Holding The Sun

Healthy Eating

2012-02-12T17:20:00.002-07:00

Well for those of you who have not joined Pinterest, let me warn you- it's a time waster and an amazing resource all at the same time. I wanted to share my latest obsession without Pinterest attached for those of you who are rightfully resisting (Lace).

Healthy Recipes!!

I have fallen in love with creative healthy recipes and I think it will be a long love affair. I wanted to share some of my favorites. The list is ever growing so keep tuned. (Click on the words for the recipes - just a little help for my soon-to-be techie readers)

Wonderful replacement for chocolate peanut butter ice cream/ milkshake
Super yummy stew
Great main dish with spaghetti squash
Looking for a salty snack? Try Kale Chips or homemade Salt and Vinegar Chips
Another snack from one of my favorite blogs: Cauliflower Poppers

Let me know if you try and like them. Feel free to share with me your finds!

P.S. I'm wearing my Snuggy right now. Don't judge! It's perfect when you're typing, watching the Grammy's and need a little more warmth!

Snowboarding in the East

2012-01-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

That's right I said East...

Now lets start with what I'm use to:

8 resorts within an hour drive
powdery wonderful snowy whiteness everywhere as you drive up
powdery wonderful snow to snowboard on
crisp mountain air phenomenal scenery.

Before I describe what I got, let me say it was an awesomely fun weekend, and I am going to try to go again this season. I find the following description so funny:

1 resort = 3 hours of driving (with an awesome girl, Val, in her awesome new car)
brown brushes, trees, and fallen brown leaves everywhere as you drive up...though there there green hills with horses and cows closer to the city
man made snow that was okay to snowboard on
nice mountain air and good scenery

This is Val. We went hiking the first day we were at the resort. It was odd to go hiking one day and snowboarding the next. Val is the best kind of friend- not only is she kind, giving and fun; she's willing to do whatever my crazy mind comes up with- even hike in January. She doesn't really love the outdoors, but she still has fun.

(p.s. this was my Christmas present from her- the 2 day stay, the lift tickets, yeah for discounts from Val's job and her generosity).

Okay, here's the some of the resort. I KNOW!! Brown, and strips of snow where they were making it.

Dear snowboarding boots, I'm sorry you touched dirt, I promise when you go back to the West you won't have to do that again.

Going though the snowmakers was a new experience. You're trying to make your way through other people, get lots of turns and fun spins in, and then WHAM! Your misted. I used my face guard more than I ever have before!

All in all, it was a really fun day of snowboarding. Val tried really hard and ended her day with a pulled muscle. :( She's a tough one though. I took a bad spill on a blue run (they are more icy than the green runs). My lift mates kept saying I could do the black, but by the time I got up my courage, I was tired and scared I'd hurt myself. Maybe next time.

Yeah for snowboarding, even if it isn't in my beautiful Utah.

Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

I've read that the more you tell others your goals, the more likely you are to stick with them, so I'm subjecting everyone who reads my blog (probably about 5 people ;) to my goals for 2012.
AND since we're half way through Jan. I can tell you how I'm doing on all of them. Good accountability right?

General Resolutions

Eat out less - replace eating out with friends with activities with friends
I'm doing great with this. Tennis instead of breakfast; making dinner instead of going out.
Get to my goal weight
With support from some great girls, this is coming right along :)
Respond to service requests, i.e. There's a service opportunity, call this person to chip in
I haven't noticed any requests yet, but I'm on the look out.
Ultimately organize room
Oh this is SO happening. I've already cleared out 4 totes, and my room my closet is looking
fine, fine, fine.

Daily Goals

Read scriptures and pray more
I think I'm getting better at praying the morning. Working on the rest...
Play my guitar 20 minutes or more per day
Doing pretty well at this. Beginning guitar done, Intermediate guitar class started, and awesome
Watch less TV
Hum...I have been watching less TV, but less is more, so I'll keep trying
Be more kind
The metro is my focus of this right now. I've been smiling and letting people go in front of me,
etc. just like I did when I first moved here. (still watching my wallet of course)

Weekly

Take pictures
I'm reading my camera manual still, so I have taken some, but more to come. I'm trying to
decide how to share them. Any suggestions?

Monthly Goals

Work on Family History

Good thing it's still January...

Find a regular service opportunity

Again, I still have half a month to figure this out

Go on a date once a month - even if I ask him

January's date just called me back. No pressure, just a nice guy.

Go to the temple

See 1 and 2 of this section...

My Cute Family

2012-01-08T18:18:00.002-07:00

I just love pictures. As, I'm sure you can see by the fact that I have pictures in almost every post I make. I need to start writing down the things I'm thinking about when I think, oh, I should blog about that. That will result not only in more blog postings, but also less pictures.

BUT, until then... my cute family in pictures.

Here's Dennis (step-dad) and Maynard out hiking. Maynard was given to the family by a dear friend who has departed this life just over a year after our dear Dottie Dog also passed. I think it's a wonderful fit.

Mom and Dennis cutting their Christmas tree. How cute are they looking at each other?

I can't even give this a caption. Hahaha.

I was able to go to a Seahawks game with my brother's girlfriend Ashley. Sad he wasn't there, but honestly we had a really good time! She's a really sincere kind interesting person and we all know how big of a football fan I am...it was nice to have someone there who also didn't know what was going on all the time.

From left to right: Ashley, Jake (little brother), me, Shawn (older brother). Shawn got the tickets for the game, and it was a great time. I didn't know how much he and Jake new about football and how passionate they were. I'm glad they let the girls come ;)

So ends the Christmas picture post. I guess I should have take more, but maybe that's a sign of a busy fun holiday.

Grandma Recipe Try #1 Beer Batter

2011-12-28T18:20:00.001-07:00

Well, first, I must have typed the recipe wrong. Pg. 100 for those of you who have the same book- it's not 1 & 3/4 c. CORNSTARCH and 3/4 c. flour, it's 1 & 3/4 c. FLOUR and 3/4 c. cornstarch. Do you know what happens when you put 1 3/4 c. cornstarch with a little bit of liquid- haha, not good. Yes I now can demonstrate suspension, but that doesn't really taste good.

Just in case you were wondering in child terms:
A mixture of cornstarch and water make what is known as a suspension. When you squeeze a Cornstarch Suspension it really feels like a solid because its molecules line up. But it looks like a liquid and acts like a liquid when no one is pressing on it because the molecules relax. This is another state of matter, called a suspension (It can act like a liquid, or, when pressed like a solid.).

I tried again and the batter turned out- well, turned out with lots more liquid then the recipe called for. I'm not quite sure what happened to the recipe to be honest.

Next, turns out, I don't love grease covered food that much. Now sugar, of course, but grease- not so much. I think it was good if you liked fried food...

So, success? Not so much, but fun, yes :)

PLUS, I called Aunt Trudy to get help and that's always fun.

The Possibilities of Vinyl Records

2011-11-17T17:19:00.001-07:00

Coasters

I wanted to buy my cousin coasters made from records, but they were always on back order or really expensive, so why not make my own?

Start with record...

Heat at 200 degrees.

Trim.

Back with felt.

Cover with decoupage.

Coasters!!!

More to come, next I think I'll make a bowl or a vase.

Adventurous Fall

2011-11-10T19:58:00.001-07:00

What happens when you combine a Renaissance Festival, 5 State Fairs, and Chucking Pumpkins?

FUN, FUN, HILARIOUS FUN!!

Let us begin with the merry gay festivities of the Renaissance Festival, ho!

Some of the festival goers. These girls are pretty much up for anything. Good thing, as we saw just about everything!

Jousting! They really had jousting! As always I wanted to ride the horses...

The festival not only included ye'old type food, and entertainment, but ye'old type characters! I thought, oh renaissance outfits will be abundant (and they were), but what I didn't expect were:

Women with their bosoms WAY TO bosomy (she wasn't really collecting money (wink, wink), but I thought it was funny she was when I took the covert pic)

Kilts in abundance

Vikings

Fairies and wizards

Metal bikinis

It was too fun. Lots of food, jugglers, and all kinds of costumes for sale. Did you know you need a pair of horns? Seems like 50% of the girls there did. Oh, and a tail too! It was great.

Who puts 5 state fairs into one huge event? New England does.

