Summer Goals

Ok friends!! Here are my goals that I am hoping will help to be happier not just over the summer, but will be the beginning of good habits that will help me stay happy for a lifetime!

The most important goal:

BE FARRAH!

I'm not going to pretend or try to force myself to like anything. Everything I do is going to be done with the attitude that I am trying to better myself and make myself happier!!

PHYSICAL HEALTH:
Exercise at least 4-5 times a week for at least an hour for each workout. I'm also not going to link my exercise to weight loss. Weight loss will be an added bonus. I'm exercising because it's something I enjoy doing, it's time spent on myself, for myself to increase energy and keep me sane!

I would like to run a 5k and a 10k by the end of the summer.

MENTAL HEALTH:
"It's easier to keep a clean house clean than to clean a dirty house." - Rachel Ryan
Keep my room, my bathroom and my study area clean. Organization has never been my strong point so it's time I started some good habits before I move out on my own in August.

Read at least 10 books on my 'Want to Read' book list. Specifically the complete edition of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, The counte of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Gain and maintain a decent sleep schedule. No more staying up til 4 am and sleeping til noon...

Keep up on my week by week chart for my goals.


I know they don't seem like much, but it's the small changes that matter the most. I have a few more fairly intimate goals that I'm going to keep to myself, but hopefully you'll be able to see the benefits reaped by keeping all my goals! So excited! Updates will be frequent!!

PS - Anyone interested in having their own summer of happiness, I highly recommend checking out this website: www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com There you can set up charts, goals and see inspiring posts and goals that other people are trying to accomplish.

This is how a heart breaks.

So I know that I promised that my next post would be a detailed list of goals. I'm working on it, I will have it done before I go to work tomorrow, but I just need to vent for one little second.

I had my heart broken today. The boy I've had a crush on since I was 9 years old proposed to his girlfriend over the weekend. I've known since high school that I never had a chance with him, but in a sense he was my first love and I can't help but hurt a little. And cry a little. I'll get over it, I'll be fine and I'm still very optimistic about my goals etc, I just had to tell my loyal bloggers who would understand. You never forget the first person who captures your heart for whatever reason, and you can't help but hope just a little. Until they get engaged.

The Summer of Happiness

I can't believe that my 30 Day Blog Challenge is over! I've had so much fun doing it and I really enjoy blogging. But now the problem is, what to blog about? My life tends to be fairly boring and sometimes I forget that people don't want to know certain details of my life. If you have been following my blog, particularly before I started my blog challenge, you know that I have been struggling lately with being content with who I am, where I am, what I've been doing, and moreover being happy. I have a wonderful friend who recognized my struggles and sent me some inspiration. What she had to tell me and the book she sent me really made me look at things and once again I am evolving as a person. Chelsea's inspiration as well as the events of my bestie getting baptized have really made me remember what is important in life. Because of this I have decided to implement some changes in my life in order to make myself happy. I'm calling it "The Summer of Happiness" and I plan to use my blog to keep myself accountable for my goals and to hopefully inspire other people to be happier as well!

First things first: Who am I?
I've realized my biggest problem has been that I have been trying so hard to fit in and like things that I don't actually like, that I have been making myself unhappy and trying to convince myself that I like things I don't actually like. For the past week I have been trying really hard to implement the rule of "Be Farrah." If people can't respect me for who I am, likes and dislikes, then they aren't really my friends. And the friends that I have now, I know will love me no matter what. And you know, being myself and made me feel so much better and my friends are still my friends! WHOA!!
Examples:

• I am a tomboy. Always have been, always will be. I don't really like girly things like makeup, fingernail polish, doing my hair, super cute shoes, girly clothes, shopping, etc. I've tried so hard to convince myself that I do like those things because I am a girl, but you know what? I like wearing tennis shoes, my hair in a ponytail, little makeup, being active, burping, laughing out loud, t-shirts, getting dirty, and hanging tough. That's me, and I'm ok with that. Yes, I have feminine qualities and I can act like a lady, but I am who I am and I like what I like and I like being a tomboy!


• I'm a tease. Sometimes I forget that teasing is inappropriate in certain situations, but humor is a huge part of my nature and I love being silly, making a fool of myself, cracking jokes, and seeing the humor in every situation. I have often been afraid of what people will think of me when I make my sarcastic comments so I would often stay quiet, but you know what? I come up with some pretty funny stuff! I'm loud and proud!


• Contrary to popular belief and my body type, I'm fairly naturally athletic and have always loved being active. In jr high and high school, the group of friends I hung out with weren't really into sports and because I was fairly insecure, I didn't want to play sports by myself, so I stopped playing them all together. I miss it now and it's one of my biggest regrets. I want to become active again and play sports, particularly softball!

I already have quite a few goals that I want to accomplish this summer and I'm so excited! Even though it might seem selfish for me to be focusing so much on myself, I don't see it that way. When I'm trying to make myself happy, it's so much easier to make other people happy! My goal is to post at least twice a week about the progress of my goals. My next posting will be a detailed list of those goals so you can all hold me accoutable! Also, if anyone would like to start some group goals, let me know! I'm willing to have all the help and support I can get! And if I can help you be happy too, then it will make it that much more worth it. :)

The book that started the inspiration! THANK YOU CHELSEA!! I highly recomment it to anyone and everyone!

