Observations of an Oblivious Woman

An Explanation of 'Statistics'

2012-02-12T06:29:00.000-06:00

My really good friend Jen--who’s known me for almost 6 years--pointed out in her comment on the post “Statistics” that “you don’t give yourself enough credit for how awesome you are.” She also said “there are 2 main things guys look for in a woman....They look for a woman who 1) feels good about herself and 2) makes him feel good about himself.”I do think I’m pretty awesome, interesting,

Who Are You?

2012-02-11T21:51:00.001-06:00

There is someone in Houston,TX who has been reading my blog today for almost 24 hours on their iPhone w/Verizon. WHO ARE YOU? Am I that fascinating to you? If you really are reading this and it's not just that you feel asleep and forgot to close your browser, I'm going out on a limb and asking you to comment or contact me and tell me who you are. I love that people read what I write but if you're

Good to Remember

2012-02-10T21:50:00.001-06:00

I love mnemonics. They have helped me in school, life, work, crisis situations, etc. I saw this one on Pinterest from the Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog and thought we could all use the reminder. Before you speak, THINK! T--Is is True? H--Is it Helpful? I--Is it Inspiring? N--Is it Necessary? K--Is it Kind? So, for the love of tulips, THINK! before you speak. Also, this little gem is one of my favorites

Statistics

2012-02-10T19:30:00.000-06:00

I was planning on telling you the story of Brother #3 first date where I play the part of the chauffeur. But that story will have to wait for a later time. There are times I am convinced weddings and pregnancies happen because everyone drank out of the same punch bowl. You know what I'm talking about. There are times you are just inundated with wedding and baby announcements. Well, I feel like

I Found This Interesting

2012-02-07T14:38:00.001-06:00

I've been doing Chalene Johnson's Free 30 Day Challenge to Master Organization and Achieve Your Goals. Her blogpost today was a bit helpful for me and something I needed to think about. You can read it here. I think we all need to sit down seriously and think about why we're friends with some of the people in our lives. Why invest time and energy into a relationship where you feel used up,

Forgetfulness

2012-02-03T16:05:00.000-06:00

I was so busy taking care of other people and trying to make my family happy the last 6 weeks of 2011 that I forgot to take care of myself. In the past 4 weeks I have had major allergy issues that turned into a sinus infection and now I've got some flu-like virus. Why do I do this to myself? Do you think there's something fundamental in the female nature that makes us feel guilty and selfish if

Personal Watershed Moment #1

2012-02-01T18:08:00.003-06:00

On Sunday, the Sunday School teacher made the comment that in every person's life they will have moments where they will have no support from anyone--they will feel alone. She said that it is in these moments that we need to go to a place where we can converse with our Heavenly Father and we need to do it often. (1 Nephi 18:3) It is in our extremities where we meet and come to know God and

Thought Processes

2012-01-30T18:03:00.000-06:00

We discussed the book of Ruth today in my lunchtime Institute class. So many thoughts! But then I had to grab my notebook and run to Anatomy lecture which caused all thoughts to be smothered by inorganic compounds and all things water related. I have also decided that my brain clutter has left it's safe, contained area inside my skull and spread to my apartment. I used to have organized piles of

Twas Bothersome

2012-01-25T16:35:00.000-06:00

Last Fall, a broadcast network introduced a show based on fairy tales. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been fun to watch and I like how the different fairy tales are explored and shown in fairy tale world and in the real world. I liked where the show appeared to be heading....until the last 10 minutes of the last episode. The whole premise of the show is that they have been cursed to live in

Oh Be Wise

2012-01-24T18:44:00.000-06:00

When I was in high school, I couldn't wait to get older. 18 was a magic age to me. It meant I could move out of my parents' house, go to college, and I was legally considered an adult. If I could go back and talk to my 17 year old self, I would slap her on the backside of the head and tell her not to move out. Yes, my parents and I fought about my desire for independence and I didn't like living

SOPA Strike

2012-01-18T02:37:00.001-06:00

One of my best friends writes and explains much better than I can WHY SOPA/PIPA are such bad ideas. Please take a moment to read her post and educate yourself so that we can make informed decisions as members of the United States Electorate. I, personally, do not agree with censorship. The First Amendment allows me and every other citizen the right to free speech. No one should be afraid to

Acknowledgement

2012-01-15T21:43:00.000-06:00

~I recognize that my previous post shocked quite a bit of my readers. It is not normally something one would find on my blog. Now that I have that out of my system, I will return to my normal, regularly scheduled writing. ~I am going to try to write something pertaining to the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson every Sunday. This will hopefully be a way to share scripture study with others far

Damn My Inexperience!

