Failed Attempts

Our life's journey is made up of the many experiences that we have along the way.  We obviously enjoy the positive and happy experiences the most but a lot of times the failed attempts we encounter are the ones that shape us into who we are. 

Without challenge, there is no progress. 

I am thankful for the many failed attempts that I have had through my life.  In that moment of failure you cannot truly see the lesson hidden within.  I guess that is the beauty in getting older, you are able to reflect upon those situations and find that so called "silver lining".  Failed attempts at things force us to grow and change.  Ultimately, it is up to us to decide in which way we grow and change.  I for one, have always chosen to build upon those failed attempts to create a smarter, wiser and better me.

Here are some of the failed attempts I've encountered.  Some are serious and others, not so much.  I have allowed these experiences to mold me into who I am today and I am grateful for them!

- I was obsessed with trying to fly as a child.  I don't know what it was about it and why I wanted to so badly but my imagination would run wild with ideas of how I could fly.  I got this grand idea that if I jumped off of one of the calf barns while holding onto a garbage bag that I would be able to fly for a bit.  Dumb idea, right?  Nope, not to my nine year old mind!  Needless to say, it hurt a lot when I slammed into the ground.  Sad part of my story: I tried more than once.  Persistence must have been breed into me!  Lesson I learned: I can't fly.

- Learning how to ride a bike was a pretty big deal and I thought I was awesome once I learned.  I must have been about seven years old when I got the challenge from my big brother to play chicken.  I wasn't an expert bike rider and I've never been one to back down from a dare so I agreed.  There we were, riding directly towards each other and neither of us willing to give in.  Well, I ended up flying through my big handlebars and crashing onto the gravel driveway and rolling into the ditch.  The scraps stung badly and lesson learned: don't challenge my big brother or agree to stupid dares!

- Growing up on a farm meant learning how to drive a tractor.  Pretty sweet huh?  Not if you almost knock a grain bin over onto yourself or almost roll the tractor over in the ditch.  This was a serious lesson learned from a failed attempt at driving a tractor.  I wasn't paying full attention to what I was doing and damn near killed myself twice.  Dad didn't let me drive another tractor for a long, long time and I was OK with that. 

- My brother Jason is 2 years older than me and was often my partner in crime while growing up.  We would dare each other to ride the calves while doing chores.  I would repeatedly get the wind knocked out of me from getting bucked off.  I'm lucky I never broke a bone or sprained an ankle.  Lesson I took from it: don't do stupid things that could result in physical harm.

- Girls, do you remember the very first time you ever shaved your legs?  Oh my gosh.  This was an experience that I will never forget.  I was terrified of doing it but already had friends that were shaving so I knew it was time.  By the end, I had like 30 pieces of toilet paper stuck on cut spots and thought to myself that I didn't care if I ever did it again.  What did I learn, nothing really.  I still cut my damn legs, ugh!

- Prom is a huge deal and Senior prom is a pivotal moment in high school.  I wasn't the most popular girl and didn't have a boyfriend so I was fearful of going to prom dateless.  I had hoped that someone would just ask me but as prom got closer, I realized that just wasn't going to happen.  I had a major crush on one of my friends and fellow classmate.  I worked up the courage to call him and ask him to prom.  He had a date already.  Failure and letdown was felt hard that night but the lesson I took from it was to not be afraid of rejection or failure.  You never know what you are capable of unless you try!

- This is a good one.  I made the varsity cross country team as a little 7th grader.  I was at my first race and didn't know what to expect.  I was nervous, excited, anxious and had no clue of the time frame of a meet schedule.  I was waiting in line to use the bathroom when last call to check in was announced.  I had an "oh crap" moment.  What do I do?  I left the bathroom line and got on the start line instead.  There was no way I was going to miss my first ever varsity race.  That decision resulted in me peeing my pants during the race.  Gross, I know.  Hard to relive it but I gained a big lesson from that experience.  I never go into anything with out knowing an overview of the schedule and I always make sure I go pee first!

- Seven is my number... for car accidents I've been in.  Some were my fault, others were not and there was one freak incident too.  Most important lesson I took from these: there is NOTHING that is worth getting hurt in a car accident for.  I am OK with being 2 or 3 minutes behind because I still have my life.

