Thankful #9

The other day I was thinking about roommates.  As you can probably guess, I've had many in my day.  Luckily, most of them have been AMAZING.  That, of course, doesn't mean that living with other girls is always perfect. It also don't mean I didn't have to deal with problems sometimes, but I really am grateful for all of the experiences I've had with and because of my roommates.  I'm so grateful for each of them, and for this period in my life.

As a small memorandum, here is a list of all* of my roommates (first names only as to protect identities):
Susannah, Marissa, Maurine, Janeil, Brittany, Candie, Jen, Liz (1), Emily, Liz (2), Ashley, Gretchen, Kari, Heather, Britta, Clairice, Diane, Kat, Megan, Katie, April, Brittney, Summer, Kelly, Sierra.  (Not to mention pseudo roommates over the years like Stephanie, Kali & Bailey)
*As best as I can remember and not including my Mission Companions

Thankful #8

I should have known I'd have a hard time keeping this up, but I still want to fill in all my days appropriately.  Today, and every day, I am thankful for my family.  I have been blessed with the world's best family. I hope that when I have my own someday I can do whatever it is that my parents did to make such a family.  I don't know what I did in the pre-existence, but I will be eternally grateful that I was saved to be a part of this family.  (and I know not everyone was saved for a specific family, but my patriarchal blessing let's me know I was, so don't judge. :) ).

We laugh together (a LOT), we shed tears sometimes, we pray for each other.  My mom texted me on Friday night to let me know that I'd do fine in the race on Saturday b/c Abbie said the family prayer that night and prayed that I would do well and be safe.  I was.  I love that we do that for each other.

Another thing I love about my family is that we don't feel competitive about each other.  Instead of being jealous when one person accomplishes something great (as, sadly, I've seen in other families), we are so happy and excited for each other.

I love them.  More than words can say.
Disclaimer: I couldn't quickly find pictures of everyone in my family.  We are missing some immediate family members that I dearly love: Bohdan, Mignon, Marquan, Sirreon, Monique, Stacy...and extended family as well...just sayin' doesn't mean I love them any less...

My name is Trulie, and I am a Mormon

Today I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It is the most important thing in my life.  It has become a part of who I am to the point that I can't separate the rest of me from it.  I love this gospel, and the Lord.

We had Stake Conference this weekend and I had to miss last night's sessions since we didn't get back from Santa Barbara until late, but I learned that our Mission President's wife, Sister Pendleton, challenged all the members at the Adult Session to introduce themselves by saying, "My name is Trulie and I'm a Mormon".   I am proud to be a part of this great work.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Christ.  He is at the head. He loves His children and wants us each to be happy.  He wants to return to Him and our Father in Heaven.  That can happen through this Gospel.  It has the power of Christ, which is the power to save.  As we live the Gospel, we can become perfect in Christ, which will qualify us, through the Atonement, to return to Heavenly Father and have Eternal Life.

Christ lives.  He guides His church.  Through living prophets, He guides us today.  I am so grateful to know all of that.

Thankful #6 and 1/2 Marathon report

I'm really writing this on Sunday, but it's my thankful for yesterday, so I'm changing the post date.  Just deal with it.

So, I ran a 1/2 marathon.  It is true.  It's also true that I walked a little bit along the way, but that's ok with me.  I'm not a hard-core runner.  6 months ago I wasn't any kind of runner.  And on November 6, I became a girl thatsuccessfully finished a 1/2 marathon.  That is amazing to me.

Because of that, today I say I am thankful for my body.  Often when I go on my longer runs, I end up thinking, "I am doing this with just my body.  There are no levers, no gears, no chains involved.  It is 100% my own body power".  And that is amazing for me.  I am so grateful for a body that works.  Sure, it's not perfect.  In fact, I have a knee that likes to act up, just like it did yesterday, but I can still push through it.  I am so grateful that I can do it.