2012-01-10T18:37:00.003-06:00

In June of 1999, I left my sheltered life in Texas and arrived at BYU to begin my academic career. Two weeks in, we were summoned to a church meeting where chastity was discussed. There were lots of acronyms used that I totally didn't get. (In fact, if it weren't for the urban dictionary I would still not get a lot of stuff.) One of the most commonly used was "NCMO." It took me 4.5 semesters to

Excuse Me While I Have a Girly Moment

2012-01-05T03:46:00.000-06:00

I blame this post--and my emotional state--on my sister. She wanted me to watch the trailer for The Hobbit, so I did. Big stupid mistake. When I was 8, I started reading my dad's copy of The Hobbit. I didn't understand it, so I put it back in his sea chest turned bookcase/nightstand. He was so proud of me for even opening it and attempting to read it. A few years later, I picked it up again and

2 Guys, A Girl, & A Football Ticket

2012-01-03T23:56:00.001-06:00

"Emily! Telephone!" Heather yelled up the stairs. I picked up the upstairs extension and yelled back, "Got it!" "Hello?" "Is this Emily?" "Yes. Who is this?" "My name is Doug and I think we're related. I was looking people up on StalkerNet aka BYU's Student Directory and saw that you are listed under our last name. Since this isn't a typical name, I thought I'd call you up and see if we

2012 is Here!

2012-01-01T01:12:00.000-06:00

Holy! Flippin'! Cow, Batman! YES! Hopefully 2012 will rock as much as this. "Those who risk, win." ~RAF Motto Dare to risk it this year!

Mary and Joseph

2011-12-25T00:34:00.000-06:00

Two years ago, I taught the December Relief Society Lesson. Since I was in the Relief Society Presidency I had to come up with my own topic, prepare a lesson, and pray that it would be what was needed at the time. I felt impressed to teach about the role Mary and Joseph played in the story of Christ's birth. This is a condensed version of that lesson. (The original lesson was an hour long.) Think

Family Christmas Traditions

2011-12-14T01:23:00.000-06:00

Every family is different and has their own unique way of celebrating the Christmas season. We were not allowed to open any presents prior to Christmas Day and we had to wait until after breakfast had been eaten. Christmas morning was one of those sacred mornings when we weren't allowed to wake anyone up so as to rush anything. And when we lived in Fresno, California, we went down Christmas Tree

A Compulsion to Share

2011-12-08T14:20:00.000-06:00

There are just no words to describe my sister. She is an experience I prayed and waited 13 years for. So glad she is so much fun!

Christmas Favorites

2011-12-08T12:47:00.000-06:00

I love Faith Hill's song "A Baby Changes Everything" and the movie "The Nativity Story." This music video brings them together in a beautiful way. We focus so much on the birth of the Savior that sometimes we forget or overlook the fact that there were two very unique people asked to care for Him until He could care for Himself. What an amazing thing Mary and Joseph did. A baby truly does change

"A Gift to the World"

2011-12-06T15:44:00.000-06:00

I LOVE this!! What a beautiful reminder about what and why we truly celebrate Christmas.

22 Days 'til Christmas

2011-12-02T20:17:00.000-06:00

"Sometimes we can take offense so easily. On other occasion we are too stubborn to accept a sincere apology. Who will subordinate ego, pride, and hurt--then step forward with, "I am truly sorry! Let's be as we once were: friends. Let's not pass to future generations the grievances, the anger of our time." Let's remove any hidden wedges that can do nothing but destroy." "Where do hidden wedges

A New Way of Eating

2011-11-28T22:29:00.000-06:00

Two of my siblings and I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease in the past 2 months. It was a bit overwhelming at first to me. I went through all the grief stages staying in denial the longest because it's the funnest stage. Today I found out it's not going to be as bad as I thought it was. AND eventually my body will heal and I will feel well again. I have been so used to being sick and

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T18:38:00.002-06:00

Summer 2010, I began a list entitled "Things I Know" to focus on the positive and uplifting things in my life. It has helped me to remember what I am grateful for and the blessings I would like to have in my life. I found out I can't digest gluten recently and had an interesting Thanksgiving meal today. I spent most of the day cooking meals to freeze so I'm not tempted to run through the

