Me-Day!!!

Unfortunately, I am one of those people who has a very difficult time making and taking time for myself, but my new goal is to make sure I do just that. This goal just happened a short time ago and I will be the first to admit that I have failed miserably. Looking at the month of December it is easy to see why. Wow! I didn't realize how busy I would be. It gets this way every December though. I should be prepared for it.

In looking at the month, I realized that there was really only one day that I could take the whole day just for me. That was today (Saturday the 12th). It turns out I have something every other day or evening of the month whether it be work, Relief Society visits, concerts, travels, church, parties, etc. Because of this, I decided to cancel everything and take a full day for me. I did take someone friends to the airport but what Whitney Me-Day would be complete without service. I did it early enough that I was able to come home and go back to bed.

I slept in (after that) until almost 10:30 and have stayed in pajamas while doing things for me. I have snuggled in my blanket, prepared for Christmas, rested and relaxed. I have avoided my phone. I am not reading or responding to texts or phone calls (not that I can without a voice). In fact, my phone and I are on separate floors of the house right now. I am treating myself to some meditation, amazing Christmas music and time to do what I want or need. Granted, I may have to leave the house to buy groceries but that is still for me.

I would love to be outside doing something but with the weather and me just getting over stuff, it is better to stay in. Still on the agenda is some exercise and yoga or ballet stretches, a delicious treat and maybe finishing my Christmas wrapping. It would be so nice to do this more frequently and I know I need to settle for doing a little something (maybe 15 minutes or more) each day, but having this one day is very helpful.

Today has been so nice. What do you like to do on your "Me-Day"?

Just a spoonful of medicine...

Okay, You got me. The song does not say a spoonful of medicine. It says a spoonful of sugar. However, the medicine is what is helping me more than the sugar. You see, I got sick again. I got hit with a flu virus. After going to the doctor, I was put on some major medicines trying to avoid the six weeks out, like last time. I am so grateful for this doctor.

I went in and he listened, he looked, and really tried to figure out the best solutions for me. He truly and genuinely cared about me as a person, and not just a patient. He wanted to make sure that I was feeling better before the holidays. He even had me go in the day before Thanksgiving and scoped my vocal cords. He gave me a new medication that day and really wanted me to check back in. He was thorough and explained everything that was happening. I could not appreciate him more.

I had very little appetite when I first got sick. Since taking all the meds, I can eat again and have a desire to. Miracles happen!!! So in my case all those spoonfuls of medicine have helped the food to go down. I am so grateful!!

Just What I Needed!!!

My last post painted a picture of frustration and discouragement, with glimpses of hope. I am happy to report that things have gotten better since that post. That is not to say there still aren't problems and issues, because there are, but they don't seem to affect me that much.

The past two weeks have been especially crazy for me. Between work, my calling, getting a small (I emphasize small) cold, and trying to stay afloat, among other things, I have been exhausted. This past week was especially crazy and by the end, I was ready to escape and run away. I did just that. I spent some time in one of my most favorite places with some of my most favorite people.

Friday night consisted of the Pumpkin Walk up in Logan. I have gone to this for the past four years or more and have never been disappointed. This year was no exception. There were so many clever displays from animals, to Inside Out, to Studio C, to Looney Tunes.

Of course, I had to get a picture of my favorite character Taz. That was followed by focaccia bread. It was fun!

Saturday, I spent a good portion of the day with an amazing friend her kiddos. We talked and played. She and I started working on a puzzle (yeah, we're party animals like that) and got quite a bit done before I had to change clothes and head to a Halloween party. Before I left, she convinced me to stay the night.

I went to the party where I got to see some important, fun and incredible people. It was fun! Being around these people made me miss the friendships and supports I have in Logan. I began to feel like I was home once again. Then, I found out the primary program for my old home ward was the next day.

Sunday, I went to the program and it was so nice and really great. It was good to see the kiddos that I babysat while I was living up there. I miss those kids. They gave me hugs and talked with me.

Some days, a lot of days, I miss my life in Logan. There were tough times, but I had the most amazing support system and friends there. They are wonderful. Moving was hard but it was necessary for my personal growth. I know I am where I need to be and am becoming a better person. I am building friendships here that are such strengths to me. That has been a major blessing. Yet, I am so blessed that on weekends when I want to run away or need a break, I can go to Logan and know that the friends I have there, will still be my friends!!!

This weekend was just what I needed. It was probably on of my favorite weekends in a while. Thanks everyone!!!

(Insert a Fitting Title Here)

As I sit here thinking about how to title this entry, I am realizing that I am struggling to put into a few words what is on my mind. This is strange for me because usually writing is an escape and finding the right words tends to happen with some ease. As hesitant as I am to share this, I am also equally sure that it needs to be shared, with very few particulars.