Here's the set up: 5 New England states come together in Massachusetts (conveniently and awesomely right close to where my amazing friend Lydia lives) and they each have a state house. This means I was able to check of 5 states on my state fair list.

Fair food at its best!

Chocolate covered bacon. It's actually not bad.

I won't eat it again, but you have to try everything once.

Very Vermontish I think...

Home state!! Yeah Lyd.

I want to go to this pumpkin festival in Rhode Island!

Oreo cows! I use to see these all the time when I lived in western Mass.

Mike Gagnon, this is for you.

Hahahaha!! Love it. I don't care what you project is, as long as you're learning life skills ;)

I know, I know, I'm a 4-H junkie.

Side Note

Okay, after living in D.C. for almost 2 years, I couldn't believe 50 cents an hour parking!

Usually is a $20 flat fee. I had to get proof.

Pumpkin Chunkin - oh I was there!

You can watch me (well, me in the crowd) on the Discovery Channel on Thanksgiving. It was an awesome event. All the money goes to charity, there was plaid, Carhartt, and fair food everywhere.

The categories included man powered catapult, man powered trebuchet, and air cannon. Pumpkin + air cannon = fun. Though, I think the best to watch were the man powered trebuchets. Think of it, a person rowing or riding a bike to pull it down and then a pumpkin launching into the air after a few moments of suspense.

Pumkin chunkin tailgaters. No joke.

Air cannons. That's right, those are full sized tanks to power those things. They were cool, but it was hard to see the pumpkins fly because they went so fast.

Love this- youth division of the trebuchets. I'm going to do this with 4-H.

So we're standing in the crowd watching and this man comes to to fence and is yelling something (I'm not paying attention) and then I hear a yell behind me and a 6'4'' man waving his arms. As I look up, a t-shirt is descending upon me. Yeah! Sorry 6'4'' guy- I think I fit better in it. :) Well, at least when it's over my hoodie.

So ends my fall adventures.

Walking about Crystal City and Half a Book

2011-08-11T20:38:00.000-06:00

I had the most lovely evening. I've been walking about Crystal City in a heel to toe stride with my nose in a book.

I started my evening by walking to the nail salon. My nail salon is full of Korean family members who all do nails and toes and fantastic leg massages. They glance at each other and speak in Korean and smile and have no idea what I'm saying when I ask anything but "How are you?"

With my lovely shiny toes with white tips and soft feet I strolled home engrossed in post WWII stories, my inter-thoughts turning into British writing. When I came to my building I paused and thought, I don't want to stop reading, it's a lovely warm summer evening, and I want a soda...

So I took my shiny toes and kept walking! As I walked Crystal Drive I looked up to a beautiful summer evening sight. Couples, family, friends, all sitting outside restaurants enjoying a meal and wonderful conversation. It gives me great enjoyment to see people sitting like Parisians letting the evening flitter away into night.

I couldn't pull my eyes back to my book. Especially when the puppy dogs walked by. There were probably people with them, but I seem to focus on all the fur and cute faces and tails. I only asked to pet one.

After enjoying flashbacks of Paris I found an Izze and sat down with a small waterfall in front of me, an arbor overhead and finished the first half of my book.

Walking home 3 hours after I'd left I realize that as I launch my 27th birthday weekend, I'm very happy with who I am and the wonderful life that has been given to me.

Memories...

2011-06-03T06:04:00.001-06:00

Do you look around your room and think- nothing has changed since I was in high school? Well, I no longer do! Mom has drilled it into me finally that I need to move on from my high school looking bedroom.

Part of this transformation is parting with nicknacks that hold memories. How was I able to part with these precious reminders of great times? Pictures and my blog! So, I will attempt to explain each item, when I obtained it and what it means to me. Forever documented in blogger space and time.

Read on if you're interested... something you gave me might just be listed and pictured. If nothing is- that either means you and I haven't have nearly enough good times and we should work on that right away, or that I kept the momento and it's carefully placed in my new "adult" looking room. You'll just have to come visit me to see it!

Nightlight kitty in the toilet: I have no idea where I originally got this. I'm guessing from Mom or an auntie or Grandma Danny. I do remember having in my room since I was little, and feel comforted if I woke up in the middle of the night.

Musical carousel: I've had this since I can remember. To make it play you turn the top and then the whole thing rotates.

The ballerinas are from Grandpa White. He and grandma would take me to the ballet and often would buy me something. I loved those days of dressing up, being with them and feeling so special because I got to go. I probably got these in Junior High.

Space Needle Bell: I remember getting this with Dad. It reminds me so much of all the great things we use to do together when I was little and visiting Seattle. Probably between 3rd and 6th grade. I remember him telling me that I brought the sun with me. It seemed to be good weather when I was visiting. I don't think I realized how much time he gave to me back then. He would take off a week or two and we would go do a million things. I love those memories- the Space Needle, the Science Center, the Locks, camping, playing with and taking Abby on walks...

The kitty heart that played "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music. I got it in Truckee, NV when visiting my auntie Trudy with Mom. I remember walking around town and choosing this memento. I was probably 12 or so.

Clifford Dog toy: I got this and the bobble head toy that was stuck to the dash of my first car- a Ford F150 that we nicknamed Clifford the Big Red Truck, from Wendy's Restaurant the year I turned 16. I remember being with my girlfriends and naming the truck (Kelley Morris I think...) while driving around and getting fast food (Kimi West, Jamie Kotter and Shanda Barton).

Painted Face Mask: We made these in Humanities my junior year of high school. There's pages of a book, a tulip, and red and blue speckles to symbolize my red and blue personalities. I can't remember the meaning of the rest, but it was a fun assignment.

Rocking Horse: I kept this. I can't part with it. I've had it since I can remember. When you push, it will rock and the legs of the horse hit the other part of the rocker and sounds like a horse trotting. It's a sound I will never forget and is always comforting. It reminds me of my childhood.

Champagne Glass Candle: Okay, who needs this? No one. BUT it was the souvenir of my Junior Prom. Junior Prom was a great dance. I went with Tyson Morris and he planned wonderfully, and was such a good friend. It was a great night. It snowed, I wore a maroon dress, we even went with my Junior friends even though Ty was a Senior.

Dried Flower Glass Box: I can't remember where I got this box, but what's inside it is the important thing. Those are rose petals from the first rose a boy ever gave me on my first date when I was sixteen. Reg (Craig) Bruening gave it to me :)

Ash Seal and Bear: These are from Mt. St. Helens in Washington. I remember going with dad to the visitors' center and learning about the volcano and what it did to that area. I remember camping near there where the squirrels were a little too friendly. They got onto our picnic table and took our sandwiches!

Wooden Box: Codey Kolasinski stained this box for me, and made the chess pieces from clay. He was and is the most romantic man I've ever been with. The butterfly temporary tattoo was also from Codey. He knew I wanted a tattoo.

"You are special to me" Rock: This was from Lydia Wonsey. We started our friendship at Camp Howe in 2003 and are still friends to this day. Now that I live in D.C., Massachusetts isn't too far away! I also got the bracelet from Camp.

Snow Globe Box: Jeremy Blaustein made this for me when I left Massachusetts and Camp Howe. We were known at camp as the cute couple. He was very sweet. The box had 4 pictures, one on each side and when you shook it snow floated around. 1st pic: Jeremy and I; 2nd pic: a special needs camper and I wrapped together with ribbon (thanks Codey and Rob); 3rd pic: Some of the gag from camp.

Quote Poster: I don't know if you can read these, but if you can, you'll laugh. Especially if you lived with me or were a pseudo roommate of mine at Utah State 2005-2006.

Good Bye Poster: Shalene Hardman and Cassandra Winter threw me an awesome going away party when I left for D.C. in Feb. 2010. Shalene made the poster that the people at the party signed. I thought it was wonderful.

Jacob Jewell Art Work: Jake game me this painting for Christmas about 2005. Cute huh?

Family Flag: Mom and I made this at 4-H Family Camp 2006. It was wonderful to have her up in Jackson Hole with me at Family Camp.

My Little Pony: Oh the memories! I remember playing horse show in front of Dad's house in the dirt with my little ponies. I kept one though all the years. Many of them were maimed by the sun, dirt and hair brushes.

