What I Never Thought I'd Do!

There are a lot of things I never thought I would do in my life. Own a cat, willingly eat stuffing, watch the last 3 Twilight movies, or listen to an entire Justin Bieber song are just a few that top the list. There is one item on that list that I have decided to take down; starting a business.

That's right, I'm starting a business! I had never planned to start a business...ever. I didn't want to deal with legal documents that, frankly, make sitting through Twilight seem pleasurable (no offense to Twilight fans...honest), or have to constantly struggle and worry through the beginning phases where you're lucky if you break even. No, I preferred the thought of working my way up from mindless drone to CEO. But, all of that changed when I heard a problem and knew I could offer the solution.

With my current job, I get to work with many small business owners. In June, I was able to help teach a seminar on Social Media to a group of these business owners. It was a lot of fun, but common themes were "I just don't have the time to do social media well", "I don't know what content to post or how to engage my customers", and "marketing companies are going to charge me way too much and not really give me exactly what I want". One night, after hearing these issues, I couldn't sleep. I knew I could solve these problems, so I wrote down my ideas. With that, I was able to bring on some amazing and very talented partners, Tracy Anderson, Jared Goodspeed, and Taylor White, to help develop the idea, work out the kinks, and make it happen.

So, I am introducing to the world...or just the 50 people who may read this blog...MySocialEyes, a Social Media Marketing company determined to help businesses implement the most innovative social media campaigns. The website should be up soon, so I'll keep you posted.

Maybe it's my new found feeling of being a grown up since I finally purchased a Costco card last week, but I think it's more that I finally understand why people start companies. When you believe in an idea and really feel it is going to work, you can't help but do something about it. I am so excited for this new adventure!! 

Lost...But Only Mostly

I can't sleep...it's almost 4:00 a.m...so I decided to write. This is what came out:

When I was about 5 years old, my family and I were at the beach. At some point during the day, I decided I had had enough of the beach and wanted to walk back to the house where we were staying. So, I got started. I walked along the busy street thinking I was headed in the right direction. When I passed a bum on the sidewalk, or a specific store, I would convince myself I had seen it before and that I was going in the right direction. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only 10 minutes, I decided I was lost, stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, turned around to face the direction I had come, and waited for my parents to come find me. I don't remember being scared or even nervous, somehow I just knew they would come and I would be fine. Five minutes later they came and found me. 

I share this story because often I feel like I did during this experience; knowing I am lost, but convincing myself I'm not; till I finally admit I am lost and decide to look back at where I have been, knowing something familiar will find me and help me get back to where I want to be. 

Sometimes I think of these familiar things as my "Somedays". In a way, they are who I am, my dreams, my hopes for life, and my guide for the past and future. I know when I am lost, I can always go back to the list of things that I want to accomplish in life, and find myself in one of those "Somedays". I know right now I am lost, but my "Somedays" will find me again, and everything will be fine. You'll have to stay-tuned for my next blog post...I already know what Someday I am going to work on and it's surprised even me, since it wasn't actually on the list!!! 

Spartan Race

I have always wanted to do a Warrior Dash or Spartan Race. One of my friends challenged me when we went to lunch today to do one with her. So, I accepted. If anyone else wants to do it, here is the link:  http://www.spartanrace.com/utah-obstacle-racing-spartan-beast-2013.html#. It is going to be a blast!!! I am also going to run the St. George Marathon again this year. My goal is to get 4 hours or less, so wish me luck. Once I register there is no going back. I'll keep you posted on how the training goes.

Elephant Fun

I have this awesome friend named Tiffany who I met during lunch time at SUU. We will randomly see each other each week around the same time, so we sit and eat together. She recently told me she was going to Virginia to see her brother graduate from SVU. As some of you know, it is on my list to go ride an elephant. Since Virginia is one of the only places in the USA you can do that, I convinced her to talk with her family and go ride an elephant while she was there. Since she is a master of persuasion, she convinced them what a great idea this was. Unfortunately, when they got there they learned that the saddle for the elephant was broken...it was one of the saddest moments of my life, even though I wasn't even there. Thanks for trying Tiffany. You rock!!!

