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Company

As you might have figured out by now, I love running. A lot. And I love running alone. I love being left with my thoughts and emotions, left to my own pace, left to my own battle. So, when my friend Laura suggested that we go running together, I was hesitant at first (sorry, Laura!). I thought I would be a boring running buddy and that I would be left running by myself anyhow, because Laura runs much faster than me. But, I decided I would look on the positive side instead. I could spend time with my friend, make sure I got a good run in, and maybe push myself.
I am seriously so grateful that I agreed. Friday, Laura and I set out for a ride in my neighbourhood. It was seriously so great. We kept a faster pace than I'm used to, but I kept pushing myself, because I had somebody beside me. We had a lot to talk about, and enjoyed the sunshine. I think I may have gotten a slight sunburn too. I'll remember to douse myself in the SPF next time! Also, I loved Laura's reaction to the low flying planes (because we're closer to the airport).
I highly recommend finding a friend to run with, or whatever it is you do to move your body. Company is always nice.

Honor it

One thing that I have come to love about yoga is the insistance that you listen to your own body and honor it. Yesterday, my instructor said that a few times. Honor what you are feeling. Sometimes, you can't hold a specific position or do the more advanced part, but that's okay. For example, while we were in pigeon pose, Andrea asked us to reach our arm back and bend and hold our left or right leg (depending on the side we were stretching). I tried it on my left side and it didn't even come close to working. On the right side, it worked, but I lost my balance and nearly fell over, so I just stayed in the original position. Sometimes I get upset with myself for not being able to do what I want to. My body is so inflexible, and it never goes as far as I want it to. But, I've realized that this is okay.
At other times, Andrea encourages us to take a break if we aren't able to breathe easily through a pose. Sometimes you just need to take that time in child's pose in order to bring yourself back so you can continue your practice.
I have learned recently that this is true in life sometimes too. I usually think that we have to struggle through things and keep going, regardless of how we are feeling. Sometimes things are just so stressful or other factors in our lives make the things that used to be enjoyable (even if they were still a challenge) nearly impossible to complete. Sometimes it's best to just take a breather, and refocus yourself so that you can finish. It doesn't mean that you are less of a person, or a failure. It only means that you are listening to your body and honouring it.

Bueller?

When I was fifteen, I fell in love. His name was Ferris, and I thought he was amazing.

For my fifteenth birthday, my parents got me "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". On VHS. (That makes it cooler, right?) I watched it that night, and basically at least once a week that summer. I wanted to be born twenty years earlier so that I could meet become an actress, be cast as Sloane Peterson and kiss Matthew Broderick in his prime. But, alas, I was left with only a movie to watch and rewatch. I was seriously hooked. I remember being crushed when I found out there was already a band named "Save Ferris" -- that was going to be my band's name! (Because when I was fifteen, I legitimately thought I would start a band one day). 

Anyhow, the reason the rememberance of my fan girl days, stemmed from a discovery of some amazing Ferris Bueller posters. I want every single one. 

What was your favourite movie as a teenager? Did you have a thing for 80's flicks and John Hughes like me?

Savasana

Usually, I learn my life lessons from running, but yesterday, yoga was my teacher. After a series of gruelling crescent lunges and some shake inducing boat poses, I was so ready for savasana (the final resting pose). As we prepared to settle into savasana, my instructor talked about giving ourselves permission to just let go, and do nothing. She said that we had earned it. It was true. I worked really hard, doing my very best and persevering when I thought my muscles would break. I had earned a rest.
My next thought was about life in general. We go through hard times every day. Some trials last a minute, some last decades. And there are times that we may want to just give up and let our muscles quit, because it's too overwhelming, and we can't take it. But you can't do that. The problems will still be there, and you still have to deal with them. Savasana doesn't come until the end. And when it does come, and you know you've earned it, it's a wonderful feeling.

