Count your blessings

So midterms were yesterday and I've been pretty stressed about two particular tests. It's hard not to be when your teacher says "Just to let you know, the average for this test is a 65%. It's really really REALLY hard and you probably don't have a prayer at passing". Okay he didn't really say that last part to that extent, but pretty much scared the heck out of the class.

So yesterday my day's schedule went like this...
6:30 a.m. wake up and study/shower/pray for divine help on my exams
7:30 a.m. go to the college and study study study
11:00 a.m. take incredibly hard test
1:00 p.m. take another incredibly hard test
2:00 p.m. haul my tush to work
6:00 p.m. haul my tush to a Kalamity performance
8:00 p.m. maybe if I'm lucky see my husband for 2 seconds
8:30 p.m. adult hip hop class preparing for our FLASH MOB
9:30 p.m. Kalamity practice
11:00 p.m. Go home and die

I was feeling pretty bad for myself. It seems like just when I start feeling that way, Heavenly Father springs into action and teaches me a lesson. I remember praying on my way to school for help throughout the day to just make it through and on time to all of my obligations. I was still throwing my own pity party though.
I work at a bank so I get the chance to interact with a lot of people every day. Mostly because of our branch location, we have an older clientele and frequently see the same people on a day to day basis. One of the first clients that walked in was a man that we see all the time. As an ex navy seal, he is in his 60's, but has the body of a 30 year old. He is one of the toughest people I've every met but also one of the nicest. My co-worker greeted him and asked how he was doing and instead of his cheerful response, he answered with sadness in his eyes that he was having a lousy day. He then told us that his sweet wife had passed away that morning. I could hardly believe it.
Then Tom walked in the branch. We see Tom almost every day and he's always got a grin from ear to ear and loves talking with us. He too walked in a little somber. I asked him how he was doing and that he was looking a little down. He then told us that he woke up that morning and went out to his truck, but it was gone. Someone had stolen his truck that night. I couldn't believe that I was feeling bad about my day a couple minutes earlier. My guilt and sadness for these two clients/friends almost brought me to tears. I don't believe Heavenly Father allowed these bad things happen to them to teach me a lesson but I do believe He placed them in my day to make me grateful for my blessings. When you think you've got it bad, it's not hard to find someone who has got it far worse. I'm grateful for the reminder.
Count those blessings.

Every September

I have been going to the Lions Dixie Round up Rodeo every September since I can remember. We sit in the same seating with the same people watching the same events and the same Randy the rodeo clown.
It's the best.

and in the words of Garth Brooks...
"Well it's bulls and blood
It's dust and mud
It's the roar of a Sunday crowd
It's the white in his knuckles
The gold in the buckle
He'll win the next go 'round
It's boots and chaps
It's cowboy hats
It's spurs and latigo
It's the ropes and the reins
And the joy and the pain
And they call the thing rodeo"

I don't know of another time that I feel more American than sitting in the sun bowl with a hot dog in one hand and binoculars in the other.
When we left Broc even said "I want to be a cowboy"

Those days

Do you ever have those days where you feel like you're slowly drowning?

And life keeps throwing you surprises

Feel like you've got all the weight on your shoulders?

You just want to hide, curl up, and take a nap

And be lazy

Because you're feeling a little bigger than usual

Are there days where you feel like nothing sets you apart, nothing makes you different

You have WAY too much to swallow

And the timing in your life is just...well.....off

Well...

take some time to just sit back and hang loose

Have some down time with a loved one

And go for a little adventure

Things will all stack up right in the end

Know that you are special. And that's what makes you different

Realize you can make your mark in the world

And someone has always got your back

Just remember you are loved

And that life is sweet

Remember that on "those" days.

(Photos courtesy of Ashley's lap top. Thanks, I would have been so bored at work today)

A picture of someone who you've been closest to the longest

A picture of something that you love



A picture of people who you have the most fun with



A picture of someone who you'd like to be more like



A picture of someone who has gotten you through the most

A picture of someone that cheers you up



A picture of someone you look up to



A picture of someone you love talking to


A picture of someone who makes you laugh


A picture of someone who you couldn't live without