The Life Lesson: Being a Life Long Learner

June 12, 2014

Once upon a time, I was ambitious. Ok--maybe I still am ambitious. I have spent the past decade of my life dedicated to a life long mission. Seeking out learning experiences. In all aspects of life--to create a balanced Amy that is better each year because of new learning experiences.

This all started several years ago. I grew up as a shy, timid girl--who was afraid probably of her own shadow. Sometimes I think had I gone to my 10 year reunion from high school--people would have thought--what happened to her? She was so nerdy in high school. Even in my undergrad at BYU-Idaho, I was still that way. Luckily for me--I started meeting friends who taught me to love myself, how to value life, and to experience it. Some people know this about me, but when I was in my last year of college at BYU-Idaho, I made myself a deal. There were two religion classes I really wanted to take that year--and I promised myself if I could get into both, I would do it. One was Bruce Satterfield's class (I took every class I could from him there--he was my favorite teacher). The other was Elder David A. Bednar's Teachings of the Living Prophets class. The night I registered, there was room--so I took two religion classes that semester.

In his class, we had a lot of work--it was probably the hardest class I ever took in my college history--even to this point. But--I learned the most I have ever learned in it. I learned how when you are with people who are smarter than you (or more life experienced might be the better word for it), you ask questions. In his class, we had to have a one-on-one interview with him. In this interview, we were to ask him any question that we wanted to. The question I asked him was, "I am graduating next semester to become a teacher of children. What is the most important thing I can teach them?" His response was, "Teach them to love learning." We sat and discussed this some--one of the most important things they could learn is to love learning--because with learning they will constantly seek to grow and gain more knowledge, especially if they love it.

So--I took those words and moved to Utah. I started wondering how I could do that--and I thought I could just teach it to my students. But--I soon came to realize that the best way for them to learn, was to see that I loved learning too. So--I started seeking opportunities to grow since I would journal with my students or share with them.

Then this last school year, I attended a conference where I listened to a speaker talk about the power of reflection and blogging--especially to share with your students that you are a life long learner as well. Because really--we never stop learning. And the best way we learn is by reflecting and writing and sharing. So--that is my reflection tonight. Sometimes we need to be brave enough to put ourselves in new experiences so we can be learners and be examples to others.

I am so grateful I learned this lesson about 10 years ago. And I know I am still learning and growing. There are so many things I still want to learn and do in this life--and every day is an opportunity to accomplish something. To my friends who understand this about me and continue to entertain me be doing new things with me--thank you so much. Thanks for helping this girl learn and grow--so she can be a life long learner--and a life long sharer. Because all teachers know--true learning comes when you can teach a concept you learned to others.

Don't be ashamed of your life learning experiences. Share with the world--you'll be amazed at how much you grow!


Here's some highlights--although I usually try to do something new each month. I need to be better about documenting those things!

Learning to repel this past year

Learning to Spin this year

I've done yoga before, but rediscovering it

Learning all about beaconing and avalanche safety more

Becoming brave enough to go fish on my own without a guy to set my pole

eating whatever Chef Sunni gives me at the Naked Fish Bistro

Painting just for fun

Having good friends who are patient to teach you to ski

me out on the mountain skiing

Learning to paddleboard

Riding a bike again for the first time since I was a kid

Discovering my Ultimate Body

June 3, 2014

This post is going to be a long one...so brace yourself! It's been a while. I have been wanting to post this for a while, but have been a little hesitant because I didn't know how to share as I've been discovering this still.

The past 6 months or so I had decided I needed to make some changes in my life. I have always struggled with my weight. Mostly because I think I gave in easy and said--"It runs in my family." or "I don't have time to be healthy--I'll do it later."

Me in college--I was not happy with what I looked like then--and I know it affected my self-esteem Luckily I had some good roommates who helped me to love myself.

I had gained weight and was getting to a point where I knew I wasn't as healthy as I have been in the past. I could see it in my pictures and was feeling it even more in my clothes. And I was to the point where it was either go on a diet, or buy new clothes. I didn't want to encourage myself to keep on this path--so I began to evaluate what I was doing that was allowing my body to do this. My new job was making it hard for me--living in my car all the time and not being in a set place for lunch everyday. I was eating out a lot. And not working out as much as I needed to balance the calorie intake. I decided to start calorie counting and using the app my fitness pal to help me keep track of my calorie intake during the day.