Boston Marathon

I know it is so sad what happened during the Boston Marathon on Monday, but I saw this video and it inspired me. I hope that if I were near anything like this someday, that I would have to courage of some of these people. It is incredible how we can come together as a nation and as human beings in times of need. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRD90hRb5gQ

Space Jump

I seriously think this must have topped this guys "Someday" List! I mean, I've been sky diving, but this is crazy. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHtvDA0W34I

Some Motivation...Courtesy of Nike

About two months ago, I started working out with a friend three times a week at the gym. I have never liked lifting weights...I would much rather stay fit playing a sport or doing something fun. So, to help motivate me, my friend shared this video. Hope you like it as much as I do!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egBF1w-sHR4

Stress-Free Work

Some great advice for those who love their job, but let stress get in the way of loving their life!

http://www.inc.com/steve-tobak/7-great-strategies-for-managing-stress.html?nav=next

No Sugar Challenge

Well the no sugar challenge is over. Out of 6 people competing, only 2 made it all the way to 3 months. Sadly I was not one of those two! I made it 2 months total, had a really bad week, and gave in to the bliss of a sugary distraction with a friend. It was a pretty great 2 months though. I ate really well, but it was more expensive since I was also taking a metabolism booster and multivitamins since I have been going to the gym more often. Well you can't win them all!!! As a result, I get to go see a friend in Florida and another one in Seattle, so I guess it really isn't that bad that I lost.

Here are a few things I learned:
-Often times when a package says how many grams of sugar, make sure you check the ingredients to make sure it is natural sugar or you won't be eating anything!!
-There are some great healthy snacks out there! I loved eating dried apple slices, crackers and cheese, and nuts
-Don't trust your friends to keep you going strong...they all want you to fail so they don't feel so bad about their eating habits!

Before I die I want to...

How would you answer the question "Before I die I want to..."? Here is a link to a great Ted Talk where hundreds of people answer that questions in a very public way.

http://on.ted.com/fTjp

Take a look and let me know what you would say!

The Pieces I Let You See...

I know it has been a while, but I haven't felt very inspired lately. I thought this blog would be more about inspiring people to do great things, but today I want it to be about the hard changes we all have to make. Recently I have seen how much I am lacking in some of life's areas that really matter. So with this blog post, I'm going to be a little more personal.

For as long as I can remember, I have only shared pieces of myself with anyone and everyone: family, friends, girlfriends, teachers, and mentors. No one ever gets to see more than what I am willing to show them. As a result, I have never been in love or felt like I belong (sorry for the sad cliche, but it is the truth).

This past week I've learned a part of why I am this way, and it has been hard and terrifying to confront...sometimes I don't think I can do it. But because of all the "Somedays" I want to accomplish, I am sure going to try.

So, here is my most recent Someday: Someday I will let someone see all of me, not just the pieces. I am not ready yet to tear down my long standing walls, but I hope I will be soon!

Fremont St...Not Just for Hookers

I did it!!! I finally did the Zipline down Fremont Street in Vegas. I have wanted to do it for a while, but just never really had the time. I went to Vegas with the PBL club for business tours and a few of us just had to try it out. Here are a few pictures from our trip! Enjoy!!

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Why You Go To Kansas...

I bet you all are dying to hear how Kansas went! Turns out there is more to do there than you would think. Here is a quick recap. We went to the Toy and Miniature Museum, which, as you can guess, was filled with miniature doll houses and other small things. It also had a Barbie collection, Teddy Bear collection, and some other random things. It was very cool to see actually. We also went to the Jazz Museum, because I really do like jazz music. It was so cool!!!! We danced to some Nat King Cole, remixed some Louise Armstrong, and rocked out to lots of other artists. Did you know Kansas has some of the best barbecue in the US? I didn't, but they do!!! We also met some of Kate's (that's the friend I was visiting) crazy friends...crazy in a good way though. We had a blast playing games.

Random fact: Until that trip, I had never listened to an entire Justin Beiber song. They forced me to listen to one, so now I have to say that I have never WILLINGLY listened to an entire JB song! Other things we did: Went to the Brown vs. Board of Education museum, decorated her aunt and uncle's house for valentines day, and watched my first episode of Modern Family...which was great!! All-in-all it was a very fun trip! Thanks Kate for the great visit.

Let the Challenge Begin...

Let me tell you something that is not on my list of things to do/try; becoming overweight. That was never a plan for me. Unfortunately I associate the gym with things like getting hit by a car and breaking bones...not things I really like to do either in case you were wondering. But since I have been noticing that my pecks have seemed to turn into man boobs in the past month and I am finally starting to understand the term spare tire, I've decided that it is time to get back into the whole eating well and exercise thing.

