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.
Life is My Adventure
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
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
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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
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
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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!
Friday, August 21, 2009
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...!
Monday, August 10, 2009
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...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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.
Monday, July 27, 2009
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!
Friday, July 24, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, July 20, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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?!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
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.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
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.
Friday, June 12, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, June 8, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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.
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.
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