Simply Splendid

Stereotypical, sure, but not racist

2012-01-02T20:55:00.005-07:00

I had purchased tickets to the symphony recently hoping to make a date of it, since my usual guest—my sister—was out of town. Upon asking, one boy politely declined—citing homework and project overload; it being the end of the semester. (Yeah, I rolled my eyes, too.)

I had begun considering other options when my mom called to remind me that my sister was flying home the same day as the symphony. Of course, I asked her next. She accepted with no hesitation. (Why are not boys that easy to persuade?)

I told her the truth during intermission, telling her I had hoped the first boy I had asked would have come in her stead. She asked me if I had considered [insert the name of boy of Indian descent]. I replied that I he might be too yellow for an event like this.

Yellow?! He’s not Asian (well, at least not eastern Asian). If anything, you would describe him as brown.

I quickly corrected her, telling her I was not referencing his skin color but rather the color code personality test. It’s a totally different type of discrimination.

Humbling

2011-12-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

My brother-in-law was quite excited to get a small package on Saturday. It contained some parts for his gun. He said that it was scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday. I said with glee, "A Christmas Miracle!" He got very quiet and a little awkward even as he said softly, "We should probably use our Christmas miracles for something more important."

Winter Lasts Past Christmas

2011-12-04T19:26:00.001-07:00

Growing up a lot of the years of my life in St. George, Utah and in the Florida panhandle, winter was the time of the year when you wore sweatshirts on occasion. I associated snow only with Christmas since it was sung about in Christmas songs and depicted on Christmas cards and in Christmas decorations.

During my student teaching in St. George, a first grade teacher had put a snowman on her bulletin board in December. When we returned from winter break, I was surprised to see that it was still there and remained throughout January. I remember thinking that the season of snowmen had passed with Christmas and that the snowman should have come down by now. Of course, I caught the error in my thinking and tried to retrain my brain into associating snowmen with the entire season of winter that lasted much later than December 25.

Even as I've lived in northern Utah these past three winters, my brain has not adjusted.

I am determined to enjoy winter this year. I plan to go ice skating frequently (if not weekly). I even bought snowshoes to use this winter.

But I have found myself in a panic realizing that Christmas is fast approaching, and I haven't begun to enjoy my new winter hobbies. I try to usher out the anxiety that I am going to miss my chance to enjoy the snow this year since my schedule is pretty busy between now and my winter break from school. I keep trying to tell myself that winter will last [long] after Christmas and that I don't need to panic. But it is evident that my brain still cannot fathom that winter continues after Christmas. There will be snow when I return to Salt Lake after my break. I will have months of opportunity to participate in the good that winter has to offer.

But to calm my heart and mind, I will go ice skating this week, drink plenty of hot chocolate, and enjoy the snowy sights of the nearby mountains before heading south for the break just in case these things are no longer possible or fashionable when I return.

Tell Me That I'm Dreaming

2011-07-01T08:39:00.000-06:00

Lately my dreams have been enough to make me think about them the rest of the day. Read about the jealous fleeing of my dream man here.
Two night ago, I was reading blog postings in my Google reader. I read this post over at The Lola Letters about The Bachelorette. I don't know much about the show having never watched it. Her post was the last I read before falling asleep. So of course, I had my own Bachelor(ette)-style dream. However, the setup of my show was much different. We didn't go on all-expense paid dates in fancy clothing with all the difficult details hashed out by some tv intern. On my show, the women were "auditioning" to be wives of these creepy, misogynistic men. Our first task was to mop a floor.
Yes, I said "our". I am on the show. Don't ask me why. I would never in sound mind and body participate in such a show or "competition".
I am no stranger to housework, but I realized I was up against women who had worked full-time as housekeepers. I knew I was no competition for them. I wasn't going to win this round, so I didn't waste my energy. I mopped the floor well enough, but I didn't obsess over it.
In the mean time, I figured out my target. There was a man on the show with a two year-old son. I knew I could win him over by focusing my energy on my interaction with his son.

WHOA! I feel so gross inside as I type this. I hope this is a reflection of how I feel about the show and not what I'd really do. That previous paragraph says that I would manipulate someone by feigning a relationship with a child. Revolting!
I can't finish this post.
Honestly, there wasn't much more to my dream. Fortunately. But regardless, I'm disgusted to think that this occurs. People do this kind of thing. My dream self did this kind of thing. I've done this kind of thing. Well, not this exact thing.
One time, in real life, a boy moved to town. This boy soon caught the attention of several ladies, not because of his dashingly handsome good looks but because he was educated and had a real job. (This type of guy was a rarity in the area.) I was one of the first to talk to him and to befriend him. And then these other girls found out about him and tried to lay claim. I got caught up in the competition and decided, somewhat consciously, that I was going to win him over. I charmed him in numerous ways, even feigning interest in a few things since they were among his greatest passions. But then one day I (figuratively) stepped back and realized as quality of a guy he was, we really didn't have that much in common. I wasn't pursuing him because I was interested. I was pursuing him because I was determined to beat out these other ladies. Ugh!
I'm glad I realized that when I did. I hope and pray that I never get caught up in something fake like that again.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

2011-07-01T08:06:00.000-06:00

I have been having all sorts of life-like dreams lately. That's how I usually dream. I don't dream the bizarre. I dream things that actually could happen. And the stars of my dreams are the people who I interact with regularly.

Last night, I dreamed I met the guy of my dreams. He was everything I've ever wanted (and many things I never knew I wanted). We hit it off immediately. I was totally into him. He was totally into me. The evening was progressing quite well.
My friend, Jared, happened to stop by.
Jared and I have been friends for a little over a year. He is one of my favorite people to talk with. We can talk for hours. And hours. And hours. He and my roommate used to spend a lot of time together and so often, he'd be at my house when I'd come home at night. One of my favorite conversations occurred one night when I came home to a pitch black house. (Supposedly they heard me pull up and turned off the tv to scare me. Sure, I believe it.) I followed my usual routine of getting a drink of water, never turning on the lights. And then my roommate said my name. Having seen Jared's Jeep out front, I greeted them both. Jared and I started talking right there in the dark. I don't remember what we talked about, but I remember it being a great conversation. For several hours. In the dark. Needless to say, with all this conversing, Jared and I have formed a very solid bond. We have talked each other through some challenging life experiences and have spent many a good hour out and about enjoying life.
Back to my dream.
Sometime during the evening, Jared got really sick. I mean really sick. The kind of sick that he needed the care and attention of someone else to endure this sickness. I began tending to Jared's needs and almost entirely ignoring my dream guy.
Well, a dream guy can't be perfect. This guy possessed some jealousy issues and maybe lacked some confidence. Upon seeing the intimacy in the way I cared for Jared (being able to anticipate his needs and communicate with him without talking much), my dream guy assumed this meant that I was secretly and madly in love with Jared. My dream guy abruptly left before we could naturally end the evening and before I could seal my fate (you know, by securing future dates and such).
Once I realized this, I got Jared taken care of well enough that I could dash out the door. Of course, I was barefoot and there was snow on the ground. (Because of my real-life distaste for snow, I think snow in my dreams symbolizes when something has gone awry.) I ran as far as I could before my feet couldn't stand it. I ran back and grabbed some shoes. Of course the only shoes I could find were heels. That didn't make for a quick journey in the snow. He was already gone.
Now, I have to somehow convince the man of my dreams (literally and figuratively) that my compassion represented true charity and not passionate romantic love for Jared. But I'm not worried. If anyone can convince anyone of something, it's Jared. (Most of the conversations I had with him were essentially debates.) Jared will just convince my dream man that these actions speak volumes of my character and the kind of love he can anticipate throughout our relationship.

Too bad it was all just a dream.

I also dreamed last night that I was hiking in Zion National Park when an earthquake struck. The roads were destroyed or covered in rocks, so my friends and I had to hike out of the park. And for some reason, I was wearing Converse sneakers. Not sound hiking shoes.

I probably shouldn't have gone to bed with sore feet last night.

Maybe she can come up with better advice

2011-05-30T22:54:00.001-06:00

I have a friend who is admittedly seeking Ms. Right. He tells me about the girls he finds and dates. Each girl seems somewhat promising, but as he sees it out she never is anywhere close to Ms. Right. When he tells me about girls after the fact, I'll ask him where he met her. He gives me a look, and I don't need for him to tell me they met in a bar. My sister gave him what I thought was very sound advice. She suggested spending time doing the things he enjoyed and talking to the girls that were doing the same thing. He doubted that tactic since he can't imagine a girl wanting to be hit on at the art museum or at a bookstore.
He may be right.
I was out riding my bike to the store. I was in no hurry since the sun was finally shining for the first time today. I passed a cyclist who was inching down the road. The next thing I know, I've got a rider to my left. The cyclist begins making small talk. He's commenting on my bike asking me about my braking system. He asked me if we'd met before. When I said I was new to the city, he introduced himself as Bjorn and asked my name. This small talk went on for 8 blocks when I finally cut quickly into a parking lot. He shouted some kind of farewell as I pedaled away.
Just because we both ride bikes doesn't mean I want to talk to you. So maybe my friend shouldn't try to strike up a conversation at the library or an event downtown.
Or maybe he should. Had this friend--young, attractive, and charming--been the one on the bike, I probably would've responded differently. For some reason, a stranger can talk to you and even give you his number without it being a big deal as long as he doesn't give you the heebie jeebies first.

Taking Actions Instead of Offenses

2011-01-22T23:35:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is Alma 62: 41. “But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.” This scripture teaches me that we can’t always control what we encounter, such as the adversities we face, but we can control how we respond to these things. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “Our responses inevitably shape our souls and ultimately determine our status in eternity. Because opposition is divinely decreed for the purpose of helping us to grow, we have the assurance of God that in the long view of eternity it will not be allowed to overcome us if we persevere in faith. We will prevail. Like the mortal life of which they are a part, adversities are temporary. What is permanent is what we become by the way we react to them.”

We are moral agents. We have the power to choose. One of the choices we can make is how we respond to feelings of insult, mistreatment, neglect, disrespect, disappointment, and an array of other feelings of hurt. Do we erupt in anger and lash out on the person who caused or delivered the hurt or even someone else we encounter? Do we sever a relationship, whether new or long-formed? Do we mirror back the same action thus perpetuating the injury? Do we slander the person who caused us harm? Do we become paralyzed and unable to move forward? Do we hold on to that hurt until it festers into hate and resentment? Do we discontinue our Church involvement because of our disappointment or hurt?

Or do we confront and release the feelings, allowing the Savior to heal our hearts?

(To read the rest of my talk given in church today, go to my other blog: seekinghappinessandjoy.blogspot.com)

One Day at a Time

2011-01-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

I was in the depths of despair only minutes ago. I was experiencing feelings of defeat and an attitude of utmost frustration.

And then it hit me.

I know everything I need to do to get through this, because I attended a church meeting earlier this evening.

During tonight's Church Education System Broadcast for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder D. Todd Chistofferson spoke of getting through challenging times. During the fireside, my mind raced as I thought of so many things going on in my life right now. Decisions I needed to make. Confrontations that are going to occur. Opportunities for humility that I should take otherwise I'll face damage to myself if I maintain my pride. I didn't realize I heard very much of his talk.

Until it hit me.

Many of his words were brought to my remembrance and his meaning became very clear.

I am to face these trials one day at a time.

I can do that. I can tackle this one piece at a time. I don't know right now how it will all turn out, but I do know that I have the strength to make it through one day at a time.

I am grateful for this tender mercy of the Lord in answering my prayer before it could even be uttered. I am grateful to have attended this fireside. I am grateful to be a beneficiary of the simplicity of this Apostolic advice. As I act upon this advice, I know that I will be blessed with the comfort and the strength to be seen through these trials. I am grateful that I could converse with my Heavenly Father and to feel His immediate comfort and peace. He is watching over me and He provided me with just what I needed.

Watch the church meeting I referenced here http://lds.org/broadcasts/watch/ces-fireside/2011/01?pid=738917358001&pkey=AQ~~,AAAAmBrDwtE~,_58lK-P1xvJ5WTHbRnmdONkYkAiPKoal&lang=eng

How I got to this moment in time

2010-12-27T08:02:00.001-07:00

I was sitting in church yesterday next to a cousin of mine that I hadn't previously known. I am quite excited to know him since he's also a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like my mother.

As I sat there, I wondered. How did I get to this moment in time? What string of events led me to church in Wetumpka, Alabama on Sunday, December 26, 2010?

When I was eleven years old, I lived in a small northwest Florida town and went to church across the river in Blountstown. I was in an age-assigned Sunday School group called Merry Miss. My Merry Miss leader wanted us to learn a song from the Primary Songbook called "I Will Follow God's Plan for Me", but we didn't have anyone available to us in that small congregation to play the piano and help us learn that song.

I had been in band at school for almost a year by this point where I had learned about written music. Using music books I had found at our house and a keyboard my father had picked up at a yard sale, I started teaching myself to play the piano so that I could play that Primary song for my class to practice.

We moved to a slightly bigger Florida town where there were plenty of opportunities to use my developing musical talents. I enjoyed playing the keyboard but wanted to play a real piano, so I begged my parents to buy one. They found one advertised for sale for $300. That was quite a sacrifice for my parents, but they purchased the piano with the promise from myself that I would continue to teach myself to play.

I continued playing the piano for the youth meetings and set a goal to play for the congregational meeting (it helped that my grandmother had promised $100 to any grandchild who played in the congregational meeting). The first hymn I played for the entire church congregation to sing was "How Firm a Foundation".

My family moved to Southwestern Utah when I was a sophomore in high school. I continued to play for the youth meetings there.

When I was 16, I moved to a different part of town and was now attending a different ward (church congregation). A woman there, who later served as my youth leader, invited me to learn to play the organ. With her short instruction, I began playing the organ for congregational meetings.