- 2004 Senior track season was a heart breaker.  I missed going to state in the long jump by less than a 1/4 of an inch.  I was new to the 300 hurdles but had a shot at making it to state in that too.  I was leading all the way to 100 meters left when I got to a hurdle that someone had set to the wrong height.  My trail leg caught and I fell.  It was evaluated and the committee granted me another chance to run it, by myself, after I finished anchoring the 4x400 and had a PR for my split.  I ran the 300 hurdles again but I didn't improve due to exhaustion.  Lesson learned: NEVER EVER GIVE UP! 

- Lastly, I could not do this post without sharing my first drinking experience.  I was 17 years old when I drank for the first time.  I thought I was a rock start that Saturday night.  What I didn't realize; church was at 8 AM the next morning.  I'm catholic so we do a lot of stand, sit, kneel, stand, sit, repeat.  This continual motion was no good for me and my first ever hangover.  We were halfway through service when God's mighty hand struck me.  I knew I was going to puke.  I excused myself and once I hit the back of the church I think I ran the fastest 400 meters ever and then proceeded to throw up all over the church's bathroom.  I certainly felt like I was going to hell after doing that.  It was not a proud or shinning moment in my life.  Lesson learned: hangovers and church to not mix.

I know I'm not perfect and I never have been.  I have had to learn things the hard way but I can tell you that I am all the more wiser for having gone through them!

peace & love

bj

When You're Feeling Down

Lately I have been having a lot of fairly large "life decisions" weighing on my mind.  I've been wondering which decision is right and which is wrong, trying not to upset one person or another and being way too concerned about minimal things in life.  I have been feeling nervous, scared & anxious.  Trust me, I don't like feeling like that.  It isn't healthy to do that to yourself.  I am sure that some of you can relate.  I tend to over analyze and I blame that on my type A personality.

Many of us get caught up in things like our career, physical appearance, who our friends are and how nice of a house we have.  It is easy to lose sight of the most important things.  Every once in a while I will get the swift kick in the rear that I need to remind me that I need to stop worrying so much, let go and let it fall where it may. 

I am going to enjoy all the snuggles, smiles & kisses my son gives me.  I won't take for granted the love my husband holds for me in his heart.  I want to always makes sure I take the time to have conversations with my family.  It is important for me to tell everyone who I care deeply about that I love them.  I am going to smile big, laugh till it hurts, love with everything I have, treasure every second of everyday and I won't sweat the small stuff anymore!

One of my friends that knew I have been having a hard time lately shared the following story with me.  It was just the thing I needed to read to make me smile, appreciate all that I have and get me back to what matters most.

peace & love

bj

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else—the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18 . There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers with a friend.

You Named Your Child What?

When it comes to naming another human being, it can prove to be a difficult task.  I remember being pregnant and reading tons of baby name books, name searching on the Internet & asking friends their opinions.  First lesson learned: never ask family or friends for their opinion because you might not like what they have to say!  I was shocked at how forward people were with their responses to some of the baby names I had picked.  It almost ruins your own opinion of the name and causes you to shy away from it for fear of being ridiculed by everyone around you.  I really wanted a unique or less traditional name for my son.  I don't find anything wrong with common names but for myself, I just felt like I wanted my son to have a name that no other child in his class would have.  It gets confusing when there are 3 kids with the same name in one class room!  After lots of searching and a time span 8 months & 30 days I finally decided on a name for my son.  On April 28th, 2009 I named my first born: Cruz Carter

I love unique names as much as the next person but there is a fine line between unique and down right ridiculous!  Check out this list of names I've come across that people actually named their child.  Some of these will leave you saying, you named your child WHAT?!?!

