Shelly Linford

last day of the month

2012-02-01T19:31:00.003+14:00

This month has been stressful. Work has been time consuming. Trying to get my life in order has been pretty hard too. As of now I am putting in my 30 day notice tomorrow. Unless I find a roommate within the next few days I think it is for the best. I am stressed about finding a place to live and moving my stuff while I am working full time. I am irritated that I moved all of my stuff out of my sisters house just to move it again in a few weeks. LIFE can be hard and this month is a testament to that. I just keep telling myself that the Lord works in mysterious ways.

Stress

2012-01-31T18:50:00.002+14:00

So I admit I am stressed. I don't know what is going to happen with my housing situation. I might have to move because I haven't been able to find another roommate. I detest moving. It is so time consuming and its hard to find a place that is a good fit. I am praying that someone will become interested in the next couple of days. If not, I will have to start looking for a place to live. It is really out of my hands at this point. I have fasted and prayed for a good roommate and I know that the Lord will take care of me. I hope this time that it means having someone move in.

Sunday

2012-01-30T17:44:00.002+14:00

So I was blessed to meet some really nice girls today. I am liking my ward more because I know more girls. There are some amazing women that have not met their eternal companions yet. Sometimes I just don't get it. But I DO know that TIMING is EVERYTHING when it comes to love and marriage.

Sunday used to be my favorite day of the week. I need to try to make it so again. I have been too caught up in the whole social scene that is sorta depressing that I have kind of overlooked the fact that Church is for worship and learning and the social part is an added benefit not the essential reason we go.

Time flies

2012-01-28T19:04:00.002+14:00

Time goes by so fast. My high school teacher used to say, "Time is passing, will you?" I thought it was a clever play on words. Time is precious and I have had a hard time balancing my life. I go in cycles. I know some people that seem to have such a good balance of things in their life. I need to learn from them.

I appreciate the saying that there is a time and a season for everything. I know that if I make goals, which I need to do more of, to have the essential things in my life, the non-essential things will fall to the wayside and I will be able to do all that the Lord would have me do.

Books, Books, and More Books

2012-01-27T17:40:00.003+14:00

I LOVE BOOKS!
Over the years I have bought many books.
I like books in most genres.

Self-help- Dating, Romance, Hobbyish, Health and Nutrition, Fashion and Beauty
Mystery- I started out with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys
Science Fiction- I have read quite a few of these and find it fascinating to think of advances in technology that could change the face of our world.
Fantasy-Love these books, they can really transport you to another world.
Non-fiction- I enjoy reading about historical figures

Some of my favorite all time books
Tuesdays with Morrie
The Last Lecture
The Man in the Brown Suit (Agatha Christie)
The Book of Mormon
How to Win friends and influence people

I'll have to ponder more about books I've read to add to the list.

Money

2012-01-26T19:10:00.003+14:00

I got paid today! I went shopping after work to get some needed items. My goal this year is to be a better money manager. I am somewhat of a shopaholic and need to really think about what I spend my money on.

I need to consider cost per wear/use
Quality
Affordability
Alternatives to buying

When I am a smart consumer I appreciate my purchases long after buying.

The GYM

2012-01-25T18:27:00.002+14:00

So I have a new gym membership at Planet Fitness. It's a great deal. Only 10 dollars a month and no contract. It is one of the gyms that sponsor The Biggest Loser show. They have signs everywhere that say Judgement free zone. It is definitely interesting to people watch at the gym. You have the flirts, the show-offs, then people that look like they just don't belong.

Planet Fitness at Millcreek is a pretty small facility. Today when I went there were so many people that I wasn't sure I was going to be able to do the workout I wanted to. Luckily the weight machines were more available than the cardio equipment, and tonight I was lifting weights.

I actually enjoy lifting weights more than doing cardio. Who'd have guessed.

Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T18:17:00.002+14:00

Happy Chinese New Year!
I had some free Firecracker Chicken at Panda Express to celebrate.
My students made dragons and a Chinese zodiac.
I am a DRAGON.
This year is the YEAR of the DRAGON.
IT must be MY YEAR!
Great things are going to happen this year!

