Opening our Spiritual Eyes

The other day I was sitting at the institute waiting for Brad to finish taking a test. Having deleted all social media off my phone so I would be less distracted I had nothing to do. So I grabbed the December ensign and started flipping through it when I came across a story called Smiling to the Blind.

I briefly read it through scanning for nothing important when I found an answer/advice to a problem I went to the Lord with just 3 days prior. 

I was feeling alone, and deserted by my Heavenly Father. Even though I was doing everything I thought I needed to do, it felt like I was not receiving any help from Him. 

While reading Smiling to the Blind, a thought came to me (by the spirit, most likely) that I need to pray to open my spiritual eyes and see all the blessings and help I have received, either directly from Heavenly Father or from someone acting from inspiration they received from Him. 

The Lord is always there ready to help us, sometimes in ways we least expect it. Even though we may not notice it, he is right beside us, listening to our prayers and worries. We just need to humble ourselves, open our eyes and let him in to help.

Since I have been praying to be aware of the blessings all around me I have been amazed countless of times just how frequently his hand is guiding and lifting me up.

“Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;

“For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite” (D&C 136:32–33).

The Token Economy

During this time of fast approaching finals, studying is all we ever get around to doing in this household. Dishes are piling up because we only take time to eat and then it's right back to studying. The kitchen table looks more like our textbooks threw up all over it than a place where you eat.

But luckily for us Brad is taking a course called learning and cognition where he learns all about learning and strategies to learn. It is one of these strategies that we have decided to implement into our lives and it has changed how we study and how we use our time when we aren't studying. We have been so blessed by the effects and to even feel inspired to start this that we decided to share our experience in hopes that it can benefit others.

The Token Economy
The first time I was exposed to this was in my grade 4 classroom. If we behaved correctly and did our homework we got what my teacher called "Wilson Bucks". We would then be able to trade those in to buy all sorts of goodies from her drawer. This is an example of a token economy. We took this idea and changed it for ourselves.

First, we decided what we would be rewarded for. Our decision ended up being 20 consecutive minutes of really good studying.

After, we chose to be rewarded simply by putting check marks up on the whiteboard by our name for each of those 20 minutes of studying.

Lastly, we needed to figure out what behaviors distracted us from studying and needed to be used as reinforcers to study. We came up with games on our devices, social media, and Netflix.
We attached a price (amount of check marks) to each thing. With one check mark equaling 10 minutes of playing a game or being on social media. A 40 minute Netflix show when watched together cost 3 each, but when alone it cost 5. A whole movie together cost 7 each and 10 when alone.

We decided to make the cost of stuff we did together cheaper because doing activities as a family is better than doing it alone. The effect of this is to make the tokens a secondary reinforcer and the primary reinforcer (the distractions) are then contingent upon the secondary reinforcers which are contingent upon the studying behavior. This leads to an increase in the studying behavior. Voilà!

Day Five: Roatan, Honduras

Our last day of shore excursions and we were tired. Luckily today's adventure was pretty laid back as we drove around the island a bit. Our tour guide showed us around in his van. The countryside was beautiful and I swear you can see the ocean from anywhere you are. The houses are so colourful, I want to live in every single one. 

Our first stop was to an iguana farm. As we made our way down the stairs we saw that these iguanas were just lounging around, we had to be careful where we stood because they were everywhere! Thankfully they are herbivores or else I would've been screaming louder when they started charging at me. The guy in charge would give us cocoa leaves and as soon as the leaf was low enough we were swamped with iguanas at our feet.

 

There was also a fish farm in the ocean with numerous fish that measured at least 2 feet long. When someone would throw a little fish into the water, those monstrous fish would anticipate where it was going to land and dog pile (or should I say fish pile) on top of each other to get it. 

Our next activity took us to another animal place where there were monkeys, a sloth, macaws, a weird anteater like animal, and even raccoons. They let us into the cage with the baby monkeys and we were bombarded with these creatures jumping on our heads and reaching into pockets and trying to play with cameras. Such playful and mischievous animals. 

They let us hold the sloth and she would grab our shoulders with her sharp inch long claws as if we were just a normal tree limb. 

There was also a little baby night monkey who was so cuddly and just wanted to hide her head in our armpits. 

Normally they have four macaws (two sets of mates) but only Jack and Rose where there. They each have such different personalities just like people. Jack was friendly and let us hold him when we had seeds in our hands. 

But Rose was just eyeing us up the whole time until the end when she flew across the cage and tried to grab a girls hair.

After, we got relax on the beach for a couple hours in this little area that had a barrier to block the waves of the ocean. I swear the water was as warm as the air, it felt like bath water. Before this trip I didn't realize ocean water could be that warm. 

When we got back on the ship we fell straight to sleep, after three days of excursions we were pretty tired. 