Seven Sirius
Fifi Trixibelle
Peaches Honeyblossom
Little Pixie
Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily
Moxie CrimeFighter
Poppy Honey
Daisy Boo
Racer Maximilliano
Rebel Antonio
Audio Science
Oranjello and Lemonjello (twin boys)
Peanut Kai
Muffin Zappa
Bluebell Madonna
Jermajesty
Moon Unit
Pilot Inspektor
Sage Moonblood
Memphis Eve
Mayflower
Elleighette
Braxlee
Adorabelle
Providence
Sketch

This is just a short list of a very long one that could be displayed.  May you never find yourself to be one of "those" people whom name their child something absolutely ridiculous!

peace & love

bj

Shit My Kid Says...Part Deuce

I did a post roughly 6 months ago about the shit my kid says and I feel that it is time to do another.  It is amazing how much our children's vocabulary expands in a mere couple of months and their ability to construct full sentences explodes.  I have to chuckle to myself when I hear my son playing in his room.  I am also dumbfounded at some of the things he says directly to me and my husband.  Somethings are funny, some are innocent and some are darn right shocking!  Here is another collection of ridiculously crazy & cute things my babe says:

- Come look Mom!  I took a hundred poops!
- That was a bad choice Mom.
- You and Daddy are being rude to me.  (this is whenever we discipline him)
- Mommy, your hair is beautiful.
- You can't say that.  Its naughty.  Go to time out.
- I pulled my pants down and showed Leah my underwear at school today and she was happy.  My response: "Did you only show her your underwear or did you show her your wiener too?"  Cruz: "Hahaha, oh Mom.  I didn't show her my wiener, that would just be weird."  (WOW, that conversation blew my mind!)
- I pooped my pants, change me.  (pre-potty trained days)
- I want to go to Disney World right now to see Dan & Brittni!
- You legs are poky Mom.  (note to self, shave legs more often)
- Can I put your hair in a pony tail?
- Is your wiener bleeding?  (after sneaking in on me in the bathroom while changing my tampon...I lock the door now!)
- I'm going to marry my Mommy.  (Cruz's response to his teacher's question)
- If I become a runner like them and win, will you be so proud of me?  (while watching Olympic Track & Field...my heart melted!)
- Mommy, leave.  (choosing to play with my beautiful girlfriends over me, bummer)
- I like to poop it, poop it.  (Cruz's version of Madagascar's: I like to move it, move it song)
- Mommy, you be nice and happy to Daddy.
- Daddy, you kiss Mommy.
- I lost.  (Cruz's response after he broke our 5 day old  iPad and I asked him why he threw his monster truck at it...we are working on his sportsmanship!)
- Me: "Cruz, would you like a kitty or puppy for a pet?"  Cruz: " Panda Bear."
- Daddy, it's frickin' cold outside.
- Is there a baby in there?  (Cruz commenting on my full tummy after a potluck, thanks buddy)
- Is this cool or weird? (Cruz's common question to lots of things)
- The carrots in my mouth are icky because they are mushy and crunchy carrots taste yummy (all done in a singing voice)
- But I can't go to bed yet, the sun is still out.  (well played my smart little one)
- I don't have a big wiener like Daddy has because I'm too little. 
- Me: "What do you want to talk about?" Cruz: "Horse's poop."
- Why do we poop?
- Why don't you have a wiener?
- Stay careful Mom!
- I'm really getting older.

There will be so many more things my little Cruz will say that proves to be nothing short of entertaining through the years to come...can't wait!

xoxo

bj

Daddy's Hands

The saying, "Daddy's little girl" rings true for me.  My father has always held a special place in my heart.  He has taught me so many valuable lessons throughout my life and continues to provide insight that I treasure.  He is kind, loving & the hardest working man I know.  When I think back on some of the things I've learned and who was the first person to teach them to me, the answer usually is my dad.

Running a farm and having 5 kids roaming around would prove to be a challenge for most people but that was just what life was for my father.  Between him and my mother, they ran a dairy farm to make a living and provided for the children they had.  Not only did my dad manage this, but he also took the time to bond with us all in unique ways. 

One of my fondest memories as a child was when my dad would need a particular tool to fix something in the barn and would ask me to run up to the machine shed to get it.  He would literally time me on his wrist watch and made that mundane task into a fun game for me.  Instead of telling me to get him something, he made it engaging and rewarding for me.  I can thank my father for my driven nature to race against the time that would tick away on the clock during races.  He made me a better athlete/runner without even knowing it!

Another first that my father taught me how to do was whistle.  While milking cows dad would always be humming a tune, making up songs or whistling.  I was daddy's little girl so I naturally wanted to hum, sing & whistle like him.  The only thing I couldn't do was whistle.  Dad would stop in the middle of milking to take 2 minutes here and there to show me how to do it.  Before long, I was whistling right along side of my daddy.

