TED Talks that inspire me

FAVE TED TALKS WHOO HOOOOO!

One of my favorite things to do while I commute to school is listen to TED talks. I love the radio but Justin's "sorry" gets old after the 2049583409 time. I just listened to a playlist on my TED app that was titled, "How to Revive a city" and man it was great. My fave talks from it were this one and this one. Oh and Jess Speck's one about the walkable city! These talks inspired me to get out into our own city, Salt Lake, to serve, walk around, explore and contribute to keeping the public spaces open! The lack of sun and clear skies has taken its toll on me this winter--without the sun I shrink and isolate myself in my warm home. But in this in between time of winter/spring I am determined to get out and connect with nature, myself, and our city!

some more fave TED talks:

•  Less stuff More Happiness
• Bad Feminist
• Teach girls bravery not perfection
• Teach kids to code
• Shut up and Listen!

Finance stuff---again!

I was cleaning out my iPhone camera roll because hello 1,659 photos was too much for my storage to handle--and I became nostalgic for all the adventures Mike and I have been on since meeting each other in 2014. From my experience I expected us to take one trip per year and that's all. But with Mike and his perspective and savvy money skills, we've been on tons of buses, a bunch of flights, and lots of different beaches, hostels, hotels, mountain lodges, and boats! Because of the way Mike has lived his life--saving everything and not overspending on unnecessary things--we have had the money and financial freedom to explore the world and travel(which is what we really want to do right now!)

Anyway, I saw this quote the other day and loved how it says to not worry about the money--just make it work for you.

That is the way Mike lives and how I have learned to live. Instead of letting money work you, you make it work for you. We stretched every single penny and peso in order to get to the places we wanted to go. I had no idea how many free things you could do too! I'm so glad that my parents taught me the importance of saving for your dreams and goals and then spending only on what it worth it!

Spring inspiration collection

It's almost officially springtime! My favorite season has always been Spring because of the fresh feeling of rain, the beauty of bright greens and the atmosphere of rebirth in everything; humans, animals and nature.

I'm feeling fresh flowers, lots of pinks, greens and whites.



I'm feeling some spring cleaning and the need to fill up my frames with some fun artwork!



I'm feeling energized and motivated to keep working out and getting stronger. I'm trying real hard to get the beginner trophy on the Nike Fit app and it's way awesome! Also, my new jump rope is about to be my best friend.





I'm feeling sooooooooo ready for a road trip. Mike and I are planning lots of Utah trips because we realized that we haven't really explored this gorgeous state together besides Moab (where we met).





I'm feeling like wearing flowy dresses, pretty colors and soft textures.









I'm also feeling like painting a million abstract pieces and springtime bouquets but like when am I not feeling that? haha





photos via Pinterest

My autobiography

I've been thinking about writing down my autobiography. Like my great grandpa and grandma wrote theirs, same with my grandpa, and my dad has written some stories as well. I should be documenting my life ya know just in case I'm caught in a horribly tragic accident and my children want to know what I did on november 22, 2015. ok not funny. but I feel that's like what I'm basically doing on this space anyway so I should put them all in one place, right?

But I think I'm going to begin. Maybe even make it a goal of mine to document my entire life--well the memorable parts. I should definitely record the time when I peed my pants in kindergarten(1st grade?...) and other memorable stories like that.

I might post some of the more funny/interesting stories here. I've already got the story of how Mike and I met on here so might as well keep getting personal. This will be a great thing for my kids and grand kids to have someday. And like any massive task, I'm starting small and setting a goal to record a little story at least twice per week. We'll see how this goes.....or how long it lasts haha.....

art piece in the making

Today I had an idea that just might be an art project someday. I figured I should record my thoughts on it here and let it mull around until I actually bring it to life someday...........................

Inhale and Exhale

What does Inhale" bring to mind/feel like:

negative sense:

scared

gasping/dying

hyperventilating

stress

gasp before tears

positive sense:
anticipation
excitement
quick
about to explode
moment before action

What does "Exhale" bring to mind/feel like:
 in a negative sense:
breath leaving body
exiting
giving up
finished
the end
--(not exactly negative) 
letting go
moving away
alone

positive sense:
calming
controlled
letting go of tense
relaxing
powerful
in sync

images via Pinterest

Provo City Center Temple

Sarah and I went to the Provo City Center Temple on Wednesday in the morning and wow I was so distracted the rest of the day haha. I couldn't stop thinking about all the themes in the temple details and the thoughts I had walking through it. Well, mostly I just thought about Mike. It struck me really hard (for like the 5 billionth time) that we are so totally married for eternity. 

We made a vow to be there for each other forever--and we made that crazy intense vow after only one year of dating! I can totally see how getting married so fast can be viewed as a drastic, scary and spontaneous decision. And yeah, sure to the outside world, Mormon marriage culture is totally irrational because people meet, date and then two months later get hitched! But sometimes I think that's just the most amazing thing. There is time to learn what each other are like, but there is also time to let that person grow, progress and see how that person changes for the better--because you're together. It's really important to give your lover the benefit of the doubt most the time--unless they're crazy and you should leave them--don't over analyze every single emotion or mishap that happens in your relationship because that confuses and complicates everything.

I remember at one point (before Mike and I were engaged) I was stressing about marriage because sure I LOVED this guy but like how could I know that we would be happy the rest of our lives???? I asked my Mom how she knew that my Dad would be a good dad or great husband or calm in stressful situations when life got crazy etc. She laughed and told me she didn't know all that for sure..... but she knew he was a good person and that was enough. It was a total "aha" moment that I felt dumb for not seeing before. I realized I really only need to know 2 basic things from Mike to get our relationship to progress: is he a worthy temple recommend holder and does he love me? And vice versa too--we're in this together and that means effort on both sides. I immediately stopped worrying about future situations that hadn't even happened yet and focused on what kind of man Mike was right then. And it worked! We're totally married and progressing together.