As a young woman, I would attend the Temple regularly to perform baptisms for the dead. While I waited for my turn, I would listen to the beautiful hymns flowing quietly through the building. I assumed that the organ music was a recording. One day, while I sat in the Temple, I heard a wrong note played. It was then that I realized that the organ music was being played right then by someone in the Temple. I got really excited and wondered aloud to my friend how I could have that opportunity to play. A volunteer at the Temple came over and explained that I could volunteer as soon as I had participated in the other Temple ordinances. It is traditional for young people in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to wait until they are about to go on a mission or be married in the Temple before they participate in these other ordinances. I was close to neither at the time, but I stored that thought in my mind for when it would be applicable.

Fast forward to April 2009.

After counseling with my Bishop (my ecclesiastical leader), I decided it was a good time for me to go to the Temple and participate in the other ordinances that were available to me. As I was leaving the St. George Temple that time, I remembered that thought and my desire to play the organ in the Temple and filled out a volunteer card. I hand-wrote that I was interested most in playing the organ.

I received a phone call from a volunteer coordinator asking if I'd be willing to serve as a substitute for other organ players when they couldn't make their assigned shift. I readily took that position and prayed for an opportunity to play. I was able to play a half dozen times between April and June when I moved to Tooele.

Living in Tooele, the closest Temple was now the Salt Lake Temple. I began attending the Salt Lake Temple. After my first visit to this Temple, I filled out a volunteer card with hopes of playing the organ in the Salt Lake Temple as well.

I received a phone call from a volunteer coordinator who explained that they had more organ players than they could ever use but asked if I was willing to volunteer in other capacities. He listed a few options that were conducive to my schedule. I was intrigued by a position available at the Family File desk; however, I was hesitant, because I had little experience with Family History research. But as he described the position, it sounded like office work; I could do office work. I accepted that position and began volunteering weekly.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are charged with the responsibility to learn of our family history so that we can perform sacred ordinances in the Temple for those family members who didn't have access to these things on Earth. Temple patrons will bring information to the Family File desk so that they can perform these ordinances for their deceased family members.

I was filled with joy every time I printed these Temple ordinance cards for these patrons. I couldn't believe the overwhelming positive emotions when someone would tell me their connection to the names on the cards as I cut them. If I felt this way assisting someone else, how would I feel if I was printing my own Temple cards?

At this time, I gained access to a new church website that makes getting family names ready for the Temple so much easier. Within minutes of signing up for the website and after only one text sent to my mother, I had all the information I needed to take my maternal grandmother's name to the Temple.
I continued volunteering and began my own Family History research. Just before Christmas, my mother asked me if I was willing to go down South to visit her father during my winter break. I consented telling her I wanted to make it a Family History adventure.

While visiting, my grandfather took me to a cemetery where his parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents were buried. I had been to that cemetery when I was younger since he was the caretaker and was there to mow the lawns, but I played on the toys by the church across the street not knowing the treasured family members that lay buried in that cemetery. I began snapping pictures of headstones and grew excited to begin processing this information.

Also on this same trip, my mother took me to Eclectic, Alabama where her mother had been born and raised. We contacted the cousin that we finally met up with yesterday. He and his wife were in Salt Lake serving a mission for the Church. He gave us contact information for another cousin of ours who we didn't know existed. Andy took us on a cemetery tour of the county and I was able to take hundreds of photos of headstones and to see the graves of my great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, and countless other relatives.

I continued my own Family History research and continued volunteering at the Temple. During one volunteer shift, I was helping a gentleman who handed me a stack of cards. I read the submitter's name on the card and then asked the gentleman his name. I immediately recognized his name and told him, I'm your cousin. He talked with me briefly and shared that this was the first time he had ever been inside the Temple with a member of his family outside of his wife and children.

A couple months ago, I asked my mother if we were going down South again for my break. She said no since this would be the grandbabies' first Christmas. Fortunately in early December, my mother changed her mind. We tossed around possible itineraries and came up with a plan a couple days before we left town.

My mother contacted Cousin John about a possible visit. Needing to attend church, we decided to plan our trip so that we could go to church with John in Alabama.

And that is how I got to that moment in time.

Worth reviving the blog

2010-12-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

I got an interesting surprise yesterday. I received a picture message on my phone of my older sister having her head shaved.

Wait! What?!

My sister had posted on facebook earlier in the day that there was a fundraiser at the school where she teaches, but I had no idea how committed she was to this fundraiser.

A fifth grade girl, Jenecee, was recently diagnosed with cancer. A tumor and part of her thyroid were removed, but the cancer had spread to her lungs. She has been undergoing chemotherapy these last weeks.

Mrs. Ashmore and my sister. Mrs. Ashmore paid $250 for my sister to shave her head.

My sister said this morning via text message that she wanted Jenecee to have someone to be bald with. Well, my sister has three others to be bald with as well.

Quadruplets: my sister, her husband, and their twin boys

Welcome to the world

2010-09-01T09:36:00.005-06:00

Dear world,
You are so lucky. You just gained two brand new citizens who are likely to make a great contribution during their lifetimes.

Meet Jasper.

Meet Russell.

They may look small an insignificant now, but they will be a force to be reckoned with in no time. They come from goodly parents and will be well taught and well cared for. You are lucky to have them in your presence, world. Be good to them.

Sincerely,
A very proud aunt

A few thoughts on women's lib

2010-08-17T22:17:00.003-06:00

I was helping some friends move this summer. A couple of guy friends were helping as well. One of the boys was pulling some items out of the truck and handed me a couple small things. I acted very offended, and he then moved out of my way and let me pick out something heavier.
Later in the move, I was carrying a large piece of furniture alone. When I got to the door of the house, he said out loud that he didn't know if he should offer help. I told him that I wanted him to treat me like a capable, independent woman, but I didn't want him to refrain from being a gentleman. He admitted that was a very fine, very difficult line to work with.
Fast forward a couple months. I was at lunch with him today. This very same topic came up, and I reminded him of our previous experience.
When we got to the car, he made it very obvious and very clear that he was getting the car door for me. He offered his hand and insisted I take it to ensure my safety. He was being very silly about it.
When he got in the other car door, he expressed that he would not like to be treated like a fragile object. I pointed out to him that there was a difference between being treated like I couldn't do it and being shown that I deserved more respectful and delicate treatment. That made sense to him.

I went on an overnight canoe trip last week with my friend, Holly. We had car trouble, so her father and brother picked us up at the end of the trip. I loved watching the way that Holly's father and brother treated her and interacted with her. They insisted she help load the canoes and tie them down. It wasn't because they thought she deserved part of the workload. It was because they trusted her ability and knew they could accomplish the task easier with her help.

One of my most treasured work-related memories had to do with my supervisor, Andy. Andy and I worked together in the automotive department at Wal-Mart. There were many a time that men would come in wanting to purchase goods or services from our department. I would offer to help them and they would walk past me and often times not even acknowledge me.
On one particular instance, a gentleman (can I even call him that?) walked right past me and my offer to help because Andy was in sight. This customer asked Andy about one of our tires. Andy knew the answer, but he used this opportunity to demonstrate his confidence in me and attempt to instill this in our customer base. He said to that particular customer that I would know better than he and walked him over to me. I more than adequately answered all this customer's questions.
It wasn't that Andy was too busy to answer the question or that he didn't want to help this customer. Like me, he was tired of the assumptions. He knew my ability.
It was one of the most empowering moments of my life. Andy taught me so much in that small gesture that day.

An idea of romance

2010-08-01T23:59:00.003-06:00

I'll admit it. I signed up with an online dating website.

Wow. That was hard to admit. It shouldn't be. It's typical for our technology-driven society. Alas, it is strange with how social I am and how many people I know that I'm not having the dating life I desire. It is as though dating has been replaced with meaningless social events that lead to little (but physical relationships, it seems).

But the above is not the purpose of this post.

As part of the service, I am able send site generated messages back and forth with my matches to help us get to know one another. One of the boys I'm communicating with recently responded to the questions I sent him. One of my questions was "How would you spend a romantic evening with someone you've been dating for more than a year?"
His response: "Having a picnic and watching the sunset together. Maybe I will even muster up the little skill I have and make the picnic myself."

I watch the sunset a few times a week. In fact, I stopped by a friend's house tonight, and he suggested we move the conversation outside so that we could watch the sunset. This is the same friend who cooked a wonderfully delicious dinner for me and my sister while we watched the sunset, just before watching the fireworks from the accessible rooftop.

A friend. I watched the sunset with a friend.

Maybe this just means I live a very romantic life already.

Or maybe this boy lives in a part of the city where the sunset isn't easily seen, so watching the sunset is a rare occasion for him. In that case, working to enjoy that simple part of life is romantic.

Maybe this sunset viewing would involve a beautiful hike to get to the location and a hidden guitar that he "finds" and uses to play a little song for me.

Or maybe the simplicity of it all would make it so romantic.

I mean the sunset is a glorious thing every time I watch it. For example, I love catching the sunset over the Great Salt Lake on my way home from the Salt Lake Temple. On the nights when there are clouds, I like to stick around until after the sun has set. The way the dusk light reflects off the varying depths of the water make it appear almost as though there are white caps of cresting waves. It makes me feel like I'm back in Florida. I can even sometimes hear the waves crashing onto the shore.

His idea, although very simple, is romantic. But is it the kind of romance I'm looking for? Why am I left wanting for more?

Maybe I'm too consumed with looking for more than I already have. Maybe the best kind of relationship would involve spending time with someone doing the things I already do, the things I already love. I shouldn't be put off by his response. I should appreciate that we share that enjoyment of the simple things in life. Maybe I should make the search for love a little less complicated.

It depends on the thickness of its skull

2010-07-24T13:55:00.003-06:00

After this week's Twilight Concert Series show, Casey and I went back to our friend's house. He and his roommate just moved into a 7th story penthouse just south of downtown Salt Lake. The penthouse also has a view of the Salt Lake Bees Stadium. Knowing that the Bees were having fireworks after their games last night and tonight, Casey and I used the power of suggestion (referencing how nice it would be to watch the show from a conveniently located penthouse) to score an invite. These guys are so classy that they suggested we come early enough to watch the sunset and then doubled the offer with a dinner invitation.

Dinner was on the grill while we watched the sunset. At one point, one of the boys posed the question, What is the largest predator you think you could fight to the death using only a hammer? After rationalizing her choice for a minute or so, Casey had to stop because she was grossed out by the images of carnage she was creating for herself. Our friend suggested that if she were in the coliseum, she would no doubtedly watch the horrific scene and might possibly enjoy it. She insisted that it would not be the case.

After dinner was so elegantly served on the ping pong table, we rushed outside to catch the fireworks show. From the roof (since the balcony had a slightly obstructed view), our friend spotted a handcuffed man being escorted from the bottom floor by a few officers.

Before our photoreceptor bleaching had been resolved, we had already shifted our attention to what would be our next show. Our buddy who had been arrested was starting to get upset. Although we couldn't make out his words, we could hear his raised voice. The female officer at his side had no trouble letting her voice carry. We could clearly hear her using his full first name, probably much like his mother had done repeatedly growing up.

The detained began displaying his resistance with his body. As they walked toward the police car, he began flailing his legs. Two bike cops rushed onto the scene at this time. The mass of officers circled the young man. Shortly after, he was on the ground. He had been tased (which we had barbarically been hoping for on the balcony). He was soon calf-roped, securing his legs that he had been attempting to use as a weapon.

A police minivan (which I never knew existed) was on the scene next. A female in a simple uniform exited the vehicle and began taking pictures of the man who was now lying very still on the ground. They rolled him over to get photographs of every angle.

In the mean time, we had busted out the binoculars. We each took turns getting a close-up of the action. I was bummed when it was my turn and the officers were blocking my shot. I never got a good look.

It was then that I realized that as averse as Casey was to the idea of watching an animal get taken down, we had no trouble watching this shirtless law-breaker meet his consequences.

E pluribus unum

2010-07-20T23:04:00.007-06:00

Today I got a package together for my grandfather. The purpose of the package was to send him this picture.

He's cute. Isn't he?

I've been working on my family history since November. It accelerated in December when I went down South for a visit. It has been a wonderful yet very challenging adventure. There is still one line in his 4th and 5th generation that I'm not certain is correct, but I wanted to get it in the mail. I don't know how long it'll take to figure it out. It took me over a month to get information about his 3rd generation in that line.
A strange feeling came over me when I merged his 5 generation with his picture. It was so fascinating to see how many lives came together to produce the life of my grandfather.
The post I wanted to publish last week but couldn't involved me realizing how the decisions that others had made negatively affected the life I lived. I missed out on relationships, because these others had severed relationships with these people before I could form them and enjoy them.
However, when I looked at this picture, I realized that because of the decisions that all these people made, my grandfather exists. And because of his decisions, I exist.
And as painful as my realization was the other day, I can't help but also realize how so incredibly blessed I am to live now, to live in these circumstances, to have these experiences, and to create my own relationships. I have been a part of so many lives by choice and by chance.
I can only imagine how my choices will affect those I meet and those I one day mother. I wonder whose picture could be merged with me as his great-great-grandmother.

See what others did today at communal global.

I never know what to post

2010-07-11T21:59:00.003-06:00

When it comes to blogging, I'm always torn.

I want to be an open book, but the things I want to write about most include someone else. Unless it's a happy thing, I don't think it's fair to them to share this intimate information.

Like today, I want to post about the emotional day I had, but it involves the relationship I have with my father.

I wrote about it in my journal, but it doesn't seem cleansing enough. I want to say it out loud (which I definitely count posting it on the internet as out loud), but again, I don't think it is fair to my father. It would be a one-sided story, although legitimately how I feel, but it may or may not paint him in a good light.

I've considered creating a whole new blog identity just to be able to post anything and everything, but I don't know if I'm willing to do the work to keep it anonymous.

