Let go of the egg!

This month has been more than I bargained for. There have been some highs and some lows but through it all one thing has been ever present: CHANGE!!!

I've always thought myself a fan of change. I love the change in the seasons, the change of years, the change of schedules. I love the feel of something new, the chance to make changes for myself to help me improve. I even talked about change in December and how we grow through change.

But this month I've learned that, regardless of my love for change, there comes a point when things get overwhelming. I feel like this image from despair.com says it well...

Right now, the idea of one more change might just push me over the edge. I've already had enough changes that there have been tears and that's not something that happens often.

I like to think of myself as a calm person. I take pride in the fact that I am very flexible when it comes to new things so it shocked me but there was too much this month, it ended up being difficult.

This morning session of conference helped a lot! One major theme I noticed was the focus on how God knows what we need and when we have our divine identity in mind other things fall into place. I needed that. It's important to recognize that the Lord has perspective on what we need! I love the following quote attributed to C.S. Lewis: "It may be hard for an egg to turn it into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad." I have been very resistant to new things recently and I have, by my own making, created some of the problems I have been struggling with. I need to let the egg crack and recognize that something new is coming and it will be good!

Instead of relying on myself, I need to rely more on the Lord and accept the changes he has in store for me. He loves me and will not do anything to hurt me. When I accept His will I will be strengthened and grow.

Life is about...

This month I have been a little on edge, especially at work. As much as I love my students I definitely have times when they drive me crazy. What teacher doesn't!? But this month I have been less patient with my students than usual. I had an experience today that reminded me they are just kids! Sometimes I expect so much of my students and most of the time they surpass my expectations but when they don't I feel disappointed with them but also myself and it makes me sorrowful (We did shades of meaning today and that word was a class favorite).

A few weeks ago we were working on a little assignment. It wasn't something I was going to grade (Yes, it's true not everything gets graded). But it was a fun Valentine's math worksheet I was having my students work on. I have one student who really struggles despite how hard she tries. Student 16 came up to me after a while of working and told me she was doing it wrong and she needed a new paper. I told her it was fine, don't worry about the mistakes and to just do her best on what she had left. I didn't have any extras and it wasn't a good time to go make a copy. The students worked on it for a little while longer and then I asked everyone to put it away.

As the students were putting it away I noticed student 16 sitting with her head on her desk, crying. Student 16 is one of my happiest students and I was surprised to see her crying. It turns out another student had seen her paper and told student 16 that she was going to get a bad grade. This sweet girl was crying because she was worried about having a bad grade. I reminded student 16 that we had talked and she was fine but she was still really worried. I didn't think any more of it until this afternoon.

Today I had a sweet student bring in a gift along with a note saying how great I am. Sometimes a nice note is all you need... Anyway, the gift was a little decorative plaque that said, "Life is about using the whole box of crayons." It was bright and happy and that is all I thought until later when I walked over to the mailboxes.

As I was passing out a few papers (Not something I usually do) I saw an envelope labeled to me from student 16. I opened it up and the letter inside really shook up my emotions and helped me to realize that I need to be more positive and loving to these sweet kiddo's that I get to work with! Apparently the situation with the Valentine's math page was weighing heavily on her because she wrote me the sweetest apology letter.

"Hi Miss Fiso I am trying say sorry doing that to you I always be mad because I did mistakes on math and am to sorry Miss Fiso"

As I looked at this letter it struck me that, to me the math page wasn't a big deal but it was a big deal to her. She was devastated because of her mistakes and having another student bring attention to it didn't help. As I worried about the situation I thought of how student 16 is amazing! Yes, she struggles at school with academics but she is the most cheerful student with such a wonderful attitude. She is always willing to try and is such a sweet student and hard-worker. I am happy to have her in my class this year!

It is true that everyone has something they can contribute, it's what makes our world so colorful. As stressful as some colors, or people, can be it is important to recognize every single one for what they are. They are Children of God with eternal potential and we need to love them for who they are! When we can do that our lives become so much brighter because we are filled with love for those around us!

I know I've posted it before but this video really is one of my favorites!

Halfway There

Today marks my half-birthday and, though it doesn't look like I've accomplished much, I feel proud of myself! I have been sticking to this #27by27 so well, I thought it would be fun to do an update as to where I'm at with my year goals! Green (Done), Yellow (In Progress), Red (Not started)

1. Picture a day- I haven't missed one yet!
2. Family History (3 Names)- I really need to devote more time to this one but I have some leads.
3. Temple (3 times a month)- Going strong and I often take my friends with me!

4. Scripture buddy/study- This has been going well I've filled almost 60 pages on my study google doc
5. Learn 10 hymns on piano and be ready to play them- I have learned five so I'm halfway there
6. Go to two plays- I went to see Newsies at Tuacahn!

