My Shells

I heart color

2009-03-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about owing a hutch is being able to decorate it seasonally. At this moment, I don't own any spring things in particular, but I did find a few pieces I have which are bright and happy. It's nice to see color.

My friend has a little girl named Summer. She is three. I don't think she even knows how to spell her name yet. But, It made me happy to make something fun that she could use to decorate her room. Maybe someday soon she'll know whose bed she sleeps in!

Biker down

2009-03-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday after my hill interval workout running I noticed a teen aged boy walking around in his helmet talking to himself. I inquired the other cyclist who happened to be waiting at the intersection what the situation was. She informed me that the young cyclist had just been hit by a car. I got on the scene when the gentleman driver nearly in his seventies was bringing a piece of paper with his contact information to young Robin, the cyclist.

Being an avid cylcist myself, I wanted to make sure the boy was doing ok. Clearly he was in shock as he was babbling to himself the irrational reasons of what had just happened. Although lucky not to have injured anything of great extent physically, I could see that emotionally he needed some extra care. I managed to convince him to let me drive him home since he was really in no condition to do such.

We arrived to his house and his mother took care of him from there. I did leave my phone number as I had expressed a wish to get a follow up call if anything were wrong.

Saturday morning at ten am this call came. Young Robin's father had called to thank me for being so kind to his son, and express his profound appreciation. I was pleased to hear that nothing came of the spill other than a little road rash. I also encouraged his father to get him back on the bike and not let this get to his head. He told me they were planning on a ride today.

I'm so glad I was there, and that I could help! Not often enough do I get the opportunity to extend a hand of kindness and concern to those I do not know. It made me really feel good that I could see to his comfort and care. Just as those I have seen care for me or those I've known. It's nice to be able to contribute to the good of society. The golden rule is still alive.

If you're happy and you know it. . .

2009-03-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Clap your hands! I'm clapping. Spring is finally here, and my backyard is showing it! I'm so excited. Last year I planted over 100 bulbs, and this year I see the fruits of my labors have nearly doubled. I love seeing the daffodils yellow paint brighten an awakening garden.

Plus I had this to welcome me home from work.

And I had this to tell me goodbye for the day.
Loving the flowers.
Loving life!

Savory, Sweet & Song

2009-03-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

Scott Porte, Julie Ward, Jason Davis, Sarah Beck, Sam Bringhurst.

A lot of really great food followed by a lot of really great singing.
"Me thinks" whoever threw this together was genius!

And, after singing one of the hymns we were going to repopularize the phrase "Me thinks". And so, it shall start tonight!

Happy Days!

2009-03-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

I get a new brother in law!
Mike Wilson.

Marie & Mike, or
Mike & Marie, which sounds better?

Michelle, Mike & Marie, or
Mike, Marie & Michelle?

maybe I should just stick with. . .

Congratulations, Mike & Marie!

I'm so happy for you both.

Here comes the Bride

2009-03-15T21:33:00.001-07:00

All dressed in fancy dancy satins and beads! She looks beautiful. This is my Korean friend, J-Song Kim. This was such a happy day for her. I have the wonderful opportunity to work closely with her at the hospital. She also is a nurse anesthetist.

The wedding ceremony was in Korean. Occasionally we would get interjected translations of English, but I understood what was going on. It's pretty easy when you're at a wedding. I found myself more emotional than I had anticipated. Over the years of working with my friend she has shared with me windows into her personal life. I suppose I was overwhelmed today as I thought about her obstacles and have watched her move forward with faith. I wish her the happiest of all happys.

Other CRNAs from Fairfax Hospital!
M-Jay, Me, Key & J-Song, Jean Kim, Annie, Cynthia.

Oldest but not least

2009-03-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Marie,

I love your car. Please pass it onto your children. It makes a perfect "kid car". I didn't mean to overlook your hot rod when I posted the vehicle update. The Civic's been in the family for so long, it's one of us.

A tribute to 'ol blue. (sorry, I couldn't find blue)

My Minnesota fairytale

2009-03-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who was swept off her feet by a knight in shinning armor. The got married and moved to a castle far far away. They called this castle a "snow castle" because it was always surrounded by white, fluffy snowflakes that children loved to play in. In the snow castle lived two darling children. The oldest girl was a court jester, and would entertain the king and queen with songs, dances, poems, stories, and giggles. The younger boy was a swordsman, and kept the castle safe.

This weekend I had a chance to visit this winter wonderland, and they treated me like a guest of honor.

On a serious side note, you have to love the Fillmores. Not only do I love my Fillmores, but I love their parent's too. This was one of the classic gifts I noticed on this trip:

For those of you who may or not know Melanie, she is a Cook's cook, and knows her tools in the kitchen. I always get my pearls of kitchen wisdom when I visit. This time, I am taking away the best affordable Chef's knife you can buy. Light enough to maneuver easily, yet sturdy enough to cut through squash or chicken bones. Sharp blades, 8 inch blades with a slight curve work best for all tasks. Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch chef's knife.

And, my all time favorite Children's book of the weekend. Not only did it remind me how much I really would like to quilt more in my life, but it teaches the importance of being charitable. A must read for anybody with five minutes!

Sweet Jonathan. He's still got it.

We all have special needs

2009-03-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

Some need a big and beefy SUV for family and "future" scouts

Others, a smooth & sophisticated ride for enhancing cultural experience for
children & adults

Even more, there are those who just need a few more seat belts
plus one for the family to ride together
in one unit.

And then there's me,
meeting my needs.
Hurrah for holding out for such a long time,
because it feels a lot more like driving Christmas.

OBX

2009-02-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

Outer Banks, North Carolina to celebrate two of my dear friends birthdays.
We took bicycles, running shoes, games, food, and fun.
We stayed at one of our friend's uncle's home:
Lattitude Adjustment.

We love to cycle.
Although, this cycling trip set a record. An all time high of three flats in a grand total of 10 miles which took us about four hours to ride. Might I add that we did a lot more sight seeing than spinning. I too managed to run over a nail about an inch long-- that was a first!

I love to see a car packed with gear and bikes.
We had more bikes than people in this Passat.

Bella Vista

2009-01-18T22:49:00.001-08:00

Today my thoughts haven't been deepened, broadened, or expanded as they normally are after three hours of church worship, reflection and contemplation.

Why?

Because I attended the Spanish speaking ward and spent more effort understanding the translation of the words rather than the context of the lessons.

However, I'm sure with time, I'll get better!