A month or so ago, I began to struggle with a specific situation in my life. I was convinced it was a fluke and that it would quickly resolved. I attempted to push onward. It has not been easy of successful. There have been many days of tears, frustration and confusion. I have been very unclear of my next steps or how I can make things better.

After a particularly rough Monday, and an equally tough Tuesday, I finally confronted someone about how I was feeling and some of the measures I was considering. This person tried to put me at ease, and did to a small extent. However, I left with more unknowns. I decided to give it a few weeks and re-evaluate from there.

By the beginning of last week, I needed a break. I needed to get away. I needed a rest. Some family time was exactly what was needed. I took off Thursday night and ran away, trying not to think about the issue that I was leaving behind me, or hoping to leave behind me and not think about. It worked, for the most part. From Thursday to Sunday, I was able to spend some much-needed time with some pretty great people. It was such a freeing time. When I got back to town on Sunday, I was blessed with hearing from Elder Nash at church and then Bishop Richard L Burton at a fireside. I was very optimistic about returning to life.

Needless to say, it was in vain. Since returning, I have spent much time crying, praying, meditating and trying to find peace that is so badly needed. Last night, I decided to go to the one place where peace is promised and is assured. I went to the temple.


Photo from lds.org https://www.lds.org/church/temples/gallery?lang=eng#

For a few hours, I was freed from the problems outside and I could just reflect. I left with positive feelings and with the goal of having patience to get through this incredibly difficult situation. It was interesting, as I got in my car and drove away, the worry-free feeling was dissipated and the same cloud came over me. This time, however, I was able to calm myself.

I wish I could say that this was the end of the story and that by going to the temple I was able to get the peace that helped put me on the right path. However, the trial is still very real. I know that we are given trials for a reason. They strengthen us. They teach us. They prepare us. We have been promised that blessings come after trials. We can and will be lifted up.

 I am hopeful for more peace, guidance and understanding over the next few weeks. The temple did give me a starting point and a point of peace that I can try to remember when the going gets tough. It has also prepared me for General Conference this weekend.

The Past Month

Over the past month, I have learned a lot of things about myself. Here are a just few:

~ I am an independent person.
~ I'm not very good at asking for help.
~ I laugh a lot, when I am masking pain.
~ I like to be able to go and do the things that I want without having to wait or rely on someone else.
~ I have good friends and family who are willing to help me, even when I try to avoid their help.

Wearing the boot for the past month has been an adventure and a very humbling experience. It is so much more debilitating than I ever thought it would be. The pain has been interesting, to say the least. I used crutches for the first couple weeks, because walking and balancing on the boot was not easy, especially when you are clumsy  to begin with. I took a few falls with the boot. Once going down stairs (got a cool bruise from that one) and another time getting into a car. Once I was done with the crutches, I balanced better on level surfaces. Uneven surfaces like grass and gravel path are not fun.

I have been told that things look okay and was told only to wear the boot when the pain was bothersome. So far, I have only gone one day without it. My foot still gets swollen and there is still some pain and discomfort, but it is better than it was over a month ago. I still wear the booth when I know there will be a lot of walking, especially with all the swelling. If the pain and swelling persist, I will be going back to the doctor. I really don't want to, so I am hoping and praying that it gets better before I do that.

One of the biggest trials of this has been asking for help and not being able to much of anything by myself. I cannot even begin to list the people who have given me rides or helped me out. My coworkers always made sure I was taken care of with rides, as well as getting water or other things from the downstairs area (my desk is on the upper floor). I have had many friends who have taken me grocery shopping, to church, come and visited me, taken me to appointments and activities and so much more. I was able to go up and see my family, thanks to a good friend, and make another out of town trip, thanks to a friend. I am so appreciative of the help. Thank you all!

I dislike asking for help. It makes me feel weak and pathetic. To those who helped, thank you for not making me feel like a burden and for willingly helping. It was a hard thing for me to do and it was so humbling to see how many people were willing to help. I am so blessed.

One of my struggles has been with wondering and asking why this had to happen. In many ways, I still do not understand. However, it has shown me that I do have a support system down here. The timing was the worst, in my eyes. I was so frustrated when it happened two weeks before my half marathon. I was so ready to run it. However, I am grateful that it happened when it did and not two weeks later, during the marathon. The day of the half marathon was a hard day. I may have cried a time or two. But there were good people around and I was able to keep busy so I didn't focus too much on it.

As you can see, there have been trials, but there have also been blessings. I have learned a lot about myself and others. I am so grateful that I was able to learn these things.

