Me.

Have you ever sat back and really thought about how different we all really are? Sure. We might share common interests with others. We may share same opinions and values, but no one is the same person. Close to 7 billion people on the Earth and not one soul is replicated. 

In my new job, I have been challenged. I've been challenged to learn a lot of new things in regard to the processes of the law. In that challenge, it is almost as though it has caused me to think deeper in many aspects of life. I have always been observant of others. However, lately I have been ever intrigued on the 'mind set' of other people. 

Type 'A', passive-aggressive, willing, pompous, naive, insecure, realistic, hypochondriac, self-centered, self-deprecating, aware, logical ... the list is literally endless. 

By watching how others operate and trying to consider their thought processes on things. Lately, I have  posed the question to myself of... what is the correct way to think? what is the right way to be? 

I admire those that are sure in their thinking; no matter what, they stick to what their opinion is and what they know to be true. I find it to display strength and security. Yet, I also find those who are willing to set aside their opinions to listen to others so endearing. People who live life in the moment and that are easy going, sooth me. Long story short, almost every different personality trait that I've come in contact with in my short life-time, I have learned to admire at least one thing. More times than none, I have thought how I would like to incorporate those attributes into my being. On the other hand, I have also learned many things that I don't respect and desire to eliminate from my life. 

Which is best? Is there one way to be? 

My answer is pretty simple. The way to be, is to be you. We have all been sent here for a purpose and I bear testimony that we have all had experiences in the pre-existence where we gained many of our innate characteristics. 

As for myself, I am obviously still learning a lot about who I am as an individual. But, I do know that I am generally quite permissive. However,  I am also a very competitive person in appropriate settings. I am aware of others and how they feel and really struggle with the idea of disappointing someone or letting others down. Laughing is one of my favorite things to do; I have always enjoyed good humor (but who doesn't). I am confident in myself, I truly believe that I can do most things that are set out in front of me. I am not an academic. But, I have learned to become more of an analytic thinker. I am not overly emotional. I would like to think that I am an optimistic person- at least I try to be. 

So far, that is what I know about myself. Is that the best way to be? I know that it is a good thing to be myself and to be the person that I am. However, I know that it is best to always strive to be better in every trait that we possess. We are not to always be dissatisfied with our selves and constantly feel that we are inadequate. And we are not to be content with no progression. That is not our divine purpose and that is not why we were given the opportunity to come to Earth. We are here to grow. 

I've been incredibly blessed in my life to be constantly surrounded by many wonderful examples to follow. I have always had people in my life, in every stage of my life thus far, that have inspired me to be better. I am lucky to have parents who consistently taught me in ways of righteousness. I was always around friends that rarely tried to sway me from my beliefs. Now, I am sealed to my love who always encourages me to be better in every way possible. I am so far from perfect and far from reaching my full potential. But, I have a desire to know who I am and what my purpose is. I love who I am, but even more, I love the person who I am capable of being. 

My new big-girl job and Mexico!

So, I have finally landed myself a half-decent job! Started cleaning houses to Old Navy to.... being a LEGAL ASSISTANT!! 

Finding a good job was not any easy task for me. When I got home and was finished school, I figured that it would be easy to find something that paid fairly well, considering that I had a university degree. However, the fact that I had zero work experience really worked against me. It almost seemed that someone who had worked at McDonald's had a better chance at getting a job than I did (no offense to McD's), just because it is actual work experience. People would see my resume and see that I didn't have any experience and would just kind of put my name on the back burner. I am confident enough in myself to know that if I could land at least an interview that I could change people's minds on the fact that because I have no experience, I'm no good. In my opinion, I have a lot more 'life experience' than a lot of people. Because of the opportunities I have had with basketball I've learned so much. Not to mention playing basketball while going to school, full time, I know how to manage my stress and how to prioritize my time. I knew all of those things! I was just waiting for someone or some place to give me a chance. So, in the mean time I worked for "Coulee Cleaners" (aka... a frickin' nightmare) and "Old Navy" (loved the discount at Old Navy, GAP and BR, so great). After working so hard and feeling like those were the only jobs I could land... it was kind of discouraging.

One day, Travis texted me and said that his business partner's brother was looking to hire a new assistant. Not really knowing what his brother did... I was pretty excited to apply. Anything would be better than cleaning and retail. Turned out that this guy was a lawyer at a firm here in Lethbridge. Lately, Travis and I have been really into a show called SUITS! Which is about these big-wig lawyers in New York city. So, having been intrigued by law and justice, I was excited at the thought of being a legal assistant. I had my doubts, thinking that it would be the same story... "no experience." But, to my surprise... I got the job! I was quite intimidated. I really had no idea what to expect, but I was ready for a bit of a challenge.

