One of Those Days

Today I was not my best self. It came from a combination of factors including final exams, stress, exhaustion, and hormones. When I have days like this, I say to myself, "You're better than this. Why did you react that way? Why did you say that?" For some reason no matter how hard I try, the nasty side of me comes out. Unfortunately for one of the undergrads I TA, he found me right at the peak of my irrationality. I've already sent an apology.

Today I needed a timeout. A timeout from studying. A timeout from being single. A timeout from making decisions that I don't have answers to or direction for yet. A timeout from being me. Gratefully my sister and her husband let me use their place as a timeout. I was able to get one of my final two papers completed. My nephew saw I was upset and made me a Christmas card. When I came home, my fabulous visiting teacher stopped to see me.

Today I learned that even though I make mistakes and feel that others make mistakes towards me, life isn't over. Hope keeps us moving. Hope that when we wake up in the morning, the craziness we feel will have dissipated. Hope that others will forgive us for becoming defensive and reacting instead of stopping to think through the situation. Hope that the atonement of Christ really does help us overcome being human.

Today I was not my best self. I hope to be better tomorrow.

Mom! It's a box!

Today I came home from school to find a box. Not just any box. A Banana Republic box. Even better, I liked everything in it! Miracles do happen!

AOG - Day 30

1- I am grateful for my dad. Today is his birthday and I wanted to how I feel about him. He is kind, loving, fun, witty, spiritual strong, an amazing example, smart, and charitable. I think my dad is amazing!

2- I am grateful for hard working teams. I get frustrated working with different people and different groups for each class but when it comes to crunch time, they pull through and get things done. Having a good team makes school so much easier.

3- I am grateful I made it through November. It has been a crazy, busy month!

AOG - Day 29

1- I am grateful for hot tubs. I love sitting and relaxing in hot tubs. This weekend I was at the Waldorf-Astoria resort at The Canyons. Being in a ritzy hotel, in the mountains, with a hot tub? Priceless.

2- I am grateful for peanut butter cookies. I got the recipe from a girl who collected different PB cookie recipes and she gave me her favorite.

3- I am grateful that the semester ends in 2 1/2 weeks. It is going to be a crazy busy time but I am excited for the Christmas break.

AOG - Day 28

1- I am grateful for BYU's win over Utah tonight! Though I was freezing cold by the end of the game, I couldn't help rushing towards the field after that amazing overtime win!

2- I am grateful I know the backroads of Provo so I could avoid most of the traffic to the freeway. I made it to Salt Lake with plenty of time to spare.

3- I am grateful for internet shopping. One of my favorite stores is only in Salt Lake. When I lived in Arizona, I would stop at Ann Taylor Loft at least every other week; now I visit online to watch for sales and such. I love that I can buy clothes online and then return them at my convenience.

AOG - Day 27

1- I am grateful for good parents. It has been nice spending the past few days with them. Though I've spent a good chunk of it catching up on sleep, it has been fun watching The Muppet Christmas Carol with my mom, playing Five Crown with my parents and Grams (even though she destroyed me), having my dad help me put up Christmas lights, and relaxing in the kitchen while my mom and dad continued with the daily grind of life.

2- I am grateful for the lessons we have learned in the past even though they may have been difficult and pain-filled. These lessons prepare us for the future and help us move forward with faith.

3- I am grateful for the Book of Mormon. My bishop challenged each of us in the ward to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover beginning November 1st and finishing Christmas Eve. I enjoy my daily interactions with these scriptures and the insights I receive.

AOG - Day 26

1- I am grateful for Thanksgiving Day and the opportunity we have to eat amazing food and to enjoy the time with family.

2- I am grateful that my mom feels safer when I drive then when my dad drives. He isn't a bad driver, but his cautious driving doesn't always make the rest of us in the car feel safe. I'm glad my mom lets me drive.

3- I am grateful for chocolate ice box cake. It is a divine dessert my mom makes every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I look forward to it every year!

AOG - Day 25

1- I am grateful I was able to spend some time with my sister today. We rarely get to have one-on-one time. It was fun to catch up on life.

2- I am grateful to be at home for a few days. It's nice to escape from school every once in a while.

3- I am grateful to have a nice warm bed to sleep in when I visit my parents. Long story on that one but I'll just say the couch used to be my bed. Not any more! :)

AOG - Day 24

1- I am grateful that my classes were cut short today!

2- I am grateful that between classes I was able to hang out with a good friend of mine.

3- I am grateful for the Thanksgiving dinner that I was invited to tonight. Yummy!

AOG - Day 23

1- I am grateful when a class is canceled that I didn't want to go to that day. Makes for a happy day when I am experiencing burnout.

2- I am grateful for people who make me laugh! The world is more fun when we make others laugh.

3- I am grateful for the ability to learn, grow, and change. The eternal mercy and grace that comes from the atonement humbles me and teaches me how to be a better person. It also teaches me the power of forgiveness...forgiving myself and forgiving others. What a powerful gift in my life!

AOG - Day 22

1- I am grateful for nine hours of sleep! Can you tell school has taken a toll on me? Getting sleep this weekend has helped me actually considering going to class this week.

2- I am grateful for good friends who talk with me through ideas and situations. Being in the RS Presidency has helped me more aware of the sisters in the ward; however those sisters seem to serve me more than I am able to serve them.

3- I am grateful for relaxing on the couch, listening to Christmas music, but really do nothing.

AOG - Day 21

1- I am grateful for ten hours of sleep! Blessed, blessed day!

2- I am grateful for fun times at the BYU football game but even more grateful for the warmth of my apartment after the game.

3- I am grateful for the beautiful music. I love the symphony and had the chance to hear Mahler's 2nd Symphony in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Amazing!

AOG - Day 20

1- I am grateful for the service of others. One of my MBA friends sat and talked with me when I needed insights and perspective. This person was not someone I would have thought to seek advice from but he was just what I needed.

2- I am grateful my former students won their state champion football game! I am even more grateful that it was broadcast on TV so I could watch it. I still miss the interactions I have with my students.

3- I am grateful for relaxing nights after very long weeks. I was able to talk with my sister on the phone, watch my brother play football, talk briefly with my parents, then watch a couple of movies. It was so nice to just relax.

AOG - Day 19

1- I am grateful for random lunch breaks where I can catch up with friends not in the MBA program.

2- I am grateful for the few hours I had today to do laundry. Now I just need to find time to fold it.

3- I am grateful for compliments. It is always nice to know someone noticed the effort you took to look good for the evening.

AOG - Day 18

1- I am grateful my presentation went well.

2- I am grateful for my sisters who help me out in life. The listen to me, invite me on vacation with them, and one let me borrow all her kids pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals to help me with my presentation.

3- I am grateful for moments when I can forget about school and just relax.

AOG - Day 17

1- I am grateful for agency. Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself (2 Nephi 2:16).

2- I am grateful for be willing to take risks in life. I don't risk my health or my safety. But I take a chance on people, on opportunities, on new ideas.

3- I am grateful for Jane Austen. As my sister's roommate once said, "Where's my Mr. Knightly?"