Sunday

2012-01-23T19:51:00.002+14:00

Another Sunday is almost over. I heard a talk today on Patriarchal Blessings from the Stake Patriarch. He said that each time you read it you can understand different things from it depending on where you are at in your life and what is going on around you.

Another thing I loved was a comment a girl said in Relief Society. She said that when you are holding onto the iron rod you should reach out one hand to others to bring them to the iron rod as well. We were talking about service and loving your neighbor. A lot of people said PRAYER was key to loving others. Every single encounter you have with others you should ask yourself if you are helping or hurting them in their eternal progression. I need to be more cognizant of this in my everyday life.

Service

2012-01-22T19:52:00.004+14:00

A few weeks ago I attended stake conference. One thing that stuck with me is that service is inconvenient. I have found this to be true, for the most part. It's redeeming qualities (very rewarding and brings joy to your life) make it worthwhile.

My friend needed a ride today. I was planning on getting stuff done during the time it took me to pick her up, but that stuff can wait. It was good talking to her and I know that I was in a better mood when I dropped her off.

Sometimes I feel my life is incredible busy and I don't have time to serve.

BUT, if I serve I am blessed and the things that don't matter as much fall to the wayside.

Something Blue

2012-01-21T20:28:00.002+14:00

I just had a bridal shower for my friend Sunshine. I am so excited for her upcoming marriage. She is an amazing person and has found someone that is perfect for her. I have seen both of them grow to love each other through the ups and downs of normal life. We had good fun, some fun games, and got her some good stuff.

God has blessed me with some amazing friends who have been there for me in the good and the bad. I am one lucky girl. Tonight I was able to catch up with a lot of my friends. Though life is tough they all seem to be hanging in there and doing well.

It would have been fun to get Sunshine something from the poem something borrowed, something blue .... but I decided to be frugal. I did get her something blue that her husband will enjoy.

Green Smoothies

2012-01-19T19:16:00.002+14:00

Went to a lecture on green smoothies. The speaker shared her story. Very inspiring. Her Grandma was cured of cancer by going on a raw food diet. I have been getting e-newsletters from her website for a while and have been having green smoothies every once in a while.

After listening to her speak I am going to try to have green smoothies for breakfast every day. So far I have just added Spinach and recently tried avocado in my smoothies. You can also use celery, swiss chard, kale, etc. She recommends your smoothie contain 1/3 liquid, 1/3 fruit, and 1/3 veggies. I'm going to be trying new things over the next few weeks. I'll let you know what I think.

Tender Mercies

2012-01-18T19:15:00.002+14:00

Tender Mercies are in our lives every day if we just reflect and look for them.

One of the tender mercies of the day--- a call from my good friend.

I am blessed to have her in my life. I feel uplifted every time I talk with her. I count her among my most dear friends. She is going through some rough times. In spite of it all she is handling her trials valiantly. (A needed wake up call for me)

I am reminded of Joseph who was given the coat of many colors. He had major trials in his life.

---being thrown in a pit and sold by his brothers
---being accused of having an affair with Potiphar's wife
---being thrown into prison

His trials were not short lived. He CHOSE to STEP UP in every situation he was in.
Many lives were blessed through his faithfulness. I love how he ran from Potiphar's wife.

How am I responding to my trials. Am I stepping UP and making the best of the situations life deals me?

Sometimes,

Lately, I feel as if I am making baby steps rather than responding with BIG STEPS
having FAITH that GOD has a plan for my life and just like he used Joseph's life to bless the life of his family, he can use my life to bless others If I CHOOSE to LET HIM.

Change

2012-01-17T18:02:00.002+14:00

Change is hard
exciting
scary
good for us

Life is full of changes but I do have some constants in my life
The Gospel
My family
Good friends

Most of my good friends are in relationships, but because of that I have tried to meet more people so I could make more friends.

I am also getting a new roommate. I know that God will come through and give me the situation that I need. Maybe not the one I want but the one that will help me grow.

Nutrition

2012-01-16T20:13:00.002+14:00

I tried Quinoa for the first time today. I liked it. It is a healthy alternative to rice. My goal this year is to eat healthier. I have a good friend who is on a special diet due to her health problems. She eats gluten free and can't have anything with corn in it as well. She has been on this diet since May. I am so impressed with her dedication and hope she can find out soon the root of the problem.