Powder Box: This I kept. It is Grandma White's. I will always remember her as a classy woman. When I was young I would dress up in her sequin tops, high heels and try on her lipstick. I remember this powder box being in the bathroom.

High School Graduation Tassel: Alta High School was a great place for me. I made some of the friends I still have today, some of the best friends I'll ever have. I learned a ton, had great times and loved almost all of it.

Painted Rock: Ryan Willeitner 2002: "Why do girls like flowers? They are dead plants."
Lindsey: "Well, when you pick them out, you think of me."
Ryan: "So if I was thinking of you, and I picked out a rock, you'd be happy?"
Lindsey: "Yeah, I would. Oh, except they're pretty and they smell good."
...
2 months later: I get a box full of painted (pretty) rocks (thought of me) sprayed with cologne (smells good). How romantic is that!

Tie Box: Codey gave this to me. I can't remember why it's significant. I think it just reminded me of the whole dating a New Englander. Very different than a Westerner. I realize that even more now that I live on the East Coast. He put up with a lot of my Westernness that was probably annoying. ;)

I Love New York Key Chain: Mom loves me. She gets me little things all the time. She got me this when she, Aunt Trudy, and Uncle Terry were in New York to help sort through Uncle Ted's things.

Double Heart Friends Key Chain: Nikki, the girl I mentored when I lived in Provo made me this. She's a beautiful amazing girl. I miss hanging out with her.

Broken Clutch: This is from a dirt motorcycle. I went on a date with Craig and after a couple hours of a successful first motorbike ride - (yes I was driving my own) I went over three bumps, my wheel turned 90 degrees and I went flying over the front face first. As I lay there with my shin bleeding and dirt in my face, I thought: that was cool, I hope Craig's bike is okay. Guess it wasn't...

Bullet Shell: This was another date, with Jared. I like shooting though I'm not that good at it.

Green Bag: This is what my favorite green earrings came in. I got them in Rome with Mary Price Huff. That was a great trip! Boutique shopping, site seeing, fantastic food.

Arrowhead and Beads: Vernon Parent, 4-H Agent from St. George let me and Utah County teens come to their teen retreat to Havasupai! We did lots of team building and adventures and these were prizes if we won or participated.

Marine Ribbon Magnent: I was given this when I was dating Craig. He had been oversees a couple times and was in Afghanistan after we dated. He is a good Marine. I loved the Marine ball- very romantic.

Coke Bottle: JoLene Bunnell and I went to the Coke Factory in Atlanta when we were there for NAE4-HA. JoLene is the best boss I've ever and probably will ever had. I miss her lots.

Horse Tooth: This is Shorty's tooth. Shorty was my first horse. He was a wild stallion in his young days, injured dad and mom, and could even run in hobbles. I did walk/trot on him. By the time he got to me, he was perfect.

Horse Stuffed Animal: Codey Kolasinski got this horse for me for Valentine's Day. He also gave me a quarter for it's food. Haha.

Brush: This is my childhood brush. When I got older I used it on my dolls.

Baseball: Jim Riggleman signed my ball at Nats U- baseball for women. Valerie Esty and I got to pitch in the bullpen, bat in the cages, and field on the National's field. It was AWESOME!

Lanyard: In 2002 the Olympics came to Salt Lake City. I got to go to a few events and it was amazing to see all the people from all over the world in Salt Lake City.

Lamb Chop: "This is the song that never ends...yes it goes on and on my friend...someone started singing it..."

Puppy Dog: I'm not sure why this dog looks sad, but I remember going to bed at night with it and wanting it to be happier.

Tassels: '06 was from my bachelor's degree and '08 from my master's, both at USU.

Tail Bag: This is Allegro's tail bag. He was pretty much the best horse I've ever had. I miss him tremendously.

Ribbon: CSI was one of the hardest teams to beat when I was competing with USU on the Equestrian Team. 1st Place at their show was quite the accomplishment. Being on the Equestrian Team was one of the highlights of going to USU.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed a trip down my memory lane. I feel like my life has had such wonderful opportunities and I'm so grateful. Hopefully this will help me remember some of them.

Christmas in D.C.

2011-01-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well Washington D.C. has come through once again in it's awesome uniqueness. You might ask, what does D.C. offer at Christmas time? Let me show you...

"Gingerbread Houses" in the Botanical Garden

The Great Wall of China made from bark and other natural materials.

Mini Library of Congress

Capital Building

Lincoln Memorial

The National Christmas Tree

Kinda looks like a cone, but a cool cone!

Anne, Val, me and Jenny saw the tree, the state trees and ate at a great sushi place.

ICE

A resort across the water from D.C. brought in Chinese ice sculptures.

We were given huge parkas because it was 9 degrees.

The grinch was cool, but the nativity was awesome!

Thus ends my Christmas season in Washington D.C.

The most kind airport I've ever seen...

2010-12-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to an airport who's bathrooms had an attendant? I HAVE!

I'm in charlotte, NC. At least I think it's North Carolina not South. I'm afraid to ask someone for fear of offending them. Are Carolinans defensive of that? I could look it up but that wouldn't due for the sake of this paragraph ;)

Charlotte, wherever it is, is SO nice. I didn't notice it at first. Maybe I've lived in the city long enough I don't look up and smile as often as I use to. Though I still do that more than typical Washingtonians. I started noticing when the restroom attendant was there. She had mints, mouthwash, lotion, and she was wiping the counters. What airport does that?!

More of Charlotte's Southern hospitality:

1. Rocking Chairs with electrical outlets near.

2. Ask Me people stationed around the airport, just waiting to be nice and call you darlin'.

3. A piano playing Christmas music.

4. People smiling at me left and right, and saying excuse me sweetheart.

Maybe I'd fit in in the South?

A boost in my confidence

2010-12-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this comment:

"When I tried to remember what you looked like (without having seen you in a while) I had just assumed that I had exaggerated in my mind how beautiful I remembered you being (not in a bad way, but just that sometimes I embelish certain things in memory). As it turns out, however, you really were as beautiful as I remembered."

Just thought I'd share, as sometimes we blog about the hard things, I thought I'd post something sweet. And no, this doesn't not mean I'm dating someone, I'm still looking ;)

Fall and Redecorating...

2010-10-13T19:42:00.000-06:00

Is there any better friend than one who will spend 3 days redecorating / remodeling my room, helping me make it the coolest bedroom I've ever had, and definitely the best place to live in my whole apartment complex? Thus follows the story of Lindsey, her bedroom, and Brian.

First there was Lindsey.

I moved to this apartment in April, I painted in April. I LOVED my paint. I had big plans of organization...and then as usual, life got busy. Travel, work, every cool things to do in D.C. I could get myself too...you know the story.

So there was Lindsey's bedroom.

I wish I had taken a before picture, but let me paint it for you. One steal utility storage shelf full of mismatched projects, two well used bookshelves stuffed to their brim, intermixed with antique furniture and storage tupperware, again with projects. I loved my bed, dresser, nightstand, two chests, rocking chair and armoire, but none of it was positioned to be aesthetically or functionally pleasing. And life was still busy.

Enter Brain.

Lindsey: "Mom and I came up with a plan for my room. Here's the general idea..."
Brian: "Okay, we can do that. Let me take some measurements..."
Brian: "Here are three options that you can alter or use..."
Lindsey: "Oh my this is going to be amazing...to the IKEA!!"

If you didn't know, Brian's a master planner. You can give him an idea, and he'll figure out all the angles, options, concerns, fallbacks, yes's and no's when asking about options and measurements, and then gives you the final decision power- because it's still your project - because he's awesome.

So off to IKEA, when we got everything on the cart...well remember how I have a sedan? I'll let the pictures do the talking...

It was a close one, but smarts and luck triumph again. Yes, that would be a 3 6 foot boxes from the front of my passenger seat into the back seat. Brian graciously sat in the back behind the driver's seat. Home we went, and 5 hours later, poof - it's all built!!

And by poof, I mean, Lindsey cleared the work space, held things where she was told to hold, and basically let the master of IKEA builders work. It was awesome. So if that isn't enough, I leave my master planner alone for a few hours to grocery shop, and I come back- and it looks like this!! Hello!

I thought I was in for hours of sorting and organizing to get to this point, but no, master planner comes to the rescue again.

