Pushing myself... and succeeding!

I've been on a mission lately. A mission to make ME happy.  A mission to do things that I want to do.  I've been trying to challenge myself to do things that scare me or that I think are hard but I want to accomplish.  I have the drive right now to push myself and succeed.

Example #1 - Weight Loss.
I decided that I wanted to lose some weight. My ideal goal was 150lbs by the end of this year.  Here is it, June 17th, so half way through the year, and I'm at 153.5 lbs.  3-1/2 lbs to go and I'm there - half way through the year.  I know I'll be there - probably in the next few weeks. In 9 months, I have lost 25+ lbs.  SUCCESS! New goal? 140lbs by the end of the year. And I will do that.

Example #2 - Fire Walk.
You know that post a few weeks ago where I was completely awesome and totally walked on fire?  Yeah. I did that. For me. Because you are told you can't do that and that it's crazy. But you know what? You CAN do that. I did it. And I plan on doing it again soon!

Example #3 - The "Pucker Pole".
Back up at the same place where I did the fire walk, they have a ropes course. I can't go into all of the details. I can't tell you about all of the events that they have there without giving away the secrets. But I'm going to show you some awesome pictures of me on the "Pucker Pole" (I can't remember what the real name is because I just thought the name "pucker pole" was awesome...)

 The "Pucker Pole"

Did you know that I'm scared of heights? Yep. Just a little bit. So what did I do yesterday?  I went back to the place where I walked on fire last month to help out with a group and see what the ropes course was all about. The activities were all about the small group that was there, but they offered to let me try a few of the activities myself. After watching for over half of the day, I decided I wanted to try this one. For ME.

(Click on any of the pictures to make them bigger!)

Top to Bottom, Left to Right

Me Conquering the Pole

It's pretty simple, but it produced such an amazing feeling. Climbing up the ladder until it runs out. Then climbing up the pegs until you reach the disc. Then pulling yourself up. Then figuring out how to stand up on the disc when you are 26 feet (I think that's what they said?) in the air. Then stand there. With your arms out. Then jump at that ball. Hit it. Then float to the bottom (that's what it felt like to me - floating.)  And have people come over and hold you and tell you how awesome you are and how proud of you they are. And it's such a loving environment. No judgement. You are all there to deal with something. To conquer. Some things are more intense and personal. Or something more simplistic, like a fear of heights. Or just to prove to yourself that you CAN do it.   

(...and that was just 1 event!)

 Me coming down - see that smile? :)

Yesterday was an amazing day. I was able to watch people have these revelations of themselves. And to make connections / friendships with strangers. And to build their self confidence. To work together as a team and love each other so strongly. If one was struggling, they were all there to tell them it was okay or that they could do it - they have faith in them. They are stronger than they think. They CAN do it.

...Just a really amazing day...

I'm going to go work with them again because I WANT to.  They have asked me to help out again in the future and I can't wait. I want to see these people succeed. I want to see them have their break through. I want to be a part of their process. I want to support them in making their life count. I want to do this because it matters to ME. By seeing them push themselves, I will continue to push myself... and continue to succeed.

Getting to know me - 50 questions

I received an email from a girlfriend of mine and thought instead of answering it just for her, I would post my answers here (while I wait for my monkeys to go to sleep!)...


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
April or Amanda came from a character on one of my mom's soap operas. :) Mandy was the only name sent back from my parents' friend who was on a mission. So he named me. :)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Probably last month-ish... I was having a hard time making a pretty big choice regarding my job...

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Meh... Sometimes.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Roast Beef :)

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes, Robyn age 4, Archer age 7 and Tanion age 8.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely! :) I am an amazing friend and fun to be around.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
I think I use it about as much as everyone else...

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Tonight? No. Sometime soon? I'm working up to it. Challenging myself with stuff that scares me is sort of my goal at the moment.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
It really depends on my mood - and what's in my cupboard!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Physically, not so much.  Emotionally, generally. 

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Various coffee flavored ones...

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Smile

15. RED OR PINK?
Probably Pink... depends on the mood!

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Physically? depends on the day! 

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Right now, my Angie. She needs me and Florida is way to far away.

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Losing MY people (people I claim as my own). Family, friends, loved ones. I don't like thinking about what I would do without them.

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I don't like wearing shoes - so none... But generally black and white.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
2 fun sized butterfingers... Angie was stressing - I was eating chocolate with her!

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Neon Trees... They are my current musical obsession...

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Not sure - that would be a changing answer all the time for different reasons.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
fresh cut grass and fresh watermelon

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Angie

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Either. Can we leave right now?

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Dancing. I love talented dancers... Or if we're talking like "guy sports", pro football.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Reddish. Any shade. I like to switch it up but I love the look of red hair.

28. EYE COLOR?
Blue-green. They like to change, depending on what I'm wearing.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yep. Blind without them or glasses.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Mexican or Italian - oh and soup. I love soup.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I used to love the scary movies, now I'm a happy ending kind of gal.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
The Muppets

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black tank top

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer all the way.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both! :)

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Depends on the reason... For any old day - Mocha Brownies :)

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Depends on what I need to do... I've not been watching as much TV lately. I've been reading more (one of my goals for the year...)