7. Audition for something- I'm still waiting on this one I figured I'll finish my Master's first... So! Close!

8. Five Runs- I have done  three: Temple to Temple run, Color Run, BYU Sugar Rush

9. Travel somewhere new- I still need to work on this anyone have any ideas??? I have some time in April
10. Memorize the Living Christ- I have over half of it memorized, I just need to devote more time to it.
11. Get a Passport
12. Drive the Nebo loop in the Fall- I went with Jessica and it was gorgeous!

13. Try something new (2 a month)- I have been doing this each month, it's been nice to try some new things and expand my comfort zone.
14. Two new temples- I need road trip buddies for this one!

15. Finish a journal- I finished my journal!!!! It was a happy day.

16. Blog once a month- I've averaged this one but my post for November was forgotten and posted instead on the 1st of December...
17. Make a memory quilt
18. Fly somewhere
19. Attempt a dating app for a month- This is the one that scared me most. I've started it but it's about as lively as my real dating life which is a thing only in name...
20. Be Belle for Halloween- Check! I even sewed my dress!

21. Go Zip-lining- I think I'll wait for warmer weather.

22. Finish the Standard Works (Seminary version)- I have officially completed the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament. The really cool thing about the Old Testament is we are studying it this year so I have an advantage because it is fresh in my mind! I'm excited to start working through the New Testament and D&C.

23. Make a Crayon Picture- I did this for a girls night with my mom, it was so fun.

24. Read 5 Classics- So far I've read Gone With the Wind and The Christmas Carol. I'm still looking for ideas, if you have a fantastic idea let me know.
25. Back handspring- I'm working on it but this may have been too ambitious of a goal.
26. Pull-ups (2)- I'm working on strengthening my arm strength but this is another one that's going to take lots of work. 

27. One act of service each week- This is one I am getting better at planning in advance.

The Will to Change

This past month I have finished reading Gone With the Wind and A Christmas Carol. Each book had me thinking of our choices and our ability to change. In Gone With the Wind Scarlett O'Hara develops through the book but I don't feel that her true character changes, her main concern is her needs. Contrastingly, in A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is able to recognize a need for change and he works to change himself. My favorite part of the book is when Scrooge is standing at the grave with the Spirit but hasn't yet seen that it is his grave they are standing at:

"Are these the shadows of the things that will be or are they shadows of the things that may be, only? . . . Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which if persevered in, they must lead," said Scrooge. "But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. . ."

I love this part so much because it shows us the moment Scrooge learns he has the power to change. Scrooge realizes that there is a chance for him to change his future. He is later able to act on what he has learned and improve his life by repairing relationships with those around him.

Similarly we are able to change and grow. This blessing of change and growth comes to us because of the Savior's atonement. Without the atonement we would be stuck. No growth would occur because our mistakes would be permanent. Luckily we have a loving brother in Jesus Christ and he has made it possible for us to look with hope to our future. When we make a mistake we can change it. We have the opportunity to change our course and change our ends.

We are blessed with the ability to use Christ's atonement to change us. As you look forward to this new year look to Christ to help you grow and make the changes you see necessary! Trust in God and trust that you can change!

Joys of Life

STRESS!!!!! That has been my life recently and I’m falling behind on E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!! So much so that, even though I thought of it all month, I didn’t even stop to do my November post until now… DECEMBER 1^st! (I’m still counting it, I’m too invested to miss my 27 by 27 because of something as trivial as a date!)

I had decided to write about some joys in my life for November because, despite the stress, there are so many things to be grateful for… I think I’ll go with 27 to fit the theme for the year.

1.     This month, just in time for stake conference I finished re-reading the Book of Mormon. As I read I was marking references of Christ and is was great to see how many different references of Christ were found in the pages. Even with all my finds I know there is more. The whole book is a testimony of Christ so He can be found throughout!

2.     My family, they are so sweet and supportive. I am so lucky to have them close so I can spend time with them.

3.     I have almost finished the data collection part of my thesis project! I just need to get a few more parents to fill out a survey and then I can start the data analysis. I’m really excited to see how things turn out. I feel like my Homework Challenges have been going really well this year and the students are really responding to the challenges I’m giving them.

4.     The Atonement, I am filled with the joy due to the knowledge that we can change and become more than we currently are. I am so grateful that Christ lived for us and is our advocate with our Heavenly Father.

5.     My roommates and adopted roommates are such a joy in my life! They are constantly making me smile!

6.     Music… need I say more.

7.     I have an amazing class and such wonderfully supportive class parents.

8.     My team, they make the days so much better. Especially when I am stressing over what to do with my students.

9.     My car, it took me forever to find a car but I am so glad I kept looking. I love my car!

10.  My calling, I am a Relief Society teacher in my ward and I love taking the time to study the manual. Having the responsibility gets me to be more active in what I do.