AOG - Day 16

1- I am grateful for the successful installation of Windows 7 and my friend who spent time on the phone helping me.

2- I am grateful for the Book of Mormon challenge our bishop gave us. As a ward we started our reading on November 1st and should finish by December 24th.

3- I am grateful for my bull-headed, risk taking, no regrets personality. I believe I have lived a better life because of it.

AOG -Day 15

1- I am grateful for ten hours of sleep! Apparently I was really tired.

2- I am grateful for the power of pondering. When I don't have answers to questions it helps to sit and write my thoughts down on paper. As I work through these, I come up with answers. Most of the time, I discover things I didn't realize.

3- I am grateful for needing help. Often I am too independent and try to do things on my own. It is good for me to rely on others for help.

AOG - Day 14

1- I am grateful for the beauty snow creates. Just add Christmas lights and its a bit of heaven on earth.

2- I am grateful for lazy days. It is nice to just have a day to relax and read a book.

3- I am grateful for pedicures and how nice and relaxing it makes me. Plus my feet look pretty now.

AOG - Day 13

1- I am grateful for beautiful music. Though I don't claim to have a singing voice at all, I appreciate the talents of others.

2- I am grateful for the ability to cook. Coming from a family of ten, I had many opportunities to cook for others. This skill has been beneficial in many ways.

3- I am grateful for my car. The poor thing is dying on me but it has endured with me through the years and many, many travels. These include Arizona, Northern California, Southern California, Las Vegas, and five years of commuting.

AOG - Day 12

1- I am grateful that I recognize when I'm being tired and irrational. Tonight I was feeling the effects of two short nights. On two separate occasions, I became jealous of two different girls. I had no reason to be jealous but that green monster started to creep inside of me. Gratefully, I had some sense left. I realized I was tired which was causing me to be irrational and pushed aside those jealous feelings...almost. :)

2- I am grateful for answered prayers. I heard in a RS lesson to prayer for specifics. Tonight I asked for three specific things. Two happened and I believe the other will come too.

3- I am grateful for my grandma. Grams is fabulous! I love talking with her on the phone and visiting her when I have a chance. I have sweet precious memories with Grams including feeding the ducks, walking along the golf course, getting ice cream, and having Rook tournaments. She truly is an amazing lady.

AOG - Day 11

1- I am grateful for warm blankets. I love cuddling up in a blanket and falling asleep on the couch. All I need now is a warm fire and Christmas music.

2- I am grateful for the five years I was a teacher. It has been so useful in many aspects of my life. I really hope I can find a job that combines education with business.

3- I am grateful we live in a technology age. It makes it easy to keep in touch with friends in Arizona, Japan, California, Ohio, Virginia, and England. So much fun!

AOG - Day 10

1- I am grateful for nine hours of sleep! Getting enough sleep sure makes it easier to handle the craziness that comes with being in MBA school.

2- I am grateful for the people in my teams at school. I have learned so much from those in the program especially those who I work with in teams.

3- I am grateful for my brother and sister-in-law. They invited me over for hot chocolate after my brother's intramural football game. It was fun to talk and laugh over hot chocolate. My new sister-in-law is a sweetheart and I am glad she is part of our family.

AOG - Day 9

1- I am grateful for home evening. I usually avoid singles ward home evenings for no reason in particular. I just do. Last night I went and enjoyed getting to know new people in my ward.

2- I am grateful for the friendships I have made while here in Provo. I have met so many great people that are in the MBA program with me. I will miss these people when I finally graduate.

3- I am grateful for Costco. I am definitely in the Costco love group.

AOG - Day 8

1- I am grateful for nieces and nephews. I am really glad they are old enough to play games that are fun for me too.

2- I am grateful for homemade food. Too often I rely on processed foods to help me as I run from one activity to another. A good home-cooked meal is greatly appreciated.

3- I am grateful for the little mistakes we make in life because they help us avoid the big mistakes that could come later if we didn't change after the little ones.

AOG - Day 7

1- I am grateful that rearranging my bedroom made that much of a difference. Such a simple change helped me sleep better.

2- I am grateful for Stake Conference and the uplifting messages that were given tonight.

3- I am grateful for all the great friends I have met the past year. I will miss them when we all graduate in April.

AOG - Day 6

1- I am grateful for forgiveness. That even when I mess up and make mistakes, people overlook my weaknesses. Hopefully with forgiveness comes second chances.

2- I am grateful that my presentation went well today.

3- I am grateful for friends who listen to me vent. Sometimes I don't make sense and I feel like a psycho crazy girl but they listen and love me anyway.

AOG - Day 5

1- I am grateful for my time at ASU and all I learned there. Right now I am using the material learned in classes for a project in MBA school.

2- I am grateful for the impression to stop at that green light because I didn't hear the sirens or see the fire truck that would have destroyed my car and me.

3- I am grateful for hugs. I like hugs. They make everything seem better.

AOG - Day 4

1- I am grateful for google documents which allows my team to work on a project without being in the same room. Project completed!

2- I am grateful for MBA friends and the good memories I have with them. Today it was disrupting all the students in the Blue Line as we sang Happy Birthday to four women in our program.

3- I am grateful for a good roommate who supports me even when she doesn't entirely understand why I do what I do. She is considerate and kind and wonderful!

AOG - Day 3

1- I am grateful for the Biggest Loser. I love that show! I find that the quality of television has decreased over the years and this is one show I actually look forward to watching.

2- I am grateful for dessert night. Every other Tuesday I get together with my sister, her husband, my brother, his wife, my cousin, and my brother-in-law's brother for dessert. Usually we sit around talking while eating good food but I enjoy catching up with them.

3- I am grateful for block classes. I only have one class on Tuesdays and Thursdays because I dropped two and only added one. Such a blessed day!

AOG - Day 2

1- I am grateful for the compliments my RS sisters gave to me about my lesson (the topic was hope in the promised blessings of the Lord). I scrapped 3/4 of it during sacrament meeting because I felt I should share personal experiences instead of laying on scriptures and quotes about hope. The kind words of others helped me know I had followed a prompting of the Lord and made the right decision in scrapping my original lesson.

2- I am grateful for friends who let me have their parking spot when I desperately need one. Thanks again Joe!

3- I am grateful for foot massages. My left foot gets sore easily as a result from an injury two years ago and the same foot is still suffering from tendinitis (a leftover from London). Getting a foot massage today was oh so nice!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 1

1- I am grateful for Christmas music. Yes you heard me. Christmas music. I'm not talking about the secular, guitar strumming, drum beating music. I'm talking about the O Holy Nights, Silent Nights, and others that invite the spirit of Christ into your heart.

2- I am grateful to be in the Relief Society Presidency. I was scared out of my mind and wondered how I could be a benefit. Well, I love it! I love being involved with the sisters.

3- I am grateful for the atonement of Christ. My life would be nothing without it.

Attitude of Gratitude

Last year, my friend Chloe introduced me to the November Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. I enjoyed reflecting on the events of each day and was amazed at how remembering the good things that happened buoyed my spirits and helped me recognize how the Lord was blessing my life. I have decided to accept the challenge again this year and I invite you all to participate too.


