2017 ch. 6

“People with goals succeed because they know where they are going”

As I’m sitting here, 6 months into the year, I’ve decided some of my goals need tweaking. I went back and forth on if I should change them and after I realized I didn’t want to change them because I didn’t want to “cheat”, I knew what I needed to do. It’s OKAY to change your goals. You are a person. A growing and ever-evolving human. Things change. And that is OKAY. I don’t know why I felt like if I changed my goals I was cheating or failing, and honestly, part of me still feels that way, but it’s okay. (Maybe if I keep telling myself it’s okay, I will actually be okay with it)

So I really wanted to run 1,000 miles this year. My sister had mentioned it as a goal she was considering and I felt like it would be a good goal for me too. Then I got sick for two weeks. And then I got sick for another week. And then I had the craziest work week of my adult career and missed another week. 4 weeks in total. One month. That’s a lot. I didn’t anticipate all of that missed time. I’m currently just over 400 miles for the year (1 month behind my schedule) and honestly, I could still make the 1,000. It would take a lot of effort. And I had decided I was still going to go for it. But then I realized that by going for 1,000, I wouldn’t be able to train for races the way I wanted to. And I wouldn’t have as much time to ride my bike. And I would be so tired. And maybe I would burn out from running. So I’ve decided my updated goal is to keep running consistently. Last year I had roughly 4 months where my mileage wasn’t where I wanted it to be. I want to remain consistent all year long. For me, that will mean at least 60 miles per month for the rest of the year. I’ve started adding in my walking miles, so maybe I’ll get close to the 1,000 mark, but I’m not going to sweat it anymore.

The second goal I need to change is visiting 6 new temples this year. I made the goal thinking it would be fun to visit temples I had never done temple work in. I thought it would be easy as there are so many in Utah alone I could go to. I’ve been to two and still have two others I’m hoping to go to. This month I realized my temple attendance has been awful this year. I feel obligated to go to new temples and it’s hard scheduling that much time to go out of my way to go to the temple. Especially when I don’t have to. When I recognized I’ve been avoiding it, I knew I needed to drop the goal. So, oh well. What I thought would be fun, ended up a chore that was only going to limit me from going at all. So instead, I want to focus on just going each month.

By changing these goals, I know I am living purposefully. I have recognized what I need to adjust and am taking those steps. I’m trying to focus on spending more time doing the things I enjoy and tackling the challenges that come my way.

So without further ado, here's where I'm at.....

This month has been a good reading month. I’ve read 4 books! (2 new authors)

* The little book of Hygge- Meik Wiking

* Always and Forever, Lara Jean- Jenny Han

*By the time you read this, I’ll be dead-  Julie Anne Peters

* Rising Strong- Brene Brown

My favorite quotes from Rising Strong were:

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”-Maya Angelou

“The only decision we get to make is what role to play in our own lives: Do we want to write the story or do we want to hand that power to someone else? Choosing to write our own story means getting uncomfortable; it’s choosing courage over comfort…you either walk into your story and own your truth, or you live outside of your story, hustling for your worthiness.”

I don’t know if I have a favorite book from this month. I really enjoyed the Lara Jean series that I read last year, so it was fun to read the last book in the series. It was nice to read a novel. I’ve been reading so many non-fiction books lately it was good to have a break. What is your favorite book right now?

I have remained consistent in writing in my journal once a week. And this month, I actually caught up on my scrapbooking for the year! WHOOOO!

This month, I’ve accepted that I don’t need to plan every last detail and it can be fun to be spontaneous (see Idaho post)

This month has been fun. It’s been fast. Summer is always a time where life is so busy and so packed full of everything I love.

We are 6/6 on travel and I am loving it! There is so much beauty in this world and I want to see it all! It was fun to add a new state to our list of places we’ve been together. 

Cheers to the next 6 months! 

Idaho

In June, we hit our 7 trip of the year, making us 6/6 on traveling each month in 2017. We knew we wanted to go camping and decided we wanted to go to Idaho. I had seen some pretty pictures of some falls (Thousand Springs) and was set to go. Mike was in charge of finding places to camp and we invited my brother and his boyfriend. 

