We Also Sing

Earlier this year my Brothers and my Father were in a men's choir called, "Because We Sing". They all had such the enjoyable time that when the women's choir called "We Also Sing" was being organized my Mother and Sister-in-laws, Sara and Tami, all signed up to participate.

We began practicing in late September and have met every Sunday evening since. It is an amazing choir. 364+ women sign up for the choir, though because we preform in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, we have to stick to that number of women.

Women travel from Logan and Ephraim to participate each week. Our incredible choir director, Merrilee Webb, travels from St. George herself each week to conduct the choir.

Merriliee is quite the wonderful woman! I love her attitude, her passion for music, her animated spunk and the penetrating spirit that emanates from her. She taught me so much. And most of it had nothing to do with music. I learned about the importance of listening to the Lord, trusting in Him, letting go of pettiness, realizing the role that others play in our lives....and so much more!

Some of my favorite things that she would say was, "to touch the soul of another is to stand on holy ground" and "don't be you, be what we need" (which was perfect for us as a choir).

She taught that sometimes the Lord is trying to tell us something, but we are too busy with texting or blogging (ha ha) that we don't hear what He has to tell us.

She also shared with us that when we give up who we are to be more like God, we are setting ourselves apart from others. However when we try so hard to "express ourselves" with trends or dressing in our "own unique styles" etc., that we are actually being like everyone else and lose our individuality. Its being like God that makes us individuals and sets us apart from others.

At the beginning of each rehearsal we'd sing this awesome Hawaii'an Chant called the Hiki Mai Chant. It was one of my favorite parts of the rehearsals.

Here it is:

HIKI MAI CHANT

HIKI MAI E NA PUA I KA LA’IE

KE PI’I A’E LA KA MAUNA KI’EKI’E

HA’A MAI NA KAMA ME KA MAKUA

HE WEHI PULAMA AO’ KE KUPUNA

E KA’I MAI ANA E KA’I MAI ANA

E HAHAI I KA LEO O KA HAKU E

Translation

Come forward and appear you precious flowers arising in the calmness of this special day.

Each of you are taking up the challenge of not simply climbing a high mountain, but you have chosen to climb the highest and most majestic mountain of all.

Dance forward you children of your Heavenly Father, for is it not so that you, our children, are so very precious.

In fact, you are the most precious adornment worn around the neck of your ancestors.

Come forward, come forward for there are many roads for you to choose.

Be sure to follow the voice of the good shepherd, for he will always keep you, protect you, and show you the way.

And for the concert we all made leis out of Fun Fur that represent a hug from our ancestors and our posterity. Mine was red (of course).

This last Saturday, November 28th, was our concert. We were the premiere concert for the Christmas Season on Temple Square. We preformed twice, which I am so glad we were able to, it was doubly and incredible experience.

My favorite songs were "Il est ne, la Divin Enfant" (surprisingly - I was sure I wouldn't like it), "Thankful" and "In The First Light" oh how they are powerful songs. I had a hard time not getting emotional during the last two - EVERY time.

This was such an awesome experience. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone interested.

Here is an after concert photo:

When I Grow Up, I Want To Be Like Elizabeth Bennet

Last night Barefoot and I went to a Murder Mystery Dinner at The District. It was quite enjoyable, though we were much saddened that we did not know we could have dressed up, because she, like I, love to dress up any opportunity we get!

On the way home the conversation moved from the theatre to books. We discussed the many novels we have read and loved, the ones we have read and enjoyed, and the ones that were just awful. And then we began our rant.

Warning: If you love the Twilight Series and take offense easily when one has a differing opinion as yourself, do NOT continue reading.

You have been warned.

Both Barefoot and I have read the Twilight Series, and we both enjoyed it. However, we began to discuss (or shall I say, passionately rave about) the characters and the author, how we felt about them, what role model they are becoming to the next generation and how it is just disappointing.

Here are our conclusions.

Bella Swan - We whole heartedly can't stand her. She is whiny, weak, submissive, has no mind of her own and has no self confidence or self worth. She doesn't know how anyone like Edward could ever want to be with her (c'mon...give yourself a little credit honey!). Her life is over because a man decides to leave her, and then she can't get over it and move on. She whines about it for a whole freakin' book! Move on! You are still worth something without him. Plus, you are in HIGH SCHOOL! And then she only finds happiness when he comes back to her. To make matters worse, she thinks she is all noble and self sacrificing, but in reality she makes everything worse for those around her. Annoying, right? Right.

