What is Going Well in Your Life?

[smac97]

This board can become dreary at times.  So I would like to start a thread about good things.  Let us set aside, for the moment, our differences of opinion and share some good things going on in our lives.  Not to brag or show off.  Let's just share some good things and rejoice in a Psalm 118:24 kind of way ("This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.").

I propose we each post three.  Here are mine:

1. Family is Doing Well

My wife and I have six kids, ages 20, 17, 16, 13, 11 and 9.  We have challenges, to be sure, even significant ones.  But we spend a lot of time together, and that helps a lot.  We go on walks along the Provo River Trail.  We have fires in the firepit in our backyard when the weather is nice.  We spend Saturdays on chores, and Sundays at Church and relaxing.  We have FHE every Monday night.  We have dinner together (most of us) every night (both my wife and I enjoy cooking, and our children are starting to as well).  We read scriptures and pray together every evening.  There are generally good and kind feelings between the kids.

My wife is a wonderful mother, and continues in that effort every day.  However, she is also reclaiming her own identity.  She has been learning to play the guitar.  She is writing a novel (several hundred pages, and nearing completion, actually).  She attends a few writing workshops each year.  She hosts neighborhood tea parties for the ladies in the neighborhood (who, in turn, have begun hosting their own).

My kids are doing well.  They are each pursuing worthwhile endeavors.

2. Hobby is Doing Well

About two years ago I bought an in-home freeze-dryer.  I am crazy busy with family, work and church, but I wanted a hobby that would be both diverting and worthwhile.  Freeze-drying foot fit the bill.  I have spent the last two years building up a very diverse and very tasty supply of food storage, almost all of which has a shelf life of 25+ years.  Just a few minutes ago I pulled out a batch of six dozen large eggs, which I had scrambled/blended, and which reduced down to about 1.5 pounds of golden, flaky crystals.  I divided them up into six mylar pouches, a dozen eggs per pouch, and sealed them up with an oxygen absorber.  I also have large stores of meat (mostly chicken, but also ham and sausage), dairy (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream, ice cream, yogurt, etc.), fruits (grapes, plums, strawberries, mangoes, pineapple, bananas, etc.), vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, onions, stir fry mixes, etc.), dishes (chicken tikka masala, chicken stir fry, stews, spaghetti sauce, etc.), and things I have made up (granola, spanish rice, rice pudding, etc.)..  I have also mixed and matched with dry staples from the bishop's storehouse (wheat, oatmeal, rice, sugar, beans, milk powder, dehydrated potatoes, etc.), from caselot sales (Winco's bulk food section is very good), from KSL classifieds, and a few other places.

I do about 2-3 batches per week (6-10 pounds of food per batch), and after two years I now have, for the first time in my life, a plentiful supply of stored food which we can use regularly or just keep in storage for decades.  It's not quite a year's worth of food (there are eight of us, after all), but it's a very good start.  It's also an enjoyable hobby for me, and also provides some nice peace of mind.

3. I've Started Exercising Again

I largely neglected exercising regularly over the winter.  I've now started a moderate and enjoyable exercise and diet regimen (basically, eat less than I want, exercise more than I want).  Feels great!

Thanks,

-Smac

Edited April 11, 2018 by smac97

[bluebell]

Some friends and I have the goal of climbing Mt. Timpanogas this summer (not the cave trail, but the actual mountain) so I've started hiking a few times a week (Adams canyon and similar uphill trails) to get in shape.  When summer comes I'll hike every day since I can do so in the morning when I don't have to worry about getting kids to school.  I love to hike and it's fun to have a goal that gives me a push to do that more often.

[smac97]

2 minutes ago, bluebell said:

Some friends and I have the goal of climbing Mt. Timpanogas this summer (not the cave trail, but the actual mountain) so I've started hiking a few times a week (Adams canyon and similar uphill trails) to get in shape.  When summer comes I'll hike every day since I can do so in the morning when I don't have to worry about getting kids to school.  I love to hike and it's fun to have a goal that gives me a push to do that more often.

Cool!  Is there a particular trail up to the top that you will be hiking?

[ksfisher]

28 minutes ago, smac97 said:

My wife and I have six kids, ages 20, 17, 16, 13, 11 and 9.  We have challenges, to be sure, even significant ones.  But we spend a lot of time together, and that helps a lot.  We go on walks along the Provo River Trail.  We have fires in the firepit in our backyard when the weather is nice.  We spend Saturdays on chores, and Sundays at Church and relaxing.  We have FHE every Monday night.  We have dinner together (most of us) every night (both my wife and I enjoy cooking, and our children are starting to as well).  We read scriptures and pray together every evening.  There are generally good and kind feelings between the kids.

It's amazing how far this simple formula, work together, have fun together, worship together, eat together, can go in promoting happiness at home.