From Chloe's blog:

Well folks, the trees are changing colors, the days are getting shorter, and you can just smell autumn in the air. It's time for jackets and pumpkins and the November Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. Participation is completely voluntary. For those of you who have not played before, the challenge is outlined below.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
* Each day during the month of November you will send an email to me, at least, but feel free to invite others to participate and you can send your gratitude emails to them, as well. (For those of you blogging it, please leave a comment so I can follow you if I'm not already.)
* Definition of "things"- the term "things" is used here to encompass a lot of stuff including, but not limited to: a certain set of circumstances, an event, an inanimate object distinguished from a living being, possessions or effects, a deed or act, a product of work or activity, an idea or notion, a piece of news or information, a person, a memory, anything that makes you smile.
* The challenge is to come up with three ORIGINAL "things" each day. Try not to repeat entries.

WARNING OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS!!
Please note that challenge participation may result in any or all of the following:
- you will be surprised at all the Lord has done for you
- angels will attend
- you will feel help and comfort
- you may find yourself singing as the days go by
- your doubts will fly

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

I have officially registered for my last semester of MBA school. My friend Chloe held a pre-registration gathering at her place a few hours before registration opened. Somehow through the chatter and laughter, we girls ended up with side ponytails. Sometimes you just have to be silly.

What Did You Do This Weekend?

101 Adventures of London

1. Saw the London police arrest a drunk guy on our flight
2. Rode the tube
3. Bakerloo Line
4. Central Line
5. Circle Line
6. District Line
7. Hammersmith and City Line
8. Jubilee Line
9. Northern Line
10. Piccadilly Line
11. Minded the Gap
12. Saw the fake Platform 9 ¾ (the original was in an area being remodeled)
13. Walked along Baker Street where Basil of Baker Street lived (The Great Mouse Detective)
14. Walked through Regents Park
15. Walked along Abbey Road
16. Saw Abbey Road Studios
17. Ate at the Tasty Kebob (Mmm….Lamb!)
18. Toured the city on a Double Decker Bus and saw…
19. Piccadilly Circus
20. Trafalgar Square
21. Nelson’s Column
22. St. James’s Palace (the Queen was at home)
23. Wellington Arch
24. Hyde Park and Speaker’s Corner
25. Marble Arch
26. Buckingham Palace
27. Westminster Abbey
28. Big Ben
29. House of Parliament
30. Lambeth Palace
31. London Eye
32. Downing Street
33. Horse Guards’ Palace
34. Whitehall
35. Royal Courts of Justice
36. St. Paul’s Cathedral
37. Bank of London
38. Tower Bridge
39. London City Hall
40. Tower of London
41. HMS Belfast
42. Globe Theatre
43. Tate Modern Museum
44. Cleopatra’s Needle
45. Albert Memorial
46. Natural History Museum
47. Victoria and Albert Museum
48. Many other hamlets of London
49. Walked along the Thames River
50. Took a boat tour on the Thames River
51. Toured the Tower of London
52. Saw where Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were executed and buried
53. Saw the Crown Jewels
54. Saw a Beefeater
55. Bought a souvenir at Harrod’s
56. Part of an evacuation at King’s Cross station during rush hour
57. Stopped by 4 different people asking for directions
58. Ate at a shop on Brick Lane
59. Walked through the National Gallery
60. Walked through Leicester Square
61. Walked through Covent Garden
62. Found a bakery shop on Drury Lane
63. Walked through the British Museum – saw the upper part of the Greek Parthenon 
64. Walked through Russell Square
65. Walked through the Museum of London
66. Discovered the original Roman Wall (found it by accident)
67. Walked over the Millennium Bridge
68. Stepped foot in the Tate Modern Museum but walked out repulsed
69. Walked through the Imperial War Museum
70. Enjoyed the London rain
71. Walked under the Admiralty Arch
72. Rode on the London Eye
73. Ate at the original Hard Rock Café (food wasn’t that good)
74. Climbed to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral
75. Found a barber shop on Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd)
76. Walked through Green Park
77. Saw the end of the changing of the guard
78. Took pictures at Buckingham Palace
79. Walked through St. James’ Park
80. Walked through the Cabinet War Rooms Museum
81. Saw 10 Downing Street
82. Walked down Portobello Road in Notting Hill
83. Walked through the Victoria and Albert Museum
84. Walked down Oxford Street and did a bit of shopping
85. Ate at a sports bar and watched American football
86. Searched for Temple Church of the Knights Templar but it was closed
87. Walked through Hyde Park
88. Saw the Peter Pan statue
89. Saw Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
90. Walked through Kensington Gardens
91. Saw Kensington Palace
92. Saw Albert Memorial
93. Saw Royal Albert Hall
94. Went to church in the Hyde Park Chapel which was originally dedicated by President David O. Mackay
95. Listened to an organ concert in Westminster Abbey
96. Took night shots of Big Ben, Parliament, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey
97. Bought European Chocolate
98. Walked more miles than I can count and
99. Developed tendinitis from walking so much
100. Slept in a London flat
101. Took 235 pictures

Tea and Crumpets

Today I'm doing something I've wanted to do for twelve years. I'm flying to Europe, specifically London! I have a few days off from classes so I decided to take a quick trip to visit my cousin and enjoy the London life. Stay tuned for trip highlights.

O Holy Night

Today was a hard day full of the mundane mixed with confusing cataclysmic events. I'm so exhausted: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally. Somehow I know the Lord will help me wake up tomorrow and continue pressing forward but I have no clue how it will happen. I need to be studying for a test but I have nothing left. So, to fill my soul and mind, I've been listening to my favorite Christmas song. The version is one a dear friend once shared with me as we were hanging lights on the Christmas tree.

A Recap on Life

I realized I haven't been blogging much. Easy explanation for that: school has started. Here is a quick recap of life.
Disneyland
Huntington Beach
Moab with MBA Marketers

My Life

Life is like an old time rail journey
delays, sidetracks, smoke,
dust, cinders and jolts,
interspersed only occasionally
by beautiful vistas and
thrilling bursts of speed.
The trick is to thank the Lord
for letting you have the ride.

-Gordon B. Hinckley quoting Jenkin Lloyd Jones

I love weddings! Drinks all around!

My brother Paul and his adorable girlfriend Ashley were married this weekend. Even though there were a few mishaps, Paul left the marriage license in Provo and the photographer's car broke down, the day was filled with joy and happiness. I loved seeing my brother dote on Ashley. The little smiles, kisses, and gestures were contagious! It made all the couples become a little more romantic with their spouse. My favorite picture captures my parents in a private, loving moment as all of were in chaos trying to find our place in the picture. More than anything, Paul and Ashley's wedding day helped me appreciate the sealing powers of the temple and the knowledge that our families can be together for eternity. What an amazing and miraculous blessing!


We all were able to choose our own black wedding party dress.

A couple in love!

My sisters and sister-in-law

All the pretty girls

Such handsome men

My amazing family!

Families are Forever!