Day 31

Day 31 - A photo of me today and three good things that have happened today.

#1 - It's my daddy's birthday!! Happy big 5-2 Dad!!

#2 - I finished the fantastic book I started yesterday! No Limits: The Will to Succeed by Michael Phelps. Loved it.

#3 - I got to spend a few hours with my family!

Day 30

Day 30 - Something I could never get tired of doing.

I will never get tired of laughing. I love to laugh, I love to make people laugh and I love to be silly. I love to do the unpredictable, I love to crack jokes and I love to be sarcastic. I go by the belief that laughter is the best medicine!

Farrah + dangerous objects = you should probably stay at least 20 feet away.

I love trying to climb through spaces I obviously won't fit! While Lisha is touching my bum!

Day 29

Day 29 - My biggest pet peeve.

There really aren't that many things that really peeve me to the point of not being able to stand it. I'm very tolerant and easy going and try my best to see the good in people. But there is one thing that I do not have a tolerance for and that is dishonesty. Don't lie to me. Don't lie about me to others. Don't lie about yourself and make up excuses. Lying creates distrust and is just plain low. It shows that liars have no character and no class. Tell the truth, even if it's hard because then you never have to wonder what stories you told people and tell more lies to cover your previous lies.

Day 28

Day 28 - My favorite movie.

The Princess Bride has been my favorite movie since I was a kid. I used to watch it over and over and over and over and drive my family nuts! I still watch it quite often and it never gets old! Pretty sure I could quote the whole thing by heart.

"Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line! A-ha-ha-ha!! A-ha-ha-ha!! A-ha-ha-ha--"

Day 27

Day 27 - A picture of me last year and how I've changed since then.

Oh my, how I have changed. I've come to realize though that we as people are constantly evolving by the people around us, by the events that happen and the choices we make. One year ago, I had just found out I was selected for the nursing program at CEU for 2010-2011 school year. My time as an ambassador was winding down and I thought I was ready for all the new experiences that were about to come my way. I was feeling pretty good about life. I was nervous for all the changes, but I was so excited. Wow, how things changed...

Last year at Eagle Frenzy. I met the magician, Dan Sperry, that had done part of the night's entertainment.

Day 26

Day 26 - My most recent entertainment.

Books. Books have been my most recent entertainment. I've picked up reading again to keep my mind occupied during my few and far between moments when I have nothing else to do. Basically my lunch break at work. But there is just something so satisfying about holding a book in your hands and letting the words take you into another world.

Day 25

Day 25 - A photo of something that means a lot to me.

I would just like to say that in the list of things to blog about each day, there is no Day 24. But there is a Day 31. So really it's a 31 Day Blog Challenge minus Day 24. I'm not relabeling all my posts, so whatever.

Something that means a lot to me. There are a lot of things that mean a lot to me. Many of them, such as my family, friends, talents, hobbies, pets, possessions etc, fit in other posts and I figure I should talk about the thing that means the most to me right now.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have a strong testimony of the power of the Atonement. I know that my elder brother died for me so that I could live with him and my Heavenly Father forever. He loves me so much that he sweat great drops of blood, felt every pain, hurt and emotion I have ever felt so that I would know that I am not alone.

Day 23

Day 23 - My dream house. So once again, I'm kind of weird and haven't really thought about my dream house...Mostly because I kind of have yet to think about my life beyond being a poor college student and living in an apartment. Basically all I know is that when I do finally have a house of my own I want a music room with a baby grand piano, vaulted ceilings, and enough room to keep bookshelves with sheet music as well as electronic music and an ihome to play music on. Also room for a couch so that it can be the room I teach flute lessons in as well. I also want a home theatre in the basement because I'm a movie junkie! And I guess bedrooms and a bathroom would be good too...

Day 22

Day 22 - My favorite trip I have been on. So in thinking about which trip to use for this blog, I realized I haven't been on all that many trips. I don't really travel all that much and I have never been outside of the western United States other than a random trip barely across the Mexican border. I've been 1/2 a mile into Mexico, whoopee. Anyway, the trip I chose was Spring Break 2010 for a few reasons. Number one because it was a freaking phemonenal trip. Number two it was the first time I went on a pretty major trip without my parents or a school group. It was solely planned by me and the two friends I went with. That trip proved to me, Kelt and Nessa that yea, we can live without our parents and be ok. We can survive in the 2nd largest metropolitan area in the United States on our own for a whole week! It was a little scary, but I did a lot of growing on that trip. And it was with two of my absolute best friends in the whole world which just made it that much better! And we are on our way!!

A quick stop at the beach! Just FYI: Even though the weather is fantastically warm, the ocean is freezing in March!!

Chilling in Disneyland! Ness and I showing our Helena pride! (Helena as in Helena Bonham Carter, NOT Helen of Troy or your wife Helena!)

Being creepers on the Tower of Terror! Oh look! We ran into Lisha and Tanner!