Jamming

2009-01-18T22:32:00.001-08:00

Saturday I spent four hours at the gym with my friend Wali and his co-worker Robby. They neither one have gym memberships and were admitted as my "guests" for the day, so they really wanted to get their money's worth. Ha! It was actually a nice workout. I find it a little strange that both of these grown men are professional, board certified Pediatric Cardiologists and have been spending the past month signing up for free gym memberships online at different facilities. Hopefully they'll be able to settle down and work out with me more often?

Robby is from Lebanon. Wali is from New York.
Robby is a musician, Wali loves jazz.
After a brief introduction to me of what the Jazz Scale entailed, the three of us found ourselves jamming in my front room for over an hour.

We had piano, guitar, viola, and voice.

I can't wait to play again tomorrow to come up with more jamming ideas for our next session. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to jam.

the Salsa room

2009-01-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed the feelings of expression myself through dance. Throughout college I supplemented my science classes with dance recreation as often as I could. My first boyfriend would take me country dancing at Jakes. In high school I watched Swing Kids and experimented with swing moves on wrestling mats in friends backyards. Junior high offered a social dance class which I remember enjoying. And even further back I took ballet and tap starting at a healthy young age.

I was never tall and slender, nor did I have a the talent that others had. But, I did enjoy dancing to music, as I still do. In the DC area a few of my friends have invited me to various dance clubs. There is a really great one in Arlington called "Cecilias" also known as the Salsa Room. It has a large dance floor, overhead fans, friendly dancers, live bands, and no smoking.

This Friday a small group of us danced the night away as we exchanged dances with each other as well as strangers on the dance floor. The challenge to dance with complete strangers is something I enjoy. Most often the men asking the ladies to dance are very good, have some great dance moves, and are born with rhythm. It makes for a very fun evening.

the humbled tutor

2009-01-14T21:46:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been feeling the desire to serve someone with a specific purpose. Nearly simultaneously a friend of mine told me about the needs she had in finding tutors for students in her Spanish ward. It was an easy question for me to answer. . . "sign me up!"

My first tutoring lesson was this Wednesday. I went to a humble home that had a For Sale sign posted in the yard. When I got there my student wasn't there. Her brother Johnny answered the door and let me in . He called his sister and mom on the phone. They had forgotten of our scheduled appointment and assured me they'd be home in twenty minutes. So I waited.

Within forty minutes Aisleen, and her parents were home. I realized that my expectations of the evening may have been a little optimisic. It's true, in my mind I had heroically envisioned myself transforming a struggling student into an A plus protegee. After introductions I reprioritized my fantasies into baby steps, starting with organizing class folders and finding papers.

Aisleen pulled out a dozen unfinished assignments and handed me her "science project" that was due in TWO days! We focused our efforts on this for the evening. It was fun for the two of us. We used the scientific method to test brand name paper towels absorbency. To my recollection of those we experimented, Bounty won.

It was good feedback when she told me her science teacher changed her grade from failing to a D. I've never gotten a D before in a class. I suppose this is a good place to begin.

It's their Birthday!

2009-01-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

January 12th

Dad

Nathan

The Widow's mite

2009-01-11T19:09:00.000-08:00

What price did the widow pay to get to know her Savior?
She gave a mite; it was all that she had to offer.

What do I have to offer?

Today in Sunday school, I learned that I can work on being perfect. We all can work on fulfilling the first part of our mission in being perfect. He said we need to be perfect in two areas.

1) Repentance

2) Forgiveness

"Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes of obedience to the commandments of God."

D&C 64: 10 the Lord will forgive whom he will forgive, but men must forgive all.
D&C 82: 1 inasmuch as men forgive one another, the Lord will forgive them.
D&C 98: 40 forgive enemy until seventy times seven.
3 Ne. 13: 11 (Matt. 6: 12) forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

New Year Resolutions

2009-01-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Today I had the good fortune of working with a plastic surgeon named Dr. French from Arkansas. He is a seasoned practitioner and is a very likable gentleman. His years of knowledge and experience complement his mind and emotional intelligence. In light conversation he told us today what two resolutions he had made again this year, just as he had in years past. Edgar to learn from him about becoming refined and intelligent, my ears perked up to see what good things I could learn.

The first:

to shine his shoes.

The second: to fish more.

Thanks Dr. French, but I think I'm going to have to do more brainstorming for myself to figure our resolutions that might be more suitable for me!

To be thirteen again. . .

2009-01-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

and swing from any branch in a tree. Does he realize how lucky he really is?

Clear Mount

2009-01-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is why I love southern California in the winter. Claremont, is home sweet home for me. You can see why the name is so fitting, at least during this time of year. I took this picture just up the street from my parent's home. It is from the park near the elementary school I attended. No wonder I have such fond memories of my growing years. It's a beautiful place to live and play. The vegetation has a soft and relaxed feel, and the air is a perfect mix of sea breezed moisture.

My trip was fantastic! I had cousins to run with, a brother to play with, parents to laugh with, and friends to cry with. It was a wonderful trip.

My Claremont visits

2009-01-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

This is the home I grew up in nearly my entire life.
I was born in Illinois where my parents lived in a small apartment just outside of Chicago when dad was finishing dental school at Northwestern. However, once my parents moved to California they found Claremont to be their home for nearly thirty years now. Which means when I return, I get to see long term friends and families.
These are only a few pictures of such people:

John O'Brien (left) and Ryan Hess (middle). John and I took math classes throughout school starting in the seventh grade. We sat next to each other two years in a row because the teacher positioned us alphabetically. Little did Mr. Mitchell know that John and I would be friends for life. John went on to Berkley and studied Chemical Engineering,
now works for British Petroleum.

Sister Teeples, I didn't get a picture of her, but this is her favorite cactus, the barrel cactus.
I did make a special visit to say hello and see her. She was one of my youth leaders at a very young age. Sister Teeples taught me to knit a scarf and introduced me to calligraphy--
which I continue to love today.
She is warm, gentle, sweet, and kind; all attributes I hope to one day hope to develop.

Piper Brown, baby of John and Kelly Brown. She represents the Brown household in full. I was so lucky to see everyone except Mark and Merrideth's families. The Brown's have been lifelong friends. Starting with John and Steven taking piano lessons from Sister Gooch with me. For my sixteenth birthday Lee Brown picked me up with John in his
Mustang Saleen and drove me around town.

My cousin Brant and Kelly reflecting on their fun California adventures this year.
Brother Neal helping them remember the good times they had.

Alisa Hertzler moved to Claremont a very long time ago. She has been a dear friend through it all. I have many many memories of long summer days at the Hertzler home, and some of those days include sleep overs too! Alisa with her darling little girl, Alison and husband Dave.

My uncle Jay Allen and two of my cousins! They like to travel to California to shop at the swap meets and outdoor malls, enjoy the beaches and amusement parks, and see us! I always love it when he visits!