Congratulations Paul and Ashley!

Leap of Faith

This scene is my favorite metaphor for life, especially for my life. Sometimes we just have to "leap from the lion's head" and believe we will land on the path. Here it goes...!

Jumping to the End

I've never believed in jumping to the end of a book to read what happens. I felt that ruined the story. To be honest, I have jumped to the last chapter in only one book but I could see where the author was heading and had to know if my suspicions were correct. Well, in my book of life I would really like to know how this all ends. Too many questions exist in my mind and I have no insights to any of them. I wish I knew, had an inkling, or something...

A Morning Thought

Adversity and opposition are the true tests of righteousness. Without them we could not really know the state of our hearts. Nor could we truly understand God's existence and love, and His power to guide, comfort, strengthen, and save.

First Time for Everything

I'm scared of heights but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go repelling for the first time. The adrenaline rush combined with intense fear was just what I needed that Saturday morning. Loved it!

Moving Furniture

A few weeks ago my sister's two daughters (10 and 12) decided they wanted to purchase new bedding, because theirs was getting old, and to move their bedroom to the basement. The girls spent hours on the internet searching for the perfect bedding. They finally decided on something from JCPenny and my sister went and purchased the final pick. Then came moving time.

They spent hours moving the old furniture out of the room downstairs, packing up their room, and moving their beds into their new room. As they were decorating, they all realized some of the picture frames and wall hangings didn't match the new bedding. Not a problem. They could buy items that did match. The girls crawled into their beds to try out the new bedding but it wasn't as comfortable as their old worn blankets.

Suddenly, tears began to fall and before my sister could react, both daughters were sitting on her lap sobbing. She looked at her four-year-old son who stood there in disbelief and as dumbfounded as my sister. Neither knew what had just happened. When the tears subsided and words could be spoken, the girls explained they liked their old bedding, their old decorations, and their old bedroom. So at 11:00 at night, the beds were returned to the old room and everything was placed back in its rightful place.

As I sat and listened to this story, I saw so many metaphors in relation to my own life. I wish that after hard decisions were made and I didn't like the result, I could say "I don't like this. Can I change it back?" and everything would go back to normal like nothing happened. Right now I feel stuck in a new bedroom with new blankets and all I want is to be back in my old bedroom with my worn, comfortable bedding. I didn't ask for the new room but here I am stuck in it. I need help figuring out how to get back...back where I feel happy, comfortable, and at peace.

Borrower of Thoughts

Today my post is another borrowed thought from my friend Michelle. She captured exactly what I have been feeling lately especially in the last paragraph. Since her blog is private, I have copied her post exactly as it appears on her blog.

Good Characters Make Me Happy
Now, friends, I can't recommend this book wholeheartedly, in spite of its brilliant writing. But the main character Oskar--a ten-year old boy who "invents" in his mind to cope with tragedy--is so well-drawn and so endearing, I had to share a little.

"What if the water that came out of the shower was treated with a chemical that responded to a combination of things, like your heartbeat, and your body temperature, and your brain waves, so that your skin changed color according to your mood? If you were extremely excited your skin would turn green, and if you were angry you'd turn red, obviously, and if you felt like shittake you'd turn brown, and if you were blue you'd turn blue.

Everyone could know what everyone else felt, and we could be more careful with each other, because you'd never want to tell a person whose skin was purple that you're angry at them for being late, just like you would want to pat a pink person on the back and tell him, "Congratulations!"

Another reason it would be a good invention is that there are so many times when you know you're feeling a lot of something but you don't know what the something is. Am I frustrated? Am I actually just panicky? And that confusion changes your mood, it becomes your mood, and you become a confused gray person. But with the special water, you could look at your orange hands and think, I'm happy! That whole time I was actually happy! What a relief!"

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
by Jonathan Safron Foer

Seriously?!

Another "Seriously?!" moment in my life came today when I realized Harry Potter 6 opens tonight and I have no tickets. Not a one. Not even a time when I was planning on seeing it. I completely forgot to make sure Andrew and I had tickets. Seriously?!

So Excited!

I've been a fan of BYU Football for as long as I can remember. I still remember my dad and brother going to the BYU vs. Miami football game and I was stuck at home watching it on TV. What an exciting game!

No matter how the seasons ends, I always look forward to another year hoping the next year is even better. Last year I watched two former students play and felt like a proud parent sitting on the sidelines. It made the games that much more exciting. What can I say...I love BYU football!

Waiting Upon the Lord

I have had many unique experiences this past month that have strengthened my testimony in the saving grace of the atonement of Jesus Christ. This post is to reaffirm to all that I have a testimony my Heavenly Father knows us and is involved in the details of our lives; that Jesus Christ is the Son of that same Heavenly Father, is our Savior who suffered in Gethsemane for all our pains and afflictions, and was resurrected on the third day; that the Holy Ghost testifies to us daily if we open our hearts and humble ourselves before the Lord. More than anything, I have a testimony in personal revelation. As we pray, read the scriptures, and daily seek the Lord's will for us, He will direct our paths for good and heal our hearts in miraculous ways.

Hair Cut

Yesterday, Andrew entered a realm of insanity. Okay not really. But he did let me cut his hair. You may say, "Thamina I didn't know you cut hair." I don't (hence his insanity). But Andrew doesn't believe in paying someone to cut his hair if he can find someone willing to do it for free. Enter me.

The last time Andrew got a hair cut I watched what the hairdresser did so I could replicate it. Then I watched some YouTube videos to remind me what I had learned. When I got to his place, I realized we only had clippers so I ran to the store and bought some real hair cutting scissors. I admit I was completely nervous. I didn't want to mess up his hair. But after 45 minutes, I was finished and I hadn't completely ruined his hair and had only snipped myself three times. Blending was the worst part of the job but my sister-in-law Kaylene gave me some tips for next time. I realize I'm a perfectionist. I keep looking at his hair, examining what I did, and figuring out how to improve because I realize I have many years of hair cuts a head of me.

Parcheesi

Parcheesi is a great game of strategy and luck of the dice. The goal is to block your opponents, to send them back to start if possible, and to make it safely home before anyone else. I loved this game! As I drive back and forth from work, I find many drivers miss playing Parcheesi so much they decide it should be played on the freeways. They create barricades forcing you to go slower than you want and yes sometimes that is actually below the official speed limit. My "favorite" move is when someone feels the need to move into your lane disrupting your constant driving speed. Seriously?! No one was in front of that car! Then I remember some are still playing the game. They block your move, slow you down, so they can make it home before you. Make it past the blockade and you will have smooth sailing the rest of your drive...that is until you hit the next barricade. :)

PS - I like creating metaphors for driving. One day I'll post how I-80 in Nevada is like playing Pac Man.

Come, Come Ye Saints

Is this how the pioneers felt after crossing the plains?

