THE FINAL POST

Well everybody this is it. The last post.

Writing a blog is more difficult than it looks. It's not just writing, it also involves design aspects that get pretty tricky. I am extremely happy we had this blog assignment. I learned a lot about myself, and life in general. The theme of my blog is to stop and enjoy the little unexpected things in life. It forced me to do that. Even though I may not post many posts for a while, it's still going to be in the back of my head.

Blogging has helped me to open up. Trials in life really suck. Writing about them help. Not only is it good for the soul but it's nice to find out people are going through the same thing and can relate. We can all go through sucky things together!

Everyday is an AWE MOMENT. But it's your choice if you're going to recognize those AWE MOMENTS...or just let them pass you by....
....think about it...blog about it....

Provided By: debtgone.ca

Awe Moment #11

Mothers. My mom definitely deserves a blog post dedicated to her. She really deserves a blog that's all about her but I don't think that would interest people too much. My mom is my hero! She has been through so much and she still stands tall and rolls with the punches. I am about to shower her with compliments.

Cathy O'Connor is the name. She is beautiful inside and out, she gives the best advice, she's spiritual, selfless, loving, smart, hard worker, she's the best at making food out of a box, she snorts when she laughs, she's hilarious, she has road rage, she is humble, she is an animal lover, she is so thoughtful, and she is my role model. 


Without my mom I would not be the woman I am today. She has taught me so many life lessons. Growing up I was such a brat to her, and I think back to things I used to say to her and I am disgusted at myself. I'm surprised she didn't disown me.
One thing that I truly admire her for is her independence. She is going through a divorce and she is not letting it push her down. She is working three jobs to put a roof over her and my brothers' head. With her busy life she still finds time to text me every morning telling me to have a good day and how much she loves me. It's so hard living 12 hours away from her. Whenever I'm having a bad day all I want is to hug my mommy, and that's hard to do when she is in California. I hope to one day become half the woman she is. She is one tough cookie.

This post is for my mom other moms, the grandmas, great grandmas, aunts, and guardians out there! Without them AWE MOMENTS would not be possible.

Awe Moment #10

I'm feelin HOT HOT HOT...noot! As I am typing this, it is literally 17 degrees in my house. I have to wear my gloves to type,  please feel bad for me. I thought it was no big deal to not have a heater in my house. I thought that without knowing what it was like to not have a heated house. I appreciate heated homes so much more now! It really is true when people say you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. Even small things like heat!

Provided by: Geliosoft.com

Meanwhile, I'm sitting here in my cumfy chair, with a glass of water, sitting next to my beautifully decorated christmas tree. I did not list those things for you to be jealous of my house, but because I have so many things that others don't have. I'm complaining about being a little chilly while there's a tragic event happening in Connecticut. I'm complaining about lack of heat while somebody is fighting cancer. And I'm complaining about not having heat while some don't even know what it's like to have a heated home. When I act dramatic about the dumbest smallest problems I am quickly humbled when I focus on what I do have.
It's especially easy to forget during this time of year. My friends know they're getting awesome high tech gifts when I am not going to receive remotely that extravagant. My family doesn't have a lot of money and it's hard not to get down about it. But then I think I'm just lucky to have one AMAZING family who is so much fun, loving, and understanding. Some people may things the big and expensive things are what matter, but to me my little things mean the world to me and they are certainly AWE MOMENTS.

Awe Moment #9

Make-up. I know what the guys are thinking, "It's such a waste of money and time!" They say that, but do they mean it? I am fully, one hundred percent against cake faces. The definition of cake face is: One who literally paints stuff on their face so they basically look like a clown. But I am not against using make-up to enhance one's beauty.

I had a fase recently where I was super against wearing make-up and even getting ready in general. I was thinking someone should like me for my natural beauty and not just when I'm all done up. I do believe that. But I also noticed a difference in myself when I wouldn't get ready. I would feel more lazy, less confident, and just shlumpy.

Provided by: idle hearts.com

When most put on make-up it makes you feel pretty, and ready to conquer the world. It's such a little thing that can put a little pep in your step. Make-up should not be used to cover your face, but to enhance it. We are all beautiful people no matter what color eyeshadow you wear.

The topic of make-up came to my attention because of the victoria secret fashion show. The men go wild for those girls and think they're the hottest things in the world. While us girls are just comparing us to them and how we will never look like that. But then you see pictures of them in everyday life and they look like one of us. It's amazing how make-up, airbrush, and photoshop can alter somebody so much. We should never compare ourselves to somebody else because we are all unique and have something that makes individually shine just as bright as a movie star. Being who you are is extremely important and hiding behind make-up is no life to live. WE ARE ALL AWE MOMENTS!

Awe Moment #8

Oh Thanksgiving. Such a great holiday filled with great food, great people, great weather, and great activities! One reason I especially love Thanksgiving is I stop and think what I am grateful for in my life!

