On a mission to learn to love better

I'm not sure that this blog will really have a point. I realize it's likely no one will read this. Meh, I really don't care. Several things have been on my mind lately. It spins so quickly I can't finish one thought before the next pops in.

I want to learn to love better.

I feel refreshed after the last few days. I've gotten to see many people I care deeply about, several I haven't seen nearly enough the last few years. I've enjoyed great conversations and laughs, been challenged and encouraged. I'm exhausted and thankful to have some alone time, but my heart is so full.

I've been thinking a lot about what I'm doing with my life and how to make the most of it. It's been helpful to chat with people about this. Anyways, I see a lot at work- people who have just had a rough go. We all get to make our own choices, but sometimes life is just unfair. And with everything that's going on around me, I am reminded how desperately we need Jesus. I don't have the answers I'm seeking. I just don't know. I can't solve the problems I see or the heartache around me. But Jesus knows and He can.

And maybe there is beauty in the uncertainty and messiness of our lives. Because we can't do it alone. It forces community. I need Jesus. But also I need the people around me. When we can be honest and open, letting down our fronts and communing authentically with each other... Wow. What a feeling to be known and loved for who you are. Life is messy and we are all broken, but what a privilege it is to do life together. What a blessing to see others grow and to be inspired. There is so much we can learn from each other.

I'm a total disaster. Well-meaning but over committing. Disorganized. My clothes don't match and my hair is never in place for longer than 2 minutes. I frequently lose my keys and spill things. There are 1000 of other things. I try to keep it together, but it just oozes out. But guess what?! I have an amazing husband and family, and what's really crazy...  friends, who know all this and still love me. It's amazing and ridiculous. 

I feel so loved tonight. Overwhelmed by it really. But I have also experienced times of great loneliness. Times when circumstances weighed me down and I felt hopeless and so alone. And it breaks my heart to hear the stories of hopelessness of patients or people I'm close to. The depth of heartache and loneliness they must feel. I want to learn to love better. More completely. Like Jesus loves me. No one should feel so hopeless. No one should feel worthless or empty.

You are loved. More than you can ever imagine.

These things have been on my heart.

I wish that everyone could feel loved and valued. Known. Appreciated. Listened to. My prayer is that God will teach me to love like he loves and that He will help me take action. Love is a verb (to quote John Mayer lol). Lord show me how to love deeper and more fully.

I want my friends to know I love them too. Gosh, there are things about each of them I appreciate and find inspiring or admirable. I want to let them know. We should tell each other those things, build one another up. Cuz you all are the best. :)

And if anybody (again, probably no one will actually read this haha) ever wants to talk, or feels hopeless or alone, you can contact me. Or if you just want to talk. I'm awkward and goofy. I rarely have anything great to say, but I can listen.

Anyways, just things I've been thinking about. We all need God's love, mercy, and healing.

^"9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. ¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection,^[e] and take delight in honoring each other. ¹¹ Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.^{[f] 12} Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. ¹³ When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!"

Romans 12: 9-16

CrossFit- My Story and a 1 Year Reflection

Halloween 2015, was my Crossfitiversary!!!!

I'm so excited about this, I can't contain my excitement. I'll be the first to admit it's a little ridiculous to be so excited, but I am. I just have to share a few things:

My CrossFit Story 

L-sit rope climb

I didn't know what to make of CrossFit before I started. As a physical therapist, I had heard rumors of Crossfit being dangerous and causing injuries. Honestly, I tried not to form an opinion based on that- people will talk, haters gonna hate! haha. But after 17+ years of gymnastics, I was missing the dynamic movements, the team atmosphere, and the competition. I started Taekwondo with some church friends, and I loved it- I found kicking things to be very satisfying and I enjoyed the mind-body challenge. But each day I went to TKD, I walked by this Crossfit gym, Iron Valley CrossFit- they had the garage doors open, music blaring. I walked by slower and slower until one day I finally gathered up my courage and went in. My first real CrossFit class was Halloween! The workout was Fran (21-15-9 reps of thrusters and pull-ups). I had to scale the weight down. The workout took me 6+ minutes and the next day I was so sore I limped around work. It was terrible and wonderful!!  It was game over right there, I was hooked!!!

12 months later I'm proud to say I can RX (do the "prescribed" 65 lbs) Fran in 2:59. I have improved in strength, speed, and endurance. I have learned several new movements. But perhaps the most valuable "gains" I've made are the friendships and confidence I've found.

