace, quiet, and time to ponder and reflect.

I was informed that I had to be to Mamacita and Pop's by 2 so we could head up the canyon for lunch. We went to a delicious barbecue restaurant, reminded me of trips to Texas.

Then it was just me and the A & J off to the Lion King. Amanda had told me months earlier that she had a surprise planned for my birthday, so I wasn't allowed to make any other plans or arrangements... (I had a feeling it was Lion King, but didn't dare get my hopes up.) We rode the train down, ate dinner at Siegfried's German delicatessen, and headed over to the play. We had wonderful seats!!! The play was fantastic, the acting was wonderful, and the costumes were UN.BELIEVE.ABLE!!!

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday if I had planned it out myself. Birthdays have never been a big deal for me, but it was fun to go out and do something to celebrate turning 30. The day was also filled with phone calls from some of my very dearest friends and one from a member in Japan. I do have the most incredible, wonderful, loving, kind, friends a girl could ask for.

A & J, thanks for making this birthday a memorable one. Love ya!

The one picture from the day's festivities :)

Japan Trip 2010-Miyajima and Hiroshima

When I was planning this trip I decided that I wanted to try and take a day trip down to Miyajima and Hiroshima. It took some planning, etc. because it meant I would be in uncharted territory by myself. This didn't bother me, I just got online and figured out train times the night before and I was on my way.

Miyajima is a small island that has some beautiful scenery. I only knew about this place because I had seen pictures of it. The water was as blue as I've ever seen. The weather was comfortable and the atmosphere was calm and relaxing.

Getting to Miyajima meant riding the ferry over.

Miyajima is most famously know for it's "floating" Torii gate that marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine. Torii gates are found at the entrances of Shinto Shrines.

I splurged and paid 800 Yen to take a boat ride out under and around the Torii gate. That was a lot of fun. It is always entertaining to see people's reactions when they discover I can speak Japanese...

I thought this was a gorgeous scene, just wish the water was bluer...

I consider this my one in a million scenery pictures. Not a person in the picture. I definitely lucked out with this one...

This is Genbaku Domu (The Atomic Bomb Dome) in Hiroshima. The atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945, detonated almost directly above this building, basically leveling everything in the area. It was a very humbling experience to be in such a somber place.

School kids at the Children's Peace Monument

Thousands of origami paper cranes are offered at the Children's Peace Monument every day. The Japanese tradition says that one who folds one thousand paper cranes can have one wish granted.

The Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound is a large, grass-covered knoll that contains the ashes of 70 thousand unidentified victims of the bomb

The Peace Bell in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park...

Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell for world peace.

One last picture before boarding the train to head back to Osaka..

Visiting Hiroshima was a spiritual, humbling experience. It brought to mind the sacrifices of war and what we must be willing to do to maintain peace and freedoms throughout the world. It is devestating to think what happened here, and serves as a reminder that we need to do all we can so that something this drastic is never required again.

Next time I am in Japan I hope to spend more time in Hiroshima and Miyajima.



Thirty...Flirty...& Thriving...

Okay, now that you have all had a good laugh after reading the word Flirty in description of me, don't worry I was laughing out loud as I typed it (One of my students wrote "Thirty, Flirty, & Thriving on my whiteboard at work yesterday, I just laughed. I think it is from the movie "13 going on 30.")... If I were to rewrite that line to describe me it would probably read Thirty...Nerdy... & Striving... Striving to be better every day and do all I can to qualify to be eligible for the celestial kingdom. As much as my mom would like to see me out there "flirty" it just isn't me... So I'll just keep on striving to thrive!

Thinking about actually being the big 3-0 has been an interesting ride. This past week I reflected back on some of the wonderful adventures I was able to experience in my 20's. So, here they are in a no particular order:

1. Served a full-time mission to Nagoya, Japan for 18 months

2. I've since been back to Japan twice on vacation

3. I received my endowment in the Ogden Temple

4. I'm currently in my 5th year of teaching and have now taught at 3 different schools

5. Received my Bachelor's of Science degree in Physical Education from Weber State University

6. I've coached on the high school and junior high levels

7. I moved out

8. I moved back home

9. Along with moving back home I started working on an MBA

10. Trip to New York City and Assateague, Virginia

11. Trip to Seattle and Portland

12. Trip to Richmond to visit Rebecca and Nate

13. Trip to California to visit my mission president and mission trainer

14. Serving in the Young Women's

15. Trip to Denver to see the Atlanta Braves Play

16. I took myself to Chicago for my 21st birthday. We went to a Cubs vs. Braves game and visited Nauvoo. My 21st birthday was the day the Twin Towers were attacked by terrorists.