Comparison

All my life, or at least as long as I can remember, I have had the tendency to compare myself to others. I look at the lives of my friends and family, and wonder why I'm not doing the same things, or getting the same results, or what I can do to be more like them. Sometimes, it's not a bad thing. For instance, I see my sister and how happy she is being a mom, and I think, I can have that. But more often then not, it is not a good thing. It's probably one of the more destructive of my bad habits. I see people who started university the same year as me who will graduate with their second degree when I'm finally getting my first. I see people who are my age owning homes while we are renting a tiny place, and will be renting for a while longer. I see people close to my age not just having their first child, but their second or third.  I see people who try running and within a few weeks are finishing ten minutes faster than my best 5K. The list goes on and on.
For years, my mom counselled me to stop focusing on what other people were doing, and worry about what I'm doing. All of our circumstances are different. I know what my best is, and I know that I can also improve. I'm not competing with anyone else, I'm competing against myself. Every day, I want to be improving -- but not against what someone else is doing. I want to improve against my own standard.
The last few weeks, I have made a greater effort to get outside and run while the sun has been shining and the temperatures have been moderate. One afternoon, I decided to make a playlist of songs that would keep me running fast so I could finally beat my fastest time. For the first while, I was doing great. I had my fastest kilometer yet, and I was sure that I had mastered it. But then around my third kilometer, my legs would not work. It was a struggle to keep going. After a few rests, and very slow pace on my last two kilometers due to a horrible cramp, I finished the 5K I had set out to do but much slower than I wanted. I came home feeling defeated and worthless. What was wrong with me? I know how to run. I can do it, but why wouldn't my body do what I wanted it to do? As I thought more about it that night, I realized that the fun of running had been overshadowed by my compulsion to compare my results against someone else's. The next morning, I decided that I would go for an easy thirty minute jog and not care about how fast or how far I went. It was great. I ran really slow, but I felt great.
Heavenly Father does not judge us by how we stack up next to someone else. He knows what we are personally capable of, and wants us to focus on improving ourselves day by day by doing better than we did the day before.
It's still a real struggle for me not to compare myself to others, but I am thankful for the insights that I have been able to have this last week as I work towards correcting my behaviours.
I'm still a slow runner, and I am probably the least flexible person in my yoga class. I live in a really small home, and I still wonder if I will actually graduate. But, I'm happy. Running and yoga make me feel good even when I can't run a ten minute mile yet and I can't reach my toes today. But, I am comforted by the knowledge that every day, in every way I'm getting better and better.

Music Monday

Top ten songs to lift your spirits after sitting through your Intro Geology class filled with the most obnoxious kids.

1. Crocodile Rock - Elton John
2. That Thing You Do - The Wonders
3. Young Americans - David Bowie
4. Lost in My Mind - The Head and the Heart
5. Good Feeling - Flo Rida
6. I Love to Laugh - Dick Van Dyke, Ed Wynn & Julie Andrews (from Mary Poppins)
7. Stay, Stay, Stay - Taylor Swift
8. Man or Muppet - Jason Segel & Walter (from The Muppets)
9. He's So Fine - The Chiffons
10. Bubble Toes - Jack Johnson

Something old

I'm not sure where it comes from (perhaps my Scottish blood?), but I am a lover of tradition, and can be a tad bit superstitious (not crazy, but just a little 'stitious). So, on my wedding day, I needed to have my something old, something borrowed, and something blue.
For the ceremony, I borrowed my sister's temple dress. And my bouquet had both my something old and blue. I decided that I wanted to make the bouquets for my bridal party. I didn't want to have anything too elaborate, but simple and unique to me. For my bouquet, I wrapped white and pink daisies in a blue polka dot ribbon, which matched my bridesmaid's dresses. To add a little something extra special, I took a little bit of the lace from the veil my mom wore on her wedding day and used it over top of the ribbon. I was really happy with how it turned out, and I'm glad that I keep my bouquet forever as a keepsake from our special day.

Six months

Today, it has been six months since my sweetheart and I became husband and wife. Looking back, it seems like time has flown by, but then again it feels like we have been married much longer than only half a year. But, either way, it has been a wonderful six months. I am so, so happy to be married to my best friend.

I am in love with this picture. Seriously. I can't stop looking at it. 

I am in love with us.

Remember that time we got married?