We peeked through the stores on the cruise, including the candy store; Almost got blown away when we were walking around the deck; watched a bit of the dive in movie and then played mini golf before going for dinner. 

They were serving escargots and I had to get some to compare them to the ones in France. I was a little disappointed because they didn't come with the shell on but nevertheless they were still tasty. 

We went to the theatre again for a magic show. Our seats were right up close so we were in prime position to be called on as volunteers. Brad raised my hand up and volunteered me first, but later he got brought to the stage to get a sword through his neck so it evens out. We won our second bottle of champagne, and gave it to Ryan and Tori, from dinner, I think they hang out with us because we don't drink and they want all our champagne we win. 

Day Four: Belize

We left the ship and got straight onto the first tender (a ferry) heading to the docks. It took thirty minutes before we arrived and as soon as the boat stopped we were hit with the heat. Each stop seems more and more hot. We met our tour guide and the other two in our group and she led us to her personal minivan. 

We were a little skeptical about the fact but once we got in it felt very professional. We booked through X-stream tours at www.belizecruiseexcursions.com and it was more than what we expected. She gave us the history of the country and explained everything we passed. It took about an hour to drive to the rainforest where we would do our cave tubing and canopy zip line tour. After getting all organized, we hiked for 25 minutes through the humid rainforest. Reaching the mouth of the cave we were astonished by the size of it. The water was beautiful and so refreshing of course. We tubed for forty minutes in pitch black caves, if it wasn't for our headlamps we wouldn't have seen a thing. Twenty more minutes under the canopy of the trees and then after getting all heated up we jumped in the river and swam for a bit before heading off to the zip lining. The tour from the tree tops was fantastic and exhilarating. (All of our photos are on the disposable camera) 

At the end we made our way back to the ship and proceeded to do our regular cruise things such as soaking in the hot tub, ordered room service, and waited for dinner. At each port they always have a special meal on the menu for the country. I tried cows tongue... just to say that I ate it. As long as you don't think of it as a tongue it's alright. 

We went to the theatre and watched a magic show and dancing. This isn't just a little stage. Every part of it moved in someway. Up, down, or around in circles. There was room behind stage for huge sets. And they had some complicated lighting. I was mesmerized by the quality of the act. We then went to an adult only scavenger hunt, we were in the same group as a couple (Ryan and Tori) we dine with. There was some crazy stuff happening and we laughed so hard. 

Day Three: Cozumel, Mexico

We were able to disembark the ship at 9am, so after we had eaten breakfast in bed again and packed up everything we would need for the day we joined the throng of people to the gangway. 

We were greeted with a wave of hot moist air that made us sweat buckets before we had even made it off the dock. After getting through all the shops that adorned the cruise terminals we found ourselves a scooter rental. Further down the beach we came across a snorkel gear rental and got two sets for the whole day. 

We spent the day driving around the island finding beaches to snorkel and others to play in the waves. The water was unbelievably warm and blue. We had some early twenty year old guys come up to us and told us we looked familiar. It was a casual segway into seeing if we were LDS. Something about us like my modest swim suit or Brads clean face tipped them off. 

We got back to the ship at around 4 all sun burnt, tired and hungry. We fell right to sleep and didn't wake up until it was time to go to dinner at 8:15. Once again, the meal was fantastic I had the pasta and Brad got steak tacos. 

Right before dinner it started to rain. There was thunder and lightning and some pretty big waves which caused the boat to rock a bit. I was feeling a bit dizzy/rocky from the swaying but after laying down for a minute was feeling much better. Brad went to the ships Mexican buffet, he says it was pretty disappointing but that may have something to do with just leaving real Mexico.

Day Two: Fun Day at Sea

Last night we filled out our breakfast in bed door hanger before going to sleep so we could start the day off by waking up to room service knocking on our door with our food. 

Brad played basketball while I went for a run on the running track. Oddly I ran 1.4 miles unknowingly... It just didn't seem as hard as it is up in Canada with the altitude being comparatively closer to sea level. 

We made our way to an art seminar about collecting art. Brad dutifully tagged along claiming he was enjoying himself too, although I know he only came because he knew I wanted to go. 

I've never been to an art auction before and who knew that the first time I went it would be on a cruise ship. I didn't want to bid on anything of course, but I wanted to sit in and watch the action and hear about all the artists. It was very interesting. The atmosphere was so fun and they all talked so fast and everything was happening very quickly that I think I got a sore neck from trying to see it all. 

We had two lunches, spaced around us sitting in pools and going on the waterslides. I think Bradley is getting our money's worth just by how much fro-yo and ice cream he is eating. 

Eventually we got tired of all the noise and retreated to the adult only spa. We listened to our book that we had started on the drive up to Calgary as we laid in the couples hammock. 