The Huntington

2009-01-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Huntington Library is growing.

Don't worry, they still have Blue Boy and Pinkie.

They now have a Japanese garden with bonzi trees:

And a Chinese garden too!

This Season's Project!

2009-01-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

Anybody who knows my dad knows he's always working on a project. This year, it's preparing the kitchen for a new refrigerator.

One of the major distinctions between dad's projects and others are the degree of difficulty and the number of times performed. Most tasks which dad enjoys to undertake are things the general public pay people to do. Such as installing an electrical line UNDER the house and connecting it to the breaker box. Did I mention that my dad was a dentist, and not an electrician? I asked him if he had ever done this before, and his answer was,
"yes, eighteen years ago with a electrician".

Naturally, which means he remembers how. . . and he DID!

And, he's smiling!
This may be the last time he does that . . . but you never know--
dad can do anything!

Neal and I were on back up to help pull the wire through the breaker box. Communication was limited during this process. If you put your head next to the foundation vent you could hear enough muffles from dad that you knew he was there.

I found it extremely funny when mom called on the phone and Neal wanted mom to shout to dad through the floor and carry on her conversation. I didn't think that was such a good idea.

My favorite things

2008-12-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

I have many favorite things.
However, this Christmas holiday I found time to do two
of which I usually don't make time to do.

First, I made cookies. These were not just ordinary cookies. They required a three part recipe and involved sugar boiling (candy making) skills of spinning threads from a boiling pot. I practiced the recipe twice and spun sugar threads nearly six times. I very much needed the practice! Everyone in the end enjoyed the hard work!

Second, I watched "Wives & Daughters". A must see for any woman who enjoys loosing herself in the hillsides of England during the 1830s, and becoming the beautiful Molly Gibson, an only daughter of a widowed doctor.

23. Dec, 1805 Sharon, Vermont

2008-12-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.

In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum" (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3).

Messiah Sing-Along

2008-12-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

And his name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counselor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of peace.

King of Kings
and
Lord of Lords
and
He shall reign forever and ever.

Even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Handel wrote the inspired Messiah in merely 24 days to tell the story of Jesus to ordinary people, through music, the language of the heart. Tonight I was able to celebrate this King through song at the Kennedy Center.

Picture a Stable

2008-12-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

A time to teach. This evening I was planning on my neighbor girls coming to help me decorate the gingerbread house. I was also hoping to be able to teach them a little about Christmas that I find so special, the birth of Jesus Christ. Our home has colorful nativities peppered throughout the rooms. The little girls loved playing with the sets. I was surprised when I asked them if they knew who the figurines represented. They had not heard of wise men, or shepherds, I do not even think they know who Jesus is.

I chose my words carefully knowing I needed to speak simply and truthfully. I think they heard what I said. The father of their home is a returned missionary who grew up with the gospel, but has not taught his family what he learned as a child. A very empty feeling.

My heart was sad for these girls. To celebrate Christmas for the birth of our Savior is the true reason for Joy. There shall be Peace on Earth and good will to Men because of Him. We love others because He loves us. We learn how to love others because we know how He loves us. We give because we know what He has given us. We can because He helps us.

"And again, I remember that thou has said that thou has loved the world,
even unto the laying down of thy life for the world,
that thou mightest take it again to prepare a place for the children of men.
And now I know that this love which thou has had for the children of men is charity. . .
And now, I would commend you to
seek this Jesus
of whom the prophets and apostles have written."

(Ether 12:33-34,41)

You can't catch me. . .

2008-12-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

Me & Tyler DeLang, BYU anatomy TA '96!

December 2007

This year I thought I used the same size dimentions for the construction of the home. Apparently, I didn't! Bigger isn't always better, sometimes just more room for creativity!
This is the house after the party:

This is the house after my neighbor's kids, Alaxendria & Sophia Vacaflor helped me finish final details on the home. I think it's ready for a little gingerbread man!

ps- It wasn't me who added the bicycle in the left lower corner, but I LOVE the idea. We also have an alligator in the bottom right eating a small mouse. Can you see the Christmas tree from your chair? It looks very cold with the icing on the windows.

Evening of Holiday Dessert

2008-12-22T20:58:00.000-08:00

Anton Quist and his friend, Christianne. Showing us how to have a good time.

Rebecca Oldroyd, perfection's baker. It was her idea to have a dessert party LAST year, which we did. But this year, she didn't have to work during it! It was so much more fun to have her company. Brian Merrill, friend of Becca.

Take a peek at the spread we had! Yummy. . .

I sent out invitations to about 60 people. I heard back from 10 that they would be out of town. I was expecting my closest 5 to eat some yummy treats. I was pleasantly surprised when nearly 50 showed up for the evening and stayed until late hours sipping wassail, testing treats, decorating gingerbread houses, and conversing with a very very nice group of people.

I had a handful of individuals tell me what a nice group of people came for the evening. My conclusion was that the people in attendance this evening were all genuinely kind people, and interested in people besides themselves. Which made for an evening of laughter and joy. In addition, I would like to add that there were more MEN than WOMEN. Which, has been a FIRST for me EVER. The men actually had to enjoy talking to themselves while the ladies were entertaining other men.

A Celebration of Christmas

2008-12-22T20:24:00.001-08:00

Tonight I had a work holiday party immediately following my shift. I always enjoy meeting the children of the people I work with. I stayed for an hour and then rushed off to celebrate Christmas in a special way. It started off with this:

These were the master minds behind the operation. Some of my most favorite friends in northern Virginia.

Lucianne Jugant, optimist extrodinaire & Courtney Gartz, master chief:

Courtney VanderVer, artist & feminine touch.

We ate a beautiful dinner around a well decorated table of candles, fresh pine bows and berries. There were eight of us, afterwards decided to be the PERFECT number for a dinner party. Four girls & four men. It was a nice mix.

After dinner we sat in a circle and shared a Christmas memory, tradition, or thought. When it was my turn I shared the experiences I've had growing up in a musically inclined family and singing year after year at peoples doorsteps. When dad was the bishop we would make what seemed to be hundres of plates of cookies and deliver them to a very long list of people.

Each home had thier own unique style. Josie and Harry Thomas had an old organ that had more vibrato than note. Harry would show us the bird he caught in his throat as he wistled away different tunes and songs; Josie would offer us homemade candy. I would peek around the small home and wonder if this is what getting old would be for me.

The Hansens had a home that was always warm, dark, and wonderful. They had magical wooden toys and delicate sand pendilums to play with. Orval and Bobbie were life long friends to me. Orval has always stood faithfully at his wifes side through her years of dialysis and constant hospitalizations.

