Lessons & Accomplishments of 2011

As the old year passes and the new year approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some lessons and accomplishments from this year.

In 2011, I learned that asking for help, while extremely hard at times, is important. I am still trying to implement this principle in my life. I know that I can't do everything as much as I think I can. My visiting teachers and other friends have come to my aid and rescued me from the "dragons" that I faced. I witnessed the example my brother's family gave me of accepting help. They were probably most influential in teaching me this lesson.

In 2011, I learned the blessings of tithing. I had previously gained a testimony of tithing by not paying it in previous years. This year, I really strived to pay my tithing no matter how hard it felt. Let me tell you, there were a few months where it took every ounce of my faith to write and hand in my check. Because I have religiously paid my tithing, I have witnessed a few financial miracles. I've had a general peace about my finances. I have been able to better manage my money (for the most part) to live off my paychecks.

One miracle that stands out is the day my a headlight on my car burned out. I was down to my last dollar till my next paycheck with nothing to spare. A co-worker purchased a jewelry order from me. As I was driving to the bank to deposit the money from the order, I noticed my headlight was out. I was then able to immediately buy a replacement bulb and resolve the problem. That experience may seem like nothing special to you, but I recognize the timing of that blessing.

In 2011, I overcame a roadblock in my life that I had forgotten was there. It took moving to Utah and meeting an amazing friend to change my life in a way that resolved years of trying to avoid that particular roadblock.

In 2011, I completed my first quilt made entirely by me! I enjoyed that project immensely. I love seeing my quilt appear in pictures posted of the baby recipient on Facebook. I love hearing the compliments about my quilt given to the mother. At one point, the mother teased me that she received more comments on the beautiful quilt than on the cuteness of her baby!

In 2011, I learned the importance of working a job that I enjoy. After going through a bad situation in a job that I dreaded, finding my current job was a God-send... literally. The day after I quit my first job, I met the employment specialist in my ward. I didn't know she was the employment specialist at the time. I told her about my need for a new job, and she promptly helped me revise my resume. She helped me find a job faster than I ever could have on my own. Just as an needless piece of information, I have now worked at this job longer than any other job in my work history!!

In 2011, I experienced the greatest loss in my life so far. However, out of that, I have learned to trust in the Lord's timing and tender mercies.

This last year has been a roller coaster of a ride! Here's to a the year 2012!

Happy New Year my friends!

You Know It is Really Cold When...

1. The radio announcer is looking forward to returning to 30 degree weather.

2. The room temperature pot of water steams as you dump it outside.

3. Your checks feel and look sunburned once you return inside.

4. Wearing two pairs of gloves doesn't keep your fingers warm.

Warm wishes for a safe December!

A Tribute of Gratitude

Like most people, I have pondered gratitude a lot this month. I decided to focus on people I am grateful for this month. While I am grateful for the influence of so many people in my life, I want to dedicate this post to a just few!

Frazzled to Peaceful in 0.2 Moments

Wow... Has it really been almost a month since my last post? I need to jump back into the blog world and keep this updated. Hopefully, I will take the time this week to post pictures of my completed sewing projects.

Laboring to the T

On Labor Day, some of my brother's family and I hiked to the Tooele T. It was a fun, exhausting adventure! We parked in the wrong area, so it was a longer hike than we expected. I almost didn't make it all the way, but I am so glad I did. I really needed to accomplish something so challenging to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind and effort to!

I was SO sore after that hike! I will admit that I fell a few times on the way down, resulting in bruises where I sit! Ah, sitting at work  the next day was quite the task!

Below is a picture of my nieces and nephew with me sitting on the T, and a picture of the view from the T.

Here's to the new adventures ahead!

Alive and Well

I'm BACK!!!

My computer arrived in the mail this morning after being separated from me for nearly a month! (It was having some issues, so I left it in Washington to be fixed back in July.) I felt rather lost without my computer. So, please pardon another short post while I dust off my computer and get back into my usual routine!

A few updates:
-I started a new job a week and a half ago. I absolutely love it!!
-My friend Hungry got married, and I was able to go.
-My Grandpa Don passed away, and I was able to attend the funeral (same trip as the wedding).
-I finished the baby quilt I have been working on for a few months! (I'll have pictures of that soon.)
-I caused my niece to think I am weird! (That's a great story that I'll share later.)

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Paka

My Beautiful Washington

I'm back home this week in my beautiful Washington! It has been a much needed breath of fresh, cooler air. I came out for a jewelry training and to visit friends and family. Oh, how I have missed my dear friends! There is nothing quite like sitting up early in the morning, laughing hysterically over some silly story. I love how silly I become with certain friends around me. There is a voice of reason in my head that rolls its eyes at me when I get this way! But, I love, love, love turning into that crazy 16-year-old self again without a care of what anyone thinks of me!

I am hoping to keep this crazy girl with me long enough to enjoy the upcoming YSA dance and conference next weekend. I haven't yet found a friend who brings this out in me. I'm hoping that spending time with my Washington friends will help loosen me up as I return to Utah. It's hard to explain.

Enjoy your wonderful week!

Here is a post all about the beauties of my beautiful Washington at Mona's Musings!