Hanging out at my first competition- Nick, Travis, Jayme, and me

I love my gym family.  There is something wonderful about sharing the pain and awesomeness of a terrible workout. I'm so grateful Jayme, Travis, Nick, and the whole gang welcomed me in right away. I think maybe the "burpee broad-jump mile" in the freezing cold was a test to see if I could hang ;) I know this crew has my back, and I have theirs.

Photo-bombing a first-dance selfie at Jayme and Travis' wedding

3-person team comp- 2nd Place!

The confidence CrossFit has brought me was a bit of a surprise. Believe it or not, prancing around in a leotard much of my life didn't always make me feel great about my body. Something is different about CrossFit (other than the obvious wardrobe choice) and I'm proud of my muscles now. It feels great to hit a PR and make progress, I feel capable and strong. Also, as a bi-product of the workouts (during most workouts my heart rate hangs out in the "fat burning" zone), I've become more toned than I was during my gymnastics years. That doesn't hurt the confidence either. ;) Plus, there is something amazing about throwing some heavy weight up over your head during a snatch.

Pre-CrossFit 2014             1 Year of CF 2015

Snatch

At my gym, Iron Valley CrossFit, I've seen people transformed- both physically and metaphorically. Numerous members have lost 20+ pounds, are able to run a mile without stopping for the first time in years, are enjoying working out for the first time in decades. I've heard a member say his back pain is gone, another gal was thrilled to share she's no longer pre-diabetic. It's awesome to see people excited about health and fitness, and to celebrate their achievements with them.

Travis coaching the class on rope climbs

Questions People Bring Up

Is CrossFit for everyone? No. Can CrossFit be adapted and modified to fit almost anyone's skill level and goals? Yes. You should see some of the masters level athletes... maybe by the time I'm 60 I'll have abs like that! haha. Check out this story of a 76 year-old with multiple joint replacements and a cardiac condition (76 year-old CF). I challenge you to take a few minutes and watch this awesome video by CrossFit from the Working Wounded Games or this video from I Am Adaptive. Don't limit someone else. If you are looking for a CrossFit gym to help you achieve your goals, ask questions to make sure the coaches are qualified, let them know of any injuries, pre-exisiting conditions, or concerns you have. Coaches, I challenge you to be able to admit when you aren't sure how to best coach someone. If you have an athlete with needs you're unfamiliar with, discuss it with them, ask for help from colleagues.

Celebrating lifts with Jayme

Yes, Crossfit can be dangerous. Life can be too! In all seriousness, I recognize it's probably more dangerous than some other athletic activities. But, you can minimize those risks- find a good coach who can teach and enforce good form, be a student and study the movements, check your ego at the door- don't lift weight or attempt movements you aren't ready for, and listen to your body. But please, don't knock it if you haven't tried it and please don't discourage others from participating.

Ring muscle-ups during a WOD with Travis

The End...

I'm definitely not the strongest person. Strength remains a weakness, but I'm proud of the gains I've made. A year ago my back squat was 155# and my front squat was 120#, now I can back squat 220#, front squat 190#, and overhead squat 185#. A year ago I couldn't do a single ring muscle-up, last week I did 30 ring muscle-ups in 7 minutes and 7 seconds. Still have a long way to go, so much room for improvement, but I'm loving it. I love the challenge, the environment, the competition, the people... I'm so thankful to CrossFit and my Iron Valley CF gym family including my hubby Corey, Jayme my workout partner, and Travis my coach and the gym owner. You guys all rock!

Hiking with Corey, Jayme, and Travis

Broken Hearted in a Broken World

Heart is breaking this week. Several things have happened that have reminded me how broken this world is. I guess this is similar to a post a few months ago, but it continues to be on my heart. Kinda just some word-vomit, not particularly organized but felt like sharing...

Today at the gym, a little girl came running in asking someone to call the police because her mom was being beaten by her boyfriend in their home across the street. She was calm and collected, as if this was an everyday occurrence. She something in particular stood out to me- she said, "I have some clothes stashed outside." No little girl should have to go through that.  What has she seen in her few years? What chance does she have if that's the environment she's grown up in and the example she's had of a man? Makes me so sad.