I LOVE it! I never want to leave my room, I want to play my beautiful guitar (Jimmy) all the time, I want to stare at the light behind the friends sign as it changes colors (yeah, that's right, it changes 7 different colors. It has fade, blink, and single color options), and read a great book in my rocking chair.
The hanging lamp, the guitar hanging, the light behind, all my master planner's ideas.

I'll send better pictures of the whole room once I've hung pictures, etc. But for now, can we all revel in the fact that the whole piece looks amazing, and that it was done in 3 days with no fights, no crying, only laughing, teasing freaked out faces, and lots of hammering.

I wish you could all see it in person. Better and more pictures to come...the goal is done by Thanksgiving...

Jake and more baseball!!

2010-07-20T06:39:00.000-06:00

I'm SO proud of Jake! He has worked very hard to be very good at baseball and I wish I could see him play.

Local Little Leaguer earns first place in Aquafina Pitch, Hit & Run at Safeco Field

Go to the following to see:
http://www.nwnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1669:local-little-leaguer-earns-first-place-in-aquafina-pitch-hit-a-run-at-safeco-field&catid=49:valley-view&Itemid=94

A Baseball Kind of Summer

2010-06-24T10:04:00.018-06:00

What is baseball?

Encyclopedia Bretanica says it's a game played with a bat, a ball, and gloves between two teams of nine players each on a field with four white bases laid out in a diamond (i.e., a square oriented so that its diagonal line is vertical). Teams alternate positions as batters (offense) and fielders (defense), exchanging places when three members of the batting team are “put out.” As batters, players try to hit the ball out of the reach of the fielding team and make a complete circuit around the bases for a “run.” The team that scores the most runs in nine innings (times at bat) wins the game.

I say baseball is a warm summer evening after work, sitting in slacks and a red Nationals t-shirt, waiting to hear my favorite batter's song as he walks up to the plate, staining my fingers chili pepper red with adicting chili smoothering a half smoke hotdog w/ onions and cheese.

I say baseball is sitting with a good friend talking about who's pitching and why we love Pudge (Ivan Rodriguez), the crack of a bat and the cheer of the crowd when it's a home run, watching the presidents with their oversized heads run to make the finish line, and cheering Teddy on even though he never wins.

2 of the 4 ;) I'll get the 4th, don't you worry! Teddy (my fav., and George)

I say baseball is watching fireworks over the water, doing the actions to 'Take me out to the ball game', and being skwished on the metro after the game between a dad and his little boy decked out in Nationals Gear, a guy with his arms around his girlfriend, and the plastic partition near the door. Seeing history in the making when Strasburg pitched his first major league game, feeling the excitement of the crowd when he finished with 14 strikeouts!!

Being with those I love and watching something exciting and hometown comforting, that is what baseball means to me.

I credit part of my family for my first experiences in baseball. So I also say baseball is sitting in the evening sun, down the street from the house, on the camp chair Rob brought for me because he knows I'd forget, watching Nick and Josh through the chainlink behind homeplate- running, batting, catching and throwing- all to their hardest and best no matter what the score, the smell of sunscreen Becky made me put on because she knows I'd forget. Chating with Gayle and being teased by Gary in between inings. Being so proud of the character Nick and Josh show when they compete. And the view of the setting sun over the mountains.

I guess I've expanded an old interest ;)

My lung capactiy and the smell of rain.

2010-05-20T19:51:00.000-06:00

Moving here let's be honest- I wasn't in amazing shape but I was doing okay right? I did have one thing going for me- a high altitutuds lung capacity. Growing up at 5,000 feet makes your lungs work hard for the air they need!

I decided when I moved to a low altitude that I would make a conscious effort to breath deeply often in a effort to prevent my potential oxygen deprivation when I go back to Utah to visit family and friends. Does this have any scientific validity? I have no idea.

What it has done today though, seems beneficial enough. As I walked to the metro and then from the metro to my apartment I began to breath as deeply as my lungs would allow. What was the result? The wonderful smell of the air, grass and cement all being given a spring wash by the rain.

So breath deeply. Breath deeply to keep your lungs healthy, breath deeply to appreciate the world we have been given.

13 clothing items for $89!!

2010-04-24T07:58:00.006-06:00

What do you think when you hear thrift store? I use to think...

D.I.
Out-dated clothing
The sketchier part of town

Now that I've gone to "The Recycled Clothing Store" in Alexandria, Virginia and this is what I think when I now hear thrift store...

Ann Taylor Loft
Banana Republic
Coldwater Creek

That's right! All this stuff for $89. I think they get it from the stores when the stores have just one of something so they can't really sell it, and it's mostly the season before, but really, I'm so excited. I love love the long jackets. I have to build up my work wardrobe so I'll be visiting every couple months.

Cherry Blossoms and Fish

2010-04-11T19:42:00.005-06:00

The Cherry Blossoms have blossomed! I actually went to see them about a week too late, but those that were there, beautiful.
The picture below, correct me if I'm wrong, are actually magnolias. They are currently in full bloom and are so aromatic! They have the most tantalizing smell.

A friend and I this past week walked around the tidal basin to see the blossoms and enjoy the wonderfully warm, not too humid yet, spring. As we were walking I see this man with a fishing pole. Now we are thinking- ha, yeah right, like you're going to catch anything in the basin. Oh how we were wrong! This man starts to fight with something that is pulling his pole into a arch that I've only seen with large trout. Now I don't have a lot of experience with fishing, but what I have tells me, this is no small fish he's trying to catch. After about 2 minutes, he reaches down and with both arms, pulls this massive carp out of the water! What?!

Apparently the basin has a bunch of them. I never in my life thought I would posses a picture with a carp and the Washington Monument in it. Hahaha. It was a unexpected event on a fun day downtown.

The more I explore and experience this area the more I like it. I'm starting to feel successful in my job, I'm making friends, transitioning to my new apartment over in Arlington, and yes, going on dates. I think this is the beginning of good things.

Bear River Mutual - highly recommended

2010-03-23T20:58:00.002-06:00

How often is it that you say, "man, I wish I could have stayed with that insurance company- they were so cheep and treated me so well!" I haven't heard it, except with Bear River Mutual. Kudos to Kimi for the recommendation.

Bear River is unique in the fact that you have to sign a document saying you will not smoke, drink or do drugs, ever. Not just while driving the car, but the entire time you're insured with them. This apparently allows them to provide insurance for an awesome price. I understand why this company thrives in Utah, and I'm sad it only exists out there in the West.

Is that all you might say? Is that all about the company you can recommend? That their prices are cheep because they discriminate against vices? No! They have good service too. I cancelled my renters and my car insurance and they did it with no questions, easily, and sent me the prorated premiums with no problem.

So I say to you Bear River Mutual, a sad goodbye, but maybe a see you soon- I'll come back to you if I ever live where you'll cover me.

Argyle, the only white person in Walmart, and Casserole made me cry...

2010-03-02T16:52:00.002-07:00

1. ARGYLE So, a couple weekends ago, I went to an Argyle party. That's right, an Argyle party. The entire downstairs of the house was wallpapered with colored paper that had an argyle pattern copied onto it. It was awesome! Pictures to come, as soon as my roommate emails me them... Everyone was wearing some form of Argyle and some, too many forms. Ha.

I met a bunch of people, salsa danced, and a cute Marine in the Naval Academy (the one I salsa danced with) even got my number. Hehe. Now, he hasn't called, but still it's always a nice time when you get to dance and he doesn't go running the other way.

2. WALMART So I went to the Walmart South of my house- yeah I had forgotten that it's better to go North lol. It wouldn't be a big deal if they had actually had a selection of items, but the things I was looking for, those aisles were a little bare. K, so imagine the following: I walk inside, and immediately notice, I'm the only white person in my line of vision, so I'm thinking, well, there must be some of the minority in here somewhere ... no. I was the only white person in an entire huge Walmart. I thought it was a great/odd experience for this white girl who grew up in a fairly white world ;)

3. CASSEROLE So, this weekend, I thought- I miss the family a little, I think I'll make the sweet potato casserole Liz made for my going away dinner with the Hollands- that will make me feel better. Yeah- it made me cry. I'm sure everyone has experienced this at one point or another- I'm really far from home, everything is pretty unfamiliar, and I just had one of those weekends- I wanted my friends, my family, my local shopping spots, my home. I cried a bit, I talked to someone who made me a feel a little better, and though I'm still feeling a little homesick, I think it will get better.

