Laurel-ed

We Owned the Night

2012-02-17T10:31:00.002-07:00

I'm not a big Valentine's Day person. I would just rather it be another day. I love the chocolate. I love that four years ago I found Hershey's Kisses New York Style Cheesecake (which I haven't seen since...). But I hate that I continue to just be alone on that day. But this year was a good one... (well, there was a bad part of the day but this is about the good part!).

I went and saw Lady Antebellum in concert.

SO GOOD!

First off, I joined their fan club. It was like $15 and I got to buy tickets on pre-sale. But they don't tell you where your seats are to discourage scalpers. So the day of, I showed up at Will Call, got my tickets, met up with my friend, Marianne and her friend Nichola, and we went to our portal.

And then down... down... down to the SIXTH ROW! Well, it's the sixth row from the floor. But STILL!!

We missed most of Thompson Square. Which was fine. Then Darius Rucker came out. He rocked. I mean ROCKED!

He played two Hootie and the Blowfish songs and I sang at the top of my lungs and dance and enjoyed myself thoroughly! I enjoyed his set so much!! I'd go see him concert if it was just him.

And then Lady Antebellum came out.

And they sang. It was amazing. The last concert was good because it was more intimate. This one was good because they're good. I wrote on my bucket list that I would like to write a song. But as I listened to them I thought about how amazing it was that they were singing my stories. They were singing about feelings, emotions, and experiences that I've had. So why should I bother? (It's still on my bucket list... don't worry!)

But yes, it rocked. They were awesome. And you better believe that I'll go to their concert AGAIN. Because they're THAT good.

New Views

2012-02-14T08:38:00.003-07:00

It's always nice to change views.

It's funny that once you're sitting at your desk you forget the two hours you spent moving everything from your cubicle to your new office. You forget about the papers that are everywhere or the fact that you have nowhere to post your pictures anymore (no cubicle walls--you're surrounded by windows. Maybe it's time for a collage frame for the table?).

All you can think about is how lucky you are. Capitol to the North, Mountains to the East. Sun rising over those beautiful snow capped mountains.

It doesn't matter that you're confused about Guy or are now REALLY behind on work or you haven't quite gotten used to the new school class. All that matters is that you have an office (a bit more privacy), a view (Welcome, Sunshine... I've missed you. I'm in desperate need of some Vitamin D.), and you don't have to spend as much time in the elevator.

Lovely.

I'll take it.

Currently, Vol. 4

2012-02-09T21:04:00.002-07:00

Current music: Colbie Caillat, I Want You Back (not the version I've been listening to, but still good!); Mat Kearney, Nothing Left to Lose; Rascal Flatts (ft. Natasha Bedingfield), Easy

Current stress: My cataloging and classification class. For the first time, my class is a subject I've never dealt with before. So it's taking extra time and care. Hopefully I survive it... I'm trying to give it proper time.

Current favorite quotations:

[source]

Current annoyance: It's winter. It's cold. There's no snow. I'd rather there be some sort of sign of winter (even if I have difficulty driving in it). If there's no sign of winter, I'm antsy for spring. Spring get here!

Current lesson being learned: Patience. Patience and endurance. Both things that I hate learning. Oh well!

Current self-discovery: I hate oranges. Love cuties. Hate apples in the morning. Can eat bananas if they are sliced up and I don't eat them all at once (I have horrible gag reflex with too much banana too fast). Can you tell I'm on a diet?? Well, not really, I'm just trying to eat more fruit!

Current desire: To write a love letter. Actually, I added it to my bucket list page along with a few other things (I found my original printed out bucket list from a year ago. I decided that some of those were a pretty good thing to do so I added them). But I'm not going to write a love letter. I don't have anyone to send it to! (Okay... I sort of do... but it would be more of a like/crush letter than a LOVE letter.)

Time-Out Thoughts

2012-02-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

I don't normally like to do this, but I was going through some old emails and I found something that I wrote that struck me. That moment where Past Laurel wrote something that Now Laurel needed to hear. And it was pretty powerful. So I'm posting it here to remind myself of what Past Laurel knew and maybe to provide you with a little inspiration on this Thursday morning:

Something that my sister-in-law, H, told me a few weeks ago was "Getting what you want is faith promoting. Waiting for what you want is faith perfecting."
I constantly remind myself of that. I do the best I can waiting, but I think the Lord understands that we're not always going to be cheerful or excited about the waiting process.
Even in the scriptures, the greatest of all men--Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ, etc.--all had a point where they said "Isn't there an easier way? Because I'd really like to take that door." But then they got up and finished the work they had to do. I'm pretty sure it wasn't always easy, and there were times when the Savior had to be alone in the wilderness to just ponder and breathe. So we can take comfort in the fact that others have gone this way before, they too have wanted to take an easier path. But after deep reflection, pausing, and breathing, they were able to muster something inside of them to get them through until there were better times.
I feel like that's where I'm at right now--trying to muster whatever is inside of me to make it through until I decide what the next move is that I make. But I truly believe that being "cheerful" doesn't mean to "fake it until you make it." I don't believe I've ever heard that phrase from an apostle or prophet's lips. But I do believe it means getting up each day and continuing forward, albeit at a slower pace sometimes. If I could look at every bad point in my life with more humor like President Hinckley things would probably be better, but that takes effort and I'm also not as equipped to see that humor as he is. But that doesn't mean that I can't find my own way, you know?

Laurel and the Golden Birthday

2012-01-31T20:37:00.002-07:00

So my birthday has come and gone. It was... interesting. Filled with lots of memories. Some I wish to forget. Others that I haven't quite decided how I feel about.

For some reason I didn't take any pictures during my party on Friday. And I'm waiting for my sister-in-law, Em, to send the picture of me and my twin brother blowing out our birthday cake candles on Sunday. I realize that it was under sad and tragic circumstances that brought Twin and his family out to Utah, but I'm grateful that we got to spend our 29th birthday together. In fact, I may be tearing up just a bit as I type that out.

I do love my Twin a lot more than I show and a lot more than how I usually treat him. He's the type of person I have always wished I could be--brilliant, athletic, like-able, skinny, tan, handsome, fun to be around, popular. I think he's amazing and I'm sad that he's been a world away for most of our adult life. Maybe that will change one day...

So, here is the only picture I have from my party:

Do you know what that is? A nerf gun. That's what Linds and Julia gifted to me for my birthday. Actually, she gave me 3 nerf guns and extra ammo. This is a gun that I'm willing to shoot. And shoot I did. I may have had a little battle that ended when I realized that half of the party was watching me and the Guy battle it out. But it was the best gift. Perfect for me.

And then a video of my friends singing "happy birthday" to me. I made a wish... It didn't come true. Maybe I shouldn't have put a deadline on the birthday wish. Luckily, I had another opportunity with my other cake--but I forgot to make a wish. So, I guess I don't get a birthday wish this year. Oh well. I'm 29 now. Woo.

Bring on, 30, I guess.

Update:

Finally pulled out my pictures from the family party on my actual birthday:

Dinner (delicious ravoli lasagna... yum!)

Let's talk about how there are a lot of candles on that cake...

Me with the littlest nephew at the time until Lil' B showed up...

He actually makes me look a bit tan. I'm kind of grateful for that!

¿Hablas español?

2012-01-25T08:43:00.001-07:00

Apparently, my plan to survive two classes in a semester by taking a ridiculously easy class (Beginning Business Spanish) backfired.

Monday I got access to my class online and I figured I could get a head start before classes started today. First order of business to my Spanish class was to take an assessment. Normally, one should score lower than 150. I scored over 500. I received a notice to contact my professor and discuss options with him.

So I did. The professor responded in a rather lengthy email in Spanish in which the gist was: "If you understand this, respond in Spanish, and we probably should get you into the advanced class."

To be honest, I'm a little shocked because I had to list my experience with the language (which added up to 2.5 years total) and my professor said that I was near native fluency at least in writing. I haven't really touched my Spanish in the last year since I switched jobs. Who knew that it was still there?

Oh yeah, and the professor asked for my patience during the first few weeks since it will be a lot of "review" for me.

Basically, I don't get off easy. I can do this, though, right? Survive Beginning Cataloging and Classification and Advanced Spanish Conversation? Well, I better!

I Wish I Still Could Be a California Girl...

2012-01-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Not only did last Monday end up being a holiday, but I had planned to go to San Diego on Wednesday through Saturday. That made last week a one day work week. Best work week ever. Not only that, but I escaped the first snow storm and was greeted in Long Beach by this kind of weather:

65 degrees, sunshine and blue skies. Perfect.

Mother may have made fun of me for spending time laying out in my swimsuit. I swore I was getting a bit darker.... maybe not really, but it felt like it.

I also got an iPad for work, so I installed instagram and had fun taking pictures during the few days I was there on my iPad (and then maybe emailing them to my boss to let him know I was alive and well...)

Nothing compares to a California sunset from the family's backyard.

Thursday morning, I woke up early and took in a run at the beach. In the middle of it, I stopped and took this picture and maybe sent it to a couple of co-workers to let them know they were missed.

Then, of course, there was a stop at VG's for some donuts. Really... I couldn't pass it up. It had been over a year. Donuts were a necessity.

Friday found me taking some time to go here and reflect on some things and maybe cast some burdens that I haven't been ready to let go of yet. Maybe I didn't really cast them off, just came to the realization that I need to do so and to begin the process of shedding those things. I love going to the temple and always the realization is that I should go more often. It's quiet. The noise is blocked out. Not just the noise of my music or work or whatever, but the conflicting voices that try to give me advice and tell me how to live and how to date and how to do everything. I'm already trying to accept that my timetable has fallen to pieces (can you tell that my birthday is drawing near?) but to have more conflicting voices adds to my confusion. So maybe next month we'll work on getting there at least twice. But I still have a week before February so we'll worry about February then.

It was a whirlwind of a trip, but I'm so glad I got to do it. If only to spend some time with Mom and Dad. I don't think I've cherished the time that I get to spend with them. Maybe because there's usually a lot of activity whenever we get together. But spending a few days with just them was like the months I spent with them after my mission. That's when I learned I had my mother's sense of humor and my father's knack for getting sidetracked (also his ability to handle electronic devices apparently transferred down to me). I only wish I got to see them more often. Maybe one day I'll move back to San Diego, or at least southern California. A girl can dream, right?

And now I bid you adieu. I've got to get some sleep and shake this cold that I'm dealing with along with prepping for school that's starting on Wednesday. I'm taking two classes this semester. I may have just overwhelmed myself, but if I can survive this.. I'm three semesters closer to my masters. And that may be worth it!

Resolute and Bucket List

2012-01-02T13:25:00.001-07:00

Some time ago, I wrote down a bucket list. I know a lot of people do it, but I never had a desire to.

But this year, things are going to be a bit different. I can already feel it.

Instead of doing New Year's Resolutions, I'm going to try and do things only a month at a time. So for January, I'm focusing on 1) eating better; 2) exercising; 3) being nicer.

I've already started off the month pretty well, and hopefully it just continues. Crossing my fingers.

But I did write down all of the things I would like to do before I kick the bucket. Not necessarily for anyone but so that I could start planning for the fun adventures that I am dying to have!

So, here it is:

Go to a baseball game at Fenway Park

Complete a novel

Change the oil in my car

Get married

Get a masters degree

Go to Hawaii

Go to Greece

Return to my mission

Water ski

Shoot a gun

Go on a cruise

Write a song

Go on an overnight hike

Go to Lake Powell one summer

Go to Wrigley Field for a baseball game

See a Broadway musical in New York

Be quoted

Run a 5k in under 30 minutes

Hike Mt. Timpanogas

Hike to the Y in Provo

Go across the monkey bars

Ride a gondola in Venice

Kayak in the ocean

Swim with dolphins

Learn to ski

Learn to snowboard

Be in a band

Sing karaoke

Learn to scuba dive

Drive Route 66

See the Northern Lights

Walk on the glass platform at the Grand Canyon

Go to Machu Picchu in Peru

Go to Musee D’Orsay in Paris

Go to 4 Corners

Run in a race

Go to Disney World

Go to the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C.

Learn to play chess

Scrapbook my childhood photos

Buy a house

Own a horse

Fall in love

Have children

Grow a rose garden

Have my name in a film credit

Be published

Journal for 365 consecutive days

Read the Book of Mormon once every year

Attend a NBA game

Attend an Olympics event

Ice skate at Rockefeller Center

Take singing lessons

Be a member in the audience of a TV show

Be thrown into a pool

Catch a foul ball at a baseball game

Be an extra in a film

Go to Jerusalem

Be kissed on New Year’s Eve

Build a sand castle

Fly First class

Ride in a hot air balloon

Donate my hair

Learn photography

Own a Mustang convertible

Ride a horse on a beach

See a solar eclipse

Live in a foreign country

Walk on the Great Wall of China

Read 100 books in 1 year

Go white water rafting

Go parasailing

Rock climb

Ride the London Eye

Own a piano

Be interviewed for a publication

Win a contest

Beat Super Mario Brothers

Be invited to a gala

Pet an elephant

Own a dog

Swim a mile

So if you want to join me for any of these adventures, just let me know.

