Gratitude - Day 11

1. I am grateful my class was canceled yesterday. I needed it.

2. I am grateful for other interests. Since I had some free time yesterday, I started working on the 2009 family calendar. It was good to work on something not being graded and without a due date.

3. I am grateful for good friends who laugh with me when funny things happen, who cry with me when unfortunate things happen, who advise me when I need perspective, who chastise me when I am being stubborn, and who love me in spite of my faults and weaknesses. Thanks to all of you!

Gratitude - Day 10

1. I am grateful for Dessert Night. What is that you ask? It all started many years ago after Lucille and Scott got married. Lu and I had lived 30 yards away from one another and saw each other at least 3-4 times a week. After she got married, our lives rarely crossed. Periodically, we would get together for dinner. By that time, Nettie was at school too and was part of our random outings. Finally we decided to schedule one day a week where we went out to eat and catch-up on each others' lives. Eventually that was getting expensive, Lucy and Scott had a kid, and little one needed to go to bed earlier than we were eating dinner. So we decided to change it to dessert. The rest is history. We have had other family members and cousins join our group through the years: Chris, Paul, Daniel, Andrew, Morgan, and others. I was so happy to hear that they continued the tradition when I moved to Phoenix and really excited when I moved back. I look forward to our weekly Dessert Night.

2. I am grateful for my ability to sleep anywhere. I was exhausted yesterday and needed to sleep. I went to the MBA lounge, curled up in a chair, and crashed for 30 minutes while everyone around me was chatting. Besides that small nap, I was awake for 20+ hours yesterday.

3. I am grateful for random phone calls. My mom and I were able to talk for a few minutes yesterday about nothing. I love talking with my mom.

Gratitude - Day 9

On Day 2 of this gratitude chain, I mentioned that my dreams help me with my homework. This really does happen but negative consequences also exist as was the case last night. I was supposed to finalize my team's HR case but kept hitting a roadblock with my thoughts. I decided going to bed early and waking up early would be more beneficial than sitting in front of my computer with elementary thoughts. In my dream, I finished 2/3 of the case! Subconsciously I even thought that it will be easy to finish the case when I wake up. You can't even imagine my disappointment when I woke up and realized I still had the entire case to write. Oh well.

1. I am grateful for the ability to work well under deadlines. I love when I budget three hours to write a case but finish in 2 1/2. Of course years in writing papers have helped and trained me in this habit. One semester in my undergrad year I wrote over 20+ papers, with five of those being from one class and 8-10 pages long.

2. I am grateful for heaters and air conditioners. I can't even imagine living through summers without AC and winters without heat. I have fond memories sitting next to my parents gas fireplace, wrapped in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate. In the summers you could find me with a pillow next to an AC vent sleeping. Good memories!

3. I am grateful for good roommates. I have had some really difficult roommates with multiple problems. However, I have also had some stellar roommates (many of you reading this blog). Two roommates who I have recently thought about are Mel and Cheryl. Half-way through the year, our apartment was re-carpeted and we decided to have all three of us sleep in the same room. Every night we turned on the same cd and fell asleep underneath our glow-in-the dark stars. We were also frequent visitors at the hot tub, especially during winter time. At least a few times a week you would hear one of us yell, "Cute girls at the hot tub!" We always got someone to join us. Thanks to all of you who have been my roommates. You are amazing!

Gratitude - Day 8

1. I am grateful for Andrew. He makes my life better in multiple ways including talking with me for hours, challenging me (in good ways) to be a better person, making me laugh constantly, and treating me exceptionally well.

2. I am grateful for Relief Society. I struggled with Relief Society when I first came to school and worked for a while to change my attitude. I have discovered that even when we go over time, even when people make random or non-doctrine type comments, or even when the teacher only reads the manual that I am uplifted just for attending. Relief Society is an inspired organization that is beneficial to all women in the LDS Church.

