A day in the life...

Today my back and my pride are sore.

We made popsicle stick bridges at work with the kiddos. To declare a winner, each bridge had to go through 3 rounds of vigorous testing. Round 1: 4 dictionaries. Round 2: 4 dictionaries plus ALL SEVEN Harry Potter books...hardback. Round 3: Miss Christine.

My job was to balance all of these books on the 6 inch long bridges by holding one of the dictionaries vertical and simultaneously balancing the other books on top. SORE BACK

In the third round, my job was to stand on the bridges. As these were simply made of popsicle sticks and glue, it didn't hurt my self confidence too bad when bridge after bridge snapped under my foot. Finally, after one bridge did not snap to bits under my weight, I declared to the class, "Jenna's bridge is the winner! It can hold more weight than me and I weigh almost 140 pounds!" At this point a student chimed in, "Really? I would have guessed more..." SORE PRIDE

The end.

Happy New Me!!!

Ok, maybe not a completely new me, but there will be some changes in 2011...hopefully. This is the year I turn 25. Actually, this is the week I turn 25, which puts me at adult status. As I contemplated whether or not to even have a new years resolution, all of these thoughts came into my mind on things I need to change about myself. It was a very negative experience, which is not at all what this is supposed to be about. I'm not responsible enough. I'm too nice. I'm messy. I don't work out and eat healthy enough. There are so many stupid details that bog us down that we fail to realize the amazing little quirks that come from these "imperfections" that make us who we are.

Now, as I sit here eating Hint of Lime Tostitos, surrounded by my clean laundry I have yet to put up, neglecting to ensure my lesson is perfectly mapped out for work tomorrow, I'm grateful for this quote shared today in Relief Society.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all mean to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Marianne Williamson

As soon as I heard this today, I knew it was going to be a life-changer. This is so true. How often do we talk ourselves down to build others up? We're not being fair to ourselves. Be yourself. Be your best self so others will be inspired to do the same. Do not hide behind fear. Share your talents. You might surprise yourself:)

That's all for now. Happy New Year, everyone! And a Happy 25th Birthday to me!!!