Bright and early at the starting line with Bekah & Rebecca Hanson (they're sister in laws)

We left our hotel at 5:15 am to get to the starting line for the start at 6:30.  We had to get dropped off at a point about a mile from the start line and walk there.  It was a nice warmup...but maybe we should add that to the total covered that day.  So make that 14.1 miles. :)  When we got to the park to wait for the start, it was 6:10 and they let us know that they start was being delayed until 6:50 (and the marathon start delayed to 7).  The idea of waiting for it to start wasn't that exciting b/c I wanted to just get going, but it went by pretty quickly.

I came prepared for my 1/2.  I packed stuff up in my little runner's pack, pinned my number to my favorite running shirt (don't ask me why my Dirty Dancing t-shirt is my favorite running shirt...just go with it...I can't explain it, but somehow it makes sense, right?).  I charged up my i-pod and even loaded a book on tape on it to listen to as I went.  BUT, I never even put my headphones in.  It was nice to just be there, listening to the sounds of my feet hitting the pavement, of the people around, of the environment.  Just to be totally there.

I talked to a few people along the way.  Many people told me they liked my shirt (of course).  I also did a lot of people watching.  There was one girl that ran near me for quite a while, we passed each other back and forth.  She talked to herself pretty much the whole time.  Whatever gets you through, but it was funny.  I saw another lady in front of me rip some leaves off a tree and stick them in her mouth.  NO idea on that one, but I didn't see her slumped on the side of the road later, so I think she must be ok. :)

By the end I was hurting, but I wanted to finish strong.  I wanted to walk quite a bit at that point but I didn't let myself.  I ran, and when I entered the stadium to round the track to the finish I even picked it up a bit.  I finished with a time of 2 hours and 49 minutes.  I estimated I would finish between 2h30m or 3h...and that's just what I did.

We wore chips on our shoes, so right before you cross the finish line, they have a reader (then another at the finish).  As you cross the 1st reader, it let's the announcer know your name and some info about you.  I came in alone and the man said, "And here we have Trulie Cottman.  I love that name!  Everyone, we have Trulie here with us today (everyone cheered).  Come on in Trulie, so glad you're here."  It was a fun way to end.  Plus, then I got my medal, and that is something I'll treasure.

Me, Camie (who finished the full marathon!) & Bekah

I talked to my brother Zack on Monday and he said, "Tru, it's so crazy that you're going to run a 1/2 marathon.  You're probably the first Cottman in history to run one."  I had never thought of that, but I bet he's right.  It's not something we're naturally inclined to do in our family, but it was a great thing for me to do.  I am so glad I felt inspired to do it.

Will I do another one?  Maybe.  But, not anytime soon.  I'm looking forward to putting in a little bit of variety into my workouts instead of being dominated by running.  Then...we'll see.  I have a feeling I'll want to do it again sometime...and next time I will work harder to not walk at all...sometime. :)


Will I ever do a marathon?  Probably not.  13.1 is good for me.  I really don't feel a desire for more.

It may sound silly...

...but I am thankful for a washing machine.  I mean, we could also include in this all the other amenities we (pretty much all) enjoy in a 1st world country: dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, stoves, ovens, fresh water we don't have to buy, cars, vaccuums, air conditioning, heating...it really does go on and on.

Last night I really needed to do some laundry before our trip today...and I just stuck it in the washer with some soap, etc and let it do it's thing.  Then, when it was done, I stuck it in the dryer before I went to bed.  Now, it is all ready to go.  No scrubbing by hand, no soaking, no hanging to dry (and waiting).  It's almost magical really.  Thankful.  That is how I feel about it.

Thankful...

I am thankful for Relief Society.  Does that sound like a cop-out?  It's not.  I really am thankful for it.

Some may be thinking I have to say that.  And it's true, I have spent the last few (5) years serving in Relief Society, but I really do love it.  I might love it more than ever because of all the time I've spent serving.  I know it's an inspired program.  I am so glad I am a part of it.

Today...

I am grateful for Modern Medicine.  We had quite the scare last night with my Grandpa Blaine.  He had a seizure because his medication was off.  I am so grateful that he quickly received help and that he is doing ok.

I've seen medicine heal many people.  It is truly a miracle.  I don't understand all the ins and outs, but somehow it helps us and makes our lives easier...and often saves our lives.