The thing about making a move this huge is that it needs time right? I think I'll reserve judgement on if it was a good move or not, for a year. It will take a year to get to really know the area, to make friends, to establish some of the things that make me happy and secure right?

I love you all who are reading this. I can't believe how I've been blessed with such awesome friends and family. I'm grateful everyday.

The first of many D.C. posts...

2010-02-15T17:07:00.002-07:00

Well here I am in Washington D.C.!!

The snow has been crazy! 55" is a lot for anywhere, but here they don't have enough snowplows and no one knows how to drive in it! Ha! My plan to come a week early to get a bunch of things set up before I started work turned more into a week of playing in the snow, shoveling in the snow, and trying to use public transportation in the snow!

So here's my first of I'm sure many stories from the city:

I learned:
1. I'm living in Washington D.C.! I think it finally hit me.
2. Buses and the metro don't run normally in the snow.
3. If you talk to a single guy for more than 2 minutes he asks for your number. Ha!

So, today I got to the metro, by roommate drop off (two of my roommates go by metro stops on their way to work, so that's awesome and convenient). So I left at 7 am, (needing to be at work theoretically by 8:30), got to the metro, and proceeded to wait for 45 minutes because the metro line had maintenance because of the snow. When I did get to the place I'll be working- that was great, it all worked out so good there right?

So then I decide I'm going to the Washington Monument in honor of President's Day- so I got a ticket and spent the time in between in the Julia Child's exhibit in the Museum of American History- awesome!! So that's #1, that's when I hit me, I was looking between the capital building and the washington monument and it hit me- I LIVE IN WASHINGTON DC!!! That was an awesome moment. I took time to just savor it. :) The Washington Monument is cool too. Oh, and I might become a member of the Smithsonian, we'll see.

So after a day on the National Mall, I decided to head home- well I picked a metro stop with a bus route that I thought was close to home- turns out- no, no, not at all. I get off the Metro - not the best area!! Good thing it was daytime! The Rhode Island Ave stop- yeah. So then after 45 minutes of waiting I get on the bus, it's the correct bus, I'm feeling all good about things, looking at the neighborhoods- yeah neighborhoods I won't be in after dark- and then the bus driver announces that he's on snow routes. SNOW ROUTES?! What does that mean? It means he doesn't go by my house- he doesn't even get near my stop. So I end up at the New Carrollton Metro. Ha! I took 2 hours of busing to get to another metro. Durr! So I call my roommate because there's no bus that goes near my house and see if she'll pick me up at the metro she dropped me at this morning. It's a go. So still making it, but not in style that's for sure. I then proceed to get on the very end of the red line and go all the way back into DC to then get on the Green Line and go to the end of that. Ha! She picked me up and 3.5 hours later I get home. Ha!

K, so when I was waiting for the metro at the New Carrollton stop- this nice looking young man started talking to me. I asked this guy if he was a regular at this stop (to see if it was safe to come home and catch the bus there (when it's not snow routes), and that was it- he talked to me all the way into DC. Very nice- from West Africa, almost done with a bachelor's degree here in the US. And he ended up asking me for my number. Hahaha, oh good times in the city.

So that's my story, I thought it was interesting, but maybe it only is because I lived it, lol. We'll see how I do tomorrow. My first day of work...

Help 4-H out with 2 minutes of your time...

2009-04-29T16:30:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, 4-H has been earning much needed funding through the Albertson’s Community Partners Program. I need your help to continue earning funds! All you have to do is link your Preferred Savings card to 4-H by going to,

www.albertson.com/cp/

All you will need is your preferred saving card number, your phone number and the organization number.

Utah County 4-H # 49000118401

Please link and tell your friends and family. We earn back 4% of your shopping dollars for every purchase you make. If you need help let me know.
Thank you for your support!

A Learning Experience

2009-04-19T17:43:00.002-06:00

That's what I'm fondly referring to as the new house I'm renting...

In the month of April I'm paying double rent because I didn't plan well and my landlord (was a friend- yeah once you try to ask her for something to do with money, she's not very happy with you) wouldn't let me a month early out of my contract, and the new place started in the same month. So, double rent.

Then, we move into this house- it's two bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom with a huge backyard. Sounds great right? Yeah, that's what I thought when I did the walk through with people living in it. Well when I did the walk through with it empty, and signed the contract (stupid I have now learned), not so great. Cute old houses, in cute old neighborhoods, sometimes turn out to be old houses with lots of problems, cosmetic and otherwise, in semi ghetto neighborhoods! Ha! I do feel safe so that's good.

There are holes in the sheetrock, water damaged sheetrock in the bathroom, some of the doors don't shut all the way, and oh my goodness! It took me 5 hours to clean the kitchen. Whoever lived there before was disgusting! AND my landlord doesn't want to fix anything. I already signed a year contract, why would they?
So that's my learning experience, and I'm with it for a year.

I have learned- don't sign a contract until you really are sure, don't feel pressured, and ask for all the things you want done before you sign. I've learned I need to take pictures, and wait a day to think about things, and that life, life is a constant battle to not get taken advantage of.

Well...as I come up on my 25th year of life, (yes I'm turning 25, that's VERY weird), and I am changing my ways! That is what I have learned, and the cost- a lot of money, and stress because I'm living somewhere I can't properly clean, or feel comfortable in.

hahaha!

2009-04-01T00:07:00.002-06:00

Oh this is a little too much like my life. LOL! No more though!

I have made some really positive steps and decisions lately about my "dating" life. So in order to prevent what I have experienced over and over again (similar to the comic above) here are my new rules...

1. Don't ____ with any guy I'm not interested in. (anything can be filled in here: i.e. cuddle, go on dates with (even pretend ones), etc. etc.)

2. Well that's as far as I've gotten, but hey, you have to start somewhere! :)

I'm sure you all are smarter than I, but I'm just learning this stuff. :) Must be why I need at a minimum, 7 years of singlehood. I have a LOT to learn!

Updated 50 Things...

2009-03-28T23:43:00.007-06:00

So I've had a few requests to update my 50 Things To Do Before I Die list :) Since this is kind of a working journal, I thought that was a good idea, and I even put some pictures in for you visual learners.

50 Things To Do Before I Die

1. Marry in the temple and have children
2. Own a home with my husband
3. See the fireflies in the summer in the East – June 2004, Massachusetts
4. See the leaves of autumn in the East
5. Cross-Country Driving Trip- taking pictures of old barns, etc.
6. Play the piano
7. Play the guitar
8. Ride sidesaddle
9. Live in a small house (like the Avenues in Salt Lake) – April 2009; tree streets Provo
10. Hike Timpanogos
11. Young Women’s Personal Progress – May 2002
12. Cliff Jump – June 3rd, 2008 ; Havasupai

13. Rock Climb
14. See the Sistine Chapel
15. Have a gorgeous garden
16. Be a board member of Festival of Trees – 2008 & 2009!
17. Ballroom dance
18. Dive off a diving board
19. Scuba Dive
20. Make clay pottery with a wheel
21. Church history trip
22. Go to Jerusalem and other holy cities
23. See the Arauraborialus
24. Skate Rockefeller Center at Christmas time
25. Have a beauty day with friends
26. Build a tree house
27. Singing lessons
28. Whitewater Rafting – July 2006, Snake River, Jackson Hole, WY
29. Disney World – March 2008

30. See the tulip fields in Holland
31. Go to all the sports live: Soccer (BYU 2007), Football (USU 2002), Basketball (USU 2005-6), Baseball (Mariners 2007), Hockey ( USU 2005-6), Lacrosse, Volleyball (BYU 2009)
32. Ride a horse in the surf of the ocean
33. Try the water sports: Jet Ski, Wakeboard, Waterski
34. Go on a train ride – August 2005

35. Travel to Africa, Australia, Europe (July 2004), Asia, and South America
36. Invest
37. Jump a horse
38. Throw a Masquerade Ball – Aug. 2008

39. See the Pyramids
40. Go on Safari and take pictures
41. Walk in the vineyards – August 2005, France

42. Fly fish
43. Family History and Temple Work
44. Overnighter with the horses
45. Read all the great works of literature
46. Ride in a hot air balloon
47. Go on a mission with my husband
48. Drive Route 66
48 ½. See a Living Art Show
49. Go to every state’s State Fair – UT 2008
49 ½. Learn to Sew/Tailor
50. Raise a guide dog puppy

Skull Candy Rocks My World!