Recently two of my high school classmates died after suffering from drug addiction. I didn't know either of them particularly well, but had classes with one and remember laughing at his jokes.  Absolutely devastating and heartbreaking. Just shouldn't happen.

I work at a hospital near the heart of the city.  A good portion of our patients struggle with one, or any combination of homelessness, alcoholism, and meth, cocaine, prescription drug, or heroin addiction. It's easy to judge, and I've been guilty plenty of times. But I am reminded again and again, I don't know their stories. I honestly feel that under other circumstances, it could've been me in their shoes. I've worked with numerous addicts, rooted for them, hope they've stayed clean, seen some come right back. Our city has a problem with heroin. So much IV drug abuse, so many patients coming in with life and limb-threatening abscesses. The risks are huge. The drug doesn't discriminate. The power and hold it has over its captives is incredible.  I'm not sure what specific resources are available in the community (methadone clinics, treatment programs, etc.), but it seems like there's got to be more we can do as a community. People are dying and it is heartbreaking.

I can only imagine how these things break God's heart. It makes me wonder, what can I do about it? How can I love those around me? How can I spread hope and lift people up? Sometimes I feel so helpless and the world seems hopeless. But it's not true, there is hope because God has overcome the world. In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

I don't have any answers. I don't think we can understand the world this side of heaven. But I know there is hope. I know I'm called to love. I fail everyday at loving those around me, but God is merciful. So much of my life and thoughts are selfish, but I'm working on it. These events have spurred my heart and sparked conversations with friends, family, and my hubby. How can we become more involved in our communities? How can we utilize our resources to meet the needs of others? How can we love each other better?

We bought a house!

Another super late post... BUT... We bought a house at the end of March! We're enjoying having our own space and continue to make our house our own. Here are a few photos. :)

A delayed post

A few months ago I was driving home after meeting up with a friend. My heart was broken over our conversation, hurting for my friend, and confused. I pulled my car over into the parking lot of a church and I just prayed. I sat there in the dark, talking out loud to God. Crying. Confused. Angry. Sad. Hurt. And then I just felt peace and hope.

Things weren’t suddenly perfect. But it was like God was saying, “Yes, you live in such a broken world. These things sadden me too. But it’s not over. I love you so much. I love your friend. I am in control, trust in me."

I wrote a bit back then, but I never posted it because it didn't seem complete. But I've decided to just post it anyways-

Oh Jesus how we need you.

What a privilege it is to do life with people. Life is messy, we are all broken. There is heartbreak everywhere if you take time to notice. Everyone has a story.  

It is easy to judge, but from my own mistakes I am reminded one piece of the story does not reveal the whole person. Besides, it's not my place to judge, I'm called to love. So that's what I will try to do.
 
Tonight my heart is breaking for several reasons. Romans 12:15 says, "¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Tonight I am mourning with friends who mourn. It makes my heart sad, it hurts, but what an honor it is to get to do that.  For lost friendships, damaged relationships, addictions, lost jobs, disappointments, broken families... What a blessing it is to have people to rejoice and mourn with me, and who allow me to do so with them. 

What strikes me is how much it hurts to mourn with someone else. I am incapable of doing anything to fix or change the situation. My heart is broken for them and I am brought to tears. It hurts, it leaves me with questions and rocks my world. But I am glad to be able to do life with them. I am honored to be trusted with such honest, open hearts and to be able be apart of life. I am reminded of what true community must look like, and reminded that there is One who is bigger than all our problems, sins, and heartache. The Healer hears our prayers, He sees our tears, and He knows our hearts.

In some of these times, I have felt the most loved. Seems a little counter-intuitive, but God’s ways are so beyond my comprehension. In the midst of my own trials or the heartache of a friend, there is peace that rushes over me. And the only thing that makes sense to me is that this is God’s peace and his love. There is hope in Him.

The Good Life

Living the Good Life

Life is messy. I had this expectation that the older I got, the better handle I'd have on things. You know- finally have it all together or something. Seems more like the opposite. The older I get, the more responsibilities I have, the less equipped I feel to handle them. Always something to learn, new challenges to face, ways to grow. And that's good, it makes life exciting! But there are also plenty of opportunities to make mistakes. And I do, all the time. It can be so frustrating. Mistakes in friendships, in marriage, at work, in trying to eat healthy, in sticking to a budget, in being productive, etc.. Some days it feels like that's all I am, a giant mess up. It can be disheartening. I've let it get me down for too long. But guess what?! There is good news!! God reminded me He has not given up on me.  And if He hasn't given up on me, who do I think I am to give up on myself?!? I will continue to have hope because I have Jesus.