This Thanksgiving couldn't have gone better. I drove to Arizona and literally my whole family was there. It was a fun filled family reunion. We did a two mile Turkey Trot, went shooting, did some black friday shopping, had an iron chef competition, played so many games, and laughed so hard we peed our pants. Being with my family makes me feel so lucky to be surrounded by people like them.

On the drive home from Arizona I was thinking...why do we need holidays to be our excuse to be thankful, or extra nice, or do charity work. Those are things we should always do regardless of the time of year. No matter what trial you are going through right now there is always something that is positive. Sometimes you have to look for it a little harder. It could be as simple as looking at the snow covered mountains and just appreciaitng the beautiful place we live in. Holidays are awesome, and I hope to live everyday like it's a holiday, which would make my life an overall AWE MOMENT!

Awe Moment #7

One of the best things about Utah are the seasons! Earlier this week I was really admiring the beauty of fall. The leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground. When it's cloudy, the contrast of the sky and the leaves really takes my breath away. Then i thought...wait, we think that fall is so pretty because of the colors, but the leaves are only changing colors because they are dying.

Provided by: SuperiorTrails.com

Death usually is not a beautiful thing, but in this case, it is. Dying is a part of life but it is not something most people look forward to. On the other hand, people look forward to fall, which is a symbol of death. Without death, there would not be regrowth, it is something that needs to happen. It can be viewed as a negative or positive step depending on the cultural lense of the individual. It's amazing how little things can bring about such broad thoughts. We have those little reminders in life to open our minds and make us think outside of our box. Nature is art created by the earth and being able to enjoy it everday makes everyday an AWE MOMENT.

Awe Moment #6

Writing about the AWE MOMENT this week was kind of rough. Sometimes we all have those weeks that are just the worrrrst. During these hard weeks it's extremely difficult to notice the little great things about life.This week was one of those weeks! I was planning on being a negative nancy for this post and just rant about how everything went wrong...but I'm not going to. I came home today just in tears and ready to have a break down. Right when I walked in the door my roommates were there ready to listen and help me out. PLUS my roommate Sadie got me the best cinnamon sticks dessert ever from The Pie. I just burst out in tears and explained to them everything that was going on. They gave me the best advice and were so comforting. I don't know what I would do without my best friends. They always know how to put a smile on my face even when I'm down in the dumps or mad. Sometimes I
feel like I don't want to burden them with my problems, but it feels SO much better to talk about it.

I never want to be THAT "dramatic girl"...but sometimes being dramatic is such a great release! It is so important to surround yourself with positive people who love you and will always be there for you. That's exactly why having those best friends you can turn to with anything, can turn even the worst days into AWE MOMENTS.

Awe Moment #5

This awe moment has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with my boss Dr. Davis. This past week at work one of our patients came in the office to talk to Dr. Davis. He didn't come in for dental work, but for personal advice instead. He mentioned something about being homeless, which led us to believe this was a serious issue. This was a hectic day at work, and I wasn't sure if Dr. Davis was going to get a second to talk to him. After I had explained to Dr. Davis the situation he immediately dropped what he was doing and went into the consultation room to speak with this man. Once he was done talking to him he went into his office and grabbed his wallet, pulled out ten dollars and some type of business card. The man had left, and later on that day we asked Dr. Davis what had happened. He explained to us that this man was kicked out of his house and was now homeless with no money for food, which is why he gave him ten dollars and a business card of a place that he could go and stay.
This is an example of only one act of kindness that Dr. Davis has shown. I am in awe of the things he does every day. Not going to lie, there are times i get super frustrated with him, but it's hard to stay mad at him for long because everything he does is with good intention. He is in his sixties and still works 40+ hours a week, he is a full time father and husband, and still finds time to play with his granddaughters at least one day a week. He is the most selfless man that I have ever met, and has such a positive few on life. It amazes me that his patients don't just view him as their dentist. They view him as someone they can turn to in times of need or even just to talk about what is going on in their life.
I look up to and admire Dr. Davis, and am lucky to have a boss like him. Many people complain about their managers and how they aren't treated very well at their work. I am fortunate enough to work for such a sincere and genuine man who wants the best for his employees. I aspire to one day have at least half the success and happiness he has in his life. He has a passion and love for his career that I am searching for and hopefully will one day find.
Seeing people, like Dr. Davis, doing their best to live every day to its fullest are definitely AWE MOMENTS!

Awe Moment #4

Before you scroll down and read this post please watch the video below!

 

 

WOW! Everytime I watch this dance I get the chills alllllll over! Even if you aren't interested in dance this video will have an impact on you. The first time I saw this dance I got tears in my eyes because I felt bad for people who have to fight an addiction. Now, I can relate to those people. Personally I have not had a dangerous addiction, but my dad has. He has been fighting it for a couple years and the fight still continues. I watched his addiction with alcohal slowly take over. It not only had an affect on him, but it affected our whole family. Addictions can ruin relationships, break up homes and families, and possibly take lives. Watching somebody you love trying to fight an addiction is heart breaking. You see them have so much hope and take the right steps to change. It seems like once you see them progress something sucks them back into the bad habit. I want to help so badly but there's only so much I can do. It is a battle they have to conquer and I think it is one of the hardest battles there is. I have been thinking about my dad and his addiction a lot this past week and I was flipping through the channels on t.v. and this dance was on. It is so powerful and is a great interpretation of how an addiction takes over your body and soul. In the end, she fights the addiction even though it was a tramendous struggle. I truely hope my dad and others facing addictions are able to overcome their addictions and find happiness.

