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Life Updates

It's been forever since I've written, so I thought I would give a little life update on Sammy and I. 

Sammy is going to graduate from school in December, and is currently studying for the GRE to go to grad school. He's thinking about getting his MPA, Masters in Public Administration. He's so excited to get his Bachelors since it's been a rough journey. I know he'll do great this last semester and can't wait to go to his graduation!

He's finishing up an internship with Congressman Perlmutter on Wednesday. He's learned so much in the office and has loved every minute of it. He was able to take pictures at Veteran memorials, visit farmers to talk about water conservation, visit schools implementing new programs, and take phone calls from constituents. He received some pretty funny phone calls, one man was worried the the world was going to turn into Terminator. 

Sammy was set apart as the Elder's Quorum president yesterday. I know that he's going to do great and learn a lot. It's crazy to think that he was only baptized three years ago, and now where he is. Sammy has been so humble and ready to serve and it's been amazing to watch. Everyone was so loving and supportive yesterday and it really helped ease my fears. We're not alone in this and we have our ward family.

We actually thought he was going to get this calling a few months ago and we were both freaking. out. When he was called to second counselor, a high councilman gave him the calling, but a few months ago the Stake President himself called. When he said it was first counselor, we were both so relieved and President Moon asked us why. We explained we thought it was the president and he gave us a funny look. 

Two months later, Sammy and I sat in his office again and President Moon said President this time. I know that it was the right time for Sammy to receive this call because I felt no nerves going into President Moon's office, where the previous time I'd been a mess. President Moon laughed saying he wasn't sure what Sammy would say since we'd been so relieved to not have this calling two months ago. I know that Heavenly Father prepared both of us in that two month span though to be ready for this. 

The last month was hard with everyone asking Sammy if he knew who the next President was going to be. He did, but we couldn't say anything. I was able to keep the secret from my parents for two weeks though, which is pretty impressive for me. 


As for me, I finished editing my teen murder mystery last week and submitted it to the contest PitchWars. In this contest you submit a summary of your novel along with the first chapter to six mentors. If one of the mentors picks you, they'll help you tune up your novel for a month, then help you send it to agents. A lot of people get book deals from this contest, so I'm really hoping that I get picked. I won't know until August 25th, so the waiting is driving me nuts. 

If I don't get chosen, I still have a pretty decent draft of my book. I'll do another round of edits and send it out to agents myself. I've been re-reading the Harry Potter books in the meantime because my writing brain is tired; I've written four drafts of this book in eight months. 

Work is going alright. I'm not too shocked by what comes in the door anymore and I've learned to let go of things that I can't control which has really helped. 

I found out I have IBS a few months ago and I'm working on figuring out what makes my stomach upset so I can avoid those things. So far, it's been frozen yogurt and ice cream. Since cutting those out of my diet, I've felt a lot better and have had less panic attacks. The only thing that is difficult is going out with friends, since everyone wants to meet up for those foods. ;)

I've been working out and eating better the last year and I finally fit back into my wedding dress, something I had honestly given up on. When I started working out, it wasn't even for weight loss, it was to help with my anxiety. Now, I have less anxiety and am finally back at a healthy weight. I totally want to do a photo shoot in my dress, but Sammy is all photo-ed out from our anniversary shoot a few months ago.

A few weeks ago Sammy and I were driving to the temple, blasting Imagine Dragons with the windows down and I just realized how happy I feel. I did not feel like that at all the beginning of the year. Things are definitely not perfect and I have rough days, but I'm really happy. Life with Sammy is great, I'm chasing my dream, we have great family and friends, and we're just doing the best we can. 



Comments

  1. BaileyAugust 8, 2017 at 3:06 PM

    It's so great to hear from you! That is awesome about Sammy's calling-- even if I don't know exactly what it means, I'm sure it's a huge honor for him! And for you! Good luck on the novel entry contest! And I feel you on the IBS.... I was diagnosed with post-infectious IBS in late March and it's been hard sometimes! I've had to cut out greasy, fatty foods and caffeine which has been rough! I started taking probiotics at my pharmacist's suggestion and I have no idea if it actually helps, but I feel better-ish so I guess?

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