Here in a short while Husband and I will be going on a cruise in the Caribbean. This is my first cruise and I am SOOOO excited, I can hardly contain myself. The only other times that stand out in my mind that I have had this much anticipation for an event was when I was coming home from my mission and when I was getting married.
I have purchased a new swimsuit, have pulled out the suitcases and am planning on what I am going to take (though one of my brothers is already PACKED...wish I would've thought of that). I have a count down chain at work and a very obviously marked calendar of the days that I will be gone....obviously, I can't wait.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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:
Friday, October 16, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Domestic Me
Here are some photos of my most recent amazing domestic abilities.
Yes, I am aware that I am amazing. *Wink*
Yes, I am aware that I am amazing. *Wink*
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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!
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!
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