Coconut Crusted Chicken

2011-12-31T14:16:00.002-07:00

So, with the days off and in the spirit of living up to some New Year's resolutions, I've been cooking again.

I found a recipe for Skinny Coconut Shrimp, but I modified it to fit with chicken:

Ingredients:

*4 chicken breasts (cut into 3 sections each)

*1/2 cup + 1 tbspn panko crumbs

*1/2 cup + 1 tbspn shredded sweetened coconut

*Flour

*1/4 cup milk

*pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 425˚F and spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Combine coconut, panko crumbs, and salt in a bowl. Put milk in another bowl.

Dip chicken into flour, then into milk, then into crumbs/coconut mixture.

Bake 10 minutes on one side and then flip over and bake 10 minutes on the other side.

The results just came out of the oven and I can't wait to try it.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

This year, Christmas has felt different from every other year.
In November, there were possibilities. And wishes. And the hope of change.

December brought me back to reality.

There was a final project to do (creating an entire website is HARD work)... and the need to get an "A" so that I could earn that reimbursement. (Which I did get, by the way. Monday I can submit my paperwork to get that reimbursement back!)

There was a Relief Society Christmas party at which I had to play the guitar. And my nimble little fingers have stopped working correctly when it comes to the guitar (AKA I'm rusty).

There was a Relief Society Christmas lesson to prepare (and how I tried to prepare. I wish I had spent time at the temple, that might have made the difference).

There was a Christmas concert to get prepared for, get tickets for, sit in meetings for, and then invite my family to so that maybe I could capture some of that Christmas spirit back, even though we weren't going to be in California. Unfortunately, those kinds of events bring out the worst in my family and show me how opinionated, argumentative, and frustrated I can be. No Christmas Spirit.

There was a Ward Talent Show to help my friend with. I happily volunteer to accompany when I'm not the one in the spotlight.

There is now a guy in my life (I went to write "boy" but I realized that it's not appropriate since he's older than me). I'm not sure how long he's staying. We're on a trial run. I'm confused, bewildered, and generally over-analyzing every day my feelings towards him as well as his feelings towards me (and really... I'm looking at his feelings based on how I analyze his actions towards me so they're already a bit skewed). It's a ridiculous situation that makes me laugh if I actually consider only looking at the situation itself, but for now, I'm grateful that there IS a possibility in my life. Some guy wants to be a part of my story. I'll take it.

See... different. There's no plane to catch. No time off to just sleep. In fact, there have been late nights full of escapades of the Argyle Brigade that included my first experience toilet papering someone's house (Yes... I admit that at a month and a week shy of 29, I finally teepee'd someone's house). Christmas is just different.

And now I'm sitting here in my empty apartment, having opened the three presents under my tree, having read Luke 2 again, and thinking back on the conversation I had with the Guy on our last date about how Christmas isn't about the gifts. Maybe I have been more focused on the being with family part of Christmas--having fun with the people I see maybe once or twice a year. Worried about the little traditions that I have--reading the advent book that my sister-in-law made us a few years ago--or reading the Christmas stories I read on my mission. Maybe I never really understood Christmas at all. And maybe my lesson from a week ago has finally made its' mark. Maybe it's finally time for me to bring the Savior back into Christmas and to my year.

Happy Christmas! (Yes... I'm still trying to be a bit British. It's only been three and a half months since I left!)

Recipes

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

With my final project being turned in on Saturday, I had some time on Sunday to do some serious cooking. First time in awhile since I've been able to do that (let's not mention the fact that I could've spent that time working on my lesson for next week... oh well!)

I'm pretty pleased with my recipes... so I thought I'd share them.

For dinner (and my lunches for this week):

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

1 cup milk

1 cup Italian bread crums

4 chicken breast cut into halves (8 pieces)

1/4 cup butter

1 cup chicken broth

2 cups whipping cream

1 tsp dried basil

1/8 tsp pepper

1 cup grated parmesan cheese.

Place milk and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip chicken in milk, then coat with crumbs. In a skillet over medium heat cook chicken in butter until browned on both sides. Remove chicken from skilled and keep in a 9x13 pan in the oven on warm.

Add chicken broth to skillet and stir to loosen up browned bits from pan. Stir in cream, basil, and pepper and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and whisk in parmesan cheese. Pour suace over the chicken and serve.

That with this:

Lemon Rice

4 Tbspn butter

1/3 cup green onions, chopped

1 1/2 cups white rice, uncooke

3/4 cup celery, diced

2 1/4 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 Tbspn fresh lemon juice

1 Tbspn lemon zest

1/2 tsp ground pepper

1 bay leaf

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add green onion until softened. Add rice and stir to coat. Add celery, chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, pepper, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Once rice is boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Toss rice and let stand for 5 minutes.

Maybe Not The Best Idea Ever...

2011-12-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

Someone put a gun in my hand on Friday night.

I'm dead serious.

Apparently, I need to learn how to shoot. It's something that everyone living in Utah should know how to do (or so I've been told). Let's not mention the fact that I still have a California Driver's License and will be returning to said state in January to renew my driver's license. (I'm a little sad because I'm finally going to have to get a glasses restriction on my license. Dang!)

But Friday night found me in between two boys as they showed me handguns, bolt action rifles, and two other kind of rifles. All were unloaded. They made me practice "unloading the shell" in the bolt action (again... nothing was in there) and then they had me hold a handgun.

Have I ever mentioned that I've never held a gun before in my life?

I squirmed. I made excuses... I TRIED to not have to hold that gun. But those boys were persistent. One said that it was all in my head. I'm still in recovery mode.

I'm still trying to decide which was more ridiculous: being terrified to hold an empty gun or the fact that someone actually gave ME a gun to hold.

The result: Apparently the next lesson involves me and a shooting range.

Luckily, we're waiting until it gets warmer.

Oh, dear.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2011-12-02T11:36:00.001-07:00

It may not be a white Christmas yet, but I still convinced a bunch of my girl friends to trek down to BYU and see White Christmas at the HFAC down there.

First we went to Malawi's Pizza and got some delicious pizza. And then we went to the play. We all agreed to dress up and make a night of it.

The play was amazing. Made me want to sing and dance... both of which we all know are disastrous. And I may have fallen in love with the lead male-meant-to-be-Bing character. It happens every single time.

But now, NOW, I'm ready for Christmas. December is going to be good.

Some Time Away...

2011-11-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

It seems that I'm not chained at my desk.

For the first time since England in September, I was able to skip out of some work and fly to Arizona. Actually, I'm sitting at my brother, B's kitchen table, avoiding doing homework and thinking about doing once last run this morning before I go for a hike with the nephews, and a couple of my sisters-in-law.

It's warm outside.

And to be honest, I needed a break. I needed to be away to be able to breathe.

It's amazing how quickly things can change.

One minute you're just trying to survive until the weekend, only having enough energy to go to work, come home and do schoolwork, and then crawl into bed. Everything else is a chore. The big "end" goals aren't important because you're having a difficult enough time trying to meet the every-day goals.

And then, then... something completely unexpected happens. And to be honest, I'm perplexed at what to do next. I'm not sure where to go from here. That anxiety is making me sick to my stomach every time I spend a lot of time processing--which seems to be often because my mind is still trying to wrap itself around the situation.

I can only describe it as the same anxiety I felt whenever I was transferred on my mission. I knew it was coming, my mission president and I always discussed and agreed that it was time, but from the moment I got my transfer call until a week after being in the area, I would not want to eat, I would have trouble sleeping and my mind would be going 26,000 miles per hour. Apparently, not much has changed in 6 years.

So I ran away to my brother's house... grateful for the distraction. Although I check my phone every so often just to see, and quietly wonder to myself if I'm still as crazy as I thought I was three weeks ago. But then one of my nephews calls my name and I can forget for a little while longer.

Those adorable nephews who show me that they edit their own books...

Or we go to the park and set off rockets...

I am dreading Monday morning when I head back to reality. And I have to deal with taking the next step.

But I'll admit it... even with the wanting to puke, and the not wanting to eat (when have I ever NOT wanted to eat... as my friend said, it's the best diet anyone could ask for... before leaving on Wednesday I was down 6 pounds... and I still have eaten minimally while here)... I like it. I like that my frustration and boldness finally took over, that I demanded something, and for once... I got an answer that wasn't the same as the others.

And now... I bid you "cheers" so I can go for a run and then work on some homework. Because goodness knows I need to finish my homework assignment and get to my final project since December is already getting pretty jammed packed.

Good. Better. Best. And Wishes.

2011-11-11T10:22:00.001-07:00

I know I've said that I love praise.

But sometimes I wish I wasn't the best. Or better.

Sometimes I wish that being just good or even "okay" was enough.

And that seems to start off with all of things that I'm wishing about.

There's something magical about this time of year for me... the fir trees in the house with glittering lights, the frost on my car in the morning, the glistening snow covered ground when I head out first thing in the morning, the gingerbread hot chocolate that I get. The magic seems to tell me that anything is possible. Wishes do come true. There will be a "happily ever after."

But with all that possibility filling the air, my mind seems to think that I need to recommit to all of my goals from years' past. But I have changed. My life circumstance has changed. These are not excuses. It is simply fact. Things just aren't as easy to fit in when you work 45 hours a week and do 10 hours of school a week, and want to get sleep, and see friends, and read books. But that wish list keeps growing:

*Losing weight

*getting tickets to the Christmas concert and maybe having enough for everyone who wants them.

*finishing my novel

*playing the guitar

*finishing my books

*finishing school

*finishing sewing, crocheting projects

*learning to knit

*going on a date (yep... we're back into a lull... March was the last time I was on a date.)

*living my love story (whether cute or uninteresting... I wish I just had a story...)

*laughing more often

*crying a little less

*enjoying the winter season (Co-worker Dave is planning a ski day. He means for me to practice before that day...)

*wanting a trip to the beach (it's almost been a year since I had a VG donut and walked along So. Carlsbad State Beach)

*making plans for trips to Disneyland, DC, and Boston next year (I want to go. I'm tired of waiting for an opportunity to see the things I'm dying to see)

Maybe one day soon I'll have a minute to stop and think about these wishes and make some serious plans so that they happen. But for now, I'll curl up tonight with my laptop, my homework, and a cup of hot chocolate, and be grateful that this is the time of year that fills me with the sweet whisperings that "Anything is possible", and that "I will get what I wish for".

A bouquet of newly sharpened pencils...

2011-10-25T21:13:00.000-06:00

So it seems that after an AMAZING trip to England (yep... that IS a link to my sister-in-law's blog so you can get the recap from her because she is one of the most entertaining people I know... but I digress), my life has been pretty bland. Let's review what's happened:

*headed back down to Provo a few times to work on the New Testament project. Here's a video they created at work:
I didn't get to be on set this particular day for shooting, but I got to go down to watch the filming twice and I had some significant moments. I feel blessed to have been able to provide such a small contribution.

*Have been working overtime to not only catch up but also get working. End of the year means everyone wants to close their projects. It's quite the change from last year when I had almost no work.

*Struggling through my class. If only there were more hours in the day and I was more dedicated. I'm working at it and I think I'm finding the balance.

*Back to running. My pace is slow. I'm horribly behind, but I keep trying. That and adding in some Jillian Michaels DVDs, hopefully I can get back on track.

So, just a few odds and ends. But on to the best things about the month:

J-dawgs

For my friend's birthday, one of my friends had the brilliant idea to get j-dawgs and bring them up to the Church Office Building. What are j-dawgs? They're hot dogs with a special sauce and they are SOOO good! LOVE THEM!

Football games!!!

My friend, Heidi, was kind of enough to ask her dad for his pair of tickets to the Idaho State game, which he graciously gave up. We (well, when I say "We" I mean "I"... I can't really speak for Heidi) had a FANTASTIC time. It was warm! The sun was shining. Heidi made friends with the guys who sat behind us. She was fine while I dragged her around the stadium to meet up with friends who were in attendance.

I love that I get to work with this girl every day... and now we're outside-of-work-friends too!

And that's basically my current life situation. Trying to survive my class, the end of the year project load, and keep my feel above water. So if you call me and I'm crying, don't worry. Give me a few hours. I'll eventually turn right side out!