Within the last few years I have thought a lot about nutrition. I am the first to admit that I have a sweet tooth. Sometimes I let it get out of hand. I believe that MODERATION is key when dealing with sweets. Some epiphanies I have had the last few years are..........

Processed food is generally not very healthy

Raw food is good for you

Your body feels better when you are eating healthier

80% of weight loss is diet not exercise (Maybe not 80 but it is still the majority of the reason you are or are not losing or maintaining your weight)

Water, Water, Water----Drink lots of it

If you don't know what an ingredient is, it is PROBABLY not good for you

I am planning on reading some books by Jillian Michaels to learn more about what I should be eating.

I decided that I need more time to make things homemade. Too many of the store bought products contain unhealthy ingredients.

Saturday

2012-01-15T19:04:00.002+14:00

Some days I feel as if I have accomplished little. This is one of those days. I know I finished quite a few things but I feel like I was going at a snails pace all day.

I moved my washer and dryer over (thanks to Paul & Heidi).
Went grocery shopping
Worked out
Talked with a few friends on the phone
Cleaned and organized a few things
Graded some papers

Really mundane things but I guess that leaves less for me to do over the next two days.

Change the game

2012-01-14T22:28:00.002+14:00

Just watched Moneyball. Great movie. A man named Billie Beane changed the way baseball was played. His team won 20 games in a row in 2002. He was recruited for the Boston Red Sox and they were going to pay him more than 2 million. He would have been the highest paid General Manager baseball had at the time. I loved how he chose to stay with the Oakland A's in part because his daughter lived in Cali. Money isn't everything.

Moneyball reminded me of Malcolm Gladwell. Love his writing. It is very inspiring and fascinating. I highly recommend him.

I had a hard time sleeping the other night so I downloaded some book samples to my kindle for iphone. My friend Mindy had recommended Jillian Michaels book Unlimited. But, before I read that I started reading the sample for the book she wrote on metabolism. I'll have to read it in it's entirety. According to what I have read so far my metabolism is out of whack.

Back to the movie. I think I need to change the game in some areas of my life. Just like the movie, some of what I'm doing isn't producing the results I would like. I need to make goals and stick to them.

Now for my master plan to CHANGE my GAME!

Roommates

2012-01-13T18:51:00.002+14:00

I can't wait until I have a more permanent roommate situation. I know I shouldn't complain but I have had over 100 roommates since I moved away from home. I have met some wonderful people, and made some good friends.

On the other hand I have learned everyone is very different in communication, expectations, and lots more. I pray that God will bless me with a good one this time around.

Halfway

2012-01-12T18:56:00.002+14:00

Tomorrow and Friday we are celebrating halfway day in my class. We are halfway through the school year. It has gone by fast. A good time to reevaluate my teaching.

So to get back to the 5 choices.......

One of the biggest roles in my life is that of Teacher. I have a hard time balancing my time with this role. I either spend what feels like all my time on teaching, or I get home and don't want to do anything related to work.

I feel the key to becoming extraordinary as a Teacher is learning where to spend my time.

Grading-

necessary but a BIG time sucker. So for now I am grading the minimal amount that is required.

Planning-

I love coming up with new ways to teach concepts but I find myself being sucked into the internet twilight zone. I easily lose track of time and find so many ideas that it is hard to apply them. I think if I had a goal to work on one or two things a week I would slowly make progress and come out ahead (like the tortoise).

Teaching Methods-

This one is important as well. Methods can make all the difference. No matter how good a lesson is, PRESENTATION is key to STUDENT SUCCESS.

Now to make concrete goals based on my musings.......

Exhaustion

2012-01-11T19:27:00.002+14:00

I've been back at work now for about a week and am exhausted. Teaching is a very tiring but rewarding job. I need to get more sleep, exercise regularly, and eat better so that I can have enough energy to get me through the day. I could also drink more water (I heard that helps).

What do you do to give yourself energy?
I am open to suggestions.

Balance

2012-01-10T18:31:00.002+14:00

There is a fine line between having balance and leading an extraordinary life. I tend to go in cycles. Work, Work, Work
Play, Play, Play

It is hard for me to balance work and play. I either work all the time or get home from work and play play play.

