Lesson Learned

I grew up in a family where serving others is a major part of what we do. We are constantly all year long doing something to serve the community, whether it be Easter Egg Hunts, 4th of July, Fireworks at the Fair, or Sub for Santa. So why did it take a friend of mine to make me realize that I need to take a HUGE step back and think about the way I treat others. I don't know if anyone really thinks about it, but the people that we serve at Christmas time doing Sub for Santa still have problems after the holiday has come and gone. My friend recently taught me that it doesn't matter what they look like on the outside, they are still human beings who deserve to be treated the same way we would treat our family and closest friends. Here is the story... after lunch one day last week, we were on our way back to work when we passed two guys walking up Altamont highway. Grocery bags in arms and thumbs sticking out, looking for a ride. My first instict and thoughts were, oh please don't stop and pick them up. Luckily my dreams came true and my friend kept driving. However, this is not where the story ends. My friend knew who these two men were and told me that she felt bad that they had so far to walk to get home. Being quick to judge I said, well then go pick them up and we'll lysol your truck after we drop them off. She said, no, I can't, you'll judge me. I immediately felt like a complete idiot! I had cast the first stone at these men because of the way they looked. I quickly said I wouldn't judge her and we should go get them and take them where ever they needed to go. She made me swear that I wouldn't tell anyone that she picked up some hitch hikers. I promised and we flipped around to go get them. We pulled over to the side of the road, she rolled down the window and asked if they needed a ride and they climbed in. I instantly held my breath, these two men smelled like cigarette smoke and dirt. She asked where to and they told us that Tabby turnoff would be great because they had hidden some stuff there to take home. We started up the road and I listened as my friend asked them all sorts of questions, about their family, there home, what they were doing back out in the basin. I listened as they told of how they had come back to the basin to look for work, and how they were going to go out looking for wood when they got home because someone had gone to their home and taken their stack of wood they had outside. They kept telling her how greatful they were for the short ride because it was so cold outside. We came up to their stop, climbed out and they thanked her again for the ride. And I watched these men as they went to the place they had hidden their items and began their walk toward their home through some snowcovered sagebrush, wearing coats with holes in them and shoes that were not made for trudging through the snow. My friend told me of how things had become really hard for their family after their mom passed away, and how they had to save for everything they had. I apologized for the way that I had passed judgement so quickly and we got back to our office and the conversation about these men had stopped and we got back to work. But the thought has stayed with me since this day... what gave me the right to judge these people? Why did I have to immediately think that I was so better than them? Was it because I had a vehicle? A warm home? Money in my pocket? I guess so. Now I am not saying that picking up hitch hikers is always a good thing. But if you see someone walking that you know, maybe pull over and ask if they need a ride. You never know what kind of a day or circumstance put them in that predicament. These men did not harm me, or pass judgement on me. I didn't even know them. I am not any better than they. I might have a few more worldly belongings, but these two men and my friend taught me a great lesson... quit looking at the outward appearance! Smile and say hello to everyone, no matter what they are wearing, what their hair looks like that day, what they smell like. That small act might make all the difference to them. I would like to tell my friend thank you. I will always remember that day and I am proud to call you my friend.

"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward cappearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

A New Year... Hopefully A New Me!!!

For those of you who have known me my entire life, or even those of you who have just known me for a few years, probably know that I am not one who likes to excersize... AT ALL! I danced when I was little and then stopped dancing when I was on the drill team my senior year of high school. So that gives me about 10 years of doing absolutely nothing for my health. Well this past few weeks I have been trying to watch what I eat, portion control and not drinking sugary drinks. But I knew that I needed to do something besides that. I couldn't just watch what I was eating and hope that the pounds came off. So I was more than happy when a friend of mine suggested that we, my four friends and myself, go to a kickboxing class in Roosevelt once a week. What a great start I said to myself. I would start with once a week and hopefully be able to find something I can do at home the rest of the week to get my heart beat racing a little. But what I wasn't expecting was the great pain I was in last week from our first time at the class. I have NEVER experienced so much pain my life. It wasn't just in my legs, or even just in my arms... it was my ENTIRE body. It hurt to get out of bed, to walk around, to sit on the toilet (sorry, but it's true). It hurt to do everything. So why would I want to go back and put myself through that again??? Well... I was looking through some recent pictures and I decided I really didn't like what I was seeing! So when the time came to have to go to class again, I had to go! I really didn't want to, but I went and I had a great time and I don't hurt as bad. It probably helped that I warmed up before I just dove in. But it felt good to have my pulse racing and doing the steps and watching the teacher and working out with friends and the music that they played wasn't too bad either. lol But what I suggest for all you readers out there is to get off the couch! Go to a gym, walk on the treadmill, I don't care... lets get ourselves in better shape for this year! Let's make it to 2011 in better shape than we started 2010!!!

Late Post for Thanksgiving and Christmas

So I know that we are MONTHS past these two holidays, but I need to just write a short paragraph about them...

Thanksgiving...
We had an amazing Thanksgiving, thanks to my Aunt Susie and her family. They did a great job with the turkey, stuffing and potatoes. And everyone else contributed in other ways, but I have to say (sorry in advance Grammy) that it was the best turkey I have had in my entire life! It was just so juicy and yummy and I can't explain it, but it was SOOOO good. I had a great time hanging out with my family! Before we ate, me and my cousins got together for a little "photoshoot" for fun. Here are some of the pictures that we took.





Christmas...
I love Christmas time! It is by far my favorite holiday. I love being with my family and having an opportunity to just watch movies, play games (thanks Megs for Killer Bunnies... no one wants to play with me, could be the name? lol), go bowling , or just sit and talk with them. This year was a little different because we were missing my cousin CJ who is currently serving a mission in Bulgaria and enjoying every minute. So that was a little weird to not have him there, but we did get to talk to him for awhile. We all gathered in my grandparents kitchen and put the phone on speaker. I just love getting to spend time with everyone and hear what is new and exciting in their lives. I do have to say that my favorite thing about this Christmas, was getting to spend some fun times with Andrew and Olivia.




Just watching them be excited about silly things makes me wish I was a kid again. To forget about all the bad in the world and just think about how much good there is when your a kid. No fear, no hate, no dissappointment over silly things, nothing ever seems bad when your a kid... I am grateful for those two little people in my life. So for this Christmas season, I have to thank my Heavenly Father for giving me two little people in this world that I want to be a better person for. Thanks to my amazing family for the love they give me every day and of course for all the laughs that we have shared throughout the years! I love you all!