To celebrate the coming of a new year and our six month anniversary coming up on Sunday, I have decided to share a few wedding pictures with y'all. That's right. I have my wedding pictures. And I have been selfishly keeping them to myself.

Throughout the week, I will post a few of my favourites. Enjoy!

I love our wedding photos because David, my favourite brother and photographer was really able to capture the joy and love that we felt that day as Christopher and I became husband and wife.

Here is one of my absolute favourites of Christopher and I. This one will definitely be framed soon.

We're adorable, right?

Surprising inspiration

This past week, I have been rereading one of my favourite books, Little Women. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and found so many little treasures within it that I have never noticed in my many previous readings (I've been reading it since I was eight).
This morning, I came across a passage that blew me away.
Marmee says to Jo,

"My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."

How amazing is that? Now I know why the Prophet and Apostles counsel us to read good books along with our scriptures. Good books can uplift us, and make us want to be better. I had no idea when I started reading this morning that I would find inspiration reading from the words of my friend, Louisa May.

Secret Santa

I have a tip for you.
Pay attention.
Trust me, this is gold.
If you are home alone, waiting for the husband to get home for work, and the doorbell rings, answer it. Really, truly, I kid you not. Blessings await you once you open that door.
On Monday night, I was hanging out in bed, eating crackers and watching episode upon episode of Parenthood on Netflix. I had just finished two exams that morning and afternoon, so I was definitely enjoying the time to relax. I was expecting my dear husband, Christopher to be home from work any moment. It was nearly 10:30 and the doorbell rang. I wasn't sure if it was for us, or our neighbour upstairs, but I decided to check it out anyhow. I opened the door, and there were two people at the door. I recognized the girl (because I'm the person that knows who other people are, but no one knows who I am), but didn't know them personally. They asked if we were the Craigs, and handed me a Christmas present. I awkwardly said thank you and wished them a Merry Christmas, and headed back downstairs to see what was wrapped inside the tiny gift. To my amazement (and still writing this I am not believing it), there were $200 in giftcards (for groceries, dinner and movies). I was so excited when Christopher walked in the door and I got to tell him the good news.
We are so blessed. We wish we knew who was our Secret Santa, but they obviously wanted to be anonymous, and that's okay. It is so humbling to know that somebody loves us and is thinking of us. The blessings just keep coming, and coming.

Kristi's Picks: Heaven is Here

The other day, a friend commented on one of my book recommendations and asked me to give more, so I thought I would do just that. Welcome to a new feature of the blog: Kristi's Picks. Though I haven't read anything but stuff for school this semester, when I am not in school, I love to read as much as possible, and working in bookstore makes that pretty easy! I read some really good books earlier this year, so that is where I will start with my recommendations. 

One of the best books that I read this year was Heaven is Here written by the lovely and inspiring Stephanie Nielson (of NieNie Dialogues). I loved reading this book so much. It was written so beautifully, and so honestly. The whole time I was reading it, I was either smiling or crying. I love how Stephanie totally understands her role as a women, wife and mother. Do yourself a favour and read this gem. I promise, if you have a beating heart, you will not regret it.

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Movember

Another eleven days, and November will be over with. Can you believe it? This year is going by so quickly!
November brings with it many things. From colder temperatures to poppies to stress over term papers. And of course, moustaches. Throughout this month, I have seen many a mo' and heard many women complain about the creepy 'staches, or as Erin Hannon says, "it looks like there's an eyebrow in the middle of your face".
I am not a fan of moustaches, not even the classic Selleck. But, though it may make some men a little hard to look at for a month, I think Movember is worth it.
Last year, my brother, David decided to support the cause of Movember and raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. I was touched by this, even though I prefer a beard over a moustache any day. I have known a few people in my life that have suffered from cancer, and many others who have had their own friends or family suffer from cancer. In fact, my own Papa had prostate cancer (though I didn't find out until about 10 years after the fact). Thankfully they were able to detect it early, and it was treated.
So, because of the great cause that is Movember, I choose to ignore the ugly "eyebrows in the middle of your face". And I hope that you will do the same!
To learn more about the Movember Campaign, go here . And, you can help my brother David raise money, here. Or give the money to someone you know that is raising money for this great cause.
It's only 30 days ladies, I think we can deal with it.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

My mom, as most parents do, has passed down some traits to me. Though sometimes I wish that she had passed down certain traits, like her ability to be her own person without comparing herself to others, or her selflessness, especially with her family and with her callings. But, thankfully she did pass on a few good things to me. I think my favourite is an ability to bake, and also a love of baking. I can't imagine being a wife or a mother without being able to bake. As far as I'm concerned, houses are supposed to smell like muffins, cakes and cookies.