The list goes on and on with equally unique and loved individuals, as do the years we would sing to these people. I began to notice as I got older that my childhood memories would no longer be met. Some of the homes would change: spouses and couples would get ill, and pass onto the next life. And as my own siblings married, our wondering choir got bigger and better. It was pretty amazing. Eventhough our list of people dwindled with time, the Spirit of Singing beautiful Christmas music grew more important and beautiful to me.

It is no wonder why these people loved to hear us sing. "On this day of Joy & Gladness, Lord we Prais they holy name: In this sacred place of worship we they glories Lord proclaim." It is so easy to feel the Spirit of Christmas through song.

In honor of my father's favorite and most often requested song, "Dona nobis pachem" (Give us peace) I taught this dinner group how to sing the spirit of Christmas.

Then we had pies and shared more. One of the gentleman, Dan said it was the best evening he's had in a very long time. Success! This is my friend, Ben Cottle who I invited:

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-12-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

December, 18

I really am lucky because my birthday falls exactly ONE week before Christmas. I have always loved celebrating in December. The world is more beautiful, more sparkly, more kind, more loving, more cheerful, more chilly, & more sincere. People are getting ready to commemorate the birth of our Savior, the most important birthday celebration to remember.

Even though I've never really been into MY birthdays, I enjoy hearing from friends and family to catch up and hear a happy hello. This year I took the day off work, got my hair cut, had lunch with a friend, answered some birthday phone calls, opened some gifts in the quiet of my dancing home, and decorated my friends apartment for our upcoming Christmas dinner. It really was a perfect birthday. My parents had a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers delivered to my door; a gift I always find very fitting!

Living far away from family and long life friends has it's challenges. With this opposition comes equal blessings indeed. I find the cards and phone calls I do get mean so very much to me. I can't help myself but relish the tender feelings I have for such delightful people I have in my life. My relationships with people are a grand blessings. They are what makes my life meaningful to me.

Christmas in Williamsburg

2008-12-15T19:53:00.001-08:00

A walk through time this past weekend. I took a walking tour and learned about the decorations used in Colonial Williamsburg during the early years. Today decorations charm the town with things that could be found during that time period. Who would have thought about adding: peacock feathers, shells, dough, onions, pineapples, and other natural objects to decorate with? It's spectacular.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

2008-12-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

It's finals time, and I am so glad I don't have to study for an exam. My roommate Julie came home tonight after a three week marathon of hardly sleeping at all. Her last final was today-- and I'm sure she did well, hurrah! Instead of learning by pressure and papers, I have the opportunity to grow by practice and perfection. Today one of my patient's provided this chance for me.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), have you heard of it? A fairly rare disease that affects people's bones. It is also called "brittle bone disease". These individualsare born without the proper protein collagen to make strong bones, or may not be able to make it. Weak or fragile bones result. Today, I took care of a patient with type 3 OI. She was 20 years old and weighed only 18 kg, 39 lbs. Much of that weight was in her thorasic area and head.

I found a very informative image of different types of skeletons with this disease. Facinating!

Tis the Season

2008-12-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

I'm going to Christmas in Williamsburg this weekend with friends. Three years ago I was inspired by the natural elements they used to decor their homes. This year I tried to be a bit more natural by making some of my own decorations. This is what I've come up with so far; it's rather addicting to think of fun ways to make little spaces more festive and beautiful! What do you think?

You wouldn't guess it. . .

2008-12-08T19:38:00.001-08:00

But yes, this is the same house from different views, on different days. And you may not believe me if I told you, but yes, my brother Nathan, and my sister Mary Ann are back door neighboors and this tree line is the division between their two homes! Our childhood dream of everyone living in the same cul-da-sac has 1/3 of the way come true. At least, so far!

Thomas Weed

2008-12-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

Thomas turned eight a few weeks ago. He called me a few weeks ago to see if I would give the "Holy Ghost" talk at his baptism. Our entire family was able to celebrate this special event together.

In preparing for this talk I considered my audience. I knew there would be 10 wiggly little nieces and nephews, and a handfull of other children. In addition, I also knew there would be friends of the family who needed a proper introduction to this special topic.

I was pleased with what came together. It really was a talk prepared with a prayer and delivered with help. I know I had a wonderful experience on this special day!

Best Friends Forever

2008-12-08T19:19:00.001-08:00

I don't know why, but growing up in a family with four girls was absolutely wonderful! I have three girls who are my best friends forever, for reals. When we get together we laugh, we cry, and we take many many pictures to document our togetherness.

Many pictures because a) we never can agree on which ones look good of us all at once, and b) we don't get together often enough, and sometimes the pictures hold us over for our next visit. At any rate, it's fun to have sisters. Especially sisters where strangers think you're twins. Or even better, when strangers think you're actually the other sister. That was fun for me this time. We all have to admit, sometimes it's difficult to tell each other's voices apart on the phone. If we play it right, our brother-in-laws could be pretty confused if we let them. But I don't know if that's worth much, sometimes I have a hard time telling Neal and Mom's voices apart on my cell phone.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

2008-12-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

MY Thanksgiving day started with an early wake up-- as most of my days do. I ran in the Arlington Turkey trot with some friends. It was an easy 5k race with simple hills and lots of people, 32 degrees when we started.

THEN I caught a plane at the Regan National Airport (and I am just now realizing that smaller airports are the way to travel, cuts hassle more than half).

AND I landed in Appleton, Wisconsin where a Suburban and a minivan greeted me full of the family I love!

EVERYONE united for this feast. We dined at the Weed home. This is what it looked like when I arrived:

GRANDMA Roach was even there!
She's 82 years young and caught a flight from Utah out with Marie.
I haven't seen grandma forever.

I've never. . .

2008-11-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever played the game, "I've never. . . "? It's really easy, and quite fun when you're trying to get to know people. This actually happened two weeks ago that I played this game with a small group of friends. I knew the man hosting the party was a firefighter. For some reason I said, "I've never worn a real firefighting jacket". . . then everyone who HAS EVER worn a real firefighting jacket got up and picked a piece of candy from the candy pile.

So, here it is, the jacket. These things are amazing. They can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees. Now that's hot. The Santa Barbra fires were going on during the time of this game. Natural reminders for us to constantly remember the more important things in life.

Tomorrows' tomorrow

2008-11-25T19:00:00.001-08:00

Appleton, Wisconsin

Appleton is a fabulous small town, population 77,000, nestled in northeastern Wisconsin near Lake Michigan and at the north end of large Lake Winnebago, home of the unique Winnebago lake fly. And now, my older brother Nathan and sister Mary Ann live there with their families. Lucky me, I get to visit Appleton for Thanksgiving.