I think goal setting is the key....

Last year I went to a seminar sponsored by Franklin Covey. It was enlightening.
Five choices we make influence how productive and extraordinary we become. I learned that we need to decide on the key roles we play in life. With each role we then need to make goals to become extraordinary in each of the roles we play.

I keep meaning to work on my goals but alas, one of my weaknesses is procrastination.

So for the next few days, each time I post I will talk about one of my key roles and what extraordinary looks like in each of those roles. It will help me in the path toward making good manageable goals.

Thoughts from Stake Conference

2012-01-09T17:47:00.003+14:00

Service is usually inconvenient

Decisions determine destiny
GO BIG or GO HOME

During why me moments
Choose HOPE
Looking back on these moments I ask myself what can I learn from these moments
& how can this trial be for my good or the good of others my life touches

Surface testimonies will not be enough

I had a good talk with a friend after church and realize that I have a lot of changing to do this year. Baby steps......

Reminders

2012-01-08T20:14:00.002+14:00

I went to the adult session of stake conference tonight. I had some good reminders on what I should be doing in my life to improve it.

1- Be inclusive
I don't have to be everyone's best friend but I do need to be Christlike

2- Prayer is POWERFUL
There is power in prayer, even when the answer is no

3- SERVE
We will never know the part we play in someone else's miracle
Follow promptings

4- I am a disciple of Christ first and foremost

Tooth Extraction

2012-01-07T16:57:00.002+14:00

You gotta love the dentist.
This morning I had two wisdom teeth left. Now, just one after an interesting trip to the dentist.

I opted for the "calming gas" in spite of having to pay out of pocket for it. After my nightmare last night and the insurance waiver I had to sign I thought it would be a good idea.

After I was on the gas, my dentist asked me if I felt any different. I didn't so he kept turning it up. Finally it was on it's maximum strength. After a few minutes it kicked in fast. At the level of gas I was getting I started to feel numb everywhere and then seeing double. I almost felt I was going to pass out. Luckily I didn't and was able to have him turn it down in time.

All I can say is THANK GOODNESS for NUMBING SHOTS, I didn't feel a thing.

Sydney

2012-01-06T18:08:00.003+14:00

Today was my niece Sydney's birthday. She is 4. I love the excitement of children. Her face showed pure joy when she was opening her presents.

Oh to be a child again...

When I was young the rage was Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, and Cabbage Patch Kids, I also loved The Care Bears. I used to draw carebears and write about them. Now the rage is Hello Kitty. But its interesting to see what has re-emerged as popular (smurfs, strawberry shortcake, GI Joes)

Should have saved my toys...

Bucket List

2012-01-05T17:41:00.001+14:00

If you FAIL to PLAN you PLAN to FAIL

Hence my bucket list....

Hot air balloon ride
Watch a rocket launch
Watch fireworks in DC on the 4th of JULY
Write a book
Take a photography class

Or at least the beginning of it

Back to Reality

2012-01-04T17:11:00.003+14:00

I feel very discombobulated today.

I had about 100 things to get done. Since there are not enough hours in the day to get 100 things done I had to focus on the essential. Sometimes I catch myself doing something time consuming that is nice to have done but is not really going to make a difference in others lives.

Stephen Covey has 4 quadrants he talks about in regards to time management.
He suggests focusing on the things that have a tremendous return compared to the time and energy put into them.

The TRICK is determining which things bring extraordinary productivity ( some time and energy = great return).

Last Day of Vacation

2012-01-03T18:05:00.002+14:00

What did I do on my last day of vacation?

Lunch at Hopper's- turkey avocado sandwich

Dinner at Heidi's- honey lime chicken enchiladas:)

Played with my beautiful nieces Sydney and Samara

Watched some episodes of Heroes

Prepared for school tomorrow

A pretty good way to end my winter vacation!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-02T17:39:00.003+14:00

I am excited about the opportunities a new year brings.
This year my sister Tia and I are going to try something new for each month.
It will require a lot of dedication and perseverance. I know I will be a better person because of it.

January's goal-- Write a blog entry every day!