17. Worked at Macey's grocery store to get me through college

18. Went to Tennesse and Georgia to visit relatives

19. Met two coaching legends, Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma

20. Served as an EFY counselor for 2 summers

21. Served as a Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics volunteer

22. Have been blessed to attend the temple sealings of many good friends and family members

23. Refereed high school basketball for 5 years.

24. My grandfather passed away

25.I finally got to see Michael Jordan play basketball in person

26. Made many new friends

27. Gained 2 Nephews (at least that is what I call them and I am referred to as Aunt Rachel)

28. I still have a huge love for sports

29. I love teaching!

30. I'm still alive and kicking, so here's to 30 more.

Japan Trip 2010-Part 1 (2 1/2 months later...) Brace Yourselves!

Ready, Set, Go...

Day 1 (June 8)... I left bright and early from Salt Lake International Airport bound for Los Angeles. From there it was a 10.5 hour flight to Tokyo. It didn't matter how long the flight was, I was happy to be headed West!

Day 2 (June 9)...Arrived in Tokyo and took a train to Elder and Sister Stevenson's apartment. This is the view from the Stevenson's roof. That is the spire of the Tokyo Temple.

An evening view of downtown Tokyo. It was a clear evening (very rare) so we could see most of the city.

Day 3 (June 10)...Mt. Fuji on a basically clear morning. It is very, very rare to see all of Mt. Fuji. Within an hour of taking this picture the top was covered in clouds.

We went to Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park close to the base of Mt. Fuji. This roller coaster is called Fujiyama (meaning Mt. Fuji). The entire ride lasts 3 minutes+ and the height of the coaster is 83 meters. Let me just say it was an incredible coaster!

This is Ee janai ka? This roller coaster turns you upside down 14 times... Yes, you read that right 14 TIMES! Definitely the best roller coaster I have EVER been on.

Day 4 (June 11)... I went over to the area office to see Elder Stevenson's office and meet everyone over there. This is Elder Nishihara, he was one of my dad's mission companions.

Sister Stevenson, Me, Elder Stevenson. I love these two!

Day 5 (June 12)... Okazaki. This is me and the Iwase Family at a park in Okazaki. They are an incredible family!

Yoshiki and Me!

Yuka Sugiura and me at the park.

Maria Anan and me at Nagoya Castle. She had a stake assignment for Church the next day and knew she wouldn't get to see me, so we went to Nagoya to do some sightseeing and visiting. Maria is an incredible member of the Church!

Day 6 (June 13)... Church in Okazaki. This is me and Brother Miura. He is holding some pictures that Lester Lee gave me to give to the members. I used to work with Lester at the High School. Brother Miura is an amazing priesthood holder and leader in Okazaki.

Sister Kamoshita, she is incredible and always so willing to help out. When I was a missionary she would do anything to help us in any way.

Day 7 (June 14)... This is me and Sister Morigami with her 4 week old son Tairo. Last time I went to Japan I stayed with her family. The Morigami's are an incredible family.

Day 8 (June 15)... Kyoto, I went to Fushimi Inari Taisha. There is a trail here that is about 2 miles long that goes up the mountain and there are these orange Torii gates all along the trail that families have placed there to honor their deceased family members. Fushimi Inari is a beautiful place.

Things I've Done...