My New Addition

There is something different about me. It is actually pretty obvious to tell when you see me. I have a new addition.

As you may have read earlier, I have been training for a half marathon. My goal was 10-11 miles on Saturday. About six miles in my foot was causing some major pain. I was still 4 miles from my car, so I kept going though I walked and sat a lot. 

The pain was not as intense as that moment, but it was still not good both Saturday and Sunday. I went to Instacare and they referred me to a Sports Medicine Clinic. After talking with the doctor there, he booted me and is treating me for a stress fracture. I will be in the boot for four weeks. If I can't get the hang of walking in the boot, the doctor said crutches may be helpful.

I'm kind of bummed. After prepping, training and feeling like I was finally going to be able to reach my goal for a half marathon, it will not be happening this time. Especially because the half marathon I signed up for is 2 weeks away. There will always be other races and other opportunities. 

It kind of stinks but this will be a new adventure, :)

What a Month!!!!

A lot has happened over the past month, and I haven't been the best at chronicling it. I will try to give you a brief update here, that may end up, not so brief.

HEALTH

At the beginning of June, I got sick. I was pretty sure it was a cold. I woke up one morning, and felt it in my chest. I went to the doctor and was told it was a bronchial virus. I went and picked up an inhaler, which the first pharmacy didn't have, so they sent me to another one, and began to take it easy. Two weeks later, I wasn't getting better, at all. So I went to a different doctor. She told me it was probably still viral but wanted me to come back in a couple days, to listen to me breath and such. She also gave me a few meds. When I went back, the coughing had gotten worse and she became very concerned. She began running test, and was pretty sure I had whooping cough. That was scary. She basically told me I couldn't do anything or go anywhere until the test results came back. She also doubled my dosage on the antibiotic I was on. When I went back in, all the test had come back negative and I was told I was better, even though I looked like death. Come to find out, I may have been better, but my body was not (and still is not) healing properly from the sickness. Oh joy.

TRAINING

Of course, the above, really put me behind on my half marathon training. I struggled having enough energy to get through work, let alone exercise after. I could barely breath too, so I didn't do much. I even missed a 5K that I was scheduled to run. I would have died. This past week, I had a little more energy, so I decided that I would go to the gym on a Saturday to see what I could do. I didn't want to be stranded somewhere if I couldn't make it back. I may have pushed myself a tad to much, but I was able to run some, and walk some. I didn't die. Now, I have six weeks before the half marathon, and so without pushing myself too much, the training is going to get intense.

HOUSING

During the course of all of this, I found out I needed to move. I am so grateful for the wonderful friends I have and the help they gave me. Because of them, I was able to find a place, pack my stuff, have it moved from points a, b, and c, and I am now living in a new, wonderful place. I couldn't have done it without the amazing people around me, because I really couldn't do much. A special thanks to my old roommates, the people who helped me move, my friends who let me stay at their place for a few days, and especially my Dad, who drove down from Idaho, to bring his truck and help me move. I couldn't have done this without all the help. So blessed!

WORK

My work has been so patient with me. I am in a really good place. At the beginning of the month, we had three new people start to help with data entry. They kept things going while I was unable to. During this month, I was told that my position would be changing but we couldn't really do training until things were better for me health-wise. As of July 1st, my duties changed. I have gone through some training this past week and am going to be busy. It will be fun though, and a new experience for sure.

FAMILY/FRIENDS

I did have a chance to spend some time with my sister, even though I almost died at one point. She and her family came down to Utah and I met up with them for a bit. That was a time of pure happiness and let me tell you, hugs from family are the best. In an effort to force myself to relax, I went up to Poky for Independence Day. I was able to talk with my brother and dad a bit. I seriously think that family is some of the best medicine. I have also been able to make, see and catch up with so many friends. These people are my rocks. I couldn't have survived this past month without them. From checking in with me in text, to visits, to help, to being understanding of my and my situations, to catching up, and relaxing with me. You are ALL the best friends anyone could have. Love you all!

I may be missing something. If so, you can ask I and I will answer.... maybe. Ha Ha Ha. This is why you haven't seen me much. July will be so much better. I am ready to enjoy summer! :D

Bruised and Broken: A Portrait of Hope

Just last month I had the opportunity to visit numerous Church History sites for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On a Saturday afternoon in May, we visited the Peter Whitmer home. That Saturday had been a difficult day for me and and I just wasn't sure what to expect. We went on a tour of the home and then came back and watched a video. Because we had arrived just after a tour had started, we had missed the beginning of the tour and asked to have it at the end. My eyes wandered during that point, and fell upon a painting that I could not take my eyes off. It was incredible.