Until then, I will have to continue to keep all the real posts to myself. No one will ever get to hear of my frustrations, embarrassing encounters, angry moments, or imagine me posting with tears streaming down my cheeks. That is unless you catch me at just the right moment in person. Then I'll be willing to let you into my world and attempt to communicate how I see the world.

2010-06-24T22:40:00.008-06:00

After tossing around a Frisbee for an hour or more, a couple friends and I took a seat in the luscious grass of the park to enjoy the sunset. While we basked in this everyday but never common beauty, we talked about how we had spent the last week.

I told these two guys about going home to St. George. The highlight as always was seeing my niece, Emma. Brad asked how old she was. He then remarked with real sincerity, What do you do with a 3-month old baby?

Well, you enjoy watching her being herself.

And you revel at the fact that this tiny human has such a complex body structure. And you wonder how it happens every time. I mean, you've read about it in books, but wow! It really works.
And all the while you are thinking these things and watching her every movement, you realize that it isn't just fascination. It's love.
And you heart melts.

Then you realize you aren't just watching her. You are adoring her. And you try to soak it all in.
And you feel grateful in your heart that you get to experience this awe and unparalleled love.

And then you do eat her toes. (That was Nick's answer.) And kiss her face just to watch her eyes get bigger as you get closer.

And then you let her tiny hand wrap around your finger.

And then you tell her stories hoping she'll reciprocate. When you finish your story, you stop and listen. Then she starts to tell you a story. Her face lights up and her expressions change while she rattles off what sounds like nonsense to you, but you know it probably has a much deeper meaning, since she did just leave God's presence.

And you delight when she squeals.
And you gladly feed her because that is one of the greatest interactions. There is a special bond that occurs while you feed her. She stares ever so peacefully into your eyes, and in your heart you promise to always keep her safe.

And you are grateful that time seems to slow down, because you cherish every moment.

In its prime

2010-06-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

Today I finally stopped to take pictures of one of my favorite sites in Tooele County. I always admire this old home as I pass and have every intention to come back and take pictures. Today I passed it with my sister, and the setting sun made for perfect lighting. She insisted we stop, and I am so grateful we did.

Check out Communal Global to see images of what some other gals from around the world did today.

A change in priorities

2010-05-31T23:32:00.002-06:00

It used to be thoughts of this that would get me to rush home to St. George.

Now it is rightfully thoughts of this sweet little 11-week old angel that makes me thrilled to go home. Emma sure is sweet.

Memorial Day Memories

2010-05-31T23:00:00.003-06:00

It was on this day back in two thousand and nine that I experienced Tooele for the first time.

After accepting the position at Excelsior Academy, my next step was to secure a place to live. I searched the internet from top to bottom and was only finding houses for rent. I didn't want to fork out that much money for just little ol' me.

I knew the only way to find a place in the area was to network.

I had already contacted a few people on facebook. (I sent a message to a girl who had hosted a News Year's Eve party. She had to be cool. It turns out that she also happened to be the Relief Society President of the Singles Ward in Tooele.) But the sense of urgency wasn't there. They were all willing to keep me informed about what they heard, but were they really listening out? I knew if they met me, they'd be more proactive in helping me in my search.

I made a trip up to Tooele on Memorial Day 2009. (I was already almost in the area for the weekend anyway.)

Megan, the Relief Society President I mentioned earlier in parenthesis, offered to show me around and help me locate some places and introduce me to people. I called her on my drive to Tooele and she mentioned that she was headed to a barbeque and that I was more than welcome to come with her there.

We agreed to meet at a central location. The local Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart should've been easy to find. And most people would've found it immediately. I figured it was on Main Street, but no matter how many times I drove up and down that road I couldn't find it. I sent a text Google's way and got the address. Even with the address, I knew where it should be, but I still didn't see it when I drove past. I was too distracted by taking in the sights I guess. I finally saw it tucked away behind a front row of shops and restaurants.

I was early for the designated meeting time. Of course. I was nervous, and I had nothing else to do. And I feared getting lost. I waited for what seemed like forever before Megan showed up.

She still had brownies in the oven at home, so we got in her car and went back to her place. I met her mother. So far, my impression of the town was very positive.

We headed to the barbeque. I met a handful of girls who would be in my ward. None of them were helpful in suggesting places I might be able to live. Turns out, they weren't being rude; there just aren't places to rent in Tooele.

After the barbeque, we headed up the street to a local park to play volleyball and kickball. As much fun as I was having, I didn't want too much time to pass because I was determined to find a place to live that day.

I met many of those who would become my closest friends that day. I like to reminisce with a few of them about that day.

I texted one friend today to remind him of our first meeting. "It was on this day in 2009 that I first met you. And it was because you didn't remember meeting me that you later labeled me a stalker." Hahahaha. Good times.

Casey, my sister, and I drove the back way to Tooele, which was the way I took one year ago. We arrived at the same park where I played kickball on that fateful day. After an hour of Ultimate Frisbee, I returned home to the apartment I secured on this day last year.

Ah, the memories.

Help make a miracle happen

2010-05-29T08:05:00.004-06:00

It all started when I was elected vice president of my elementary education cohort. I was more than willing to take on the role, although I was a little uncertain about working with the girl who had been elected as president.

We had our first presidency meeting and my concerns were validated. She wanted to support the members of our cohort by recognizing individuals with weekly spotlights and awards.
I didn't. That was too much work for what I imagined we'd get in return.

I wanted to keep things simple. I accepted the nomination thinking our role was mainly to act as liaison between students and faculty meaning that I would have the chance to debate an item or two. She accepted the nomination thinking that she would have a chance to love and care for each individual on a deeper level.

Don't get me wrong, I've got a lot of love for a lot of people, but I'm also a no-nonsense kind of girl. I don't like frivolity. I would rather spend my time concentrating on my school work or talking to my classmates than filling out award slips and making cute things to give away.

Without having to talk it out, we compromised. She cut back on the "things" we were going to do and I supported her in the "things" we kept.

We spent a lot of time together in those first few weeks. She called weekly meetings. Although a little annoyed, I am quite an obedient person. I attended my meetings and bit my tongue and her wild suggestions.

I don't know exactly when things changed. All I know is that this forced relationship blossomed into one of the most beautiful friendships I have ever experienced.

Jodilyn and I are closer than I normally allow myself to get to someone. She knows my deepest darkest fears (I rarely let anyone know that because I more comfortable working the confident/strong persona...I don't want anyone to think I'm insecure or incapable in any way). I can confide in her and I trust her judgment and value her advice. She shares with me her frustrations. I tell her when she's being ridiculous and that she should let it go. She tells me when to feel more rather than trying to push the experience away.

We also laugh a lot together.

When Jodilyn welcomed me in, I became a part of her family. I was a regular in her home and at her family functions.

Jodilyn has two sets of children: her own and her husband's. Although with as much love as she has, you would never know the difference. I was invited to attend birthday parties of her children. When she and her husband were sealed in the Temple, I volunteered to babysit the grandkids so that everyone else could attend. It was then that I first met her husband's children: Andrea, Toby, and Brynn and their families. My admiration for them was immediate. I've been fortunate to have subsequent interactions with them both in St. George as well as in their homes in Utah County.

Toby is a mother of four children. She is one of the most loving mothers I have ever been able to witness. She is self-sacrificing, a noble exemplar, a patient teacher, and a loving wife. She also has Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Toby was diagnosed with MS at 21. She was a new wife and a young mother. The diagnosis didn't stop her from living. As difficult as it may have been, she is true to her family, true to her faith, and true to her life. She now has four children, her oldest just graduated from kindergarten.

Her own diagnosis hasn't been the only medical trial she has been forced to endure. Two of her children have significant health issues, her son, Chandler, has had 16 surgeries in his short life.

She says on her blog, "I had given up on those dreams [of having a healthy future and growing old with my amazing husband] and I figured I would just make the most of what time I did have."

One of the ways in which she has attempted to make the most of the time she has is to research options for treatment. She placed herself on waiting lists for surgeons in other countries who were performing procedures that were alleviating major symptoms of MS. Of course, these waiting lists are very long and the cost for the procedures are thousands of dollars (plus travel expenses).

Just recently, she received word that a surgeon in Costa Rica would be able to fit her into his schedule for Liberation treatment on June 24.

This is exciting news!

Yet it does come with a financial burden that Toby's young and growing family is not quite prepared to bear. I'm sharing this, because they need our help. Toby's siblings have set up a paypal account (and a Wells Fargo account) to collect donations. Please donate if you can and link to her blog to help spread the word.

Toby already has made a beautiful impact on this world. I can imagine the marvelous things she'll be able to do with increased energy and time here on earth.

A voice from the dust

2010-05-03T17:35:00.001-06:00

I've read the Book of Mormon and know that it is true. It contains the words of God as received by prophecy. Living the principles outlined in the Book of Mormon has brought so much happiness to my life--a happiness I have never found elsewhere.

Reading the Book of Mormon has helped me develop a stronger relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ. It testifies of His life and His teachings.

I treasure up His word.

Nature at its finest

2010-05-02T14:54:00.006-06:00

I like it when the storm lets up enough to allow for a most glorious sunset.

(Most of these pictures were taken from my car while driving down the interstate. One day they'll make a law against that as well.)

We got three or four inches of heavy, wet snow/hail last night.

It's May. I know.

By afternoon,

the weather warmed enough to melt it all off the roof.

This is what my April 30th looks like

2010-04-30T07:18:00.004-06:00

My sister, Casey, lives about 35 minutes from me on the other side of the Oquirrh Mountains. We live in two different valleys both affected by the lake effect snow of the Great Salt Lake. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, I might get dumped with inches of snow while she gets nothing or very little. Or vice versa. Yesterday, she posted what her April 29th looked like. Although I was experiencing the same cold weather, she got the bits of snow, and I did not. However, I wasn't so lucky this morning. This is what my April 30th looks like.

What does your April 30th look like?

You're moment of Zen

2010-04-27T20:12:00.003-06:00

One of the places I like to go to relax is the library. I could stay there for hours. My first visit to the Salt Lake Public Library took my breath away. The architecture of the building turned an already delightful place into something enchanting and awe-inspiring. They have a gardens area on the roof as well where you can take library materials outside to read. I wish I could go more often, alas, I do not go into town that often. Fortunately, my school's library is right next to my classroom and my classroom library is pouring off the two tall book shelves.

Image available courtesy commons.wikimedia.org. Click to see full image.

In the mood to relax? Find out what other women all over the world do to find their Zen over at Communal Global.

2010-04-26T21:20:00.005-06:00

When my sister built a house in a new neighborhood, there was nothing but adventure around us. At the tail end of a party at her place, the remaining guests, myself included, went on a walk to discover what was past her neck of the woods. About a mile or so later, we reached the park designed specifically for her neighborhood. Little did we know that it would contain the most delightsome experience.

Riding "The Green Dinosaur" is now a St. George tradition. Any time I go home, especially when I bring friends home with me, we ride The Green Dinosaur.

This trip, The Green Dinosaur was so fierce, it immediately bucked my friend, Rachael, and I right off, hence the wood chips on my back.

Recess is my favorite

2010-04-20T18:37:00.002-06:00

Today, like most days, I played four square at recess.

Unlike most days, today we used a slightly-flat, old soccer ball. We had to hit it higher to make it fair. But that turned it into a game in and of itself. We played slow-motion four-square.

"I just like [recess]. [Recess]'s my favorite."

"Make work your favorite. That's your favorite, okay? Work is your new favorite."

Thank goodness recess is part of work.

If you want to find out what other women from all over the world did today,

stop by communal global.

With wind like this, I'd plant windmills, too

2010-04-19T21:15:00.004-06:00

I don't mean to misrepresent Iowa with this photo.

Christine tells us all the time that Iowa is more than farming.

She grew up in the city.

I went on an extended weekend trip to Iowa with my friend (and coworker...that's how we met), Christine. She's from Cedar Rapids. Her friend, Carla, was getting married.

We took two days off work, and started driving Thursday night. She didn't think we'd drive straight through. She and her twin sister were both surprised when we got to a suburb of Des Moines in the earlier afternoon on Friday.

It is definitely spring in Iowa. Everything was in bloom. It was absolutely gorgeous! I would like to celebrate every spring from now on in Iowa.

Christine's sisters and friends were a delight to meet. I had a ton of fun at the wedding.

After the wedding, we headed to a karaoke bar at my suggestion. We sang a few songs. (Which means I have now karaoked in 6 United States.) While I was singing, a boy came over and asked Christine if I was single. She tried to lie and say no, but he could tell she was lying. She told him that I'd be going home to Utah the next day, so it probably wouldn't be worth his time.

I loved the windmills. I loved shopping at the country store in Amish country. The food was great. The people were sure nice. I'd go again.

I think I'll go for a walk outside now

2010-04-13T17:41:00.003-06:00

We had a good rain yesterday evening and night.

This morning, the air was clear and fresh and the world was new, so I headed out for a walk.

I only took a few steps at a time, because there were ever so many worms to save!

These are just a few of my new friends that I could tell weren't ready to dry out and die.

At least not yet.

I'll be digging these friends back up soon, because I have a good feeling they'll bait me some beautiful fish.

This post is inspired by Communal Global. Do you want to see what the world looks like to other people? Check out the site and see daily pictures from amazing women all over the world.

SWF looking for her Settling Soul Mate

2010-04-03T09:22:00.004-06:00

My sister, Casey, lived with me over the summer. Neither of us had jobs, so we watched/streamed quite a bit of tv and movies. She would often quote 30 Rock or tell me about an episode. I've always liked Tina Fey, but she took a special place in my heart during her political days. But when I watched a couple episodes of 30 Rock when it first hit the air, I wasn't hooked. I wasn't impressed. But I was also a lot less funny then.

Fortunately, I found myself with a little time one day and started watching again. Now 30 Rock is a weekly treat.