Some thing I have learned about myself

2011-10-18T18:55:00.000-06:00

So, I've learned that I'm a natural flirt. However, when I attempt to flirt intentionally, it becomes awkward and maybe even a little on this side of ridiculous. So it's better if I stay ignorant of what I'm trying to accomplish.

This poses a major problem because just as I'm ignorant as to my intentions when I flirt well, I'm also apparently ignorant to the guy's intentions until he makes a blatant gesture. Then, I'm not really sure what to do. And it becomes awkward. And I move into an analyzing the situation mode and that leads to an intentional type of flirting and it always turns south.

I know you all want to hear details. Believe me, I think my most popular posts are the ones about my dating life. The vague details are these:

*There's a boy who I've been flirting with off/on since January. But it wasn't really flirting because I had no intentions and was ignorant.
*Recently, boy stepped up and started to make some blatant gestures. I start questioning the situation. (And when I say question I mean more like What is going on? Should I prepare for the apocalypse now or in a month? I'm confused...)
*Boy hasn't really moved past our flirting stage (because of which I'm slowly moving back into the ignorant/non-caring stage so that makes things more natural.)

I'm not sure what this all means, but I do know that I'm not really sure how to play the game. But I do know that this time around is on my terms. No more seeking advice from tons of people. Because as my friend, Heidi, tells me, "Time is not your enemy."

And I have to admit, it makes for a really good story.

Currently, Vol. 3

2011-10-11T22:00:00.000-06:00

Current need: my eyelashes to be redone. They look awful. Good thing I'm going tomorrow to get them done.

Current music: Christmas! Got the MoTab's CD and DVD from last year and I can't stop listening . . .

Current obsession: nail polish. I found polishes that I actually love, that I don't want to scrap off. And now my nails are getting ridiculous long and look kind of feminine. Perhaps I should pick the guitar or piano back up. That'll show these nails!

Current frustration: Either finding a date to my friend's costume murder mystery party (which is pretty much impossible these days since the only men I speak to are married or old. Okay, there are a couple of single guys but we are currently in fights or they don't even know my name. Not exactly "friend"/date material . . . I may not be looking for Prince Charming here, but a girl has to have standards . . .) or figuring out how to tell all of my friends that I won't be attending. Either way, I'm rather sick to my stomach about it.

Current bane of my existence: CSS. Hands down. I spend hours trying to figure this stuff out. I may need to start praying harder.

Current tender mercy: Being released from my "Communications Chair" calling (aka Bishop's Secretary) and getting called as a Relief Society teacher. It feels so good to be back in Relief Society and able to participate. And a huge burden off of my shoulders. Now if only I wasn't working until 5 or 6pm every night and could stay awake past 10:30 pm . . . whoops. i need to get to bed before I turn into a pumpkin.

Day 11: Return Home

2011-10-09T21:52:00.001-06:00

Finally, we've come to the end of the trip that happened a month ago!! And I can get back to blogging about my adventures, mis-adventures, and whatever else happens in my life!

Day 11 began as the rest. Waking up. Seeing Lil' H. We all got ready and headed down to the French Bakery to get croissants and eclairs. Then we went to Starbucks to get hot chocolate and sat in the square eating breakfast. We trucked back up to the house, packed the car with my suitcase and headed to the airport.

J was kind enough to check my flight status and became a little concerned about the fact that it said I was going to arrive in Detroit late. I had a two-hour layover in Detroit, but my plane was now supposed to land after that. He said that he would text my phone when they got home so I would have the information I needed. But that set me in a panic.

I bid them farewell as I headed to the security line. I'm so grateful to the three and a half of them that allowed me to come visit them and spend some time. It was a treat for me and they were such good hosts! (SIL H would probably disagree since I spent a lot of time wandering by myself, but it was nice to just have someone to talk to that could set me straight on a lot of my silliness.)

As I started to go through security, I realized I had about an hour and a half before my plane left. Unfortunately, my backpack was chosen as one with "suspicious items". Now, I realize that the British might be more conservative about precautions, but I noticed that almost every single person that went through this screener, had one bag chosen to be examined. The process was lengthy with every item having to be taken out and then the whole bag run through the machine again. I was third in line and the clock was ticking. But I tried to remain calm. What good would freaking out do? And apparently, according to an old bishopric counselor, I seem to have a lot of grace under pressure.

Sure enough, 30 minutes later, my turn came to have my bag checked. The security guard and I struck up a lovely conversation while he went through my bag and he seemed to be understanding that I was probably not a terrorist. He got me on my way as soon as he could, and I arrived at the gate as they were starting to board.

The flight to Detroit was uneventful. I watched a couple of movies (Jane Eyre, Water for Elephants), and had 2 meals.

In Detroit, I checked emails and called my friend, H, to chat. She updated me on all of the happenings while I waited in the airport for an hour. (Yep . . . my flight was not delayed, I arrived in Detroit with plenty of time).

The best part? I arrived in Salt Lake City an hour earlier than planned. My friend, J, picked me up from the airport and brought me home where I promptly wanted to start unpacking and showing off souvenirs. Around 10 I finally retired only to wake up at 3 AM. The process of getting over jet lag was awful and only now do I think I'm back to a good routine.

And there it is. My trip to the Motherland with all the juicy details. And now I'm back. For the time being. Although, there are current rumblings that my annual Christmas trip to San Diego may be cancelled in lieu of having Christmas in Utah (not in favor of a white Christmas. I prefer my annual picture by the pool, with 60˚F weather, and palm trees swaying). In such a case, a trip may be in order to less hostile weather. Perhaps Disneyland? (I'm really considering it for January. It WILL be my golden birthday after all . . . might as well do something I haven't done for awhile!)

Well, until next time my friends . . . (which will probably be soon. I have some fantastically good stories to share!)

Day 10: London . . . Again

2011-10-09T21:31:00.000-06:00

Oh dear...

It was nerve wracking, I'll tell you. To venture into London by myself. To be honest, my greatest fear was the lack of company to take pictures of me (since goodness knows that I hate getting my picture taken!).

But can I say I loved it?

And I had 4 people ask ME for directions. Apparently, I looked like I knew where I was going.

I had big plans to roam around the city for the day, but in the end I made three stops and was extremely exhausted. It was humid, and warm, and all that walking just tuckered me out.

Now, this is where I become named Queen of Geeks as they are now calling me at work. Because the first thing I went to see in London was, the Doctor Who exhibit.

Doctor Who? What in the world is that?

Well, it's a British Sci-Fi television show that has been going on since the 60s but got a reboot in 2005. I started watching it back in 2009 (you know, when I didn't have a life, or friends outside of work, and I spent my life being fat and crocheting . . . *sigh* it's sad when I see my life going in a circle again).

Anyways, in London there was an exhibit, so I went and took the little tour.

This is a Dalek. The Doctor's oldest enemy.

That would be a mannequin of the 11th doctor (the current doctor) and his Tardis.

A poster of the 10th incarnation of the Doctor (and my personal favorite)

The inside of the 10th Doctor's Tardis. Only cool to those who know about Doctor Who . . .

And took pictures of myself.

See . . . Queen of the Geeks. And the angle is awful. I realize that . . .

Afterwards, I looked at my map and decided to head to Covent Gardens. I thought it wouldn't be so bad to walk through Kensington Gardens and see the palace (home of Kate and William) and then catch the Tube over to Covent Gardens.

It was a long walk. But it was lovely to walk through that area of London and feel like I was living in London.

At Covent Gardens, I had a waffle and then strolled through the shop purchasing little souvenirs. It was around 2:30 when I became exhausted and decided to return to Henley. I was spent.

On the way back up the hill to the house in Henley, I stopped and snapped some pictures of Friar Park, home of the late George Harrison (of Beatles' fame) where his wife now lives.

It's now been a month and I can't remember what we did that night, but I know that I went to bed and half of me was ready to go home, the other half . . . not so much. *sigh* It was a win/lose situation.

Day 9: Returning to Henley

2011-10-09T21:16:00.004-06:00

Day 9 was rather uneventful. Arising early, catching the train, and heading back to Henley.

I was glad to arrive back to my brother's home to discover that lil' H did miss me. And it was nice to be missed.

Day 9 was also when I became concerned with making sure I had enough room for all of the souvenirs I had purchased, as I had only one more day.

And it was also the day that I started to get a little homesick.

It's true.

I must live my life with a routine. And playing all day every day can be exhausting. I guess I have to accept the fact that I'm much more responsible than most people are in real life.

Day 8: Hill Top Farm

2011-10-05T22:36:00.000-06:00

So for some reason, it seems like this portion of the trip was my adventurous one. We decided it would be fun to rent mountain bikes and take a ferry across the lake and then ride our bikes up to Hill Top Farm (aka Home of Beatrix Potter).

Yes . . . I realize how messy my hair looks. It was in a french braid for the whole excursion.

Here's the thing about England: Not only do they drive on the opposite side of the road, but the brakes are also on the opposite handle bars. It took a little getting used to. Luckily I didn't fly over the handle bars. And yes, Mom, I wore a helmet.

Once we got across the lake, we started riding. It was flat and beautiful, although a little wet. But then, we hit the first hill. Yep. 10% incline. So we walked that. At the top, I felt confident that I could ride the rest of the way, and I did. It was BEAUTIFUL to ride through English farm country. Green hills. Sheep. Cows. And rock walls.

Once we got to Hill Top farm we bought out tickets and then went to the hotel next door to warm ourselves with hot chocolate. Then we went into Hill Top. It was beautiful. They had relics from Beatrix Potter and they showed us different objects from her house that appeared in her illustrations.

Yes, that is a real rabbit that lives on her farm.

After that, we headed back down to the dock. I rode down the entire 10% incline hill. That was a rush! We crossed the lake, returned our bikes, got some dinner, then headed back to pack and relax.

Day 7: Grasmere, Windermere

2011-10-05T21:08:00.001-06:00

Tuesday morning found us getting ready to go hiking. We decided to head up to Grasmere and take in a hike and check out William Wordsworth's home, Dove Cottage.

The weather looked ominous, so we decided to hike first and go to the cottage later. That way, we wouldn't be deterred by the weather. My friend had exchanged emails with a local and found a reasonable hike and after a bus ride to Grasmere, we were off to hike "Alcock Tarn".

That's the hill that we hiked.

At first, it was nice. Not too steep. I enjoyed it and took lots of pictures.

But the higher we went, the steeper it was and the more I was wondering if it was a good idea. Luckily, it didn't rain too hard. It just kind of drizzled.

We passed flowers and streams, and we may have made a few new friends in our travels . . .

Yep. It was a beautiful hike. Just being up there where it was green. Oh, it felt good. Though I did run into lots of mud. That was my least favorite part.

Afterwards, we went to Dove Cottage. It's a beautiful little house

And the gardens out back were gorgeous.

Oh, look! The sun came out!

After that, we headed back to Windermere and went to the "World of Beatrix Potter" attraction. Such a kitchy little place but for someone who LOVES Beatrix Potter, I didn't mind the kitchy factor!

In fact, I spent some time in the gift shop trying to find the perfect souvenir. Finally I settled on some Christmas ornaments. I wish I could skip right to Thanksgiving so that I could set up the tree and see my ornaments!

After that we got some fish and chips and then settled in for the night (it gets dark early up there!). Plus, we needed our rest for the biking we were going to do the next day!

Day 6: Travel to Windermere

2011-09-30T06:40:00.003-06:00

My poor sister-in-law, being pregnant, decided that it was probably not wise to head 6 hours north to Windermere. Windermere is in the lake district, towards Scotland. Luckily, a friend from my singles ward (pre-change) has been living in England for a year and so we decided to travel up there together.

Because it's a 6 hour train ride with multiple train stops, it took most of the day to arrive and then everything closes around 6pm. So we checked into our bed & breakfast, went out for some dinner, walked around for a bit and then headed back in to just relax and get ready for the next few days.

So, the next few posts will be about the Lake district and the outdoorsy adventures I had there!

Day 5: Salisbury

2011-09-25T19:32:00.000-06:00

Sunday began early as we had stake conference in Reading. Not only was it stake conference but Elder David A. Bednar was going to be there. And a couple of guys from work were going to be there. We had made some jokes that I would help them out since I just happened to be there, but deep down, I hope that I wouldn't be asked. It was my vacation after all. But I also couldn't deny that it was too coincidental that I was in the same place that they were going to be, when I had made plans 3 months before they had.

After stake conference, I ran down, discovered they didn't need me, and we drove back to Henley. J and I changed clothes and then started off (poor H gets car sick because of the pregnancy so she and Lil' H decided to not to join us).