Something Beautiful

2008-11-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
Pleasures pure and undefiled,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

A turkey for Hard Times

2008-11-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made special effort to attend my FHE group activity. We collected Thanksgiving food items and delivered them to a family in need. I was excited to donate pumpkin pie filling, evaporated milk, spices, and pie crust in a box-- per request.

Apartment #303 had a greeting at the door which read, "Please take shoes off". We didn't know what to expect. When the door opened a very nice woman and her daughter invited us in. The four of us took our shoes off and stood on bare carpet of a very humble home. It was bare. No furniture. No paintings. It didn't take more than a glance at the mother to see she had been malnourished for years. The bones in her jaw were pronounced and her bony skeleton poked through the loose clothing she wore. I forget that people really do live like this, poor. Very poor.

We spent some time getting to know the woman and her 5 children, ages 15-20. A native of Afghanistan, and a college graduate from Russia, she was having difficulty finding a career in the States. She has lived her for 14 years, but Virginia only 3 months.

They were very grateful for our generosity and left me with a genuine reminder of what the holidays are truly about. Sharing, caring, giving, and making other's lives better in any way that we can.

Another day at the office

2008-11-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons why I never really particularly enjoyed working at LA County hospital. One of the main ones is because I've never cared for taking trauma patients in the Operating Rooms. Today, my nice scheduled organized cases were put on hold when my room became the designated "code blue" room. A woman bus driver had driven into the back of a garbage truck and was seriously injured and critically unstable when I saw her. We brought her to the OR and gave her 6 units of blood, 4 units of Fresh Frozen Plasma, 1 unit of cryoprecipiate, 1 unit platelets, and performed brain surgery on her subdural bleed. The hour was very busy, and reminded me why I do not like taking care of trauma patients.

A tribute

2008-11-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

I don't think I will ever understand the hearts of those who have fought for my country. They give everything they have for this cause. It is my honor today to remember them for all they have done and all that they are. With deep respect, I pay tribute to them.

Taking work home with me

2008-11-10T20:06:00.001-08:00

There are a lot of things I really love about my job. One of them is that I can usually leave work behind me when I walk out the doors of the hospital. Occasionally, I will have worked with a patient that remains with me for days. Today I had one of those patients.

What would you do if you were a very active 71 year old who lived life on a horse and had a horrible accident that left you without control of your legs and very limited movement in your arms? Today I did the anesthesia for this brave and tough woman. The neurosurgeon placed an expander between the vertebra of C5-C6 to decompress the nerve. As the swelling goes down, and the pressure gets released from the nerve we will see how she recovers. Her age is not on her side. At best, we are hoping this woman to eventually regain use of her arms. It is highly unlikely she will ever walk again.

I think everyone goes though life with an ultimate challenge that causes them to change. I see the cards that have been dealt to those who have gone before me, and see how they have been shaped by the storms of life. Some change comes with constant weathering, others by unexpected lightening. My heart goes out to this woman I cared for today. May the Lord bless her in her time of need.

Fall flowers and foliage

2008-11-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

I got home from New Zealand Sunday October 26. I worked the following Monday, which was only slightly painful. When I pulled up into my driveway after work I saw the most beautiful boquet of fall flowers. I secretively wished that they were for me. But, knowing my roommate Sarah has a boyfriend who lives in Utah, I thought for sure they were hers. I walked quickly to read the card. I was giddy and silly when I realized they were for ME! They were beautiful, and I had been gone for 3 weeks! They were a warm welcome, and I loved them. It was even better for me to discover that my parents had sent them to me from California. Thanks mom & dad! They remind me of you daily!

Missionary work in Mongolia

2008-11-09T20:05:00.001-08:00

Tonight I attended an exciting baptism for a young 27 year old man named Bick from Mongolia. He met the missionaries for the LDS church 2 years ago, and has been waiting to get baptised. Twenty days ago he moved to the states, and tonight will be an evening he will remember for the rest of his life.

My heart is always full of joy when I see individuals find peace, truth and happiness in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Much is expected of members of Christ's church, and in return, much is given. I hope to post a picture of Bick and me soon. What a special evening.

Roll if you want to

2008-11-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

Don't these guys look cool? You might be wondering what they are doing dressed up in cycling gear in the middle of a man's garage. They are on rollers, and they're "spinning"! Yes, I too joined the roller club this week. The end of day light savings has turned things very dark at a very early hour, making a nice bike ride in the sun virtually impossible after work. My friend John StOnge let me borrow his rollers for a while. And, I've taken quite a liking to them.

It's not as easy as it looks. Imagine siting on a bicycle with very narrow tires, and trying to balance on top of three rollers that spin to your cadence. Admittedly, I ride next to a wall and a really big chair for moments of instability. However, I feel confident enough on my carpet not to wear a helmet. Apparently, this guy doesn't:

Tomas ate eight

2008-11-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

What would it feel like to wear Superman pajamas and be eight? Let's ask Thomas Weed!

He turned EIGHT on November 6.
Happy Birthday, Thomas!

T-tease; he's an older brother, and he's learned from his dad.
H-hungry; super snacker and meal eater.
O-optimistic; looks for the good in most everything.
M-money; loves to count his money. Oftentimes he has more than his mom!
A-A plus student; and good friend to classmates.
S-super; Thomas is Superman to me!

Happy Birthday!

And the winner is. . .

2008-11-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

A textbook campaign, Obama representatives came to my home 4 different times over the course of 2 weeks. Offering to answer questions, provide rides, or hand out paraphernalia.
We experienced a historic event this election. Change is what he offers. We'll see what he delivers.

Akaroa my love

2008-11-02T23:48:00.000-08:00

10 million years ago Banks Peninsula erupted out of the Pacific Ocean as two violent volcanoes. When the eruptions finally stopped about 6 million years ago the Peninsula, then an island separated from the South Island, was as high as Mount Cook. Over the next few million years the soft volcanic rock was eroded away, with valleys being formed by the rainfall. One of the highlight historic towns in this area is Akaroa.

In 1838 captain Jean Langlois negotiated the purchase of Banks Peninsula from local Maoris. Sixty-three French settlers headed for this peninsula in 1840. However, days before the arrival, British officials sent their own warship to raise their flag at Akaroa, claiming British sovereignty under the Treaty of Waitangi. Akaroa, 'Long Harbour' in Maori, is the country's first French settlement. The French cleared this heavily forested land and turned it into a dairy farming (later supplanted by sheep farming).

My favorite bay on this peninsula is Le Bons Bay. The population is nearly 100 with 25 families living in the small valley. They have one small school with nearly 13 students and one teacher.
Gary and his family live in Le Bons Bay. They own the backpackers that I stayed in and fell in love with. The simple life I yearn so much. Self-sufficient and green!