 

[rongo]

1) I love my job!

I teach German 1 and German 2, with a full schedule of classes. This is an amazement to fellow German teachers at other schools in Arizona. German is kind of a dwindling high school language, and many colleagues have to teach other things as well due to lack of demand. Students are thrilled to have an alternative to Spanish at my school, so demand remains high. In just the second year of our program, I had 11 students place nationally on the National German Exam, including two gold medalists (one was my son), and four silver medalists. My son also reached the interview process, but was ultimately not selected for one of the paid study trips to Germany (joint effort between Congress and the German consulate). Still, a very good experience! My German 1 students take their national test on the 23rd and 24th of April.

Next year, I will be teaching a biology class as well (with an additional $7600 for losing my planning period). This is win-win, because I get a much-needed pay increase, and get to teach one science class!  It's a lot easier to give that one class lots of TLC and attention than if you have a whole day of it with 250+ students (our high school is stretched to the limit on space and class size, so this is a way to reduce the other biology classes as well). I taught English for ten years, and don't miss grading papers.

Whenever people shake their head at "how little teachers make" or encourage me to pursue advanced degrees and go into administration, I shake my head. I really enjoy what I'm doing, and don't want to do anything else.

2) My family is doing very well.

My wife got her associate's degree from Central Arizona College last year, and is chipping away at a bachelor's through BYU-I. She learned the hard way not to do BYU-I online full time, and has a much more manageable school load to go along with her calling and mothering. 

My oldest son is reaping the benefits of his high school career and enjoying the "home stretch" of his senior year. He is the valedictorian, and is really excited to go to Northern Arizona University in August on a full scholarship and to enjoy the Honors college (brand new honors dorms, special trips, excursions, and projects, etc.). 

My daughter loves everything about high school and ward/stake youth activities, and just loves life in general.

My 8th grade son is my popular kid, and has his following at the middle school. He loves coding and programming (didn't get that from either parent), and checks out books from the library and does his computer stuff. He was granted an exception and will begin computer science, programming, maintenance, and networking at the high school as a freshman (we have a program where students can graduate with full industry certifications. The tests are merit-based, so they aren't guaranteed certification just for taking the classes --- and many don't qualify --- but he loves this stuff for some reason, and if he gets really good at it, he will have access to a real growth industry).

My youngest son is my "heart of gold" kid. He is less naturally academically brilliant than my other kids, but he makes up for it with an extremely good work ethic. My wife and I think George Bailey's father's words in "It's a Wonderful Life" apply to him: "He was born old." He has really been an adult as far as maturity since he was a toddler. Completely incapable of telling even a white lie, too (he would have confessed to hiding Jews from the Nazis, due to not being able to lie about anything). He is also doing very well academically, and he loves history. He gets books on all sorts of history from the library, but his favorites are ancient history and the Civil War (he would *love* to do a tour of battlefields). 

3) Church

I'm moderately happy, but a little burned out. I've been bishop of this ward for three years, and only had a year and a half interlude from being a bishop for 5+ years in another ward in the stake. I'm also a little jaded about things from this, and I acknowledge that (my current ward has a host of challenges that take their toll). Still, I acknowledge God's hand in blessing me, my family, and people I have stewardship for. He is in charge of his church, and not even a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice. 

4) Hobbies and interests

We're a pretty boring family, but we make our own fun. We're "poor" in the eyes of the world (don't eat out, don't go out, don't spend money, etc.), but I feel that this is actually the secret to things that many people envy about our family (and which they wouldn't really want to do). We read books, play games, go to each others' extra-curricular activities, cook/bake, talk, and laugh. We're happy with this! We're real homebodies, and don't wish we could get away from each other (girls night out, men hang out, etc.). 

Life is good!  

[bluebell]

18 minutes ago, smac97 said:

Cool!  Is there a particular trail up to the top that you will be hiking?

From what I've heard, there are two main trails but I'm not sure which one we will actually hike.  Whichever one we are less likely to get lost on!

[rongo]

22 minutes ago, bluebell said:

Some friends and I have the goal of climbing Mt. Timpanogas this summer (not the cave trail, but the actual mountain) so I've started hiking a few times a week (Adams canyon and similar uphill trails) to get in shape.  When summer comes I'll hike every day since I can do so in the morning when I don't have to worry about getting kids to school.  I love to hike and it's fun to have a goal that gives me a push to do that more often.

It's s-t-e-e-p. My wife is on high doses of blood thinners and is incurably anemic (short gut, blood disorder, etc.). We had to stop every 20 feet or so when we went up to the cave only). 

[bluebell]

3 minutes ago, rongo said:

I'm moderately happy, but a little burned out. I've been bishop of this ward for three years, and only had a year and a half interlude from being a bishop for 5+ years in another ward in the stake.