We went to the Wilton House in Salisbury. It is the home of the Earl and Countess of Pembrook. It was also the headquarters for the Allies when they had to move out of London and the D-day invasion was planned in that house. The interiors were used as Pemberley in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice and in The Young Victoria. The house was okay. I mean, it's big, and there are lots of paintings, but I wasn't a huge fan of the house. But the grounds?

A river running through the grounds.

Huge trees that provide lots of shade and a good back rest.

Flowers.

Yep. I could live there.

After we finished there, Stonehenge was only 20 minutes back toward Henley, so we went. We had to pay 3 GBP to park and then we got it repaid if we went in. So, instead of taking pictures from the fence, we got tickets and walked around.

And a shot of the English countryside with a tractor (perhaps my nephews will at least enjoy it.)

Then we drove back to Henley and I tucked in for a good night's rest in preparation of my next adventure.

Day 4: Bath

2011-09-24T22:29:00.000-06:00

I love Jane Austen.

If you didn't know that about me before, well... now you do.

I love her writing. My favorite book of hers is: Persuasion.

A couple of weeks ago, I was driving out to the middle of nowhere for work with a guy I work with so we had a lot of time to talk. He asked me about my favorite books and then asked why I said Persuasion was my favorite. I told him it was because I loved that Anne was not the witty, beautiful Elizabeth Bennet, or the strong and stalwart Fanny Price, or any other natural heroine. She was good and kind and noticed things that others did not and tried to help other people, even when sometimes they didn't deserve it. And she got the handsome man in the end.

But you didn't come to hear about my thoughts on my favorite book . . . you want to know about Bath.

When I was planning my trip, I knew I wanted to take in some sites that neither H nor J had seen before. And since I'm a Jane Austen person, Bath was put on the list. So Saturday we packed up Lil' H and headed to Reading to take the train to Bath.

Bath was, unfortunately, rather boring. The Roman Baths were cool, but other than that, Bath didn't have much to offer us. When you bought your ticket, for a few pounds more you could go to the Fashion Museum. So that's what we did.

Yep. We let her play with the sword. She's totally supervised though . . .

After the Roman Baths, we headed to the Fashion Museum which was housed in the sameroom as the Assembly Rooms which I guess was where everyone went to chat it up. Got a pasty (basically like a pot pie but different) on my way and sat in the town square eating it and listening to a woman singing . . . and trying to sell her CD. I considered that for maybe a minute and then remembered that I'm not the best singer in the world. Not such a great idea. Oh, well.

The fashion museum was kind of cool. Got to see lots of dresses from long ago days. Did not like the new fashion looks (seriously? Who wears jeans that are completely shredded? It doesn't even cover you up!).

We also stopped by the Jane Austen Centre. I didn't purchase tickets to go upstairs, but I did go into the gift shop and bought a children's version of Persuasion. I'm ridiculous.

We got some hot chocolate and some scones then walked across town to a restricted park. There were like 3 weddings happening there.

The Union Jack . . . as a flower bed.

The random motorcycle that my bro wanted a picture of . . . here are your new set of wheels!

We got on the train and headed back. That night, J and I attempted to watch the BYU game. I lasted until half time and then decided I was tired and went to bed.
And that was day 4 . . . Tomorrow I'll try and post my favorite day of my entire trip! Until then, cheers!

Day 3: London, London!

2011-09-21T22:19:00.001-06:00

Day three began early as we wanted to get to London and through most of the stuff before Lil H's naptime. She's good, but she is still 18 months. That girl needs her naps!

We drove in with J to Reading where he works and then took the train into the city. The train ride consisted of such favorite songs as "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and a little English rhyme that now I can't remember.

First stop was 221B Baker Street.

I've never been a big Sherlock Holmes girl. I was more of a Nancy Drew mystery type of girl. But then the BBC came out with Sherlock a TV series that is Sherlock Holmes but set in modern times. And it works so well! So, we headed off to the Sherlock Holmes museum. I wanted to do some kitchy stuff. Lil' H wanted to be out and since we were basically going up stairs and then peaking into rooms, we let her roam and climb. She was pretty happy about that.

The place was cheesy, but it presented a few good photo ops:

See?

Told ya!

After Sherlock, we took the Tube over and went to the Victoria and Albert Museum. And it had started to heat up! It was 77˚F (thanks to H's iphone... that's the only way I knew the temperature!). Not what I was expecting, I'll tell you that.

Victoria & Albert was fantastic. We got through the silver and bronze rooms to get to the jewelry. After that, we got some lunch.

My choice: a brie sandwich (loved it!)

With a Victoria sponge cake for dessert

(so appropriate. As H said, you can't be at the V&A museum and NOT have a Victoria Cake!)

So cute!

After that, we headed back in and found the 19th century room to wander through while Lil' H took a nap. I think it was one of my favorite moments because I got to talk to H about a lot of things that I don't normally share with my friends--not because I don't want to, but it seems like they're dealing with their own stuff or caught up in their own lives, and they don't have time or our schedules aren't matching up where I can share these burdens. Or we're just not those kind of friends, you know? We're the friends who laugh and joke together. Not the friends who cry together or get advice from one another.

Anyways, we had some time, so I suggested we walk a few blocks to Kensington Gardens after Lil' H woke up to just let her run around before we headed back. On our way, we found a phone booth, so I took another photo op (because let's be honest... I definitely never have enough pictures of me...)

We came to the entrance that was close to the Prince Albert Memorial. So we stopped for the photo op there, and then let Lil' H run after the pigeons. (Yes... that is a different outfit. She spilled. She had to change. Still cute!)

After that, we headed home and relaxed. I may or may not have tried to fall asleep on the ground. Lil' H may have also tried to feed me goldfish crackers.

Dinner that evening was raclette. It's a swiss dish that involves raclette cheese, meat, scallions, and whatever else cooked and then put over potatoes or baguettes. Delicious. Perhaps one day I will buy my own raclette grill and make it. It's more of something you do for a party, and I'm not a party person so maybe I'll add that on the "nice to have but not really something I'd get" list.

Cheers!

London: Day 1 & Day 2

2011-09-18T20:22:00.004-06:00

It began about 1:30 PM on Tuesday, August 30th. I arrived at the airport 3.5 hours ahead of my flight time because that's what the website said. I immediately plugged in the computer and went to work for a couple of hours, trying to stay on the clock so that I could work a full day. I had enough to do. Finally, an hour before flight, I shut down, went and got a pizza, then found a seat again, opened up my computer and tried to finish a homework assignment while checking in with work.

When it was time to board, I was ready. This was it. No turning back. The plan was to read and watch movies on this leg of the trip, while finishing up Baby niece number 5's baby blanket. Unfortunately, my neighbor on the plane was from China and wanted to talk the whole trip after she discovered that I was Mormon. Don't get me wrong, I love a great missionary opportunity, but I also had a LOT of TV shows to catch up on... And now I think I'm a little selfish.

We arrived in Minneapolis and I walked through the airport to get to my next gate. I didn't use the moving sidewalks because all of the blogs I said to walk the trek to get your blood flowing. I went to the bathroom, took some Excedrin PM and boarded the flight to London at 8:45 PM.

Upon sitting in my seat, I almost immediately fell asleep and slept for the 40 minutes it takes to take off. And then they woke me up to give me dinner. And that point, I really just wanted to sleep because I figured that it was better to sleep than eat, but I ate then went back to sleep. I ended up sleeping about 5 hours during the 8 hour flight. Pretty good.
Upon arrival at London Heathrow, I navigated Customs and then headed to a tram to take me to the next terminal over, where I caught the bus.

I took a bus from the airport to the Reading train stations where I met my sister-in-law and niece (H and Lil' H!). Luckily, the bus had free wi-fi so I could communicate with Brother and H and let them know where I was. I also took a brief nap.

After the bus, we had to take the train from Reading to Henley-on-Thames.

Please note the famous people who lived/are living in Henley-on-Thames:

George Harrison of the Beatles (picture of his house will come later...)

Dusty Springfield of the "Son of a Preacher Man" fame

Orlando Bloom (trust me... I looked for him. Did NOT see him...)

We walked from the train station to the house, which includes a rather steep hill.

And there I am... looking gross and feeling disgusting at this point...

My sister-in-law asked what I wanted to do. My response was simply: to take a shower.
So I did. I took a shower and then we went out and got hot chocolate and scones.

Then we took my niece to the park and let her run around for a bit.

And I have to say that I fell in love with this little girl right off the bat. I think it took some time for her to decide whether I was good or bad, but I like to think that she took a bit of a liking to me too. We started a game that we played over and over again that involved the two of us sitting and giggling with each other. She also helped me stay awake by attacking me with pillows or feeding me goldfish crackers. Such a good little hostess.

My brother came home that night and we had a delicious dinner and I made it to 10 PM before crashing for the evening.

Day 2 started with my adorable niece sneaking into my bedroom and stealing some yarn that was on the floor. It made me laugh! Later, H, Lil' H, and I went to Reading for a bit of shopping. I went to the street market in Henley and purchased scarves for myself as well as a few gifts for friends (and an adorable red and white polka dotted insulated lunch box). In Reading (pronounced Redding), I bought some clothes, and an adorable hat (that my friend Rach proclaimed was very "Audrey Hepburn-esque"... I can't wait for it to get just a bit cooler so I can wear it!), and some jewelry. It was fun and the perfect way to relax.

Well, that's what I got for now... Day 3 will come maybe later this week? I have so much to update and say.... now if only I had the time to say it all!

Coming Soon

2011-09-12T06:48:00.002-06:00

So... I'm back from England.
Recovering from jet lag isn't fun. I'm currently tired around 6pm and wanting to get up at 3 AM. Yesterday I was ready for the day at 2 AM, so hopefully in a couple of days I'll be on my normal schedule.
And I'm sure you're all anticipating the oodles of pictures taken while in England.
This is just a post to let you know they're coming. I just have to get on normal times and finish a school assignment by tomorrow night and get back into the swing of work. But here's a preview for you:

Cheers!

To the Land of the Beatles, Her Royal Majesty, and some of my Ancestors...

2011-08-30T16:30:00.001-06:00

Surprisingly, this trip's preparations had fewer problems. Which surprised me, immensely. Until last night, when my friend tried to find someone else to give me a ride to the airport because something came up and she couldn't. Another friend stepped in to save the day. I spent the 3.5 hours doing work and doing assignment number 2 for school. Now, we're just about to board and I won't have wi-fi access until London. I hope I survive. I hope it's fun.

And best of all? I'm really calm right now (well, maybe on the outside. My heart is pounding in my chest and I'm really glad I bought some Excedrin PM.)

Cheers!!!

Purgatory (AKA Back to School) and Blessings from Visiting Teaching

2011-08-23T21:34:00.001-06:00

Well, the summer is officially over.

I know this because I got an email from my professor that class had started and away we go. It also doesn't help that in a week (OH MY GOSH A WEEK!!!) I'm off to London. So I have to finish 2 assignments really quick (one because it's due next week and the other because it's due WHILE I'm in London).
Tonight I sat down, and began the arduous task of my first class.
I'm taking Web Tools and Technology.

Fifteen minutes in, I was feeling pretty good.

Thirty minutes in, I thought I was almost done.

Thirty-two minutes in and I broke a web page.

Forty-five minutes in and I got to a "forbidden you can't access this page" error.

An hour, I wanted to throw my hands in the air and cry, "WHY DID YOU PICK THIS CLASS?!"

After that, I was forced to email the professor seeking help (which he provided) and then head over to my friend Julie's house so that we could be visit taught together.

I just got home, sat down, saw my professor's email and finished assignment number 1.

I'd like to think it's a little blessing from Heavenly Father for being where I should've been. Cause I don't think there's any other way that I would've been able to figure this out!

It's going to be a long four months.

Two Things

2011-08-18T06:45:00.000-06:00

1. I've become a major traveler.

We're down to a less than 2 weeks countdown to London/UK. People at work are annoyed.

Last weekend, I went to Boise to visit Alison & Scott. Alison did a great review of the weekend.

Which leads to number 2:

2. I've become a bit baby hungry.

I really couldn't help it. Alison & Scott's middle child was adorable and so cuddly. I fell in love.
And between that and the two kids from the family reunion, I'm wanting to be surrounded by cute little kids.

Now, please don't think I'm going to do anything drastic. But I AM willing to offer my babysitting services.

And because of number 1, I'm willing to travel.

Granted, I may have to postpone any new travel plans until next year when I can get more vacation hours.

I've still got to add a trip to the Bay Area and San Diego for at least Christmas (but maybe Thanksgiving too?).