My new interests-
1- Pinterest- can be addicting
2- TED- very inspiring
3- The series Heroes- makes me think about the true meaning of the word HERO.

Opportunity

2010-04-06T12:22:00.002-11:00

I am a Salt Lake County Delegate. I am excited for the new opportunities and experiences that being a delegate entails. Last week I attended my first meet n greet with one of the candidates, Ken Ivory. He discussed his view on all of the main issues. There are a few more events I get to attend before I make the decision about who to vote for.

The US government is amazing.

Passion

2009-10-14T16:19:00.002-11:00

Passion is a must for a job that you want to work at for the rest of your life. I need to find my passion and go for it.

I was at my chiropractor's office today (who I am seeing to cure me of all my allergies) and I heard someone wish him a Happy Birthday. I told him the same and said it was a bummer he had to be at work. He told me that he loved his job and there was no other place he would rather be. He moved to Texas from California a few years ago and was retired for 5 days when he decided to open Oak Haven Massage. He then told me that he is never going to retire.

I have met a few other people who are extremely happy in their chosen profession. My dentist Dr. Lunt. Every time I see him he is smiling, telling jokes, and enjoying his work.

Think about Bill Gates and other people like him who are experts in their fields. They haven't retired even though they don't need to work for the money. They do it because they love it.

I heard once about a BYU economics professor who worked for free after he had made his fortune because he loved teaching. I wanted to take his class to
1-Hear how he made his fortune
2-To learn from someone who was so passionate about what he taught

My a-ha for the day is that I NEED to find my passion and go for it.

2009-07-05T04:40:00.003-11:00

Happy Birthday America!

I had a fabulous fourth of July. I was able to attend the San Antonio Tea party celebration at the Rio Cibolo Ranch. The speakers were amazing and inspiring and reminded me of what a great country we live in and the responsibilites we have to keep our country great.

We need to take action in supporting our beliefs by writing our leaders. They work for US, we don't work for THEM.

For more information on what you can do check out the website

http://www.sanantonioteaparty.org/

Remember

Thomas Jefferson once said

“One person, with courage, is the majority.”

Be that person of courage, and become that
“majority” in your neighborhood. One person can, and often does, make the difference.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Live Strong

2009-05-24T01:56:00.003-11:00

So I met this 77 yr. old man yesterday when I was volunteering for the Policeman/Fireman 5k run. He is an inspiration to me. This run was his 81st and he is working toward a world record. The Japanese have the Americans beat right now but he is determined to change that. He competes in running and swimming. He completed the 5k in 38 minutes. Amazing for someone his age. He was a perfect example of living strong.

My friend Bridgette and I babysat two beautiful little girls yesterday for our friends who are moving to Phoenix. It has been a while since I have been around children and I was awed all over again at what a joy children are. I can see why we are taught to become as little children.

They are full of wonder
They find joy in simple things
They are open and honest

I made it!

2009-05-10T16:41:00.003-11:00

I decided to participate in commencement despite the fact that my family wasn't going to be coming. A few of my good friends were able to come and support me. The last pic is of me and Chrissy Freeman a girl in my ward who also got her Masters.

We wore our hoods into the ceremony due to the swine flu pandemic. We also didn't shake hands with UTSA's president for the same reason.

An interesting tidbit from the ceremony is a mariachi band played as we exited the building. Only in Texas. They were wearing orange and blue sombreros (UTSA's colors).

My friend asked me if I felt any smarter now that I have my Masters. Not any smarter than I was yesterday. I don't regret getting my Masters at all and am contemplating a PhD. I am admitted to another Masters program right now. The Masters in Instructional Technology program and will be taking one class this summer.

Steve Vaus "We must take America back"

2009-04-24T02:54:00.004-11:00

Steve Vaus singing We must take America back was the perfect finale for the San Antonio Tea Party

San Antonio Tea Party

2009-04-22T15:43:00.003-11:00

A week ago, on April 15th I attended the San Antonio Tea Party. It was a nonviolent protest against what the government has been doing with the money we pay in taxes. Glenn Beck did his television show for Fox news live at the Alamo. It was very exciting to be a part of the live audience at the Alamo for the show. After his show a band
played for an hour and then the tea party began. At the tea party Ted Nugent and Glenn Beck spoke as well as about 5 other people.