This picture was one of Christ, but it was different than any other painting I had seen in my life. Yes, it still looked like him, but there was something different. Was it the eyes? The way it was painted? The way it showed his attributes? The answer, I believe, is all of the above. It impacted me. I hesitate to post a picture of it because of copyright laws, but have attached a few links here so that you can see it.

This is from a Yahoo! image search. It is the very first one.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=Chris+Young+Jesus+of+Nazareth+Painting&fr=chr-yo_gc


This is one to the artist's website. If you select the first label that says portraits. As of the time of writing this, it is on the third row, the second one in.

http://chrisyoungfineart.com/artist.asp?ArtistID=34275&AKey=V9LPV246

There are some links to it on Pintrest and other sites, but these are the links I have.


I invite you to really look at this portrait and let it speak to you. As I looked at it, the words of a hymn came to mind: "Bruised, broken torn for us", I later found out that the name of this painting is "Jesus of Nazareth" which is the hymn from which the above-line came from.

The style that he painted this picture had a crackled or broken technique. This is s style that I have no seen on a picture of Christ, but yet is so fitting. Quoting from Isaiah 53:5, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for iniquities:" Though this picture is of Christ as a living being, he was still broken, in a way.

Look at his eyes. They are soft and caring. They are filled with light. Yet, in my mind, they show sadness and weariness. The amazing thing, as I said before, is that they are still filled with light. There is a sense of peace that emanates from them.

This picture shows a humble Son who has performed his Father's will. It shows perfect love, kindness, hope, diligence, and so much more.

It reminded me that all we, like Him, have been bruised and broken. Many of us have been led astray. Trials and difficulties have come. Every single person has been bruised or broken at one moment or another. We all can still retain the light in our eyes and become like our Savior, for he was bruised and broken far worse than anyone can imagine. Yet he still carried that light with him.

This motivated me. At a time when I was feeling very broken and unsure if my efforts to move forward were worth it, the answer was found hanging on the wall. A picture so full of impact showing He has overcome and so can I.

Running for Reasons

I started to love running as a missionary. We had time every morning to work out and running became my favorite. In the years since, I have tried and tried to make running a normal part of my life. After listening and talking to people about why I run, there are quite a few reason why I do it.

~  It melts the stress away.

~ It helps to get rid of negative emotions.

~ I get a feeling of accomplishment when I break a personal record.

~ For my health. (This does not mean to lose weight, but to keep my body healthy.)

~ To overcome trials in my path.

~ I love it!

~ It frees my mind.

~ Believe it or not, it helps my concentration.

~To Raise Awaresness

Let me explain. One of the reasons I am running right now is to show myself, others and the condition gastroparesis, that I have power over my condition and it will not and cannot prevent me from doing anything that I put my mind to. The ultimate goal (at this point) is to run a half marathon later this year. I will be wearing green (the color of gastroparesis) and am trying to come up with a clever saying to put on me about showing this. (Suggestions are Welcome Please!) This has not been without trials. There are days when I plan on going running, but end up with a flare-up and cannot. I have to watch my health closely. I need to make sure I am staying hydrated and that I am eating and keeping enough calories to support the run. It has been a huge learning experience, and I am so grateful.

In years past, as I have attempted to train, my health would stop me. This year, I have overcome the stops and barriers and am a little over halfway to my goal, which is the best I have done. I am so excited to accomplish this goal and overcome something, that at times, is hard to control.

This is why I run!

Super Powers!!!

About three years ago, I created a Halloween costume as a superhero, based on my name. Wonder Whit! The play was on the word Wit vs. Whit. The uniform/costume consisted of a red-striped shirt, work out shorts, long striped socks, a cape, large circular glasses (to support the wit), and pigtails. It was so clever, if I must say so myself. I had fun with that costume.

Let's rewind a bit more and focus on a road trip with two friends. We were staying at my friend's sister's place. While playing the Wii with her nephew, he created a player for me and name it Wonder Whit! I guess the name stuck.

Since these two occasions, I have set out to find my superpowers. Every superhero must have them. What are Wonder Whit's powers? Here are some that I have found (with stories).

A GOOD CATCH

Here's the story. I was getting my breakfast and pulling some rolls out of a bag. They started to fall to the ground. I bobbled them, showed them my juggling skills (maybe that should be another superpower), and caught them right before they hit the ground. It was great! I was by myself at that moment, but said out loud, "I am a good catch". After thinking about what I had said, I started to laugh, thinking of the multiple meanings that statement had. Interpret this one how you wish

DECEPTIVELY SWEET

I am constantly being told I am so sweet or even too sweet. I am grateful for those compliments. Seriously. Sometimes I don't feel so sweet but I do try to be sweet, kind and nice. Then I thought, every superhero has a way to attack. My attack is sweetness, or to get the opposition with kindness. 