In 1979 Gary purchased a "poor quality hay barn" valued at $300. Over the past 25 years he and his family have restored, renovated and tripled the size of the original barn. He worked as a school teacher in Christchurch and maintained the home until nearly 12 years ago when he and his family moved into the backpackers full time. Now he fishes in the morning and catches that evenings dinner, entertains his guests, substitutes in the schools, coaches his children's sports, maintains the farm, and cooks gourmet dinners for travelers like me to enjoy.
They have a cow named Sally who provides fresh milk and creme, and they raise their own organic beef and lamb, and chickens that provide eggs.

If ever I were to travel to NZ again, I would spend more time in this enchanting bay!

Akaroa & Le Bons Bay Backpackers

2008-11-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

Kiwi Me!

2008-10-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't cry when I left, but I did when I landed. I have just returned from one of them most excellent personal trips I have ever taken for myself. I seem to be doing a lot of that this year. At any rate, I am back, and I hope I'm a new person for the time I have spent away learning the Kiwi life and seeing the land that I love. Yes, I would move there, in a heart beat.

Everyone at work wants to know how my travels were. How do you summarize three weeks of the most amazing landscapes and exhilarating outdoor adventure activities in a timely response? I have boiled it down to this. "If you like the outdoors, then you would LOVE New Zealand, and should plan on going sometime."

Likewise, I pose the same question to you , my dear blog readers. How do I share with you everything I loved and learned, saw and smelled? A picture is worth a thousand words, but what do you do when you have two thousand pictures? You pick the best and let the heart and imagination take over.

Do you have those childhood dreams that you secretly fantasize about even in your adulthood? Owning a horse and a flower shop , living in the mountains, growing vegetables, traveling to New Zealand- this has been a childhood dream I have secretly held within my mind my entire life, and this year it came true! It was better than I could have ever imagined!

I am a huge advocate of travel, especially for those young and single. Fly! Go see the world, take a backpack, stay in hostiles, go cheap on accommodations and splurge on the tours. It ties history together and unfolds the reality of our global economy. It's amazing what you can learn from a trip!

to B two too!

2008-10-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Paul Fillmore is my Boston-baby (nephew). He was born in Brighton and lived his first years on Shepard Place while Jonathan was finishing dental school. Now he lives in Rochester, MN and his dad is in oral surgery school.

Paul has the softest, smoothest, and sweetest skin I've seen on a toddler. I can't believe he is already TWO! He is talking a lot and has already learned the ways of a two year old.

Happy Birthday Paul!

I had to see it to believe it!

2008-10-02T20:26:00.001-07:00

People I meet are always interested in hearing some of my more memorable work stories. I try to keep a few of the "really good ones" on hand for colorful conversation and teaching purposes. Today I had a very exciting and entertaining case. Let me share it with you!

A 12 year old girl swallowed a 3 inch cushion pin.

Yes it is true, she was 12 , and she was neurologically intact- at least somewhat. It just happened to be test day, and this girl thought sucking on a pin would make her smarter. I bet the possibility of this object actually slipping into her mouth, down her throat, into her belly never crossed her mind. . . but it did. And she thought eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches would help it pass through her system easier. I think that was a good idea- at least, I hope the peanut butter coated the pin like one would imagine it to do (wink wink). She came to the hospital with intermittent chest and back pain. They took x-rays, and proceeded to the operating room for the retrieval of the pin. This is where I met her. After nearly an hour, the surgeon found the foreign body in the fourth portion of her small bowel. It was almost akin to searching for a needle in the haystack.

Lesson of the day: Do not put things in your mouth that do not belong there, regardless of age!

New See Land, New Zealand

2008-09-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's already here? The time has come for me to get some more education. A little bit of anesthesia, and a lot more adventure. I fly New Zealand Air on Saturday. This is my final week for plans and preparation. Go team me!

Now I see the secret of making the best persons,
it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.
- Walt Whitman

It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves.
- André Gide

Cafe Rio at my house

2008-09-28T21:34:00.001-07:00

Anybody I know who has every had Cafe Rio loves it. Last year my friend Anna Jenson gave me the recipes to the pork and chicken salads and burritos. A few weeks back I signed up to host a dinner group at my house for church. I decided an easy dinner for people to contribute to would be this one. We had a group of ten very happy people sitting around my dining room table enjoying themselves. I always enjoy dinner groups, especially those full of laughter and pleasantly surprised food commentary.

Natalie Cook was loving the cilantro ranch dressing so much that we offered a straw to facilitate her dining experiences. Viddy Roberts couldn't believe the pork tasted so divine, he said it was better than the "real thing". It was a delightful evening. I had Cafe Rio at my house, I expected none other.

Recipes:

Dressing

buttermilk Ranch Dressing packet (make as per recipe on pkg. w/buttermilk and mayonnaise, may half buttermilk for thicker dressing)

2 tomatillos (remove husk from vegetable)

½ bunch of cilantro

1 clove garlic

juice of one lime

1 jalapeno pepper (use seeds if you like spicy, may substitute a few drops of green Tabasco instead)

(Food process or blend all ingredients together well; refrigerate)

Chicken

1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian dressing

1 T. chili powder

1 T. cumin

3 cloves garlic, minced

5 pounds chicken breast (boneless & skinless)

Cook all together in a crock pot for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour)

Pork
3 lb. pork roast
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 chopped onion
3 Tablespoons butter

Saute onion and garlic in butter. Put roast in crockpot and cover with the onion mixture. Cook about 3 hours on high. Drain off juice (save in fridge) and shred pork. Add the following to pork and cook an additional 2 hours on high. Add juice from pork (skim off fat) as desired, to taste.

2 Tablespoons soy sauce
3/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Rice:

5 cups water

4 t. chicken bouillon

4 t. garlic minced

½ bunch cilantro

1 can green chilies, or equivalent fresh

¾ t salt

1 T. butter

½ onion

3 cups rice

Blend cilantro, green chilies, and onion together in a food processor or blender. Bring water to boil and add all ingredients. Simmer, covered for 30 minutes.

-Order to build salad: tortilla, rice, black beans, chicken, lettuce, cheese, fried corn tortilla strips, salsa, guacamole, and dressing.

Anton goes to Australia

2008-09-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning raindrops danced on my windowpanes. However, by noon the sky had cleared up and the day presented to be perfect for "seated sprint starts". Anton Quist, my most talented and famous cycling friend asked if I would accompany him to practice his sprint starts. He needed a seat holder, and I had just the skills.