Mormon Messages

I love the "Mormon Messages" the LDS Church has posted on YouTube. They are inspiring and are able to lift your spirits in just minutes. How grateful I am for words of living prophets and apostles for they bring hope, peace, and a sustained assurance in the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Plain Brown Box

To the world, I am a plain brown box
I am simple, even boring
I look uninviting and predictable.
But I am more than a plain brown box.
Inside I am a world of possibilities.
I am the spirit of adventure who has
smelled the streets of Moscow
breathed the air of the Alps
yet desires to explore more;
I want to feel the history of Jerusalem
swim in the seas of Santorini
explore the walls of China.
I am the serenity of the earth who has
looked into the sky with amazement
watched a sunset in awe
yet wants others to see what I see;
I want you to see the stars fall from the sky
view the majesty and quiet of the mountains
listen to the waves crash softly on the shore.
I am not just the calm before the storm. I am the storm who has
felt the passions and emotions of life
cried with many and for many
protected the young, old, innocent, and vulnerable
yet I too feel weathered by the storm
tossed to and fro by the waves
broken and bruised by the wind
strengthened and supported by the fire.
To you who see me as a plain brown box,
take a step and peer inside
I am more than what you see.

Poetry

I love the poems my friend posts on her blog and I wanted to share her latest with all of you.

Love
by Czeslaw Milosz

Love means to learn to look at yourself
The way one looks at distant things
For you are only one thing among many.
And whoever sees that way heals his heart,
Without knowing it, from various ills--
A bird and a tree say to him: Friend.

Then he wants to use himself and things
So that they stand in the glow of ripeness.
It doesn't matter whether he knows what he serves:
Who serves best doesn't always understand.

Short recap

I can tell people really want details based on the amount of traffic my blog is getting. So to procrastinate getting ready for bed, I'll give you the short recap with minimal girl insights.

Saturday Andrew asked me to get "prettied up" for the night because we were going to dinner and a play. I usually dress up anyway but when I asked if I should wear skirt, pants, or nice jeans and he said "skirt", I thought something might be up. We went to dinner at PF Changs, a place I had never been before. Great food! Then went to Costco to pick up food for a dinner group we are both part of. I was in charge and wouldn't have time to go on Monday. At Costco he asked me to pick out some flowers. I thought to myself that if he were going to propose I wanted roses. Truthfully he was going to propose at Costco (that is where we were first introduced to one another) with the flowers but accidentally left the ring in the car. So according to him, he had to rethink his plan. Next we went to the play The Giver. Most of you have read the book and know it isn't that depressing. Well, the play was awfully depressing! I'm glad he didn't propose right before because that would have been such a downer on the play. After the play we went back to his place where his roommate was throwing a "French Night" party. My thought was after that horrible play there is no way he will propose. However, right before curfew he asked if I wanted to go star gazing. We went to the base of Y Mountain and found a rock to sit on as we enjoyed the view. After talking for a bit he told me he talked to my dad that afternoon, pulled out a ring, and asked me to marry him. I was caught off guard with the ring because we hadn't gone shopping together. What he had done was gone to Walmart and picked out a nice "fake" ring that I could wear until we bought a "real" one. Truth be told, I'm getting attached to my fake ring and I'll probably continue to wear it on my right hand after we pick out a "real" one. I loved that he wanted to surprise me! The picture below shows the roses he bought at Costco and the ring he used to propose. Hopefully that recap is sufficient.

I'm Engaged!!

...details will follow

The Natural Man

Do you ever do something and afterward think, why did I do that? It drives me crazy that even when I know better, I don't always make the smart choice. How do we combat this natural man tendency? How do we allow the atonement to change us and strengthen us so we stop giving into the deceits of the adversary? I'm bothered that I haven't figured it all out yet.

Discover All That is Human

I read this article this morning and felt it had a profound message for all of us. I highlighted the areas that struck me.


PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The head of the world's most popular search engine urged college graduates on Monday to step away from the virtual world and make human connections.

Speaking at the University of Pennsylvania's commencement, Google chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt told about 6,000 graduates that they need to find out what is most important to them — by living analog for a while.

"Turn off your computer. You're actually going to have to turn off your phone and discover all that is human around us," Schmidt said. "Nothing beats holding the hand of your grandchild as he walks his first steps."

He also urged graduates not to lay out a rigid path for themselves. Rewards will gravitate to those who make mistakes and learn from them, Schmidt said.

"You can't plan innovation or inspiration, but you can be ready for it, and when you see it you can jump on it and you can make a difference," he said.

The Class of 2009 is graduating in a tough economic climate, but such downturns can be a time for innovation, Schmidt said. He noted that Rice Krispies, Twinkies and beer cans were all products of the Great Depression — not to mention staples of college life.

He playfully compared today's "Google and Facebook generation" to his own: cell phones vs. phone booths, Wii vs. Pong, blogs vs. newspapers, Red Bull vs. Tang.

Perhaps most notably, Schmidt said, members of his generation spent all their time trying to hide their most embarrassing moments. Today's generation records and posts all those moments on YouTube, he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"And I am looking forward to watching these for the next 30 or 40 years," Schmidt said.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The World is Flat

I have stat counter attached to my blog. It shows me how many hits I have, how many direct hits I receive, where referred hits come from, what cities people live in who are accessing my blog, etc. etc. However, one thing I wish it told me was who you all are. Today someone accessed my blog from Thailand. I have a bunch of friends traveling the world but I have no idea who is in Thailand right now. I love that someone half-way across the world can stay in touch with me. This technologically globally integrated world fascinates me! Thanks for reading!

(PS - For those worried about privacy factors, I can't stalk you with this analytical information. It just gives me statistics.)

And So It Begins

Today I worked out after a long hiatus. My body groaned and ached and panted as I pushed myself up the hills around my house. But oh! how good it felt! After spending months in the Tanner Building and the last two weeks sitting in a cubicle today felt liberating. It feels great getting back into this habit. Attached is a picture I've posted before, but felt it was appropriate for my exercising today.

Rendezvous

This picture titled Rendezvous is one of my favorites. I find the mystery and romantic feel intriguing. My words are gone from me today so I'll leave you to decide your own thoughts and feelings about the painting.

Seriously?

Did I mention that yesterday Andrew and I have officially been dating for seven months? Wow! It has been quite the ride. Okay, truthfully it hasn't officially been seven months, but October 3rd became our "official" day. Here is the quick story that I hope he doesn't mind me sharing. We were hanging out the night of the 3rd. He was going to Salt Lake that night because the next morning was general conference. Instead of going up right after the BYU football game, he came over to my place and we watched The Hunt for the Red October. He will say I seduced him. But he gave me the invitation. :) The next week was crazy but we still were able to spend some time together before I left for Atlanta Thursday morning. We didn't see each other again until Monday 13th. That is technically the day everything became official but the 3rd is really the beginning of our dating story.

A Fun Update

I have neglected blogging for important things like finals, moving Andrew apartments, and starting a new internship. Andrew and I have had some fun intermixed with school. We went to the Draper Temple open house in February. Since both of us have been temple workers, we were both amazed at how small and quaint it was compared to Provo temple.

In March, Andrew's friend Jon came to visit. That weekend we went to a Passover dinner. It was an interesting experience and fun to watch Andrew down spoonfuls of bitter herbs. Since he loves horseradish, he thought eating them in that quantity wouldn't be a problem but even he was overwhelmed by the after taste.

