Having a Good Time

'nuff said.

Living Life Backwards

I am grateful for Elder Neil L. Andersen's recent General Conference talk. In contemplating my life from high school to now, I recognize that nothing has gone as planned. More specifically, I am not married with four kids and two more still yet to come. Instead, I have two graduate degrees with a promising career ahead of me. Elder Andersen helped me see that even though my original plan has not happened, it doesn't mean that it is out of reach. Patient persistent in waiting upon the Lord (thank-you Elder Hales) and promised blessings will be fulfilled. I'm just living life backwards. :)

In having this realization, I thought back to Elder Uchtdorf's message to the Relief Society sisters. Even though I don't have children now, I still have the opportunity to influence many people for good including my nieces and nephews. I have been working on memorizing the seminary scripture mastery scriptures with my nieces and nephews. I love watching my seven-year-old nephew use the iPad app to memorize the scriptures and then pass it off with me. Obviously, I'm learning them at a faster rate, but it thrills me that we are doing it together. And that I can be that encouragement and example for them.

Another area I'm trying to be an influence for good is with music. They've already been indoctrinated to the Broadway/Musical genre but classical music is still a work in progress. Since I have always wanted to hear the 1812 Overture at the Deer Valley Music Festival (Yes. Always. At least since I was in junior high. Yes. I'm a music nerd.), I decided to take my oldest nieces to the final night of the festival. We stopped at the outlets first and I introduced Rachel to Banana Republic jeans. I don't know if her mom will ever forgive me for that one. Then we headed up to Deer Valley.
The nice thing about the outdoor venue at Deer Valley was the outdoor atmosphere helped the girls feel comfortable, we were able to bring a picnic in with us, and we were surrounded by the beautiful Utah mountains. The music selection was perfect! The girls recognized everything that was played. And the finale...Wow! Live cannons synched perfectly with the 1812 Overture. The girls grinned from ear to ear every time they cannons went off. And I absolutely loved it! Worth the wait! Afterwards, Josie said to me, "I thought it was going to be boring but I actually had fun." I turned to her, smiled, and told her never doubt me when I tell her we are going on an adventure. Good times had by all!

Here are a few pictures of us enjoying ourselves during the intermission.



So even though life hasn't gone exactly they way I planned, it's okay. The Lord has a plan for me and I know if I just continue pressing forward with faith, all will be revealed and promises will be fulfilled. How grateful I am for my testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the sustaining power of personal revelation.

Having a Bit of Fun

Last June when I was babysitting my nieces and nephews, I decided we needed a break from the house. I packed them into the car and headed up the canyon not really having a plan. I found a backroad near Sundance and began driving just to see where we would end up. We found a perfect spot at the base of Stewart Falls. Even from the distance, we could see how powerful the waterfall was and this was in June! After we explored a bit there, we headed up towards Aspen Grove. We played around on the Timp Hike trail and Aspen Grove before heading down and calling it a night.

The next day, I was driving with my two nieces as we ran errands for their mom. The oldest found my camera and started having some fun taking pictures of herself, her sister, and me. I love to attribute their silliness and craziness to their parents, but I always seem to be around when things like this happen. Hopefully I've been a good influence on them. :)

 

In Memory of Steve Jobs

In August, I posted one of my favorite Steve Job's quotes. In honor of the passing of this innovative, driven, and hopeful leader, I share with you words from the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Do not therefore consider this life as an object of any moment. Look back on the immense gulf of time already past; and forwards, to that infinite duration yet to come, and you will find how trifling the difference is between a life of three days and of three ages.

Let us then employ properly this moment of time allotted us by fate, and leave the world contentedly; like a ripe olive dropping from its stalk, speaking well of the soil that produced it, and of the tree that bore it.

-Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Broadway's Best

A few months ago I mentioned that I was able to see Brian Stokes Mitchell and Linda Eder in concert. Well my childhood Broadway idols just kept coming. Two weeks later I saw Idina Menzel (of Wicked fame) at the Deer Vally Music Festival. Her chattiness and flighty demeanor actually made her that more endearing to the audience. Of course she sang songs from Wicked and it was even better live!

Then, Lea Salogna (Jasmine, Mulan, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables) came to BYU. I felt like a little kid in a candy store. I just sat there with a giddy smile as her voice resonated in the DeJong Concert hall. She was personable and down to earth. And "On My Own' was phenomenal! I walked away from the Lea Salogna concert with a "once-in-a-lifetime" feeling. Absolutely wonderful!