This last year on our family trip to Seattle. I could see it in me in this picture--that I was getting out of control again as far as my weight was going. This probably started my mind on how to get better.

I was happy here in this picture taken in October 2013. But--I can see it in my face. I was carrying extra weight that was weighing me down and making it hard for me. Probably the start of realizing that I had some work to do. I was at about 175 pounds here.

I began this journey in December. I decided at that point that I was going to be serious. I had reached 175 pounds and I knew it was more than I wanted to be. I was wearing my size 14 clothes and feeling like they were getting tight. So--I set myself up on my fitness pal and began the tough process of watching what I was eating. And this helped some. I tried working out--but I've been in school doing a reading endorsement as well--so my work outs consisted of sitting on the stationary bike at the gym reading my young adult literature books I had to read for class. During this time--it was hard to balance things in. I was struggling--partly because other things in life had gotten hard too--change has that ability. I was probably going through a bit of depression from some things happening to me. And that wasn't helping. But--I was slowly losing weight. From January-March I had gone from 175 pounds to 168.

Toward the end of March, I met this guy--Mike Wood, who I call "Mike Exercise." He invited me to come work out with him. So--I amazingly agreed to come. He said fitness was his life and taking care of his body was important. So--I went. I met him at his gym he worked out at called "The dub Campus" and we participated in a 50/50 spin class with a top trainer. I came out of the class feeling worn out--but my body felt good. I decided that I would go back and try it again that weekend because my body had felt muscles that I hadn't been able to work out on my own very well. I originally thought--I'll just go back a few times and see if I can learn how to work out better and then go do it on my own. It was a good thought...

Me with Mike--Mike has become one of my closest friends as we have worked on meeting each other's goals for each other's lives. 

I ended up being drawn into this community though. Mike started training me more one-on-one to help me see the benefits of weight training. I started going to more classes at the campus and learning more about dub--Discovering your Ultimate Body. Dub's focus is all about the 3 pillars of heatlh--exercise, nutrition, and supplementation. I studied it more and decided to try the supplements. With the supplements, I was able to come work out at the campus whenever it is open. I started making more friends with the trainers that were there and having some really great work outs. I made friends in classes, and I now have a great support group that cares about my fitness and if I am showing up to exercise. I have worked out with the CEO a few times even and had the great opportunity to learn from him and his wife. I participated in another trainer's 30 day challenge of eating clean. And in all-I have seen results. Since I started working out with dub, I have dropped another 10 pounds, I've built muscle, I've gone down 2 pant sizes and a bra size, and I have so much more energy. My focus has changed from "I want to lose weight." to "What else can I do with my body? What other fun things can I train myself to do?" This is a priceless gift that I don't know I can ever repay the great friends I have made that have helped me to achieve. The dub community definitely has helped me to see my potential and I am realizing that I am on a great journey--a journey to discovering my ultimate body and all the potential that I have inside of me.

This was me at the start of my 30 day clean eating challenge with Caralee Burton and dub. I wasn't sure I could give up the dairy and the sugars, but I did my best and am amazed at the success I had!

This photo was taken on May 31. At this point I had finally dropped below 160. I have built muscle and have more endurance. And I feel healthier! This is my great friend Linnea who I met at dub who has helped me to see that I can do hard things!

I have been with dub for about 60 days now and am seeing some amazing results. I am achieving goals, building confidence in myself and my body, making some amazing friends, and realizing that I can do hard things. I can make changes in my life that can help me to be healthier. I owe a lot to Mike Wood, Jeremy Wardel, Hollie Wardel, Tina, Linnea, Eric, John, Keri, Carol, Caralee, Darian, and all the rest of my dub family who encourage me to keep coming back and to keep doing my best. It truly is the support of this group that has me encouraged to do my best. I am so grateful I have found something for right now in my life that has given me a desire and hope to continue my lifelong goals of being a life long learner by making myself the best I can be as far as my health goes. It is a gift that I am so lucky to have received and one that I am so anxious to share with any of my friends who need the encouragement and help to meet their fitness goals as well. 

So--here's to another 30 days. Anyone that wants to join me, please let me know! I am more than happy to help share this joyful journey with you!

