Pinterest Writing Challenge: My Body and How Comfortable I am With It

Wow...isn't this a loaded blog post? Let me start by saying that I believe all people are beautiful, no matter their size or what they look like, because I honestly believe beauty comes from within. On that note, I will begin.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have had these weird transitions between being very skinny and then chubby. When I was a child and a teenager, I was very active. I played every sport that I could: basketball, teeball and softball, soccer, etc. In high school, I swam on the junior varsity team. That meant, every day I was in the pool kicking my butt off for at least 3 hours. When my life shifted in my junior year, I gave up all my physical activities to better pursue my service activities. I was essentially volunteering full time, especially with the American Diabetes Association. Between school, volunteering and membership in various clubs, I lost the time I had to exercise and be physically fit. I slowly began to gain weight and by the end of my senior year, I had taken part in some scary things to try to stay thin. I took diet pills, went on crash diets and more...all because I lived in a town where if you weren't rich, skinny or pretty...you weren't popular. At least, that's how I perceived it at the time. I hated the girls who were skinnier and prettier than me, and in a completely unfair way, I judged them based off of their looks because I assumed they were doing the same to me. Now, I see that my high school was less cliquey than most...and that most of my insecurities came from me, guys I dated that I now know weren't worth my time, or sometimes unfortunately my family members...no matter how good their intentions were.

Now, I am twenty three years old. I don't love my body but I accept it and I am working with it, instead of for or against it. I am comfortable enough with myself and the way I look, because I understand that who I am matters a lot more than what I see in the mirror...something I never really understood until recently. What changed? Well, a few things actually. Until I was about 22, I continued yo-yo dieting. If I worked out, I didn't do it consistently but I did it to the point of exhaustion or injury as a reaction to seeing something I hated about my body that day. When my doctor diagnosed me with pre-diabetes though, something I should have known better than to lead myself to thanks to my time volunteering with the ADA, I realized it was time to change. Early this year, I joined a program with the school called The Biggest Winner (loosely based on the TV show, The Biggest Loser but without all the bad stuff like forced smoking, starvation, etc.). I was really committed but unfortunately got injured early in the program and was never able to get what I wanted out of it. However, I did learn some valuable knowledge about nutrition and fitness that I will use for the rest of my life. Finally, I heard about this nutrition plan called Trim Healthy Mama, and this health company called Beachbody. I will spare the details unless you want them (if so, message me), but these programs really have started transitioning me into a healthy lifestyle. I now know that health is about the journey and all through life. Temporary diets and crazy boot camps can only do so much good, if you don't learn to maintain it and more realistically. More importantly, I learned that I want to be healthy for more important reasons than being thin, like sticking around for my husband and future children. Finally, thanks to the help of my Beachbody coach and cousin through Parker's side of the family, I finally learned something that could have helped a lot in high school. I was judging myself for my size and my body defects a lot more than anyone else was. At first, I looked at this woman like "How the heck is she still so fit when she's pregnant?". I will admit that I was a tad bit uncomfortable to share my weight and other statistics with someone who looked pretty perfect on Facebook. However, I learned that she is one of the nicest and most helpful people I have ever had contact with...especially contact about my body. I am learning now more than ever not to judge a book by its cover, because she sure didn't judge me and has continued to help me in my journey.

Also, on a brief note, I want to stress the importance of surrounding yourself with people who love you for you. My husband doesn't care what size my clothes are, or that I have lovehandles. My body isn't what he loves me for, although he'll tell you he still thinks I'm the most beautiful person in the world inside and out. My real friends don't care what I weigh. They're not my friends because of a number on a scale or clothing rack. Real relationships are not perceptive of looks...only on what's in your heart and soul. So if you're dating someone or friends with people, like I was in the past, who makes you feel like you're less of a person based on some outward characteristic, dump them faster than a load at the local Goodwill...because they are not worth your self-esteem or the love you have for yourself.

For an added bonus, check out the song "Try" by Colbie Caillat. It has certainly gotten me through some tough moments and some harsh self-criticism. This particular video is a clip from Dancing with the Stars that brought me to tears with the beauty of the dance and the dancer's exposed emotions:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocZs-rUfCgg.