On Saturday morning we woke up early and started the job. We drove to the place we had hoped to camp and it was full. We were disappointed and didn’t know what to do. We decided while we were right there to hike up to balanced rock (not quite as cool as the one in Arches)

We were having a hard time figuring out where to camp, so we drove to Shoshone falls, which was so incredible! It’s like the Niagara Falls of Idaho! We were getting wet while we were in the parking lot. It was hard to take a good picture because of how massive it is. Truly beautiful! We ended up eating lunch at the lake just above the falls. Sadly, dogs (we had two with us) weren’t allowed at the lake, so we ate quickly and went back to searching for a site. 

The first site we drove to didn’t look good, so we decided to try one more place. At that time David and Trevor decided they were done, so they drove home. We headed up into the Sawtooths and found a beautiful place to camp! It was grassy and Hendo was able to run around. Mike was exhausted so after we ate, he slept and I enjoyed the peace around the fire with a book. Later that night, I tried nightscapes, but it didn’t go as well as last time. The lighting was better, but the stars were blurry. 

After all of that, we didn’t end up going to Thousand Springs, but we managed to have fun anyway. 

July we will be going to Cedar City for the Shakespeare Festival and hopefully Yellowstone! 

Vernal + Capitol Reef

This month we were able to take 2 overnight trips. Our first was to Vernal, UT.

We went to Vernal so I could run the Dino Half. I had been looking forward to this half, but my dinner from the night before didn't settle well and I had one of my worst half times. I ended up finishing 2:16, hoping for a sub 2. 

 

After the race, we quickly (so quickly I forgot to get my drop bag 😭) headed back to the hotel so I would have time to shower before we had to check out. Before heading home, we took a detour to Fantasy Canyon. I had wanted to go to Fantasy Canyon for months. The pictures looked so cool! And it was. If you're already in the area. But I don't feel like it's worth the drive to see it alone. 

 

 

Our second overnight was a camping trip to Capitol Reef. We got a National Parks Pass in March and I want to use it as much as we can this year. We decided Capitol Reef would be a good option for Memorial Day, with the hopes it wouldn't be so busy. Capitol Reef is great for the family or for a quick trip, but we saw all we wanted to in a half a day. Don't get me wrong though, it was beautiful and we had a wonderful time! We hiked, camped, and got pie! Because the camping grounds were full, we stayed on BML land a little outside of the park. Best decision ever! We had such an incredible view and we had privacy. All in all, I would go back in a heartbeat. If you plan to go, I would suggest BLM land, but keep in mind there's no water or restrooms. 

the view from our tent 

practicing some night shots 

   

2017 ch. 5

This year has literally been a blur. Each month passes before my eyes and I can hardly believe we're in June. I'm still trying to decide if the blur is good or bad. On the one side, it means I have been busy and proactive with my time. On the other time, I almost wish time would slow down. At least a little. Because there's so much I want to freeze, so I can enjoy just a little bit longer. But unfortunately, time is not like that and the year is almost halfway over. And as I look back at the last 5 months, I have so many amazing memories to look back on...and even more to make!

May turned into a good month!

This month I read two books: Adventures for your Soul-Shannon Kaiser and Girl Boss-Sophia Armouso

Both books were really good! I binge-watched Girl Boss on Netflix, so reading the book was 100% necessary. Here are my favorite quotes from both:

Adventures for you Soul:

"Through the process of discovering my true self, I started to live my dream life"
"Give yourself permission to dream about a better life"
"Give yourself permission to press the play button of your life"
"...feel joyful, expansive and in love with life...This only happens when you take a stand for yourself and become your own main character of your own life...when you press the reset button of your life, you can change the fate of your future, and settling will become a way of your past"
"What we believe on the inside is always manifested on the outside"
"Your imagination is your golden ticket to happiness"
"The more you let yourself be the real you, the more love you will feel"
"I choose to put myself into my own life and not settle...Your life is too precious to spend anymore time on earth doing anything that does not make your soul sing"
"The purpose of life is to suck in the entire experience and love fully from the heart"
"When you set goals, you are showing up for yourself and putting your desires into focus"
"Choose your life"

(UMMMMMM. SO GOOD!)

Girl Boss:

"Figure out what you love doing and don't suck at it, then try to figure out how to make a living doing that! Don't be scared. We're all going to die it's just a question of when and how-so be brave! You will never regret trying to fulfill your dreams"-Alexi Wasser

Currently, I'm reading The Forgotten Garden...my favorite book! What should I read in June? I think I need a break from self-help type books.


