just some random questions

How do you handle stress?

I handle stress by either praying or running or both at the same time.  Since I haven't been able to run lately just because of the dynamics of a baby and nursing, stress has been creeping into my life more than I would like it to.  I'm recommitting myself to start fast walking/jogging again to see if it helps.  I also talk about the stress with others, but sometimes I do feel as though that would be considered complaining.  I don't mean to complain... I just tend to work things out outloud rather than inside.

What have been the greatest successes in your life?

I would have to say first and foremost becoming a mother and wife contributing to our family.  It's a role that I still work on daily, but to think that a human being is now solely depending on Jeff and me is astounding.  It really makes me reevaluate everything I do and say.  I understand more about my own parents as well.  Secondly, I would have to say my education.  It has enabled me to work 30 hours a week but yet still make a great salary.  I give God all the glory for both of these successes.  I certainly had help.  I have to add running a couple of marathons was a huge achievement.

What do you think contributed to that success?

I would have to say that the prayers of my parents and God helped contribute to success in my life.  If you know me at all, it's easy to notice that it's hard for me to stay "on task."  I'm very tangential.  I definitely had help achieving both!

What did you learn from the greatest failure of your life?

My greatest failure in life would be my divorce.  I learned that marriage takes a lot of work from both sides.  I also learned that the things I thought were important in a relationship are not as important as just plain kindness, respect, love, admiration, and wanting to grow old together.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I am a firm believer that the path you take in life has it's purpose.  I believe that especially if you have a relationship with Jesus that He will order your steps; however, we can take a side path but many times God will use that side path to work something wonderful in your life.  He will take what was meant to destroy you and use it for good.  I also realize that the path I took led me to where I am today.  I cannot think of another path that would have taken me to this very place in my life.

What kind of books do you read?

I read a lot of different kinds of books.  I love C.S. Lewis.  I love JRR Tolkien.  I read the Bible.  Sometimes I read self help books because they are so interesting.  I enjoy science fiction.  I enjoy Ayn Rand.  Reading really sharpens your brain.  I USED to read a lot more than I do now!

How do you manage your time?

Not good at that.

What have been the greatest lessons you’ve learned?

What was meant to destroy me has made me stronger.
There is a reason for everything.  God is in control.
I'm very blessed and grateful for what I have in my life.  I couldn't ask for more.
I've learned that my parents really love me.  Especially after having my own son.
I've learned to become more detailed, though it's not my nature.

What have been the greatest surprises in your life?

Time really does move fast.  You should really make the most of every single day.  Soon it will be a memory.