Watch this episode.

Time out. I have a feeling you didn't really watch it.

Fine. At least skip to 11:06. (If I knew how to deeplink Hulu, I would.)

"The Universe wants us to settle for one another. There has to be a reason this keeps happening to us, Liz. I think that fate is telling us this is the best we're ever going to get. We're each other's settling soul mates."

"Settling soul mates? That is grim. And I've played Monopoly alone."

"Well, I know it's not ideal. But we both benefit. I could open jars and kill bugs for you, and you could make me look less gay at work functions."

"...Why fight this? Grow old with me, Liz? In separate bedrooms."

I found my settling soul mate not too long ago.

I have made a lot of awesome friends in Tooele. Two of my favorite friends are a couple of guys who are roommates. I spend a lot of time at their house. Since I live alone and don't have family here, I've made them my family. It's the place I go when I want to be with people without having to entertain or be entertained. Nothing is required. We just chill. I like that arrangement.

On my drive back to Tooele after Christmas break, I got a few texts in a row from one of these boys. It started out with "I know you like me." I immediately responded with "You know I like ____." (Explicitness only occurs in my journal and not on a public blog.) And he did know. I've talked to him about it before.

He didn't stop. He kept telling me how much I liked him (yes, you read that correctly) and suggested we start dating. His rationale? "We get along just fine, and you don't let me walk all over you."

We get along just fine.

Yeah. That's exactly the relationship I'm looking for.

Never once did he tell me he liked me, or that he liked spending time with me, or that I made him laugh, or that I made him want to be a better person, or that he missed me while I was gone.

Nope. None of that.

I guess if I let my loneliness control my life, then we'd be growing old in separate bedrooms by now.

We meet

2010-03-31T09:25:00.006-06:00

I finally met her!

I drove home Sunday night with hopes of spending time with my niece during spring break. So far, it has been time well spent.

I met Emma on Sunday night and never want to leave.

I knew from the pictures that she was small, but I didn't realize that she was so tiny! She felt so fragile in my arms. Maybe fragile isn't the right word, because she is very strong like her father. I was intimidated, because she was so delicate.

I was fortunate enough to spend the entire day with her on Monday. I got to accompany my brother at the doctor's office for her two-week checkup. It was fun to watch my brother show her off to a few friends of his that worked at the hospital. His buddy's wife was holding her, doting on her remarkable beauty, when she looked up at my brother and said, "Wipe that grin off your face!" He can't help it. He is so proud of her and loves her so much.

My brother is the most adorable father ever! That morning when I was at his house watching Emma while he got ready, he walked into the room and remarked how beautiful she was. He said, "I've seen her a million times, but she still takes my breath away."

After Emma's appointment, we headed back to our parents' house. I changed and fed Emma and let her sleep in my arms for hours. I had no desire to do anything or be anywhere else.

I was glad when Emma pooped on the car ride home, because that meant I got to spend more time with her. I carried her into Will's house, changed her, and started feeding her. The hour that it took her to eat was my favorite hour of the day. By this time, I was no longer nervous to hold her tiny body and the time spent together was so peaceful and perfect.

I love Emma and can't wait to see her again today!

To my niece

2010-03-15T22:54:00.003-06:00

Dear Emma,

I can hardly contain my joy! I am so happy you are here in this world and that I get to be a part of your life.

You are born to such a wonderful father. Your father, my brother, is one of the most loving, gentle, and dearest people in the world. He is the best older brother a girl could've ever asked for. He cared for me. He guided me. He protected me. He taught me so many wonderful things. He has been there for me when no one else has. He has blessed my life in more ways than I could ever express.

Now it is your turn to experience the greatness that he has within him. He will love you and cherish you all your days. He already does. He will teach you the things you need to know. He will guide you through life's journey. He will give of himself freely. You already hold a special place in his heart. You will get to know the tenderness that is his heart. He will love you with the deepest and most sincere love.

Although I haven't met you yet, I love you, Emma. I, too, will teach you, guide you, and cherish you. I will be there for you like my brother has been there for me. I will do as he taught me; I will protect you.

I cannot wait to hold you, my precious niece. I will shower you with all the love I have.

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing you with health and strength. You are so beautiful. I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Love always,

Aunt Katie

From the happiest aunt in the world

2010-03-15T22:27:00.008-06:00

She's born!

Emma Jeane Gause

Born Monday, March 15, 2010

12:06pm

St. George, UT

6 lbs 14 oz

19 inches

She's showing you that she has the strength to face this world.

Proud Grandma!

Sleeping beautifully!

Emma will be loved and protected by a father who cherishes her.

Together

Homeless

2009-12-25T23:06:00.002-07:00

I've recently started volunteering at the Family File desk at the Salt Lake Temple which has led to an immersion in Family History.

When my mom propositioned going to Florida again for Christmas, I only agreed if I could get more information from my grandfather in Mississippi about his family. Many generations are assembled on both sides of my father's family and on my maternal grandmother's maternal side, but I didn't have much information about my maternal grandfather's family.

I had no idea the gold mine that was available to me. My grandfather took me to a small cemetery near his home where a few generations of his family was buried. I took 93 pictures of headstones. I spent the last couple days inputting information and linking my family together on new.familysearch.org. (I even input information for a family that isn't even related to me...at least that I haven't found yet...and provided the missing link needed to populate several generations. It was so exciting to serve someone I didn't even know!)

It has been a fascinating adventure.

However, as I listened to my grandfather, I realized that he had spent almost his entire life in the same area. He served in the army which took him out of Mississippi and he spent a little time in a couple towns near his hometown, but he had lived there his entire life. His parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents had also lived there their whole lives.

When I looked back at the family history that was already there for me on my father's side and my maternal grandmother's maternal side, these families were also born and raised in the same places their entire lives and for generations.

All of these families lived down South--Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina--which makes me wonder why I live in the West. I don't have any roots here.

Identifying this family history should make me feel more connected. Instead it has made me feel homeless. I don't know where my home is. I know where my parents live. I know where I graduated high school. I know where I started kindergarten. I know where I went to my first dance. I know where I learned to walk. All of these places are different. I don't know where to call home.

As the cheesey cliche goes, home is where the heart is. I believe that. Every place I've lived has been my home. Right now Tooele is my home. I have friends who treat me like family. I have people who care about me and treat me right. Tooele feels like home. However, I could easily leave after this school year in search of a new home.

That leaves me with the same feeling: homeless.

A mighty change of heart

2009-12-08T10:16:00.003-07:00

I must be experiencing a might change of heart.
It's snowing right now. I opened the blinds so that I could enjoy it. I can barely see the field across the street from my school, but I'm loving it. It is so peaceful. I even considered walking outside to let the flakes fall on my face. Alas, I must stay inside so that I don't lose my job.
Speaking of work...

Blogging is a dying breed

2009-11-28T19:35:00.002-07:00

I've noticed that blogging seems to be a thing of the past. Very few of my friends post on a regular basis. Even the national blogs I follow don't update as frequently in my Google Reader. I know it's lost its charm in my life. I have turned to instant feedback in the form of facebook status updates. I can use one status update to fulfill my creative need. I can be clever in just a few words. And thanks to texting, I've learned to sum up my life in 160 characters or less.

I no longer have the desire to take 10-15 minutes to tap out a story or two on the ol' blog. I feel like Doogie Howser. I use short and insightful status updates to record my life.

Friends forever

2009-11-20T01:25:00.000-07:00

You light up my life

2009-11-19T15:58:00.004-07:00

It was just after midnight. I was sitting on my couch using my laptop to prepare some things for school. All of the sudden, there was a bright light outside my window. The light resembled that of fire, but there was no way a fire that large could flare up that fast. Within moments, it was gone. A few minutes later, I heard a low rumbling sound much like the roar of an engine and my floor vibrated slowly. Admittedly, I was scared. I didn't know what caused the light or the noise. Of course, I turned to facebook for comfort. I posted, "There is something strange happening in my backyard. I don't know if I dare look outside."

Moments later, my sister, Casey, posted that she had just seen the most amazing meteor in her entire life on her drive home. She said, "It looked like Superman shot across the sky. It was so bright; I was blinking the image for several minutes."

I was a little jealous of Casey, having spent almost an hour the night before in the bitter cold watching for meteors as brilliant as the one Casey just reported seeing. I commented on her post, "I hope you made the ultimate wish."

I, never knowing what caused the strange light in my backyard, went to sleep.

The next morning, I checked facebook as part of my morning routine. A friend of mine, Brian, who works as a reporter for The Spectrum, commented on my post saying, "You aren't the only one to report such an incident." He left the link for the newscast on KSL.

I watched the newscast and got really excited. That bright light I saw was in fact the light from the meteor Casey had seen while driving in Salt Lake. I was thrilled. I couldn't wait to get to school to talk to others about it.

I hadn't missed out (entirely) on the greatest astronomical event of my life.

Three months in review

2009-11-17T18:16:00.006-07:00

I can't even remember the last time I clicked on my Blogger bookmark. My last post was in mid-August. I miss blogging. I miss writing in my journal. So many things have happened, but I haven't taken the time to stop to record them. I'll have to refer back to my facebook status updates to try and remember the noteworthy things that have happened in my life recently to begin recording them. Until then, I'll generate a list of some important points. I can't promise that they'll be chronological, nor will I promise that they will make sense to everyone.

I stayed home sick today from work. I have a cold, although part of me wishes it was swine flu. I still don't believe that disease exists (despite the number of confirmed cases in Tooele County).
Speaking of Tooele County, I'm officially a resident.

I didn't vote this year which makes me very sad. It's the first election I've ever missed in all my voting years. I never took the time to familiarize myself with the candidates and proposals for this county. I didn't want to go to the polls uneducated and pick the name that sounded the best. I was ashamed that I neglected my patriotic duty to be informed and to share my voice.

I really like Tooele. Or at least I did until it started to snow.

My car broke. The transmission gave out. That wasn't the only thing wrong with it. It would've cost more to fix than it's worth. It was a blessing in disguise. Well, actually it wasn't even disguised all that well. I was certain to die in the car I used to drive if I were to have driven it in the snow.

That means I bought a new (to me) car. It's number one selling point for me was traction control. I told myself if I ever lived in the snow again then I wanted a car with traction control. I was sold on that feature years ago when I lived in Provo and dated a boy who drove a car with traction control. I was never scared when I drove his car, but I was always scared when I drove my car.

So far, I love my car.

Second only to traction control is my other favorite feature. It has a tape deck. That's right. I can listen to cassette tapes any time I want in my car. The only problem is, I don't have any cassette tapes. So I'm adding that to my Christmas List. As a matter of fact, it's the only thing on my Christmas List (since the last item was satisfied a little over a month ago). I want a mix tape from each and every one of you. PLEASE. And make this wish come true faster than my wish for a Snuggie.

Speaking of Snuggies, I got one! YAY! My life is complete now. My younger sister, Casey, got one for me. I'm using it right now. To show my appreciation for her wonderful gift, I created this photo album of me enjoying my Snuggie. View the album here. You'll be ever so grateful you did. (Of course, I have to thank Casey again for taking the pictures for this gratitude photo album.)

I'm the in the Relief Society Presidency of my ward. I was a little, make that a lot, intimidated by the calling. I've never felt like I was the woman that I imagined all members of Relief Society Presidencies to be. As always, the Lord has helped me to grow into my calling. This calling has been the source of great happiness and countless blessings these past couple months. I look forward with great anticipation to the tremendous blessings that will continue to occur in my life as I serve diligently.

I really like my ward. It's smaller than I would like, but there are new people and visitors every week. We'll be busting at the seams before you know it.

I've made some really great friends in my ward as well. I have something to do every night of the week. We go on amazing adventures. Click here, here, here, here, and here for some photos of the great things we do.

I like teaching. Teaching is fun. The rest of my job isn't as fun. Well, I take the back. The social part of my job is fun. I have made some really good friends in my colleagues. One of the other fifth grade teachers has become one of my favorite friends. We went to St. George together during UEA and hiked in Zion and caught a couple shows. We went to The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) at the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City and to Aida at Tuacahn.
Gosh, I miss St. George. I almost drove there last night. I just didn't want to drive back today. Oh, well. Thanksgiving will be here in a week-ish. I can hardly wait.

My students are amazing. They are adorable. They are smart. They work really hard. They make me giggle all the time. I had a student say to me the other day, "You laugh more than anyone I know." I took that as the highest compliment. I like them, and they like me. They like me so much, that they want me to have the finer things in life...including a dreamy boyfriend. They invented a boyfriend for me a couple weeks ago named Chad Hotpants. He has been the source of many a conversation since then. I even had a student bring in a picture from a magazine of Chad Hotpants. He clipped out the cartoon of a man climbing a ladder with the seat of his pants on fire. Hahahaha! They had a heyday the one time I ever let them write on the white board. Enjoy these photos of their graffiti.

Well, this post is entirely too long. I'll have to save some other random information for another day, but I wanted to get these posts under way so that I could post a few days worth of "I'm thankful for..." posts. I really enjoyed that last year.

An adventure at Bear Lake

2009-08-15T23:54:00.011-06:00

What does an alfalfa field have to do with my adventure to Bear Lake?
Everything.

My adventure started with this status update.
Having scored an invite, I was set to go. I didn't bother with finding out any more details than what time my sister, Casey, and I should meet them.
It turns out this was a singles stake activity. Our link to the stake was Karl, but he didn't even know what ward he was in or the names of his Bishopric. (He's new to the ward.)
Having waited for Nic to get off work, we didn't get to Bear Lake until after dinner had been scheduled to be served, so we stopped at a pizza joint.
We arrived at the stake campsite just in time for the rest of a concert.

