Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Random Thoughts
I'm sitting in a Hampton Inn somewhere in South Carolina, the half way point to my destination. I've worked three days in a row and now have two days that I get to enjoy with people that I love. I had planned on leaving in the morning, but realized that I would save an hour if I just left after work. So I have enjoyed the past two hours that I have been able to drive and think. Nothing deep, just random thoughts, like, why I have been able to sleep like a baby the last few weeks. I think this is because the stress that I have been carrying for the past several months has been absent from my life the past while or maybe it is because I was able to have some me time to relax with friends. Another thought, I saw a man today and yesterday with out half of his leg, this was actually two different men. I am really grateful that I have two full functioning legs! I really love Jack my GPS with his English accent. I would be totally lost with out him. Sometimes I would like to let the mean streak come out in me, but know that's so ugly and so I keep it hidden. Would I feel any better if it showed its self just a little? NO! I saw a black man with blue eyes today. You don't see that very often. His wife said she hadn't gotten tired of looking in them for the past 30 years. That was so sweet. I have realized over the past few weeks that I have gone back to my selfish ways. Not on purpose, but when you don't have anyone else in your thoughts at all times, it just happens. I don't think it is bad, it just gives me more time to focus on myself. That totally sounds selfish, but I don't mean it that way, just that I have been able to focus more on the growth that Heavenly Father seems to think that I need at this time in my life. I can't believe I paid $627 today on a plane ticket. Thank goodness for frequent flyer miles. Why do people say or act like they don't care about something or someone when you know they totally do, because if they did't they wouldn't do the things that they do? I am deathly afraid of hitting a deer. I have come way to close three times in the past few weeks including the gigantic one that ran across the freeway last night amoungst the wind, lightening, and torrential rains. I can still feel that pitter patter feeling when I think of four different moments in the past year when I felt it initially. Isn't that strange? I am totally in love with my IPAD! I added up the rest of my CME money that I have to use by the end of the year and it comes to just over $1300. I think that should be enough to pay half on my new Mac. Now to decide between a laptop and a desk top. I think that I am leaning towards a desk top, since I have the IPAD. I can't wait for December! I have so many days off throughout the month. It will be great to be able to get all of my holiday gifts together! See, I told you random thoughts. But you kept reading didn't you?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Dallas=Fun, Money, and Memories
This has been a great week. I really needed a week like this too. Of course there isn't a week that doesn't go by that I don't do at least a shift or two, so I did them Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday bright and early I left for the airport to fly to Dallas. It was a nonstop flight which I am totally a fan of. My friend Pamela picked me up from the airport at 10am which gave us the entire day to spend together. 
Pamela moved to Nampa when we were just starting high school. We have been friends since. Not just friends, but the kind of friend that you can pick up where you left off from the last time you saw each other, which for us was in October when she came for dinner when my parents where in town. Pamela moved from Boise to Dallas about a year ago. Since the airport isn't too far from the temple, we stopped by to see it. It is so beautiful and looks almost like the Boise temple. It was fun to see her kids walk around the temple. She has an almost 2 year old Ava who is quite a handful and 4 year old Bayden who uses big words like nocturnal. They are darling. 
On our way to lunch, we spotted an LDS bookstore and so of course we had to stop to purchase a few books. We then had a delicious lunch at the Corner Bakery where we sat out on the patio. We had a lovely chat and her kids where so good and let us chat. Of course they did so because she bribed them with a trip to Sprinkles the local cupcake bakery.
On our way home we stopped at her local Costco where she talked me into buying a camera. Actually I had really wanted to buy one for a while, but never got around to doing so. It always helps when there is someone who can help you decide which one to get. I still want to get a professional camera one of these days, but for now I just wanted a small one that I could keep in my purse.