Oh, and let's not forget that in a week I start my classes again.

I may have bit off more than I can chew this time around...

Good And Bad

2011-08-18T06:05:00.000-06:00

So, let be honest here.

Sometimes it's not fun being the youngest.

You have to learn to be mature faster (you've got to catch up to your siblings somehow!).

You'll always be the smallest so you can't run as fast or jump as high or know all of the skills they do.

You have to follow the lead of 7 other people, and when they're ridiculously smart and successful that's not always easy.

But then there are some good things about it:

You don't get in trouble for acting immature.

You have plenty of people who know good stories about you.

You learn from their wisdom and stupidity.

You get to enjoy their successes.

That last one happened a couple of weeks ago. Big Brother Number 2, C, came out and bought a house about 30 minutes east of me. He called it a cabin. I call it heaven. He and his wife hosted a family BBQ up there and it was gorgeous.

Just the way I needed my week to end. And then they invited me to use it if I wanted to. I've been waiting for the right moment. I'm thinking that maybe Conference weekend might be fun to take a little jaunt. Hopefully they have a TV by then. If not, it would be cool to do the old fashioned radio way.

Camping the Way I Like It

2011-08-17T18:15:00.000-06:00

Take 4 girls.

Send them to a cabin for the night.

Make it a bachelorette party for the one who has been able to find a good man.

Make sure that the water isn't running.

And that there are mice (because one of those girls is DEATHLY afraid of mice).

Give them lots of food.

It makes for an excellent party.

Some highlights:

Mers: (on the phone with her mother after seeing the only mouse in the whole cabin) "I'm standing on the ottoman. My friends think I'm crazy but I said I just have to call my mom since she's the only who can calm me." [this is as close as it's going to get to actual transcription. I do have video evidence so...]

Eating hot dogs and watermelon (we had to have something healthy in honor of the missing member of our group, Dzella!).

All four of us slept on the L-shaped couch. I ended up with very little space and had to get creative. After 2 hours of sleep, I decided to suck it up and go into the room with the mouse. Unfortunately that mouse was very active and I lasted maybe 15 minutes. Then I tossed and turned for the rest of the night.

Woke up to this:

There is no better way to wake up and tossing and turning all night was worth it for that.

Had to go to bathroom outside in nature. Never have done that before.

I'm so glad for these friends of mine. They make my life bearable and make me happy when I need it most.

I shouldn't laugh so hard

2011-08-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

I saw this comic on Sunday and thought of Dad and all of his remotes.

And then I looked at the three remotes I have:

1. For the TV
2. For the DVD player
3. For the cable box

And I stopped laughing...

"Family is like fudge...

2011-08-10T12:31:00.004-06:00

...mostly sweet with a few nuts!" ~ Author Unknown

It's true.

A few weeks ago I got to attend my family reunion. It was in Texas where it was SOOOO hot. By Saturday, I was pretty dehydrated and ornery (apologies, Family!). But it was nice to be away for a bit. And I realized that I'm a workaholic. My life is work because I try to fill my social life with work. It's starting to make me a very unhappy person. I'm trying to fix it. It just might take some time.

But here are some pictures from the reunion:

We played Minute to Win It:

We played this wizarding game (which involved running between 8 floors of a hotel and doing "tasks". It got old after an hour and a half.)

This would be the oldest niece. Not me. I'm sure you can't tell the difference.

We had a morning soccer game (indoor field, though. Did you seriously think we were going to try and play soccer in 90 degree weather?)

We went to a baseball game and I may have found the future Mr. Two Shoes there... until about the 5th inning when he had to take like 10 pitches to get a hit. Those dumb foul balls. That's when I gave up on him and decided that he wasn't good enough for me. Back to the drawing board.

Yep. Number 5 was going to be Mister Laurel. Tragedy.

And fell in love with these two cuties:

I'm serious. Have you SEEN anything cuter? I'd take them home. Even if they cried. Anyone want a babysitter?

And there it is. That's all I'm going to post. It was a good time. Definitely. I'm sad I had to miss the Pioneer Day Commemoration concert. I had AWESOME seats that I had to give away. But I think the reunion was worth it.

Paradise?

2011-08-02T12:51:00.001-06:00

This week HAS to be better than last week.

For one: I can maybe, finally, possibly post pictures from my trip to the Jerusalem set because the newspapers are posting them. Go, check out the pictures and once I get the okay from the guys, I'll post mine.

For two: I get to spend Thursday and Friday in Provo, working on the New Testament project.

For three: The countdown has begun. In exactly 4 weeks from today, I will be hopping onto a plane to fly across the pond. I'm excited. (And I love joking with Boss John (who leaves on Friday to attend law school) that somehow this trip comes up in EVERYTHING.)

For four: Tonight will include a trip to the gym (exercise bike, here I come!) and then editing pictures from the family reunion to allow family members to have copies.

For five: Tomorrow night will be spent hanging out with Melanie and her boys since it's been forever since I've seen them and I miss them a lot.

For six: I get to see the family on Thursday night. Not all the family, but some. And that makes me feel good.

Okay. Now I need to run to lunch. Adios!

Suggestions for Gospel Study

2011-07-30T10:49:00.000-06:00

From time to time, I find myself in need of some enlightenment. Some peace. Some inner strength. Some fulfillment from running on empty. Of course I know I need to be more diligent in reading my scriptures and spending time pondering. And sometimes, the Lord has to send that message in a rather roundabout manner.

So it was that yesterday, in reading some of my blogs, I ran across a talk in which the message for me couldn't be more timely. And to discover that it had been published in 1987? Yeah, it was something that I need to read. And that sent me on a journey this morning of finding some other talks by the same author. So here are the recommendations for some fantastically good, inspirational talks:

"One Thing Needful": Becoming Women of Greater Faith in Christ by Patricia T. Holland
A Woman's Perspective on the Priesthood by Patricia Holland
Filling the Measure of Your Creation by Patricia Holland
The Soul's Center by Patricia Holland

Hard at Work. Or Hardly Working?

2011-07-28T06:54:00.000-06:00

Let's get one thing straight.

I'm a city girl.

Which is strange since Dad grew up in the wildernesses of Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Arkansas. And Mom? Well, she lived in San Francisco for a long time THEN moved to a city just outside of Oakland where they had a farm--we're talking cows and chickens and pigs (maybe? I could be making that last one up. I know there were at least cows and chickens).

But still. I'm a city girl. Maybe that means I'm pampered as I've never really had to go out to a farm and do manual labor, but still...

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to go out to the land the Church owns and are building the set for the New Testament project and take down barbed wire fence, put up a fence, and weed.

This would be the fence I took down...

And the fence I help put up. There was a moment there where they made me hammer down a post and I felt so inept. I also managed to stab myself with a screwdriver. Don't worry. It's healed now. Oh yeah... later I sprained my ankle... again. I really need to be more careful.

The gang. On a water break. Cause it was hot and we were doing manual labor so...

Our rewards were: a tour of the set (I'm not allowed to post pictures. Sorry!) and ginormous scones.

Do you see the size of that thing? HUGE. Bet you've never had a scone like that before!

"You Make a Good Drink."

2011-07-28T06:41:00.000-06:00

What happens when...

A co-worker has a dream about a drink that is named after you? This drink is made of:

*coconut milk

*melted cinnamon ice cream

*sugar-free vanilla syrup

*melted white chocolate chips

*melted milk chocolate chips

DUH? You make it!

Obviously I had to make some modifications. Here were the ingredients I used:

*coconut milk

*vanilla bean ice cream (not melted)

*melted white and milk chocolate chips

*dash of cinnamon

It was a success. I recommend it. Although it is sweet. Be warned.

Blond moment

2011-07-08T07:47:00.002-06:00

Well, I got Google Plus.

And I attempted to edit all of my photo albums.

I ended up deleting ALL of the pictures from this blog...

So now I'm attempting to salvage them.

Now I have an excuse to not do my calling. My blog is way more important. (That's a joke. I'm kidding.)

Update: 11:52 AM July 9, 2011: Almost back through December 2010. I had to delete some posts because the pictures have gone MIA. I have no idea where they are. And without the pictures, the post is useless. Or I had to revise the entry because the images no longer exist. Apologies. If you have any pictures of me, I'd appreciate you sending them my way. Thanks!

Running Away From My Problems

2011-07-06T21:30:00.005-06:00

Long rant leads the way to lots of pictures... I'm sorry if it bores you.... You have been warned.

Somewhere in the classic, The Sound of Music (which hasn't been watched by me since a very entertaining moment on my mission when I yelled at Maria for forgetting her habit after the opening number and my mission president looked at me and said "you've seen this one too many times, Hermana Teuscher") Maria tells Liesl that she can't run away from her problems, you have to face them. And normally, I would agree with her...

But two weekends ago it got to be too much.

*I was tired of having responsibilities thrown at me at the last minute (did I mention that my calling has evolved from Communications Chair to Bishop's Personal Secretary? Cause it has. Really. He said so).

*I'm tired of only making it to Sacrament meeting because the next two point five hours are spent between the clerk's office and the bishop's office with at least five men watching me organize a board and wondering how in the world I do it (seriously, is it rocket science or something?).

*I was sick of being away from work. I'm valued, appreciated, and validated there. I don't get that from anywhere else except in my family and my friends I work with and my friends who are far away from me. I'm very heartsick for those friends and for my family.

*I've also come to the conclusion that I needed to cut some loose ends, meaning boys that I tried to cling onto as friends but I needed to accept the fact that they, like so many other boys, were good for when they were there, but they made no effort to stay. Why should I consistently make room in my life for them, reach out for them, make an effort to be their friend when they make no effort towards me? So I've cut the strings. And the freedom feels good, although I have missed them, they obviously do not miss me one bit since I haven't seen or heard from any of them in three weeks if not a month or more. (I stopped keeping track after the first week.)

I knew I needed to get away. I needed to be away. I thought about going home. San Diego always makes me feel better. Mom makes me feel better about stuff even if we don't talk about it extensively. But it's expensive and because I haven't received my tuition reimbursement yet, that money just isn't quite available at the moment.

My friend, Julie, invited me to go to Idaho with her to her friend, Kerri's cabin. I asked that we skip church on Sunday. She agreed. And thus began our adventure.

First stop was the Idaho Falls temple. Not on purpose. I forgot an extra set of underwear (I was packing the morning of and trying to pack light!) so we stopped at the store nearby and bought some and decided to take the photo op since it was available.

Julie in front of the temple, but still across the street.

The flowers were in bloom in Idaho.

Yes... those would be the falls... as in Idaho Falls.

We drove some more until we came to Ashton, Idaho. After washing up (seriously, I had to throw water on my face, I felt so gross), we headed up to Mesa Falls and took some pictures.

Afterwards we headed back to the cabin. Kerri, her husband Marci, and their friend went fishing. Julie and I took a long nap. And I woke up to the most incredible sunset. So beautiful.

As an extra tidbit. We did s'mores that night and I tried one with a reese's peanut butter cup (regular size) instead of a Hershey's bar. CHANGED MY LIFE. Do it. SERIOUSLY. You will NOT be disappointed.

Julie and I decided that we should probably go to church. We looked up a ward and the time, but discovered on Sunday that the time online was 30 minutes off. The speakers were boring and I was focused on the texts and emails that I had received while I was out of service.

After sacrament meeting, we packed up and Julie had the brilliant idea to take me to Yellowstone since I had never been. So off we went.

Old Faithful... and me. Cause I'm not old and probably not as reliable as that geyser.

The only animals we saw were bison. Don't get me wrong, they were cool, I was just hoping for a bear, or a moose, or a deer. But bison were big. That worked well enough for me.

So there it is. We got back Sunday night and Monday I was back at work and loving life again. And it's funny, I've never loved working so much. And it's paying off. I'm considering moving a cot into my cubicle and just being at work 24/7. I think something is very wrong with me. I wish I knew how to fix it.

Two weeks to family reunion. I hope I can make it.

First Bonfire of 2011

2011-07-05T07:37:00.002-06:00

I love bonfires up the canyon. They seem to ring in the summer the best way I know how. And they're slightly different from bonfires at the beach. Although, I'd give anything to have a bonfire at the beach right now. A few weeks ago, my friends and I went up the canyon and roasted some hot dogs and made s'mores and had a delightful time. I took a few pictures just to try and practice some lighting. Yes, they're still dark. I didn't want to photoshop the light in because I kind of love the warm flow of the firelight. Practice does make perfect, right? Besides, I need all the practice I can find if I'm going to have good pictures from the trip to Texas (family reunion in 2.5 weeks!!!!) and the London vacation. So... here they are:

I've got some serious blogging to catch up on... I still haven't blogged about my not-so-subtle running away from all my problems weekend... It'll come soon. Promise.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T20:45:00.003-06:00

I'm really very homesick. And it doesn't help that because I have work tomorrow, I couldn't go see fireworks (when I know I won't get home until midnight and I have to be up to exercise before work, it just doesn't work out) so I watched the ones at the Washington Monument since that show started earlier. Sadly, it's not as magical as seeing them live. You can see all the smoke and it seems like the fireworks are slightly delayed. Maybe if I had HDTV service it would be more realistic (I can hear my brother, J, complaining about my lack of HD service right now...)