The Spirit of the Season

December 4, 2013

Tonight I had the opportunity to help with the Riverview Stake's live nativity once again. I have helped with this event every year that I've lived here that they've held it (this being about my 4th time). In the past, I've always had the opportunity to be an entrance greeter or an exit greeter. In this role--I have always been an onlooker and have felt that the gift our Heavenly Father has given us is such a valuable gem.

Tonight--I was given the chance to play a different role. I was given the chance to be Mary, riding the donkey to Bethlehem. Now--granted--my friend Jason and I were the last ones to play the role tonight, and Lucky Harry (I'm not sure the real name of the donkey) was tired and gave up on the second round and just sat down and we didn't know what to do, but--I think the whole time I was there put into perspective for me a little deeper thought about what Mary must have felt like.

I think she must have felt so many emotions. She probably felt uncomfortable, scared, amazed, and loved all at the same time. I think she must have felt honored to be carrying the Son of God. I imagine that the 90 mile journey to Bethlehem was not an easy one--and just like the donkey wanted to give up tonight, they didn't. For Joseph to stay with her the whole time and support her must have been true love. I think they must have known real love and joy and had that understanding given to them. They needed that to raise the Savior. 

Someday, I hope to understand that love that we have from the Savior even more. I know that we are here to learn it--it is the first and greatest commandment: To love God and then others. As this holiday season continues--I hope we can keep that love in our hearts and reach out to those in need. 

My singles ward is giving a gift to the Savior this year for Christmas. Being single--I've learned that I can be really selfish sometimes and only think of myself a lot. But--I'm trying really hard this season to think of others and show love to them. Because that is what the Savior would want me to do. So--my gift to the Savior is to do something daily to try to help my brothers and sisters on this earth feel their worth and to understand that He loves them. At the same time--I hope He will help me to feel my own worth in His sight and be able to increase my capacity to love.

I hope and pray for all my friends out there to have a season filled with "Christ-like" love and Charity. For this is one of the most important things the Savior taught us.  Love.

Thankful Blogs

I need to start looking at blessings, so I'm going to try the thankful challenge on my blog/journal area. So--here goes:

Day 1: I am grateful for life. Life is so full of opportunities to learn and grow--and I think I'm doing my best to embrace opportunities that come my way. Granted, life has many trials and problems, but those things have only proved to make me stronger and better.

Recently I had the opportunity to take on a new job and I have had the opportunity to attend a program called Aspiring Principal's Academy. It was a good chance to look at things I can maybe do to further my education and have an influence on children and their learning. The older I get--the more I realize that that is what life is about--teaching others to love life as well and to love learning. Because that is why God has sent us here--to learn and to live.

So--day 1. Thankful for life and lessons. (Does that count as 2?). Hmmm..

Another Once In A Life Time (or so they say...)

Ok...so when I was a little girl--I had this ridiculous idea that it would be so much fun to sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir--or even play the organ for it. Well...I didn't ever develop my talent out enough to do this...but last Sunday, I had the opportunity to sing for regional conference for my area and we had the chance to sit in the choir seats at the Conference Center.

It started out as a negative experience, which I am ashamed to say, was mostly because of my own negative attitude. The practices started about 6 weeks in advance and lasted every Sunday for about 2 hours. We were forced to sing our vowels correctly and try not to sound like a juvenile choir.

This whole thing put me and several around me in a rotten mood.

I wish now looking back that I could have been a better leader and been a better example to those around me. I should have had a better attitude, even though I wasn't enjoying every moment of every practice. It was hot. We were tired. I was hungry. I wanted to be doing anything else. But--we were preparing to spread the spirit through song--which I know--is one of the most powerful ways to convey the spirit.

That morning of the practice--I tried my best to have a good attitude--which was hard because many others were still negative. But--I was able to enjoy it--and we were even on the big screen a few times. I was told by friends that we sounded great--so I am hoping that at least the angels forgave us for our bad attitudes and God blessed those who were listening with his Spirit.

It was though a great opportunity to sit in those chairs and see the multitudes of people gathered to learn. I am grateful for the learning opportunity!