Edward Cullen - We admit that we enjoy his character and that is he is interestingly attractive (and I am an "Edward Fan" all the way). But we find the fact that he finds Bella so fascinating because of her mind and who she is, ridiculous. I honestly believe that if he could hear her thoughts he'd be so utterly turned off by them because of how little confidence she has. I much preferred reading Midnight Sun, written from Edwards perspective than Twilight, written from Bella's. Her attitude and personality drove me crazy.

Stephenie Meyer - She is very creative and writes well. However, we think that what she has created as the new heroine for the next generation is disappointing. Girls are going to grow up thinking that if they have no opinion or no confidence whatsoever to speak their mind, that men, like Edward, are going to fall madly in love with them.

WRONG.

MEN LOVE STRONG WOMEN!!!

Girls need to grow up knowing that if they have confidence, know what they want, head out to conquer the world and speak their mind, that men will be attracted to them and they can get whoever they want. Not just the first man that pays attention to them in high school.

These girls need heroines like Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Shirley, Scarlett O'Hara and Jo March!
They need to know that they can be strong, confident, intelligent and successful! Girls need strong female role models who can help them build self-esteem and confidence, not ones that depict a teenager willing to dispose of her mortal life for the crush she has on her high school vampire boyfriend.

Bella has become the new role model, and I'll be damned if I let my daughters grow up thinking that is who they should be like!

We also agreed that there is an incredible abundance of grown, married women who are OBSESSED with Twilight. They have Edward decals all over their minivans and SUVs. They've read the whole Twilight series 15 times but have not once read Pride and Prejudice or Gone With The Wind (or they find them (by them, I mean the movie versions) dull and the characters not to their liking). These woman need to educate themselves and read these books to help be a greater heroine for their own daughters!

We find that in most of these cases, these woman are most likely using Twilight and their passion for Edward to compensate for what is lacking in their own marriage. But ladies! You could be so much more! Don't settle for Bella being your role model and having all the passion you get in your life what you get from reading Twilight. Really. You can!

We are not Twilight haters. We are just realistic about what it really is. We like the books, they are enjoyable for some entertaining reading. But we are not so obsessed that we are going to ask Robert Pattinson what it is like to be a vampire (really? Is this the intelligence level we are looking at here?)

Speaking of Robert Pattinson. Who thought he was a good choice for Edward? He is skinny and honestly looks like some big dumb oaf. He looks like he has no idea what is going on and can't form an intelligent sentence if his life depended on it.

And don't get me started on Kristin Stewart. Talk about an annoying actress. But I guess that makes her perfect to play Bella.

But that is off the topic.

Please. We ask you to please go home and read Pride and Prejudice. Read it to your daughters! Help them to know what a real heroine is, and what they can become in their own life.

We don't need any more women who define themselves by the man that they date, or think they are only worth something if they have a boyfriend.

We are women. We are God's crowning creation. Act like it.

Domestic Me

Here are some photos of my most recent amazing domestic abilities.



Yes, I am aware that I am amazing. *Wink*

Aww...Pete Yorn

Here are some photos (you, know the high quality phone photos) from our last outing to the Pete Yorn Concert.



The other day I was at the grocery store, Smith's, and Pete was playing over their musik station, I promptly sent a text to my younger brother, Eric, and told him, "Pete Yorn is on the radio at Smith's!" His response was, "Wow, he's hit the big time now!" Funny. Though, other than in my car, I hear Pete at stores or restaurants more than the radio. Sad.

If you sadly don't know who Pete Yorn is, you should check him out! www.peteyorn.com. He is my FAVORITE singer.

Jog Safely

This morning a woman in Sandy was hit while she was jogging. Not long after she died from injuries sustained from this accident. This afternoon I found out she was the mother of a fellow runner, with whom I work. I had never met this woman, but I knew that she and her daughter were training for the upcoming Moab Half Marathon. Not only does my heart ache for my co-worker, but my heart aches that she died doing something that she loved.

