Holy Colee!

Today was a happy day. My cousin Tyrel has received his mission call and will be leaving for Honduras August 18. In preparation for that, today was his first temple visit. It was such a good day. The room was full of about 30 of his family members. I can only imagine how proud his parents must be of his decisions. It was nice to see his brothers and sisters step in and act as Kirk and Janet's proxies. On days like today, I think the veil gets to be especially thin.

Love you Relly.

I was working on an assignment for my mentoring group today, and I think I have figured out my problem. Question #1 - What is most important in my life as a whole? This one is easy.... My family and loved ones. Question #2 - What gives meaning to my life? Questions #3 - What do I want to be/do in my life?....Should it worry me that I have no answers to these question?

Have I mentioned that Cannon is one of my very favorite people ever? I no longer have my own bed in my mom's house, so I kick Cannon out of his when I visit. This week, when my mom was changing the sheets on his bed she told him it was so I would have a clean bed to sleep in when I come home. Since then, he hasn't been sleeping in his bed, so that they will stay that way until I get there.

He makes me laugh. Isn't he thoughtful?

I really don't have a whole lot to talk about, as is evident from the lack of posts. But I am setting up a new experiment, and it's only fair to warn anyone who might come to visit...

In an effort to live in an attitude of gratitude always (cliche aside), I have set up a gratitude door. "What is a gratitude door?" you ask. It is a door that before you can walk out of, you write something you are grateful for on it. I have chosen my front door. If you're going to come visit (and I wish you would) be prepared to add to the list before you leave.

I am hopeful it will not only remind me to be grateful more often, but when I am struggling, it will be a visible reminder of all the wonderful ways my life has been blessed.

Now you know.

"This is a gospel of agency." This off the cuff remark, which was actually part of a joke has been running through my head for last 24 hours. I am not sure why it is such an "aha" for me today, but it really is true. Not only do we have our agency, but we allow others there's. “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” (Article of Faith 11)

I think sometimes it's easy to forget. We want so much for people to do the things we know will make them happy, or the things we think they should do, or even the things that will make US happy, that we have to let them make their choices and live with their consequences. Of course, we don't have to stand by and let them make ALL the possible mistakes there are. We are given the chance to help them learn, help them see the possibilities, try to help them look forward. But in the end, we each are responsible for our own choices.

And even more, we are all only a little piece of this puzzle. If we can feel so much desire to help the people we love to do what is right, how much more must our Heavenly Father desire for all of His children to make the right choices. And HE actually knows what ALL of those right choices are... our view is so limited.

There is a person who seems bent on being as difficult as possible. She seems especially skilled in finding fault, even where there is none, and pointing it out in a manner to make the "faulted" person feel bad about themselves. Living in a small community means that everyone is aware of what she is doing. The interesting part is that she seems unable to find fault in herself. For the past few months whenever I think about this person, it makes me angry. I dwell on all of the things she should be aware of and how she should have to feel as bad as the other dear sweet people she seems to need to bring down. It's not healthy, and I am not proud of it. The comment about agency also got me thinking about this woman. She has her agency. I can't take it away from her, no matter how many people she hurts. She still has the choice to use her words to tear people down. I am trying to change the way I think, how am I using my agency? Wanting to make her feel bad, puts me on the same level as her. Two wrongs, still don't make a right. What I can do, is try to make MY choices better. I can try to use my words, my actions, to lift people.

Ok... so now I am just rambling a little, and maybe this particular ramble isn't something I should be broadcasting on the world wide web, but I am curious. I know you people are amazing, and so much more advanced than I am - have you ever had a person like this in your life? How did you rise above the situation? What can I do to feel better about her? Feel free to comment, or you know email me :) I really would appreciate any advice you have to offer.

One of the things I like best about being from a small town, is how much things stay the same, or at least they give the illusion of doing so. However, when I got home this past weekend there were actually a couple of changes ;-) First, my mom bought a 4-wheeler. I personally find this completely amusing. She's wanted one for a long time, but I really just never thought she'd do it. Now if she would just go get the thing licensed we might actually be able to ride it. Second, we have a new batch of kittens. Even though I do not personally own them, I do actually like animals. Baby ones are the best. I am a firm believer that animals should live outside, though - which is why I don't own them. I don't have an outside for them to roam around in.
It was also fun to drive to town and see old buildings being torn down and new ones coming up. It gives the perception of change, even though nothing really does.

It's been a good weekend to be home, quiet and yet productive. Friday, Daniel, Kelly and Justin worked out in mom's yard. They got the war zone (created from digging for the plumbing this winter) leveled out and Daniel even mowed the lawn. It doesn't look like mom's yard yet, but it does look a lot more like it than it has. Saturday was community clean up day. Mom felt guilty about having to leave early for our dinner reservations, so we went and got the girls and cleaned up for a couple of hours before the rest of the folks gathered and joined us. I'm going to hand it to Tylyn and Heather. They were tired, but even so they did their part and the extra part to help out. AND they did it with out being forced to. Thanks girls!