We then made our way to her home where we did some more chatting, had dinner with her husband who also is from Nampa, who I went to High School with and don't think I ever spoke a word to the entire 3 years, even though he was on the same basketball team with my then dream man. Ryan is very knowledgeable and much more talkative than I ever knew him to be. My friends have all lucked out with great husbands who encourage them to continue to build their friendships with their girlfriends. After dinner we hit their local Apple Store. This was my first visit to an Apple Store. I know, hard to believe since most men I have dated have a passion for Apple products. I now understand a little of why they have that passion since making my first purchase there. I didn't however make it that night, but a few days later after I spent 2 boring days at the Omni listening about Emergency Medicine. Like I don't get enough of it. I did a learn a few new things, but spent most of it crocheting baby socks. I now have baby gifts for at least the next year. I went to the conference with a few girls from work. We had a nice time, but I was glad to leave a day earlier than planned as I had thought I was going to be signed up for some workshops but thankfully wasn't. Pamela picked me up Friday during rush hour which gave us more time to chat. It is amazing how girls can always find something to talk about. After dinner, while Pamela put the kids down, Ryan and I went back to the Apple store where I made the purchase of an IPAD. Wow, this has been quite addictive and very fun. We watched the Boise State/Idaho game which was rather boring since BSU kicked their can, while we played on IPADS and laptops, chatted, ate Blue Bell ice cream and then called it a night when we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer.
The next morning we had a lovely breakfast. Pamela has always been an amazing cook. And then to the craft room we went but only for a short time. Long enough to do a couple of quick, fun, easy crafts. Of course I can't share them with you, because they will be my Christmas Gifts this year! You all are going to love them. We then hit their local Charming Charlies, my new favorite jewelry store and then it was off to the airport where I waited too long on the tarmac. My ticket to Dallas was only $213. I told Pamela I might just have to visit her more often for a craft day and shopping. There was so much shopping there and we only hit a few stores. I think it would be a great halfway point for a sisters/girls trip. This week I also somehow read another great book
This morning I had a RS Pres. Meeting and then to church where the Primary Children gave the Sacrament Meeting Program. It was darling as always. I can never figure out how Sunday always flys by. It is probably because we have late church and I know I have to be back to work tomorrow. But only for 3 days before a quick road trip. Fall is in full swing here. I sure love this time of year in the Carolina's when it is 70 degrees and the trees are full of orange, red, and yellow leaves!
Pamela moved to Nampa when we were just starting high school. We have been friends since. Not just friends, but the kind of friend that you can pick up where you left off from the last time you saw each other, which for us was in October when she came for dinner when my parents where in town. Pamela moved from Boise to Dallas about a year ago. Since the airport isn't too far from the temple, we stopped by to see it. It is so beautiful and looks almost like the Boise temple. It was fun to see her kids walk around the temple. She has an almost 2 year old Ava who is quite a handful and 4 year old Bayden who uses big words like nocturnal. They are darling. 
On our way to lunch, we spotted an LDS bookstore and so of course we had to stop to purchase a few books. We then had a delicious lunch at the Corner Bakery where we sat out on the patio. We had a lovely chat and her kids where so good and let us chat. Of course they did so because she bribed them with a trip to Sprinkles the local cupcake bakery.
On our way home we stopped at her local Costco where she talked me into buying a camera. Actually I had really wanted to buy one for a while, but never got around to doing so. It always helps when there is someone who can help you decide which one to get. I still want to get a professional camera one of these days, but for now I just wanted a small one that I could keep in my purse.