When I was telling my mom about all the Broadway singers I had seen the past two months in Utah, she reminded me of a story that my seminary teacher once told her. When I was in high school, our seminary had a dating week in February. We filled out a survey that gauged our interests, personality, etc., etc. I went up to my teacher and told him that my favorite music type wasn't listed. All the typical genres were listed but mine was missing. He stared at me incredulously then asked, "What is your favorite music?" "Musicals." He looked at me. Looked at the paper. Then said, "You're right. It isn't listed." He was surprised by my answer but when he related the story to my mom, she wasn't. She knew that I would listen to different musicals while cleaning the house, working in the yard, and driving to piano lessons (a three hour round trip drive). She knew that my sister and I would sing-along to the symphonic version of Les Miserables and even try to sing every part in One Day More. She knew that one Christmas she searched the country (this was before the Internet was helpful) for a copy of The Sound of Music as a surprise for me. She knew.

Now do you understand how seeing Linda Eder, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Idina Menzel, and Lea Salogna made me feel like a kid again? One day I'll make it to Broadyway, but until then, I'm content with all the Broadway opportunities I've had in Utah.

Admit it. You had fun clicking on all those links. :)

Fasting

Not the kind you think of. I found myself being on social media too much. Too much time on Facebook. Too much time on LinkedIn. Too much time on Twitter. Too much time on YouTube. And all of that was for my job!

The past two weeks I've taken a step back and just stopped being on it for now. I know once some things pick up at work, I'll have to be back on all of these more throughout the day. But for now I just monitor everything in TweetDeck and stay away from other sites. It's kind of nice to get rid of that distraction.

12 People, 2 Vehicles, 180 Miles of Running

Last summer my friend Ben asked me to be part of his Red Rock Relay team. Being the crazy fool I was, I excitedly said, "Sure!" I had no idea what I was getting into especially since I traveled to San Francisco the week before and had little time to train in August. Also, after running two half-marathons, I was kind of tired. For those not familiar with the Ragnar or other relay races, here is a quick recap: A team of 12 runners tackles one set of 3 legs that equals to 180+ miles. Our team started at 7:00am at Brian Head Ski Resort in near Cedar City, UT and ended at the entrance of Zions National Park the next day at 1:20pm.

In spite of my lack of desire to run at the time of the relay, I packed up my parents' Honda Pilot and traveled to Southern Utah with a few friends. Since I was part of the second vehicle, we decided to spend the night in Provo and head down that morning. We met up with our teammates around 10am and quickly joined the party. I didn't realize how much fun we would have cheering one another on and supporting one another as a team. We survived blistering heat, rain and hail, frigid temperatures, and a few miscues between the two teams. My first run was right when the storm subsided. It was a bit chilly at 10,000+ feet but it made for an easier uphill run. I felt energized and excited for the next run.


Finishing my first run
We made it into Cedar City, passed off the baton to the other team, and grabbed a bite to eat. I tried to grab a bit of sleep but it was too light and a former student saw my Facebook check-in and wanted to see me. These two girls met me at the SUU campus and we caught up on life. It really was fun to see these girls grownup and doing well. An hour later we were off again. My next run was another uphill route but I had trained for hills so nothing I couldn't handle. It was weird running through the mountains with no one around me. We were close to the Mountain Meadows Massacre site and it was a bit spooky knowing the background of that story. After I was finished, I continued driving while everyone else slept except the runner who was out at the time. I did miss our runner once because I fell asleep but we we found him at the next check point.


Still smiling and happy after my second run.
Finally we were off to Washington to the last checkpoint, which happened to be at the local rec center. I found a lounge chair by the pool and grabbed an hour or two of sleep. Around 6:30am, we were off again ready to finish the last 38 miles. My last leg was extremely hard for me. I had a couple of large, rolling hills and the heat was setting in. I was getting discouraged but was able to push through by remembering an email from my boss: Just take it one step at a time. (I really do have a great boss!) After one last push, I handed the baton off to my teammate. I was finished!


Yes. I ran up that hill. And another just like it around the bend. Not fun but I kept going.
The last few hours of running just got hotter. I felt bad for my teammates. We stopped more frequently and offered water to all the runners who passed us not just our own. We finally met up with the first vehicle and ran the last 50 yards together. Such an accomplishment! It required a very different mental endurance than any of my half-marathons. I enjoyed my night run and the beautiful scenery during the day. Simply breathtaking!


One of the beautiful vistas we ran by. You can see Zions in the background.