I've continued writing in my journal weekly and I have been so glad. It's a good way to reflect and I don't want to forget all of the wonderful memories I've created throughout the week.


I made progress with scrapbooking this month! I am up to April! It's been so fun to see my pictures printed each month. Thank goodness for snapfish...I can have beautiful pictures delivered to my door so easily!


I didn't visit a new temple (or go at all) this month. Somehow May passed and I never made it to the temple....oops! But I plan to visit a new temple in June. Maybe Timp? If you're in Utah, which temple is your favorite? Also, if you're in Utah and ever want someone to go with you, hit me up! I always love company!


In May, I completed my 4th half of the year....The Dino Half! It was the one I was looking the most forward to and was the one I was most disappointed by. :( I had been trained and was hopeful for a sub 2 time. I knew I could do it and was honestly hoping for a PR. To save you from details you don't care to know, my dinner from the night before didn't settle on my stomach. AT. ALL. By mile 4, I was honestly considering taking a DNF (did not finish). I was miserable. I finished 2:16 or 2:17 (can't remember) and I was so disappointed! Here's hoping for a better race in August.

I'm still trying to reach my goal of 1,000 miles. It's going to take so much WORK these next 7 months. I am up to 340 miles (68 for May) If you've ever considered taking up running...DO IT! and come run with me!


And as always, last's the best of all! Traveling! My favorite! This month we stayed in Utah, but we were able to go to Vernal (neither of us had ever been) and Capitol Reef National Park. Vernal was a quick trip as we went for my race, but Fantasy Canyon was pretty cool! Capitol Reef was beautiful! So beautiful! We camped on BLM land and had the best views from our tent! Plus, I was able to practice taking some nightscapes. We are both so excited to do some more camping this summer. Do you have a favorite place to camp, if so, please share where you like to go!

I'm so excited for summer and warm weather to finally be here! I may slow down on some of my goals for the year, but I plan to soak up every last second I can of the warm weather! Speaking of, here's my summer list. I love having company, so if you want to join in on any activities, hit me up!

1. backpack to Lake Mary
2. go camping
3. s'mores
4. new hike
5. go swimming
6. snowcones
7. paddle boarding
8. wild flowers
9. family cook out
10. farmer's market
11. spiral jetty
12. make lemonade

Here's to the most fun month yet!!!

2017 ch. 4

This month has been a blur. But if we’re being honest, this year has just flown by. Tell me again how it’s already May?

I feel like April was the month I finally starting practicing the goals/changes I’ve wanted to implement. Which means it’s never too late to start or accomplish a goal.

I’ve been feeling restless and made my theme for the year to live with purpose. It’s hard to start saying yes more and to experience new things when you’re so.dang.busy. And when other people may not want to say yes or have new experiences. Going out of your comfort zone is HARD. But I read this quote, “you weren’t made to just pay bills and die” and it spoke to me so deeply and even though I read it 6+ months ago, I can’t stop thinking about it. Saying yes and trying new things and being brave is so important to me, because I don’t want to be 80 and realize I spent my life working and not living.

And so, this month I stopped making excuses. I took some chances, and just did things. And do you know what? It was liberating. And scary. But exciting. And ultimately, so worth it. I booked a trip to Paris even though it was completely unplanned and I already had/have big trips planned. I decided to follow through on and take a chance on a passion I’ve had for years, but somehow never truly realized. I’ve been reading books that build me up and that make me want to take chances. I’ve been more productive with my time and have made an effort to spend more time doing the things I love.

Honestly, this year is shaping up to be one I won’t soon forget.

So last month I already wrote about buying a camera and seriously, I haven’t looked back for a second. In March I set up an etsy account, but this month, I decided I want to start taking pictures of people too. It terrifies me and I know it will be a lot of work, but I think it will be rewarding and enjoyable as well. That said, I need people to practice on. So if you want free pictures, send me a DM on my Instagram (@bethflintphoto)

This month, I’ve read three books. Traveller's Tales From Heaven and Hell,  Big Magic and The Gifts of Imperfection. Both books are amazing and go right along with self-improvement. I’ve read Big Magic before, but still loved it a second time.