Today was Mother's Day. I have been blessed with a particularly fabulous mother, if I do say so myself. I hope she knows every day, and not just one day a year how much I love her. I think I might have lived an extra blessed life for all the "like my mothers" I have. Aunts, neighbors, friends' moms, teachers, grandmothers, friends... my life has been full of wonderful women who have taught me what it is to care about people and to love unconditionally. To all of those I also wish a very happy mother's day.

Today, I kind of felt invisible. It wasn’t that anything really went wrong or right. For a Monday things even went relatively smoothly. It just seemed like the whole day could have happened the same way, even if I hadn’t been a part of it. Looking back, I’ve been having more days like this than usual. I’m not really complaining, just observing. I guess if the Leo in me is craving that spotlight, she had better do something worth noticing.

As I walked past my front windows yesterday, I was overwhelmed by the feeling that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to take care of even the little things. With out me thinking about it, He helped me find a place to live where there are beautiful tulips to bloom every spring. Like I said, I know it's a little thing, but tulips are my favorite flower and through no planning of my own - there they are :) To make it even better, because of the way our complex is shaped, they bloom in stages - which means I get to enjoy them even longer.

Tender Mercies :)

Today I went flip flop shopping. Summer can start anytime it wants. I AM READY.

Maybe it's because I live a very land locked life, but one of my favorite things when I travel to Nova Scotia, is to watch the water. The tides in the bay, the water that seems to disappear from the "rivers" while I am at work, driving along the seaside as I make my way back to the city, I am fascinated so much that I have to be careful not to be distracted while I drive. In Digby,I always request the hotel room that overlooks the bay. I can sit and watch the boats for so long that I forget what time it is. Maybe, I just need to get out more.

Today I am chillin in Dartmouth. I say chillin, but it's a completely warm and glorious day. This morning was a bit foggy, so I decided to go to a movie. (I saw How to Train Your Dragon - and would encourage your attendance fully.) When I came out of the theatre (I am in Canada - it's "re"),the sun had come out and the fog was gone. It was so nice I couldn't make myself go back to the hotel. The mall in front of the hotel is an outdoor mall, so I spent the next couple of hours just walking from store to store. Everyone seems to be out and about making sure last year's flip flops are still the right size. I managed not to buy new ones, but I sure wish I had packed mine.

I did make it back to the hotel, to find that even though I had missed the morning session, it's already available online!! I am going to watch today's sessions back to back and then head out to try one of the many fantastic restaurants for dinner.

Happy Saturday!

Well, I've been chastised again for not actually updating this thing, and since I am avoiding moving furniture, I figure now is the time. Life is actually pretty quiet – with days that are super busy. I spent last week in Dingle which is always a busy time, and of course it was full of fun things. I got to be home for Cannon’s Blue and Gold Banquet, quality scrapbook time with the girls, dinner with my Georgetown family, watch parties, humanitarian aide day, Relief Society dinner, temple day, we learned a new card game – and I am pretty sure I can even remember most of the rules ;)

This week I finally picked out bedroom furniture. I’ve been putting it off, but I found a set I love and is on a stellar deal. Grownup furniture will now be in my living room, kitchen AND bedroom. Look at me being an adult. What that means is now I have to rearrange, redistribute and get rid of stuff so it can all fit. The tricky part is doing all of that AND leaving my house liveable for my friends coming for dinner and my family that is coming to stay over spring break. YAY! for them coming to stay. BOO! that I won’t actually be here when they do.

PS – know anyone who wants an elliptical? I’ll take $50 off the asking price if you can get it out of my house before the delivery guys come ;-)

It's been kind of a long week... 4 people who I love have lost someone they love. It makes my heart hurt. It also makes me realize how blessed I am to have the gospel in my life. The sweet assurance that we will be able to be with our loved ones again. It allows us to miss having them with us now, but know that the sorrow is only temporary.

I guess, now the goal is to make sure we are living a life so that we qualify for that privilege.

Tonight is the first time I have tuned into American Idol - I know, you're shocked and slightly amazed. But here's the thing, Simon is leaving after this year. Let's face it - is there really another reason to watch the show? No really - IS there another reason to watch the show? I guess one could argue that I should watch to fill my "Simon's snide remarks" tank... hmmm... maybe

It has been a lovely weekend, really, Friday was my grandma's birthday. She turned 88. I vote 88 is an accomplishment all in itself. My mom and Cannon came down and we spent the afternoon with grandma and grandpa. I even got to meet my cousins' spouses and children. And for that matter, see some of the cousins I haven't seen for so long one of them had actually NO clue who we were. The last time I saw him he was probably 4... now he's probably 24. It's a stark contrast to the family relationships on my mom's side of the family - where we get together for everything...weddings, funerals, blessings, birthdays, ummm Tuesday?