On Monday when my boss asked me about the relay I replied, "It was fun, in a sadistic sort of way." I still believe that. It required a physical and mental toughness that I thrive on. Even though I hadn't had a good training schedule between my July half-marathon and the Red Rock, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I'm up for another one if any of you ever need a teammate.

I brought my camera hoping to snap a shot or two. My teammates went camera crazy and took over 500 pictures! I've posted a few of them here but if you want to see a a lot more of them, then visit my Facebook page. For those who are looking for cheap therapy, I recommend running. It's been a lifesaver for me.


We made it!

Three marks for each "leg" we ran.

Just a Bit of Silliness

That line from Finding Neverland popped into my head as I sat to write this blog post. Often I have very distinct thoughts, feelings, impressions, or whatever you would like to call them. For me they are very real. I question whether or not they come from me or from a much higher power. I would like to brush them off as "just a bit of silliness" but in reality I know better. My very nature creates a sense of urgency to want to act on these and move forward and make things happen. But, as you know, that isn't what I should be doing right now. My challenge and test is not to worry. To place all things in the hands of the Lord. To trust Him completely. For the Spirit of the Lord will always guide me if I listen and obey.

Bite Me! I'm So Sure!

This weekend I spent a few hours in the yard weeding, mowing the lawn, and getting everything in order. I woke up early Tuesday morning scratching my legs to pieces. I had over 15 bug bites on my legs! I was in pain! I had some anti-itch cream from the last major bug attack, which happened in Hawaii when I had over 50 bites!, but it wasn't helping.

I did what any deliriously tired person who was rubbing all her skin off would do. I searched the Internet. I read a few things that I could do, did them, and fell asleep for a few more hours. Woke up again at 5am, applied more home remedies, and found some relief. I double dosed my allergy medicine that morning and went to work. At the temple that night, a worker gave me some more options. So against all my self-imposed medication habits, I drove to Rite-Aid and bought some Benadryl.

At home, I soaked my feet and legs to help ease the swelling, applied more anti-itch ointment, and popped a Benadryl. The pain, itching, and swelling have finally subsided. The most interesting sensation though is feeling the medicine wearing off. Since I rarely take any medication beyond my allergy medicine, I am very sensitive to anything I take. Hopefully the worst has passed.

PS - The title comes from my sister who said that when she saw then squashed a mosquito that had settled on her arm.

Advice from HBR

I read (or skim) many business articles each day. My favorites come from Harvard Business Review's Management Tip of the Day. These short snippets always get me to read the entire article, because often their advice links well to both my professional and personal life.

Here are two of my recent favorites. The first rang true as many unexpected events seem to happen in my life. It's the subtitle of my blog. It actually reminds me of the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:26 "To act for themselves and not to be acted upon." I have a tendency to fly off the handle when the unexpected comes my way. I'm working on not doing that and these three steps have helped me with that goal.

3 Ways to Handle the Unexpected
Trying to predict the future is futile. Instead, be ready to respond. When the unexpected arrives at your door, do these three things:
Stop. If you feel pressured to make a decision, stop what you're doing. Give yourself a chance to think before acting.
Assess your options. Don't waste time wishing things were different. Think about the best outcome in the given situation, the information you have at hand, and the available resources. Then lay out your options.
Move forward. Based on your new assessment, make a decision and commit. Even if the decision isn't ideal, accept that it's the best under the circumstances.

The second article validated what I was already trying to do: not let stress control my life. Elder Scott once spoke about making choices and understanding the difference between worries and concerns. I've re-read this talk multiple times as I have encountered stressful situations. Learning to deconstruct my own feelings then acting accordingly is still a work in progress.

Turn Stress into an Asset
Stress is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to be damaging. When managed correctly, strain can positively impact productivity and performance. Here are three things you can do to make stress work for you:
Recognize worry for what it is. Stress is a feeling, not a sign of dysfunction. When you start to worry, realize it's an indication that you care about something, not a cause for panic.
Focus on what you can control. Too many people feel bad about things they simply can't change. Remember what you can affect and what you can't.
Create a supportive network. Knowing you have somebody to turn to can help a lot. Build relationships so that you have people to rely on in times of stress.

I really like the last point. My family and friends have been a tremendous support to me. They've been there for the good and bad, and more often than not, carried me through the overwhelmingly stressful times.

My New Car

I told Krystal I would update on Paris next but I haven't had time. I'll do that on the plane tomorrow. Yes traveling again!

