Mini-Road Trip around Idaho

On Saturday, me, Kyle, Shelley and Sherilyn took a little one day trip up to Idaho City, Sun Valley and some of the hot springs along the way. We had a blast just us four, definitely an experience to NEVER be forgotten. It was a rough week and I needed this much mini vacation. We left early on Saturday morning and arrived home around 2 am that same night.

We made our first stop in Idaho City to see the old graveyard there and to see some of the old buildings and sites. If you are looking for a place to see, I would recommend Idaho City, plus they have great hot springs! Along the way, we sang at the top of our lungs, played the "if" game (thanks Shelley for the idea) and ate junk food until we were sick.

The first hot springs was just outside of Lowman, so fun and so so hot! There was a cool little outhouse there just before the hot springs with a tub inside, seriously sick! We were the only ones there, what a great time we had! After that, we drove to see Stanley and Alturis Lakes, such amazing places to camp by the way. We were all starving, so we drove into Ketchum and ate Pizza and Ricos! We made one more stop at a local hot springs, just 10 miles or so outside of Sun Valley. We met some really interesting people there, this dude, his girlfriend and his 15 year old daughter. All I remember is that her name was Laurel and they were now residing in Twin Falls. We sat and laughed with them, it was a series of Jerry Springer moments, so white trash, but for a good laugh none the less.

Kyle and I laughed so much, our faces were basically hurting by 2 am we had laughed so darn much. I am so thankful for laughter and the simple pleasure it is to have it!

Picking which battle to fight?

These past few days I have begun to realize that I, like many, are waging the war inside with ones self. My depression and focus have been completely off balance and I am desperately trying to get my life and spirit back on track! I am coming off of my current medication, Effexor and I am loosing my strength to win this seemingly endless battle with my mind. My doctor has lessened my dosage each month and next month begins the "cold turkey" method of NO medications until my current one works itself out of my system.

During this time of torture and sadness, I am learning of other methods of how to cope with this mental illness and it has not been easy. Today I couldn't even find the strength to get out of bed! it was so hard to think of depression and being unhappy, so I locked myself in my room, and tried to hide the hurt, sleep actually makes it worse. A close friend called me today and told me to meet her at a park, to take a walk and clear my mind. It was so comforting to speak with her and to hear of her advice. She put all of this into perspective that in essence, this is my own personal "Gethsemane."

I had never once before thought of it like that, but it brought me so much clarity and peace of mind. Just like our Savior did endure his trials of crucifixion, I too must overcome and learn from my own. I have been going to the Temple more frequently, twice in the last 4 days, in hopes that the Lord would reveal something to me and give me strength to overcome. It is going to be a long process, but I have faith I too can overcome my life's very own Gethsemane.

A crazy Halloween weekend!

I realize that this post is late and Halloween has already come and gone for another year, but I wanted to post some pictures from this weekend. I had my first party at my house and it was a huge success. We had a bonfire going in my driveway, Daren Bundy grilling steaks and plenty of food inside to feed an army. It was good to be surrounded by friends and family, in all there were about 40 people that showed up!

Two of my best friends...

Last night I got a call from Eric Leveque who just returned from his two year mission to Russia. it was hard to believe that his mission was already over and it has been two years since I last saw him. His twin Greg has also just returned home from Taiwan. They came to FHE and played dodge ball with our ward. So many great memories came to mind in just seeing them and talking to them. They both served honorable and faithful missions. I am grateful for them and their examples. Welcome home guys!!!!