We then made our way to her home where we did some more chatting, had dinner with her husband who also is from Nampa, who I went to High School with and don't think I ever spoke a word to the entire 3 years, even though he was on the same basketball team with my then dream man. Ryan is very knowledgeable and much more talkative than I ever knew him to be. My friends have all lucked out with great husbands who encourage them to continue to build their friendships with their girlfriends. After dinner we hit their local Apple Store. This was my first visit to an Apple Store. I know, hard to believe since most men I have dated have a passion for Apple products. I now understand a little of why they have that passion since making my first purchase there. I didn't however make it that night, but a few days later after I spent 2 boring days at the Omni listening about Emergency Medicine. Like I don't get enough of it. I did a learn a few new things, but spent most of it crocheting baby socks. I now have baby gifts for at least the next year. I went to the conference with a few girls from work. We had a nice time, but I was glad to leave a day earlier than planned as I had thought I was going to be signed up for some workshops but thankfully wasn't. Pamela picked me up Friday during rush hour which gave us more time to chat. It is amazing how girls can always find something to talk about. After dinner, while Pamela put the kids down, Ryan and I went back to the Apple store where I made the purchase of an IPAD. Wow, this has been quite addictive and very fun. We watched the Boise State/Idaho game which was rather boring since BSU kicked their can, while we played on IPADS and laptops, chatted, ate Blue Bell ice cream and then called it a night when we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer.
The next morning we had a lovely breakfast. Pamela has always been an amazing cook. And then to the craft room we went but only for a short time. Long enough to do a couple of quick, fun, easy crafts. Of course I can't share them with you, because they will be my Christmas Gifts this year! You all are going to love them. We then hit their local Charming Charlies, my new favorite jewelry store and then it was off to the airport where I waited too long on the tarmac. My ticket to Dallas was only $213. I told Pamela I might just have to visit her more often for a craft day and shopping. There was so much shopping there and we only hit a few stores. I think it would be a great halfway point for a sisters/girls trip. This week I also somehow read another great book
This morning I had a RS Pres. Meeting and then to church where the Primary Children gave the Sacrament Meeting Program. It was darling as always. I can never figure out how Sunday always flys by. It is probably because we have late church and I know I have to be back to work tomorrow. But only for 3 days before a quick road trip. Fall is in full swing here. I sure love this time of year in the Carolina's when it is 70 degrees and the trees are full of orange, red, and yellow leaves!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Another Quick Weekend
I had another quick wonderful weekend. It did entail only 4 1/2 hours of work this morning, but that's it. It is amazing how fast it flew by. Saturday I was up at the crack of dawn or so it felt that way. I headed down to the temple and took in a session with some friends before we made our way to the sealing room for some other friends sealing of their cute little family. It was a wonderful experience. It is always amazing to me how Heavenly Father slips in little bits of inspiration in those quite moments when you are least expecting it and when you think you have put things to rest. I think He does this to let us know that He is aware of us, our situations, the desires of our hearts, and that He is in charge. I also came away with some insight on what I needed to teach the sisters in my ward today. I have known I had this topic since January. I figured it would be quite easy, but over the past few months I haven't been able to bring things together. It is always humbling to me how when I get up to teach it just flows perfectly and the prayers I have prayed to be able to teach what the sisters in my ward need to be taught gets accomplished. My topic was on increasing our knowledge. I took most of my lesson from the Brigham Young Manuel Learning by Study and by Faith. But my favorite part was from President Uchtdorf's talk from the Priesthood session of the Oct. 2009 conference. This is what he said, I think it applies just as much to women as well, "Education is not so much the filling of a bucket as the lighting of a fire. For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment. We are to learn “of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad.”
Joseph Smith loved learning even though he had few opportunities for formal education. In his journals, he spoke happily of days spent in study and often expressed his love of learning.
Joseph taught the Saints that knowledge was a necessary part of our mortal journey, for “a man is saved no faster than he [gains] knowledge,” and that “whatever principle of intelligence we attain … in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.” During challenging times, it is even more important to learn. The Prophet Joseph taught, “Knowledge does away with darkness, [anxiety], and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is.” Brethren, you have a duty to learn as much as you can. Please encourage your families, your quorum members, everyone to learn and become better educated. If formal education is not available, do not allow that to prevent you from acquiring all the knowledge you can. Under such circumstances, the best books, in a sense, can become your “university”—a classroom that is always open and admits all who apply. Strive to increase your knowledge of all that is “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” Seek knowledge “by study and also by faith.” Seek with a humble spirit and contrite heart. As you apply the spiritual dimension of faith to your study—even of temporal things—you can amplify your intellectual capacity, for “if your eye be single to [God’s] glory, your whole [body] shall be filled with light, … and [comprehend] all things.”