So now, I can see my failures as opportunities to grow. My failures don't mark the end, but just a step along the way. I am so imperfect. I am so messy. I am so in need of forgiveness.  I am constantly being molded and changed, IF I open myself up to it. When I stop focusing on my failures, I can seek God and His forgiveness. I can move on and learn from my mistake. This allows me to get out of my "me" hole, and really see those around me. There are too many blessings to be joyful about, I don't need to waste time feeling down, not liking myself. Life is beautiful, God is glorious, and He loves me as I am.

Therefore... I will be glad! Jesus has overcome the world. I will trust Him. I will work at not allowing my inadequacies to overwhelm me. Each new day is a gift. I will take time to notice the blessings throughout my day, and I will give thanks for them.

Life doesn't start when I have it all together, it has already begun. And it is a good life.

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Found on Google. I love the first rainy days of Fall. So refreshing. Makes me happy.

Quite possibly the worst blogger ever

I'm not a good writer, I don't have especially interesting things to say, and I only post a few times a year... it's quite possible I may be the worst blogger ever.

OHHHHH well!

Update:
1. I graduated from PT school last month! I passed my board exam in April! Soooo... I'm officially a licensed physical therapist.

2. I'm working in an inpatient acute setting for Legacy Health!

3. Corey is finishing up a supervisor-in-training program at Costco. He is now officially full-time at Costco!

4. We're moving in with my parents this weekend for a bit to try to save up some $$$.

5. Loving the song, "Keep Making Me" by Sidewalk Prophets.
    I don't know anyone who likes the idea of feeling broken, empty, and lonely. But this song reminds me that these feelings might be exactly what I need to bring me closer to God and make Him my ONE desire. Still scary things to pray for though.

6. Lots of changes- graduating, getting a real-life job, so many friends moving away, Corey and I leaving the first place we lived together. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love change! (Just kidding!!!!). Trying hard to not freak out, praying for peace and trust during this time. Glad that whatever comes our way, we have each other and our families. 

February 2014

How is it almost the end of February 2014?!?! NUTS!

Short update:

1. Corey is still working away at Costco
2. I'm enjoying my internship at The KOR Physical Therapy
3. I will graduate with my doctorate of physical therapy in mid-May!!!
4. Not sure where life will take me next as far as a job is concerned.  It's an exciting and crazy feeling to not know where I will be in 3 months!
5. I will take my National exam at the end of April... prayers will be greatly appreciated ;)
6. Corey and I aren't sure where we will be living after I graduate, things are kind of up in the air as far as our lease will be ending (will we renew?), I'll be looking for a job, Corey's hoping to apply for supervisor in training soon...

Such an exciting time in our lives, looking forward to see where God will take us next.

Feeling very blessed to have such a wonderful and patient husband, to have fun and loving families, and to have such great friends in our lives. :) With all the uncertainties coming our way, it's great to feel so loved by those around us.

Addition to my last blog

I know it has been a while since I've blogged, but I keep thinking there are a few things that are worth mentioning that I left out of the last blog.

It's not about weight.  I know I mentioned BMI and definitions of obesity, etc.. But it's about fitness and wellness, not weight.  Studies have shown that overweight and obese can be more fit than normal weight individuals who do not exercise.  Just because someone is skinny or "normal weight" does not mean they are fit or healthy.  Likewise, overweight or obese individuals can be fit. And, even if people are exercising and not seeing the physical results they want (ex. losing weight), there are still many, many benefits happening inside the body.

High blood pressure and cholesterol, increased risk of coronary artery disease and certain cancers are risk factors of leading a sedentary lifestyle. Not just risk factors of obesity. 

We shouldn't be striving to achieve a certain weight, but more a level of fitness and wellness to improve general health.

So far I have done pretty well on my New Year's Resolution, it has been surprisingly easier than I thought.  Anyways, just wanted to clarify that I'm encouraging all of us to pursue healthier lifestyles, not a certain weight.

A love-hate relationship

I never know where to begin my blogs.  I've never been a very good writer, tend to prefer bullet points and numbers. Personally, I find this topic fascinating but I realize not everyone does.