I bought my Honda Acoord soon after I got my first job. I loved that car! Black, manual, nice stereo (Happy Valentine's Day to me!), and a great ride. I drove that thing everywhere: Northern California, Southern California, Phoenix and back, Phoenix to Utah and back again, Vegas multiple times, Lake Powell multiple times, 5 years commuting, and so much more! It never broke down on me. Never had any major problems. Granted the paint was chipping, the hubcaps were missing, the belts were squeaky, but it was a reliable car.

Alas, the good times came to an end. The transmission started to go out. I had the mechanic look at it and the cost was more than I wanted to pay. In May, I sold my car. Yes, I was completely honest to the buyer. He knew it was the transmission. He had a mechanic drive it and he confirmed it was the transmission. I was sad to see my car drive away.

What am I driving now? My sweet new ride is my sister's old Honda Civic, which happened to be a car I drove while in college. My car was 11 years old with 190,000+ miles. The Civic has 211,000+ miles, is 14 years old, AND has no air conditioning. Gratefully it has been a mild summer. Only a few more weeks left to endure!

The Civic. It looks similar but it isn't the same. I miss my car. On the bright side, I have been able to save money instead of paying interest. I just need to make this thing last one more year and I'll be able to buy something nice and new/used.

Running, Running, and More Running

Training for races is so time consuming! I've been training for races since January and I am exhausted. I ran the Salt Lake Half Marathon in April, the Timpanogos Half Marathon in July, and am running the Red Rock Relay in two weeks.

My training recently has been pathetic. My bed feels way too comfortable in the morning and my social life is much more appealing in the evening. Oh well...two more weeks and then I get a small break. I am running the Dirty Dash with friends in September and the Run For Your Lives with a friend in October. But those are only 5Ks and should be fun. I've thought about a triathlon to mix up the training but I have too many vacations I am planning and training would just get in the way.


Salt Lake Half

Finished in 1:59:17

Timp Half. Ran the race with my brother Rich, his wife Kaylene, and their son Taylor. Finished in 1:54:48

Let the Updates Begin

Time to update you all on my summer adventures. First, if you view my blog in Google Reader, I clarified the previous post. I realized it was very vague so I made it less vague. :) I know that once blog posts are published in an RSS feed any edits are not updated.

So one of the things I was trying to make happen was moving. I have wanted to move for a while. I've been living at my parents' duplex this summer helping get everything in order. (That is a whole other blog post.) My friend Kari and I were both feeling a need to make some changes in our situations and decided we were going to search out new places to live. Both of our companies are moving north in October, and we felt this was a perfect time to make a change. I was on KSL and Craigslist for a few weeks looking for new places and found some really great options for us.

We decided that before signing on a place, we should also explore the singles scene to get a sense of how easy it would be to find a new social circle. One Sunday we went to check out a singles ward. All I can say is...Wow! We drove up to the building and could not find a place to park. The place was packed! Both of us were laughing at the situation. It was unreal. We found a place in a residential neighborhood across the street and quickly walked to the building. What makes this scene even funnier is Kari had a broken foot. All handicap spots were taken and she was hobbling across 7200 South laughing the whole time.

When we walked into the building we were taken aback. It looked like Stake Conference! We wondered if we were in the right building. Then we heard the callings. Yep! We were at the mid-singles ward. We had the hardest time not laughing. We couldn't believe this was a real ward! Over 600 people were in attendance! They had 4 Relief Societies, 2 Elder Quorums, and callings that even if you tried, you could not find listed in the church handbook. Kari and I saw all we needed to see. We slipped out laughing even more than when we went in. On my way out, I did something very irreverent. I snapped a picture. We had to prove to Kari's roommates that we were not exaggerating one bit.


I learned something from this event. That mid-singles ward was reminiscent of the singles ward I was in when I taught at Bingham. So many people that you got lost in the mix. Definitely not for me. I love the family ward! Church is not about finding someone to date but to build a relationship with Christ and to renew covenants through partaking of the sacrament. I love my ward family and the opportunities I have to serve them.

Moving is still a good option but timing is going to play a part in this. I'm still looking but no longer trying to make it happen tomorrow like I was before. I'm stepping back a bit knowing that the Lord's hand is guiding my life. No worries here. :)

Taking Action

Since most of you are friends or family that read my blog, I thought I would explain my Giving Up post. Seth Godin, a marketing guru, explained, "Action, even ineffective action, is something societies seek out during times of uncertainty." I have felt the need to make things happen. To act and not be acted upon. To make decisions. To press forward. To seek out a better way.