This is Donna Paulsen from Suits and she is a legal assistant and just THE best! I'd like to think that I'm her working at this multi, multi- million dollar firm in New York! Wearing nothing but pencil skirt's and prada pumps. However, the firm here in Lethbridge is a little more low key. Which in more ways than none... I am very grateful for. So far, I really enjoy my work! It is so interesting and really fulfilling! 

MEXICO!

We went to Mazatlan, Mexico a few weeks ago. We went with 2 other couples and it was SO fun! I had never been to Mexico before and it was just a really good time. Our resort was beautiful! It was a little busy for my liking, but it was great. Mexico is definitely a party-paradise... SO much alcohol. People would drink so much... it was concerning. I have been spoiled in my life and I definitely like the feel of Hawaii better, but Mexico was so much and the weather was absolutely perfect everyday! 

I love this boy! We had so much fun together. I think he loved having other guys to go play with! I like to play, but I also love to just lay out and relax.

Morgan and Nikki Duce

Amy and Dallon Martin 

Our view! We loved our room. One night, we moved our mattress onto the balcony and slept outside. I loved it and thought it was so soothing... Travis, on the other hand, said that "the waves just sound like wind! worst sleep ever." So dramatic :) 

The taxi's were so fun! You just sit in the back of a truck on some benches! It was a party

Church was interesting! Couldn't understand a thing. I think that there were about 12 people in the ward! The members are so strong. They didn't have any one to play the piano, so I thought I would volunteer myself. The song that they chose to sing was kind of tough and I kept messing up and every time I would mess up, I would try to figure out where they were in the song... but because they were singing in spanish, I had not a clue. Needless to say, I made a fool of myself and I'm positive that every person in the ward was thinking... this white girl doesn't know how to play. Whatever though! I tried to contribute somehow haha. 

C'est la vie

Life has been busy, busy as of late. Between coaching and my stupid job, I feel like I've been on the go non-stop... which isn't entirely a bad thing. I will say that it is nice to have a schedule and some structure... feels good to be productive. Trav and his company have been so busy, which is excellent! However, I always thought that winter was supposed to slow down and that I would see him more often, but nope! Oh well, these are the years that we are supposed to work our butts off, right?

This is my cute little team!! They are all in grade 9 and they are just dolls. I have so much fun goofing around with them and sharing with them the things I have learned through out my career. I have really enjoyed it because I have been able to really relate to them being a player myself. So far, I've had such an awesome experience! Not to mention, they are dang good!! Just a bunch of champs. 

This is Lars. I met him a few weeks back and I haven't stopped thinking about him.

Does he or does he not look like Stitch from Lilo and Stitch? I LOVE him. 

I love her more though. She's my fancy girl!

I HAD to throw this in there. This is so sad and so bizarre, but so hilarious. So, my brother-in-law, Tyler, got this little thing called BELL'S PALSY. It's basically just a facial paralysis which is a result of a dysfunctional cranial nerve. There really isn't any real explanation for it... and it's rare for someone of his age to have it as well. It is just crazy because half of his face is completely paralyzed. I have seen people with their mouth's frozen from the dentist, but this is his whole face... his eye brow, his mouth, his eye lid!! It's crazy. It could last anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months!!! Poor guy. Hopefully it goes away soon. Am I a bad person for laughing every time he talks? I can't help it. 

MY NEW FAV!!!! Okay, this stuff is ridiculously expensive... but it has been my saving grace. Back in April, I got my hair done and I wanted to go quite blonde. However, I have really fine and fragile hair and the lady over processed it in the worst way. My hair would literally just break off because it was so dry and damaged. My aunt introduced me to this stuff and it has worked SO well... my hair is starting to feel like hair again and not like a fake wig you buy at halloween. All of B&B products are amazing... expensive... but a little goes a looong way. I use the mending line... but they have so many more. For the last while I have been using aveda products and have learned even though they say that all of their stuff is super natural and whatever, it's really not. It was drying out my hair even more which is a crying shame. Everyone is different and is able to use whatever. In my perfect world, I would buy the cheapest stuff, walk out of the shower, run a brush through it and call it good. But... nooope. I would look like Joe Dirt. NO. word. of. a. lie. 

Because of my last experience... I have avoided getting my hair done. I've been trying to maintain SOME lasting health.. but in doing so, it just looked bad. Or as my mother said... "it made me look dowdy". I was able to get in to see an awesome stylist that specializes in blondes and not only did she give me a great color... she made sure to put the health of my hair first. I was SO happy... I could have the color I wanted without having to worry about my hair falling out of my head. In the end... it's just hair, but the sayin is true.... when you look good, you feel good.