Things you have done during your lifetime:

(X) Gone on a blind date
(X) Donated Blood
(X) Skipped school
(X) Watched someone die
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
(  ) Been to Hawaii
(X) Been on a plane
(  ) Been on a helicopter
(X) Been lost
(X) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Hugged a homeless person (I may or may not have already known them)
(X) Swam in the ocean
(  ) Swam with Stingrays
(X) Been sailing in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Ran a marathon (Lower-case x because I've run a half marathon...)
(X) Sang Karaoke
(X) Volunteered at a soup kitchen
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only
(  ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
( ) Seen the Northern Lights
( ) Been Parasailing
(X) Been on TV
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls
(  ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Fed an elephant
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Fired a gun
(X) Been to the Opera
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Serenaded someone
(X) Seen a U.S.President in person
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(  ) Driven a race car
(X) Been to a National Museum
(X) Been to a Wax Museum
(X) Eaten caviar
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone to the movies
(X) Been deep sea fishing
(X) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
(X) Gone snowmobiling
(X) Lived in more than one country
(X) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
(X) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
(X) Seen the Grand Canyon
(X) Seen the Statue of Liberty
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been on a cruise
(X) Traveled by train
(X) Traveled by motorcycle
(X) Been horse back riding
(X) Ridden on a San Francisco cable car
(X) Been to Disneyland OR Disney World
(X) Been in a rain forest
(X) Seen whales in the ocean
(X) Been to Niagara Falls
(X) Ridden on an elephant
(  ) Swam with dolphins
(X) Been to the Olympics
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China
( ) Saw and heard a glacier calf
( ) Been spinnaker flying
(X) Been water-skiing
(X) Been snow-skiing
( ) Been to Westminster Abbey
( ) Been to the Louvre
( ) Swam in the Mediterranean
(X) Been to a Major League Baseball game
( ) Been to a National Football League game
( ) Swam with sharks
(X) Been White Water Rafting
( ) Written a book or screen play

MBA

psychology.uwo.ca

As a matter of great rejoicing throughout the land (okay, just me, myself, and I)... I passed Statistics II. No, it was not the best grade I have ever received in a class. Yes, it was a tougher class. No, I did not like the course one bit. But... I PASSED. I never have to take statistics again in this round of college studies. I just find it kind of funny that I can get A's and B's in my MBA courses yet I struggle with and undergraduate Statistics course. Just sayin'.

Trip Update (Sorry, no pictures)

Okay, so it's not even really an update. I just want to let you all know that I am having an absolutely incredible time and I am not really wanting to go home. This vacation is exactly what I needed right now. I promise a full posting with pictures, etc. sometime shortly after I return home. Until then, Ja mata ne!

Leavin' On a Jet Plane...

In case any of you didn't already know, in about 8 hours I will be boarding a plane headed West to the "Land of the Rising Sun." I will be spending 15 GLORIOUS days in the beautiful country of Japan. Visiting the incredible people I met when I served my full-time mission there 5 years ago. This trip has been a long time coming and I can't believe that departure day is already here. So for now I bid you all sayonara! See you in a few weeks :)

Love, Rachel

Utah Weather: AKA Snowing on May 24th

Warning, this is a bit of a venting session...

Dear Utahns,
You live in Utah, most of you have lived here for many years, and yet you act shocked, surprised, and startled by the drastic swings in Utah's weather. Yes, today is the latest day that recordable amounts of snow have been recorded at the airport, but come on... we live in UTAH, wait five minutes, it'll change.
As for me, I don't mind the rain and snow up until the last day of school. The cooler weather keeps my students a little less antsy, and more willing to focus on school. If I had it my way it would rain/snow every day until the end of the school year! Hate me for it, but it makes teaching so much better.
Plus, I really enjoy having plenty of drinking water, bathing water, and even water to keep our lawns green in August and September. We have to get our water somewhere, and last I checked this is how Utah gets most of it's water.
Finally, history has proven that the cooler and wetter our Spring is the cooler our Summer is. I personally am not a huge fan of 100+ degree days all Summer long, so I am more than willing to deal with Snow/Rain when I am cooped up at work.
Most of those complaining about the snow and rain now are likely the ones that will complain that it is too hot come summer, anyway!
So, for now, Bring on the Rain!

Spring Break-Better Late than Never!

As a teacher in the district I work in I was very, very, very grateful for the week-long Spring Break this year. It couldn't have come at a better time and with my Grandmother struggling with Alzheimer's it was a good chance to go back East and visit some family. I hadn't been back East since 2002, so it was about time I took a trip.