Wanting to leave the crowded campsite behind to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, we went in search of a place to camp on the shore. Karl told us that a former Bishop of his owned some property up on the Idaho side that had beach access. He assured us that it would be okay for us to stay there.
We trusted him.
We pulled off the road onto an alfalfa farm. He promised us that a short hike would lead to the beach.
We trusted him.
We piled all our stuff on our backs and started walking through the field. Before we knew it, we hit muddy, marshy patches. We kept going, because Karl insisted that the beach was just ahead.
We trusted him.
At one dry point, we set our stuff down and sent Karl through the next wet patch. Our trust in him was fading. He soon reached a barbed wire fence.
We decided to set up camp right there.
Nic brought a tent which he shared with Michelle. Casey and I didn't have a tent, but had planned to sleep under the stars anyway. Karl brought a tent but didn't want to use it.
Michelle had borrowed a tarp which turned out to be ginormous. How big was it? Large enough for three tacos and a tent. (You had to be there, although I will attempt to explain in just a bit.)

The forecast had stated a chance of rain showers in the area. Those of us who were sleeping under the stars staged our sleeping quarters so that we could roll the tarp over us if it started to rain. Sometime, someone called this tarp covering a taco. From then on, we referred to covering ourselves with the tarp tacoing in.
Less than an hour after falling asleep, I awoke, because I was certain that someone was walking on our tarp. It turns out I was crazy, but it still proved beneficial.
The stars were no longer visible and the air was moist. It was ready to rain. My sister woke up to me making some noise. She asked me what I was doing. I casually stated that I was going to taco in, because I suspected it would rain any minute. Nic and Michelle hadn't yet fallen asleep and erupted in laughter at the use of the new phrase. Karl awoke to their laughter; he tacoed in as well.
The rain did come. Although never a heavy rain, it was a consistent rain. The tarp amplified the drips of the small raindrops keeping me from falling into a deep sleep.
Morning soon came to our excitement. We all desperately wanted to see where we had spent the night.
(This photo was not staged. These were the real expressions on their faces shortly after waking up and looking around.)

We packed in a hurry, because we didn't want confrontation with a farmer. (I still can't believe it. We camped in the middle of a recently harvested alfalfa field. Ahhh hahahahaha!)
Below is one of the wet, marshy areas we trudged through because we trusted Karl.

The rain continued throughout the morning. Finally, we decided to pack up and head home. We didn't want to wait to see if the rain would stop so that we could go out on the lake.

Since neither Michelle, Casey, nor I had ever been to Bear Lake, we were determined to make it to the shore. We stopped near the stake campsite to view the lake. Not knowing that we could've accessed the beach much easier down the road, we three girls started trudging through the mud and river reeds to get to the water. Nic hollered at us after we had already gone halfway to tell us there was an easier way. However, we were committed (and no longer foreign to getting our pants soaked and muddy). We enjoyed the little bit of the lake we got to experience.

Although different than I ever would've imagined, my adventure at Bear Lake was wonderful...wonderfully memorable. I can't wait until next time when I can enjoy it like any normal person would.

Yippee!

2009-08-05T17:24:00.004-06:00

I finally won something! Yay!

No. I didn't win a boy. But this kid right here has this absolutely amazing sister (who I've never met). One day when he was bumming my internet, he showed me her blog. I've read it ever since.
She's lovely. Very lovely.
She had a drawing for a 20,000 hits giveaway. She was offering jewelry as her prize. One of the ways that you could win was to be the one to comment the most. Well, it was no small task, but I took a half hour and proved that I can be crazy dedicated to a single task (hence the reason why I didn't sleep much in college). About 100 comments later, I blew the competition out of the water.
Go check out her blog. She does amazing things for the world. And I mean the world. Check out some of the cool things she's done for Mothers Without Borders by clicking here and here. She is also dedicated to service on the homefront as well setting up another blog to share service opportunities in Utah. She says that she has the ultimate project coming up soon. I can't wait find out what it is and assist if I can.
She promised me some jewelry. I don't know if it can beat the bounteous amount that her brother and Josh gave me for my birthday last year, but I'm sure it will come close.

Something else to read in your spare time

2009-08-04T10:11:00.002-06:00

You're going to think I'm silly, but I've created yet another blog. I like to keep these things separated.
I really like the reflective process and want to reflect and share my experiences of my first year teaching. If you are interested, jump on over to http://teachingmyfirstyear.wordpress.com/ and read away.

The things you do for love

2009-07-23T22:32:00.004-06:00

My sister walked through the door today a little more worn out than usual at the end of her long work days. She called me, not knowing I was home, because she had to vent her frustration. I wasn't prepared for the story she told.
She slept most of the bus ride home as usual. She woke up about ten minutes before her stop. For the last few blocks, she was the only one left on the bus. She moved to the front and took out one of her ear buds in case the driver wanted to ask her what her stop would be so as not to bother with any others.
That was the worst mistake of her life.
He tried to open with a clever tease. He quickly posed the relationship status question and when finding out she was single jumped straight to the request for her number. Since she had recently had a similar unfortunate disaster which led to multiple unsolicited phone calls, she wisely stated that she would take his number and call him the next time that she knew of an activity going on and would invite him.
Well, he must have been duped by other girls in the past. He followed up by asking her to go ahead and call his phone so that he could have her number as well.
Despite every desire not to, she couldn't come up with a way to get out of that step.
On her walk home from the bus stop, the phone rang.
It was the bus driver.
He spoke to her for a few minutes and divulged all his unflattering characteristics. He shared with her a few things that he admitted had been a turn off for girls he tried to date in the past. Yet he revealed them in the first conversation. I don't understand boys like that.
Well, I left the house for a couple hours. When I got home, I found out that he had already called her twice more.
She didn't answer either time.

Now it's your turn to share the advice. What should she do? How can she tactfully but forcefully get the point across that he is coming on far too strong (which makes her not interested WHATSOEVER!)? I don't know what to tell her. I can sympathize, having endured a similar situation last summer, but I don't know what I did to shake the kid loose. What would you do or have you done?

*Addendum: It is five minutes shy of 11pm. The bus driver just called for the fourth time today.
*Addendum #2: My sister mentioned she was living with me in the bus conversation. The bus driver just sent my sister a text that asked, "How old is your sister?"

Story time

2009-07-21T22:06:00.002-06:00

Once upon a time there was a fifth grade teacher who was starting at a brand new school. This teacher was so excited about everything. Then one day, she found out some very sad news. This new school did not have enough money to install projectors in every classroom. This teacher will not have a projector in her classroom.
Although this teacher is very talented and creative, not having a projector will be a difficult adjustment. You see, this teacher loves computers and technology. Technology is a big part of her life. She imagines that many of her students also live a similar lifestyle. They probably use computers all the time. They are entertained by gaming systems that are computers. They are probably masters at the self-checkout. Whether or not they have their own cell phones, they maximize the use of any they can get a hold of, easily navigating and utilizing all the features of any cell phone that lands in their hands. They've known technology their entire lives.
Yet when the students walk into their classroom on August 24, their jaws will drop. It will be like they entered a foreign country. Not because the building will be new or their classmates will be from all over the county, it will be because they will enter an old-fashioned classroom environment where nothing is digital.
Fortunately, this story doesn't have a totally sad ending. This teacher aired her frustrations and made a cry for help via her facebook status. She was contacted by a friend who had an extra television lying around and was willing to donate it to the classroom. Now this teacher will at least be able to hook her computer up to the tv so that the classroom will not be void of visual stimulus and reinforcement. Maybe the principal will see how much a projector means to this teacher and the good she will be able to do with one and opt to mount one of the limited number in her classroom.
Or maybe the teacher can work up a persuasive argument that will convince the principal that it would actually be cheaper and educationally valuable to install a projector in this teacher's classroom. [If this teacher cannot display an image for the whole class to see, she will be forced to print copies for each student. A classroom cannot be without context. Three printed copies per student per day (assuming $0.07 per copy) adds up to over $900 per school year. One can get a mighty fine projector for that kind of money. This cost doesn't account for the time it will take the teacher to make the copies nor does it reflect the adverse impact on the environment. Also, the teacher will be forced to spend her extremely valuable time creating posters and picking up pictures at Walgreens (which also brings in more cost for posterboard, markers, glue, picture development, etc.) and less time on developing more meaningful lessons and intervening with students who are not yet proficient in particular concepts.]
This story must temporarily come to end. This teacher hopes, however, that this will not be the permanent end. She wishes with all her heart that she will be able to report a fairy tale ending before too long. Cross your fingers for her.
The end.

At long last

2009-07-15T21:39:00.002-06:00

Dear Internet,
I have missed you ever so dearly. Although I have had passing relations with you at various locations, I have longed for your constant companionship. I was so grateful to be reunited with you at long last today. I vow never again to part with you for such a time.
Most sincerely,
Katie

Finally

2009-05-22T07:43:00.001-06:00

I wish I had something poetic to say on this, the last day of the elementary school year.
I don't.

1 of 7 deadly sins

2009-05-15T00:33:00.004-06:00

I'd do whatever it takes to get a much envied Snuggie (short of actually buying one for myself), even if that means reading with a child.
Does anyone have a kid I can read with so that I can enter this drawing?
(Can you find and click on the three magic hyperlinks?)
If I win the Disney vacation and you win the Snuggie, I'll trade you.

A dream is a wish your heart makes

2009-05-04T07:53:00.003-06:00

I hope that Cinderella wasn't right. I have strange dreams all the time.

I'm still at the dorms for a few weeks. I noticed yesterday that there were still several bikes left in the bike rack. I wondered what the housing director would do with all those bikes.
I dreamed last night that he clipped all the locks and gave the bikes away. I was so frustrated, since one of the bikes was mine, that I stormed into his office and yelled at him until I cried.
I just sent him an email (in real life) requesting that he save me the embarrassment and realize that one of those bikes is mine and not to give them away just yet.

And the night before (Saturday to Sunday), I had a dream that I was playing the organ for church services. My voice was hoarse from being so jubilant and silly on graduation night, so I couldn't sing while I played. I noticed that no one else was singing, either. I was so saddened that I started to cry. I couldn't be consoled. (If you know me, then this would be no surprise. Okay, maybe the crying would be a surprise, but the fact that I was so upset that no one was singing shouldn't surprise you. I love nothing more than the singing of the hymns.) Then some young man had the audacity to add to my grief by blaming me for playing poorly.
It was an awful dream.

I don't know why I've had two frustrating dreams the last couple nights. Maybe it's due to the fact that my family and I went to Outback Steakhouse on Saturday night. I used to have frustrating and stressful dreams all the time when I worked there. Serving in a busy restaurant is very stressful work. If you don't believe me, try playing Diner Dash.

Random post is now ending.

I'm a college graduate

2009-05-03T19:45:00.002-06:00

It's official. I graduated from Dixie State College on Friday, May 1. It feels great to graduate.

(I'm no where near finished. I anticipate many more years of formal schooling and countless hours of independent study.)Will, my older brother, finished his degree requirements in December. I loved that we were a part of the same commencement.

A Mother's Hands

2009-05-03T14:36:00.000-06:00

A dear sister shared the most beautiful tribute to motherhood today at church. I will do my best to record the words she spoke.
Sister Harker said,
A few weeks ago, my youngest daughter had her first baby. My emotions were very close to the surface. I repeated over and over that I couldn't believe my baby was having a baby.
After the baby's birth, the nurse was doing what she's supposed to do: scrubbing and cleaning and pricking. Ellie was doing what a newborn is supposed to do: crying at the top of her lungs. I decided to reach out and touch Ellie's hand in hopes of making her first few minutes of life more comforting. Ellie wrapped her little hand around one of my fingers.
Holding hands is one of the greatest ways we connect with one another.
As I thought about these hands, I reflected on the hands of my mother. She used her hands to hold me and comfort me as a baby. She held my hand as I experienced the new things in life. She used her hands to clap for me at my dance recitals even though I wasn't very good; she thought I was good. She clasped her hands in prayer in my behalf. She held my hand on my wedding day and let it go so that I could take the hand of the man who would be my eternal companion.
I don't know when it happened, but one day the roles reversed. I now held her hand. I held her hand as I guided her through the grocery store. I held her hand as I took her to get her hair done. I held her hand, aged and covered in brown spots and deep blue veins, as she passed from this life. I look at my own hands and see how they are beginning to resemble hers.
I find joy now as I watch my own daughters as they use their hands to comfort, guide, cheer, and pray for their own children.
I see a mother's hands, and I feel love.

Happy Birthday, Casey

2009-04-24T21:20:00.002-06:00

My little sister turned 25 today! I sure do like her.

I'll take math

2009-04-17T15:40:00.003-06:00

I just finished my last solo week of student teaching. Whew! Finally.
I asked my mentor teacher before I left today how she wanted to split up the day on Monday since we are transitioning back to tandem teaching. She had started a science testing preparation activity and wanted to finish that. Since she had it all prepared, she took that one right off the bat. She sat there in silence for 5-6 seconds. Finally, she said that I should definitely take math and that we would tandem teach literacy.
A huge grin covered my face as I tried to accept the math responsibility without laughing. I told her I'd be glad to take math, since they are going to be taking a test. I couldn't hold back anymore. I erupted in laughter! Bwahahahaha! I think that's the hardest I've laughed out loud in a long time.

Easter

2009-04-11T23:04:00.001-06:00

Against all odds and with none to help or uphold Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the living son of the living God, restored physical life where death had held sway, and brought joyful, spiritual redemption out of sin and hellish darkness and despair.
One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone we do not have to do so.

Graduation is fast approaching

2009-04-04T22:24:00.004-06:00

I consider myself tech savvy...most of the time. I purchased a student license for Adobe Design Premium and have used several of the included programs, but for some reason, I was intimidated by Photoshop. Well, today I found myself with the overwhelming desire to create my own graduation announcement. I had to face my fears. I jumped right in. A special thanks goes out to all the wonderful internet people who made this project possible. I went to Google with all my questions and found the answers on a slew of Photoshop tutorial posts. (I was greatful that I wasn't the only who needed assistance for even the small manipulations.)
I'm impressed with the final project, especially knowing it was my first. My friend, Jodi, gave me the perfect statement of validation. "If your career as a teacher fails you could go into digital artwork." Oh, yeah, and thanks, Jodi, again for taking such a great picture. It sums me right up.