But it's okay. In a few weeks I'll be in Texas with the family and certainly enjoying every minute. But here are some pictures my friends at work and I took on Thursday in our patriotic colors. (Please note... I say work friends because that's how I originally met them, but I sadly don't get to work with them anymore. But we still meet together for lunch. I love lunch dates.)

Just setting up the shot is all....

So... there you have it.

Good thing my roommate got her parents' elliptical over here and I'm making an almost daily visit to the gym... Being Relief Society helped me to lose weight... I've since started to gain it back. YUCK! I might be going on an extreme diet soon.

Currently Vol. 2

2011-07-01T15:00:00.002-06:00

Need to take a break on this Friday afternoon to update this month's currently:

Current books: Recently read Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield. Highly recommend. Warning for some language and lots of music trivia. But still good. Also currently reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster.

Current tunes: I should put something more generic like "listening features" or something like that because I listened to the radio play of The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer. It was amazing. Watch the movie too...
But really songs: Parachute, Kiss Me Slowly; Dave Matthews Band, You and Me; Spice Girls, Wannabe (That scares me... seriously....); Hot Chelle Rae, Tonight Tonight; El Canto del Loco, Otra Vez

Current quotation: "Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Current wishlist: a NOOK color, jamon serrano, a bike, fireworks (check--this weekend)

Current bane of existence: Not being in San Diego. This is the first time since 2005 that I won't be at my parents' house for this holiday and I'm really homesick for this:

You would be too...
I'm planning to drown my homesickness in lots of homemade ice cream.

Balls Without Princes....

2011-06-28T21:20:00.003-06:00

So, my sister-in-law told me the last time I got to attend a gala to take lots of pictures and enjoy it because it probably wouldn't ever happen again.

However, in the midst of some difficult times, I DID get invited to a gala. Ernst and Young's Utah's Entrepreneur of the Year Gala. However, this time I didn't have to worry about finding a date (good thing too... I'm still in a self-imposed vacation), but it was fun to go out on the town with friends. And this time I took a few more pictures (Emily--these are for you!):

Me with Rachel and Heidi.

Salad course....

Drinks all around... er... I mean, pass the rolls?

The girls on the town. Forgive the awkward angle. The girl taking the picture didn't seem to know how to work my camera. So it's Rachel, me, Mers, Bethany, and Heidi.

Main course. Heaven. I love meat. I determined that I just can't ever consider marrying a vegetarian.

There were two dessert options. I got the bottom one.

So, I think at this point, I can safely say that I will probably never attend another gala. But who knows. Maybe I'll get lucky again.

Words of Wisdom

2011-06-28T13:48:00.001-06:00

Got Dove chocolates to have at my desk. I think I'm falling into some bad coping strategies (because let's be honest, chocolate always gives me the attention and love that I want and crave for when others don't have time for me).

The great thing about Dove is they have little messages in the wrappers. Here are the two that I got today:

I think it's a sign....

It's a tragedy when...

2011-06-25T08:41:00.002-06:00

...I dread my weekends and prefer to be at work.

What can I say? I work with awesome people who make me laugh all the time. They also think the world of me (I think I was told like four times this past week how awesome I am... Granted, I already knew this, but it's nice to have that validation sometimes.).

But Friday afternoon comes and everyone heads home early and I start to get really sad and all I want is for it to be Monday again. I've stopped checking my phone and waiting for connections to be made to people outside of work except at lunchtime (because let's be honest... I hate checking my phone to see that no one has called or texted) and then I stay late at work just so I can spend more time with these people. Because they make me feel wanted and whole and they listen.

I'm not sure whether to be grateful or be concerned.... Maybe a little of both?

Might Be Starting a Portfolio

2011-06-20T10:21:00.002-06:00

Have I ever mention that it's my dream to be a writer?

It's actually on my bucket list to write a full novel one day. I've tried writing but I always seem to get sidetracked. I'm determined this summer to finish one that I started two years ago.

[courtesy of The Working Writer's Life]

But none the less, today marks the second time my name has appeared in print. Maybe I should try creative nonfiction rather than a novel? I might be better at that genre.

But really? I'm just thrilled that the magazines finally printed something of mine, with my name in print. I know how picky they can be about what goes in the magazines, so I'm glad that I made the cut. You can find it online here or in the July 2011 Liahona on page 45 or the July 2011 Ensign on page 19. Sadly, no picture accompanied my article. But pretend that it did, okay? Here it is if you don't want to go to LDS.org...

By Small Means

By Laurel Teuscher

I thought I was doing fine. I had served a mission, graduated from college, secured a full-time job, and finally moved into an apartment by myself. I attended church every Sunday and sometimes went to activities. I had plenty of friends, single and married, and I suddenly had more time for reading, my favorite thing to do as a child. Yet even with all of these activities, I still felt lost.

In Alma chapter 37, we read of Alma’s advice to his son Helaman. In verses 41–42, Alma talks about Lehi’s family and the Liahona. He explains that the Liahona would not work when “they were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence” and that “they did not progress in their journey; therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course.” Reading these verses helped me realize that I was not progressing. I was not exercising my faith or being diligent in anything in my life. I had stopped working toward a goal. I was simply waiting for something to happen.

There wasn’t one specific moment when I made a list and wrote down everything I needed to change. Rather, those changes came little by little. First, I started to get up early and go for a run or do some other form of exercise. Next, I began to look into school programs that might help me progress in my job or allow me to get a different one. I found a program and then spent time preparing to take the necessary tests to apply. Scripture study and prayer became more important to me, and I tried to spend time every day feasting on the words of Christ and seeking to feel the Spirit. I made a special effort to be more involved in my ward—even if it meant sacrificing some personal time.

Since I started making these small changes, I have felt happier. I feel that I’m progressing and Heavenly Father is giving me new challenges. I can face those challenges with hope rather than fear or discouragement. I’ve learned that when we cease to work or exercise our faith and move in a direction, Heavenly Father cannot help us progress and we will not reach our destination. I am so grateful for the small changes in my life that have helped me to see a way ahead.

Picture time

2011-06-18T08:29:00.002-06:00

I realize my last few posts have been rants. What can I say? Life gets you down and when you're not doing much of anything else and I can't really talk about the nitty gritty of my job, the blog can be kind of boring. So having something to rant about makes my life seem more exciting than what it really is. (Although, please note that my bishop got my work number... so I've been having to screen calls at work. Sorry to anyone who is forced to leave a message. I'm hoping that he learns his lesson to just respond to my email WITH an email.)

But a couple of weeks ago, one of my college roommates, L2, came down for a visit. (Remember her from the trip to Puerto Rico? You should!!!) Well, she was here to visit her grandma and her brother went into the MTC, but she found some time in her full schedule for a visit with me. And boy was it a walk down memory lane.

We went to Rock Canyon and started hiking up the trail. (Now I'm thinking we maybe should've tried hiking to the Y since I've never done that.... maybe in August I'll do it.)

I love that Laura always makes me get in front of the camera.

I seem to have so few pictures of myself that it's nice when someone will take a picture for me.

We went to Cafe Rio.

We went to the dollar theater and saw The Adjustment Bureau which turned out to be more of a romantic thriller than the thriller I was hoping for. Ah, well. But while we were waiting to be seated at the theater, we found a photo booth and took some pictures. But of course, this photo booth also videoed us while we tried to take pictures. So, here's the video:

And here are the results:

Basically the best day I've had in a LONG time.

A few other items of business:

I bought and put together a new entertainment center. $72.00! A STEAL! It looks so nice!

My passport expire in April (I can't believe it's been 10 years since I went to Europe the first time). So in preparation of the visit I'm making in 80 some odd days, I had to get it renewed. This is my new one seconds after I retrieved it from the mailbox! YES!!!

Communication

2011-06-15T12:12:00.002-06:00

For those of you who work with youth or young adults, you should read this. It's a talk by Sister Julie B. Beck given to Seminaries and Institute instructors back in 2009. Here are some key quotes I took from it:

"We know, from visiting with [young adults] and conducting studies, that they show a lack of faith in their ability to be successful in families. They don't see forming families as a faith-based work. For them, it's a selection process much like shopping. They don't see it as something that the Lord will bless them and help them to accomplish."

"They all have a cell phone, and they all have an e-mail address. They're getting increasingly adept at talking to somebody 50 miles away and less and less able to carry on conversations with people in the same room. That makes it difficult for them to socialize with each other."

As I read this talk last night, I realized that leaders of young adults and the young adults spend so much time focusing on ways to increase attendance rather than getting back to the basics. I guess I've been thinking about it since I've spent a majority of the time over the past few weeks preparing pictures for a ward directory and a calling board, and setting up a text service of reminders.

We are so focused on getting everyone to HUGE activities that we don't focus on building relationships in a singles ward. I would love for a YSA ward leadership to step back and focus on home teaching and visiting teaching. Teaching us how to make those visits meaningful and not make the person feel like this visit is done out of obligation. If I'm honest, there were times when as a RS president I simply went out to visit because I knew no one else was doing it. Sometimes it was a drag. But I knew that it wasn't always about me. The best times I have with people from the church is when we get together and talk. I loved when my home teachers would come over and chat with me. We built a friendship. Yes, they showed up on the last Sunday of the month, but they seemed genuinely interested in me. And sitting with two guys in my house made me feel a lot more at ease than trying to navigate a HUGE room at the institute that is full of guys and girls vying for each other's attentions.

And let's be honest about YSA ward directories--they are a menu. We look through the pictures and decide who may be "worth our time" in getting to know based on a picture taken by a not so professional photographer. And we neglect everyone else. Everyone does it. I used it for RS to add to the visiting teaching assignments. You know what the response was? Why hadn't anyone else thought to do this? Because we're so focused on shopping, rather than the work of building relationships.

Basically, my thoughts are yes--having a ward Facebook page is good. Yes, having a text service for reminders is good. Yes, having activities is good. But if we are not building relationships (friendships or dating), we are still going to not have the attendance we'd like. I personally don't like going to these activities. First of all, I've been sick for the last few of them, but secondly, my friends are starting to date guys in the ward so they go as couples and I feel like an extra wheel. I'm a shy person already so attending these functions where I'm self-conscious of being alone and then to have to deal with an extremely large group of people, does not make me feel comfortable. At all. It would be nice to meet people on a more individual level. That's why I've always be a proponent of FHE groups, or Relief Society groups. They allow you to meet other people without overwhelming anyone. The places I met and became friends with people in the ward were by attending choir (there was very few people there at the time I started going) or at the book group set up by the Relief Society.

But maybe I don't "get" the singles ward anymore. Maybe I'm just too old for it. I mean I was the one who wanted an e-mail that listed all of the activities. And apparently that just isn't "cool". Who checks their e-mail every day?

When the PMs are away...

2011-06-13T12:24:00.001-06:00

I love my new team.

Besides the fact that I get the opportunity to work on amazing projects that I'm not supposed to talk about, I get to work with 2 other single, 20-something year olds--Heidi and Curtis. They're great.

So, when it was announced that last Thursday all of our PMs (Project managers) were going to be out of the office at a conference, I thought it only appropriate that we have a little gathering. I haven't moved to that office that I've been dreaming about for 3 months now, and so I continue to not see Heidi or Curtis very often. Makes me sad. But Heidi thought it was a great idea to bring treats and just visit. She brought some carrots, strawberries, and grapes. Me?

I brought Snickerdoodle muffins. They looked like this:

Are you salivating yet? Here's the recipe:

From the Sisters Cafe
3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 Tbsp unsalted butter (1 1/4 stick), softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup buttermilk

1 Preheat oven to 375°F.

2 Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

3 In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together, beating until fluffy (about 2 minutes with an electric mixer). Add eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated after each one. Add the vanilla yogurt and buttermilk .

4 Now add the dry ingredients. Mix until all is moist. Do not over beat.

5 Spray each muffin tin with cooking spray or brush with butter. Distribute the muffin dough equally among the cups. Bake until muffins are golden brown, about 10-13 minutes(20 for regular size muffins). Test with a long toothpick to make sure the center of the muffins are done. Set muffin pan on wire rack to cool. After 5 minutes, remove muffins from pan.