The Hike from Hell

2011-11-21T04:14:00.002-06:00

In honor of Thanksgiving.... The setting: A townhouse just off of 9th East behind Gold's Gym. The characters: Six female roommates attending Brigham Young University studying various and unrelated subjects. Two are from Texas, two are from Hong Kong, and two are from Mexico City. Languages spoken: Eight. Cantonese, Mandarin, Thai, Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian and English....some times ALL

Quote of the Chapter

2011-11-17T21:35:00.001-06:00

I'm reading Spiritual Roots of Human Relations by Stephen Covey. In chapter 2, entitled "Six Days of Creation: Process of Growth and Development" he points out that, while the physical development is obvious, spiritual, social, and emotional growth is less visible. We can't pretend to be more than we are and trying to compete with those who are playing with skills earned in days 1-5, when we've

Stronger

2011-11-17T20:18:00.000-06:00

My wonderful, beautiful, super-intelligent sister gave me Kelly Clarkson's new CD, "Stronger" for my birthday. I haven't listened to all of it yet, but I can say I thoroughly identify with most of the tracks. Here are my favorites to date. "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" "Mr Know It All" "Dark Side" "Don't Be A Girl About It"

A Funny Story & A Recipe

2011-11-15T01:40:00.000-06:00

Check out one of my good friends' blogs! She tells the funniest story that will remind anyone of any personal stories of similar incidents. (One day I will tell the story of The Hike from HELL!!) Enjoy the funny! Meatless Meals for Meat Eaters

Inspiration or Insanity

2011-11-14T00:13:00.000-06:00

I have had several people in the past few years tell me I should write a book. The last person to do this was last Wednesday in an interview with my ecclesiastical leader. I would like all to notice the irony of telling him my weekly schedule and that I have a difficult time sleeping and his suggestion is to write a book in my spare time. What spare time?? Unfortunately for me, the brain is now

Sticks and Stones

2011-11-06T20:38:00.001-06:00

The old children's rhyme should be altered, in my adult opinion. Sticks and stones may break my bones,But words can uplift or destroy me. On my computer's desktop, I have these virtual Post-Its. One of them says, "You have a beautiful smile." I put it there because this past January I was at a very low point in my self-esteem. I didn't think there was anything beautiful about me. The mirror

Epiphany

2011-10-24T04:45:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered WHY we are commanded in the scriptures to do something? Not the whole whiny 4 year-old why but the reason/principle behind something. I do all the time. I'm a very curious person. Some find it endearing and refreshing, others think I'm socially inept and annoying. It's all a matter of personal preference. I ask questions--it's who I am. I had a unique experience recently.

Wash It Out!

2011-10-17T20:49:00.001-05:00

I love this song and think if we as women paid better attention to our own self-worth we wouldn't allow certain people to use us or treat us like we weren't "real" people. The song can be applied to so many things in life. If it's not working, if no one wants to put in the effort...."Waste no time. Make a change." Don't allow things to take priority over people. You can only take your

"Sunday Will Come"

2011-10-16T01:49:00.000-05:00

"I think of how dark that Friday was when Christ was lifted up on the cross. "On that terrible Friday the earth shook and grew dark. Frightful storms lashed at the earth. "Those evil men who sought His life rejoiced. Now that Jesus was no more surely those who followed Him would disperse. On that day they stood triumphant. ... "On that Friday the Savior of mankind was humiliated and bruised,

Quote of the Week

2011-10-14T18:13:00.002-05:00

"Openly express feelings. Words that are backed up by and congruent with tone of voice, facial expressions, sacrifices, and other nonverbal works are magnified many times in their power to influence, uplift, and bless." ~Stephen Covey, How to Succeed With People

New Personal Anthem

2011-10-13T00:26:00.000-05:00

So I have theme songs. As in, if my life were a movie, this is what would play over the montage of scenes for right now. One Republic, Marchin On I love that my baby brother loves music as much as I do and has shared some of his favorite bands with me. He's 11 years younger than I am and thinks I am pretty darn cool even though I'm old. In August, we were driving around Houston in my car

MFAH Online Book Club

2011-10-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

The Museum of Fine Art-Houston has an online book club that meets at various times to accommodate crazy-busy schedules, such as mine. They are reading two books between now and the middle of January. I'm reading the one called My Name is Red. The other is Cleopatra, A Life by Stacy Schiff; I'll probably read this one as well but later. Anyway.... If you are interested in this fabulous