Here are my favorite quotes:

(Big Magic: Elizabeth Gilbert)

 "Fear is a desolate boneyard where our dreams go to desiccate in the hot sun"

 "Let yourself fall in love with your creativity...and see what happens"

 "Begin anywhere. Preferably right now"

 "When it's for love, you will always do it anyhow" 

(The Gifts of Imperfection: Brene Brown)

 "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do"

 "Every time we choose ourage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver"

 "True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world"

 "Staying real is one of the most courageous battles that we'll ever fight"

I’ve continued writing in my journal weekly and it has been a good way for me to reflect back on the week.

I have not been great at scrapbooking. I’m still on January….however, I have been good at printing my pictures out every month.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was able to visit the Las Vegas temple in April. I LOVED it. It was so peaceful and wonderful! I really love going to the temple outside of Utah. I need to visit 4 more new (to me) temples this year. Any suggestions? I have a couple planned, but will for sure need at least 2 more.

Last weekend, I ran the Salt Lake Half Marathon with my dad and sister, Lisa. It was such a good course! I would run it again in a heartbeat. I liked that it was scenic, but also winded through parts of the city. I was worried it would be hard for me as I had been sick prior, but I ended up with a time of 2:06, which is my second fastest race ever. My mileage is still behind, I’m at 269 miles.

And last’s the best of all. Traveling and going new places is my favorite. This month we went to Vegas. You can read all about it on my Vegas post. Long story short, we hadn’t been to Vegas in 10 years. The last time either of us had really been was when we went as friends, nearly 10 years ago. We didn’t do typical Vegas, but had a good time. Next month we’re going to Vernal, UT. Don’t be jealous. Haha. Has anyone been? Any recommendations? We will only be there overnight, as the primary reason is I’m running a race. Gotta love those run-cations.

Guys, I’m serious. In the last few years, making and setting goals, I’ve seen such an improvement. It can be small or large. Write yourself a to-do list for the week and do it. Then set out to do something bigger. All of those goals add up and can make such a difference. What’s stopping you? Just do it.

Maternity Shots

A little over a week ago, my sister let me practice my photography by taking her maternity photos. It was a learning experience, but I had a fun time! I need more models to practice on...any takers? You can contact me via instagram @bethflintphoto

V E G A S

Last weekend we took our 4th trip of the year to Las Vegas! We did Vegas differently than the average person. I had 4 things on my Vegas must do list: go to the temple, hike, go to seven magic mountains, and eat at a buffet. haha. My priorities were on point. 

None of us drink or gamble so the typical Vegas stuff was off the table. But we still had a fun time! We went with my brother and his boyfriend and our dogs. 

We left after work on Friday and after several stops, arrived at our hotel (in Henderson) at about 11:30 pm local time. 

Saturday morning Mike was able to go train at 10th Planet Vegas while I went to the Las Vegas LDS temple. 

 

 

Mike enjoyed training with new people and I loved being able to spend some time at a new temple. I loved the Vegas temple! It was so slow and peaceful. I feel like it's hard to get that in Utah because it's always so busy at any given time at every temple you go to. Outside of Utah, time seems to slow down while you're in the temple. I loved it and can't say enough how glad I am that I was able to go! 

Saturday afternoon David and Trevor met up with one of their friends, so Mike and I stayed back and caught up on some work. (Snooze) Once they were back, we got ready and drove to Red Rock Canyon. Hiking and being outside in general is something I love and need in my life, so it only makes sense we would go hiking while in Vegas! Red Rock Canyon is just outside of Vegas, and it is beautiful! When we got there, we saw they were only taking cash and unfortunately we didn't have enough. We told the man at the window and he was so sweet! After asking us if we had any change to scrounge up the last dollar, he gave us a map, dog treats for the pups and told us to go in....no charge! Seriously, the sweetest! 

 

  

After hiking, we went back to the hotel room, got ready and headed to the strip for a buffet dinner. We had settled on the Winn, but after getting there and seeing how much it was, we decided to go to the Luxor instead. It was delicious, although I was so hungry, anything would've been delicious at that point! Everyone was so tired at that point (Mike fell asleep in the car within 3 minutes) we didn't walk the strip, but drove it instead. 

 

 

Sunday morning was a little slower and more relaxed. We ate breakfast at the hotel, packed up, and headed to seven magic mountains! If you're not familiar, it's an art piece set up just outside of Vegas, in the middle of the desert. It was so fun to see the pop of color with the desert in the background! 

 

 

  

After that, we began our drive home. Which took forever. It was a short weekend, but it was so fun! The weather was beautiful (+windy) and we were able to spend quite a bit of time outside while it snowed back in Utah.