Monday night of Spring Break I had a college class. When I went in the wind was blowing and it was still somewhat warm, when I came out of class it was a white-out, blizzard-like storm. I was driving home, on the freeway, going 20 miles an hour, IN APRIL! I left the following morning and it was 30 degrees at home, with 8-10 inches of snow on the ground.

I landed in Atlanta and could immediately tell the difference in temperature. It was 90 degrees and I was in jeans and a sweatshirt! I went straight to the bathroom to put on a pair of shorts.

Haley, Emma, and Me at the Braves Game

I decided to spend the first part of my trip in Atlanta visiting my cousin and her family. She has a 4 year old daughter and twin 2 year old boys. It had been a while since I had seen her, at least 2 years because I had never met her boys. We just stayed around the house, ran errands, and did a lot of visiting. The second evening we took a girl's trip to the Braves Game. For those of you that know me you know that I have been an Atlanta Braves fan for 20 years. (For those of you that are lost, the Braves are a professional baseball team.:)) It was fun to get out to the ballpark, eat my once a year hotdog, and just enjoy an evening watching a game.

The next day I left for Tennessee to visit my mom's parents and her siblings. All of her siblings and her parents live within 1 hour of each other, except for us a few thousand miles away. My grandparents live on a 55 acre wooded lot with trails throughout the property. One of the things I wanted to do while I was there was get on the tractor and just drive around their farm. This city girl sure does enjoy trips out to the farm! My grandfather built their house and my grandmother has always loved her flower bed out front!

While there we also took a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. It is always fun to spend time with my grandparents.

My Uncle Ken (we always called him Uncle Buh)

My Grandparents (my mom's parents)

My Uncle John and Aunt Ruth (She is a police officer)

On Saturday my Aunt Ruth asked me if I wanted to go out on patrol with her for the day. I had never been out on patrol, so I of course took her up on the offer. It was a pretty slow day, but it was good to spend the day with her. I always love getting to spend time with Ruth.

Saturday night I drove back to Atlanta to stay at Haley's house and go to Church with her family Sunday morning. It was a wonderful day and I am so grateful for her hospitality. I definitely need to get back to visit sooner rather than later.

Now the countdown is on to the end of the school year!!!

Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Some days I wonder if and when the light will be visible at the end of the tunnel. Life has been crazy for me lately (some of the craziness is my fault and some of it isn't.) Nonetheless, I took a moment to sit down yesterday and go over what classes I will be taking in Graduate school this Summer and Fall (yes, you read that correctly, Summer semester here I come,) and I came to the realization that if the Stars are aligned and everything falls into place I can graduate with my Master's of Business Administration in August 2011. Finally some glimmer of hope is visible! Here's to a busy 18 months or so, wish me luck.

Keep Dreaming

This Post is inspired by a posting one of my dear friends made yesterday. Most of this was my comment in regards to her original posting.

Dreams are just about all I have to hang onto at times. Once upon a time I thought I had my life planned out, then life actually happened.

I was sure that by now I would be married and raising kids, obviously that opportunity hasn't reached me yet. In the meantime I hold fast to my dreams, goals, wishes, and greatest desires.

I have had 3 Big dreams in my life: 1. Serve a full-time mission. 2. Graduate from college. 3. Be sealed in the Temple and raise a family in the Gospel.

None of those happened when I expected them or in the order I thought they would occur. I was always sure that I would serve a mission right around when I turned 21. I received my call 2 months after my 23rd birthday. I was sure I would have 3 years of undergraduate work done, serve a mission, complete school, marry Prince Charming, start my family, etc.

I am still waiting for the 3rd, hoping, praying, and trying to be patient.

So, what are my hopes and dreams? Pretty simple...
1. Be sealed in the temple and raise a family in the Gospel.
2. Continue to enjoy my job as a Teacher.
3. Complete my Master's.
4. Buy a House.
5. Find Joy in the Journey, wherever it takes me.
6. Travel.
7. Endure to the End in Faithfulness.

I know that some of them are a lot more specific than others, but these goals are what continue to motivate me to continue moving forward and to become a better person. I know that the Lord has a hand in all things and that in His timing and as He sees fit. On my end I need to continue in faith and patience and allow Him to direct my path.