11.  The Falling leaves, as much as I love all the seasons the colorful leaves are one thing I will never tire of.

12.  Books, Gone with the Wind is slowly coming along but I love the chance to escape to another world.

13.  My Job, kids are the cutest and I love the chance I have to interact with them on a daily basis. Earlier this week one of the 5^th graders came up to me and said, “Miss Fiso, you are the most positive teacher!” I just love that I have the chance to brighten the day of others.

14.  Revelation, I am always happy to receive guidance for my life. I don’t know what to do a lot of the time so it is nice to know that when I ask for help I can receive it.

15.  Temples, the temple is such a peaceful experience whenever I go. I am thankful that there are so many in such a short distance.

16.  My couch, I know it is funny and I don’t use it very much but I really love my little couch in all its glory!

17.  My Ukulele, I am so happy when I have the time or make the time and just play my Uke. I’m not too great but it is so fun to just sing and strum.

18.  The delay on the snow, I really need to get my breaks checked so, as much as I love the snow, I am happy every day I wake up and see no snow on the ground.

19.  My phone, I love my phone isn’t it crazy to see how fast technology evolves!

20.  Honesty, sometimes it’s not what I want to hear but there really is a joy that comes from truth.

21.  Vacation days, breaks from school always come at just the right time and I am always happy to have some extra time to myself.

22.  People who will support me in my goals, I have so many people who have been so supportive of my 27 by 27 and trying to find ways to help me accomplish my goals. I love having such positive people in my life.

23.  Sunrises, usually I miss them but I have been sleeping in recently and I have seen some breathtaking sights on my drive to work.

24.  Bread, the smell of fresh bread just makes me so happy.

25.  Games, I love the strategy involved in playing new games and the joy of figuring things out.

26.  Sales, I got some great new stuff on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and got a great deal on them it was quite joy inducing.

27.  My Kitchen Aide, I’ve had it for a year and I absolutely love having my mixer available when I get those urges to bake.

See, look at this GORGEOUS sunrise!

Happy Halloween!

Yes, I really procrastinated this month but, believe it or not, it was on purpose! I had to wait until today to explain how proud of myself I am! I have wanted to be Belle for Halloween for so long and... I F-I-N-A-L-L-Y did it!!!!

I really was all set to do it last year but then we had a school-wide theme going on and I didn't want to break it. So minions it was. I took a long time to make the skirt (not that it was hard but it was time consuming) and was proud of the final product but it wasn't the 'Belle' I wanted to be.

This year I was determined to be Belle and the people who suggested otherwise were promptly shut down (It's amazing how many ideas are floating out there). I even added it to my 27 by 27 list (Number 20) so that I would have to follow through. Sometimes follow-through is not my best attribute...

I had the best intentions to get my Costume all set while I was off track but October turned busy. I had lots of unexpected subbing (Yay money!) and I had to catch up on my Book of Mormon reading in order to finish by November 12 for Stake Conference. Due to all of that my Halloween costume (and my car registration) fell by the wayside. Don't worry, it all worked out... I got my costume done and my car was registered tonight (Yeah, pretty last minute)!

The week I was about to track back on I decided I really needed to start looking for my costume. As luck would have it I was finding absolutely nothing! I was told to look for parts that would work and nothing was promising. I finally decided I would have to make my dress on my own. I searched the YouTube tutorials (What did people do without YouTube) and created an idea for sewing my dress. My wonderful roommate let me use her sewing machine and I finished the dress in one day (Before tracking back on)! I did the whole thing without a pattern so there are definite flaws (I don't know how well I would have done with a pattern anyway) but it worked and there was only a little injury (My nail has grown out well enough...).

After making the dress I had talked to a friend who sharpies shoes about doing some for me but then I slacked off (See? Horrible follow through). I finally texted to see if she would still do them and she said yes so I got the shoes to her and another part of my costume was in progress. I got the shoes back on Sunday and they are FANTASTIC! Rachel did a great job!

Monday I realized that all I had for my costume was a dress and shoes so I went in search of a shirt. I was able to find one at DI. I also found a pillowcase that I could use to make my Apron (That way I wouldn't have to worry about making it straight). I wore what I had for my costume to the FHE Halloween Party Monday Night and it was a hit!

I was close to being done but I really wanted a skirt/petticoat underneath so I went and got some more fabric after the party and went home to make the last part of my costume. This morning I did my 'newspaper nails' and borrowed a 'classic looking' book from one of my teammates. My favorite part is that the book is called "How to Read a Book". The kids, and parents, loved the costume and I'm happy to say lots of them figured out who I was supposed to be but a lesson on Disney Characters might be in my students future's...