Reality Check

2011-10-11T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today, Army Private First Class David Drake was buried. I didn't know him personally but I know and work for people who did. We attended his wake last night and they looped the video of his body being unloaded from the C-130 in Dover, Delaware along with the bodies of 4 other soldiers who were returning home for their final rest. This experience has led me to reflect on certain people I knew who

Food for Thought

2011-10-11T15:41:00.001-05:00

"Fighting takes many forms, ranging from violence and open expressions of anger and hate to subtle sarcasm, sharp answers, clever comebacks, belittling humor, and various kinds of cold, sophisticated judging and rejecting. ... The first two alternatives—fighting and flighting—represent the immature course of least resistance and involve no internal control and discipline. Sometimes, in the heat

Quote of the Week

2011-10-08T15:42:00.002-05:00

"Too often we punish honest, open expressions or questions. We upbraid, judge, belittle, embarrass. Others learn to cover up, to protect themselves, to not ask. The greatest single barrier to rich, honest family communication is the tendency to criticize and judge—in short, to upbraid. Watch closely and listen carefully and you'll find this tendency everywhere. Also notice what it does to you."

Further Insights from "How To Succeed With People"

2011-10-08T01:01:00.000-05:00

After reading the chapter entitled, Give Positive Experiences, I feel a tiny bit validated about my upbringing and innate personality quirks. What he discusses is something I try to do in my everyday life. Since I cannot read another person's mind--and frankly, have no desire to do so--I cannot tell what they were thinking about a given situation. To clarify their point of view and mine, I always

BR: How to Succeed With People

2011-10-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

I was encouraged to re-read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" this time last year. Read it and tried out the principles Carnegie explains. The results were depressing for me. People I smiled at and showed interest in either thought I was hitting on them, making a romantic move, or being condescending. Than the fact that I was attempting to be a nicer person towards other people led others

Accepting Responsibility

2011-10-04T02:01:00.003-05:00

I am working on the difficult task of forgiving. It is NOT easy. In the past few months, I have been tormented by the thoughts that the situation which led to the actions of others was entirely my fault. But I cannot see where the error occurred because I am too close to the situation and have limited information of all that actually did occur. It has broken me into little pieces and I am trying

Crazy? Tiny Bit

2011-10-03T15:10:00.001-05:00

Maybe there's something wrong with me or maybe I'm just desperate for ANYTHING new and exciting to happen in my life. This looks totally wicked fun! I might start running again just to do this. Forget the Ultra Marathon in Mojave, California! This is tough stuff! Spartan Racing

Conference Favorite

2011-10-02T23:43:00.001-05:00

This spoke to my heart. If you are also struggling with feelings of inadequacy, insignificance, low self-worth, or just think that you, too, could be the poster child for epic failure at life, this talk might be something you need to hear. You aren't alone in your feelings and you ARE loved!

General Conference 4 of 4

2011-10-02T21:45:00.001-05:00

2 October 2011 Afternoon General Session

LDS General Conference 3 of 4

2011-10-02T17:39:00.001-05:00

Loved President Eyring's talk.We need to remember to mourn with those that mourn, comfort those who stand in need of comfort; rejoice with those that rejoice, and stand for what we believe no matter where we are.I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.

LDS General Conference

2011-10-01T22:24:00.001-05:00

1 October 2011--Priesthood Session

LDS General Conference 1 of 4

2011-10-01T20:49:00.002-05:00

1 October 2011--Morning General Session 5 new Temples!!! I had not watched all of this when I originally posted it. After President Monson speaks and the choir sings, grab a box of tissues or a roll of toilet paper. President Uchtdorf's talk had me, personally, sobbing in bed while I watched after getting off work at 1 AM. I could have used the warning for the tissues.

LDS General Conference 2 0f 4

2011-10-01T20:18:00.002-05:00

1 October 2011 Afternoon General Session. I really enjoyed Elder Anderson's talk. The Children's Choir is a beautiful sight and sound. Hope you enjoy and are uplifted!