Dinner that night was formal wear so we got all dressed up and headed down.

 On the menu was a lot of seafood, I had the oysters for a starter and the lobster tail for my entrée. It was delicious. Brad, not being a fan of seafood, wasn't completely satisfied but got over that quickly when I reminded him he could order room service. The waiters performed a dance number for us while we ate. 

The couple across from us were celebrating her birthday and he asked me to video the song for them. He ended up proposing to her and it brought back memories when Brad and I got engaged. What a happy day... But the wedding day was way better. 

Day One: Embarkation

After flying in the night before, we started our day out right with Texas shaped waffles at our hotel continental breakfast. So far, it has been smooth sailing. We took some precautions before we left by printing off any and all documents we could get our hands on. We did NOT want someone to tell us we didn't pay yet or not let us get on the cruise. 

After breakfast we went back to the airport to catch the last cruise shuttle to The Port of Galveston. The whole bus got pretty excited upon laying sights on our ship.

 We were itching to get on and explore but first we had to be herded like cattle through all the security and checkin queues. Brad and I were worried about the whole "if you aren't over 21 then you have to be with someone older than 25 unless you are married and show proper documents" rule. So we had photocopied as many documents we could find that legalized our marriage. After all that the security people barely even glanced at it. 

The wait was fine, I got to hold my hubby's hand most of the time, except for the fact that the shrill Texan accents of the ladies behind us resonates everywhere and for the most part it was always to the tune of a complaint. There are so many people and the ship is so big that we never ran into the same people twice. 

After we unpacked our bags in our room and tried to make our little interior stateroom feel like home,

 we headed off to enjoy the amenities that come with a cruise. Our ship, Carnival Magic, is adorned with two waterslides, a basketball/volleyball court, a library and games room, an art gallery, two pools, seven hot tubs, and dining options galore. There are 12 levels and so many elevators but we got tired of waiting for them so mostly we used the stairs (and it makes us feel okay eating all that we did haha). We had our safety meeting and then the ship embarked as we waved goodbye to Galveston. 

The rest of the day's activities included winning $200 art credits and a free work of art (which we found out later that there were so many strings attached it wasn't worth it); Bradley getting a trophy and free champagne for being the worse dancer (we ended up giving the champagne away to a group who then wanted a picture with us); dinner and then an evening show in the theatre. 

Dinner was fantastic. We were assigned to a table with three other young couples. The hard part about dinner was everything on the menu was free AND THE MENU CHANGES EVERY DAY! How on earth are we suppose to choose what to eat?! So we ordered three different appetizers, two main dishes, and two desserts. For the rest of the week we will be served by the same waiters, and ours are amazing! The sang us a honeymoon song to the tune of happy birthday and we got an "already free" dessert. 

At the front of the ship there is a two level theatre where we finished the night off with some dancing and singing shows and the cruise director entertained us. 

My Relationship Status

If you haven't heard the news yet then I'm afraid that you probably live under a rock because I'm assuming if you read my blog then you also have access to my Facebook and Instagram accounts. But I will forgive you.

I am getting married!! (Insert oohs and aahs) yes I know it's all very exciting, believe me, no one is more ecstatic than my fiancé and I. Life is coming together splendidly. But I'm not just writing this post to rub it into your face I am here to recount the story of our courtship/proposal. I have had enough people come up and ask me that I'd figure I would just make some snip bits public knowledge so I don't feel like a broken record. 

Lots of people try to take credit for Brad and I meeting. Buy if we were to give credit to anyone it would have to be Brad's cousin, Sarah. She is the whole reason Bradley and I were both at her grandmas house. 

I thought Brad was cute when I first met him, which is exactly a year ago to the day (July 25), and just like my Grammy, I know when I want something and I will get it. Lucky Brad. He's a little slow when it comes to flirting and I wasn't going to let him slip through my fingers because he can't pick up on hints. So when the opportunity arose (his cousins teasing him about not going on a date yet since he's been home from his mission for 6 weeks) I raised my hand and said, "well, I'm available". 

Fast forward through 9 months of long distance dating, me in Lethbridge and him in Edmonton, and we arrive to the point of the big question! Which so happened to fall on my 20th birthday (hopefully he won't forget that day now). It was a great day starting before sunrise to hike to the top of Bear's Hump in Waterton. There we watched the sunrise, talked, cuddled, took some pictures before he got down on one knee, and using my full name (impressive), proposed. 

A Lot Happens in a Year

A year ago I left a piece of my heart in France when I had to say goodbye and just take home the memories that were created. As much as I wish I could've stayed in France with people there that I love, all good things must end to make way for bigger and better things.