Last October I bought two tickets to Wicked at the Capital Theatre. I had just started dating Andrew so had no idea who my date would be when the show was playing in April. Happily Andrew agreed to be my date. He wanted to see the play without any previous exposure to the music or storyline. Granted some of his guy friends made him think we were seeing a "chic musical". Fifteen minutes into the show he realized those guys were wrong. The show was phenomenal! Absolutely amazing! I saw it in Phoenix 1 1/2 years ago and this production was superior. Even Andrew gave the cast a standing ovation, something he doesn't do very often which shows the quality of the performance.

To cap off April, we went to the MBA grad night. It was to have a night of fun games, yummy food, and good conversation. Right now I am looking forward for the snow to melt so we can go play at my parents' cabin. Until that happens, I am keeping busy with my internship and organizing the chaos that happened while I was in school.

Jon eating bitter herbs

Andrew reacting to the bitter herbs

Playing rock band

First Year Done!

Almost done

I have one more final due today at 4:00 and then my first year of MBA school will be completed! I finished the multiple choice on Monday but haven't had any motivation to do the case write-up. I can't put it off any longer. Time to get to work.

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts

I love Elder Holland! His words have a sacred spirit to them that are always able to touch my heart. At this Easter season, let us remember the divine gift of our Savior's atonement and His miraculous resurrection. Anything we have is because of Him. Anything we do should be in honor of Him. Anything we are able to become is only through the means and power of Him. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. I pray we all may repent, come unto Him, and be His disciple.

The Unexpected Strikes Again

I am amazed at how quickly life changes. One moment you think you know exactly what is going on in life; you have direction, focus, understanding. And then in a blink of an eye, it is all gone. It is days like this that I have to remember Elder Maxwell. "There have been, and will be times in each of your lives when such faith must be the bottom line. You don't know what is happening to you or around you, but you know that God loves you, and knowing that, for the moment, is enough." How blessed I am for a testimony of God's love for me, because for this moment it has to be enough.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I finally have an interesting update to share. I officially have an internship! It will be nice not to have that on my plate as I am finishing up semester projects. The company is called Allegiance and they are based in Salt Lake. They want me to start now but school gets in the way of that. :) So I'm "on-call" in the sense that they will keep me in the loop on email and I'll go into the office a couple of times to stay up to speed on the project. School is first and they know that.

My job will be to help them conduct focus groups with their customers and take those results to conduct a market research analysis to help the company know how others perceive their product and how to best tap into the underserved market. They already asked me to fly to Seattle and LA for a day each to help them with their focus groups. I am excited about this because I'll work directly with VP of Marketing, get to travel a bit, get paid!!!! (many of my classmates will probably have to take unpaid internships), and still be able to be part of all the fun here in Utah this summer.

I remember when Bank of America offered me a flyback the beginning of last October for their HR internship. I felt very distinctly not to take it. I didn't know why. It would have been a great internship, with great experience, and with a great location in North Carolina. I am grateful I listened to that prompting even though it created a lot of uncertainty about a summer internship. Life is full of unexpected detours but I am reminded of a phrase one of my religion teachers said: The Lord leads us to the path we would have chosen if we had realized it had been an option. I can testify that has been true for my life. The Lord has directed me and though the path has been difficult at times, it truly has been for my good.

Families Can Be Together Forever

Last summer, we had a family picture. Being in front of the Manti Temple made for a perfect setting. I love my family and am grateful for the sealing powers which bind us together for eternity. Each one of my siblings brings a unique characteristic to our family dynamic. Too often, I hear of families who don't speak to one another or who have not seen each other in five or more years. Having a family who finds a way to overcome differences and misunderstandings has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I have many great memories with my family including Disneyland, the beach, our family cabin, Lake Powell, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, hiking, camping, playing cards, and so much more. My family is amazing!

I Love to See the Temple

Busy, Busy, Busy

Life swooped in and took control of my plans. Spring is right around the corner and I was all geared up to welcome her. But now, the Tanner Building is calling me. Tests need to be taken. Papers need to be written. An internship needs to be found. And all I want to do is enjoy the day with Andrew. Alas, life snatched him too. So our lives have become reading homework, searching for internships, and trying to make it through March with our sanity intact. Pray that we make it.

Election Results

I decided I wanted to be more involved in the MBA program so signed up to run for an MBAA officer. After a long, hard fought race (actually a two day "vote for me" email campaign), I won VP of Communications. Basically, I'm the voice of the MBA program, which is a scary thought. Another new challenge, but an exciting one that I am looking forward to conquering. Good thing I loaded up on credits this semester. Gives me a lighter schedule next year.

100th Post

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence." - Calvin Coolidge

"I am a great believer in luck. I find that the harder I work the more luck I have." - Thomas Jefferson

How Do I Love Thee?

I have many favorite Valentine’s Day memories. Every year since I can remember, my dad has always bought his daughters flowers. Even when I was a little girl, a flower with my name attached would be found waiting for me on our kitchen table. When I was a temple worker, one of my shifts fell on Valentine’s Day. I still remember that session, which included a reunion with a beloved bishop, and I made a promise to attend the temple every Valentine’s Day I could thereafter. One of those times, a poem about my family came to my mind. It was the most incredibly experience to have the words flow into my head. I came home, wrote it (I actually recorded the words on my cell phone on the drive home from the temple), and immediately emailed it to my family. I have an immense amount of love and respect for my family! However, my favorite Valentine’s memory happened while I was an undergrad. Elder Holland came to speak the day after Valentine’s Day and he discussed love and marriage. I have quoted his talk on my blog before, but his words have such an incredible spirit that I wanted to share them again. Many of the quotes will be out of context, which will encourage you to read his talk. For those who want to hear the talk, click here. For those who want to read the talk in its entirety, click here.

I believe that second only to your membership in the Church, your "membership in a marriage" is the most important association you will have in time and eternity--and to the faithful what doesn't come in time will come in eternity.

True charity, the absolutely pure, perfect love of Christ, has really been known only once in this world--in the form of Christ Himself, the living Son of the living God…As in everything, Christ is the only one who got it all right, did it all perfectly, loved the way we are all to try to love. But even though we fall short, that divine standard is there for us. It is a goal toward which we are to keep reaching, keep striving--and, certainly, a goal to keep appreciating.

And as we speak of this, may I remind you, as Mormon explicitly taught, that this love, this ability, capacity, and reciprocation we all so want, is a gift. It is "bestowed"--that is Mormon's word. It doesn't come without effort and it doesn't come without patience, but, like salvation itself, in the end it is a gift, given by God to the "true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ." The solutions to life's problems are always gospel solutions. Not only are answers found in Christ, but so is the power, the gift, the bestowal, the miracle of giving and receiving those answers.

I have taken for a title to my remarks Mrs. Browning's wonderful line "How do I love thee?"… not when do I love thee nor where do I love thee nor why do I love thee nor why don't you love me, but, rather, how. How do I demonstrate it, how do I reveal my true love for you? Real love is best shown in the "how," and it is with the how that Mormon and Paul help us the most.

