The Life Of A Pink Flamingo

Rachel Peterson. Nothing much has changed. As I look back at this past year I realize it has been a learning experience. I would put money on it that at this point in my life I have learned more this year than any other year in my life. Let me list some of the lessons so I do not forget!

1. Honesty: This one I have always struggled with. I dont know why. Maybe its because I dont want to disappoint those I love. Maybe its because I want people to think only the best of me. I learned that when you are not honest, the consequences outweigh the pain of just speaking the truth.

2. Im not perfect. I never thought I was. In fact, I am the most imperfect person I know. But trying to pretend that I am doing everything perfectly, makes me even more imperfect and prideful. It made me forget to rely on the Lord, which brings me to #3.

3. Never forget the Lord has a plan for you. I am a control freak. I want to be able to choreograph how life is going to go. I love to be content, make sure everyone is happy, and tell God what I want from Him. Well, due to this incredible fault, I forgot that God maybe has other plans for me. No matter how much I beg, no matter how much I pray for what I want and how I want it to go, He is there to remind me who is really in charge.

4. If you find True Love, never let it go. No matter what you have to do to make it work, true love is a gift we dont all get the chance of finding in this life. MAKE IT WORK! The loneliness that comes from a lost love will never leave. Time makes you forget, but it doesnt heal. The scars remain.

5. The most suprising lesson I have learned is even though I am a Mormon, Im not the only one going to Heaven. I also realized you can have testimonies without being a member of the church, yes, of the Savior. We are also not the only ones who truly know Christ. There are amazing people out there who live their lives as we claim to even better than we do. I have learned not to judge, that I need to remove the mote from my own eye first. They are beautiful people and they are just as deserving of making it to the Celelestial Kingdom as anyone else. If you disagree, then ask Heavenly Father what He thinks...

Lastly I want to share a story. Im sure many will roll their eyes or say, "that Rachel and her dramatic tragedies". Im sure people will tellme I shouldnt have posted it. I DONT CARE! I share it so I wont forget it, and maybe someone out there who has stepped a foot in my shoes can learn a lesson.

I fell in love with an amazing man named Joshua Auer. I met him in Utah while working at an agency supporting people with disabilities. A year later I moved to Arizona due to a job promotion and to be closer to him. The kicker? He's Catholic! Oh my gosh! Oh no! (rolling my eyes, by the way). I continued to follow my faith in the Mormon church. Sometimes he came to church with me and sometimes I even went to Mass. Have you ever been to a Catholic Mass? Did you know you can feel the spirit there? Did you know they dont "worship" the cross, even though they have a lot of them around? The cross is a sacred symbol to them, just as we feel our CTR rings are just as important to us. They are a reminder of what the Savior did for us and to remember him in all that we do. Its nothing to be afraid of.

Anyway, yes, I fell in love with him and dated him on and off for 5 years. I struggled with my feelings of telling people because I was afraid of what they would think of me dating a "non member". A lot of times I didnt even tell my family, because I didnt want to hear why it would never work.

Well, due to my fears, misunderstandings, and searching for truth within myself, I have lost this amazing person in my life. Although I truly believe that on the other side we will have a better understanding of what eternal companionship really means, I know I will see him there with me. Whether he is mormon or not. Even though we will be there as friends. We will remain friends forever, at least that is my wish.

Finally, I want to ask forgivness to those I have hurt, disappointed, or mislead through any action I have selfishly done. I love my family, I love my Savior, and I cant wait to begin a new year with new beginnings and moving onward and upward...

I have much to be thankful for...family, friends, my puppies, and my life...no matter what Gods plan is for me.

Wow! Its been way too long since my last post! So much has happened, but ill stick with the exciting stuff!

It is Fall here in beautiful Arizona! Although I miss the changing leaves in Utah, I am loving the beautiful weather here. Who knew the desert could be so beautiful?

About a month ago, my mom and I met up in Vegas and attended a Zumba workshop. There we received our certificates to become Zumba Instructors! Never heard of Zumba? Well, it has been a life changer for me! Zumba is a fitness dance class with Latin rhythems! You can shake your booty to Hip Hop, Riggatone, Merengue, Salsa, Tango, Kumbia, Flaminco, and about any other dance beat you desire! Its like a party every day!

Being certified has brought about so many wonderful opportunities for me! I am currently a Zumba Instructor at 24 Hour Fitness Gyms around the Metro Phoenix valley. I teach in Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler.

For those of you who know me well, you know that dancing has always been an important part of my life. Now I get to share my talents and teach others! I couldnt ask better! And it doesnt hurt that I get paid to do what I love!

I am looking forward to attending another workshop in October to further my dance education in Zumba Basic 2.

Ill be home in Utah for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I hope to see at least most of you there!

Pictures to follow...when I get to it! :)