In our learning, let us not neglect the fountain of revelation. The scriptures and the words of modern-day apostles and prophets are the sources of wisdom, divine knowledge, and personal revelation to help us find answers to all the challenges in life. Let us learn of Christ; let us seek out that knowledge which leads to peace, truth, and the sublime mysteries of eternity."
I did have a great evening with friends last night. Oh, I am so blessed with an abundance of wonderful friends. And of course it is always nice when Boise State pulls off the kind of win they did yesterday.
This evening after putting up the rest of my Christmas decorations in my family room as I have yet to put any in other rooms, I decided I would pay one of the sisters I VT a surprise visit. I took over some hot chocolate and a thought. As soon as I got there, this sisters VT partner texted me and then called to see if I was home because she was sitting in my driveway. I told her where I was and so she came over. We sat together and drank hot chocolate on this cold evening and had a wonderful chat. Life is so great and I am so blessed!
Joseph Smith loved learning even though he had few opportunities for formal education. In his journals, he spoke happily of days spent in study and often expressed his love of learning.
Joseph taught the Saints that knowledge was a necessary part of our mortal journey, for “a man is saved no faster than he [gains] knowledge,” and that “whatever principle of intelligence we attain … in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.” During challenging times, it is even more important to learn. The Prophet Joseph taught, “Knowledge does away with darkness, [anxiety], and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is.” Brethren, you have a duty to learn as much as you can. Please encourage your families, your quorum members, everyone to learn and become better educated. If formal education is not available, do not allow that to prevent you from acquiring all the knowledge you can. Under such circumstances, the best books, in a sense, can become your “university”—a classroom that is always open and admits all who apply. Strive to increase your knowledge of all that is “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” Seek knowledge “by study and also by faith.” Seek with a humble spirit and contrite heart. As you apply the spiritual dimension of faith to your study—even of temporal things—you can amplify your intellectual capacity, for “if your eye be single to [God’s] glory, your whole [body] shall be filled with light, … and [comprehend] all things.”
In our learning, let us not neglect the fountain of revelation. The scriptures and the words of modern-day apostles and prophets are the sources of wisdom, divine knowledge, and personal revelation to help us find answers to all the challenges in life. Let us learn of Christ; let us seek out that knowledge which leads to peace, truth, and the sublime mysteries of eternity."
I did have a great evening with friends last night. Oh, I am so blessed with an abundance of wonderful friends. And of course it is always nice when Boise State pulls off the kind of win they did yesterday.
This evening after putting up the rest of my Christmas decorations in my family room as I have yet to put any in other rooms, I decided I would pay one of the sisters I VT a surprise visit. I took over some hot chocolate and a thought. As soon as I got there, this sisters VT partner texted me and then called to see if I was home because she was sitting in my driveway. I told her where I was and so she came over. We sat together and drank hot chocolate on this cold evening and had a wonderful chat. Life is so great and I am so blessed!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
All In A Day Off
I had a day off today. I think it is the only day off this month that I didn't have alot of plans or so I didn't think when the day started. I know that is so sad, but it was a very successful day which started a little after 5am when I had to get up to use the ladies room and of course I couldn't fall back to sleep. So I finally got up around 6:30, started laundry, ate breakfast, watched the today show, cleaned up the kitchen because I knew I was going to mess it up again soon, and then I layed back down for a few minutes before heading out to the gym. While I was contemplating the thought of getting up before 7am, I had this great idea that I needed to purchase a Christmas Tree today, because if I didn't, then it would have to wait again until next year. So I went straight to Hobby Lobby from the gym to make my purchase. I must say it was on of the quickest decisions I have ever made, much easier than the decision I am having to make regarding which laptop I need to buy as mine has died this week(This is why there will be no pictures in this blog as my "old" computer doesn't have a place to insert my memory card from my camera and my camera doesn't seem to want to load onto my computer). Anyway,I also had to make it quick because my friend Angela was coming over for a visit and I needed to start my applesauce. Well, she ended up staying for most of the afternoon helping me can 8 quarts of applesauce and 2 quarts of apple juice. I feel like a squirel getting my storage for the winter. (INSERT PICTURE OF CANNED BOTTLES)
I then spent over 2 hours with my financial planner. Let me just say, this guy is really great. Too bad he is married. We have finally rolled over my 401K from before the merger into an IRA. Now we need to decide what to do with the new 401K. I must give Steve a high five, because he is the one who helped me choose what to put my money into with the first 401K and we did quite well. I was surprised at how much money I had actually accumulated, given the fact that I never open the envelopes.