The Importance of the Family

August 13, 2013

I know--I'm still single. But--I love when the opportunity comes for me to be able to go to the temple to be able to participate in sealings. Tonight, one of my friends and I were trying to catch the new video at the temple (apparently, you have to go early to get in on it...) but the session we wanted was full, so they sent us up to participate in sealings.

What I love about sealings is hearing the great blessings that are offered with this highest ordinance. The sealing power is so amazing--and hearing it from both perspectives--of a couple being sealed and then as a child being sealed--remind me of just how important this is. Tonight I was able to take my great grandma and grandpa's name through the temple to be sealed. This is my mom's mom's parents. And I couldn't help but agree with the sealer when he said that the people we were doing the work for tonight had been waiting for a while and how grateful they would be for this blessing in their lives. I am excited to be able to do more work for my family and can't wait to go back.


Ironically, tonight the Sunday School President came by to bring me the manual for Sunday too because I get to fill in this week. The lesson is called "Sealed...for Time and for All Eternity." (A theme to my life today?). The lesson focuses a lot on Eternal Marriage and the importance of it. I am grateful that it has a section on "if" this part of life hasn't come. There are times where I do struggle and I feel all alone--like God has forgotten me and I must be very undesireable. But--then I have moments where I realize that this is not true--God is very aware of me and He has a plan for me. I feel that even more now in my life more than I have ever felt it before. It is a righteous desire of my heart--to have a family and to experience the joy from it. But--I also know that I am doing a work right now that God has for me to do. I know that teaching is an important part of my life and God has given me gifts that He needs me to use to influence the learning of His children here on earth. I don't know that I've really shared that with people--and it is a special thing to me, and it brings me hope that I have a purpose in this life. I am learning to trust in Him and His timetable, and even though I count this as one of my trials in life--I have grown so much from it. I am so lucky to get to watch successful marriages all around me and see successful child rearing. I truly feel blessed. And I sure hope that those people that help me feel this way feel blessed too--because you truly have a gift. I look forward to the day when I can have it as a part of my life too.

The temples truly are an amazing part of our lives...and I am so grateful for the priesthood power and the sealing power. For some reason, God wanted me to learn about it this week. I think it was to remind me how blessed I am to have my family and to be able to be with them forever. In the eternal scheme of things, this is what matters!

Feeling Blessed...

August 6, 2013

Have you ever stopped and thought about how lucky you are to be alive and to be able to experience life? And all the feelings and emotions that go with it? And the lessons you learn? Today was one of those "stop and smell the roses" kinds of days. Life is all about the memories we create, after all.

I haven't written on my blog for a while--Brad Wilcox would be disappointed at me in not continuing my journaling. So--I better write somewhere...

Today--I had one of those great days you wish you could just pause and remember forever. It started out by me experimenting with my job. I have a new job--I work at the district office as a mentor teacher specialist. I am over 300ish provisional teachers and I get to watch these new teachers teach and give them feedback. I did my first observations today of some new teachers--and at first--I missed it. I missed interacting with the kiddos and helping them love learning. But--then as I started watching the teachers, really watching them--and seeing them have fun and enjoying what they were doing--seeing things that made them struggle a little and having great ideas pop into my head to help them--I felt at that moment--that I made the right choice. This job really can bring me joy--and I am so excited for that!

My official badge...that picture was from when I first started teaching...

Also today--I had the opportunity to listen to a missionary discussion tonight--about the restoration. These elders did sooo good! I hadn't felt the spirit so strongly in my little heart for a while. We were having my friend Jessie visit with them to learn about the church and answer questions she had. I heard some beautiful testimonies from some of my friends and learned things about them I didn't even know. It was so special ... and I hope I don't ever forget the way it felt.

I also spent some time tonight with another friend celebrating his birthday. I gave him a drawing kit and some pastels. We spent time tonight drawing and I have to say...my art work is about as good as my first graders. But--his was so good--he drew me an elephant because it is my favorite animal. Puts me to shame...

Regardless of my drawing abilities...I feel so blessed today. I truly am lucky to be alive--and to be able to experience life. I think that is one of the many lessons of life--to learn to love each day for what it is. Living in the present is surely the best thing to being a happy person and enjoying all the little moments. I sure hope I can remember that lesson tomorrow--when I get to attend my first night class I get to help teach at. Fingers crossed!

All I can say right now is I sure feel blessed.