Pinterest Writing Challenges: Five Things that Make my Husband Attractive to Me

This week, the prompt was to write about five guys I find attractive. Um...no. While I do find other men attractive because I am a human being and know that it is normal to react to what society deems an attractive male, that attraction doesn't matter to me and therefore I have no reason to write about it. I am a happily married woman, after all, and have no business making my husband feel insecure because I am drooling over 5 random men in a blog post. Instead, this blog post will be about the five things that make my husband the most attractive man in the infinite universe to me. 

5. His Looks and Physical Properties

I honestly think that my husband is one of the cutest people on Earth. He has gorgeous hazel eyes, strong forearms, and has a great body...for cuddling! Plus, who could forget that smile/smirk thing he's got going on!

4. His Adorable "Quirks"

One of the things that I have found in my marriage is that truly loving someone means loving ALL of them, even what other people would determine flaws or quirks. I love that my husband is dopey when he's tired, that he can never replace the toilet paper roll and even that his best cooking dish is Top Ramen. Why? Because all of those things are a part of the beautiful life that we have together. 

3. His Personality

If you have met my husband, then you know he is quite the character. He is artistic, kind, loyal and giving. He is so funny sometimes that we have had one too many milk-out-the-nose or water-spit-take moments. He is nerdy to the extreme. He loves and forgives like I have not seen on any other person. He truly is a wonderful guy. 

2. His Love for God

Today, my husband and I were reading a bit out of a question book for married couples. The question of the day was "Who has influenced you the most spiritually (other than God or Jesus Christ)?" My first thought was instantly of my husband. Without him, I can honestly say I would not be where I am today. I would not have the testimony I have, the service opportunities I have taken, or the education that I am finishing up at BYU-I. He encourages me daily through his example, and also through keeping our family on track with scripture reading, family prayers and church attendance. 

1. How He Treats Me

My husband treats me like a princess, honestly. It is shown in all the little things he does for me, from love notes found on my pillow or on the whiteboard to keeping up on the chores and meal prep when my life gets a little too hectic with work or school. It is shown in how we have weekly date nights, and consider the best time of our day to be curling up for a show or book reading time. Simply being around him makes me feel better (99% of the time. I won't pretend our marriage is perfect, but whose is?). He is truly so thoughtful when it comes to me, and I honestly don't give him enough credit...so hopefully this post helps him to know all of those things I forget to say sometimes. 

Writing Challenge: My Family

Oh boy, I don't think the internet has enough room for me to go into too much detail concerning my family. As my family and close friends know, my family can be very complicated. There have been write-offs, changes of religion, and a host of not-so-good stuff that I will not divulge on the internet. However, those family members who do still remain in my life are strong and amazing people that I love dearly. I also am a firm believer in friends being the family you get to choose. I won't comment on them here though as I think I spotted a blog prompting about friends on my challenge list. Therefore, I will go into my family tree a bit, but understand some stuff stays private and some people are omitted for various reasons. Yes, news flash, you don't have to put your whole life story online for the world to see, even if you do have a blog. Just kidding, but not really... Basically, to know those intimate details of my family, requires a lot of time spent together, a lot of trust and an in-person conversation. I guess I'm "old school" like that (seriously, I need a sarcasm font).