2009-03-22T23:16:00.002-06:00

www.skullcandy.com

Okay, this is the best company! Not only do they make really good headphones and accessories, but they have awesome warranties, they are local (park city), and they completely support the community.

Example 1: they gave momentum climbing (the indoor climbing place in Sandy) headphones to give to my mentoring kids when they did an event for us.

Example 2: I ended up using my assertiveness to get two people to share a cab with me today from the airport (they were very willing, don't think I tricked them into it or anything), and turns out one of them works for skull candy. When he said that I started talking about how I love their stuff, and my brothers love their stuff, and how I think they're such a cool company, and then how I want some of their noise reduction headphones...by the time he left the cab he had give me a pair! Right out the blue! He was super nice and said they love to support the locals. How COOL is that!

Example 3: This same guy then tells me to email him and he'll get my 4-H kids hooked up with some stuff for good grades and behavior and such.

What a GREAT company. They are doing really well, and I hope they continue to do well :)

Support Local Restaurants, Try THESE!

2009-03-07T01:04:00.002-07:00

I LOVE local restaurants. I love that families, or friends or whatever are venturing to do something they love and bring great food to their communities. I love the random decor and menus with spelling errors (i always relate to that). SO... I'm asking for your favorite local restaurants, and I'll list a few I just found :)

Sammy's
awesome, creative burgers; SWEET POTATO fries! shakes
adorable stools and long counters
27 N 100 W Provo
http://iutah.tv/entity/view/144658

Mini's
amazing mini cupcakes, wonderful box lunches, funny entertaining decor
14 East 800 South, Salt Lake
http://www.mini-cupcakes.com/

Fearless Heart

2009-03-01T01:27:00.002-07:00

I can't find a good video or sound clip for this song, the best I can do is this...

http://www.rhapsody.com/-search?query=fearless%20heart&searchtype=RhapKeyword

Use the Steve Earle version.

This is one of my life songs. (You know, those songs that you hear and it's amazing that it describes your life, or that you want to pattern your life after because you think it will make you a better person)

"Don't you worry bout what you've been told
Cause honey I ain't even close to cold
It's kinda soon to fall in love again
But sometimes the best that you can do is just jump back in
I got me a fearless heart
Strong enough to get you through the scary part
It's been broken many times before
A fearless heart just comes back for more

Folks'll tell you that I'm just no good
But I wouldn't hurt you honey if I could
I can't promise this'll work out right
But it would kill me darlin' if we didn't even try

I admit I fall in love a lot
But I nearly always give it my best shot
I know you must think I'm the reckless kind
But I want a lady with a fearless heart just like mine

So what's this post all about, besides sharing random music?

I have a friend who is currently trying to find the courage to make something happen with a guy she likes. This is what I say...

Have a fearless heart!

I have been hurt, I have hurt others, BUT I have LOVED, and I have been LOVED. And that- that is worth the risk and the hurt. I have said, more than once, "hey, i kinda like you". And that has lead to the,

"I want to just be friends" answer,and that has also lead to the..."I kinda like you too" answer.

Here's the thing- why not put yourself out there? Put yourself out there in the beginning, put yourself out there in the middle, go all in, put your fearless heart into another's hands, and jump into what could be an amazing experience.

NOTE OF CAUTION: as we all know, I have not graduated from the single life, my advice obviously needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Honestly, I'm learning, and what I'm learning is, that sometimes I need to be slow, but there's a balance between slow and a fearless heart. I guess I'll find that balance one day and at the same time, I'll find a guy who wants whatever balance I have found. :)

(Apparently all my blogging lately is about relationships, but hey, the marrieds blog about kids and marriage so don't hate)

Reflection on a year of Relationships

2008-12-24T15:55:00.004-07:00

From Dec. 2007 to Dec. 2008 I have had the privilege of being in three relationships. There are so many emotions one goes through when falling in like or falling in love and just as many when ones heart is broken and also healing.

First I would like to say…I am SO thankful for those experiences. Who can say they’ve been with three amazing guys in the space of 12 months?!

The things I have learned and the romantic/fun/crazy events that happened were worth any of the pain and heartbreak that came in the end.

Experiences Like….
Being introduced to a new Thai restaurant
Wearing any height of heal I want!
Growing closer to Amy
Learning about bagpipe music
Having a bagpipe song WRITTEN for me
Gaining new friends
Having foreign country themed dates
Getting a call from a foreign country for my birthday
Dancing in the kitchen
Holding hands walking in a neighborhood
Being tackled from behind and KISSED
His co-workers telling him he’s lucky to have someone like me
Being teased by his family and loving every blushing minute of it

Learning Thinks Like….
Let him take the lead and responding equally, not more, not less, but equal
I can find LDS guys who I would like to be with
Going slow and giving space
Family means SO much
Friends mean SO much
Waiting until the next day to talk about something, thinking it over is a GOOD idea
Best friends can sometimes make the best lovers (don’t worry no lines were crossed)
God is watching over me

Next I would like to say…I still have hope for LOVE. I have met a few girls and guys who are so jaded with love. They feel that all girls this, or all guys that, or that people can’t really find the someone who they can be happy with or who can be happy with them…BUT NOT ME. I still find joy in a first date (even if it is just laughing at the awkwardness), love a first kiss, and have hope that the love of my life is out there, somewhere.

Last, I know God is watching over me because…
He gives me beautiful experiences
He gives me heartache and challenges to teach me
He sends me friends that lighten my sorrow and lift me back up
He gave me my family who will always be the loves of my life.

Adding One To The List...

2008-05-24T10:49:00.000-06:00

Well I've decided on my 49th thing to do: See every state's State Fair! How fun is that?! It might work with the road trip idea, but I just think it would be great to see all the 4-H stuff if every state, and how they do things, and the unique foods. Oh good fun. Any takers for a travel partner? It will take a number of years because they are all usually in August and September.

50 Things To Do Before I Die

2008-05-09T08:56:00.000-06:00

In an effort to blog more (Kimi says I never change mine ;) I am going to list my 50 Things To Do Before I Die and then when I do them I'll post on the adventure. So, here goes- let me know if you want to do anything with me, I'm always needing partners in adventure and fun.

If they are bold and have a date with them, I've accomplished that goal. :)

50 Things To Do Before I Die

1. Marry in the temple and have children

2. Own a home with my husband

3. See the fireflies in the summer in the East – June 2004, Massachusetts

4. See the leaves of autumn in the East

5. Cross-Country Driving Trip

6. Play the piano

7. Play the guitar

8. Ride sidesaddle

9. Live in a small house (like the Avenues in Salt Lake)

10. Hike Timpanogos

11. Young Women’s Personal Progress – May 2002

12. Cliff Jump

13. Rock Climb

14. See the Sistine Chapel

15. Have a gorgeous garden

16. Be a board member of Festival of Trees

17. Ballroom dance

18. Dive off a diving board

19. Scuba Dive

20. Make clay pottery with a wheel

21. Church history trip

22. Go to Jerusalem and other holy cities

23. See the Arauraborialus

24. Skate Rockefeller Center at Christmas time

25. Have a beauty day with friends

26. Build a tree house

27. Singing lessons

28. Whitewater Rafting – July 2006, Snake River, Jackson Hole, WY

29. Disney World

30. See the tulip fields in Holland

31. Go to all the sports live: Soccer (BYU 2007), Football (USU 2002), Basketball (USU 2005-6), Baseball (Mariners 2007), Hockey ( USU 2005-6), Lacrosse, Volleyball

32. Ride a horse in the surf of the ocean

33. Try the water sports: Jet Ski, Wakeboard, Waterski

34. Go on a train ride – August 2005

35. Travel to Africa, Australia, Europe (July 2004), Asia, and South America

36. Invest

37. Jump a horse

38. Throw a Masquerade Ball

39. See the Pyramids

40. Go on Safari and take pictures

41. Walk in the vineyards – August 2005, France

42. Fly fish

43. Family History and Temple Work

44. Overnighter with the horses

45. Read all the great works of literature

46. Ride in a hot air balloon

47. Go on a mission with my husband

48. See a Living Art Show

49. This and # 50 are open for suggestions...

50.