Some of you may have noticed that I posted on Facebook a DTLS No Sugar Challenge. It is a challenge my friend and I did a little bit ago that I am resurrecting. I have to go 3 months without eating any junk food type sugar...all natural stuff like fruit and honey. It is going to suck!! The greatest thing, once I posted the challenge on Facebook, I went and made a large pan of Rice Krispy Treats...best thing EVER!!! So tomorrow is "D" Day, and if anyone wants to join in just let me know and I'll send you the details.

Maybe this can help accomplish my goal to get an awesomely fit body...we shall see...one step at a time!

Why Would Anyone Want to Go to Kansas?

So I have a great friend who lives in Kansas. I know what you're thinking, who lives in Kansas...right? I thought the same thing when she moved there! Nevertheless, I am going there in one week and I am actually really excited.

This is what we got with our tokens

Anyone who knows me knows that I love any new experience, so this is perfect. Some of the things I want to do while there are to visit Liberty Jail (if you are LDS you know why, if not just ask me about it!), and a Harley Davidson Factory tour (if you're a man you know why, if not don't ask me about it!). There are a ton of other things that sound cool...surprising I know. I will keep you posted on the excitement the trip provides.

This months goal of going on a date each week is going fairly well. I took my friend McCall out on a truly kid-like date; mini-golfing, arcade games, frozen custard, kite flying, and playing with one of those balloon things that have a rubber band on the end. We really took it back to the old school style and had a blast!

Lets see what happens this week...What are you going to do this week?

Someday I'll Understand Women...or not...

I started Martial Arts classes! I thought I was going to die, but I learned how to get out of a headlock using a pressure point on someones nose, how to throw combination punches, and that I am more out of shape than I thought! Lets hope these classes help me get that awesome body I want before I accomplish the "falling in love" stage of my somedays.

So one Someday down! Did you know one of the only place in the US you can ride an elephant is in Virginia? Looks like I will need to book a trip there...I'm thinking summer time.

Next item of business...I am going to work toward the whole "falling in love" thing. Confession: it has been a while since I've been on a date. So, I am going to spend the month of February going on one date a week. I'll let you know how it goes...have to start somewhere right!

Anyway, I found the information for those, like my professor Ellen Treanor, who want to go scuba diving in Costa Rica. Here are the best links I found for getting info:

One of the better companies: http://www.costaricadiving.com/?gclid=CP-U6fCl_7QCFQLZQgodQ2AAPA
List of multiple places: http://www.govisitcostarica.com/listings/listings.asp?fscID=12
Suggestions and Reviews: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/trips-local-marketplace-central-
america/371186-best-place-dive-costa-rica.html

Hope those help! You have to post pictures once you've done it. Anyone else want help with their "Someday" List? What are you going to do this week?

The Start of a Journey

Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.” In an effort to not have that happen in my life, I have started this blog. I am not a big believer in bucket lists, New Year resolutions, or dwelling on past regrets. Why? Well, first I love spontaneity and living for today. Don’t get me wrong, I have goals and aspirations and set things I have to do each day, but when it comes to knowing what I am going to do each minute of everyday…I prefer to be surprised. 

Second, for some reason, planning out every aspect of my life resembles things like eating stuffing (I hate stuffing), getting a physical, or getting anywhere close to a cat (I also don’t like cats).

The third and possibly most important reason is: why wait for a new year, new career, old age, or any distant time frame to make the changes you want to make? No, I can’t go to Russia right now, but I can research, make a plan, and set a possible time I could go. If that doesn't work, I just choose something else on my long list of “someday I’m going to do this” items.

I often wonder how many times a week we use the words someday, sometime, someone, or something; and in what context we use these words. Is it to say someday I’ll go to that place, sometime I’ll try that food, or is there someone you should have gotten to know. Whatever the reason we choose to use the word someday, this blog is to help me, and hopefully you, to realize that someday can be: today I will talk to that person, this week I will try that food, or this year I am going to that place.

So this week I am going to find a place to learn martial arts, wake up early enough to take all the back-roads from St. George to Cedar City, UT, and help my professor Ellen find a cheap way to scuba dive in Costa Rica. What are you going to do this week? Let’s Embrace Someday!