In all I am so proud of my efforts! I am definitely not a seamstress but it is fun to say that I did it!

My Saga With an Unsatisfying Ending

Once upon a time the mirror on the passenger side of my car started to come off.  Being a responsible adult (maybe a bit of an exaggeration) I put off fixing it and temporarily fixed it with an outdoor version of superglue until I went off track. In January, I think, I went to Nissan and talked to them about getting it fixed. The guy helping me (We'll say Joe) talked about how most parts come not painted so I may have to pay extra to get it white but he would have to see if that was the case when they found the part. I sat in the dealership for maybe an hour waiting for Joe to see if he could find the part to fix my car. Joe finally came back and told me that he found a mirror that was painted (Yay!) and would order it in. He had me sign a confirmation page before telling me that when the part came he would call me. I got busy with other things (went back to school) and a while later (a month or so) realized that the call hadn't come.

I was a little confused that I hadn't heard anything and decided to call to see what was going on with the part. When I called I was shocked to hear that I, apparently, had been in earlier that week to get the part. I assured them that I most definitely had not and my mirror was still broken. Believe it or not, they never called me and then gave away my part! It turns out Joe is no longer working there. I don't know if that is why I never got a call but it was a mess to figure out! After clearing up a lot of confusion the new person helping me went to look up the part for me and found a mirror that was more expensive and NOT painted! I was frustrated that through no mistake of mine I was expected to pay more to get my car fixed. I decided to wait, once again, to fix my car in hopes that I could figure out another option.

It was fine until I went through the carwash and my mirror came out hanging to my car. I, being a fixer, got a shoelace and tied my mirror to my car. It looks lame but it works. I decided recently that I wasn't going to do research in order to find another fix so, Monday, I went to Nissan to see about ordering the part. This time around it was quick. The girl helping me (let's call her Jane) was able to find the part quickly and it was pre-painted so that was exciting! Jane ordered the part and told me that I would pay for the part that day and then pay for labor when I came in to get the work done. I grabbed one of Jane's business cards and then went and paid for the part leaving with hopes of getting my car fixed Thursday (today) or Friday.

Last time the call never came so I decided to be proactive and I called Jane this morning to check on my part. She was busy helping someone else so I left a message for her to call me back. About an hour later I got a phone call from Jane. She said she was told I had called and she had looked up the part for me. My luck being as it is I got to hear the following, "Even though the computer says we have the part and you paid for the part, it never got shipped because we don't have a part." Jane then told me that she was looking into other options for me so we can get my car fixed and she would call me back before the end of the day.

A little while later I got another  phone call from Jane. They had found another mirror but it comes black so I would have to get it painted so my options were...

1. Buy one new mirror and leave it black.
2. Buy two new mirrors and have them be the same, both black.
3. Buy one new mirror and pay to get it painted white.

Well... choice one would drive me crazy, and choice two would cost a lot more money so, for me the best option for me was choice three. I told Jane that I would like to get the part painted and asked when they would get the part in and be ready to do the work. She confirmed for me that it would take  two weeks.

So now is the waiting game to see if this actually pans out. The good news is it's Fall so the colors outside are gorgeous and conference is this weekend! Despite my frustrations I always feel joy when I get to hear the word of the Lord through the living prophets. We are so blessed to have the gift of revelation and the knowledge of the gospel! If you aren't already excited, this trailer should get you pumped!

#My27by27 Update

1. Picture a day- I haven't missed one yet!
2. Family History (3 Names)- Family search gave me two so now I have to go research and make sure they are legitimate.
3. Temple (3 times a month)- I've made it work the first two months.
4. Scripture buddy/study- This has been going well but I've been slacking some days.
5. Learn 10 hymns on piano and be ready to play them- I have learned two and I played them in Relief Society last week.
6. Go to two plays- I went to see Newsies at Tuacahn!

8. Five Runs- I have done two (Temple to Temple run, and Color Run) and will be signing up for one in October (BYU Sugar rush)

13. Try something new (2 a month)- I have been doing this each month, it's been good! This month I tried a new hairstyle and something new at a restaurant.

15. Finish a journal- I have less than 20 pages left!!! This is BIG news!

16. Blog once a month- We're going strong on this one!

22. Finish the Standard Works (Seminary version)- I am to 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon and 2 Samuel in the Old Testament.

27. One act of service each week- This is one I am struggling with, I want to make it so my acts are intentional. More often then not I just look at what I have done and choose one to be my service for the week.

**If there is a number missing it's because I have done absolutely nothing with it thus far...**