ABILITY TO BREAK GLASS FROM A DISTANCE

Maybe this isn't a superpower, but it really did happen. Without too much detail, let just say I took brownies out of the oven, place them on the stove top and continued to eat dinner. After a bit, an explosion was heard. Glass was flying. Unbeknownst to me, a burner on the stove top was on. Oops! In case you are wondering, glass pans really do explode with heat.

QUICK WHIT

What can I say? With a name like Wonder Whit, you need to be witty. I have people constantly telling me that I am witty or have a quick wit or a creative wit. Whatever the case may be, I like to make jokes or plays on words and themes. Wit keeps life interesting.

These are just some of my superpowers. I am still on the lookout for others. Now it is your turn. Please leave a comment or message or something with the following:

Your superhero name

Your superpowers

Any stories that support the above

I look forward to hearing your stories. 

This is Wonder Whit signing off. Up, up and away!!!!

Adventures of a Traveler

Lately, it seems like all I have been doing is working, running around, and traveling. I realized that I have made three trips in the past three weeks. It as been fun, but tiring, but exciting. Here are some details:

TRIP #1

A few weekends ago, I was blessed to spend a few days with my sister, her family, and my parents, at my sister's place up in Idaho. We were celebrating the baptism of my nephew. He is one great kiddo and I am so grateful for his example and that I could be there to support him. It was so good to be there, play with all the kiddos, be at the baptism and spend some quality time talking. Love this boy!!! I am also grateful for my sister. She is one amazing gal and so blessed to call her my friend as well. 

TRIP #2

I spent a weekend up in Logan. There is something amazing about the Logan temple. I wish I could have taken a picture of it, but the batteries in my camera died before I could. I spent a Saturday morning there and was so blessed that day. The spirit there is real and I have some amazing people I know there. It was so good to see some familiar faces from my group and talk with them. That weekend, I ended up having to bring work home with me, so besides working up there, I was able to spend some time with many amazing friends and see my old young women and friends. It was a nice weekend.

TRIP #3

This weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to Colorado with some friends. It was a pretty quick trip, but it was definitely a new experience. This was a road trip, in all sense of the word. There were five of us stuffed into a Hyundai Elantra. We left early (really early)Saturday morning. We made a few little stops a long the way (Little America, gas station, the Colorado state sign). After we got there, we went to lunch and then played games with the parents of one of the girls. I also figured out that my friend lived close by, so I ended up meeting with her and her husband for dinner. Then it was off to a play (which was REALLY good)! After that, we attempted to watch a movie, though most of us fell asleep. The drive home was another long drive but the good company, amazing singing, and loads of food, sure helped.

I have loved traveling and seeing so many family and friends. It has been great!!! Three states in three weeks. I am excited to get a little break from traveling. Ha Ha Maybe. Unless a new adventure comes up. :-)

Happy New Year!!!!!

The past few years, I have been so excited about starting a new year because that means I can leave the prior one in the dust. I would always say that this next year would be better. Every time, major trials would come. In 2013 it was losing my voice and dealing with the repercussions of that. 2014 was filled with multiple surgeries, procedures, and other trials. I have decided hoping for a better new year may not be the way to go.

Let me clarify that I know that I have learned much and grown a ton from the trials that I have faced. Many of them have become blessings in my life. I am not bitter about them, though I sometimes wish I could have a break. They have made me stronger.

I will not say what I have in the past. I know that 2015 will be full of blessings and trials. Good times and hard times. 

I have been asked a few times what my New Year's Resolutions will be. I usually respond that I am not a fan and don't set them. It seems every time I do, I am unable to accomplish that goal because something stops it or makes it impossible for me to reach the goal. 

However, when I woke up this morning, a quote came to mind and I have decided that it will be my motto and resolution of 2015.

Got this quote picture from a Yahoo image search.

What a concept! Instead of hoping the year will be better, I can work on being better myself, no matter what this year brings, good or bad.

I have this quote up in my room and will be putting it up at work. It is completely possible to reach this goal, no matter what comes about. I can be a better  person, a better friend, a better sister, a better daughter, a better citizen, a better me, a better neighbor, and more. The only thing that can impede this from happening is my pride and lack of effort. For the year of 2015, I will try a little harder to be a little better. I will record the progress (or try to record the progress) throughout the year, in my journal, so by the end of the year, I will have ways to see improvements (hopefully).

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. May we all be a little better in 2015. :)