Just One More Reason I LOVE Seattle

2007-05-18T15:52:00.001-06:00

Variety and acceptance of clothing, hair and everything else visual.

First variety...
Do you ever feel walking around Provo, Logan, and even Salt Lake- everyone looks pretty much the same? Oh, I know- there are those unique appearances every once in a while, but I don't as often find myself saying- wow, that's a different outfit, hair or whatever. Walking around Seattle and even out in the rural areas where my parents live there is just more variety.

The second and more important point is the acceptance of appearance...
As I walk around here I don't feel that voice behind me saying, "ah, those pants? really?" or something to that effect. I don't see the judgemental and condescending looks that I sometimes see in my hometown. I'm not saying everyone is like that in Utah, and I'm not saying that no one in Seattle is like that, it was just a pleasant atmosphere of acceptance that I was able to enjoy this week.

"Raising" Children

2006-03-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Today the phrase raising children came to my mind in a way it has not before. When someone says they want to raise their children well, most times I think- help them grow up, become successful adults and not get into trouble. This seems to be the standard idea of raising a child, but today I thought of a new perspective.

We as the older generation can raise a child up. By this I mean to a higher level, even higher than we have turned out. Isn't that the point anyway? Shouldn't we hope that our children and grandchildren will have more knowledge, be more skilled, kind, spiritual and well rounded than we are? I think it is our job to help them attain the potential they don't even know they have. We can raise them not only to be productive adults, but to a higher level, as an elevator raises a passenger to a new level to then explore and do more than on the previous level.

All this maybe see elementary to some of you, but I found it an inspiring and interesting train of thought.

Running in Flipflops...

2006-03-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, as I was running across the Quad on Utah State's campus, in flipflops, giving myself shin splints, kicking muddy grassiness onto my legs, and listening to the five p.m. chime of the bell in Old Main....I realized two things...

The procrastinator in my HAS to DIE! How many times can I run to turn a paper in minutes before it's late, start an online quiz just minutes before it closes, or read an article in the class I should have prepared for?

Also, I have become a perpetually late person. I am always trying to do just one more thing before I leave, or one more errand before I go to class, or sleep one more minute. It's not good, and it's not the person I want to be. I think it developed from the distaste of being awkwardly early. But, I have decided- being early is only an opportunity to take in my surrounds and appreciate the time I have, a time to reflect.

So, I will as of today, do better.

2006-02-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful things I've ever seen happened yesterday and I've seen two or three times now...My colt (young horse) training class turned our colts to run in the arena yesterday. Imagine the following...three red and one black horse galloping, kicking up, rearing, and throwing their heads at each other set against a pure white background. All the while, they are prancing, lifting their strong muscular legs, churning up the snow as does a the bottom of a waterfall- letting the snow fly up and dust their legs and bellies. It's a beautiful display of power, passion and the Master's creations.

My New Passions...

2006-01-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received two gifts and both were magical...

1. A Guitar! It's a Ovation Celebrity CS257 just in case you wanted to look it up, or you know anything about guitars. Now to be truthful, it's not really mine. My best guy friend in the world is letting me borrow it for the semester. He is also buying it new strings and helping me get everything else I will need to learn my new endeavor, and therein lyes some of the magic for me.

With this gift comes first the reassurance that Brian trusts me (it's a REALLY nice guitar) and also the knowledge that has been proven time and time again that Brian though sometimes flakey, REALLY knows me. Over the course of the semester I hope it will bring us to a new level of closeness that I am always striving for in my friendships. I'm VERY excited to learn. I've wanted to for a long time. (A note: if you're thinking, "who's Brian? What's the deal between these two?" He and I will never date, it just wasn't in the fates, and he's happily dating someone else right now.)

2. Horse Training. Now you might think- 'Linds, horse training isn't a gift- even if you were a horse, or even owned a horse!' BUT it is! I have recently read 'Horses Don't Lie' by Chris Irwin. If you have ever riden horses or ever wish to- read this book. I think it's a great jumping off point into the world of modern or Neo-Horse Whispering. This leads me to the gift. I have found a new passion (and I consider that new found passion as the gift) for horse training and riding. My equestrian team coach and my teacher uses mostly Parelli methods and I am going to learn them! I am observing and helping her teach the 101 and 201 horse riding classes at the University and taking the 301 class. I'm a the barn A LOT, but I love it. By the end of the semester I hope to have read and experienced enough to train and teach and use all this great knowledge and have the basis to learn more!

I'm not going to tell you about the stuff I'm learning, but that will be another blog. So, my two gifts are amazing and life is going to be great this year! I will probably do more new things and things will change more, than ever before. I am excited about this possibility, but also scared, because I'm sure I will encounter challenges, heartache and trials, but that is all worth the good times, new things learned, character growth and fun I will have.

Back...At Least for a while...

2005-12-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back. I think I'll be okay for a while, maybe 'til mid-terms hit. The biggest reason I'm getting back onto this time consuming but worthwhile endeavor- my sista Mary. I think she's the only one who reads my blog anyway :) I love you Mary!

This bring up an interesting point for Mary or if any other kind soul is reading this...
I think what we do for others can help us understand the amount of dedication and love we have for them. I know this is especially true at Christmas time. I go through a list of people in my head, and those I cherish and love I try to show with cards, gifts or time.

Now, I'm not sure if I fully agree with this, (to play the other side). I love my little brother VERY much (he's 7 years old and lives in Washington), but I do not call him, send him cards or do the things I do with friends or other family. Is this a function of the distance, his age or some unknown factor?

So in my usual confusion, I mean...conclusion :) I'm not sure. I think some show love with time, others with deeds, others with words, and still some with silent affection and support.

Here's to hoping those you love, love you back.
Linds

Good Bye, Until The Summer

2005-10-05T17:13:00.000-06:00

Oh Blogs...
Fill my mind with intrigue
Inform me about my friends
Keep me thinking about the world around me
And
Take up time I don't have

I'm sure many of you feel that time is short and there are not enough hours in the day...well, I'm feeling that way.

So, Adu. I'm giving up blogging. I love reading all of your posts on my site, and all of the posts on your sites more, but I just can't fit it in. You'll have to know me well to know that 1st, I really am a busy person and 2nd, I can't do something half way or just a little, I have to do it all the way or not at all. So, I'm not posting, I'm not reading, nothing- until I have the time to really read and thing about the stuff you guys write or that I want to express.

I will be back, don't fret :) After I graduate, which is May. So, until then, e-mail me, call me, come see me, because I still want to keep in touch, I just can't do it through Blog :)

so excited!

2005-09-26T15:49:00.000-06:00

http://fr.movies.yahoo.com/promo/harrypotter.html

Go here, get excited, be happy :)

P.S. I got the link from my friend in france, that's why it's a french thing :) The audio is still in English

Army

2005-09-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

I totally and completely respect the men and women who give service to our county. I do not have that capacity, but I am eternally grateful for them and the peace, security and freedom they provide me.

That said- I have a story...
I was walking home from school yesterday, still on campus, and suddenly I hear “Joe got send to Vietnam”…”JOE GOT SEND TO VIETNAM!” with about 45 voices. I turn around to see our ROTC Army women and men, running in beat and chanting. Does anyone know the name of this process? I think there’s a name for it. Anyway, so the next thing I hear is “Joe’s going to kill the Vietcom”…”JOE’S GOING TO KILL THE VIETCOM!” The chanting went through an entire story about his young man and his family all the way to his son getting his metal of honor after Joe died in Vietnam. My goodness! I was quite overcome with amazement at this display of training.
I would like to know the opinion of those in the army and out, of this type of exercise and just opinion on army training in general.

See Cody's Blog...

2005-09-19T13:51:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is. Not exactly, but it's pretty close. I think this is taken from the other side of the rock. See Cody's blog @ http://barefootrecords.blogspot.com/ and scroll down to the "Have you ever" entry. Good fun huh? I was in this place 4 years ago.