I consider the head of my maternal family to be my great-great grandfather, Frank Gallegher. I am named after both him and his daughter, Dolores Gallegher Tuter. To be a Gallegher means lots of things but I am proud to carry the namesake. Frank was a hero of sorts, dying in a house fire after he helped rescue some people. He had several children but the only one I really know and that was really a part of my life was Dolores. Dolores was/is my great grandmother, but we shared a special bond. She helped raise me while my mother was in college and also working full time. She was a stubborn, tough woman who I consider some of my best and a few of my worst qualities to be inherited from. Dolores had two children with a man named Jack, whom I never knew. One was my grandmother, Frankie. The other was my great-aunt, Terry. Frankie is a very unconventional grandmother, but she can be a lot of fun! We have some of the best memories together including repeat viewings of Lion King and Scooby Doo, while eating salted apples (it's delicious, just trust me). Frankie taught me about a lot and stood by me always... and I can honestly say I wouldn't be the cook I am today without her help (Again, I really wish there were humor and sarcasm fonts...). Terry is a very fun aunt who I love spending time with. She is a great person to just talk to and she tells it like it is! She and my Uncle Jeff (who makes the best cherry pie in all the world and calls me Katelander) had two boys, named Justin and Ryan. When we were kids, Justin and I were closer and Ryan and I loved to fight. I have fond memories of both of them throughout my childhood, as we are closer in age than my mom and they are, despite the fact that we are technically second cousins. I remember riding on the pegs of Justin's bike and watching movies with him and my mom every Friday night. I remember sumo wresting with Ryan, and who could forget putting lipstick on him as he napped or the great pie fight of Thanksgiving? Frankie had my mom, Tonya. My mom is a lot of things, but words can't describe how much she has sacrificed for me or all the things we have been through. She can be really funny, is a die-hard sports fan, and I am so much like her at times that it causes us to butt heads but I love my mom as much as any daughter ever has. My mom had me, and then my two siblings, Kiera and Noah. I was 12 when Kiera was born, and 14 when Noah was. I love my siblings in a way I think a lot of siblings don't get to experience. I helped teach them how to read, swim and use manners. I took two years off of college to homeschool and help care for them as my mom worked as a traveling nurse. I vividly remember when both of them were born, and all of the experiences since. Kiera is a strong-headed, beautiful, sassy dancer with a heart of gold when it comes to animals! Noah is a nerdy, talented and sporty All-American boy who can be so helpful and compassionate. They are both like me and not like me in a lot of ways, but we always have the best time together! Then, I can't go without creating a special shout-out for my one and only Aunt Laurel! My Aunt Laurel is a really cool chick, who served in the U.S. Navy, never let me give her any lip and yet somehow always spoiled me rotten. There are others on my mom's side of the family but to talk about all of them would take days! All I can say is that I love all of the family who has chosen to stick around, even when the going got tough.

On my paternal side, things are a little more complicated. My parents married when they were very young, and both served in the army in Germany, which is where I was born. My father and I are not very close but I know he tried for many years and did the best he knew how to when he was in my life. His parents, my Grandma Ida and Papa, were beautiful people with the voices of angels! One of my most prized possessions is a CD of them singing. It has comforted me many a time. I don't have a lot of memories of them, as they both passed when I was very young, but their kindness and faith left lasting impressions on me. Then, there is my Uncle Brian and Aunt Mickie. These two have always served as some of my biggest role models! My aunt is kind, patient and loving in a way that you just don't see too much of anymore. She holds a special place in my heart, as someone whom I know has loved me unconditionally since the day I was born. I truly think that, if I can end up being half the woman she is and love even half as fully as she does, my life will be truly blessed (I actually just teared up as I wrote that...). My uncle stepped up in a lot of roles for me, and words can not express how grateful I am for him, all of his goofiness included. They have five beautiful children, all of whom I love and respect greatly. They are some of the most talented, most faithful, and kindest people I have ever met. My aunt's family, be it her mother, sister, or father always welcomed me in with open arms and hearts...I am forever grateful for that and honored to know them. Again, there are many others on this side of the family...some I didn't know very well, some I didn't know at all, but the blessing in disguise here is that the family I do know and have a relationship with is even more precious and cherished to me.

Overall, I just hope to make my family proud. I hope to be there for them in all the ways those who have, have always been there for me. I will end with one of my favorite quotes of all time. Jim Butcher said, through writing in his amazing series The Dresden Files, "I don't care about whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching, they are your family."

Writing Challenge: Shuffle Music Challenge

This week's challenge is pretty cool, I think. I love music and have one of the most warped music collections on Earth, in my opinion, so I'm excited to see what 10 songs come up! I'm going to break a rule though: I'm only going to do 7 because it's my lucky number and because I don't want this post to feel like a novella. I will also be breaking a rule in that it won't be just the first ten songs, because I will skip any artist I have already covered. The challenge didn't call for this but I'll tell you a little about each song to keep this post more interesting (hopefully). Here we go!

1. "Better" by Tyler Ward (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khfrZbnbDug).

• Favorite Lyric: "So I'll blame it on my optimistic heart; at least I'll have stories for my scars. American Dream my life away, when all of my dreams cry: Mayday, Mayday!"
• Cool Fact about Artist or Song: Tyler Ward started out on YouTube doing covers (you should  check him out- I love how he makes the songs cleaner), but this song is an original! I also love the video so please check it out if you're in the mood to have your spirit lifted!
• Favorite Song by Artist: "Dashes". It's another original and it's just beautiful!
• Reason I Love THIS Song: This song talks about optimism even while being lost...that speaks to me because I wish that I could keep more of a positive outlook, even when life gets rough.