That would be hard!

[bluebell]

2 minutes ago, rongo said:

It's s-t-e-e-p. My wife is on high doses of blood thinners and is incurably anemic (short gut, blood disorder, etc.). We had to stop every 20 feet or so when we went up to the cave only). 

Yes, we did the caves last year as a Mia Maid activity and it's definitely a steep hike!  

[Duncan]

1) I have had some miracles on my life of late, which I am SO grateful I have been working on this history passion project for over a year now which, you smac97 was involved in, which was great! I got some more information yestarday and it's fantastic!

2) My health was not great last year but now things are fantastic!

3) I think I am more assertive and less self concious now than I used to be.

[Jeanne]

I am in the process of renovating my condo..new paint and carpet..tired of my old furniture..I mean..OLD!!  When that is done..Jeanne retires in September...wooh!!!  Now I don't plan on sitting on the couch..but maybe do part time on something I would love..or volunteering where I am most needed...but Wallyworld and 3 am work..will be in the past.  Family is okay..kind of weird to lose your Dad and then your big brother two weeks later..Thank God for my son who helps me in every way.  Sometimes I look at the past and think  I am watching someone else doing all these things..where does the time go??  So I will make new goals..one step at a time..and try to be wise after retirement. And hey...enjoy life and family.

Best to all of you!

Edited April 11, 2018 by Jeanne

[The Nehor]

This sums up my feelings today:

 

[HappyJackWagon]

SMAC- What a great idea for a thread!

What's going well for old HappyJack? Let's see.

 

Family is great- marriage to a partner who is perfect for me and 4 healthy, active, intelligent, studious, accomplished teenagers.

My health is excellent- Over the past year I've gotten into the best shape of my adult life. I've shed many extra pounds through consistent diet and exercise. I've become much more active physically and feeling great.

Having great success at work- While I don't particularly enjoy my job, it is going very well. Receiving good recognition and rewards.

*Bonus- It's spring time so everything is better  

 

[LoudmouthMormon]

I have never had a headache.  (With one exception - while visiting Paris.)

 

[Jeanne]

2 hours ago, bluebell said:

Yes, we did the caves last year as a Mia Maid activity and it's definitely a steep hike!  

I am not the climber you are..but my son and I go on some good hikes in Cache Valley...the feeling at the end..the looking down and seeing where you have been..is so worth every step...good for you!!

[rongo]

1 minute ago, Jeanne said:

I am not the climber you are..but my son and I go on some good hikes in Cache Valley...the feeling at the end..the looking down and seeing where you have been..is so worth every step...good for you!!

Are you in Logan? I grew up in Weston, Idaho (near Preston) until I was 10. God's country up there!  

[Jeanne]

2 minutes ago, rongo said:

Are you in Logan? I grew up in Weston, Idaho (near Preston) until I was 10. God's country up there!  

Oh it is!!  Just beautiful..I live in Providence.  A quarter mile away from Logan's main street.  I have a co-worker that drives in from Preston every day!!

[Rain]

20 minutes ago, Jeanne said:

Oh it is!!  Just beautiful..I live in Providence.  A quarter mile away from Logan's main street.  I have a co-worker that drives in from Preston every day!!

I lived about a half mile from main growing up and after I got married. I probably rode my bike past your house!

[Jeanne]

5 minutes ago, Rain said:

I lived about a half mile from main growing up and after I got married. I probably rode my bike past your house!

I moved here in 2008....where were you??

[Rain]

My oldest is enjoying married life. His wife just became deli manager at Walmart so they have benefits now. My son is liking his job in the auto department.

My daughter loves ASU. She is a sophomore there and has started taking anatomy classes with cadavers and finds it very interesting - Iike rongo said above - she didn' get that interest and skill from me. She is such an easy child. People always compliment me about her, but she just came that way. Edited to add: she will be receiving her endowments in July.

My youngest is a junior. He is really enjoying it all. He is well liked and well known (because he often does the video announcements). He is unique and intelligent and I have loved watching him grow up.

My husband just finished a project at work and they are trying to figure out what he will do next. The company he is with may be getting bought by another one so things are a litte on hold. It's possible we will move to the Netherlands next year after he gets his masters from ASU, my youngest graduates and goes on a mission. 

About a year and a half ago I was struggling with something and asked a friend for advice. During our conversation she said something about doing something she loved.  That really hit me. I thought, "I don't know what I love".  I do a lot of things,  but didn't love them.

Meanwhile I came across an non-profit (gatheringhumanity.org) that helps refugees when they arrive here. We collect household supplies, food and meals and then we move all the furniture etc into the home or apartment and set it up. It is move in ready for the refugees who arrive that night or the next day.  Most weeks I do 1-3 setups. 