Attention all Northern Utah Girls

2009-03-27T19:27:00.006-06:00

Call up all your girlfriends and attend this event! (Please repost.)

Click for more information.

What do you know about Tooele?

2009-03-21T17:10:00.003-06:00

Per your request, I'm posting details about my first job offer.
I originally saw the position listed on Teachers-Teachers. I sent my application to the school and even followed up with an email address that I found on the school's website. I heard nothing.
I saw that this school was scheduled to be at the teacher job fair at BYU. I circled it on my map, but when I went by there was no one manning the booth.
After three hours of being charming, I was exhausted. I called my friend, Eliza, to hit her up for lunch plans. She said that she was waiting on Annie who was in an interview and then would be heading around the corner to eat in the cafeteria.
I decided to walk the floor one more time, with intentions to stop by the booth for Vista School to remind them that I was amazing. (Vista was my first interview and my number one preference as of right now.)
All the reps from Vista were tied up with other candidates. (Why bother looking elsewhere? You've got what you need right here.)
I circled back around and saw that someone was finally at the booth for Excelsior Academy. (There. I finally divulged the name of the school.)
The gentleman was interviewing a girl with gorgeous red hair but very little to say. He did far more talking than she did. I waited patiently, even after Eliza, Annie, and Eliza's friend, Holly, stopped to tell me their search for swag was a fail. I told them that I was going to at least introduce myself since I'd already sent my application in to this school and that I'd meet them in a bit.
When the red head finished up, I immediately took her chair and introduced myself. The gentleman doing the interview was Ernie Nix, the director (or in other words sole administrator/principal) of Excelsior.
I explained that I had already applied and he admitted that he was behind in looking at those applications.
He offered an interview right then and there. I took it.
I interviewed well despite the chaos around me at this teacher fair. He practically offered me a position at the end of my interview. He said that he wanted to make a couple phone calls but that he'd get back to me in a very timely manner.
I went home that night back to St. George. I stayed up for a couple hours looking into the Tooele area, trying to imagine if I could live there.
The next day, I went on an adventure with a friend of mine to Grafton and Silver Reef, both ghost towns in the local area. As I was about to leave the dirt roads of our adventure, I got a phone call.
It was Ernie Nix extending me a job offer. I was surprised with the timeliness of his phone call. He stated several times that I was a great match for the ideals and philosophy of this school.
I told him that I would have to think about it and would get back to him. He gave me his home and cell phone numbers.

What do I know about Tooele? It's about a 35 minute drive from Salt Lake City on the west side of the Oquirrh Mountains. The population is about 40,000. It's elevation is 4923 feet. The average summer high is 91. The average winter low is 20. The lowest recorded temperature was -16 set in 1990. (I experienced -27 working at Togwotee Lodge in Wyoming.)
There's more interesting city data here.
The local paper, the Tooele Trascript, is only printed twice a week. The local library seems nice. After two months of having a library card, a patron could check out 30 books at a time and keep them for three weeks.
The cost of living is lower than the US average. Housing seems not too difficult to come by.
If I find a potential husband, getting a marriage license is rather simple. I can even schedule an appointment to get one after business hours. They support marriage in Tooele.
They have county fair. They have an arts festival. They even have a simple recycling program.
I'm not sure what'd I'd do for a musical outlet since the only choral group I can find is the Tooele County Choral Society which seems rather elitist. They are made up of only 20 members. Oh, wait. I just found a news article in the Transcript that mentions the yearly Messiah performance. Thank goodness.
The Salt Lake City Astronomical Society hosts star parties in Stansbury Park on a regular basis. That brings joy to my heart.
There is at least on YSA ward. That's a good sign.

What do I know about the school's director, Ernie Nix? A quick Google search tells me that he used to weigh almost 400 pounds. When his wife had a cancer scare, he decided then and there he had to do something about his health. He's now a marathon runner.
His son was shot while serving in Baghdad.
He's served as principal at two elementary schools and two middle schools in the Salt Lake area with over 12 years of experience at these schools.
One of these schools had a student body that was made up of 95% in poverty and over half learning English. Within one year, their achievement scores jumped from 56 to 80, easily meeting AYP.
He seems like a decent enough guy to work for.

What do you know about Tooele? Would it be a good move for me?

The pondering begins

2009-03-19T20:19:00.000-06:00

I got my first job offer today.
The research and the pondering begins. It's now decision time.

Rot in prison, Paul

2009-03-10T21:12:00.005-06:00

I'll admit it. I'm fishing for comments on this one.
I've been meaning to post this picture for quite some time. It was one of the funniest parts of my Christmas quick trip to Florida. We got gas and dinner at a truck stop in Mississippi just outside of Jackson. My sister found this little gem on the wall of her bathroom stall. I snapped the photo with my mother's cell phone. Cell service was inconsistent in the area, so I couldn't send out the picture right away. I did send texts to a few of my funnier friends and asked them to Google Paul's name in Mississippi to find out if he ever did get booked in jail and promised them they'd find out why later. Google didn't bring back any good results. Once I regained cell service, I sent them the picture. I asked them the same question I now ask you:
What did Paul do to tick off Wanda?
Why would Wanda want him to rot in jail?
Tell me more about Paul and Wanda. It must've been pretty serious for her to include last names. Please be as clever and creative as possible. Tell your friends to join in on the fun. Feel free to repost this as long I you let me know, so I can read the clever responses on your blog.

Times is hard, times is hard

2009-03-03T22:23:00.002-07:00

This economy is rough on everyone. When times get tough, people get desperate. Dancers start taking any job available. Watch the musical performance at the end of last night's Colbert Report.

I'm sure those dancers are classically trained Juliard graduates, and this is their only option for work these days.
Didn't get enough? Watch more on youtube.

On this day of Valentine

2009-02-15T23:27:00.003-07:00

I was scheduled for rounds on Valentine's Day. I made sure the boy who I was rounding with knew that it was Valentine's Day and that I expected flowers and chocolates. He then suggested we have candlelit rounds. We even got it approved by the Resident Manager.
I decided that I couldn't expect all that from him if I wasn't willing to do something as well. I wrote him this poem and regifted a box of chocolates a fifth grader had given me.

Dustin oh Dustin
You are so incredibly kind.
I cannot imagine
A more perfect Valentine.

When I saw that we were scheduled
My heart skipped a beat.
An evening spent with Dustin
Is always such a treat.

A romantic moonlit stroll
As we round past every door.
Great conversation and some laughs--
I could not ask for more.

We reach a door and you pause
Just two hims and not a her.
I'm always so impressed.
You are such a great listener.

We are forced to stay up late,
But I see each minute a treasure.
Any time spent with you
Is always my pleasure.

I sometimes pray we have a problem
So we have no other resort
Than to spend ten more minutes together
Filling out an incident report.

Dustin, oh, Dustin
I hope that you'll be mine
As we round the dorms together
On this day of Valentine.

He loved the poem.
Alas, he showed up empty handed. Men.

If I had one wish, then it would be

2009-01-30T23:56:00.008-07:00

...a Snuggie and a booklight for you and me.

I still remember the first time I saw a commercial for a Snuggie. I was at my parent's house. I couldn't wait to see it a second time. After my third viewing, I had uncontrollable envy. I wanted a Snuggie. I wanted one really bad. I told everyone that a Snuggie was on the top of my Christmas list. The best part was that it was a gift that would give back. For $19.95, this gift giver could get a Snuggie for me and keep one for himself. Better yet, two other lucky souls could receive the included free booklights. Who would pass up a deal like that?

Everyone.

That's right. No one got me a Snuggie for Christmas. Fortunately, I was in Florida for Christmas, so my disappointment was hard to dwell on.

Well, I'm not the only American with Snuggie dreams. Check out this article in the USA Today.
That's right. Four million Snuggies sold to date. View these Americans sporting their Snuggies on Flikr.

There are over 300 YouTube videos about Snuggies. This is one of my favorites.

The moral of the story is that I still want one. I would be so popular, and I feel like all my wildest dreams will come true. Graduation is coming up in May. Order one for me today!
(You can pick the color. I'd be happy with any one of the three options.)

I'm in love

2009-01-29T00:40:00.004-07:00

...with a new website.

alphaDictionary

Our first date was the link to an article originally printed in The New Yorker. How I Met My Wife caused this geeky girl the giddiness to commit to a serious relationship. We've been together ever since.

Thanks, Amy, for introducing us.

2009-01-20T12:51:00.001-07:00

What free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage

2009-01-20T12:31:00.003-07:00

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as prepared for delivery and released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

A title that means more to me than any other

2009-01-16T10:09:00.002-07:00

The most enlightening statements for me were:

"The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.

"This is the belief that gave birth to our nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity."

...

"Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."

...

"America must maintain our moral clarity. I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace. "

...

"This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom."

...

"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your president. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other: citizen of the United States of America.

"And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next president. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. "

Wake me up before you go go

2009-01-10T15:05:00.003-07:00

I've been using my cell phone as my alarm this since summer. I found toward the end of this last semester that I'd had enough. The limited number of ring tones that came with my most recent phone were incredibly annoying and even caused some anxiety. I didn't want to start my day out that way anymore. I decided to go back to what had worked for years and years prior: an inexpensive alarm clock. I picked one up the next time I was at Target.
The first night I used it, I set my cell phone alarm just in case. I wondered which would be more effective at waking me up.

(Not actual alarm clock purchased, but it would've been had it been available.)

Which was more effective? Neither.
What did get me up and out of bed? The unignorable and unsuppressable (two words that I'm not sure exist) urge to urinate. Now if I could only figure out how to make that happen every morning, I'd never be late for anything again.

And miles to go before I sleep

2009-01-04T15:29:00.007-07:00

I had a wonderful holiday break from school. I did more than I ever imagined was possible in such a short time period. Like or not, school starts again tomorrow.

Friday, December 19: Neil Diamond concert in Salt Lake City

Saturday, December 20: Shopping (ugh! I don't like it, but I had to pass the time until my friend got off work.) I did find a beautiful framed print by Simon Dewey that I gave to my Aunt Angie on Christmas Eve.
Later that night: Dinner and a movie in Pleasant Grove/Lindon/American Fork

Sunday, December 21: I attended Music and the Spoken Word with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, and the Bell Choir. This was the first time I have ever been to a performance or meeting in the Conference Center and the first time I've ever heard the MoTab live. It was amazing. The most exciting part was that President Monson attended as well. When he was leaving, he waved at me...and everybody else.
I attended a random ward in Murray and I swear I saw Shawn Bradley. I could be wrong.
I went back to my friend's house and have an amazing conversation with her.
My friend, Scott, called and invited me to come to Temple Square in Salt Lake to hear his father sing with a local choir. I spent the evening with Scott and his family. The girls kicked trash at Pictionary.

Monday, December 22: I met with Dr. Eula Monroe at BYU and discussed a current case study I am working on as well as future professional development in math education. Our meeting was only 1 1/2 hours.
When I got back to my car, at least three inches of snow had accumulated. I was nervous to drive home, but my family awaited my return. We were going to exchange Christmas gifts and then I would jump in the Jeep with my mom and sister for our journey to St. George.
I encountered some weather: snow, hail, snow, snow, rain, sunshine, snow, rain. I stopped counting at 18 cars that had spun off the road.
Early evening: My mother, sister, and I left on our journey. I thought I had left the storms behind me.
Instead of driving East to Page on down, we decided it would probably be safer to drive Southwest to Las Vegas and even into the edge of California. We took an obscure highway that was surrounded by giant Joshua trees. I wish I could've seen them during the daylight. It was a very eerie road with few other travelers. I freaked my mom and sister out by shutting off the headlights occasionally. Of course, I imagined each time I turned them back on a person would be standing in front of the car. My imagination gets the best of me sometimes.
At 10pm, we stopped for gas and my mother insisted that she drive and I get some sleep so that I could drive the early morning hours. I did as I was told, but woke up only a little over an hour later. I sit up to find that we are surrounded by snow. It was the craziest snow storm I've ever been in. This part of the journey will likely get it's own post.

Tuesday, December 23
By sun up, we made it out of the storm. We drove through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, caught Memphis Tennessee, and stopped in Tupelo, Mississippi. We had planned to make it there by early afternoon, but we didn't arrive until 2am. We stayed in a cheap motel.
Wednesday, December 24
The next morning we had breakfast with Papaw, my mom's father, and his wife, Mama Wilma. We left Tupelo before noon, driving through Alabama, to make it to our final destination, Marianna, Florida, in time for the Christmas Eve service at my aunt's church.
My aunt knew we were coming and so did her whole congregation. The two who didn't know were my cousins, Alex (15) and Chelsea (13). We got out of the jeep and stared at Alex who was in the back of a truck talking to a friend. She looks at us kind of funny. (It was dark by then.) She shouts "Shuuut Up!" and rushes over to us. My aunt and cousins hadn't seen my sister, Casey, in years since she was on a mission when they came out last Christmas. It was a fun surprise.
After the service, we went home and opened gifts.

Thursday, December 25
We had a lazy Christmas day. We visited with a few people but mostly stayed home. It was perfect.
That night, we (Casey, Alex, Chelsea, and I) decided to sleep on the trampoline. We didn't make it all night. It was plenty warm, but around 2am we went in because it had reached dew point. There was quite a bit of moisture in the air when we went out. It didn't take much of a drop in temperature to get soaked.