3. I am grateful for waffles. I love waffles! My mom spoiled me growing up by making the best waffles. Her secret ingredient was cream; something I didn't know until I was much older and quite addicted. Waffles always make everything better.

Gratitude - Day 7

1. I am grateful for lasik surgery. The past week I have fallen asleep on the couch three times. This morning when I woke up at 5:30am my eyes thanked me for not having contacts.

2. I am grateful for weekends. It was so nice to have a break from the demands of school and just relax.

3. I am grateful for beautiful fall mornings when the light shines on the mountains and reflects off the colored leaves.

Gratitude - Day 6

1. I am grateful for the laughter of little children. Yesterday I brought my sister's two oldest children to the park. Her daughter spent the whole time on the swings. Every time I pushed my niece higher, she would cackle and giggle! Such an innocent sound of pure enjoyment.

2. I am grateful the church posts general conference talks online in mp3 format. I download them and am able to listen in the car while I drive. It is a great way to start my day.

3. I am grateful for the night sky. Last night, the sky was so clear and the stars so bright. Next new moon, I plan to take a drive away from the city lights, wrap myself in a blanket, and watch for shooting stars.

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 5

1. I am grateful for my sisters. We have so much fun talking with one another. I called Suzy once when she had laryngitis. I told her that I would call back in a few days because I didn't want her to strain her voice. She told me she wanted to talk. So I turned the volume on my phone as high as I could and we talked for over an hour! My sisters and I have so much fun with one another.

2. I am grateful for Option B. I always try to plan my life with a goal in mind. However, I feel that Heavenly Father smiles at me from above and chuckles a bit knowing that is not the way my life is going to head. Right now I can't plan the next few months in my life because so many unknown factors exist. At least I know someone above is smiling and guiding Option B.

3. I am grateful for a clean room. My mom will laugh at that one because I was a messy child. Right now with so much going on, it is nice to know that I have one place that is free from chaos. Many of you out there know that making my bed is the bane of my existence. It is such a pain especially when your bed is against a wall. But it still gets done, sort of. :)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 4

1. I am grateful for faith, and our willingness to step into the dark knowing the Savior will guide us.

2. I am grateful for the ability to serve others. I walked out of my apartment and saw my friend scraping the ice off her car. I knew she had class at eight and was in a hurry. Taking five minutes to help her hopefully improved her day. That simple act helped someone but it also taught me the importance of reaching out to others.

3. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn. I am neck deep in MBA school and feel completely out of my league. It takes me twice as long as my classmates to understand the calculations in accounting, finance, and operations. But I love the theories in marketing and human resources and how they apply to the job market. I love learning and am grateful to be here in school even when I struggle.

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 3

1. I am grateful for spiritual insights and guidance. A couple of days ago, I felt I needed to check my voter registration. I forgot. So I asked my mom to check if I was registered in Gunnison when she voted. Turns out I wasn't. Long story, my registration somehow reverted back to an address in Provo where I lived before moving to Phoenix. Because of this prompting, I was saved from a four hour round trip trek to Gunnison and was able to vote quickly here in Provo.

2. I am grateful for living apostles and prophets. Bishop Edgley spoke at BYU yesterday about faith. What a powerful and poignant message for me.

3. I am grateful for small and simple things. Last night I was completely swamped with a midterm and family obligations but felt it was important to take a few minutes for someone else. Though it was a small amount of time, the investment was worth the result. We don't need grandiose gestures or blocks of time to show we care. The small and simple things matter more.

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 2

1. I am grateful for the right to vote. Many people around the world do not have that opportunity. Even though our system isn't perfect, at least we have the option.

2. I am grateful for my dreams because they help me in my homework. I have a take-home case midterm that is due tomorrow. I read the case right before going to sleep, and in my dream, I worked out some of the major issues I should focus on solving. This is not the first time this has happened. Of course it isn't fun to write your 10 page paper in your dreams, and then wake up to realize you still have to write it.

