Monday, February 17, 2014

What is YOUR Definition of Success?

My definition of success is improvement.

We were all been born into different situations and experience different things in life. We have all been given different talents; even some more than others (Matthew 25: 14 - 30). We are all unique and are in different stages in life, so we shouldn't blindly compare ourselves to others. However, I do believe it is worthy to have role models to help us be the type of person we want to become. I have striven to emulate different people at different stages in my life: NBA basketball players when I was a child and now pro triathletes; when growing up, my friends in school and now men that are faithful, loving husbands and fathers that are doing all they can to provide for their families.

Ultimate success is being like our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is perfect (Matthew 5: 48, 3 Nephi 12: 48). If we allow it, the thought of trying to be perfect every minute of every day can overwhelm us to the point of idleness. Although perfection should be our goal, it is important to understand that this is not something that we can obtain in this life. What is important is that we are doing all that we can to improve ourselves, and our Savior, Jesus Christ will make up the rest.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Snow Days

If only every day was a snow day...

Last Thursday, February 6, I received 2 e-mails followed by a text notifying me that the kids were going be sent home early due to expected snow fall. My reaction is usually a rolling of the eyes because whenever there's talk of snow in the forecast, it's as if the sky in falling and the end of the world has come.

Well, the weather man should receive a bonus because he was spot on. We've had nothing but snow since Thursday afternoon and it's been wonderful. When it snows here, the world slows down. People only drive if they have to, so there are not many cars on the road, especially in the morning and night. When I got home from work, I was ready to go have some fun and so was Celia and Madsen.

We got out the sleds and I pulled them around the block, but they had not had enough, so I slung them from the top of our driveway into the road until the curb on the opposite side of the road stopped them (don't worry. . . I made sure no cars were in sight). The snow is so peaceful. I love to watch as it blankets everything in white.

The next morning, I got up in time to go for a run in the snow. It was ABSOLUTELY INVIGORATING! Again, no cars on the roads; just me and the open road.

This has been my routine the last few days days. Run, work, and play in the snow. I've been able to enjoy more time with my family because of the snow. I am going to miss it when it melts tomorrow and life speeds up to it's normal pace. If only every day was a snow day...

Introduction

Komivi met with me in my office to have his taxes prepared last Friday, February 7. He is from Africa and moved to the United States when he was 8. Our conversation turned to school. He is majoring in engineering. He mentioned how he was putting off taking English because his skills are lacking in that area. He has a friend who encouraged him to start a blog to help him with his writing. I asked him to send me the link. I read all of his posts in one sitting last night. I was fascinated by his perspective on life. In short, http://komivis.blogspot.com/ has inspired me to start my own blog.

We all have a story. I have entitled my blog TriLife, which has double meaning. Those who know me might associate my passion for triathlons to the title; however, my life revolves around 3 things: my family, church, and profession.

I hope you enjoy . . .