I just might be that crazy

Ok.

Enough is enough.

I've used the excuse of winter blues and a busy schedule to let myself get fat. 

I've rationalized a few pounds of weight gain here and there, and now I'm the heaviest I've ever been in my life. 

The time has come to quit substituting crap food for fruits and veggies, and quit making excuses!!

So, I decided to register for this:

Yep. It's a done deal.

I decided to start with the 5k. I know that's a small challenge for those of you who do this all the time, but for a person like me who really hates to run, this is HUGE. 

The money raised also goes to benefit members of the community who can't afford cancer treatments. 

C'mon, that's puppy dog eyes in text form.

So, changes are coming. Those thighs I had when I was in ballet that I thought were massive and ugly? Yeah, those babies are coming back! Candy and soda are suspended until further notice. I have always wanted to be one of those people who can enjoy a sliced tomato and avocado for lunch... Ok, so maybe I'm not quite there yet, but it's definitely time for me to quit hanging out on the upper end of my healthy weight range and start enjoying a healthier lifestyle.

It just may be time to be one of those people.

Dreaming

Our future home

I will own this house one day.

Starting out on the home stretch

Yes, I am finally able to say that this is my last semester of prereqs before I can apply to SLCC's nursing program. I'm super excited, and it's nice to finally feel like I'm moving away from the seemingly endless list of classes I need to take before applying. I'm still planning on applying to the U's program in the Fall, so I have a few more (harder) classes to take this year, but the light is beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel. I was noticing this week that even though I was really dreading the start of the semester, and I know I'm going to be busy, I had a really good feeling at the end of the first day of school. I realized that this is just a reaffirmation that I really am on the right path. The middle of the semester will inevitably bring on its usual feelings of inadequacy, most likely involving more than one pep talk from Ian, crying, and the whole "What-am-I-doing-with-my-life" soul searching that we all experience at some point, but I'm feeling pretty good right now. In the first presidency address in the Ensign this month, President Monson talks about "David and Goliath" situations that we come across in our expedition through life.

"There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember—David did win!"

As I pondered that message, I realized that David just had to find that sweet spot between Goliath's eyes that made it all work. After talking to Meg about it, she pointed out that David didn't do it, the rock was led to where it needed to be because of his faith. Good point. I came to the overwhelming conclusion that there is a spot somewhere. Where or when I'm not sure at this point, but it does exist. So just as the rock was guided from the slingshot to Goliath's forehead, if I just keep on this path and have faith (That's the hard part), I'll be led to my spot. I'll reach my goal. And then, simply because of the irony of life, I'll discover my next Goliath.

It's the holiday season...

This season has been good for me. I've been busy, as always, but I feel like I've taken more time to sit back and enjoy the spirit of the Christmas season. I've listened to more Christmas music on Pandora than I have in probably the last five years combined. Thanks to Pinterest I've been able to explore my creative side and confirm to myself and others that I really can create something more than slightly artistic.

Case in point:

Yeah, I totally made this guy by myself. I am Becky's daughter after all. :)

I've been volunteering up at Primary Children's for the past couple months, and it has been such a great experience. It's amazing to see the resilience of kids and to observe their pure happiness and good attitudes even when they're sick. So, of course I had to make it to the Festival of Trees this year. Ian was a good sport and came along for the trip, even though he didn't really want to. 

This was part of the gingerbread house contest. A Rapunzel castle from Tangled.

I couldn't resist a picture of this. Notice Carl, Russell and Doug on the front lawn. So cute!!

The U

My favorite tree of the festival. I shot my eye out!

Also notice Flik on the top with his tongue stuck to the pole. 

I thought it was terribly clever.

Up was a popular theme this year evidently. 

I liked the presents underneath the tree for all the characters.

The second official Harwell Family Christmas Tree!!

So much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving, 2011. I drove home from my in-laws' tonight completely baffled at the fact that 2011 is almost just another one for the memory books. It's been a GREAT year, and I have so much to be thankful for.

First and foremost, of course is the great opportunity to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I know it's cliche, but it truly is a blessing each and every day to have the purpose and direction in my life that only being a member of the church provides.

A very close second, is the most wonderful husband in the whole wide world. Ian really does have to put up with a lot from me, and I thank him every day for doing it. Seriously, Monday night was a meltdown about how I'm the most unmotivated, fattest, ugliest person ever who will never get where I want to be. The next night (after a much needed meeting with an academic adviser, and a little perspective) was a conversation with the ultimate conclusion that things really are going to be just fine. He is such a great provider and is so much more on top of things than I am. And it doesn't hurt that he spoils me rotten! I love you, Ian. You truly are my rock and the half that makes me whole. Your support means more to me than you know.