2. "Travelin' Soldier" by Dixie Chicks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXw3XhlmTcs). 

• Favorite Lyric: "He told her of his heart, it might be love and all of the things he was so scared of. He said when it's getting kinda rough over here, I think of that day sitting down at the pier and I close my eyes and see your pretty smile."
• Cool Fact about Artist or Song: Dixie Chicks kind of started this cool genre, called alternative genre. I'm all for genre mixing and love it almost as much as I love mashups!
• Favorite Song by Artist: "Cowboy Take Me Away." It's a beautiful song about finding peace with nature and the person you love, about appreciating the simple things in life and escaping the craziness that can be society. 
• Reason I Love THIS Song: This song is just a beautiful tribute to love and loss. It's heartbreaking in a very real way. 

3. "More than a Band" by Lemonade Mouth (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkNWlmEJDfI).

• Favorite Lyric: "I can't pretend to know how you feel, but know that I'm here. Know that I'm real. Say what you want or don't talk to at all. I'm not gonna let you fall. Reach for my hand 'cause it's held out for you. My shoulders are small but you can cry on them, too."
• Cool Fact about Artist or Song: Lemonade Mouth actually is from a Disney Channel original movie that my little sister Kiera showed me. At first, I just loved that she was listening to something that wasn't from Miley Cyrus or some other less desirable role model. Then, as I watched the movie with her, I realized Disney had kind of gone old school and included some really good messages. I encourage you to check it out if you liked the Disney Channel original movies from around the time I was a kid (90s and early 2000s). 
• Favorite Song by Artist: "She's So Gone"...a song about the changes that a girl goes through after she goes through something hurtful like a breakup. I've identified with it more than once.
• Reason I Love THIS song: It's a great song about friendship that can be applied to all relationships, even if you're not in a band together (you can't see but I'm sticking my tongue out). 

4. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xdyRsGOl6U).

• Favorite Lyric: "Is it that look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice? Who cares, baby? I think I wanna marry you."
• Cool Fact about Artist or Song: The song is widely used in flashmob or lip sync marriage proposals! Check out more videos on YouTube!
• Favorite Song by Artist: "Just the Way You Are." It's just an amazing song that I think describes the way every girl wants a guy to feel about her. 
• Reason I Love THIS Song: I love how it illustrates the fun of being in love and that excitement that comes with knowing that person may be or definitely is the one!

5. "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=New8i_eX3x8)

• Favorite Lyric: "Well maybe, there are things you can't see and all those things are happening to bring a better ending. Someday, somehow, you'll see."
• Cool Fact about Artist or Song: Josh Wilson is a Christian artist so all of his songs are clean and have a spiritual message!
• Favorite Song by Artist: THIS ONE!
• Reason I Love THIS song: I love how it talks about trials and the Savior's plan for us. I heard this song for the first time as I was falling asleep in my cousins' room. I was going through a very hard time and yet this song allowed God to place some hope in my heart. Savannah and Sierra, thank you for showing me the beauty of this song, this artist and the genre overall!

6. "I Can Still Feel You" by Collin Raye (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvReRQE9Yzk)

• Favorite Lyric: "There's a place you've touched with your love no one gets close to."
• Cool Fact about Artist or Song: Collin Raye was originally known as Bubba Wray and was in a band with his brother (keeping it in the family is pretty cool!). 
• Favorite Song by Artist: THIS ONE!
• Reason I Love THIS song: When Parker and I were in a long distance relationship, this was one of many songs that described how I was feeling in ways I didn't know how to. This song specifically said nobody could ever take Parker's place and also described that weird feeling about how I always felt him with me. 

7. "Pieces of Me" by Ashlee Simpson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJCsyLUCSXI).

• Favorite Lyric: "Fall, with you I fall so fast. I can hardly catch my breath. I hope it lasts.Oh, it seems like I can finally rest my head on something real. I like the way that feels. Oh, it's as if you know me better than I ever knew myself."
• Cool Fact about Artist or Song: Ashlee Simpson is the younger sister to famous actress and singer Jessica Simpson, whom I also like!
• Favorite Song by Artist: THIS ONE!
• Reason I Love THIS song: For me, this song came to be more than just a fun song when I realized Parker wasn't going anywhere. I'd hear this song and be like "This is what I'm feeling, I think this is what love is supposed to feel like."