"Dream Big"

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes
'Cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide
Don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride
Don't show the hurt inside
Because the pain will soon be gone

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible."
 

Sleep, How I miss Thee! (I guess this could be renamed "Confessions of a Sports Fan: Part 1")

If you are reading this you are most likely fully aware of my love of sports of all kinds. From Basketball to Golf to Tennis to Olympic Figure Skating (don't you dare confuse this with Ice Dancing, that is about where I draw the line!) I will watch just about any sport on TV, especially if it is a good game or match.
For those of you that aren't as aware of the sporting world, last week and this week the Australian Open (Tennis for those of you who were just about to ask.) The hardest part about it being the Australian Open, for me, is that they are 18 hours ahead of us, so live matches begin at 7:00 p.m., MST and go through the entire night. There have been days that I watch right before I go to bed and live matches are still going on when I wake up at 5:00 a.m. the next morning. This tends to be a problem because I enjoy watching and more than once I've found myself on the couch realizing that it is 11:00 p.m. or later and I am awake watching tennis.
Tuesday night Serena Williams was playing her match (very poorly, I might add) and was down 1 set to 0 and was down 4 games to 0 in the second set. For anyone who knows anything about tennis they understand that the match was all but over. Then Serena refocused and all of the sudden started playing like the #1 ranked women's tennis player that she is. She ended up winning the second set and easily won the third set to win the match. I can only imagin the physical and emotional drain this was to her.
Fast Forward to Wednesday night. Serena Williams finds herself playing in the semifinals (yes, this is the next night. What bright person scheduled her to plays singles matches on back to back nights when she is still playing in the doubles bracket with her sister?) She looked 100% drained and seemed to be struggling throughout the match. I couldn't pull myself away from the TV because no matter how tired she was she was playing like a champion. She was still hitting amazing shots and tracking down returns that I most people would never get to with fresh legs. Serena Williams put on a display of the heart of a champion last night and that is what drew me in. Then, to top it off, a few hours after defeating Li Na (China) she had to get back out on the court and play in the doubles semifinal with her sister.
I could go on, because the second women's semifinal has a really good story behind it, as well. Justine Henin, former #1 ranked woman is coming back from retirement and is unranked. She has beaten many of the top women in the world and looks like she will be a worthy opponent for Serena Williams in the final.
I sure do enjoy sports!

The Climb

Preface: I am one of those odd people that listen to the words of a song, not just the beat. I was having a rough spell in life when I had the following experience. It isn't much, but it made a difference in my attitude and perception of the situation.
Rachel's warning: I am admittedly NOT a fan of Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana (come on, you are the same person, make up your mind already.) Her voice just grates on my nerves and I do not enjoy most of her music At All.
That being said... I was driving alone in the car and station surfing on the radio. A song came on and I started listening to the words, not really paying attention to who was singing those words. (Imagine that, someone actually listening to the words of a song.) The words were uplifting and inspiring (songs like that don't come along very often) so I made sure to pay attention to who was singing The Climb. When they said The Climb, Miley Cyrus, I couldn't believe my ears. I have not let the fact that it is Miley Cyrus change my opinion of the message of the song and I will leave the radio on to listen to The Climb whenever I hear it come on. No, I am not a Miley Cyrus fan in the least bit; I am a fan of a motivating, inspirational piece of music that inspired me on a day when I was down.

"The Climb"

I can almost see it

That dream I am dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head saying

"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it

But these are the moments that

I'm gonna remember most, yeah

Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing

Keep the faith, baby

It's all about, it's all about the climb

Keep the faith, keep your faith

A Brand New Year!

I wish that I could remember enough to do a recap of 2009, but I am lucky if I can remember last week so that isn't going to be happening. I do know that 2009 was better than 2008, but that was a pretty sure bet. I am looking forward to 2010 with excitement and anticipation of what will be happening in my life and the lives of my family and friends. I don't have any idea what is in store, but I am optimistic about what lies ahead.
I was sitting at the New Year's Eve party we attend every year just thinking and reflecting and as I was doing this I got the feeling that 2010 is going to be a good year and I choose to believe that impression (and believe me, I am due for a good year.) 2010 is going to be a GREAT YEAR!
Happy New Year!