On our last day at DL/Cali Adventure. Taking a moment to enjoy the beautiful waterfall. :)

Day 21

Day 21 - A photo of something that makes me happy. The beach. The beach makes me very happy. Particularly Redondo Beach in southern California. And especially when I am there with two of my very best friends. I love the smell, the sound, the feel, and the power of the ocean. I just think it is so beautiful. It is on my bucket list to own a beach house someday and spend at least one summer of my life just soaking up the sun and loving the sand and the water.

Day 20

Day 20 - The meaning behind my blog name. Pretty self explanatory really. I started this blog to share the stories of my life with others. Everyone has a story and I love being able to hear about the things people have done with their lives. Everyone has a different and unique story that is theirs and no one else's. This is my life, and these are my stories.

Day 19

Day 19 - Another picture of myself. I absolutely adore this picture. This is me and my Grandma Grundvig, taken Halloween 2010. I absolutely love my grandma. She is one of the most amazing people I know and she has an amazing story. Losing my grandpa has not been easy for her and I now take every opportunity to spend time with her and let her know I love her.

Day 18

Day 18 - Something I crave a lot. I crave hugs. If you know me, you know that I am a very touchy-feely person. I love human contact. It's really part of my survival. Affection is my natural way of showing love, comfort, concern, pride, and grief. If I had it my way, I'd be hugging the people I love 24/7! Luckily my little brother knows how much I love hugs. That kid knocks me over every time I see him!

Day 17

Day 17 - A photo of me and my family. I love my family. They are the most amazing and incredible people I know. My family is quite unique. I have four brothers. One older, three younger and we're very spread out, ranging 21 years. The oldest is 27 and the youngest is 6. My parents struggled getting started and were told that they would be lucky if they were ever able to have children, so each of us are miracles. My mom is amazing. She has such a sense of humor and is so much fun. Sometimes I forget she is my mom because in certain situations (like giggling fits) we are totally on the same level! My dad is one of the smartest and hardest working men I know. He is such a tease and is always willing to listen and is so wise. Also, I don't really consider myself spoiled, but I am obviously my father's only daughter! My older brother is my absolute best friend in the world. It was just the two of us growing up and now that we're the adult children, we're closer than ever. He is the best and I just love him! Gavin, Dallin and Hyrum, the three hooligans! I love those three! I always wanted younger siblings and let me tell you, be careful what you wish for! They are so funny, challenging, simple, loving and caring. Each of them is unique and I wouldn't trade any of them for all the sisters in the world! Me, Mom (Loraina), Dad (Sidney), Daron, Gavin, Hyrum and Dallin.

Day 16

Day 16 - My celebrity crush. I have three of them. These three have been my favorites for years. Number #1 - Johnny Depp. I love him as every character he has played. He is so diverse and so talented. And did I mention delicious?! #2 - Hugh Jackman. OMG, those muscles. That voice. Those eyes. And I love him not just as Wolverine, but again, every character he has played. #3 - Brendan Fraser. I first fell in love with him when he played George of the Jungle. And then they gave him guns and an attitude in the Mummy. Yum.

Day 15

Day 15 - My favorite childhood show. Saved by the Bell! Still one of my favorites.

Day 14

Day 14 - A show I am currently addicted to. CRIMINAL MINDS. I absolutely love this show. And there is no question that I am addicted. Hotchner is my favorite character, I'm pretty much in love with him. I've seen every episode, have the first 5 seasons on DVD and am in the middle of watching all the seasons again. Ridiculous.

Day 13

Day 13 - Explain one of my hobbies. I am a book worm. Always have been, always will be. I absolutely love to read. I have no specific favorite genre, I read just about anything I can get my hands on. College has been so hard for me simply because I do not have time to read as much as I would like to. Summer is coming though and I have big plans to READ READ READ READ READ!!! My favorite books of all time: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I've read them at least once every year since I was in jr. high. Yup, I'm a geek!

Day 12

Day 12 - A photograph of the town I live in.

I've lived in the same little town my whole life. Say hello to Price, Utah. I love this town with my whole heart. It's just a beautiful city and a fantastic place to grow up.

Main street is kind of old and very unique. Love it!

The Cityworks domes. AKA: THE BOOBS!! I grew up next door to these strange things and spent many hours trying to climb them.

The place where I've met the greatest people, had the best experiences, and have matured the most. I love my CEU.

Day 11

Day 11 - A photo from high school I couldn't pick just one photo so I chose one from my sophmore year, two from my junior year because I just couldn't decide between the two and one from my senior year. It's my blog, deal. ;) I am such a band geek. My sophmore homecoming. I made it through with a broken finger and phenomenal pants! Junior year: My ladies, Amy and Sarah that kept me sane through HS. Best cartoon drawing ever! Me and two of my favorite boys, Kelt and Sterl. And last but not least, probably my favorite picture of my bestie, Kelt and I. Taken whilst we were participating in pep band during our senior year homecoming game. The band geek in me will never die!

Day 10

Day 10 - A photo of my favorite place to eat. I am an italian food junkie! I love pasta, cheese, sausage, potatoes, bread.... and pretty much anything containing those ingredients. Olive Garden is my favorite place to eat. So much delicious italian food, so little time...