Shortly after coming home I met and started dating my now fiancé, started (and finished) my first year of University with a major in French, I met my new niece, Claire Lee Ann, and finished a half marathon.


Trust me, I do miss the lifestyle France offered me; spending every weekend in Paris, traveling to other countries, the fresh pastries and delicious cheese. I loved every moment there but I am glad to be making new memories with new people that I love. I had the opportunity to extend my contract and nanny for another year and I know it would've been great, but I'm glad I came home. It was the right thing to do for living with a little bit of nostalgia is better than not being able to move on with life and experience the rest of God's plan for us.

 

 

First time at the Eiffel Tower

 

13.1 miles and a free banana

We arrived in Yellowstone on Friday at around 11 am. It was a long ten hour road trip but luckily it was made comfortable with the motor home. There was nine of us in total but it didn't feel like it. The day was filled with registering for my half marathon, spontaneous yoga, and carb loading.
The day before I was starting to get a sore throat and Friday that grew into a head cold (not the best conditions for running..). It made me worry but luckily I have a father who is able to give me a blessing in a moments notice. I thought it was a silly thing to ask a blessing for, but I was comforted and put at ease because I knew the Lord would take care of me.
That night I had the best sleep I've had in a while. I woke up feeling %100 better than yesterday and felt ready for my run.

The run started on Saturday at 8am after the national anthem. The first five miles passed by easily and it wasn't until mile 6 that I started to wonder why on earth was I doing this. At around mile 7 I took my first (but not last) walking break. Between mile 4 and 7.5 there was a continuous incline and apparently a lot of people were having troubles with the altitude. For the most part the last half was downhill but that did not help and I swear that the second half was much longer than the first. I made some friends with whom I had been running in close proximity with since the beginning. They had aid stations at various mile markers with water and electrolyte drink to refill, energy gels (which work but are disgusting), port-a-potties and some even had bananas and orange slices. Those aid stations were a life saver. Around the 11.5 mile mark I started walking, then a runner came up behind me and and encouraged me to run some more. Doug and I kept each other going until the finish line. Doug had done 6 previous half marathons and applauded me when I told him this was my first one. He said from now on every half marathon will seem easy because this one was a tough one.

I finished the 13.1 miles in 2hrs and 35min, which was a lot sooner than I thought I was going to do it. I received a medal for finishing but with the size of my smile you would have thought I came first place. I got free chocolate milk, nuts and granola bars, and of course the free banana. I felt great for just 30min after the race and then my body hated me for the rest of the day. But looking back on it I wouldn't change anything and would even run another one.

26 days

It's official... I'm at least half crazy. I have signed up for a half marathon and there's no backing out now. 

I run 13.1 miles on the 13th of June (26 days) down in Yellowstone. My Mum's parents will be visiting from New Zealand and we have plans in taking the motor home down to see the national park. 

As crazy as it is I'm actually really excited. 

And who knows, maybe next summer I'll run the full 26.2 miles. 

5 tips to being happier

I realize I've kind of been MIA since Christmas. Don't worry it's just school that is keeping me occupied. 

I'm proud to say that my first year as a university student is almost complete. This last semester has gone by so quickly. When I look back its just a blur of classes and piano students. 

Although it has been extremely busy I have been very happy with these last few months and I'd like to share with you some things I've figured out on how to be happier. 

1. Early to rise. 

That little saying "early to bed early to rise, makes a (wo)man healthy, wealthy, and wise" is actually very true. The days that I actually get up on time are more enjoyable, more productive, and just easier in general. I'm not rushed out the door in fear I'll miss my class, I have time to shower and get ready properly with a nice healthy breakfast. 

2. Electronic Fast

In today's world we have access to smart phones, fast internet, and basically anything we need online. I love technology as much as the next person, and even praise it at times. But sometimes we need to take a break from having the virtual world at our fingertips all the time. Once a day I put down my phone for at least an hour and disconnect from the online world. I spend time with friends that are actually around me. I clean up and organize a room. I nap or exercise. Just anything that doesn't involve technology. 

3. Take a time out. 

This is the hardest one for me to remember. Sometimes I stretch myself so thin between school, work, studying, friends, family, boyfriend that I don't allow time for myself. Its okay to say no. It's okay to lock yourself in your bedroom and read or draw or just lay there letting yourself recharge. Do something you enjoy. Just take some you time because you deserve it. 

4. Count your blessings. 

Even on the worst days something good happened. So try to pin point something positive or a blessing during the day. It doesn't have to be big. It could be as simple as the trees are starting to bud. 

Also enjoy the bad times because without that opposition how will we appreciate the great days?

5. Smile. 

Even if you don't want to. Fake it to make it. Smile until it doesn't have to be forced. Smile at people you walk by. A smile is contagious and you never know when your smile will make someone else smile