I spent the evening putting up the Christmas tree. It is so much easier when you don't have to put the lights on. All it needs now are some presents under it to make it look like the Christmas season. I better go shopping. (INSERT PICTURE OF TREE) I also made a few stops one at Rhea's to return the apple sauce maker and of course to the Middlebrooks, because I was short 3 lids. And Sharon is always to the rescue. I spent an hour talking to mom and then 2 hours talking to my brother Tanner. He is a great kid. I remember what it was like to be 19. You don't know what you want to do when you "grow up." And everything around you changes, you have more responsibility, and you just don't think things will ever be as great as they were when you were in high school. I gave him a heads up that it does get better with time. The interesting thing was that many of the the things I told him about my college experience, he didn't know because he was so much younger than me. I think he got a new glimpse of his older sister. Mom told me later that he had told her that he thought everything was easy for me, but she informed him that I went through the difficulties of school and life just as he was having to go through it. The great thing is that you do get through the tough times, even though it may take detours, backtracking, and mistakes to figure it out. The thing is they just keep coming even after you get through college.
I did hear some very sad news from my mom that some very dear friends of mine got divorced. I grew up with both of these people and am so heartbroken for what has happened. Words can't explain the sadness that I feel for them, their families and friends.
A few more days of work, a day off, and then a few more days of work and then a minivacation to Dallas. I so need more than 1 day off in a row!
I then spent over 2 hours with my financial planner. Let me just say, this guy is really great. Too bad he is married. We have finally rolled over my 401K from before the merger into an IRA. Now we need to decide what to do with the new 401K. I must give Steve a high five, because he is the one who helped me choose what to put my money into with the first 401K and we did quite well. I was surprised at how much money I had actually accumulated, given the fact that I never open the envelopes.
I spent the evening putting up the Christmas tree. It is so much easier when you don't have to put the lights on. All it needs now are some presents under it to make it look like the Christmas season. I better go shopping. (INSERT PICTURE OF TREE) I also made a few stops one at Rhea's to return the apple sauce maker and of course to the Middlebrooks, because I was short 3 lids. And Sharon is always to the rescue. I spent an hour talking to mom and then 2 hours talking to my brother Tanner. He is a great kid. I remember what it was like to be 19. You don't know what you want to do when you "grow up." And everything around you changes, you have more responsibility, and you just don't think things will ever be as great as they were when you were in high school. I gave him a heads up that it does get better with time. The interesting thing was that many of the the things I told him about my college experience, he didn't know because he was so much younger than me. I think he got a new glimpse of his older sister. Mom told me later that he had told her that he thought everything was easy for me, but she informed him that I went through the difficulties of school and life just as he was having to go through it. The great thing is that you do get through the tough times, even though it may take detours, backtracking, and mistakes to figure it out. The thing is they just keep coming even after you get through college.
I did hear some very sad news from my mom that some very dear friends of mine got divorced. I grew up with both of these people and am so heartbroken for what has happened. Words can't explain the sadness that I feel for them, their families and friends.
A few more days of work, a day off, and then a few more days of work and then a minivacation to Dallas. I so need more than 1 day off in a row!
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