Love the Bliss: January 2012

Friday, January 20, 2012

92 Days!

I cannot believe we're in the homestretch with Ian serving his mission! He finally broke the 100 day mark and tomorrow we'll be able to say "three more months and Ian will be home!!"

Ian is doing awesome! He just registered for school so we'll be waiting to hear about when he'll start. Mallory has actually heard that she was accepted into the Winter/Spring tract at BYU-Idaho so she is very excited! Mallory turns 18 next month and will re-certify for Lifeguard 1. Once she's a level 1 she can be on deck alone, make more money and hopefully get a lot more hours. Until you're 18 and a lifeguard 1 you're not supposed to be on deck alone...but, Mallory has been as she's proved her capabilities. At one pool she's always worked alone but the borough pools are a bit more strict. I believe she's now saved three people!! Abigail is swimming...Annie is swimming. As a matter of fact this coming summer Abigail will start training for the high school swim team! So weird to think of her going into high school!!

Jezzie is about finished with her allergy de-sensitization. I believe I have to give her two more injections and then hopefully she'll be done and healed!! We shall see! But, I think she's doing better! She doesn't seem to be gnawing on her feet as much!

We've had some really cold days up here in Fairbanks! -45 for days! Yep! That's a negative 45...below zero! We've skipped school a couple days and seminary has been cancelled several days as they cancel when it gets to -30. We've had a couple warmer days but it's supposed to get down to the -40's again this week. This is life in Fairbanks! It's not that bad. We stock up on the essentials so I don't have to run to the store for anything and we just hibernate. I actually enjoy the days off from running!

That's the excitement for now! We've got to start getting ready for Ian's return and prepare a room for him. With the renovations we've been doing in the girls bedrooms all their stuff is everywhere! The piano room is full, the upstairs rec/guest area is full and the guest bathroom is full! It's time for the de-crapification process to begin!!!

Spring is coming!! Maybe just two more cold spells and then it will come!!

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!