We drove out to Manassas airport and rode along the back streets of the terminals. Anton holds some world records in track cycling. He rides his bike around a velodrom, a banked oval track, at very high speeds and short distances. He flies to Australia the same time I am in New Zealand to compete in Master's World Championships this October. He has the strength and experience to do very well. And he has a cool bike that has his name on it- a gift from Tiemeyer. Go Anton!

Best Buy for sure

2008-09-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

After years of going without a camera, I finally made the purchase over Christmas '07 with my dad and Neal. True to the attraction theory, my camera found it's way to getting wet on my Boundary Water trip this June. Fortunately, I purchased the insurance policy with my camera at Best Buy and felt somewhat protected. I removed myself from any emotional feelings one might experience from such tragedy and waited for the Geek Squad's verdict. . . a new camera of equal or less value. Hurray! I now can continue sharing my world with you through my eyes. I never thought I'd say it, but, I love the Geek Squad!

I can't believe it. . .

2008-09-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

Telemarketers will have access to our cell phones! Yikes.

My friend Jayne West sent me this email:

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public todayREMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies as of Wed. Sept 17, 2998, and you will start to receive sale calls.
.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only akes a minute. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS... It takes about 20 seconds.or go to http://www.donotcall.gov/ <http://www.donotcall.gov/>

I just did this tonight, and it was simple. It will be interesting to see if it really does work. How nice would that be?

It's your birthday!

2008-09-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today, one of my most favorite people turned SIX years old! Clara Weed.
Over the six long years these are what I love about Clara:
-She is always smiling, laughing, or giggling at something.
-She is happy, happy, happy. Even when she's not, she's happy.
-She loves to play outside with her brothers, and she can keep up, so watch out!
-She is excited to share life with with those around her.
-She makes me laugh when we talk on the phone.

I love Clara, and wish I lived next to her!

3 day battle of Gettysburg on bicycle

2008-09-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

July 1, 2, 3 1863, the battle of Gettysburg. The Civil War's bloodiest battlefield. The losses experienced by the North and the South reached nearly 51,000 men dead, more than 3,000 dead horses, and an estimated 569 tons of ammunition expended. The words of President Lincoln's address have become something society strives to settle throughout our young history.

Edward Everett delivered a well-received two-hour oration rich in historical detail and classic allusion at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery on November 19, 1863. President Abraham Lincoln was asked to make a "few appropriate remarks." His speech contained 272 words and took about two minutes to deliver. To this day, it is still considered a masterpiece of the English language, and it transformed Gettysburg from a scene of carnage into a symbol, giving meaning to the sacrifice of the dead and inspiration to the living. Everett told Lincoln, "I should be glad if I. . . came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes."

Years back I toured this historic park with my family in a vehicle. I remember then thinking how great it would be to see this on bicycle- as most things for me are better on bike. Today, that thought became a reality. Gartz and I spent the afternoon cycling the battlefields of Pennsylvania and reliving one of our nations most upsetting battles.

One of my favorite places that we pulled over was a small infantry camp where nearly 30 people dress and live in historic times. A-framed tents lined the fields. These tents would house two or more soldiers. The means of these times were humbling. The soldiers would sleep on the hard, cold ground. They had only what they were able to carry. It made me think of the most essential items I have in my life. Could I live as a soldier and bring nothing but bear minimum? What would I bring? I think a picture of my family, my scriptures, and a small journal.

I was particularly intrigued by a woman dressed in a beautiful full hoop skirt gown. She was graceful, feminine and full of purpose. She taught me of the important role woman played at this time of war. These woman wanted to support their men by providing womanly services of cleaning, cooking, mending, and sharing other skills. It made me proud to be a woman and excited to share today the skills I have uniquely been developing with those around me to make their lives better. There is power in being a woman. There is even greater power in sisterhood.

Sleeping under the Stars

2008-09-20T20:53:00.001-07:00

The Langley ward had their annual camping retreat in the Cocatin mountains of Maryland this weekend. This is the second year we have done this trip. My dear outdoor loving friend, Courtney Gartz and I drove up together to enjoy the weekend away. I was pretty excited to see all my church going friends sporting their jeans, sweatshirts and fleece jackets. To me, it shows they are having good times in the great outdoors, which we all know, I so dearly love.

My most favorite part of the evening was sleeping under the stars. There is something very liberating to me about sleeping in a down mummy bag, on a thin pad laying on a tarp. I feel like I am a part of nature. The stars are bright, clear, and full. The trees are strong, still, and serene. I can hear mother earth singing her nightly lullaby to me. And she kindly puts met to sleep.

Squeeze the monkey

2008-09-20T20:36:00.001-07:00

In general, I would not say that taking care of awake patients during surgery is my favorite thing to do. In fact, one thing I particularly enjoy about my job is the ability to control a person's ability to participate with the amount of drug I provide. Today was unusual because I took care of awake patients, and I enjoyed it. Our vascular surgeon is tops to me. He calls all of his patients "my friend", and he is a skilled artesian. He performs all his work as if he were sewing a very soft cube of butter with golden chopsticks and a very fine thread of silk. I always very much enjoy working with him. He gives me a smile at the end of each case, and says thank you to me. Which, in my book, goes a long way.

This morning I took care of patients who had blockages in their carotid arteries. The major blood feeding vessels for the brain. The goal of the operation is to remove the blockage while still preserving full brain function. The surgeon requests the patients to squeeze the monkey (soft toy in their non-operatable side) once his clamp is applied to the artery. Hand strength and coordination of this movement help assess the brain function during the critical point in the procedure. The combination of Dr. Mukherjee's Indian accent and verbal request made me laugh a little. In addition, my female patients were both very good sports about the exercise, and I gave them both A+ grades for their participation. I think I will start giving grades to all of my patient's performances. It makes my job more fun.

Sand upon the shores

2008-09-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Courtney VanderVer is an artist. She has an artistic view of life and takes an artists approach to everything she does. On Sunday she taught us about the plan of salvation. She began by asking the class if we had ever looked closely at a handful of sand. If we had ever noticed the light refracting off each grain, or noticed the colors in hand or on shore.

Almost like taking time to smell the roses, likewise it was a good reminder to enjoy the colors, shapes, and light around me. And then go a step further for implication. Last night on my bike ride I passed a view of the most beautiful sunset I have seen this fall. The artist in me pulled off to the side of the road, placed my bicycle on the grass, and stood in quiet admiration for the remainder of the light. It felt good. And reminded me of my Creator, Lord of all.

“… Moses cast his eyes and beheld the earth, yea, even all of it; and there was not a particle of it which he did not behold, discerning it by the spirit of God. . . And their numbers were great, even numberless as the sand upon the sea shore. . . And he beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof.” (Moses 1:27–29.)