1. I love exercising. It's fun, it's challenging, you can do it with friends or alone, I love the competition, it can be mentally stimulating or mindless, it's stress relieving. After exercising I feel better about myself, like I've been productive, like I can think clearer, happier, proud of myself, like the world isn't so bad, tired in a good way, more connected and in-tune with my body, glad I did it, stronger, motivated, and accomplished.

2. I hate exercising. I don't always feel like going, sometimes it's really hard, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it's inconvenient, sometimes I'm already exhausted, sometimes I just want to sleep in or sit on the couch, sometimes it's really cold or rainy, sometimes it's really hot, etc...

3. The American Heart Association recommends adults get AT LEAST 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 times a week (150 minutes). OR... AT LEAST 25 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity 3 times a week (75 minutes). (1) -that's kind of a lot.

4. Regular exercise boosts energy level, counters depression and anxiety, prevents bone loss, decreases risk for several diseases (ex. heart disease), improves quality of sleep, enhances the immune system, increases muscle strength, and many, many other benefits. (1)

5. 80% of Americans don't exercise regularly.

6. 69.2% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, 35.7% of U.S. adults are obese. (2)

7. Estimated medical cost of obesity in the U.S. in 2008 = $147 billion. Annual medical costs for obese individuals is on average about $1,500 more than normal weight individuals. (2)

8. Definition... Overweight: Body mass index (kg/m2) of 25-29.9.
                        Obese: Body mass index of >30.

9. 

	U.S. Adult Male	U.S. Adult Female
Average Height	5'9	5'4
Normal Weight	125-168 lbs	108-145 lbs
Overweight	169 lbs	146 lbs
Obese	203 lbs	175 lbs

(2)

10. It should be noted that the BMI does not tell the whole story. It is not a measure of fatness or overall health.  Additionally, BMI tends to put very muscular people into the overweight category. The BMI is only one factor for determining disease risk. It is often used as an assessment tool because it only requires knowing an individual's height and weight- it is inexpensive and easy.

11. Losing and/or maintain weight can be difficult. There are thousands of diets and exercise programs out there, but it doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. And you don't have to look like a fitness model. For individuals who are overweight, losing just 10 pounds has demonstrated huge benefits on the heart, knees, liver, blood pressure, and pancreas. (3)

I think that in this case, for me, the benefits outweigh my occasional hate of exercise.  The last few years as I transitioned out of gymnastics, I've been blessed to be surrounded by many active friends from my PT program.  They have helped me develop good habits- it was fun and easy to say yes to joining with them in working out.  I'm realizing it's more difficult to exercise when I'm on my own.  I need to remind myself in those moments when I'm tired after a long day and no one can work out with me and I just want to relax... that I'll feel better if I just go. I always feel better afterwards. And the health benefits are priceless. Corey and I were talking about New Year's resolutions today. I don't usually make any, but I think this year I'd like to follow the AHA's recommendation for aerobic exercise each week, even the busy/stressful weeks. I'm hoping Corey can help hold me accountable, and join me on occasion. :)

If anyone is interested, here are some of the resources I cited. The CDC has lots of interesting fact sheets available and the AHA has lots of good resources for getting started with exercise.

1. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/StartWalking/American-Heart-Association-Guidelines_UCM_307976_Article.jsp

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

3. That's Fit. http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/09/13/dr-ozs-just-10-pounds-weight-loss-challenge/

Time Flies

Already the middle of June! Time flies, last year at this time I was working close to 50 hours a week and planning our wedding. I'm amazed at how quickly time has flown by.

Corey's enjoying his job at Costco. Just last month (May) he was voted employee of the month at his store!!! He was nominated for April as well.

I've been working as a physical therapist aide and a developmental gymnastics coach. Spending lots of time in the car commuting between Hillsboro and Clackamas.

Summer has gone by so quickly!!! I can't believe I've already been out of school for a month. I'm sad it's already almost half way over, but looking forward to my next internship.

Other than that, not too much is new. Enjoying life. Loving getting to share life with Corey. He brightens my day.

Thankful thankful thankful. So many wonderful blessings in my life.

1. So grateful for my wonderful husband. :) He works so hard while I go to school and doesn't complain. Just yesterday he found out he got a new position he applied for at work. I'm so proud of him. And he helps around the house- doing dishes, cleaning, helping me with the laundry, paying the bills, taking out the trash. This last week we started doing Insanity and trying to eat healthier- he makes me so happy that he wants to take care of himself, and it makes me feel so loved.