Being a farmer meant working 24/7 and 365 days a year.  My father would work from before sun up until long after sun down.  He was always fixing something, doing crops or milking cows.  There was never a lazy day in his life.  That is just how my dad is...working, working, working.  I attribute my hard working attitude, determination & drive to my dad.  He provided an awesome example for me to follow.  I wouldn't have been able to do half of the things I've accomplished without that "can do" spirit I gained by watching him.

I could go on and on about all of the things my dad taught me through the use of his hands, heart & mind.  Even though I've grown into a young woman and he gave me away at my wedding last fall, I will forever remain daddy's little girl.  He is always going to be closest to my heart.  I've strived to make him proud of the person I've become and I hope that he appreciates the qualities I posses came from simply being his daughter.  I am grateful for his guidance, respect & love that has always remained strong. 

You never truly understand the love your parents have for you until you become a parent yourself.  I can full heartedly say I now know the overwhelming emotion of love you feel for your own and how my parents feel for me.  I can only hope that my son feels for me the way I feel for my parents.  I want to be able to teach him all of the things my parents gave me through my childhood: the ability to love with everything you posses, be honest, gracious, accepting, hard-working, dedicated, persistent, humbled, determined and lend a helping hand when it isn't asked of you.

{Dad: I treasure the incredible bond we share and want to thank you for always being there for me.  You and mom have always been my biggest supporters and fans.  I am blessed to have had the childhood you provided and the wonderful life lessons that came with it...all the love in my heart!}

The lyrics to the following song have always stuck with me and remind me of my dad.  You can tell a lot about a person by their hands.  His have years of stories from being a husband & father that are beatiful memories for me and my family.

xoxo

bj

Daddy's Hands songwriter: Holly Dunn

I remember Daddy´s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy´s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I´ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I´ll always remember the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

I remember Daddy´s hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I´d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love .....
In Daddy´s hands

Like My Mother Does

Sometimes I wonder if my mother truly knows the deep amount of appreciation and love that I hold in my heart for her.  There are just some things that go without saying but why not say them sometimes too?  This post is a reflection of some of the great, wonderful & loving attributes my mother possesses and has shown/given to me through the years.

As I get older I find myself becoming more and more like my mom.  This is said as being a good thing.  I love everything about her.  I am lucky in the sense that I have always had a wonderful relationship and bond with my mother.  We never went through that stage of fighting or hate when I was a teenager.  She has always tried to show me how to live by providing an example of herself.  She may not even know that she taught me some of the things I learned because she didn't activity try to teach me lessons; but rather, I observed and emulated her.

My mother taught me to be gracious and humble.  I would see her kindness shining while talking to strangers or helping those in need.  She would never boast of the good things she did, she would simply do them.  I would think to myself, I want to be like that. 

She taught me to be loving and accepting.  I don't recall her ever looking down upon someone because of materialistic values.  Her spirit is non-judgemental.  She does not judge due to the way a person looks or lives; she sees people as equals.  I would think to myself, I want to be like that. 

My mother taught me to find the positive in everything and to have patience.  My entire life my mom has always been encouraging.  "You can do it Britt!" or "Great job hun!" is what I would hear.  I was surrounded by hugs, high fives & kisses.  When I would fail at something she would be there to tell me to try again and keep my chin up.  You could say this is also where I got my persistent attitude.  {I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.  Thomas A. Edison}  I would think to myself, I want to be like that.

She taught me the importance of my inner worth and beauty.  I was a tomboy as a kid and she would constantly remind me that God made me that way.  That there was something hidden within being a tomboy.  I now know it helped me be rough and tough on the farm and that transpired into my attitude in sports.  I wasn't afraid of hard work in order to succeed.  I would think to myself, I want to be like that.

Out of all of the years I spent growing up and watching my mother I was continually learning from how she would handle situations and think to myself, I want to be like that.  Now that I am an adult I can say that I am like that.  I am loving, driven, gracious, humbled, confident, whitty, funny, smiley, persistant, understanding, accepting, positive, strong and hard working... just like my mother!

