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. :)