I believe the Lord has blessed us with medical knowledge for our benefit and that we should use it as often as necessary to live the lives we are meant to live.

I'm proud to be an American

Today I am grateful to live in a free country where my opinion counts.  I'm thankful to know that I have a responsibility to choose the best leaders we have available and then pray they will make the correct decisions.

I VOTED, and I hope you did too.

I am thankful

Well, it's been a while and I have a lot to post about I suppose, but I'm going to pull back a bit and try to do one entry every day of something I am grateful for.  Maybe it'll inspire me to do some extra catch-up posts here and there.

But for today, I am thankful for...

My Job


Especially at a time when so many people are looking for work, I am so grateful that the Lord has led me to not only have a job, but to have one that is enjoyable and teaches me new skills almost daily.

Things Change

I'm sure you're all sick of hearing about my running.  Sorry, I'll try to post something else next time.  And something with pictures...it's been a while. :)

I was thinking the other day about how I've always felt about running.  I used to always say, "I hate running". And that was not an exaggeration in the least.  I really did hate it.  Invariably, there would be someone that would say, "I used to hate it too" as if this would inspire me to change.  I would think, every time I heard that, "yeah, but there is no way you hate it as much as I do".  And I really believed it.  These people claimed to have hated running at some point, but now they loved it?  Obviously, they didn't understand my level of hatred towards the sport. I HATED running.  I could not see a way for that to change.

BUT, things do change.  When I was younger I hated a lot more things than I do now.  Coconut, blueberries, peppers, pants (as compared to shorts), etc.  (Yes, I realize most of those things are food, it's all I could think of off the top of my head...I've always been a picky eater).  


I'm not saying running is my most favorite thing to do in the world.  But, I look forward to it, I love the way I feel when I'm done.  I love the way it makes my body feel (except for my aching knees).  I often have to really push myself to finish my run, but at the same time, I enjoy it.  I hope I never stop.

Who would have thought?

Running Update

Well, I'm still running.  For some reason, the last couple of weeks have been hard, but I've decided I'm going to start telling myself that I enjoy it.  During the day, I find myself looking forward to a run at night, but then sometimes the run itself isn't always what I want to be doing.

I have run outside a few times now.  2 times this week so far.  Turns out I like it MUCH, MUCH more than the treadmill...especially our crazy treadmill.  AND, I'm a lot faster outside, which is nice b/c that fits into my schedule much better.

On Tuesday, I ran 5 miles outside and it was nice.  I ran by a few other people.  One guy raised his arm and gave me a fist pump from across the street.  It made my night.

Lately as I run, I've been listening to Conference talks.  It gives me a chance to focus on what's most important.

Basically, I still don't love running, but I'm getting there slowly.

Timing

I recently re-listened to an old BYU devotional by Elder Dallin H. Oaks from 2002 called Timing.  The first time I heard it was when it was given.  It was right before my mission and it felt as if he were talking just to me.  Anyway, lately it's been something I've been thinking about again.

There are so many things I wish I could be doing right now.  Some big, some smaller.

• I wish I could take a class at the community college.  I miss learning. 
• I wish I had time to work on Family History.
• I wish I could serve at the temple as an ordinance worker.
• I wish I was a wife and mother

But, I know I'm where I'm supposed to be right now, and right now, the Lord has asked me to do other things. Listening to Elder Oaks' talk reminded me that "we cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord's will and in the Lord's timing".

I'm not complaining, just sharing.  I am content to do what the Lord has planned for me right now in my life.  It often means I sacrifice the things I want, for the things He wants from me right now.  Not that I think I won't eventually do all of the things I want to do.  I just have to wait it out.  I've seen Him bless my life time and time again as I've tried to do His will.  I know he will ALWAYS continue to do so.  He is "wonderful great".

Running

The other day Candie suggested that I should write about running.  As usual, she's right. :)

So, I have been keeping up with my running.  I've done all of it on the treadmill in our garage so far.  I know, I know, running on a treadmill is not the same as running outside.  I'll get around to it, I promise.  Maybe this next week even.  I finally went and bought an arm band for my ipod, so that'll help things.  I should make myself a running playlist.  Any suggestions?