Favorite Quote of the Week

2011-10-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

"There are so many loud voices in the world and so many pressures and so much negative feedback. Our children are constantly being told that they are not enough. They are not good enough, or smart enough, or thin enough, or rich enough. When they walk through the doors of our homes, they must feel that they are enough. They must feel peace. Our homes must not be places of additional stress and

Hitting the Wall

2011-09-30T01:56:00.000-05:00

I've been reading Elaine S. Dalton's book, Return to Virtue. She compares living a Christ-centered, virtuous life to the rigors and discipline required to train to run a marathon. I'm only about halfway through the book but her chapter on "Hitting the Wall" has struck a chord. We go through things and experience challenges that stress our emotions and psyche to the max and figuratively deplete

"Charity Begins With Me"

2011-09-25T12:59:00.001-05:00

I've been debating whether or not to post this, but after last night's Relief Society meeting I decided to do it. I spoke in church last October on President Thomas S. Monson's talk "Charity Never Faileth." Here is my talk in it's entirety. Maybe it will be of some use to someone out there. I was asked to speak on President Thomas S. Monson’s talk entitled “Charity Never Faileth,” from the

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

2011-09-25T02:11:00.001-05:00

Highlight from the General Relief Society Meeting. I need this reminder everyday because lately it feels like I am unnoticed, unloved, unwanted, and insignificant. As one of my mom's friends says, "I've endured to the middle. Why can't that be enough?" "You Are Not Forgotten" You can watch the entire session or just his talk. He starts speaking about 45 minutes into the session.

Sabbatical, pt. 2

2011-09-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

I was watching movie previews last night and think "One Day" might be a good one to watch when it hits DVD's. Mostly because of one tiny portion of a scene where she says, "I love you but I don't like you anymore." I totally understand that sentiment! You can love people for who they are and the potential you see in them but seriously dislike their choices and how it changes them. It's amazing

100 Day Challenge

2011-09-19T19:43:00.000-05:00

Starting October 1, I will be attempting the 100 Day Whole Foods Challenge. Nothing processed, everything cooked in my own kitchen. (Yikes!) Luckily most of the recipes are designed for a family of 4 so I can make one meal and stretch it over 2 days for lunch and dinner or freeze leftovers. Fingers, eyes, and toes crossed. If you would like more information, or are interested in changing your

Touchstones

2011-09-17T22:09:00.000-05:00

In 1955, my grandparents built and moved into the home our family lived in until my mother moved the family in 2007. No matter where I was in the world I always knew I had a safe place to go where someone would love me and take care of me. The phone number never changed and, since my parents moved 7 times by the time I was 14, it was the first phone number I remember memorizing. I knew if I

Rained Out

2011-09-16T12:43:00.000-05:00

9-11-2011: I went to Yosemite to hike Vernal Falls with 2 of my brothers and my mom. We entered the park and everything was beautiful. We walked to the base of Bridal Veil Falls and then got in the car to drive to Curry Village. As soon as we got to Curry Village to park the car so we could take the shuttle to the trailhead, the heavens opened and buckets of water were dumped on the ground. I was

Metallica and SFSO

2011-09-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

For those of you who absolutely love Metallica's S & M album, tune in tonight! KQED is interviewing Metallica as part of the 100th anniversary year of the San Francisco Symphony. The interview runs at 9 PM and I'm not sure if that is Pacific time, but I'm assuming it is. (Yes, I like Metallica but only the S & M album. I think that it is what modern classical music should sound like--all

It's A Girl!!

2011-09-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

I got a new sister last weekend!!! I love it!! She is wonderful, makes my brother laugh, and constantly tells everyone how much they are loved. I love her and wish I was more open, outgoing, and friendly to strangers, just like she is. But how can you help but love someone who constantly tells you you're beautiful and loved?? She is awesome and I'm so glad my brother had the good sense to ask her

I Had to Share

2011-09-13T00:45:00.000-05:00

My mom, brothers #2 and 4, and I drove up to Yosemite 11 September 2011 to play for the afternoon. We plugged in Brother #4's iPod and this was the first song on the playlist he created when we got in the car. (I told him I needed a Sabbath appropriate playlist.) I'm in love with the lyrics and sentiment of this song. "Oh, darling, just take a chance please." Enjoy my new favorite song.

Sabbatical

2011-09-08T03:15:00.002-05:00

A group of girls stand Clustered together, Hopeful. Excitement and anticipation shine from their faces as they share this new experience. Shyly, cautiously a boy approaches. "Would you like to dance?" One by one the girls leave the group. One remains, Alone, unasked, forgotten, ignored. She waits with a look of expectation. The song ends and another begins. She sits down to enjoy the music. Her

Transitions

2011-09-05T23:10:00.000-05:00

In May, I decided to move my church membership records from the Young Single Adult branch I had been attending to the family ward. It has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. For the first time in a really long time, I have had to force myself to go to church because the desire to attend has been absent. When you turn 31, you are no longer considered a Young Single Adult; they