I do not know how many runners/joggers are killed while training each year, but I know that each one is tragic and unfortunate. Especially with this one so close to home.

Her loss has taught me a few very important things to remember as we run our hearts out:

1: Always carry identification with you when you run, even if you think you are just going around the block. She was not carrying any, she was hit at 6:30 this morning and it wasn't until 11:00 that her family was informed of this tragedy.

2: She, like most of us do, was listening to her ipod. I have no objections to this, but I learned from participating in the Spudman Triathlon that music can be distracting to your surroundings, and you need to be aware of what is going on around you, whether it be a car turning or a man lurking, awareness is so important (I am not saying that this is the cause of the accident, but it is something to keep in mind that could contribute)

3. If you are going to be running in the dark, where something reflective. The driver who hit the jogger this morning did not see her as she was turning. We want to be seen!

4. Let someone know you are going and about what time you will be back. Take your cell phone (this can be used to identify you) and if you are taking longer than you should, you can let someone know so they don't worry. There are a lot of things to think about when running, and safety should not be compromised.

I love running. I know I share that love with many. And to be able to continue that love, we should take care of those things that are most important.

My heart breaks for this family's loss. And I pray for the continued safety of us all. Please, jog safely.

A Participant Once Again

As I awoke at 6:40 Saturday morning, I dreaded what was ahead of me. My 10 mile run. Ugh. However, just a week before, as I awoke at 3:30am to get to the Park City Half Marathon in time, I was all nerves, and looking forward to the 13.1 miles I had ahead of me that morning. It is funny how 13 miles one day is something to be excited about, and 10 miles the next is absolutely dreadful. All it is, is the fact that training is the worst part of a race. Not meaning its horrible, but it is the necessary evil for sure.

And next weekend, I shall be racing again. My brother, sister and myself are running in the Disneyland Half Marathon, our 3rd Disney Park race this year. I have never to been to Disney more often in my life, and I quite like it. Even if it requires me to run at least 13 miles. Which actually, connects me more to the Disney experience, as I love running and I love Disney. 2 for 1!

So while I train this week, I'll keep my eye on the double medal I will be receiving next week as I cross the finish line at Disneyland!

This Week's Lessons

This past week or so I have learned quite a bit. And hoping to help those around me, I am posting said lessons.

1- Getting braces aches. They ache again when they are tightened each month.
2- Having a car with excellent gas mileage is wonderful.
3- Having a parking stall next to the lawn which gets watered every night calls for more often and futile car washings. You get nasty hard water stains on the car, which is eliminated washing the car, but then return the next morning when you park in your stall for the evening. Blah.
4- Participating in races, ie triathlons and marathons, is much more enjoyable then watching them. Participate as often as one is able!
5- My husband does odd things in his sleep, like unplug the CD player and place it on the floor while getting angry at the fact that it was up there and plugged in. **See previous post for more examples of my husband's interesting sleep habits**
6- I miss my DVR. Please come back soon!
7- Utah is a HOT state to live in (in the summer that is). Pack your shorts, sunscreen and sunglasses folks!
8- Working is overrated.
9- Having an ipod adapter in one's car is fantastic. I am definitely getting my money's worth now!
10-Don't take classes during the summer. It is NOT worth it.

My Current Babies

I take more photos of the cats than anything else. Sad.
Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker are the most photogenic. Carl, however, obviously to me, hates it when I take a picture of her...she always turns away last second or gives me the, "don't you dare take a picture of me" look.

Russian Red

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.
That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."

-Gwyneth Paltrow

The Sea Vision Society

Today I was researching a question at work and came across quite the Internet gem. We donate a part of the proceeds from our "Ocean Beauty" checks to the Sea Vision Society, and I was attempting to find out exactly what that society supports.

Granted, I never did find out about the Society, I did, however, find the Grammar Geeks worst nightmare. I pride myself (generally) in my knowledge of the English language and the use of correct grammar. So when I read the horrid misspellings or terrifying grammatical mistakes of others, I find it quite humorous (probably because I deal with such atrocities on a daily basis).