I was feeling that sense of uncertainty and so I set out to make things happen. I became extremely frustrated in trying to make things happen. I was ready to give up. That night at the temple, I realized that having a plan was good but my plan wasn't the best thing for me. The Lord provided insight into what I could do to "make things happen" and to "press forward". Basically, I needed to focus more on the "Don't worry" part of life instead of the "Everything is going to work out" part. In doing that I have been able to make some new friends, find a balance with work and life, and feel less anxious about the future. I am very grateful for a Lord who is keenly aware of me and answers my prayers.

My Favorite Steve Jobs' Quote

Much has been written since Steve Jobs announced he was stepping down as Apple's CEO. Being the social media person on my team, I have read many of these articles. All have similar themes: work hard, play hard, be creative, live your dreams, don't give up hope. One of my favorite articles was from the Wall Street Journal that reprinted Jobs' commencement address at Stanford in 2005. I wanted to share with you the thought that touched me the most.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. --Steve Jobs

Strengthened by the Lord

I read this quote from Joseph Smith, The Prophet's Facebook status. (I just read that line and thought how ironic that Joseph Smith was martyred by those hoping to extinguish his voice and now that same voice is being published world-wide on a social networking site.)

"I wanted to say something to you to comfort you in your peculiar trial & present affliction. I hope God will give you strength that you may not faint. I pray God to soften the hearts of those around you to be kind to you & take the burden off your shoulders as much as possible & not afflict you. I feel for you, for I know your state & that others do not, but you must comfort yourself knowing that God is your friend in heaven & that you have one true & living friend on earth, your husband."

I may not be married but this particular quote touched my heart because I know that God is my friend and is acutely aware of me, and I have a family that has been a great source of comfort to me. They are my friends and I love them dearly.

Giving Up

Tonight I was ready to give up. Too tired to try anymore. I was emotionally spent and had nothing left to give. I explained this to the Lord. That I had done everything I knew how to do and had given all I had. I didn't know how to give anything else. The only thing left for me to do was place all my worries in His hands and trust Him completely.

Oh how the Lord blessed me! The tender mercies of the Lord strengthened me tonight while I was serving in the temple. One girl sat next to me at dinner and a really positive conversation resulted from this. Then I saw the mother of a friend of mine. When I introduced myself, she complimented me and related uplifting comments from her son. I ran into the wife of another friend and my conversation with her just added more peace and comfort to my wearied soul.

Nothing has changed really. Circumstances and situations have not been altered. But I have been changed. The Lord knew I needed a little more faith and hope tonight. He strengthened me so I could continue to endure. How grateful I am for the power of the personal prayer, the power of priesthood covenants, the power of the atonement.

Another of My Favorites

Yes I know I have been MIA. Life is starting to calm down again and I hope to update you on my adventures. Last night, I had the opportunity to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse for their Pioneer Day Concert. This year they have two guests singers and one of them is a favorite of mine: Linda Eder. I first heard her as Marguerite in The Scarlet Pimpernel Concept Album back in 1991. I fell in love with the musical and her voice. She sings with such power and emotion, and I sat in awe as I listened to her live. Beautiful and amazing voice! One song she sang really resonated with me and sparked thoughts of someone past. Even after everything that has happened, I guess I'm still a hopeful romantic. Here's to seeing you...

Painting the Roses Red

The roses are in bloom! I love seeing them everyday. They brighten my mornings when I go running and my evenings when I come home.

Chicago

A couple of weeks ago, I had to go to Chicago for work. Two good things about that is I had never been to Chicago and my sister and her husband live there. I was able to stay a few days after the conference and visit with them.

A few highlights were 1) Temperature was 95+humidity one day then dropped to 55-60+humidity the rest of the time; 2) Went running along Lake Michigan with my brother-in-law; 3) Visited with my cousin and his wife in Evanston; 4) Ate lots of good food; 5) Went to a White Sox game; 6) Visited the Chicago Art Museum and Field Museum; 7) Stayed in a really nice hotel; 8) Missed my flight on the way to Chicago, had the worst take off in the history of flying, and was delayed taking off for home because of mechanical failure; 9) Talked with many different people about the gospel; 10) Work paid for me to have fun with my sister and brother-in-law; 11) Qdoba!


Walking along Lake Michigan

Jason and Annette

View of the Sears Tower from my hotel room

The Bean

A favorite painting at the Chicago Art Museum