My most amazing parents. Whether it's a trip to Costco for groceries, or a lunch break spent servicing photo booths to save me some time, I have the greatest parents. I really have never felt anything from them but 100% love and support, no matter what. The have set a perfect example of the kind of marriage I work for every day. They have taught me that although life brings on challenges, whether they're the result of our choices or ones that we're completely blinded by, life is still good, and you can still be happy. I'm so thankful for that. Love you guys!

Two great sisters and one studly brother. I'm so lucky to be one of those people who can say that their siblings are their best friends. The four of us truly have a unique bond. Yesterday, my sisters came to my apartment and helped me get it all cleaned and organized. They didn't even comment on how atrociously messy and unorganized everything was; they just went straight to work and even went to Ikea to help me pick new furniture. Then there's my brother, Ian. I'm already dreading the day I have to drop him off the the MTC in February. He is such a peacemaker and you won't find a bigger heart of gold in any person, I guarantee it. He gives me hugs every time I see him, and is always, always, always willing to lend a helping hand. I'm so blessed to have such inspiring siblings!

My in-laws. Ian and I always talk about how great it is to have such strong relationships with our in-laws. I always used to wonder what my relationship with my future husband's family would be like, and I couldn't have asked for more. They've been so accepting of me from the very beginning (even before Ian and I were officially together, really...) and it's been fabulous to have such a wonderful second family close by.

The best job on the planet. I would do my job for free if I didn't need the money. Ok, that might not be 100% true, but I LOVE my job. My boss is the best, always praising us on a job well done, and juggling two busy clinics. I connect so well with all my coworkers, even though we're different ages and come from all walks of life. I learn so much from them every day. It's sometimes not fun to work in a place that people really dread, but I am so fulfilled and have such a great time every day.

And last, and sometimes least (sometimes doesn't even make the gratitude list at all), School. I fight it, but I really am grateful to have an opportunity to further my education, especially in a field I thrive in. I'm so blessed to be able to make a difference in people's lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo, Cori

Bordetella Pertussis

Here I am on my soap box again, but it's my blog, so I get to be. Yesterday in church, our Relief Society president announced that one of the primary teachers in our ward was diagnosed with Whooping Cough. I also heard from some of the patients work that go to Lehi High, that there's been someone at their school diagnosed with it too.

Ladies and Gentleman, this is whooping cough:



Let me point out a couple things to you.

First, (which should be quite obvious) this baby is MISERABLE! You can see it on his face. I can't imagine anything more terrifying as a mother. There literally is nothing you can do at that point but prop them up and watch them cough.

Second, HE'S NOT BREATHING!! Go back and look. He takes the characteristic "whoop" breath at 33 seconds and then doesn't breath in again until 55 seconds. An infant his age should be taking 30-40 breaths per minute. Average that baby's respirations out at two or maybe three... Yeah, you've got bigger problems than just the cough.

Whooping Cough is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics, but it can be fatal and it is completely preventable. Babies can be vaccinated as young as six weeks. If you've already gotten on board and your kids are up to date, kudos. If you're one of those moms who don't for whatever reason, WISE UP!! I really am not saying that to be mean, but seriously, in this day and age, you can't assume that it's not going to happen. Whooping Cough is extremely contagious and chances are if someone close to you has been diagnosed, you and your children have already been exposed.

The other thing people are trying to raise awareness about is that kids and parents can bring home Whooping Cough to their newborns even if they don't have symptoms. The doctor will usually make sure a pregnant mom is up to date before she delivers, but they don't always check on the dad. One phone call to your pediatrician's office will ensure that your kids are up to date too. Get up to date on your vaccines!

Here's the link to the CDC information on Pertussis (Whooping Cough):
http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/prevention.html

Read the info, and keep your family safe.

Dear Occupy Protesters...

...Ok. You've had your fun, but now it's time to go home. Your camps have turned in to a breeding ground for disease and a haven for drug users. You've seen that anyone with a job or any real influence in society couldn't care less about your cause. Your demands are outrageous, and I really don't think many of you know why you're out there freezing your butts off anyway. I'm as sick to death of you as I am of the Kardashians. The real 99% (those of us who work for a living instead of sitting around in a hippie drum circle demanding life-sustaining goods and services) would appreciate it if you would stop shooting each other and letting your neighbors and friends die alone in a tent, and GO AWAY. Let our law enforcement relinquish the task of babysitting you all day long, and allow them to get back to their real duty of protecting our neighborhoods against crime.

Thank You

Really?? You want to live here? I'd rather be a fry cook...