Friday, December 26
Casey arranged with our Uncle Bill to go canoeing down the Chipola River in Marianna. They had quite a bit of rain lately, so the river looked a lot different than how I remembered it.
Afterward, we headed to Panama City Beach. It was AMAZING! It was overcast. (Thank goodness. The last thing I wanted was a Christmas sunburn.) It was 73-76 degrees during the time we were there. We went shopping at a way cool outdoor mall called Pier Park.
Later that night, a friend from my aunt's church came over and we played games and watched a movie.

Saturday, December 27
We stayed in Marianna today. We bought quite a few boiled peanuts, and I bought some jewelry at a place downtown owned by my aunt's friend. I tried to purchase a Baptist hymnal from a fine Christian bookstore, but the only store in town was closed for the day by the time we got there.
Sunday, December 28
We attended the ward I went to growing up. Frankly, everything seemed the same but the people were older. After talking in the halls during Sunday School, we left town. We had to get Casey home so she could work on Tuesday morning.
We took a different route since we didn't have to go to Tupelo on the way home. We drove through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisianna, and into Texas.

Monday, December 29
We continued driving through Texas into New Mexico and Arizona. By then, we were on Interstate 40 again. The freeway looked much different during the day and not covered in snow. It was like a whole new world.
When we left Flagstaff, my mother had planned for us to go to Page and then to Kanab and back home. She didn't want to go over Kaibab Mountain. She told me numerous times not to go that way. As my sister would point out, I have difiancy issues. We went over Kaibab. My mom panicked, but we made it just fine. We rolled into the garage at 5pm. Thirty hours in the car. I was glad to get out.

Tuesday, December 30
To contrast my trip to Florida and the enjoyment of the beach, I went skiing at Brian Head for the first time in my life.

My Christmas break consisted of travel through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkanasa, Louisianna, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Twelve states in seven days. Needless to say, I wasn't quite ready to start school again on January 4.

A year of great potential

2009-01-01T00:53:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year!
It's 2009.
This is a year of great potential and quite a bit of change. I'm excited for what is in store.

Weighing heaviest on my mind is that 2009 is the year I graduate and get a real job. Finally.
I have three weeks of course work and then I'll do my student teaching. I graduate on May 1. I can hardly believe it. It's been a long time coming.
I'm excited to graduate, but I'm also a little overwhelmed. I thought that when I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up that the ambiguous nature of my life would dissolve and plans for the future would solidify. However, I feel like that I have opened millions more doors. I know I'll be teaching elementary school, but I have no other details figured out.
I'm almost certain that I won't be staying in Washington County.
I was sold on the thought that I was going to move some place smaller, but then I went to a professional education conference and that thought floated away. I was so enthralled by the knowledge and experience that now seems within my reach. Despite my disgust for the city life, higher education is so charming and now perceived as very much accessible.
After a conversation with my friend's mother, I was made aware of great opportunities if I would just humble myself enough to relocate to the Wasatch Front. One of my goals is to get a Math Endorsement. My friend's mother, who happens to be a professor in education at BYU, gave me the contact information for Dr. Monroe, another professor at BYU. She works with the Alpine School District in developing math education and has established a cohort of teachers to work together on their math endorsements, effective teaching strategies, and the like.
It sounded so appealing, perfect even. I would teach in the Alpine School District, get my math endorsement, and then go to graduate school at the Y after two or three years of teaching. (I would go to the Y, becuase by then I would have established good relationships with at least a couple of professors there.)
I made an appointment with Dr. Monroe for Monday, December 22. Our conversation was amazing! I gained a lot from the meeting.
Yet, I did leave a little discouraged. The grant money that was used to establish this math endorsement cohort runs out this year. The Alpine School District really wants to continue the program, but they might not be able to without secured funds. This program may be moved to another school district entirely. Or it may not happen at all.

My perfect plan is unravelling.

While I was in Florida, I was talking with a family friend. She says that there are quite a few school districts in Florida and other places down South that are hurting for teachers. They are offering all sorts of incentives; one common incentive is to pay for graduate school for interested teachers.
That sounds enticing. I had considered for a brief moment moving back to Florida. Now, I'll have to give that much more thought.

I sit here confused. I don't know where I'm going. I have a good idea of what I want, but I can achieve those goals most anywhere. BYU and the Provo area may not be so ideal any more.

I have no idea what life will be like come August. Will I be in St. George still? Will I be in Utah? What grade will I be teaching? Will I be living with roommates? Will I opt for my own place? Or might I be renting a room from family or family friends?
Right now I have too many opportunities and all seem to be positive and none seems to be better than the rest.

This is when I wish I had someone else (read: a husband) involved in the decision making. I don't need him to make the decision for me; I just need someone else's complicated life to narrow the possibilities. I need conflict. I need him to refuse to move to a certain part of the country or to have limits on where we could live because of job prospects. I need him to have ambitions and goals that may only be achieved by living in the city or the country. I need his preferences to affect my choices.

I'm excited to enter the real world and get a real job. I just never thought I'd be doing it alone. It's not that I don't think I can handle the world alone. I just fear that I'll get too accustomed to living independently that I'll miss out on the blessings of interdependence.
I do want to marry. I want to raise a family. I want all the challenges and blessings that come with those things. I want to experience that part of life. I want the joy that only comes through marriage and parenthood.
Maybe that'll happen in 2009.

Only one more to go...for now

2008-12-26T21:14:00.004-07:00

This felt like the longest and sometimes worst semester of my life. Even the time it took to post grades felt like an eternity. I am glad to be through with this semester. I can't believe I am finally entering my last semester of my bachelor's program. It has been a long time coming. I still don't know for sure where my future will take me. I have so many dreams, but at least I'm establishing a gateway to many of my dreams. I graduate May 1. Count the time down with me.

Neil Diamond is amazing

2008-12-26T20:50:00.006-07:00

My family went to the Neil Diamond concert in Salt Lake on Friday, December 19. By family, I mean all of us: my parents, my brother, my sister and her husband, and my other sister. It was our Christmas present. It seemed like we'd never get there because of all the snow. We made it with just enough time to check in our hotel and get over to the arena.
Neil Diamond delayed the start of the concert because many of his fans were late due to the weather. He's so nice. However, the delay was practically unbearable.
The concert was phenomenal! He is by far the best entertainer I've ever seen. This was my third concert. I wish I had tickets to his show in Las Vegas. I'll have to wait until next tour.
Cameras weren't allowed during the show, but we took some pictures afterward.

Their goal was cheesy. Or maybe they were hamming it up. Either way, you get a great sandwich and a totally lame joke.

Joe enjoyed the concert. A lot. I promise.

Distracted driver

2008-12-26T20:27:00.003-07:00

My mom in her

+
thoughts of

+
talking on her

Results in my brother turning me and saying, "Mom just slid off into the median." That's right. On our way to the Neil Diamond concert in Salt Lake, we were slowed down by a snow storm. My mom called my phone. My brother answered since I was driving (a separate vehicle). While on the phone, my mother hit some black ice and slid off the freeway into the median. Needless to say, my brother gave her a hard time the rest of the weekend. Any time he answered his cell phone, he immediately answered with "Are you driving?"

These are real

2008-12-16T17:35:00.003-07:00

I was delighted to walk outside on my way to work one morning to find this lovely scene.

I happened to walk outside a few minutes ago, barefoot, to find a gift from God. My feet could only endure the cold cement so long, otherwise I would've stayed outside until the light left for the night.

2008-12-13T21:09:00.001-07:00

GO GATORS!

2008-12-08T14:02:00.003-07:00

It's official. Florida will be playing Oklahoma for the BCS National Championships!

Generating sparks in our wheels and our hearts

2008-12-03T18:00:00.001-07:00

Football fills my afternoon

2008-11-29T17:47:00.003-07:00

There's nothing better than Southern football especially during rivalry weekend.
I spent the afternoon proudly cheering on my Gators with my brother, Will. Even as rain fell the majority of the game, Florida took FSU 45-15. That makes 7 games in a row where Florida has scored 42 or more points. This game was also the only time you'd find a Gator in Seminole Garnet as the paint wet from the rain covered their jerseys since they spent so much time in the end zone.
During commercials, we turned to the Alabama vs. Auburn game. Alabama started off slowly, but ended up shutting out Alabama 36-0.
I can hardly wait for next week when No. 2 Florida plays No. 1 Alabama for the SEC championship and ticket to the National Championship game in January. It'll be Southern football at its finest.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T15:42:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. My funny family. These are my favorite comments from today.
Will: "Not to put too much pressure on you, Casey, but if your rolls don't work then you will have ruined Thanksgiving."
Casey about 20 minutes later, realizing that the dough wasn't rising: "We're having unleavened turkey biscuits." (She made the best of the situation and rolled the dough and cut them with turkey shaped cookie cutter.)
As usual, we told countless funny stories from years past. Amy couldn't stop her nostrils from flaring while she laughed. Soon, tears came to her eyes. Casey was laughing so hard about a story that supposedly wasn't really that funny that we couldn't understand her.
2. My predictable family. I wrote a letter to a friend just before going to bed last night. The pages were filled with my predictions for the day. Most all have come true and I've only been here four hours. For example, my mom said she wished we would stopping telling nasty stories at the table. Amy immediately followed that were her high-frequency dinner conversation word: genitalia.
3. A warm and safe house and plenty of food to eat. I have no needs today. I'm completely taken care of. I'm grateful that I am. I know there are plenty who are without today. My heart and prays go out to them. May God provide them with protection, peace, and happiness.

Thanksgiving eve

2008-11-26T14:37:00.005-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Haiku! Creating my new haiku blog is the best decision I've made in a long time. Writing in haiku has been a lot of fun. My sister just got involved. She sent me a collection of some of our past haiku adventures. I posted some today. Read her comments on this post. The haiku collection about love and relationships is amazing.
2. Advice. I called my sister this morning seeking advice regarding my apprenticeship at the elementary school. She gave me very sound advice. I'm grateful to have a sister who is wise and can advise me.
3. Sleep. I slept a solid nine hours last night and even took a short nap this afternoon. It sure felt good.

Raindrops on roses

2008-11-25T21:09:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow at 11:45am I will officially start my extended weekend of happiness and joy. It couldn't come at a better time.
2. Unmotivational posters. Look at them on this random person's blog.
3. Being alone in the dorms. I'm quite excited to have the place practically to myself.

I might as well go to bed

2008-11-24T22:43:00.003-07:00

Is it wrong of me
To spend my entire day
Involved in important--
But not pertinent--
Matters
Only to neglect
My homework?

My books lie open.
I know what is due.
I find that I'm lacking.
I'm lacking something critical.
Critical.
I lack
The desire.

24 (with associated sound effects)

2008-11-24T21:18:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Finale Notepad. It's free. Or at least it was last year. I think it's $9.95 this year. I used the program to update two arrangements for the Christmas program at church. They now look official...so much better than my rushed handwritten copies.
2. Awkward moments. I'm reminded when I'm socially awkward that I'm a real person and that I have room for growth. Also, it helps me realize how far I've come. Social situations used to always be completely awkward all the time. Now, on the rare chance that it gets awkward enough for me to care, I realize that it hasn't been awkward for a long time. (I also realize that this explanation is a bit awkward.)
3. Fun books. I started reading a Jerry Spinelli book called "Star Girl" in the car ride home from Orem. I didn't have time to read it again until Thursday during silent reading at the elementary school. I read a little more on Friday. Today, the students were working quietly and independently, so I took the opportunity to finish the book. I rationalized it, because students observing the teacher wrapped up in a book has got to be a good thing. I was able to finish it this morning. It was such a cute book. It's an easy read and also very pleasant. I learned a lot about myself while I read it. Children's literature has that ability. I texted my friend, Eliza, and she'll be bringing me the second book tomorrow in class.

On the 23rd day of November

2008-11-23T22:39:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Singing. I got to sing a special musical number in church today. I sure do love to sing.
I was getting antsy the other day. I realized it was because I hadn't sung in forever.
The biggest downside to living at the dorms is that I don't really have the opportunity to sing. I could go to the Institute, but I find that no matter where I go, someone walks in. I want to sing in peace without people interrupting. I also get nervous thinking that someone might be listening.
I'd sing in my room, but the walls are paper thin.
The only time I can get back to my folks' house is when someone from my family is home. I usually get distracted or interrupted.
I'm excited for the Thanksgiving break. My neighbors should all be gone, so I'll be able to sing in my dorm room. Also, I should be able to find some time at my folks' house to sing. Or since gas is cheap enough, I can drive out in the middle of nowhere and sing for hours.
2. Markers. I sure do like writing with markers.
3. Crayons. Nothing is more relaxing than coloring with crayons.

22

2008-11-22T22:22:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. My mother. Today is her 50th birthday. She smart, funny, kind, silly, and a great example. I love her.
2. My annoying brother. He tells the most ridiculous stories and knows how to annoy me better than anyone else, but he also knows how to make me laugh better than anyone else. He's always been my hero.
3. Cheap gas. I never thought I'd see gas for less than $2 a gallon ever again. I was able to fill up without crying.

I'm grateful for opportunities to speak in church

2008-11-22T11:05:00.002-07:00

I spoke in church last week. I posted my talk. It's inspired by the talk from October Conference titled "Testimony as a Process". I would love for you to read it. http://seekinghappinessandjoy.blogspot.com/2008/11/testimony-as-process.html

Twenty-one alcohol free days of gratitude

2008-11-21T21:31:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Mimicry. In other words, the best form of flattery. A boy stopped by my dorm room and noticed my bed turned sideways. He ran straight home to change his.
2. Shopping with cool people. I had to go shopping for supplies for a couple activities. I didn't want to go, but I got two amazing girls to come with me. It made the short shopping adventure tolerable and even fun.
3. Random tackles. I was talking to a friend at her apartment. She was on her balcony, and I was standing in the lawn. One of the boys downstairs made a George of the Jungle sound, so I mimicked it. (Hmm...nice.) He shouted out my name, ran outside, and tackled me to the ground. He followed it with a quick apology when he realized the grass was wet. All the while, another girl pretended to fight him off.
4. Silly students. I felt like a fifth grader today. I sat at one of the extra desks and really enjoyed the school day. Many of the students challenged me to arm wrestles. I won every time. (Thank goodness.) Two boys were jealous that I was sucking on a peppermint. They wanted one as well, so they bet me one peppermint each. They had to go the rest of the day without talking unless called upon. They enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. They won their peppermints. When the other students figured out what was going on, they begged to participate. Before long, I had the quietest classroom in the whole school. My mentor teacher had no idea it was going on.