6 While the muffins are cooling, melt 1/4-1/2 cup of butter and prepare a bowl of cinnamon sugar. While the muffins are still a bit warm, dip the top of the muffins in the melted butter and then in the bowl of cinnamon sugar.

Still deciding

2011-06-13T12:16:00.000-06:00

if it's killing me or making me stronger.

I'm really debating leaving town every weekend from now until.... October? Is that bad?

Dear Laurel

2011-06-06T12:05:00.003-06:00

Dear Future Me,

I know you read this blog a lot. It's not narcissistic. You just like to remind yourself how far you've come. You think that by reading this blog, your journals, anything from "back in the day" that will allow you to relive, to amend the mistakes, to fix whatever is currently broken. You sometimes live in a world of 'what ifs' without ever realizing that by living there you forget to live now. Today. And you're wasting more of your precious moments.

So here's what I want you to do this week. It could be any week in your time. But specifically the week that you re-read this post.

Just breathe.

Don't worry about what's due and when. Don't worry about the phone call from the bishopric telling you to complete your tasks. Don't worry about the afghans that need to be crocheted, the cross-stitch for Mers that you've been working on for 2.5 years, the emails you need to send, the books you need to read and return to the library, the piano that needs to be practice, the guitar that needs to be played. Just STOP.

Stop and breathe.

And let me remind you of some things:

1. 2010 was the best year (thus far) since your mission. You worked hard, you loved much, and you experienced joy. Don't desire to go back to that. It's easier now because you're looking back. Look forward. Move forward. Eye on the prize... and you have a lot of those coming up.

2. Start looking at your eyes in the mirror instead of the butt that keeps jiggling or the belly that won't disappear. Your eyes have always held any truth about you. And they just need to continue to sparkle. It doesn't matter what the scale says or that you've gained 12 pounds since your birthday. Look at your eyes.

3. Sing in the morning. And maybe dance a bit. You always feel better with some snappy music playing while you do your make up and your hair.

4. Read your scriptures every day. Remember that journal entry you wrote a few years ago? You said that you knew the week had gone better because you had made an extra effort to read your scriptures. Don't feel bad having to leave a gathering early or saying no to a movie night. You shouldn't feel bad because YOU need that time to read, study, and ponder. You need that time to build that relationship. As a Relief Society president you grew close to Heavenly Father through serving and loving. But now you need to build your relationship with Him in another way. Don't feel guilty about that. It sometimes takes you longer than other people to trust and get to know someone. Give yourself that time. Don't rush anything.

5. Get your nose out of those books! Yes, there is a time to read. But there is also time to play. Play as much as you can (within reason). You may not move so fast in the future. Might as well get moving now!

6. Make some goals. Don't make them huge. Make them small. And keep them.

Remember that a large ship benefits very much by a small helm (D&C 123:16-17) Learn to be the small helm that is always reliable and learn to be cheerful about that (remember that cheerful doesn't mean to always be THRILLED or EXCITED but rather to continue to press on without complaining). And then, at times, stop. Lean on your sword and rest for a time, but always, ALWAYS get up and finish the fight. Don't slacken your efforts because of the hard times (2 Nephi 4:29).

There are the words of advice I have for you. Though I'm sure that you have better ones in the future.

But take this week to just BREATHE.

love always,
Me

Oh, boy....

2011-06-01T11:13:00.001-06:00

In my meeting this morning, Co-worker Dave (who has been very helpful during my transition to this department) was talking about the bookcase he bolted to his wall. He said that he used a stud finder.

My boss, John, quickly added, "Laurel needs to borrow it. She needs all the help she can get."

He apparently didn't get the memo on my self-imposed stay-cation from pursuing men.

But don't worry, he's on the look out for a new stud finder for me, since I was born without one, apparently.

Accentuating the Positive is Difficult...

2011-05-30T22:55:00.000-06:00

I realize that life isn't fair.

I've understood that for a long time.

But you'd think that at some point balance would be brought back in and the scale wouldn't always be tipped in that unfair side. But apparently I still have some more tipping to do.

Each day I have to take multiple deep breaths and remind myself that things are not as bad as I feel they are, that everything will work out in the end, and all of those other clichés that are actually true. Because if I don't take those breaths, I will curl up on my bed and cry. And that's not a place that I should be, want to be, need to be.

And so, I've written this on my mirror to help remind me:

"All I ask is one thing, and I'm asking this particularly of young people: please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism, for the record, it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen." -Conan O'Brien

Right now, I'm trying to continue to work really hard and be kinder than I have been, and taking those deep breaths remind me that even if the amazing things that I want to happen (to have a boy maybe text me back or maybe ask me on a date or at least to think I was charming and witty, or not to have a calling where I'm told that everything that I've done in my first week should've been anticipated and done a week before, or to actually get a tan [yes, I realize that these are all kind of lame, but there they are]), there's the hope that something good will happen one of these days.

And right now, I'm holding on to that hope because the evidence lately has indicated that while sunshine may be in the forecast for the area (FINALLY!), there's some stretching that I apparently need to do. I just have to remember that I just need to outgrow my little pot before I can be moved into the garden to bloom.

I Am What I Am

2011-05-27T08:02:00.001-06:00

In my daily travels around the Internet, I have found various blogs that I love and read religiously (meaning that whenever they show up in my google reader, I read them!). And one of those blogs posted something that came at a particular time that reminded me of something that I seem to always forget--that I have to be me. I don't have to be anyone else, sound like anyone else, act like anyone else, and no one really wants me to be that way. So, I've taken a few breaths since this weekend and Monday when I was feeling frustrated, angry, sad, depressed, and all of those unhappy emotions (whether towards situations or towards myself) and am feeling a lot better. But I thought I'd share the insightful post I found, just in case you would want to read it yourself:

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.

Currently Vol. 1

2011-05-24T09:54:00.004-06:00

Current books: Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Man's Quest for Love and a Better Haircut by Rob Sheffield. I highly recommend it. Music. Dating. Personal essays. All in one book. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.

Current playlist: I call it my Summer Mix. We have: The Fox and This Side by Nickel Creek, To Whom It May Concern by The Civil Wars, Terrified by Katharine McPhee and Zachary Levi, Rhythm of Love by Plain White Ts, Stop This Train by John Mayer, Run For Your Life by the Beatles, Perfectly Lonely by John Mayer.

Current color: Turquoise. I'm wanting to be back in Puerto Rico on the beach with that beautiful water.

Current favorite show: Toss up. We've got Chuck. 30 Rock. The IT Crowd. Spooks. Fairly Legal

Current wishlist: A new apartment. I think I just need a change. And for the MoTab to stop scheduling stuff around my vacations!

Current bane of existence: Time zones.

Freedom

2011-05-23T06:54:00.000-06:00

Hallelujah!

I finished my paper. Just in time too.

And since then, the vacation I thought I was going to enjoy has pretty much sucked.

I had to give a talk yesterday. And I hated every minute of it. Usually I'm fine with giving a talk, but this one did not come easily. And then giving it was emotionally exhausting. It didn't help that right before I got into an argument with my dad. Or that I was frustrated by my calling.

Yep. I got a calling too.

It's not so much the calling. Well, it is. I have to put together the ward directory, take pictures of the new people, and then organize the calling board so that the bishopric know who has what calling. I just feel like I'm a secretary again. Organizing on paper. That's what I do. And it doesn't help that every member of the bishopric keeps saying "We just think that you of all people would be great at this." The new LDS.org allows you to print a fantastic directory with pictures... but I need a ward clerk to upload those pictures since I don't have admin rights. And then it's the fact that the only reason I got called to this, as I was told, was because I have a nice camera and I can rattle off the entire name of the camera. Wow. Special.

But I do my callings. I was just hoping for something a little less time intensive. Something where I just had to show up for church and do my thing and leave. I'm just not really feeling the ward and the changes in the dynamics to my friends have just brought to my realization that I probably need to consider moving. In order to avoid drama, I have just taken myself out of the equation of most activities because I feel like that is better than being accused of not being myself, when the truth is that the dynamics have changed drastically and right now I need to readjust. But apparently I don't have that time because I have to figure out how to get all of these pictures of ward members and get them on the website. Because I'm the only person in the whole ward who can figure that out.

Is it July yet? I could really use some time away from Utah.

500 words left celebratory post

2011-05-14T18:35:00.002-06:00

I have 500 words left on my paper so I thought I'd share a couple of things that I've learned in the past week (also as a way to procrastinate some more...):

1. It's possible to make a dress in 1 day. Basically all you need is a t-shirt, one and a half yards of fabric, and a sewing machine. Easy.

2. I discovered the close-up setting on my camera. My nephew Sp had fun taking lots of pictures with me.

3. I'm a California girl through and through. And that's why my friend H decided that it was time I got back to my blond roots and let them show through. Day one was kind of: WOAH. I'm a blond! But I'm liking it now.

4. Spring has arrived in Utah. And that makes me VERY happy. In fact, during lunch on Thursday, I went and took some pictures. I was pretty pleased how it turned out.

5. Baseball season has also started. I bought a Boston Red Sox hat (I'm starting to love them) and then this Garden Gnome. That's right--he's wearing a Padres hat. I will ALWAYS root for the Padres.

I wish I could see a game this year, but see my post below to remind yourself why I won't be going back to San Diego this summer.

6. In the spirit of makeovers and just trying something new, my friend K has been talking up her eyelash extensions. So, last night, I got some. (I know... Mom is probably rolling her eyes and thinking to herself, "What kind of daughter did I raise that she would be so frivolous as to get EYELASH EXTENSIONS? Your own eyelashes are fine, Laurel!").

So... after 24 hours... I'm not feeling them. They LOOK beautiful. But they itch. They poke. And I kind of miss that low-maintenance look I had going on--the little bit of mascara. I'm going to give them a week before I decide if I want to keep getting them filled. Maybe they won't be as stiff in a week. We'll see. But maybe I've just realized that I'm is definitely a non-glamorous type of girl. I'm more of the going to the beach and play in the water than lay on the sand, wear jeans and Vans type of girl. But I do have to admit--they look beautiful. And my passport picture totally has them!

So, there it is.

And the paper is due Tuesday night. Then you won't have to hear about it anymore!

A long time ago...

2011-05-12T08:33:00.000-06:00

. . . I may have posted something about wanting to go back to England.

Well, it's happening.

August 30th-September 10th I will be on the island of my ancestors, roaming to and fro, and hopefully not getting into TOO much trouble. I have a list of things to see: Dr. Who Exhibit, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Bath, Jane Austen's home, various locations in London from the Harry Potter movies, and possibly a trip to the Lake District with an awesome friend currently living in England.

I'm going to eat lots of pastries and chocolate--which means I need to lose more weight now so I can gain some of it back--and enjoy England like I didn't when I was 18.

It's glorious to be single and to have money. And to have family living across the pond. Now, if only my little niece would warm up to me...

I would rather...

2011-05-11T18:53:00.000-06:00

Things that I would rather be doing than writing another paper for class:

*visiting the dentist
*still being at work
*watching a horror movie by myself
*asking a boy out on a date, even though I know he will say "No".
*taking a four hour car drive to Death Valley.

And that's what I got.

Now I will get back to my paper. 250 words done and I hope to get to 1,000 tonight.

Just a memory

2011-05-07T11:49:00.000-06:00

I went to just one formal dance in high school.

I know. Hard to believe. How could this girl not get asked to formal dances? But it's true.

It was Winter Formal and I had asked Twin's friend to go with me. The night was going fine (not as magical as they make it out to be in teen movies) and then my date asked Twin's date (who became Twin's wife) to dance one slow song. In the middle of the dance floor, Twin and I were the only ones left without partners. I turned to him and he turned away and walked off the dance floor. Not wanting to take up space, I quickly found some empty chairs in a corner and took one, praying that the song would end soon, looking at my skirt and top and being annoyed that I had let my mother pick the material, and wishing that the night would be over.

I think that scene has repeated over and over... in a metaphorical sense.

If only people would stop playing slow, love songs.

If he only knew the half of it....

2011-05-04T16:54:00.005-06:00

This came in my email today:

My brothers prepared me well.

Did I mention that my new work assignment started today?

And that I get my office on Monday?

And that I get to work with my new stake president and his second counselor in a professional work environment? The plan is to NOT tell them I'm in their stake. Something tells me that they'll find me at church in the next few weeks though...

Stay tuned. I'm pretty sure the awkward episodes of my life will only flourish with time.

And yes...I've done 1,776 words for paper 1. Paper 2 is currently at 94. They're both supposed to be 3,000.