There are many qualities you will want to look for in a friend or a serious date--to say nothing of a spouse and eternal companion--but surely among the very first and most basic of those qualities will be those of care and sensitivity toward others, a minimum of self-centeredness that allows compassion and courtesy to be evident. There are lots of limitations in all of us that we hope our sweethearts will overlook. I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command--such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing, and they can mean everything to the one who receives them.

True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about ourselves. That is Christ's great atoning example for us, and it ought to be more evident in the kindness we show, the respect we give, and the selflessness and courtesy we employ in our personal relationships.

To give ourselves totally to another person, as we do in marriage, is the most trusting step we take in any human relationship. It is a real act of faith--faith all of us must be willing to exercise. If we do it right, we end up sharing everything--all our hopes, all our fears, all our dreams, all our weaknesses, and all our joys--with another person.

No serious courtship or engagement or marriage is worth the name if we do not fully invest all that we have in it and in so doing trust ourselves totally to the one we love. You cannot succeed in love if you keep one foot out on the bank for safety's sake. The very nature of the endeavor requires that you hold on to each other as tightly as you can and jump in the pool together. In that spirit, and in the spirit of Mormon's plea for pure love, I want to impress upon you the vulnerability and delicacy of your partner's future as it is placed in your hands for safekeeping--male and female, it works both ways.

In the honesty of our love--love that can't truly be Christlike without such total devotion--surely God will hold me accountable for any pain I cause [my wife] by intentionally exploiting or hurting her when she has been so trusting of me, having long since thrown away any self-protection in order that we could be, as the scripture says, "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).

In all that Christ was, He was not ever envious or inflated, never consumed with His own needs. He did not once, not ever, seek His own advantage at the expense of someone else. He delighted in the happiness of others, the happiness He could bring them. He was forever kind.

In a dating and courtship relationship, I would not have you spend five minutes with someone who belittles you, who is constantly critical of you, who is cruel at your expense and may even call it humor. Life is tough enough without having the person who is supposed to love you leading the assault on your self-esteem, your sense of dignity, your confidence, and your joy. In this person's care you deserve to feel physically safe and emotionally secure.

At least one difference between a tolerable marriage and a great one may be that willingness in the latter to allow some things to pass without comment, without response.

Think the best of each other, especially of those you say you love. Assume the good and doubt the bad.

One of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in these times. No one ought to have to face such trials alone. We can endure almost anything if we have someone at our side who truly loves us, who is easing the burden and lightening the load. Friends, sweethearts, and spouses need to be able to monitor each other's stress and recognize the different tides and seasons of life. We owe it to each other to declare some limits and then help jettison some things if emotional health and the strength of loving relationships are at risk. Remember, pure love "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things," and helps loved ones do the same.

Of course such Christlike staying power in romance and marriage requires more than any of us really have. It requires something more, an endowment from heaven. Remember Mormon's promise: that such love--the love we each yearn for and cling to--is "bestowed" upon "true followers of Christ." You want capability, safety, and security in dating and romance, in married life and eternity? Be a true disciple of Jesus. Be a genuine, committed, word-and-deed Latter-day Saint. Believe that your faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does. You separate dating from discipleship at your peril. How should I love thee? As He does, for that way "never faileth."

Love Is a Battlefield

The women in the MBA program never fail to disappoint the Tanner Building. Our element of fun has reached new heights! Today we celebrated Pink Thursday in honor of Valentine's Day dressing in the most sappy garb possible with pink, purple, red, hearts, flowers, etc. Not only did we look smashing today, but we raised awareness of the MBA Women Love by making a spectacle of ourselves.

The first year MBA women!


The winner is Erin Page!


Cute girls in the program!

Love and C.S. Lewis

My friend Michelle posted this quote on her wall in honor of St. Valentine and I thought I would pass it along.

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will certainly be wrung, and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one and nothing, not even an animal. You must carefully wrap it round with hobbies and little luxuries and routine and avoidances of entanglement, and then lock it up in the casket or coffin of your own selfishness. And this means, in the long run, the alternative to tragedy, or at least to the threat of tragedy, is damnation. For in that casket, safe, still and unventilated in the darkness, it will go bad. Not broken, but finally unbreakable, impenetrable, resistant to all good and joy. It's like hiding the talent in the napkin, and for much the same reason. "I knew thee that thou art a hard man." Christ did not teach and suffer in order that we should become more cautious of our own happiness, even in our natural loves. If a man is not uncalculating, and in that way reckless in loving his earthly beloveds whom he has seen, how will he be in his love for God, whom he has not seen? We should draw nearer to the love of God, not by attempting to avoid the sufferings inherent in any love, but by accepting them and offering them to him, by throwing away all defensive armor, taking all risks, descending when he so wills, into all tribulations."
--CS Lewis, The Four Loves

Hopeful Romantic

I was able to find my favorite commercial on youtube. In honor of Valentine's Day this week, I am sharing it with all of you. It is from DeBeers and called Declaration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXnDAPOxIKw

Note from Facebook

On facebook right now, people are tagging one another and listing 25 random things about them. Here are my 25 random things, facts, habits or thoughts.

1. One summer I went to EFY (Yes I went and had a great time!) and the program director talked about his dreams. One was to own hotels and another was to produce a Broadway musical. He inspired me! So, I made a list of all the things I wished/hoped/dreamed I could do in my life. Some are extreme and will probably never happen and others are more practical. To date, I have crossed off half of my list.

2. I love being outdoors. Though my dad thinks 4-wheelers are dangerous, I love riding one them. I like camping or maybe I should say I like being in the mountains around a campfire. Sleeping in a tent is never comfortable. Sunsets are absolutely amazing, especially when you watch it with someone. But most of all I love the night sky. I have fond memories of watching the stars with Nettie. One thing I miss about Arizona is the rising full moon. Amazing!

3. So I may love the outdoors but being in the mountains at night scares me to death. Yes, I am afraid of the dark. Once Nettie and I broke down on our way to the cabin. We were only half a mile away but I was petrified. Just when I had the courage to get out of the car and walk, Nettie said that she wasn’t afraid of the animals but random crazy people that could be lurking in the dark. That sealed the deal. We waited an hour for Suzy and Ray to come and hopped in their car.

4. I have a tendency to talk too much. At parent conferences, my mom was always told, “Good student but she talks too much.” I have also been told I am selfish because I am so busy talking and not taking enough time asking others about them. Because of this, I focus on listening to what others are saying and asking them questions about their lives. I know my love of talking can be a great weakness.

5. If you want to know what I’m thinking you have to ask. The best time to get any information you want is when I’m exhausted. Too many people have gotten way too much information when I have been tired. But if you want to know the inner workings of me, get me in a tired slap happy mood and you can find out anything you want.

6. I have an acute sense of direction. If I have been to a place before, I don’t need directions a second time. Often when I am with people who have no sense of direction, it takes every ounce of restraint not to tell them where to go.