(The banana muffins I made tonight. Such a delightful smell!)

Lessons Learned

Once again, running has taught me something about life.
On Saturday morning, I competed in a 5K race. Sure, that may not sound like a big deal. This was my third race (the first I've done in over a year), and I am not a stranger to running. However, this race was unlike any other I have competed in.
That morning, Christopher and I were up and ready to go just after 7:00 am so that we could make a stop and Walmart to get some gloves for me and gloves and a toque for Christopher. The forecast had said all week that there would be chance of snow, but I prayed and prayed the night before and that morning that that wouldn't happen. I love to run, but not in the winter. I am strictly a spring/summer/fall runner and avoid running in the winter at all costs. As we drove, I could see snow flying around, and I just kept thinking "I can't do this in the snow!" When we got to the park, the snow had stopped momentarily, but the cold was definitely still around. I felt good, and just wanted to start running so my body would be warm. When the race started, I was got into my zone so to speak, and went for it. As it went on, the wind and snow were in my face, and didn't really seem to stop until I got to the halfway point -- or maybe it stopped slightly after that, I don't quite remember. Anyhow, as I was running into the wind and snow, I thought about how I had prayed that we would have good weather. But, we didn't. I could have thought of this as Heavenly Father not answering my prayer, but then I realized that He answered it in another way. He gave me the strength to get through it, despite what was going on around me.
I find this happens a lot in life. I pray for Heavenly Father to take away a trial that I am facing, but instead He provides me with strength (either my inner strength, or strength from someone around me) so that I can continue on, even when the trial is swirling around me like the cold snow.
I was able to finish the race, and even beat my best time.

Oh, and I feel like I need to clear something up. I'm not a good runner. I'm slow. Like really slow. And it's rare that I reach my goal of three runs of 3-4 miles a week. I feel like some of my previous posts made me seem like a more diligent runner than I am. But, I am working on it! Christopher and I plan to run this same race next fall, and I'm hoping he'll join me for some summer races as well. I really want to do at least one 10K next year, so I better start my training now! I think I am going to be a treadmill runner for the next few months, unless we get some sunny days on the plus side.

Thankful

I am laying here in bed, next to me sweet, softly snoring husband and my heart is just full of gratitude and love. I realize that I am so lucky to have all that I do.
I complain so much about the year left that I have of school, and the fact that I have been in university for my sixth year now, and will only have one degree to show for it, not two like some people I know. But, the truth is, those extra years that I have taken to finish my degree have been the years where I have really found myself, and I have overcome so much and been able to see how much interest my Heavenly Father really has in my life.
I complain about our tiny basement suite, and how we don't have enough space or a dishwasher, or enough closet space or freezer space. But the fact is, we have a home. We have a roof over our heads every night. We have clothes to wear, and food to eat.
I could go on. I have so many blessings. I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband that supports me in all that I do, or want to do. He is my rock, and I can't imagine my life without him. Actually, I can imagine it. I've lived it, and it's pretty bleak. I am so thankful for everything that Heavenly Father has given me. I really don't feel like I deserve it, but I will take whatever He will give me, and try to do my best with it.