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
The Breakaway by Michelle Davidson Argyle (holla!)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad... It's sad, really...


41. WHAT IS YOUR BEST QUALITY?
I like to think it's that I'm a forgiving and / or understanding person. I can relate to / get along with pretty much everyone.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Laughter

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Florida

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
hehehe.... Um... I can speak jibberish! :)

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Richfield, Utah


47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Provo, Utah

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Red brick

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Black

50. WHAT IS THE COOLEST THING YOU HAVE DONE?
Probably walking on fire.

I walked on FIRE!!!

***NOTE: If you have read this before, you might noticed that I have taken some information out / edited it... They don't want you to know all about the fire walk. They want you to experience some of it yourself... SO... In order to do that, I'm giving you the condensed version instead... Still way awesome!***

I have this amazing friend named Steve. I work with him at USDC but he also has a personal investment in a business on the side that includes a rope course and a fire walk.  I love visiting with him about his "non-USDC" activities because he gets so passionate about it. His enthusiasm is entirely contagious. When he talks about something he loves like the ropes courses and fire walk, I just want to go out and experience it for myself. When Steve started talking about the fire walk, my first reaction was probably like yours.  "That sounds crazy!" but my thought also included "..but so awesome! I want to do that!"  I told Steve that I'd like to do that some day and on Wednesday, he gave me the chance. :)  

Me and my friend Steve

Steve let me know on Sunday that there was going to be a fire walk on Wednesday and that Jeremiah and I were invited. I immediately sent Jeremiah a text to call me when he went on break (because he was at work) and started calling for babysitters.  When Jeremiah called me 30 minutes later, I had babysitters found and was going to go - whether Jeremiah could or not! :)  Luckily, Jeremiah had just enough time off left and no one had Wednesday night already requested, so we were both able to go. For me, there was absolutely no question in my mind that I would walk. For Jeremiah, I think he was pretty sure he wouldn't but he agreed to go with me because it was important to me.

The fire walk was "taught" (I don't know what else to call it) by Dr. Cam Mosher. 

***VITAL INFORMATION ON WHAT HAPPENS PRIOR TO THE FIRE WALK HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT TO ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE IT ALL FIRST HAND.  :) ***

Jeremiah and I after we walked on FIRE!

***AND BACK TO THE FIRE WALK PART...***

We all took turns breaking up the remaining fire into coals. You get to feel the extreme heat coming off of the coals as you are breaking it up with shovels.  (I have to admit, it made me a little nervous!) When it was all broken up and spread out, it was time to walk.

Now, I didn't want to be the first person in the group of 21 (plus 5 or 6 facilitators, including my friend Steve) to walk, but I knew I wouldn't be the last, either. Throughout the night, I kept asking Jeremiah if he wanted to walk with me or if he was ready and he kept saying he didn't know if he was going to walk. I had told him that either way, it was entirely up to him but that I was going to do it with or without him. :) When they gave us the "go", there were a few different small groups of people who got up to the carpet where you start and they just stood there for about 1 minute - getting themselves ready. By the time they actually walked, I was ready to go! I was getting excited and ready and before they walked I wanted to just push them out of the way and say "Let me just do it!" Finally they walked and others filtered in.  

I have no idea how long I waited before walking up to it. I had asked Jeremiah one last time if he was going to go with me and he said not yet, so I went. I don't think I stood on the carpet before the coals for very long before I stepped onto them, but who knows! I know that I looked across the coals and my friend Steve was there cheering me on.  I looked down at the coals and just thought to myself "Ok, I'm going to do this now" and before I knew it, I was on the other side. :)  I was a little surprised at how it didn't burn at all. I had expected to feel the heat and a fire, but I didn't.  Just a feeling of peace and a desire to do it again. So I did!  

I went back to Jeremiah and told him it was fine and it didn't hurt at all and asked if he wanted to try. After a few minutes, he decided he did want to walk.  So we stood on the carpet, hand in hand, counted to 3 and and we walked across together. He felt a little heat but said that it felt more like an itch than fire. I asked him if he wanted to do it again, but he said that once was enough for him - he had proved to himself that he could do it. I told Jeremiah to take pictures because I wanted to walk again.

Video of Jeremiah and I walking...

I asked Steve if he was going to walk and he said he decided he was going to so we walked over to the front of the fire. When Steve stood on the carpet to go across, he looked at me and asked if I was coming with him. I'm sure I said something like "sure" or "absolutely" and I stood next to him. I asked if he wanted to hold my hand (like everyone else who went across with someone else) and he said sure. So, I took his hand, we counted to 3 and then we walked across.

 

Jeremiah, Steve and I were visiting and took a few pictures when Cam said that everyone seemed to have an opportunity to cross. He said if you have a feeling that you need to go again, here is your chance before we end our night.  I looked at Jeremiah and told him that I was going to go one more time.  I walked over to the carpet and remember thinking what a great experience the night had been. I remember taking a deep breath and after letting it out, I walked for the 4th and final time for the night. It felt great. Total feeling of peace.