3. I am grateful for a good night's sleep. I have been pushing myself for weeks and trying to survive on five hours. My body was crashing! The past few nights I have been able to get seven to eight hours and am starting to feel better.

Attitude of Gratitude

This is something my friend Chloe started doing on her blog. It's normally done as an email, but I am doing it via blog. Here's the deal:

Well folks, the trees are changing colors, the days are getting shorter, and you can just smell autumn in the air (also, if you live where I do, you woke up this morning to a thick layer of frost on everything--like winter is trying to sneak in early.) 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 list three "things" for which you are grateful. Definition of "things"- the term "things" is used here to encompass a myriad 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.

Here is my list for today November 3:

1. I am grateful for blogs. I can be involved with my friends all over the world whether they are in Japan, Ohio, California, Texas, and more. Thanks to the internet who keeps us linked together.
2. I am grateful for g-chat so I can talk with Andrew even when we are busy with classes and homework.
3. I am grateful for the snow on Timpanogos this morning. Fresh fallen snow against a bright blue sky is a beautiful sight!

Grandma Great

Today is Grams' 91st birthday and I wanted to dedicate a few thoughts to her. Whenever we came to visit her, we usually rolled in late at night, but she always had food prepared and was ready to feed us. Visiting always entailed walking to get ice cream, feeding the ducks, splashing in the pool, playing endless rook tournaments, strolling along the golf course, and snuggling every morning. Because of difficult circumstances, Grams moved to Utah a few years ago and built a house next to my parents. Since then, she and I have spent many hours talking about our fears, our hopes, our discouragements, and our joys. We have both carried the burdens of the other and strengthened one another. I feel blessed having her in my life. Love you tons Grams!

Simple Surprises

One of my mom's goals in life is to surprise me but unfortunately has failed in most of her attempts. She tried to surprise me with getting contacts early (my eye doctor wanted me to wait until I was 16), replacing the carpet in the basement, visiting me for my birthday while I was living in Phoenix, and so forth. Each of these were thwarted. Because of unique circumstances, I knew about the contacts before we drove up to the eye doctor so my reaction was not what she had hoped for. I happened to see the new carpet scheduled on her calendar and then proceeded to show Annette. Once again, not the reaction she wanted. The birthday visit actually would have happened if she hadn't broken her hip. We were both disappointed. My mom was able to pull off one surprise, though I almost ruined this one too. I was flying home from Austin, and my sister Suzy and her family, who were living in California at the time, greeted me off the airplane (that was the day you could go beyond security). Having Spencer run up and hug me as I came off the plane was priceless. It isn't that I don't like surprises. I just don't like the limelight associated with them. Many people thrive on the big elaborate productions that come with surprises, but for me I am overwhelmed with the attention and actually become a bit self-conscious. However, I love the simple surprises. Quiet unassuming actions mean more to me than any grand elaborate event. Simple, sweet, and sincere. Thanks for making my day.

Tender Mercy

As I travel back and forth between my house and the Tanner Building on BYU campus, I listen to general conference talks. The last time I burned a general conference MP3, I felt I should put on two additional talks both given during BYU devotionals from Elder Hales and Elder Holland. I remember exactly where I was sitting and how I felt when I first heard Elder Holland's talk. It was the day after Valentine's Day and I had some tough questions on my mind. The talk seemed to be directed towards me. Questions were answered, hope was given, and faith renewed. Tonight Elder Holland's talk played as I was driving. I heard the very words that I needed to hear. My heart softened and fears departed. So, my post is dedicated to a talk that once again has given me hope. Though the talk relates to marriage, my focus is on the principles of faith.

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.