7. Nettie and I drove to Las Vegas once just for food. Our first purpose was to buy cheesecakes from Cheesecake Factory for my mom’s birthday. While there we got food to go from my favorite place to eat and ate dinner at a restaurant only located in Vegas and Hawaii.

8. I love Peanut Butter M&Ms but will only buy them at Easter time. The regular ones are good but the Easter PB M&Ms are divine.

9. My favorite foods are bread, meat, and cheese in that order.

10. Growing up during the summer, I would walk around the neighborhood barefoot. I still prefer walking without shoes but weather and social decency usually dictates me wearing shoes.

11. I love walking places. Growing up in a small town it was easy to walk places. When I went to college my mom asked me not to walk by myself at night, knowing that was a favorite activity at home. I have been pretty good about that one. Not perfect, but pretty good.

12. I had my first pair of glasses at the age of 4. I wasn’t allowed (by my eye doctor) to get contacts until I was 16. So I was the nerdy girl who had the thick horrible glasses. I had LASIK surgery three years ago and it was money well spent.

13. I am a texture eater. I like apples but not cooked apples in pie. I like the flavor of onions but biting into them is not a pleasant experience. Some foods I just don’t like though I have made an effort to expand foods I’ll eat and have been adding about two foods a year.

14. I love waffles. Not pancakes. Waffles. You may think they are the same thing but the texture is a bit different. My mom’s waffles are the best! Mostly because she throws evil ingredients like cream into them. Oh, I also grew up on homemade syrup so I think the store bought stuff is very thick and rich.

15. I have ADD. Not really, but it feels like that at times. I am always fidgeting with something or just easily distracted. As Nettie would say, “Focus!”

16. I like quoting movies. Some of my favorites are from Mickey and the Beanstalk, Three Musketeers, any Disney movie, and yep! So many quotes, so little time.

17. I really like cooking but don’t like cooking for myself.

18. Our house was by an alfalfa field and we would get lots of stray kitties come and go. We had fun naming them: Beatrice, Othello, Kiefer, Grady, Spock, Moshka, Garmisch, Parten, Kirchen, Whitesis, Prince Charming, Otis, and others.

19. My dad taught me how to hold my breath under water. I learned to swim under water two lengths of my grandparent’s swimming pool. I can swim a full Olympic size pool length with a bit of practice.

20. I have never gotten a speeding or traffic ticket. Have been pulled over six or more times, once with a police escort, but I have never gotten a ticket.

21. I have a fetish for Broadway musicals. I’m not a connoisseur. I don’t even know what is currently playing, but usually love what I hear. Some favorite songs are “Lily’s Eyes” from Secret Garden, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from Les Miserables, “Back to Before” from Ragtime, “In His Eyes” from Jekyll and Hyde, “When I Look at You” from Scarlet Pimpernel, and “Home” from Beauty and the Beast.

22. My favorite subject to study is the Civil War. My dream vacation is to start in Gettysburg and drive to different battle sites including Antietam, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Richmond, and Appomattox. Then travel down through North Carolina, South Carolina and over to Georgia. Then hit Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Shiloh, and Vicksburg. I get really excited just thinking about it.

23. When I went to college my parents pleaded with me to go to class. My other two sisters were told to please make time to have fun. Apparently, my social side got the better of me in high school. Because of that promise, I won’t skip class. I feel really guilty if I skip because as an eighteen year old, I told my parents I would go to class.

24. My friend Anna once said I was the most hopeful romantic person she has ever met. Ambiance really does make a moment. One of my favorite commercials is an old Lifesaver commercial. A father and daughter are sitting on a cliff watching the sunset and eating Lifesavers. As the sun sets you hear him saying, “Going, going, and gone.” The little girl looks up at her dad and says, “Do it again Daddy.” Not a romantic moment but one completely filled with ambiance. Of course my other favorite commercial has them both. I won’t describe that one but I will say it is in Venice, has a guy, a girl, and produces a giddy romantic smile every time. :)

25. As you can tell, I remember little details. I can describe many moments in life with specifics. If you have told me a story about a time you wandered off from home and were found riding your bike down main street, I will remember it. I listen to what people tell me and watch what is happening around me. The world is a fascinating place.

More on the Family

My sister Lucy posted an article on her blog that illustrated another tactic and assault on the family.

Proclamation on the Family

I have pretty definite opinions on certain subjects but am often reticent to share them because of the varied viewpoints and principles of others. Basically, I am more interested in what others think and will rarely speak my thoughts unless asked. However, with the climate of today, my passion for what I believe is right needs to be expressed. Recently, Speaker of the House Pelosi defended a move to add birth control funding to the new economic stimulus package claiming, "contraception will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government." I am horrified at the different angles and attacks the adversary uses to perpetuate the disintegration of the family.

In 1995, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a proclamation to the world warning that "the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society." I reflect often on this closing statement and the tactics Satan uses to continually destroy the creation of families. Pelosi's contraception comment is only one of many ways that the family is being assaulted. Proposition 8 attacked the very definition of the the family, denying God's eternal plan and destiny for His children.

In spite of the varied ways that families are being ambushed, I actually believe Satan, in his cunning ways, has found a new more subtle way than using worldly political movements. Don't misunderstand me. Political ideologies are attacking families from every flank. But in the world of the church, he has found a way to infiltrate our very core: he has stopped families from even being created. Thousands of faithful single members have a strong pull toward eternal things. We want to be married, to have a family, to continue our Heavenly Father's plan, but what stops us?

Through lies, fear, and deceit, the adversary convinces us that our lives are good enough OR financially we cannot afford to be married or to have children. He uses fear to trick us into not believing the spiritual promptings we have received OR that we would fail in our divinely appointed roles OR even that "camping on the beach" (see Ether 2) is good enough. He deceives us that our worldly goals and pursuits will satisfy these "immortal longings" (Shakespeare) in each of us. I believe deep inside each of our hearts is the desire to be a wife/mother or husband/father, but Satan uses school, careers, hobbies, talents, and other good things (Elder Oaks) to distract us from what is best. Recognizing this attack is difficult because we still need to be diligent and careful in entering something as sacred as marriage. Yet, do we look beyond the mark? Are we allowing the adversary to blind us? I know so many faithful singles who have run away from marriage (before and after the ceremony) because they believed the lies, succumbed to the deceits, and allowed fear to dictate their agency (the topic of agency requires a post of its own).

Realize that I have many years of experience in the singles dating world. I myself have been a victim of these assaults in multiple ways. I know dating is difficult, frustrating, painful, and completely overwhelming at times. But I also believe in the words of Elder Holland. "To give ourselves totally to another person, as we do in marriage, is the most trusting step we take in any human relationship. It is a real act of faith--faith all of us must be willing to exercise. If we do it right, we end up sharing everything--all our hopes, all our fears, all our dreams, all our weaknesses, and all our joys--with another person." We have to keep pressing forward, being steadfast and strong in our faith, and not allow complacency or the onslaught of political ideologies destroy our eternal hope and happiness. The adversary is real and will use our weaknesses against us. But, we have to remember to Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them (2 Kings 6:16).