Be thou humble

2008-09-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Sweetness of the Sabbath
At times I can become rather introspective. Lately I have been contemplating the role I play in life. I believe I have a specific purpose, although right now my purpose feels like a double blinded study. I took these feelings to church where life in the eternal realm unfolded itself, as it always does in places of holiness.

I was reminded by our opening hymn to "be thou humble, in they weakness, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee, and give thee answer to thy prayers, and in thy pleading, and the Lord they God shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that He cares." In addition to this preface, I was equally reminded and well schooled that the Plan of Salvation "ought to occupy [my] strict attention, and be regarded as one of heaven's best gifts to mankind."
(Joseph Smith) The abundant life is here for all to partake of. We can learn from He whom taught us how to love. Only those who are truly happy are those who have sought and learned how to serve. I think it is good to be reflective. Quest for the week: serve more.

The reality of certain beauty

2008-09-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

How did our idea of beauty become so distorted?

http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/flat4.asp?id=6909

cut and paste web address to find out. . .

This morning I did one of my favorite 30 mile city loops on my road bike with my dear friend Courtney Gartz. We call her "Gartz" and "G-slash" for short. I met Gartz 3 years ago when I first moved to Virginia. Every year we plan challenging physical activities to participate in and train for. My favorite part is spending time with her and talking throughout the workouts.

Today we were discussing how women fulfill their sense of purpose, especially when they do not yet have their own little family to be stewards over. The thought of moving to Africa for a year was an entertaining and delightful brainstorm. We decided that each of our friends would share some of their best talents to teach these people. One of the messages would be to promote a healthy sense of esteem for women. I remembered this Dove campaign and wanted to share with any of my readers out there. Don't you think this message could be spread world wide?

Nostalgia

2008-09-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Adam Ellison called me in January to see if I would be interested in doing a week long canoe trip to the Boundary Waters in June. For eight years I have secretly been desiring a trip into this land just south of Canada near Lake Superior. It was a dream come true! Adam and I planned and shopped for all the food. We brought along 4 ionized dutch ovens, and more than a hundred pounds of potatoes, carrots, steak, bacon, and other great food. There were four canoes, eight people. All the girls shared one tent together. I haven't had this much fun with a girls night for a while. I became very close to our camper barbie, Suzie Flake. We covered over 41 miles and had rain every day. At times, the winds were white capped and very difficult to paddle.

Nature has its way of teaching me lessons. I learned to love the rain (which I normally do), but on this trip, I even wanted the rain. Yes, even during fire starting. You see, when it rains, there are no mosquitoes. It was only during the dry and calm times that swarms of insects would dance around your head.

I sometimes wonder how many times events occur in our lives that we THINK we may not want, but learn to realize that those things kept us safe or provided a better good than we could have known. The wind, although difficult to storm, provides the energy to push the sail for the vessel to move forward. Character is oftentimes developed with opposition.

June 2008 Boundary Water trip. A bit of heaven on earth, for sure!

Introducing, Los Magnificos!

2008-09-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

27,000 elevation changes
5,000 start line altitude
208 miles
36 legs
12 runners
1 great experience

Blue Ridge Relay 2008

This year 9 of our 12 runners were returning athletes from last year. We named our team, Los Magnificos, because we are magnificent! I ran 19 miles, 4.5 at 2pm hot and difficult, 7.5 around midnight and loved the uphill challenge, and finished on a sweet 9.5 downhill to bring my final milage time under 8 minute miles. What did I learn this year? ELEVATE your legs 15 minutes post run to drain the old blood, dilute the lactate acid in your muscles, and feel fresh for new run. And as Coach Ede always said, "hydrate, hydrate, hydrate".

In living color, trying to look oh so serious!

How does my garden grow?

2008-09-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

I planted a tomato garden this summer. Something about digging in the dirt, and careful watch over living plants give me a strange satisfaction. I like my quiet time watering and tending my plants. It provides me time to contemplate eternal principals and reminds me of my dependence on the Lord and His blessings. Rain, sun, soil, and critters are all vital components for a successful garden.

Only a few days this summer have neglected to water my dear garden. However, by the look of my plants you might have guessed otherwise. I have come to a conclusion that I did not prepare my soil well enough, and more importantly, they need more sun. Tomato plants love sun! My first "real" tomato came off the bush today. Sadly, after careful examination I decided it might be best to retire that one into the garbage disposal and pray my future crop might bear better fruit. The older I get, the more amazing my parents become to me, and even more my grandparents. They all had wonderful green thumbs that produced gardens of Edens that I someday hope to cultivate.

Celebrate Good Times

2008-09-07T22:17:00.001-07:00

It has been nearly a year now since I have had creative juices brewing in my mind on how to document my life as a blogger. Growing up in a wonderful home that valued good journal keeping, this outlet should serve well its purposes for me: 1) Provide evidence of my existence, 2) nurture and develop creativity and thoughts 3) inventory of time and blessings, and most importantly 4) shorten the long distance between those I love most!

God watches Tonga and its people

2008-09-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

I always love listening to people share stories of who they are and where they come from. Today I had the good fortune of hearing a woman teach me about her native land of Tonga. Apparently, it is the only remaining monarchy among the island nations never to have lost it's governance. There is a saying they pass on amongst generations that states: "God watches Tonga and its people". The constitution for these islanders states that they must honor the Sabbath day, or high penalties are payed. They believe their islands have been watched over by God because they honor His Sabbath day. I am delighted to have learned this today. I knew I liked Tonga.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga
International Religious Freedom Report 2006
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
The country has an area of 288 square miles and its population is approximately 112,400. According to the last official census, in 1996, membership by percentage of population of major denominations was: Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, 41 percent; Roman Catholic, 16 percent; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), 14 percent; and Free Church of Tonga, 12 percent. More recently, many faiths have said the figures were no longer accurate. The Mormon Church claimed its members comprised at least 32 percent of the population.

http://realtravel.com/tonga-travel-guide-d889-1.2276000.html
Thou Shalt Not Artifice on Sunday--A clause in Tonga's constitution declares, "The Sabbath Day shall be sacred in Tonga forever and it shall not be lawful to work, artifice, or play games, or trade on the Sabbath." The penalty for breaking this stricture is a T$10 (US$5) fine or 3 months in the slammer at hard labor. Although there is now some flexibility that allows hotels to cater to their guests on Sunday, almost everything else comes to a screeching halt on the Sabbath. Taxis don't run, airplanes don't fly, and most restaurants other than those in the hotels don't open. Tongans by the thousands go to church and then enjoy family feasts and a day of lounging around in true Polynesian style.