2 for 1

I have waited to post this new information because I wanted Lucille to post on her blog first. Last Tuesday, my sister Lucille went into labor. The ultrasound months previous did not give any clear indication whether she was having a boy or a girl. So, she and her husband picked out a boy and a girl name and brought a boy and a girl outfit to the hospital. Well, little did any of us realize (including the doctor) that all this was an omen of things to come. Three hours after her water broke, her little girl Marie Margaret was born. Ten minutes later followed her little boy Peter Hardy. Twins! Lucy and her story have now become the topic of conversation in the maternity ward, mother-baby ward, her work floor in the ICU, her husband's work, their ward, her in-law's ward, my hometown, my sister Kathrine's work, and so many other places. She has gotten responses on her blog from people she has never even met! The miracle in all of this is both babies are healthy and strong. Her ward has rallied behind her in ways no one could have imagined. It was Bishop Edgley who spoke about enduring together as ward members in general conference and I am so grateful for all the help and support Lucy and Scott have received from their ward. The babies are adorable and I am excited to be their aunt! So much fun to be had.

Fall Colors

I went hiking last Friday with friends from MBA school. The mountains were covered in colors. I loved being outdoors and not stuck inside my four walled classroom. Isn't Utah beautiful?

Becoming New

This weekend I have reflected on the changes that have taken place in me since starting MBA school. New friendships and new challenges have stretched me in ways I never would have imagined, and I have enjoyed the transformation. Since I don't have the words to really describe the details, I thought I would post a poem I wrote many years ago. It somewhat captures the essence of this past month.

Shoes

The shoes don't fit.
They were bought for me without my knowing.
They are cumbersome, overbearing, and weighty.
I trip constantly.
I fall on my face.
Why then were they bought?
So one day my feet would be stronger,
stretching myself would be easier,
and growing would not hurt so much.
These shoes, these expectations,
may not have been my choice;
but they are who I have become.
The shoes now fit.

Making memories

My idea of scrapbooking is writing names and dates on the back of pictures and sticking them into a photo album. Since 2006 was the year I broke my hand, I never printed off any pictures because I couldn't write on them. Well since I hadn't done 2006, I wasn't about to start 2007. You can see the vicious cycle. Yesterday I sat done and organized my 550+ favorite pictures from 2006. It was fun to see all the fun pictures and relive all the memories. That year my whole family went to Disneyland for three days and the beach for four days. We had an amazing time! So in memory of 2006, I thought I would post some highlights from that year.

Love 24!

Never have I been more excited for 24 to start.

Being the Driver

When I first started MBA school I declared myself as an organizational behavior/human resources major. My background in teaching had given me the skills to excel in this field. Plus, I liked the idea of training development. Overall I thought I was a good fit. But then school started. I went on the marketing trip to Moab and liked what the recruiters were saying about marketing. My marketing class is one of my favorites: integrating theory with practical application. Most of HR is integrating theory with more theory. We have professional seminars and information sessions where recruiters come in and talk with us about their company and usually a BYU grad/former intern explains what they do/did in their job. My honest opinion is most of their jobs sound boring. I couldn't grasp the idea of waking up and going to that job everyday. VP and senior mangers' jobs sound great but I decided I did not want to be stuck in a job I didn't like until the day I could have their job. And lets face it, I'm still hoping for the whole mom thing. So what to do...? I am in contact with someone at Apple and he described the differences between marketing and HR: What I do think marketing provides is a chance to drive the boat. HR hires the captain and makes sure he has good Medical and a Personal Development Plan, etc, but HR doesn't get to drive. Both roles are important...it just depends on whether or not you like driving! My career assessment I took for the career center also said, "You also have a high interest in Creative Production, one of the core activities in business work. You enjoy bringing something entirely original into existence -- whether it's a product, marketing plan, way of delivering a service, or entrepreneurial venture. Whether you work as a manager, executive, or individual contributor, acting creatively is an important part of your work satisfaction. You find the initial, creative stages of projects much more stimulating than later "maintenance" phase, so a job that may have been a good match at first may feel less and less satisfying over time. In fact, many people with a strong interest in Creative Production change jobs more frequently than other people for this very reason -- not because of an inability to persevere or make a commitment." What does all this mean? I want to drive the boat! So now I am actively pursuing a marketing career, something I never planned on doing, never even considered, but am completely excited about.