2. My family is awesome, they support and love me through everything. I've been loving training for a half marathon with my mom lately. It's awesome to go for our long run on the weekend, then she's so sweet and treats me to lunch and a coffee. I'm so thankful I've grown closer with my family over the last few years, and I greatly appreciate all they have done for me over my lifetime. As I've gotten older I've found my parents and my brother to be cooler and I really enjoy hanging out with them. And now I get to have another family with the Simsers! They have always been so nice to me, and fun to hang out with too! I'm so appreciative of them inviting into their family with open arms and including me in everything. They've also been very supportive of me and Corey, our career goals, hobbies, etc..

3. My classmates have been such a blessing over the last 2 years. They have become a new family. It's so cool to me how God puts special people into our lives for different seasons. I've found an incredible core group of friends, an additional brother, wonderful workout buddies, great women of faith to have fellowship with, awesome late night study partners, people who love to eat as much as I do, and the list goes on and on. I love them and don't know what I would do without them.

4. My friends from high school. I haven't seen them much lately, but they will always be so dear to me. No matter what happens, I know we will always be there for each other. I'm sorry I've been away so much lately. But you guys are truly a special group. BFFs ... duh!!! I miss you all.

5. Lovely SPUGs! I love gymnastics and I love my wonderful college teammates, coaches, and amazing athletic trainer Julie so much. College definitely had some rough spots, I think I wouldn't have made it through without you guys. Great airplane rides, car trips, fun workouts, funny videos and inside jokes... and lots of blood, sweat, and tears. 

I realized God should be number one on this list, but of course that is a given. All of these things truly belong to Him. I'm so thankful and feel so blessed to have a chance to know all these people and have them be part of my life.

Furthermore, there are countless other people, opportunities, and things I just feel unbelievable thankful for. Our church home at Rolling Hills, my club gymnastics friends who were such a big part of my life, other friends from college, our mentors, my parents' sweet pets that just make me smile, a sunny Spring break, having enough food to eat and a warm bed to crawl into at night, being free to worship how I want and when and where I want, being in PT school, getting to go into a profession I enjoy, having a place to live, being able to see the beautiful flowers and hear the birds, chocolate chips cookies, having a car to drive and computer to use, so so so much more. I could put so many pictures up here and mention pretty much everyone. :)

Spring Break Update

Spring break is finally here. I think Corey is bummed that he doesn't get a Spring break anymore, but he's working hard like a champ. We spent the morning cleaning our apartment and getting things in order. Yesterday we had a lovely dinner with two of my classmates, Laura and Perry, and Perry's wife Nicole and their baby Tate. Tate is such an adorable baby boy, he just turned 6 months old. We had a fun time hanging out and enjoying delicious dinner.

This afternoon I visited my parents' house and hung out with the pets. They were funny, sleeping on the couch together for a bit. Trooper and I played in the backyard for a while. He's so speedy for a dog with only 3 legs. It's fun to watch him run carrying such a big soccer ball.

I'm not much of a writer or a blogger, but here are a few things that are new.

1. I finished up my internship at a skilled nursing facility about a month ago. I really enjoyed it. The therapy team was awesome, I enjoyed working in that setting a lot more than I thought I would. It's nice to be back at school and see all my classmates again.

2.  Corey's truck was stolen a month or so ago, super random but it happened. He did a lot of research and looking, and recently purchased a 1991 Toyota pickup from a friend.

3. On the same day Corey's truck was stole, my parents adopted a puppy named Trooper. He's the handsome little guy in the photos  above. He's a super silly little doggy with a great personality. He's still learning not to chew on things and to come when we call, but he's so cute. He loves to run around and play in the back yard, to fetch, play with his toys, go for walks, chase and play with and bite the cat, and nap on the couch with the cat. He follows my mom EVERYWHERE when she's home, definitely her puppy. He also loves to rough house with my dad, it's fun to watch.

4. Corey and I have been married for over 6 months and a couple for over 5 years. It's been such a wonderful journey and I'm so thankful and blessed to be his wife. Corey is still working at Costco and I'm still in PT school. We're enjoying our apartment and having more time together.

We're looking forward to spending Easter with our families and celebrating the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Happy almost Easter!