My final time across the coals

We had our final circle as a group where people were able to share their experience. For some, it life changing. For me, it was just amazing. Amazing that I could walk on fire (or to experience the motto of the company - "The impossible is possible"). Amazing to feel a connection to people I had just met.  Amazing to feel the bond I felt with my friend. Amazing to be the strong / brave one in my marriage. Just amazing.

The more I have thought about the night over the last few days, the more I want to do it again. I want to experience it all again. I want to have other people experience it. I want to sit down and do the team building activities with different people in my life. I want to know what makes them who they are. I want to see them panic before they walk and cheer after they do.

SO... who's in? :)

 

If you want to know more, you can always email me but I thought I would link Cam Mosher's website (www.iwalkedonfire.com) as well as a few YouTube videos about the fire walk experience...  

30 Second Video:    http://youtu.be/7uwrAnosvSA  

3ish Minute Video:  http://youtu.be/HFgg18CmtmI

Love you all!

~Mandy~

Reminder: Take it one day at a time.

While working on my Visiting Teaching "assignment" tonight, I came across this wonderful little reminder...

"Thoughtful planning and preparation are key to a rewarding future, but we do not live in the future—we live in the present. It is day by day that we work out our plans for the future; it is day by day that we achieve our goals. It is one day at a time that we raise and nurture our families. It is one day at a time that we overcome imperfections. We endure in faith to the end one day at a time. It is the accumulation of many days well-lived that adds up to a full life and a saintly person."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson • “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” • CES Fireside for Young Adults • January 9, 2011 • Brigham Young University

RANDO-MANDY-TY = Work Life and My Hair

This is just a completely random post...

I am still loving my job. Me and 14+ mostly married (and for the most-part TRAINED) boys? Um, yes. I like it. They know I'm a girl. They know to say things like:

"OH, you aren't wearing your glasses today. Are you wearing contacts? You look cute." or
"You dyed your hair. It looks nice." or
"I like the smell of your perfume."....

They also know that I like chocolate and I'm usually spoiled with it. And they know to compliment me when I've worked at losing some weight (yeah, I've lost 16lbs recently). And they buy me lunch sometimes. And they know that I thrive on "good job" compliments. I take care of them, they take care of me. :) It's great.

Yesterday at work, one of the guys went to Burger King and got a crown. He brought it back to work, wrote "Maintenance Princess Mandy" and told me I should wear it at Disneyland. I said "How about all day at work today instead?" And so I did. All day. :) People who came into the office asked if it was my birthday. I would smile and say "No." I'm sure they think I'm weird, but that's ok. I had fun. I like being the only girl in the department. :)

(my "Maintenance Princess Mandy" crown...)

Another RANDOM thing... I have a cute hair piece thing that makes my hair look like I spent time on it when really, all I did was pull my hair back into a pony tail / bun thing. And I love it. I've been wearing it a bunch lately. It matches my hair basically perfectly because I haven't dyed my hair lately and you can see my dark roots (haha) with the reddish hair. That's how my hair piece is too, so it's great. And I took pictures because (like my dad would say) I'm vain.

Haha, yep. So that's what I wanted to write about today.
Have a great one!
:) Mandy

If you really knew me...

My friend Michelle did an "If you really knew me" post where she listed things that people might only know if they really know her. I tend to like those type of posts where you can find out more about the person, so I thought I would give it a try as well...

IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME,
YOU WOULD KNOW THAT....

*Shel Silverstein is my favorite author.
*I have wore glasses since I was 8 years old.
*I am a very "obsessive" person.
*I am allergic to shellfish, but I avoid all seafood - just in case.
*I can make myself physically sick from worry / paranoia.
*I like to plan events, but don't actually like to attend them.
*I am a home-body.
*I love my job but hate that I have to work.
*I miss staying at home with my kids almost every single day.
*I wanted to be Belle at Disneyland when I graduated High School (heck, I still do!)
*I hate folding laundry and doing dishes by hand.
*I love to mow the lawn.
*I have a panic attack every time I have to drive in the snow.
*I am scared of really tall people.
*I think professional basketball players should never miss a free-throw (and I get really angry when they do).
*I enjoy watching football, but can't stand basketball.
*Dr. Mario on the original Nintendo is my favorite video game.
*I swear, but try to hold back because other people might get offended.

*I dye my hair every few months because I'm already going grey.
*I like to create spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel.
*I like boys (and being in the company of boys) more than girls.
*My favorite ice creams are all coffee-based.
*I love working with the kids in my church and would probably be inactive without them. I am there for them.
*I like to read unrealistic books (things that couldn't really happen).
*I like to listen to a lot of different types of music.
*I adopt people (and entire families) and claim them as my own.


OK - that's all for tonight. It's past my bedtime and I think my kids are all asleep now. If you do one of these lists, I would love to read it, so please let me know. :)