Anyway, the running has been going fairly well.  It's rough sometimes, especially on my "long" run days that really push me.  I've been doing those runs on Saturdays and will probably continue.  So, for example, today I ran 6 miles.  6. MILES.  I know to a lot of people that's kiddy play, but to  me...it's amazing.  I am sore now, but I've learned it'll be fine tomorrow.

Sometimes I don't feel like running, but I do it anyway.  I run 4 times a week (this week it was 3 miles, 4 miles, 3 miles, 6 miles).  It's really hard to fit into my schedule sometimes, but I've made the commitment and I like what it's doing to my body.  I like how much stronger I feel week after week.

Sometimes I feel like I'm not sure if I can do it, but I just keep telling myself I can.  And...I do.  The one exception was yesterday.  My running all got pushed to the end of the week, so I had to run yesterday and I didn't get up and do it before work, which left me with the only option of running right after work...in 102 degree weather.  It was rough.  I only made it 2.5 miles (out of 3), but I figure it's ok just that once...plus, it was HOT.

Well, that's a lot of words for one post.  I'm grateful for a body that works and for the desire to push myself.

Oh!  I finally decided on a 1/2 marathon I think.  A couple of friends suggested I go with them to the Santa Barbara 1/2 marathon (well one of them plans to run the marathon) on November 1.  It's a little later in the year than I'd originally planned, but I think it'll be good.

Now, on to working on some of my other goals (I did do a little sewing today, so that fits into the creative, right guys?  Right?). :)

No, you're not dreaming

Oh, hey.  What?  You weren't sure if I was still alive.  I promise I am. I'm not sure why I didn't write in my blog for so long.  Well, kind of I know, life is busy, busy, busy, but still...how long does it take to type in a few little notes??  Sad, I'll try to be better.  Probably.  It's just not a high priority for me right now, but I'll make an effort.

So, what have I been up to?  Like I said, quite a bit. Work and my calling keep me going almost constantly.  It is a rare, although welcome, night that I have a free evening.  Not that I want it any other way, it just keeps me busy.  I have a lot of things I want to do with our Relief Society and Ward.  I see good changes in our future, and I'm starting with me so I can be an example for those I serve.

One of the biggest things that has happened to me in the last 3 months is that I had a birthday back at the beginning of April.  A pretty significant one, at least in my opinion.  I turned 29.  Yep, 29.  I can hardly believe it. Being 29 feels different than I thought it would, not that I thought a lot about it, but still...I think, if I had thought about it when I was younger, I would have thought I'd be depressed to turn 29 and still be on my own.  Instead, I feel calm and confident and dedicated.  I had a lot of time to think on my birthday, especially since it was General Conference.  I decided there are a lot of things I want to do/feel like I should do before I turn 30.  Some of them are more personal, and I don't want to share them with the WWW, but here are just a few I'm working on:

• Run a 1/2 Marathon.  It should be noted that I despise running.  I always have.  I've tried to get into running before, but did not enjoy it.  So, I did some research and got myself one of these babies:

 

It has been amazing for me to see how I can do this.  I've started with their pre-training training schedule, and each week, I am amazed that I can actually do what they are asking me to do.  I've learned dedication and tenacity.  It feels so good.  I only have 2 more weeks on the pre-train schedule, then it's on to the real deal.

• Do something creative every week.  This one isn't going as well, although I try to find the time...I need to put that new sewing machine to work that I bought right after the big b-day.
• Bring someone to the Gospel.  I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to make this one happen, but I am.  This Gospel is what everyone needs and I want to do my part to bring the joy of it to at least one person by my next birthday.
• Read the Book of Mormon in Portuguese.  This has been amazing.  I didn't realize how much I had missed it.  It's amazing to me how things stand out differently in another language than they do in one.  It makes me feel blessed to know another language.
• Use my passport at least one more time before then.  I want to travel the world, and I'm unattached.  I don't see why I don't take more advantage of that. :)  I'm going to...now I just have to decide where.