I
Here I am with 3 of my good friends. It was very sunny.

Stress

2009-03-15T13:31:00.003-11:00

I have a habit of procrastinating. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress. I am in the middle of taking my comprehensive exams for graduate school. I have three weeks to write 3 papers. I should have pretty much finished them this week because I was on Spring Break and planned on focusing on the papers all week. But having the bad habit of procrastination didn't help me. I still have lots of work left to do on the papers. I should have learned my lesson long ago that procrastination doesn't pay. The next few weeks are going to be intense. Maybe next time I will do better.

Girl Power

2009-02-07T12:20:00.002-11:00

It is good to be reminded sometimes that I can do anything if I put effort into it. I presented today for the first time at a writing conference as a teacher consultant. I had a packed room. It was nerve-wracking and exhilirating at the same time. I felt like the presentation was a little disorganized and random. Most of the comments I had were positive but it is amazing to me how I let the negative comments bother me so much. One participant said it was a waste of time and I was quite bothered by that. Oh well, you can't please everyone. Practice makes perfect too. The more I present the better I will get at it. Next time I am positive it will go better. I love this picture I found. I need to hang it up to remind me how amazing and superhero like all of us are.

Cowboy Breakfast

2009-02-01T07:11:00.003-11:00

My roommates and I got up at 4:00 am on Thursday to attend the Annual Cowboy breakfast that is the opening event for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. It is free to the public. We ate biscuits and gravy, sausage biscuits, breakfast tacos, chocolate milk, and orange juice. I heard on the radio that the event planners were trying to set a record for the most cups of coffee served at an event. We didn't help with the numbers there, but I am glad I went. They were letting people see if they could ride a mechanical bull for 8 seconds. The people we saw try didn't even last 2. It was entertaining.

New Beginnings

2009-01-20T16:24:00.003-11:00

Today was a new beginning for me as well as the nation (in different ways of course).

I started student teaching at a new school today. So far so good. The students are as well behaved as can be expected. I heard the saying once that 98% of misbehavior is age appropriate. I have noticed that to be true. The teacher I am working with is quite laid back which I am excited about. She has four children and puts her family first. She doesn't stay much after school which I am grateful for because I won't have to stay much either. I think I made a good first impression. The staff were welcoming and friendly. I think I will like being at this school. As for the nation I think we are in for a rude awakening. I do believe we will have change. But I don't think it is the kind of change everyone wants it to be. There is hope for the future but I believe that hope lies in the people of our nation and not the government. May God bless our new leaders to make good decisions.

Back in the saddle

2009-01-12T15:10:00.002-11:00

Class started for me today and I am excited to have a new semester with new opportunities.

I will be student teaching this semester and was very happy to learn that I will be in Northside school district and will be teaching 4th grade. It will be quite a jump for me (going from preK to 4th grade). I will definitely be able to do a lot more with the students which I am looking forward to.

I decided to get a locker at the UTSA gym to help with my new years resolutions. Now I need to actually go to work out at the gym.

Starting Fresh

2009-01-11T04:35:00.003-11:00

I am excited for the new year and all of the opportunities that it brings. A fresh start.

I love this picture of my niece Maggie. She has a long, wonderful life ahead of her and has endless opportunities.

I have a long, wonderful year ahead of me and have endless opportunities in it.

A few of my new years resolutions

1. Spread cheer (I found this fabulous idea in a magazine)

I plan on really making an effort to say hi to the people who serve me.

(cashiers, waiters, bus drivers, etc.)

2. Look for the tender mercies of the Lord

There are so many amazing things we are blessed with.

My car wouldn't start on Friday and I was stuck at the store.

The Lord blessed me to have 4 or 5 people offer to help jump start

my car. I was also blessed by my friend Rebecca who stopped

what she was doing to come rescue me.

3. Call my family more often.

I definitely need to do better at talking with my family more.

I got a webcam for Christmas and am excited to try

it out.

2008-10-13T07:34:00.000-11:00

I had a great birthday at Mamacita's with my roommates and a few friends.

2008-10-13T07:32:00.000-11:00

Happy October Everyone.