Twenty days of gratitude and bliss

2008-11-20T22:28:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Monkey bars. They make for great conversation.
2. A fifth grader who talks in his sleep. We went to see Beauty and the Beast at a local high school. Not to dis the performance, but his sleep talking was incredibly entertaining. I only wish I could have sat next to him to listen. As the teacher, I could've forced a student to switch me spots, but the kids next to him were enjoying it far more than I would have.
3. Melody. I began to panic when the hour was getting late and the show wasn't over. I was scheduled to present with my classmates right at the beginning of class. I called Melody and asked her for a ride on her way into town from her elementary school placement. She brought with her a pleasant attitude and my own personal sanity.
4. Silent films. The highlight of our presentation was a silent film I created starring my classmates Eliza and Danielle. Currently, it's a PowerPoint. I need to put it into MovieMaker or PhotoStory and upload it. Some day.

A month of thanks: Day 19

2008-11-19T20:45:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Interlibrary loan. I've been having trouble finding journal articles for my lit review for a case study for school. Jodilyn mentioned that she got some of her articles through interlibrary loan. Thanks for the tip. I requested some articles yesterday and four came today. I finally have some decent material.
2. Hook-ups. Again, I got hooked up with some free prints at the library. A nickel (or several) saved is a nickel earned.
3. Happy helpers. Twenty DESA members volunteered at the Math and Literacy night at my elementary school. They were all so pleasant and seemed to enjoy the experience. They made me look good in front of my principal and staff developer.
4. Free educational activities. I, along with the other volunteers, gathered up all the games they played tonight. These resources are priceless.

2008-11-18T22:46:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Libraries. I spent a couple hours in the college library tonight. I checked out seven books and copied ten journal articles. I'll be up for a while reading. I'm thankful that I have access to all this information for free!
2. Haiku. Writing in haiku will be a great outlet everyday.
3. Canceled assignments. One of my professors alleviated quite a bit of stress when she canceled a few assignments today.

A dream realized

2008-11-18T13:35:00.002-07:00

Don't ask me why it took me so long to come up with this idea. I just started up another blog. http://worldthroughhaiku.blogspot.com/

Bookmark. Follow it.
Share with me your own haiku.
Joy will come to you.

I live for haiku
Syllables and brevity
A geeky girl's dream

Seventeen

2008-11-17T22:47:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Life.
2. Liberty.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness.
4. Freedom.
5. Opinions.
6. Education.
7. Knowledge.
8. Rights.
9. Privileges.
10. Opportunities.

Sadness in St. George over teen's death

2008-11-17T21:58:00.002-07:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Local coverage
KCSG Local News
KCSG coverage

Sweet sixteen

2008-11-16T23:39:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Compassionate friends. I'll admit it. I'm a little crazy. I like to have control. I need it sometimes. I went out of town with some friends this weekend. I had been asked to speak in church, so I had to clarify before we even left town what time we'd leave on Sunday morning to ensure I'd be home in time. My friend said we'd leave by 7, but that would have stressed me out way too much. I requested we leave at 6 and she consented. Saturday night when it was brought up again, I was mocked. I am not too confrontational, so I began freaking out in my mind. I didn't dare say anything out loud.
I packed up all my stuff, so I'd be ready to go. I set it in the kitchen. I went downstairs where my friend was watching SNL with her cousin. I had intended to offer to load her stuff for her, but then I chickened out. I didn't want to offend her. Rather, I only printed off my talk and went to bed.
I was surprised this morning when her alarm went off before mine. I got up and got ready and then offered to help her load her stuff. She explained that she did that before she went to bed. We were loaded and pulling out of town minutes before six. I found out later this morning, that she had stayed up with her cousin until 3am. She barely had two hours of sleep but got up without complaint.
We arrived at my place at 9:35am. I was so happy and so relieved.
My friend showed great compassion and understanding. She got me home in ample time so that my experience at church could be a pleasant one. She truly is amazing.
2. The hand of God in my life. I went on exchanges with the Sister missionaries tonight. I walked into the home of the first appointment. I noticed the family cat right away. In the recent years, I have become allergic to cats. The last time I was around a cat, my itchy eyes, throat, and skin, as well as runny nose and headache lasted almost the entire day. However, tonight I was truly blessed. I didn't have an allergic reaction at all. I sat undisturbed. I recognize this as a miracle in my life. I didn't want to disrupt the lesson or offend the family because of my allergy. Neither happened. We were able to teach the lesson uninterrupted...at least my means of allergies.
3. Opportunities to serve. As I mentioned before, I spoke in church today. That was not the only way I contributed to the meeting. The ward music chairperson texted me on Thursday and asked if I would play for the congregational singing. I mentioned that I was speaking but would be more than happy to if she needed me to do it. Therefore, I played the organ for the meeting as well. A girl asked me a few weeks ago to accompany her for a special musical number. She plays the viola. I agreed without any hesitation.
This meant I showed up at 10:30 to rehearse with the violist. I played the prelude music. I played the organ for the opening and sacrament hymns. I sat on the stand during the first two talks. I accompanied the violist for the special musical number. I went from the piano to the pulpit to give my talk. I went from the pulpit to the organ to play the closing song and minutes later the postlude. I joked with my friends on the drive up that I might as well say the opening and closing prayers while I was at it. And you know I would have had I been asked.
I was slightly embarrassed when a member of the stake presidency who was in attendance commented on my contribution. Embarrassed but thankful. I am grateful for my talents and the opportunities I have to share them and to serve others through their use. My talents and abilities have grown significantly as I've shared them. The more I participate in my church meetings and share my talents in my everyday life, the more I improve. I know that it's no coincidence. I am blessed for my service.
4. Conversation. I stopped by Jodilyn's house at the end of the night to tell her about my weekend. We had a brief yet wonderful conversation.
I talked to another friend on my way home. That conversation made me happy as well.
I talked to Cristina during rounds tonight. We have great talks every week.
I went to another friend's home after rounds and talked with him for two hours.
I love conversing with my friends. I am grateful to have friends. I am grateful they are great listeners. I am grateful they have the time and desire to talk with me.

Fifteen

2008-11-15T21:47:00.004-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Cortney Moore Scott. I do love my friend Cortney. I love her Moore. I got to see her for the first time since she got married this summer. She gives the best hugs!
2. My family. I've been a little negative lately in regards to my family and particularly my mother. I've come to realize that they truly are amazing. My mother, although annoying at times, has given me so much and been such a great example to me. I love my family.
3. Fallen leaves. I had about twenty minutes to kill before my lunch date with Cortney, so I played in the leaves and took some pictures. The contrast of the leaves as the color fades is so beautiful. Fall is such a wonderful time of year.

Fourteen days of thanksgiving

2008-11-14T23:44:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Absolutely amazing evenings. I had the most pleasant time tonight. I went to a Thai restaurant with a totally dreamy guy. If you want details, you'll have to ask me in person. We met Eliza and Stephanie at the BYU basketball game. The cougars won thanks to my spirit fingers. We weren't done since we were hyped up from the game and from freakin' for fractions. We considered a movie, but nothing interested us. Instead, we bought a ginormous orange flying disc. We played in the parking lot at Shopko. One of us should have been hit by a car, but it never happened. The evening ended far too soon. If it weren't for the cold, I could have enjoyed this moment forever.
2. Bargain books. I went to the BYU bookstore today. I bought several children's books, mostly picture books. I found one that I can't wait to give to my classmate on Tuesday!
3. Quirky BYU Mormons. Stephanie and I had quite a few giggles today while on BYU campus. They had all their statues wrapped in plastic in preparation for the big rivalry game next week. We couldn't help but laugh out loud when we saw a statue family wrapped in plastic. The best part of the day was Eve's dropping on two boys walking behind us.
"He just met someone new. I'm excited to see how quickly this progresses."
"He could be just like my friend who got home and five weeks later he was married."

Not at all unlucky on day 13...only blessings

2008-11-13T23:49:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. New friends. I secured a new friendship today. It should be a good one.
2. Family stories. I'm in Orem at my friend's home. I enjoyed listening to her swapping stories with her father, mother, and cousin. They had some pretty amusing tales. Telling silly stories with my family is my favorite thing about Sunday dinner and casual get-togethers.
3. Computer skill. I need the internet to finishing writing my talk for church this week. I had some talks and scriptures bookmarked on my computer, so I wanted to access the internet with my laptop. Fortunately, my friend's family had a wireless router. They hadn't been able to connect it successfully yet. I was able to set it up and get online in less than ten minutes. I'm glad that skills like that come easily for me or can be learned readily.

A month of thanks: Day 12

2008-11-12T18:22:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Giddiness. Something happened today that made me giggly and giddy. I love that feeling. I was so excited that I wanted to shout from the rooftops. My shouting likely would not have included words, rather silly sounds only. I hope I feel that way again very soon.
2. Handel's Messiah. Rehearsals for Messiah started last week. Being so antsy today, all I've wanted to do is sing. I can hardly wait for rehearsal tonight. It begins in 31 minutes.
My gratitude for Handel's Messiah goes beyond the need for an outlet for my extra energy and to express myself through song. I love the music and the scriptures that make up the text. I love singing songs about the Savior. Handel's Messiah was truly inspired. It is glorious. I am grateful that I can once again be a part of the presentation of this masterpiece again this year.
3. Cleaning checks. My room has been messy for about a week. It has been driving me crazy. Unfortunately, cleaning it never seemed to make it into the priority list. Fortunately, cleaning checks at the dorms are on Friday. I'm leaving town tomorrow, so I just finished cleaning my room. It sure feels nice to once again be in a clean and organized space. Now I just have to clean the bathroom, do a little homework, and pack after rehearsal before I go to bed.
4. Four minute posts. I just checked the time. It has taken me four minutes to type this much. That's not very much time out of my day to take time to be thankful. It also is now four, make that five now, minutes closer to rehearsal.

11 days of thanks on 11/11

2008-11-11T22:36:00.004-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Kind words from friends. I just received the most thoughtful email. I appreciated the lovely ending to my day.
2. Yoga. Tonight was my first experience with yoga. I quite enjoyed it. I felt very relaxed. It was a very peaceful and even spiritual experience. I felt connected: mind, body, and soul. I'll definitely go back to class next week.
(Some of you may be giggling to yourselves knowing that I may not be thankful for it in the morning.)
3. Heaters and 10pm bed times. I know that's what I said last night, but I can't tell you the difference it made in my day. Because I slept so well, I was so happy and energetic all day. I even knew that I was being evaluated by my education advisor during a lesson today. I knew that I had class with my creepy professor. Nothing could get me down. Even now, I'm in an incredible mood.
4. Books. (I am doing a fourth just because I did have a repeat.) I brought home 38 more children's books to add to my collection today. My college classmates do the Scholastic book orders that I remember well from elementary school. All I ever ordered were posters, because all I ever had was $0.50. It's fun to order lots and lots of books. I'll also be thankful when I have a decent collection of books to share with the children in my future classes. I do love books and reading.

You thought I was going to forget.
5. Veterans. Today, the 11th of November, is Veterans Day. The day is dedicated to the cause of world peace and is a day to honor all veterans. There have been countless men and women who have served our country and the cause of peace. I appreciate their service, sacrifice, and dedication.
To all the military personnel serving now, God be with you. I pray for your safe return. I also pray that we will find a way to establish freedom and justice in a more peaceable way so that we can bring you home.

Ten and Thanks both start with T but don't sound the same

2008-11-10T21:43:00.002-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. The heater! Finally, the heat has been turned on at the dorms. It has been a long and very cold weekend. The heater was such a pleasant gift today.
I overslept this morning, because my head was covered with six blankets. I didn't even hear my alarm. Good thing I was having a ridiculously stressful dream or I wouldn't have woken up.
2. Haircuts. My friend, Emalie, did such a great job cutting my hair. I couldn't have lasted one more day or even one more hour. I'm glad she was available. She cut off a ton of hair. There was a giant pile at her feet when she was finished. She used thinning shears and a razor to make it look piecey. I'm excited to style my hair in the morning. It's been a while since I was excited about doing my hair. I should have a lot of fun with this haircut.
3. 10pm bed times. I have some homework I could do, but I would much rather get a good night's sleep. I haven't had that opportunity in three weeks because of the cold and obligations. Good night!

Nine days of thanks

2008-11-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Callings. I love teaching Sunday School. Today was the first time in four weeks that I got to teach gospel doctrine. I learn so much and definitely enjoy the experience.
2. Awesome girls. I've never really gotten along with girls all that well. Fortunately for my forced interaction with the 33 girls in my cohort and in Relief Society, I think I've finally figured them out. I didn't even hesitate to join a couch full of girls tonight to watch a movie.
3. Markers. I love writing with markers on paper and on the white board. Markers are magical.

GrEIGHTful

2008-11-08T23:07:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for
1. Canceled rounds. The other RA I was supposed to round with is in California. My Resident Manager, Mike, opted to do rounds with a campus police officer and gave me the night off. Thanks, Mike. Now I can go to sleep three hours earlier. That should make my Sabbath day even more enjoyable.
2. Female vocalists. I listened to a variety of female vocalists today while sewing and doing a few other projects. I like being able to sing along in my own register.
3. Clearance. I bought a few new items of clothing today on clearance. I like sales and markdowns.