Well, that's a long post of words, so thanks for reading if you made it through it all.  I'd take some time to spice it up with pics and stuff, but I just don't have time right now.  Luckily, ward council got pushed back an hour today b/c of Father's Day, so I had time at all...especially since I first started this post one month ago.  Woof.  I will try to make time for actually writing on this thing.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!  Especially to my daddy, the best dad of all time!

Adventure Needed: Ideas Welcome

I feel the need for an adventure.  Any ideas?  I'm looking for all kinds of ideas to choose from.  I feel the need for it.  Plus, I need to take advantage of this time in my life when I have so much flexibility.  HELP!

BYU Signature Card/ID Center

My friend Elisabeth had a little humorous incident today that brought us all back to thinking about the BYU ID Center.

Did you know that I used to work at the BYU ID Center?  If you're reading this, you probably know me, and if you know me, than I'm sure you've heard me talk about it before.  It is a reality that working at the ID Center is the best job ever.  There is no question.  We are the lucky few who have had the experience.

Here are a few of my favorite memories from my 3 years as an employee at the ID Center. (Off the top of my head, so this will probably be an expanding list).  In no particular order:

1. Laffy taffy jokes galore during One Stop
2. Instant Messaging group conversations...even when most, if not all of us, were in the same room :)
3. Decorating the office for holidays...(Remember the Grinch on Chris' door?)
4. Sharing the joy of music videos over and over again.  (Everytime I hear "Bad Day" or "Home", I ALWAYS think of the ID Center)
5. Enforcing the honor code ("Did you shave today?  No?  Well, we have razors and shaving cream that you can use, or you can come back another time")
6. Freshmen with their parents ("No, actually, you can't use your ID to verify your son's ID, he is an adult now...he needs to have his own")
7. Ann
8. Our (perhaps one-sided) rivalry with the Info Desk (I don't know if rivalry is the right word, but you girls know what I mean)
9. Shimmying at the webcam...I almost forgot this happened. :)
10. Group shots on Herman Munster's account

Like I said, I'm sure this list will grow and grow.  All I know is that it was weird to not end up there in some way or another every day.

"Best kept secret on BYU campus".  No one could ever quite fathom the greatness of it all.  I'm pretty sure it was the people.  I love you girls!!

Reminisce #1

[ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs]

vb

(intr) to talk or write about old times, past experiences, etc.

 

The other day I had inspiration strike.  I don't always have something new to write about going on in my life right now, but I have had a lot of great experiences over my long life so far.  (I can say long life now that I am pushing 29).  So, every now and then, I'm going to blog about a past experience or memory.  Hope you enjoy this first installment (and all subsequent ones).

--------------------------------------------

In 2nd grade, I almost got a citation on the playground.  

 

Why?  

 

I spit on a boy's back.  My best friend Danielle and I both did.  I never did anything bad.  I was always a good kid, but this boy deserved it.  Do you know why?  He almost kissed Danielle.  Seriously.  Sure, we were playing chase.  And sure, the "point" of playing chase was for the boys to try to catch the girls to kiss them, but that was just the premise.  Didn't this kid know that you weren't supposed to actually kiss anyone?  It was all pretend.  Anyway, he really almost kissed Danielle, which made us pretty upset, so we spit on him in retaliation.  (Can't you see the logic of a 7 year old here?)

Then he told Mr. Felman.  I was so. scared.  Mr.  Felman.  I'd never had a male teacher and  he was really intimidating to me.  Needless to say, I'm pretty sure we almost peed our pants when he called us over after he-who-was-spat-upon told on us.  But guess what?  He just talked to us very nicely and we said we were sorry.  I think he knew we were sincere...probably he could tell we were scared of him.  After that day, I never spit on anyone again.  See?  Learned my lesson, even without a citation.  

And, Mr. Felman was my 3rd grade teacher the next year.  Quite possibly my favorite teacher in all of my years of elementary school.  I wonder if he remembered Danielle and I as the spitting girls...