I think it's a romantic thought that I stood on the same beach as at least one other person I "e-know". It makes you think of all the people who have gone before in the place you are, and all the people who will come after. People you will never meet or you might one day meet, will share just one moment and place with you. Along with this- it's a wonderful opportunity to connect with another by talking with them about a place you both have been.

It's amazing that our world is so very small. I think before the advent of modern travel it was much larger, but now we are only a hop, skip or plane ride from wherever we want. I have met people in New York, Seattle, etc. when I was visiting or living there who were from my home town all by coincidence.

This idea is made on the presumption that we have money. If one does not have money, the world is again very large and not quite as accessible. I wonder if those who have never really traveled know what they are missing.

2005-09-13T19:48:00.000-06:00

I know, a lot of pictures- this blog is mostly for Mary and Kimi, but I hope anyone else (if anyone else reads my blog...) will enjoy. This is how I decorated my room this year. I'm actually pretty proud of myself. I wallpapered the wall with a sheet, and made a window covering, I made the picture board, and I made the screens on the closet doors. Yeah, I like it. So thanks for the ideas girls!

Pictures of Paris

2005-09-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

At the request of a few of you...here are my pictures of Paris :)
http://community.webshots.com/user/allegro40
I welcome comments, questions, or don't look- sometimes when you haven't been there, or you just don't care- it's boring, and that's okay.

2005-08-31T15:51:00.000-06:00

I started school this week, and it's WONDERFUL! One interesting part about it- seeing people. There are 3 types you see...

A. Your friends, the ones you've lost over the summer but it's great to see them again. Good times as well as great lunches are had.

B. The people you know but have totally forgotten their name. You are to embarrassed to ask, and so you say hi without a mention of their name in the entire conversation. (Though, sometimes I just don't care about the embarrassment, and I ask anyway)

C. Those you recognize but you can't figure from where or when. This is fun- you get to play the, what major, what hometown, what ward game (the last is only played in Utah ;)

In conclusion, it's good fun to meet all of the types and makes school just that much better.

Bless The Broken Road

2005-08-21T21:54:00.000-06:00

This is basically how I feel about relationships and the road between high school and my wedding day. I think this would be an excellent song for a first dance at my wedding reception.

Rascal Flatts: Bless The Broken Road
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

silly me

2005-08-17T16:58:00.000-06:00

In true selfish, conceded fashion- I would like to say…

The places of business in the Salt Lake Valley need to adhere to my errand running schedule- not theirs! Why is no store open at 8 a.m. that I need to be open!? ;)

Endearing Qualities

2005-08-17T16:50:00.000-06:00

I had a realization of a hope last night. I was watching the movie "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", (girly I know, but keep reading) and at four different points in the movie- I teared up. My movie companions on the other hand were either rolling their eyes, asleep or laughing. So- this is my hope: that my friends, and also whoever I end up with, will think that the crying emotional Lindsey is cute and it is an endearing quality. This crying incident is defiantly not the first, and I don’t just do it at movies- so it would be nice if my hope is fulfilled.

I also started to think of all the endearing qualities my friends and family posses (sp?). I would like to say- you guys are cute and I love you!

PARIS!

2005-08-08T19:45:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness, I'm sure I could post on this topic as long as the Parisian nights last! It was SO amazing! K, let's dedicate this post to the art-

There is SO much art! The best as my favorite redhead predicted, was the Musee d'Orsay. Seeing the actual paintings- the colors the artist choose, the way he or she wanted us to see it- amazing. I sat and looked at so many and was taken to a different world. Rodin is also amazing- I had never seem much of his work, but I love it. We spent 4 hours in his musee. The Louvre is HUGE! Way to big for this little art lover without art history knowledge.

Art is an amazing thing- it can give different things to everyone, showing them something inside that no one else can see, but also have a common ground for anyone to see and appreciate. Art is part of the expression of being human.

I'm going to...

2005-06-27T16:58:00.000-06:00

PARIS!!!!!!!!!!
I just got confirmation for our tickets, and our super cheep accommodations! 10 euros per night! That's SO good! I'm super, super excited. If anyone has been there, please unload your wisdom and advice, website, etc. I'd love any help you can give. Thanks!
Sincerely,
One of the most excited girls in the valley!

Confessions of a Closet Romantic

2005-06-21T12:58:00.000-06:00

As most of the people in my life know, I am not a fan of public affection (holding hands, arm around the shoulder- okay that’s cool), or of the obsessive need to be near to and touch one’s significant other. Though I love my friends and I do like and think well of all their significant other’s, and even enjoy talking to the couple, I find it frustrating to never talk to them without the other. I think I have voiced this opinion numerous times and so the following confession I might be teased for…

I am a total, head over heals, lovey dovey romantic. I watched on Friday night, as my friend Brandon sung 2 songs he had written for his wife before they had married. I was completely happy for them, and wanting this for me! I think I’m finally at the point in life where things like that- instead of making me roll my eyes, make me smile and feel loved. I love the simple things a guy can do for you, and I love doing the things that make a guy smile. I love flowers, and spending time, etc. etc. And so, I will less often now roll my eyes at the couples in my life, and more often appreciate and admire the way love is expressed in our day.

To this confession I add this notice: I am fully and totally aware that having a significant other or even husband is not all roses and wine, (well sparkling cider). A relationship is a ton of work, and requires sacrifice of self, compromise, compassion and most of all commitment.

The Wisdom of Teeth

2005-06-02T12:34:00.000-06:00

Well, It's done, I've done it, it's finished- I have 4 wholes in my mouth that are hopefully healing fine. (I'll find out today at my post-op appointment) That's fun to say- post-op. And hopefully my wisdom is not gone!

Here is the wisdom I gained from this experience, please share what you learned when you went through this...
1. my mom is SUPER cool. She took great care of me, and never asked for anything in return. She also followed the doctors instructions (and made me follow them) to the T (which is a strange phrase- does anyone know why we say that?).
2. My friends are cool too- I had a jamba juice and lots of calls to see how I was. That was nice.
3. the whole liquid diet thing- not so much a diet- I gained about 2 lbs! LOL, but it does get boring. I have never wanted a sandwich so much in my life! I have come to appreciate how strong, and good our teeth really are. I think this happens whenever we have something not work- we realize how amazing we (God's creation) are and how amazing it is that everything works!

So I think that's it. Maybe I'll have more wisdom and maybe less, but only time will tell.

Chicken or Eagle?

2005-05-30T13:17:00.000-06:00

I heard this from a motivational speaker,

He spoke of an eagle, raised with chickens. One day a man took the eagle, set him on top of the barn and whispered, "you are an eagle", the eagle looked at the chickens, the barn, and jumped down and started pecking with the chickens. The next day the man took the eagle high into the mountains where no chickens were, only he, the eagle and a vast sky. He then whispered, "you are an eagle". The eagle looked around, looked at the man, and took off into the horizon, soaring above all that was before him.

"To many of us have been told we are chickens, to many of us think we are chickens- but in actuality, we are eagles. Whisper- "I am an eagle", look at the vast expanse that is in front of you, ignoring the chickens, and soar!"

I hope I can not only do this for myself, but for the people around me.

Local Bands, Passion & Passionate People

2005-05-23T22:46:00.000-06:00

Tonight I went to my cousin's acoustic guitar performance at a store in the mall called Local. Basically it's a store of local band CD's, t-shirts and a stage. I went to support my cousin (he's 15) and show him I care, but I ended up with more.

I ended up remembering my love for people with passion. All of those kids (high school) got up there in front of friends and strangers and sung their hearts, they LOVE the music they play, they have such a dedication to it. I see this in many aspects of life- music at all levels, art that people do only for themselves, a mother caring for her child, a love for literature, a passion for helping others, love of dance, pretty much anything people do. You can see it in their eyes and hear it in their voice- they LOVE what they are doing and it is a passion.

This is a quality that I am very attracted to (romantically and friendshiply) that is defiantly not a word! LOL. Anyway- I wish sometimes I had more of this so that I would feel adequate around these people. One day right? I'm currently trying to focus my hobbies so that might help :) I digress- Passion is impressive to me, and I hope all you out there know, if you have it- KEEP IT! If you don't, think about developing it, it can enrich your life.