Eleven reasons

There are plenty of reasons why I leave a lot to be desired, but on a more positive note, here are 11 reasons why I am proud of myself. Now that I have disclosed, I want YOU to disclose too.

1. I earned a college degree. I never expected to actually graduate. I didn’t have that kind of forethought or long term planning ability when I started. But it ended up taking so long that I developed what I lacked when I started and I actually pulled it off. Special thanks to Misty who helped me pass Math 1010 on my fifth attempt. I couldn’t have done it without you.

2. I served a mission when I didn’t want to, and I did a good job.For some reason the idea of waking up early and working long days, seven days a week, never appealed to me. But after being berated by the HG for three years I finally relented and went. Yeah, it was one of the best things I have ever done. Don’t get me wrong though it was hard and quite un-enjoyable a lot of it. One of the things I learned is you don’t have to enjoy every last thing you do. Sometimes it’s important to do things anyway. When it’s all said and done, it’s worth it.

3. I picked a great guy to marry. What a guy. He is a great husband, father and provider. I am so lucky. It’s so fun to be so happy together. I love my man. I love spending all my time with him. I love late night pillow talk. I love riding around in the car. He was a real find. I’m so glad he found me. Thanks technology! Special thanks to Heather who created my LDS Singles account.

4. I treat my husband kindly.It’s so easy to make this man happy and I enjoy doing it. It makes me happy to treat him right. Plus I get it back as fast as I can give it. I love buying him an unbelievable amount of Pepsi and Sudafed because it makes him happy. I love making him Rice-a-Roni. I love saying sweet things to him and appreciating him for what he does. It makes him feel good and that makes me feel good. Special thanks to Dr. Laura for her book "Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" great inspiration and motivation for a happy and fun-filled marriage.

5. I ran half a marathon, when I didn’t think it was possible and I ran the whole time.It’s true. I did. Who knew. First race ever. Special thanks to Missy who convinced me that I could at least attempt it do it and gave me a training schedule. It’s one of the best things I have ever done. It really taught me that it’s okay to bite off more than you really think is reasonable to chew. It also showed me that when you connect your mind, body and intention you can accomplish your goal.

6. I lost 52 lbs on weight watchers.I gained way too much weight with Alyssa, plus I think we are all comfortable with the fact that there was always more than enough of me than was really pleasant. I finally accepted that I couldn’t do it without some support and joined. Best decision I ever made. My sister-in-laws and several friends would agree since it did all of us some good and we all lost weight together. From this I learned that if there is a road block in front of you, it’s okay to seek outside resources to help you past it.

7. I took a job as a newspaper reporter and I enjoy it.I really enjoy this weird little job. It’s been good for my brain, writing skills and social contact. Special thanks to Steve who gave me the idea and confidence to go for it.

8. I love being a mother. After being single for so long and enjoying the me-centered lifestyle, I was really worried that motherhood would me more of a drag than anything else. I have been pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoy it. I realize I only have one and that things are bound to get harder. I just never realized how enjoyable hanging at home with kiddies would be. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I think I will lose my mind and or kill myself or others, but by and large. I really really like it.

9. I have great hair.It’s sleek and modern and I like it.

10. I am planning an all natural Hypnobirth.After having a terrible experience and recovery last time I made a decision to do it a different way this time. I know many of you think I am crazy, but to you I say…I’m rubber you’re glue whatever you say bounces of me and sticks to you. I am able to do hard things. I have done some hard things in the past. This will be one of the things I will be able to put on this list after. Have some faith in me.

11. I have great friends.As you can tell by this list, I have good friends who have steered me in the right directions and have helped me to find happiness. I hope that I have influenced some of you the way you have influenced me.

Thanks for the idea Jenny. I agree, it feels better to dig deep and think about why you are proud of yourself rather than why you are not cutting it. Those things are too easy to pin point.