A lot of Thinking about Me Me Me... Blah Blah Blah

This past week has been a pretty big week for me... my first time teaching photography classes. I'll be honest, I felt like I do about a lot of things I do in my life... like what the heck am I doing? Can I really do something like this? It was kind of a leap for me, but once I settled into teaching the classes, I realized that it's no big scary deal... I think teaching for me is second nature, and I love photography. I love talking about something that I love. I love having a group of people who want to listen to every word I have to say about something that I love. (I'm pretty sure Brandon often wishes I would just stop talking ;).

When I was in high school, my Algebra class would often ask the teacher if I could show how to do a problem on the board, because they could understand things better with the way I explained them. I've taught violin lessons since I was a teen, I've taught fitness classes at the gym, I've taught Young Women most of my married life. I've taught first aid, CPR, and who knows what all I've taught my kids... there have been a few good things among the bad. ;) Adding photography to my list of things to teach seems kind of natural. I guess my mom teaching violin lessons every day after school taught me more than how to "be quiet and not bother my mom unless the house was on fire or someone was dead".  ;) I think I got a lot of my love of teaching from my mom. She used to teach us art in the summers too... and there were times when she was my violin teacher growing up.

Anyway, I've been thinking about that a lot lately... why I love to teach. Why I'm drawn to it. I actually had plans of teaching high school math, or elementary school. Luckily I didn't graduate from college, because that's probably the teaching that I am NOT cut out for. Subbing taught me that. ;)

I've done a lot of thinking about who I am too, and I think some of this has to do with why teaching works well for me. I had a long talk with one of my counselors in YW the other day. She is one of the sweetest, spiritually strong women I know. She told me that I am someone who has the ability to really love these girls, and to see good in them no matter what, and understand them and relate to them... that was a huge compliment to me. I got another compliment from someone I love recently... You are able to see the real joy of life and the people in it which not everyone can do.  You are able to have a mirade of friends of all walks of life and find them all equal.  That is very rare.  It made me cry when I got that message... because it was at a time where I was feeling not particularly loved or accepted as myself. 


I realized something... that I am very very far from being perfect (well, I didn't realize that... I already knew that), but that I had a quality that was good... something that I can use in this life to bless the lives of others. When my counselor said almost the same thing to me again, I realized that this might truly be a gift that I have, and I am grateful for it, and I want to expand that gift, and use it for good... to bless the lives of all those I know, those I'll meet, and in doing that, blessing my own life. 


If you've read this far into my self-indulgent reflective ramblings... you're amazing. Or extremely bored. I've just had a lot of self-reflection lately, and sometimes this blog gets to be the outlet for my whirling thoughts.

Running With the Seasons

I've realized something since I've been running outdoors year-round. I've grown to love each season even more. Running through all the elements makes me feel closer to the earth, to nature.

I love running in the winter... it doesn't matter how cold it is. In fact, the lower the temperature, the more excited I get. Bring it ON! I love my face going numb... wearing gloves AND mittens. I love the crunch of the snow and ice under my feet. I love how my body can warm itself... how I can be running in negative temps and not be cold. I love the stillness and the quiet of running in falling snow. I love the looks I get from people as they drive past with their heat blasting. Winter running is a challenge, and I like that.

Spring... ah, Spring. I love when it starts to warm up, and I can wear shorts! (I still get the crazy looks from people. Hey, it's 40 degrees. Why not wear shorts?) I love running in the rain. I love that I don't have to remember to wear a hat, and two gloves, and an undershirt, and an overshirt, and my wool socks... I can just throw on a layer and go. Spring is such a promise of freedom... knowing soon that the outdoors will be available to you at any time, without preparation.

Summer... I love starting a run in the dark, and watching the sun come up as I cross the miles. I love the peace and the tranquility of the dawn. I love that my miles pick up in the summer, and I start running the long runs... planning routes all over town, exploring new areas, dreaming new dreams. I love seeing other runners and bikers out there enjoying the morning too. I love waving at them, and getting a wave back, and nodding that nod of knowing... the secret of loving exercise.

I love running in the fall... when the air starts to have that bite to it. I feel so invigorated, after a long summer of sweat. I love having more flexibility in when I run... not needing to get up before the sun to beat the heat. I love the trees, the changing of the colors, the beauty of fall. Oh, how I love the beauty of fall. I feel like I can't get enough of looking. I run and look around me in wonder. How could I have seen so many autumns and still not tire of it?

I love being a runner.

If You Thought I Forgot About This Blog...

 ... then you'd be right. Sorry I haven't been updating. I know all of my friends and family are dying to know all about the Smith Family. ;)

We actually do have some news... and no, Melissa, I'm not going to have a baby. ;) Brandon got a new job!

A really great company here in Vernal that Brandon had talked to a looong time ago (when he was looking for a job a couple of times ago) contacted him recently to offer him a job. It's funny how work is so hard to come by when you're looking for it, but when you haven't been looking at all, it falls in your lap. I guess that's how life goes, isn't it?

Brandon really likes the company that he has been working for, so it was a hard decision, but the biggest thing that swayed us is that it will be a lot better for our family life. He will work Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. Every Sunday home with us, every evening home with us... I am so excited to not be a single parent at church and games and all of that anymore.  :)

We've also been thinking a lot lately how little time we have left with our kids, especially Aubrey. We don't want to lose any more time with her... she'll be gone in a little over two years. Isn't that sad?? We think this job will help us be able to do more as a family... the little every day things, like eating dinner together, and going to church together, and the kids seeing their dad every day.

I'm glad that we're going to be able to see Brandon more, and that we can stay in Vernal. I have so many good friends and family here, my photography is doing well, I love teaching at the rec, Aubrey is loving high school here... it's home, and I'm glad we didn't have to make a decision that would involve us choosing whether to stay here or leave.

Anyway... there's the scoop of the week. :) I'll try not to forget about the blog for so long again...

Oh! And we can't wait for spring!! Enjoy the pics of tulips. :)  (My sweet friend Tari gave them to me for my birthday.)