{Mom, thank you for being a wonderful guiding light in life and being a amazing example of how to live.  I attribute all of the good that is within me to you & Daddy.}

Nothing says it better than the lyrics to this song, please take the time to read it and fully appreciate these songwriters' ability to capture a topic like this so beautifully!

xoxo

bj

Like My Mother Does Songwriters: Nathan Chapman;Elisabeth Rose;Nicole Williams

People always say I have a laugh
Like my mother does
Guess that makes sense
She taught me how to smile

When things get rough
I've got her spirit, she's always got my back
When I look at her I think
I want to be just like that

When I love I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I feel weak and unpretty
I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

I've never met a stranger, I can talk to anyone
Like my mother does
I let my temper fly, but she can walk away
When she's had enough

She sees everybody
For who they really are
I'm so thankful for her guidance
She's helped me get this far

When I love I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I feel weak and unpretty
I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

She's a rock, she is grace, she's an angel,
She's my heart and soul, she does it all

When I love, I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I feel weak and unpretty
I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

Like my mother does
I hear people saying
I'm starting to look
Like my mother does

Foods You Should Be Buying

As a lot of you know from being my Facebook friend, I am in the middle of training for some road races coming up.  In preparing for them I have been researching a lot more about eating clean (healthy) and have found that a number of foods are best for your general overall health, low in calories & rich in antioxidants/ vitamins/ minerals/ protein/ fiber. They promote a better you which is always good.

Whether you are training for a race, trying to lose weight or simply want to live a healthier lifestyle, you should consider introducing the foods I am going to list in this post into your diet. 

Next time you go to the grocery store and see a box of oreos you need to: slap your hand, tell yourself NO and proceed to find some of the following:

Walnuts

Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which protect your heart and boost your brainpower.

Almonds

The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E in almonds work together to cut cholesterol.

Macadamia Nuts

In addition to containing healthy fats like other nuts, macadamias also pack in an extra dose of filling fiber.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a good source of calcium, plus probiotics for gut health. Go for the Greek variety: It boasts all of the benefits of regular yogurt plus double the protein.

Blueberries

All fruits are great for diets thanks to their water content and key antioxidants and vitamins. Blueberries, however, are a true standout—studies show they may help rev metabolism and lower blood pressure.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are packed with fiber, iron, and vitamin B.

Leafy Greens

All vegetables are low in calories, chock full of vitamins and nutrients, and high in fiber.

Celery
One of nature's lowest-calorie foods at about five calories a stem, also it packs a ton of nutrition.


Green Tea (Unsweetened)
Green tea is high in an antioxidant called ECGC, which may reduce the risk of most cancers and promotes fat burning.


Watercress
Lacks calories and it's loaded with vitamins A, C and K.


Kiwi
Here's a fun fact: Kiwis are actually giant berries.  They pack fiber, potassium and vitamin E, as well as more than a day's worth of vitamin C.


Cottage Cheese
Containing about one-fifth of the calories you'll find in most cheeses, cottage cheese is a clear low-calorie winner in the dairy department.


Green Bell Pepper
In just one cup of chopped bell pepper you'll get more vitamin C than you would from an orange at about only a third of the calories.


Radish
In general all varieties of radishes share an abundance of vitamin C and help facilitate the digestive process.


Star Fruit
Is high in vitamin C and contains three grams of dietary fiber. It's also a great source of polyphenols, antioxidants that fight cardiovascular inflammation.


Cabbage
One cup is loaded with a type of isothiocyanate called sulforaphane, which increases your body's production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging free radicals. Sulforaphane actually boosts your levels of these cancer-fighting enzymes higher than any other plant chemical, according to Stanford University scientists.


Cauliflower
The florets in this ivory cluster contain detoxifying compounds called isothiocyanates, which offer protection against forms of prostate cancer.


Tomato
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, the phytochemical that makes them red, and they are a prostate protector and help eliminate skin-aging free radicals caused by ultraviolet rays.


Strawberry
Packed with antioxidants, which protect you against cancer and memory loss, and immunity-boosting vitamin C, these little rubies make for a perfect low-calorie sweet treat.

***all nutritional information courtesy: www.fitbie.com ***

peace & love

bj