 

Coming across videos, songs, or pictures that relate to what you are going through in that moment pop up for a reason. They remind us we aren't the only ones going through hard times and there is light at the end of the tunnel. These things that touch us for reasons we cannot explain are definitely AWE MOMENTS. 

Awe Moment #3

Love. Do you smell that? Beacuse love is in the air this week. That word can make people feel many different emotions. There is no way love can have one definition because it's a word with many meanings. I was walking around temple square one day and I saw an elderly couple sitting on a bench. The man had his arm around his cute little wife while they were holding hands and gazing into eachothers eyes. I felt kind of creepy staring at them but I couldn't help it. I'm not sure what love is but to me, that was it. You could tell they have grown together and even though they've experienced bumps in the road, good times, bad times, trials and tribulations they still look into eachothers eyes like they just met.


Thanks to gilygily.com



I never had the greatest example of true love growing up. It is discouraging watching movies and seeing how they protray love as being a perfect fairytale, when in reality, I have seen it not be that way by any means. My parents' divorce has altered my views of being in love. But seeing moments, like that elderly couple, gives me hope that true love really does exist.

Another lovely moment that happend involves my coworker. She just got married to her boyfriend of two years and boy are they adorable. A week after they got home from their honeymoon he surprised her by bringing her orange juice and a donut in the shape of a 'U' to work. The donut was especially awesome because she loooves the University of Utah and she was so pumped for the game that weekend. When he walked in the door she had tears in her eyes. You would of thought he surprised her with a brand new car or something, but nope, it was just breakfast. And that simple surprise meant more to her than if he got her something extravagent. The small things have more meaning and show more thought than the material things. Walking around and seeing people showing their love in different ways are absolutely AWE MOMENTS.

I have attached a clip from the movie Up. Although I don't know what love is yet, this clip shows how I imagine it.

Awe Moment #2

Provided by: www.thinknice.com
By Brian

Think about how many times you have driven passed someone holding up a cardboard sign in need of food, work or money. Now think about how many times you have stopped and offered them help. I don't know about you, but I have been guilty of ignoring them the majority of the time, except for this one occasion I decided to stop. My day was super hectic from the start, I got off work later then expected, and I had to rush over to a dance studio in Draper to teach. I was in such a rush and I was sitting at a red light yelling at it to turn green! Then, I looked over and saw a man pushing his child in a stroller and holding a red gas can. He was waving at me asking for me to roll my window down. The light turned green and I was ready to push the pedal to the metal and be on my way, instead I stopped because he seemed like he really needed help. I pulled over and rolled my window down and he said, "Excuse me ma'am, this is already embarrassing as it is but I ran out of gas and was wondering if you had a few dollars to spare. I can wash your windows or something in return."The man offering to work for the money showed a lot about his character. It really made me stop and think, if I was in his same position I would want somebody to stop and lend me a hand. After talking to him, I gave him the three dollars I had on me. He was so grateful and had a smile on his face from ear to ear. Because I stopped for those three minutes, I made a difference in somebody's day and maybe even their life. People, including myself, get so caught up in the activities going on throughout the day that we don't stop for a second and think how we can help someone else. It can be something as simple as a smile, or even a wave that can brighten up somebodies day. It was such an awesome experience being able to be a part of such a simple act of kindness that made a BIG difference...and that's what I like to call... an AWE MOMENT!

Awe Moment #1

Since this is my post number one, I thought I would talk about the people who are number one in my life...MY FAMILY!

My brother Ryan and I

Adorable wittle Kayden

A few days ago I was out running errands with my cousin, Kalissa, and her little boy, Kayden. We were just galavanting around town doing some shopping having a grand ol time, when out of the blue Kayden says, “I miss my little brother Jackson, I just love him so much!” He said it with such wide eyes and with the most sincere voice. I just put down the shirt I was looking at, looked at him and said, “awwwe Kayden that is so sweet.” I know you’re probably wondering why such a  silly little thing stuck out to me. Little kids say that all the time about their siblings. But it just made me think about my relationship with my older brother. We got along fine and dandy when we were younger but the older we got, the more we grew apart. Our arguments are so pointless and we let our different outlooks hinder us from having a strong brother and sister relationship. If we just take a step back and remember what it was like when we were Kaydens age, playing Mario Kart on Nintendo 64 and just thoroughly enjoying having the other around, our relationship could potentially change. We do need to confront our differences but most importantly we need to remember that we are family and that bond will never break. Witnessing Kayden exemplifying what a good big brother is was definitely an AWE MOMENT!