When I came across this website, I was ROLLING at my desk. The man that created it, Christian Reise Lassen, is the founder of The Sea Vision Society and an artist (and come to find out a musician as well....oh, I cannot WAIT to get my hands on his album, "Turn the Tide").

His grammar is beyond atrocious. Half the time I have no idea what he is trying to say. There are ridiculous run-on sentences and a comma, placed, after, almost, every, word,.

To give you some samples of the jewels this website contains, here are some direct quotes:

"Don't dream your life, life your dreams"

"Rules of Behave"

"Wizzards also is called Wiz those members who have the super user rights. One recognizes it as a starlet at the beginning of its nodding name. Every member the tasks of a Wiz are various, they care that yourself also on this that the palace is in the business, on the other hand they care that yourself is also to the rules of behave keep and they respect that the member are consistant under each other. You care on the one hand that the Palace perfectly runs and on the other hand they provide it that the Wiz whole work, have, however, the tasks of the Wiz simultaneously, too they."

"If one thinks of Greece as a vacation-goal, occurs a place prominent immediately like Athens or Rhodes then."

And that my friends, is just a sample. I am not making this stuff up.
Be sure to check out the "Babies" tab and read the picture captions.


Oh, and below are a couple choice photos for your enjoyment.

Gimme Sunshine!

I admit that I absolutely love snow. Its beautiful and has enjoyment factors i.e. snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, et cetera.

However, I 100% object to snow in APRIL! Good grief.
And what is worse, nature keeps teasing us with wonderful Saturday weather just to stick its tongue in our face the next day and the next.

I am getting the cabin fever and want sunshine for the following reasons:

1) Running. I need to run outside. If I have to run in the Olympic Oval or on a treadmill for much longer, I just might scream. Not to mention I have a race coming up in a little over 2 weeks and it had better be good weather

2) Climbing. I purchased some new climbing equipment, and all it has done is sit in my closet. If I don't use it soon, I think it is going to get mad at me, become faulty and kill me

3) Clothes. I am tired of my Winter attire and I want to pull out the flip flops without freezing my toes off

4) Lunch. I am beginning to go crazy being cooped up in the lunch room. I adore sitting on the grass and eating outside with a good book during my lunch hour

5) Swimming. I decided that I would like to swim much more this year to be my strongest for the Spudman. And I pretty much refuse to go swimming in the Winter as my hair will freeze and probably break off, ruining the years I have been attempting to grow it out

6) Running. I know I mentioned this before, but I really want to run outside. It has been too long, and I LOVE running the fresh air with actual scenery. Training for races indoors is the absolute pits. This is why I tend to avoid Marathons, Half Marathons, Triathlons and all other such races in the winter months. Even if said race is in some warm location such as Florida. I still have to train indoors, and doing 20 miles on a treadmill? NO THANK YOU! And I am quite anxious to get to training for the St. George Marathon early this year. I've caught a bug!

Yes yes, due to all these reasons, I petition that Nature should stop being such a beast and bring on the sunshine. Are not you in agreeance?

Pictures

Here are the rules: You have to answer the questions with a Google image search. NO using your own pictures. Even on the picture of you. You can't use any words to describe anything either. Let's see what happens.

Favorite color:



Favorite animal:



Bad habit:



My job:




Favorite food:



Place I live:



Favorite treat:



Favorite place:



Favorite author:






Favorite hobby:







Me:

The Touchy Subject of Being Humane

There is much information out there pro and con declawing cats. As I have researched this much debated topic, I have found that most people declare that declawing cats is "inhumane". That when you declaw a cat you change its personality and identity etc. However, it is proven that individuals are more likely to keep their cat if they are declawed, and that declawed cats are more likely to be adopted. I could go on and on debating both sides of the topic, and am not bias one way or the other.

But as I began to think about whether or not it is humane, I got to thinking about the issue of neutering or spaying your animal. Because, honestly, isn't removing a cat's testicles inhumane? All men that I know would much rather have you remove their nails (and nuckles) than to have you chop off their balls. If there is something that will change one's personality or identity, I would think that it would be the removal of ones sexual orgins.

Regardless of your belief (again, I respect everyone having their own opinions, and I will not say who is right and who is wrong), I firmly believe that we need to show love towards our pets, and care for them completely.

I love my cats, all 3 of them.