Let Me Introduce Myself a Bit!

Well here goes it! I'm definitely new to this blogging thing. I've been debating whether to start a blog or not. It seems kind of an odd thing to do when I'm still single and don't have adorable pictures of a husband or kids to plaster and brag about. I do know a lot of people though that have one and have been "pressuring" me to do one. So.....I give in. A quick update on my life is: I just completed my first week of teaching this school year. It's hard to believe the summer has past and the new school year has begun. Seriously it feels like I never left and I didn't have a summer vacation. I taught 2nd grade the past 2 years and have switched to 3rd grade this year. I'm really excited about the change. I'm not one to stay put in one thing for too long, so this suits me well. I love the curriculum and get to work with good friends, what more can I ask for! Most of you all know that I spent the majority of my summer away. It was an awesome experience in many ways! I feel so blessed to be able to travel and teach (2 things I love!) for free. I spent my summer on the East Coast in D.C., Baltimore, and New York. I'll blog more about this later. Let's just say that it was a learning experience for both good and bad in many ways. Good in that I got to see and do things that wouldn't be possible otherwise (like seeing "Wicked" on Broadway, for example - Seriously a childhood dream come true!), I got to share my testimony daily with others not of my faith, and I got to make a difference in the lives of literally hundreds of students and leaders from all over the world. Bad in that there were friend and family relationships that probably suffered, school responsibilities that were a bit neglected, and church/spiritual feedings that were sorely missed and needed. I'm definitely strengthend because of it and I look forward to more adventures in the future. Maybe not quite so exhausting though. One week ago I finished something that I never thought I could or would do, or would ever have the desire to do for that matter. I finished the Jordanelle Triathlon! Yes, there were moments where I literally thought I might die, but I decided I was going to do it trying at least. The feeling coming out of the water knowing that I just swam .5 mile (probably a lot more because I kept going the wrong way and crooked) and I lived was a mixture of exhaustion and sweetness. The feeling as I ran the last leg in through the finish line was of pure joy and exhiliration. I really did it and believe it or not, I actually want to do it again. I'll definitely need some more training first though. Thanks to my trainers, coaches, and friends who patiently helped me get ready in many ways. Thanks to all those who supported and believed in me! I'm a part of a choir called "We Also Sing." It's an all womens choir that rehearses once a week and then in November we get to perform at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. It's an amazing opportunity and I look forward to our rehearsals, we are fed in many ways. It's directed by my high school choir director, Merrilee Webb, who is an amazing musician, leader, friend, and mentor. So everyone put the concert on your calendar and plan on attending. You won't regret it, I promise! I have the opportunity right now to be a Sunday School teacher as well as a Sacrament Meeting chorister from time to time. I love the blessings and opportunities these two callings bring me. They definitely keep me busy and in line! The rest of my time is spent exercising, reading, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. I'm a very proud aunt of my year old nephew, Mr. Mase, who I adore. Aunt Jules can't get enough of him. I'm also looking forward to 2 more joining our podd in the spring! I don't plan on writing this much every time, but I thought for the first entry I should do a recap and an appropriate intro. I'm sure I forgot something important so look for updates to come!