'Sup World?

Day #14 - Write your impressions of world events and other important happenings

This is an interesting year for Mormons around the country as we watch Mitt Romney go into battle for the highest office in the United States. I think that he is well-qualified for the job and that he could do a lot of good if given the opportunity. I am not sure the country would be kind to Mormons if he screws up though...

We have been watching the news between Syria and Turkey. It is an old war to those familiar with cold war politics. It terrifies me that we might be just a few bombs away from nuclear war.

I'm am thrilled to have the opportunity to watch the people of the world gather together for the Olympics. I am excited for London (as I really love that city) and it will be fun looking for familiar sights. I also think it will make Alexander really hungry for fish n' chips. Me? I'll have my bangers and mash, if you please. We are having a low-key family gathering around the TV to watch the opening ceremonies. British provisions may be needed.

In tragic news, this morning we learned of the shooting in Colorado at The Dark Knight midnight showing. The ladies in our department were shocked, stunned, and depressed as we kept an eye on the news of the victims. I hope this doesn't lead to copy-cat crimes and other horrible events.

For the Love of Books

Day #13 - Think of a book you've read and explain why it has made a difference in your life.

I have probably read thousands of books in my life. As a teenager, I devoured them and borrowed huge stacks from the library. I have read so many books that it would be almost impossible to nail down how each one has affected my life or influenced the way I think. However, there are a few books that stand out better in my memory than others.

For example, as a 12 year old, I loved the Lord of the Rings series so much that when I finished reading The Hobbit, I sat down at the piano and wrote a song portraying my interpretation of how the battle at the end of the book felt. This was the first time I consciously realized that I was really inspired by another work of art to create something of my own.

Later, as an adult, I read a fictional novel about Sarah, the wife of Abraham. The book touched and communicated with a part of me that was really struggling. I felt like I was the only one who was dealing with infertility but this book unexpectedly allowed me a window into how another person dealt with this pain. I had read the book for enjoyment, with no intention of using it as a self-help book, but it opened the way toward me being able to discuss this broken part of me with other women and the beginning of learning how to deal with my feelings in a healthy way.

I am a strong advocate for the power of reading and it continues to be one of my favorite leisure activities of all time. Just hand me a bowl of popcorn and a good book and I am set for a happy evening. :)

$$$

Day #12 - Write about what you'd do if you were given a million dollars.

I would pay off debt first, including my mortgage and then put the rest into savings to accumulate into something more for when I am older and need retirement funds. :)

I might also take a small fraction of it and do something fun, like travel to some cool places I've never been before such as a Mediterranian cruise to Italy, Greece, etc. I love traveling :)

Heroes

Day #11 - Pick someone who is a hero in your life and write about him or her.

My parents are my heroes. I know this may sound cliche, but they really are my heroes. I don't know what I'd do without them. They have always been there for me and I have always known that if I ever needed anything they would do anything they could to help me out. For the past 30 years they have devoted themselves to their family and worked tirelessly to provide for all of us kids. Even now that I am an adult I still find myself needing my parents all the time.

For example, last month my parents came out and visited me. They knew I was lonely and needed a pick-me-up and they drove all the way to spend time with me and Alexander. While they were here, my dad made sure he fixed all the little things that were broken around my house, like the bathroom door that came off its hinge and replacing the dryer cord.

My mom is amazing too. She is always willing to listen when I need someone to talk to, whether I'm venting or excited or just lonely. She always makes me feel special and important and has always told me that I was given great gifts to use for a great purpose, which makes me feel better when I'm feeling worthless.

I am so thankful for the continued examples of faith, endurance, courage, and love that they radiate on a daily basis. I hope I can someday be a parent as cool as they are. :)

I Am With You

D&C 100:12 - Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end.

Day #10 - Tell about your last truly spiritual experience and how it affected you.

I very recently had an experience where I clearly felt the love of my Heavenly Father. It was like a little moment out of time where he reminded me that I was important and that he was watching over me. It was a needed reprieve from a world that is constantly telling me I'm not good enough.

I am thankful for frequent reminders such as this that help me to remember the important things in life and continue on in faith.

Oh Baby!

Day #9 - Tell a story your mom or dad has told you about when you were a baby.

Once upon a time, long long ago, there lived a really young, cute couple named Mel and Doree. When they were still just younglings of 20 yrs old, they had a cute little baby they named Anna. Doree was the first of her friends to have a baby and so they gave her lots of adorable baby clothes to dress her in. Anna was also the first grandchild on Mel's side and the first granddaughter on Doree's side, so she was especially spoiled.  Doree says that having Anna was just like having a little baby doll to play with and dress up in all the cute clothes.

Anna did a pretty good job staying out trouble until she could walk, at which time all havoc broke loose around the place. When she was still a toddler, Anna once escaped the house and ran down the road buck naked as fast as she could. Another time, in the middle of the night Anna was found outside sleep-walking (apparently my parents needed to get a better lock on the door!).

When Anna was just 16 months old, she got a little sister whom she called Jenny. Once Jenny came Anna always had someone to get into trouble with and to blame things on (which happened frequently).  Anna and Jenny went on to have exciting toddler adventures and creating all sorts of mischief including bringing snakes in the house, playing in the flour, and chasing puppies around the house. :)

Besties

Day #8 - Describe your best friend. Tell why this person is your best friend.

I have many wonderful "best friends". I will tell you about a few who came into my life at a time when I desperately needed them.

I have one best friend who has been friends with me since the beginning of time (aka 3rd grade). We met and were instantly inseparable. She helped shape many of my thought patterns and influenced the books I read, the shows I watched and the music I listened to. She was always (and still is) a head taller than me, with long slender legs and I would run around on my short chubby ones trying to keep up. Truth be told, she introduced me to a love of the "old country", of the British Isles. I have her to thank for a fondness of British television shows and Monty Python humor that gave me common ground with a cute boy I met who had family in England (and who I later married).

I have another best friend who I found during my freshman year of high school. We were assigned to sit next to each other on a long bus ride and quickly found we enjoyed many of the same things and had the same quirky sense of humor. We became fast friends and stuck by each other through a slew of weird boyfriends, college drama, and marriage. This was a girl who dyed my hair any number of colors, created elaborate dating schemes for me, shared flying pizzas with me after college classes, and still gets excited when I come home to Utah. Her family is my family and we have a blast when we are all together.

Lastly (but not least), is the best friend that I dated and married. He came into my life at the perfect time and immediately felt like family. The best decision of my life was to marry him and continue my life with him by my side. I couldn't have asked for a more charming, gentle, loving husband. He helps me to become a better person every day and I love him so much. Besides all the mushy love stuff, we genuinely love spending time together. He is really funny and makes me laugh all the time. He can do all these adorable accents and remember amazing amounts of information. He also has a crazy silly streak that I adore. :)

I have been blessed with many more friends who I love and have greatly enriched my life. Hopefully someday I will have time to write about each of them. :)