Today was a super good day. Liz and I went to Logan because we're being supportive. Our friend, Spencer, was released from the stake calling he has held for the past 10 years. As we were walking into the tabernacle, I noticed Spencer was talking to someone who has actually been on my mind a lot lately, for no known reason, Ron Godfrey. Ron was my advisor at USU, and I am pretty sure one of the most influential people in my actually get through my program. I had lost track of him when he left Logan to serve in Kentucky. So, yay :) Coincidentally, Brother Godfrey was sustained as the new Stake President. It was fun just to see him again. After Stake Conference, we went over to Lafe's, where his fabulous roommates fed us dinner. Afternoons like today remind me of how much fun it is to actually have people around. Don't get me wrong, I still love the quiet little life I live, but having people around to just laugh with - not a bad plan either.

It was a good way to end a good weekend.

I went to the funeral of a man I didn't really know well, today. He came to our family about the same time that I was moving away. 14 years ago, Harry married my Great Aunt Helen Rae. She is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet - and I do suggest you meet her. Listening to his family and friends talk about him today, made me wish I had gotten to know him better. I know that sometimes at funerals you think - wow, did these people really know the same person I did? But today that was not the case.
Today, I think I want to be a little better... so that when you silly bums have to talk at my funeral - you can be as genuine as his family was.

I had a small moment of bliss this morning. I got to work, and as I was sitting in the parking lot deciding whether or not to get out of the truck, I looked at the eastern horizon. The faintest shade of pink was beginning to appear over the mountains. That's right my friends - the days are getting longer! A ray of hope in this dreary winter! The groundhog may be predicting 6 more weeks of winter, but he's only accurate 39% of the time... I'm still crossing my fingers.

I used to think my life was actually interesting. And for some reason I needed to advertise that interesting life to the world wide web... I have recently come to the conclusion that this is not necessarily so. However, I do like to hear myself talk - so here I am again making you listen :)

I was super excited this past weekend to get out of town and visit the center in Baton Rouge. Working remotely has some benefits, but I really enjoy being able to get back into where the work is happening and visit with the people I talk to every day. And, I'm not gonna lie, I like getting to see my friends.

I travelled to Baton Rouge with the other Utah kids, Leah and Warren. We got to the center late afternoon on Thursday - just in time to check in and say Hi. It was good to meet some of the client visitors who were already there. We stayed a couple of hours before going back to the hotel, and getting out for dinner. I have also decided I like traveling WITH people. Dinner is much more fun with people to talk to.

Friday we spent part of the day in the center and then headed back to the hotel to set up the conference room for the meetings that were the actual cause of the trip. I think the meetings went really well. The energy was positive and I think people walked away with a good understanding of where we are, and where we want to be. And best of all, I think they understand what we need everyone to do to get there.
After the meeting, there was a cocktail hour and dinner at a fabulous little steak house called Sullivan's. I especially love seeing people get out of the work frame of mind, let their hair down a little and just have a good time. I definitely learned more about my leadership team than ever would have come up on a conference call. I am thinking we need to push Steve's wife for some pictures :) If for no other reason than that he dared us to try.

Saturday we woke up and went to lunch (yes, those things happened very close to each other) at a place called George's. I am not sure where Jon found this place, but it was awesome! It was funny to see Leah get all nervous. I'm not sure she was a fan of the idea at eating at a hole in the wall that is literally under the overpass of the freeway in a not so "Chili's" part of town :)If you're ever in Baton Rouge, I highly suggest it. Great food, unique atmosphere, reasonable prices... a winning combination.

After lunch we did it all again! for the team that wasn't there the night before. Saturday night I stuck around for the after party at Ringside. The band was great and again, it was just fun to see people be people instead of be "at work."

The trip back - for our little group - was pretty uneventful. There were a couple of horror stories from some of the other folks who had traveled, but we were not among them. And, fortunately - we got out of town before the game... Maybe that was fortunate.... maybe it would have been fun to see the whole town going crazy for their team :) GOOOO SAINTS :)

There has been interest expressed in knowing why I have wire in my living room, so I figured I'd better post.

I am clutz. I present to you two exhibits.

Exhibit A: I managed to step on a piece of barbed wire which has left a gash in the bottom of my foot. Where is this wire? Sitting near the wall IN MY LIVING ROOM. Who really has barbed wire in their living room? And who walks on it if they do?

Exhibit B: I managed to sprain my ankle walking across - The Parking Lot. It's a flat surface. I wasn't anywhere near ice or snow. I wasn't wearing heels. I have been walking for over 30 years.. and yet...

Best part - same foot. Happy Thursday!

I love the smell of fresh ginger. I can remember the first time I ever cooked with fresh ginger, because it wasn't all that long ago. I was taking a cooking class with my friends James and Heather and the instructor, Hiro, was going on about the wonders of this ugly little brown thing. It's good for everything from flavoring food to relieving PMS... just incase you were wondering. I remember when he cut into it and that yummy lemon smell was passed around... yes, I am a geek. Why do yo ask?

Anyway, tonight I was making orange ginger chicken and was mincing the ginger and now my house smells the same yummy lemon smell. Oh, and dinner was really tasty.

I wonder how long my hands will smell like ginger? It's like a pleasant little surprise every time I touch my glasses :)