We love to see the temple

While the new Calgary temple was open for public tours, I was able to go twice. I first went with my mom, sister, Joey, Granny, Papa, and my Uncle Mac and his family. It was really special being there with my family, and I was so amazed by everything. I thought about Christopher the entire time I was there, and couldn't wait to go with him. We were able to make time to go together last Wednesday afternoon. Christopher was able to finish his lab early, and picked me up from school while I had a four hour break in between classes. We were lucky to be able to go while the East Stake was working. It was so nice to see people that we know and don't get to see very often now that we have moved to the North Stake. Thankfully we came at a less busy time, so we were able to go into a room right away to begin our tour. From the beginning of the video, I was so full of the spirit, and my eyes were tingling with tears. I love hearing about the temple, and seeing the temple, and being in the temple. So yes, it was a wonderful experience.
Every single room is so beautiful, and I just felt so much love there. I kept thinking about our wedding, and the wonderful day that that was, especially as we stood in the Celestial Room and the Sealing Room. I was just so overwhelmed with love for my husband, my family, my future family, and my Heavenly Father.
I still can't believe that we have a temple in Calgary! I never thought that we would. I am so excited to go to the dedication on Sunday, and keep going back as much as we possibly can!
I love the temple!

It was a super windy day!

My cute husband being silly.

Me + my husband + the temple = happiness

Friday Night Thoughts

There are a few things I need to write about, but before I talk about a few of the day to day things, and our experience at the temple open house last week, I need to share an experience I had on Friday night.
As I pushed through the last half mile of my run, after running up a hill - not steep, but still not friendly, Coldplay's "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" began to play. I turned it up, willing it to envelope my tired body and allow me to continue what I set out to do forty minutes earlier. As the song pulsed through my body, I began to cry. I actually cry quite often when I run. I'm not always certain why. But that night, it was for a very specific reason. I realized that night that it doesn't matter that I had my slowest run in two months. I was taking care of my body. Something I am doing not only for myself, but for my future children that I will eventually have. As I continued on, waiting for the song to be over, and the voice in my ears to tell me I had reached 3.5 miles, I thought back to a song I had listened to while I ran on Monday night. It was Florence + the Machine's "The Dog Days are Over". Part of the chorus says "run fast for your mother and fast for your father / Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers". And I began to basically sob. I learned at a young age that my body is a gift and a temple, and I should take care of it. But since I have been married, and even a little bit earlier, I have thought very carefully about the children that Christoper and I will bring into the world. As a woman, it is my responsibility to carry those children in my body and then care for them after they are born. I want to give them the best home from the very beginning, so that is why I run. That is why I try to eat the right things and just generally keep my heart healthy. As I started my cool down walk home, I walked past my dream house. This house is so beautiful outside, and this time, the lights were on, so I took a peak and saw that the kitchen is basically my dream kitchen as well. I could picture my future little family there, having dinner or something. I just had so much gratitude in my heart for what my Heavenly Father was able to teach me that night. I am so grateful for my knowledge of His plan and that I can one day have a family of my own. I love that I am a woman and I will get the chance to see my potential in some small way as a mother one day. 

I promise we are still alive!

September was such a busy, busy month! Christopher and I both started another semester of school. So far, so good. Christopher is such a smarty pants and loves what he does. I'm so happy he was able to find something that he loves to do. Though he loves school, he is looking forward to graduating in May and getting a job in his field. When he's not in school, he is working at Shaw. Right now, he's been working five nights a week. It makes for long days, and less time with me, but we know that it will be worth it in the end.
This semester has been okay for me so far. I am taking five classes right now (a challenge, since I've been taking three classes for the last two years). I really wanted to be able to graduate this year, so I had to take on a full course load. Every day my attitude towards school changes. Sometimes I love it, and others I loathe it and want to quit. But then I remind myself (or my husband reminds me) that I am so close to my goal and I just have to keep going. My favourite courses this semester are Abnormal Psychology (learning about mental disorders -- a passion of mine), and Italian. Italian has been a challenge, because I learned French at a young age and find myself wanting to say things in French rather than Italian. But, I am really enjoying learning something new.
It's been a struggle to keep up with school, work (still working part-time at Chapters), spending time with my husband, and the house work. I really feel a huge responsibility to keep our home clean. I hate having a messy house, because that seems to mess up all other aspects of my life. Finding a balance is something I am working on daily, and something I hope I can get a better handle on soon.
If you have suggestions, I am willing to here them!