Love the Bliss: July 2008

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Hello from Idaho Falls

Well...the four girls, two dogs and I left Alaska Wed., June 11, 2008 for another one of our road trips. We traveled through Canada and made it to Idaho Falls on Monday, June 16th. It was un uneventful trip in that we didn't have any problems but it's always a beautiful drive through Canada. We rested in ID for two nights before continuing on to our final furthest destination...Las Vegas, NV. Brad, Delaney and Daegon had moved there the month before and we not only wanted to see them, because we really missed them, but we also had a car full of their stuff they left behind in AK. We made it safely there only to die from the heat the entire time were there. The only saving grace was visiting friend Keri and her pool! What made the heat so unbearable was the fact that the AC broke the next day at Brad and Delaney's...so, when it's 110 degrees outside...it seems hotter inside! Anyway, we survived because again, friends brought over a little window unit and placed it in Brad and Delaney's bedroom. So, Brad go to know his in-laws really well as we all slept in their bedroom...their family, the four girls and I, and our two dogs! It was still good to be there and very sad to leave, but our week ended all too soon and we were on to our next adventure. We traveled a day to arrive in Provo to stay with Uncle Boyd. We got there late on Thursday June 16th...exhausted. We had one nights rest before heading to Heber for a one night family reunion. We boarded the two dogs in Midway the next day and were on our way. What a beautiful camp ground! It's actually owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it's designated for Girls Camp, but with space availability, families can use the facilities. It was so fun! That first night we met together for dinner and family chat around the bonfire with smores. The next day, we all visited the challenge courses and I'm very happy to say that I completed the ropes course which involved climbing a pole to scale a tight rope and then zip down the zip line. Half way up the pole I really wanted to quit, but I was encouraged not to give up and I did it!! Anyway, the mini reunion was fun and it was really good to visit with family we rarely get to see. After a week in Provo and more visiting and the arrival of Carinne, Mallory's bestest friend in the world, we headed back to Idaho to spend the last leg of our family trip with Scott and Kluane and family. So, we're here now, Ian is up at school at BYU-Idaho, Mallory and Carinne are up at BYU also for Especially for Youth, and we're just relaxing and enjoying our time here...especially my time with my grand-baby boys! We'll be heading back on the road to AK around the 18th or 20th of July.

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!