Things I love and things I don't....

2011-05-02T12:42:00.000-06:00

Things I love:

*Weather reports that say sunshine and 60-70 degree weather for the week.
*Sunshine (The real thing and as a nickname... I wish it would stick... But then again, no nickname has ever stuck).
*Being released and shredding all of my RS information (I'm DONE!).
*Getting an office (happening NEXT Monday).
*Visiting with old friends (and then hearing their love stories over the pulpit at major Church events--I'm looking at you, Dzella!).
*Sewing time with Juls (made a purse...next on the list is a dress).
*Learning new words (like marginalia [words written in margins of books]).
*The Civil Wars (best music EVER!); Nickel Creek
*Zachary Levi: Chuck. Tangled.
*Bluegrass Band practice. (We've already learned The Fox by Nickel Creek. Amazing).
*Finding old letters from friends while cleaning out some boxes.

Things I don't love:

*Snow. On a Saturday.
*1 PM Church time (Seriously? How am I going to survive? Everyone says sleep in... this girl can't sleep in. I'm going to fall asleep during Relief Society EVERY week. This isn't good).
*Unanswered texts (There are certain people I've resorted to calling and leaving a missed call because a text doesn't get a response. I may go passive aggressive and just not respond to their texts because being assertive and asking why they don't respond doesn't work).
*Phone calls and texts from people as if I'm STILL the RS president. (I was RELEASED!!)
*Having to write two papers. (Not cool. Not cool at all. Two more weeks....)

I can officially blog about it...

2011-04-28T13:19:00.001-06:00

I got a new assignment yesterday at work.

In addition to working on CES firesides, anything that has to do with Seminaries & Institutes, Central HR, and Church Schools (aka BYU, BYU-I, BYU-Hawaii)...

I get to work with Welfare, and the Office of the Presiding Bishopric...

and, oh yeah, the MoTab.

BOOYAH.

And lest you start to believe that I'm ridiculously cool or something... the only cool things are:

1. My name will be on the credits for the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast (I may have to tape one just to see it). But I don't get to go to the broadcasts. I just get to watch them after the fact.

2. I may, eventually, have an office. Yes. Complete with four walls, a ceiling, and a door. But that's only a maybe.

And... that's about it.

In other news...

I'm learning to take risks. Stick my neck out. Lay the cards on the table. Let my heart be broken because I've been spending too much time protecting it.

I read this quote a week ago:

Life responds when we risk.

Unfortunately, the footnote to that should be--the response is never what we think it should be.

And that's where I'm at. My first week as a "former" RS president.

Good thing there is always a bed to go back to sleep in, some hot chocolate to mix up (because snow is in the forecast again), and Chuck to watch.

If only my two papers for class would write themselves.

Turned Over And Maybe Upside Down

2011-04-25T06:34:00.001-06:00

Well, it's official.

Yesterday I turned in my keys and my handbook.

I'm no longer Relief Society president since there is no 47th ward.

First order of business:

Get sleep.

Finish my final project and paper for school.

Catch up on the TV shows I've missed for the past 7 months.

Cheers!

Story Time

2011-04-21T14:13:00.001-06:00

It's Thursday. I've been in meetings all morning and decided it was time to take a lunch break.
I run over to the local cafe because the cafeteria has gotten old.
I stand in line, when one of the sandwich makers comes over.

Sandwich Maker (known hereafter as SM): "You seem to be a regular these days..."
Me: "Yeah."
SM: "My name is Scott. But everyone calls me Phares" (as in Ferris Bueller)
Me: "Laurel"
SM: "So... you must work here."
Me: "I work in the Church Office Building. Can I get a ham on white with provolone?"
SM: "You always get the same thing, don't you?"
Me: "Yeah. I like to stick with what I know..."
(few minutes go by, SM needs to help other people while my sandwich goes through the toaster oven).
SM: "So, any veggies or dressing?"
Me: "Tomatoes, lettuce, and dijonaise, please. And can I get that to go?"
SM: "See...now I know what you'll get. So you just have to come in and say, 'Hi, Phares' and I'll get it for you, no problem."
Me: "Oh, good."

I take my sandwich, pay, and head out to the tables to bask in the sun. I open the sandwich and take a bite into glory, only to have my mouth hit with some spice.
Another bite tells me that he put on chipotle ranch instead of dijonaise.
I finished the sandwich much to my chagrin. Because dijonaise TOTALLY sounds like chipotle ranch.
I think I may have to stop going to that cafe for a month or so. Or at least start wearing a ring on my left hand.

Big Girls Are Allowed To Cry...

2011-04-20T10:12:00.000-06:00

All it took was a 15 minute phone call.

I just wasn't prepared for it and in the processing of the situation, the tears just came out. Then it turn to sobs.

It's not an emotional roller coaster that I'm on. It was more just an overwhelmed feeling of profound helplessness and a profound sense of my own ridiculousness. It built up.

Today, I'm still feeling rather helpless and ridiculous, but all I can do is leave it for Heavenly Father to take care of. Because He will. That fear of failure? Well, I know when it comes to His sons and daughters who are in need, He will take care of them. Even if I can't. Because I've learned that:

"My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds."

-Anne Murrow Lindbergh

But all I ask is for a bit of forgiveness for taking a moment to let some tears out in behalf of those girls. I just need a moment to do what I seem to do so well--mourn with those that mourn--before I can get back to my to-do list. The never ending list. The list that requires that I go out and buy a new planner today.

Target trip, anyone?

Missed My Calling

2011-04-14T08:07:00.002-06:00

I'm pretty sure that I should've been a car mechanic.

You may laugh, but it's true.

Maybe it's the fact that I was raised by a woman who believes you get out there and try everything you can before you pay money for someone to fix whatever is broken.

One of my windshield wipers hasn't been working. A friend mentioned that a bolt might be loose.

This morning was one of those awful mornings that are becoming more frequent often, where I could NOT get out of bed to exercise and therefore had a lot more time to get ready for work. So, I found myself outside 15 minutes earlier than normal. I figured I might as well put the wrench I got for my birthday to use.

That's when the rain started.

And remember how I have to wear a skirt to work every day?

But the windshield wiper is working... for now...

Forget being a librarian or a writer or a mother or a wife...

I should be a car mechanic.¹

¹But truth is, I would really rather have a guy come and fix it. Because I'm not strong enough to screw that bolt in tight enough.

Mother Nature's Cruel Tricks...

2011-04-12T06:33:00.001-06:00

A day of perfect weather. A day of considering whether to wear my flip flops instead of my sneakers. An afternoon of sitting on my front porch reading a book, basking in the sunshine.

It makes me start dream of this:

[source]

And then I wake up the next day to dreary weather again.

I can't take the ups and downs. I need some good vitamin D.

Welcome, Spring.

2011-04-11T13:40:00.000-06:00

Just spent my lunch break eating on the plaza.

There were tulips.

And sunshine.

And Laurel may be just a wee bit twitter-patted (It's just a little crush. Nothing to get excited over).¹

But then again, Spring is back. Anything is possible. At least that's how I always feel...

¹I really should take my own advice. I've had a stupid grin on my face for the last 24 hours.

Keys to a happy Laurel

2011-04-08T06:51:00.002-06:00

[source]

Please note the following equation:

Sleep (7-8 hours 2 nights in a row) + no drama + sunshine + exercise = happy Laurel

There is no solve for x. All are essential for a happy Laurel.

And today, even if sunshine is not on the docket (but there is snow), I'm feeling pretty good about life.

Especially when this basically describes my last night:

[source]

Happy Friday!

Set in Stone (or at least written in semi-permanent ink)

2011-04-07T06:44:00.002-06:00

March was a long, cold month.

Back before my mission I read President Gordon B. Hinckley's biography and a week or two before he became prophet, he wrote a journal entry that I don't have in my journal here, but has stuck with me (which is huge because I think it's been 7 years... so you know it must've struck a chord.)

But he said to the effect that March is a month of intermittent rain and sunshine that seems to reflect how life goes in March. Lots of ups and downs.

I'm kind of glad to be out of March. And into April.

I even started April Fools' day by getting my boss pretty good.

Conference was excellent.

And now, I'm into the full swing of waiting for spring to come and then summer.

The date has been set for my release as RS president in the 47th ward. It's not a big secret. On May 1st, all of the YSA wards and stakes in the Salt Lake Valley will be reorganized. The 47th ward will no longer exist and therefore, I will be automatically released from my calling. I don't know if that means I will be called again or what the Lord has planned for me, but to be honest, I'll be a little relieved. I feel like I'm running on empty. I can barely wake up in the mornings to exercise (and so I've gained 6 pounds... UGH!!!). I have no energy to stay out past 10 PM, even on Friday or Saturday. And it will be nice to not be at the Institute for most of Sunday. But again, if the Lord needs me to be a RS president again, he'll figure out a way to help me. And I've been truly blessed in the last year and almost a half in this calling.

I'm just looking forward to rest and to take a moment to breathe. It feels like it's been years since I've been able to do that!

Going for the Win!

2011-03-29T10:57:00.001-06:00

First things first...

1) Megs' microphone wasn't turned on for the first part.
2) I really suck at singing fast songs (I may suck at singing all together... but fast songs are the devil... yes, that pun is intended).
3) None of us can believe we all started that last chorus at the same time. We could barely hear each other... but we did.
4) There was no actual competition. So, we think we should've taken first place anyway.
5) My friend told me that some people in the audience thought we were really good. BOO-YAH!

Enjoy.

Better for Humanity...

2011-03-27T06:04:00.002-06:00

First of all... I went on a date last night.

That should've been the first sign.

He was great. We drove around for FOREVER looking for a FROLF course (that would be Frisbee Golf for those non FROLF connoisseurs). Then we decided to just go back to the park we had met at and make up our own FROLF course.

As we headed back to the car, the girl of the other couple, my friend Hills, thought it would be fun to roll down a rather steep hill.

Two thoughts crossed my mind:

1) I'm 28... not 20.

2) Remember this?

But I didn't want to be the lame date... I'm already as lame as they get so I didn't need to add to it.

So... I went for it.

About halfway down, I hit a bump, my glasses bumped into my face, and flew off. As I lay at the bottom of the hill, I felt like my nose was running (it was rather cold) but when I wiped at it with my hand, there was actually blood. Yes... once again, I got a bloody nose.

And now that time has passed, it also looks like I might have a nice shiner. Oh yeah... and the glasses are broken (good thing they were only $10 thanks to ZenniOptical.com)

I'm still trying to decide how to explain the black eye in PEC this morning.

So... maybe my earlier conclusion is a good one.... No children for Laurel. Especially since I seem to leave such a great impression on a first date.

Rule Number 10

2011-03-21T21:17:00.000-06:00

If there's one thing that I've never liked, it's PDA.

When I had a boyfriend back in the day, I couldn't stand holding hands with him. In fact, it was probably one of the reasons we broke up--because he hated that I would drop his hand whenever we were in the presence of other people. I just don't like to display my affection in obnoxious ways... (You must be thinking, Really, Lor? Hand holding is so not obnoxious... and I realize that... but I still hate it.)

So, you have to realize that if I hate HAND holding... then getting slapped on the butt is a WHOLE other ball game.

It's one thing if we're in the middle of my Women's basketball game. I'm okay with that.

But if we're at an activity... and he and I have not gone out on a date... And then he tries to blame it on one of our ward leaders (you know the married leaders who are assigned to our ward)...

I'm not 17, okay? Flirting is fine and I enjoy it from time to time. But if a guy slaps my butt, he goes down in my estimation. If the guy would ask me on a date, I would probably go once to give him a chance, but beyond that... he's got a long ways to go to woo me.

So rule number 10 to dating Laurel means to not slap my butt before we're officially dating.

Long time, no talk.

2011-03-16T17:13:00.002-06:00

It feels like it's been forever since I blogged, but really--it hasn't. It's been like a week and a half. But a lot happens in a week and a half. You know--a little bit of laughter, a little bit of tears--makes me a well rounded person, right?

Well, Monday was our Ward's talent show. We have it every year. The ward votes and sends 2 acts on to the Stake Talent Show. In January, we got a group together and formed a band. We're called "Just After". We decided to do The Devil Went Down to Georgia. And the awesome part???

We won.

So in a week and a half we're going to perform for the stake. I'm a little nervous and I think we need some more practice, but I hope we win there!

Laura took some video, so I thought I would share it here. Like I said--we have some work to do, and hopefully we'll have a better version from the Stake level, but I'm excited.

And the best part is? The fiddler (Megs) and I are going to start a bluegrass band after the talent show. Like for reals. I've already picked out a couple of Alison Krauss songs to learn!