Back in the game

O.K so after my surgery I had a little " Tiffany time-out". I had to recover so obviously didn't go to the gym. Instead I used my extra time eating cookies, ice-cream and cheeseburgers while staying up till 1am which after a week left me feel nasty and frumpy.  But, I think i am ready to be part of this world again. Today I decided to get back into my routine, eating properly and went back to the gym and I think it was just what i needed... Have you ever seen the movie " How Stella got her Groove back"? Well, I haven't. I don't know how Stella got her groove back. But, today I definitely got mine back. I feel good again. I feel more like myself. And, now I am back to being excited about everything happening in my life!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

This weekend Tuks and I went down to Ruapheu with the Priests and Laurels from our ward.  For some it was their first time to experience real snow and Tuks tried snowboarding for the first time.  The kids were amazing which made the trip so much fun ( this is not a lie- like when i say" school camp was so much fun" and in reality come home feeling like I have been hit by a semi-truck). A trip to Waikete thermal pools was the perfect end to a day skiing and the whole weekend was topped off with ice cream from Pokeno on the way back to Auckland. I am tired, so at 7:45pm I am off to bed.

The help

Earlier this year I read " The help" by Kathryn Stockett and it was easily one of the best books I have read. I don't really know how desribe how I felt  about it without sounding Cliche. It took me through such a wide range of emotions, but mostly made me angry and proud. Angry at the way people used to think, and still do in some places, and proud because of the way others have stood up and said that racism is wrong and to see how far we have moved past our hatred and ignorance. The movie comes out this weekend and I am a little nervous that it is going to get butchered- so please o please be good!

At your cervix

Ok, I admit that was a bit of a gross title. But quite appropriate for my entry today. In June i was referred by my GP to see a Gynaecologist. I won't go into all of the gory details, but the visit resulted in the need for minor surgery. Today was the day, and to be honest i hadn't thought much about it until this morning.

As I went into the operating theatre I was so afraid that i was either going to die from the anaesthiseia or that it wouldn't work and i would wake up during the operation and see something nasty. The anaesthegist must have seen I was nervous because he kept me chatting till eventually i drifted off to sleep ( i don't actually remember when that was exactly). The operation went well, however, it was very unsettling waking up in a new room breathing into an oxygen mask with no recollection of how you go there.

I spent the rest of the day on the couch sleeping off the drugs, which I have to admit was quite nice. I am again reminded of how much I love my husband, who takes such good care of me. I am also extremely lucky to work with such caring people, who sent me a beautiful bunch of flowers. So, even though I am still in quite a bit of pain and need to re-learn to walk, i can't help but feel spoilt all round.

I'll have my cake and eat yours too

 

Of all the non- chocolate cakes, carrot cake is my favorite. I have been so good with sticking to my sugar -free diet lately that today Tuks and I decided to splurge on a cake from the City Cake Comapany in Mt Eden and ordered their Carrot cake with lemon cream cheese icing. This rich, moist, spice infused delectable will cost you $39.50 but I figure if I am going to eat sugar i better make it worth it! Besides, the main ingredient is carrot- a root veggie- so can't be that bad right ;)

I heart Hawaii

Today I am really homesick for Hawaii.
I miss the beautiful weather, the beach, acai bowls, my cruiser and most all of my wonderful friends who live there.
Hawaii i hope you miss me too x

Time out for women

Last weekend I went to an event called " Time out For Women" at the Aeotea centre.  This inspirational event sponsored by Desert Book ( who, BTW sell awesome books!) is usually only held in the United States. This year they ventured outside of their bubble and came all the way to Australia and New Zealand.
The theme for the conference was " Choose to Become".

Now I admit- at first I was a little skeptical about the whole thing. The thought of Utah humor and warm fuzzies for a whole day makes me want to gag, however, it turned out to be an awesome time connect with women from all over NZ and to recharge through motivational messages and music.

One of my favourite presenters was Brax Wilcox- and yes ladies, I also thought it was a bit weird having a male speaker at " Time out for Women. However, I loved what he had to say and his down to earth, quirky style.  Something he shared that really touched me was when he reminded us that we are human beings- not human doings. I know sometimes I can get caught up with my little check list of " to do's" especially with my calling in the Young Women's- that I forget about WHY I have been given those tasks. I need to stop and reflect on what the saviour is expecting me to learn and become from those experiences.

Below is a photo of my friend Tatiana and I with Sheri Dew- President of Deseret Books. I always enjoy listening to her speak because she encourages me to focus on Christ. What really stood out for me this time was the quote she shared from President Thomas S Monson " The highest privilege in life is to know that God has worked through you" and she invited us to think about our influence. It made me think about all of the people I could possibly influence- the young women in my ward, students I teach at school, collegues, family members, my husband, gym buddies and my list could probably go on.  As I have tried to listen to the spirit more I have realised just how many people I can help as they journey though life.

 Thank you Time out for Women event organizers for bringing this program to New Zealand and helping me realise my potential as a daughter of a loving, kind, generous Heavenly Father.

Swishing

Ever Swished? Never heard of it? Well neither had I until my good friend Angela Hydes looked it up!
And I think you might like it. If you have read my earlier posts you will see that I LOVE to shop, however, i often feel guilty about spending money- my husband just doesn't understand the importance of shiny new shoes!

Well, Swishing  is shopping without these hangovers and during the school holidays my friend Rachel and I hosted a Swishing party at my house for the Young Women in our ward.  Everyone brought nice, clean, presentable clothes that were lurking unloved in our wardrobes (or in my case at the bottom of a bag in my parents garage), and then other girls fell in love with them and gave them a good home.

By the end of the night i had hit the fashion jackpot with a new brown fur coat and an awesome pair of peach heels, among other things. I feel like i now have a bit of life back in my wardrobe without spending one cent!

So, if you have a ton of clothes that you no longer wear I highly recommend you organize a swishing party with your friends. Just imagine. Free clothes, and shoes and accessories!