Here I Am

Sorry to leave you hanging! People keep asking when I was going to write again and I just wasn’t sure, but here I am. Sooo, a lot of changes since we last met. Back then, I was just diving into my new world full of all new social circles, and worried about what the future would hold. Well, it holds me for one. I’m still here. I’ve survived the big barrier crossing and am beginning to enlarge my social circles once again. And I like it.


The change with the greatest impact for me was switching church congregations. It shouldn’t be a big deal, right? But it is. It’s hard. Especially when it is the result of getting too old for your previous one and then being kicked out. I was comfortable there and I had friends. Sure they were all several years my younger but we had some good times. Our time for parting was finally at hand however. Many of them were moving on with their own lives as I needed to also. The mid-singles ward just seemed so daunting and scary! It was depressing really, to think of having to belong to such a congregation. That was, until I looked at it differently.

As I have mentioned many times before, our experiences in life really are what we make them. Look at the people who experience great tragedies and hard things. Many learn from the experience and are grateful, while others become bitter for the rest of their lives. In this situation of mine, I chose to see it for its good rather than the negatives that might be involved. I have seen many others in my situation however, who do just that…they make it harder than it is and can only see the negatives. So, since it has been my goal to look on the bright side of things, today’s post is all about the good part of evolving and progressing on to a mid-single’s ward.

First of all, you never know what you are missing until something different and maybe better for you comes your way, right? Well, I didn’t know how badly I was missing company with those in my situation but I really was. It is sooo nice to now be surrounded by professionals who know who they are and where they are going with life. That is not to take away from the younger crowd. They are well on their way; it’s just nice to be around other people that are also established in life. Most seem confident, intelligent, and fairly driven. I like it.

Next, switching wards at this particular time was actually quite a blessing for me. I wasn’t the only one getting kicked out of my ward. No, there were hundreds…literally. My new ward was pretty big to begin with. Over the last couple of months, it has grown by over 100 members. These are younger people just like me, who needed a place to go. Many were unsure what to think about moving on to this ward but most have been good sports about it. So, each time I go to church or an activity, I meet someone new. I am starting to recognize quite a few people and I also spot a new hottie just about every time as well. I know right? Who would have thought! And I don’t feel bad about looking either because I know they are at least my age or older. :)

While there are many my age, there are also quite a few who have been there a loooong time and are much older. Many of these are well, “interesting.” It is easy to get caught off guard by this crowd and see only them and wonder what you are doing there and what your future holds. Many thoughts come to mind like, “am I really one of them??” “will that be me soon?” etc.. On the other hand, it gives one cause to be grateful for one that you are different and that we are all unique and add our own flavors to the crowds we establish ourselves in. Life would be boring without the contrasts of different personalities and lifestyles. So, I watch them, I smile, and I am grateful!

Finally, (for now) this ward makes it so that there is always something to do. They have activities and events going on at least 3 to 4 times a week. So, if I have nothing else going on, it’s always nice to go on a ward hike or check out sports night, etc. Living a social life really requires getting out and doing something so this has been great for that. They even had a relationship/dating activity a few weeks ago. It was actually very well attended and interesting. I always enjoy the reminders I get at these to help myself become more dateable and ready for marriage!

As for the rest of my life, I have been trying to enjoy each day! I go hiking 3 to 4 times a week and always find it refreshing and rejuvenating! Sitting on the top of a mountain provides a great place for meditation and I’m kind of in to that lately. I learn some of that at the weekly Tai Chi classes I have also been going to. I’m loving it! I love learning how to use my energy in a positive way and to learn more about myself and my energetic make up! It’s great!

Men on the horizon? Yeah, a few. I think I was extra blessed for making the big switch so for once in my life, I got a HOT home teacher! (For those who don’t know, the men in each church congregation are assigned in pairs to visit each family in the ward monthly to give them a short spiritual lesson and check up on their overall well being.) I actually spotted him country dancing the other night as well. Sure he was with a girl with him but no big deal. He’s not married or anything! And, when he recognized me he gave me a hug and introduced her. So, we will see.

As mentioned above, there are several others in the ward who are just trying to get up the courage to come and talk to me! And as always, I have a few set up possibilities so we will see if those come through. Lastly, I’ve been meeting a few guys at country dancing! Wohoo! Guys ask me to dance ALL the time now! I love it! The other night, I danced with at least 3 guys in a row who all had the same name. I was starting to think it was a joke. One of them kept running into me the rest of the night and promised to find me on facebook. That is yet to be seen but it was progress. Good men are finally starting to show interest. I think I am finally beginning to figure out how to change the song I’m putting out there. Or the vibe anyway. I’ve been sending off the wrong one all this time but not too worry, life is a learning process, right?!

As a side note…I have a funny story. I said that I have been country dancing frequently lately. Well, I decided that it is a dangerous sport! A few weeks ago I got DROPPED!! They guy as dipping me and totally couldn’t pull me back up! Guess it’s time to recommit to that whole diet thing, right? Thirteen pounds to go until my goal!! The same night, another guy almost broke my arm. Then, last night I was dancing with this guy who was super good. We were showing a few other couples how to do some moves. So fun! BUT…the totally punched me in the nose! It seriously brought involuntary tears!! It still hurts today…pretty sure it’s bruised! I didn’t let him see that it hurt though. Once we actually danced, it was sooo much fun!! So, good times…but dangerous as well. Seems like all good things in life are the same way.