It's kind of funny because when we moved here we brought our fridge. The house we bought had a fridge and we have another freezer. We tried to sell that fridge. We tried to give it away. No one wanted it. Then I started on lead with the setups and suddenly I needed room in a fridge over night for 2 weeks of groceries and a meal that people would donate and bring to my house before a setup for sometimes 3 families with 2-10 people. It has been a huge blessing that I never would have guessed when I was trying to get rid of it.

Anyway, one day I am driving to a setup and excitedly texting my husband through my daughter sitting beside me and it suddenly occurred to me - I am doing what I love. I never thought that moving furniture would be something I love, but the whole process - the physical work, working along side other volunteers, filling a home with love and sometimes getting to meet the people whose homes we prepare just fills me.

Edited April 12, 2018 by Rain

[Hamba Tuhan]

• I am in the process of buying my first-ever home. (Contracts have been exchanged, with settlement in exactly two weeks.) For years, I've assumed this would never be possible. (I live in a jurisdiction where median house price for a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house now exceeds US$500,000.) But I've saved all I could over the years, and last month I found a property that ticked all my boxes and also just fits within my range of financial possibilities. I've felt guided through the whole process. When I saw the listing online, I immediately liked it. When I inspected the property two days later, I felt like I was 'home'. My first offer to the sellers was rejected as too low, but their counteroffer was the precise amount I'd predetermined I could spend. In addition, out of all potential buyers who had put in offers, they chose me as the first one to approach with a counteroffer. Etc. Shifting house is going to be chaotic, but I'm really grateful how this has all turned out.
• When I recently donated blood, the phlebotomist expressed surprise at both my blood pressure (at the lower end of normal) and my heart rate (under 60 BPM). She said few people my age have such good health.
• I'm getting better at my job as a political advisor, and I sincerely don't miss my work at the university anymore.

[VAUFLDS]

(1) Family life is great. Five children 25-35 and youngest about the graduate. All doing well, though not without specific struggles from time to time. Three of them live nearby here in Richmond VA, along with all 6 grands.

(2) Wife and I are in semi-retirement and major role reversal mode. She is working at a paying job for the first time in 36 years and starting a small business. Meanwhile, I'm finally learning how to be the person responsible for shopping and cooking. So far, she has not become ill from any of my meals. I also help her with some grunt work for her business, which is taking off by word of mouth (with the help of a Facebook business page, with requests for work coming in weekly. She's doing what she really enjoys and I'm finding out I am a pretty darn good cook. At least she says so. I'm done with full time work at this point.

(3) Starting my first trip to the west coast in a little over a week, catching son's BYU graduation along the way. San Francisco and Seattle lie in our path. Wife was born in San Fran. I grew up a Giants and Willie Mays fan while growing up in the Tampa FL area and now I'm going to see a game at AT&T park for the first time. I'll probably cry when I see the place. We have seats in right center, just in front of McCovey Cove. If I die at the game, my life will truly be complete.

 

[Garden Girl]

I've lived a lot of years (77)... and as I look back over the years I see so many events ranging from joyous down to everyday to sad to heartbreaking... all have contributed to the person I am today.  I really enjoy reflecting on all of these things, particularly the advancements in every field.  Some of my experiences rise to hilarious... others fall to deep sadness...  but, as far as my life today, I'm incredibly blessed. 

In 2000, two years after my hubby passed away suddenly, I sold the large "retirement" home we had built here on the Oregon coast and I bought my little beach house.  I had the good sense to pay cash so I have no mortgage...  I walk 1/2 block to the end of my street and out onto a wonderful beach... the sad thing is that now, 18 years later, my arthritis has become such that I can no longer jog/walk along the shore.  But I can find a log to lean against while I watch the waves, rejoice in the cry of the gulls overhead, while I read a good book or sometimes draw.  

I was wise enough to take an early retirement after 30 years of working full time... by retiring I sealed in my excellent benefits, including health care and meds, so such expenses are minimal.  I have not had to go back to work thanks to some wise decisions my dh made that, along with my pension/benefits, have provided for me to this day. 

I'm blessed spiritually with a strong testimony of the restored Gospel, a temple a 2-hr drive into Portland, and a really special ward "family."  Not to mention the people on this Board that I have come to care about... and a fabulous cat named "Bob" who is a real companion... smart as a whip and laugh out loud funny at times...

from the beach on a gray, rainy afternoon... GG

 

[Rain]

4 hours ago, Jeanne said:

I moved here in 2008....where were you??

I moved from there in 1995!

[Rain]

I forgot, but now have added that my daughter will be receiving her endowments in July. No plans for a mission - she has just loved the temple for a long time.

Edited April 12, 2018 by Rain