Reasons Not to Go to the Grocery Store when You Are Sick

2011-09-03T20:44:00.001-05:00

You forget why you went in there. I needed toilet paper, soup, and more magical medical elixir. That was all. I came out with TP, MME, soup, milk, quiche, swiss cheese, swiss cake rolls, potato bread, Ben & Jerry's Clusterfluff, a loofa, and forgot to buy grape juice and Gatorade. You wander aimlessly from one side of the store to the other, get on an aisle and forget why you went down that

Attn: Art Junkies

2011-09-02T16:45:00.001-05:00

The Museum of Fine Art--Houston has released their Friday and Saturday Lecture schedule for Fall 2011. YAY!!! So all you art junkies out there, take note! All lectures are held in the Brown Auditorium Theater on Fridays at 1:30 and Saturdays at 4. The first lecture is not to be missed if you are planning on attending the King Tut exhibit opening October 16, 2011. (I've seen it! Absolutely

Hail Mary Goal

2011-09-01T15:24:00.000-05:00

When I was 18, I pinched a nerve in my back. It went undiagnosed for a few months because my doctor thought I had simply sprained it...again. I rested, did everything he told me to do, and lost mobility in my right leg for several months. It was so bad when they finally realized what had happened that I had to see a Physical Therapist every day for 5 weeks. I left for my Freshman year of college

Will I Ever Be Happy Again?

2011-08-28T00:58:00.001-05:00

This weekend the Beaumont Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had its semi-annual Stake Conference. (A stake is a large group of smaller congregations called wards. It's similar to a diocese in the Catholic lexicon if that helps.) Every six months all the Mormons in the area get together and are taught by church leaders. This weekend we were blessed to have a member of

First Week of School

2011-08-25T22:17:00.000-05:00

I went back to school on Monday!! (and the people rejoice: "Yeah!") The oddest thing is that I traded 10 hours of work M-F for 10 hours of class M-F and feel like I have more time than I did last week. I think it has to do with the fact that after I got out of class Monday, I didn't have to go to class or work until Wednesday. I had almost 48 hours off....on purpose! It was amazing! I work 35-45

Suggestions Would Be Appreciated

2011-08-23T23:11:00.000-05:00

Due to continuing issues with my wonderful digestive/endocrine system, I have decided to go gluten, dairy, and refined sugar free. So far I have found gluten-free Bisquick, Oatmeal, and Cinnamon Chex. I've been drinking soy milk for years but how do you replace the wonderfulness of cheese and butter? Anyone else have similar problems? Your input/comments would be helpful. Thanks!

Would That All Things Were This Uncomplicated

2011-08-22T17:17:00.001-05:00

I'm sharing this story (er, stories?) because it's a bit funny and also because of the two people involved. Brother #1 and SIL A are both in their late 20's (read: next year they will no longer have a 2 as the first digit of their age.) and had begun to wonder if there was ANYBODY out there for them. I think my brother had given up a bit because he had quit dating due to the fact that it was

There Are Good Men Out There

2011-08-22T02:24:00.003-05:00

Tonight, I had a minor emergency with a patient and we ended up in the ER. No big deal--just went in to make sure the problem we were having wasn't serious. This was out of the ordinary with this patient but I am cool under pressure and we calmly got to the hospital and did the waiting thing. What impressed me the most though, was my patient's future son-in-law. When the problem first started

The Gauntlet was Picked Up

2011-08-21T01:54:00.001-05:00

There's a challenge floating around Facebook in honor of the 400-year anniversary of the initial printing of the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Starting September 1, if you read 12 pages a day you can finish the Old and New Testaments by 31 December 2011. I accepted this challenge and started early, as in yesterday. Thus far I have learned 2 new things. 1) Noah was a direct descendant of

Ahhhh....Sleep: The True Panacea

2011-08-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

I finally got to sleep 9 hours straight last night, instead of my usual 3.5 hour cat-naps. The cat-naps total up to about 9 hours in a day but it's not a straight 9 hours. The straight 9 hours of sleep is soooo much better. I don't feel as stressed about things I have no control over and can once again sally forth on my own. The Bluetooth on my phone decided, all on it's own, to once again talk

Wild Aspirations

2011-08-18T05:27:00.001-05:00

IF, by some miracle, I were to ever meet a man who inspired me to think of dating, marriage, weddings, and (gasp!) nerd-babies, I might have a severely uncharacteristic girly reaction and actually consider buying a wedding dress. But only, ONLY!, if I could afford one by this designer, Martin McCrea. The majority of his dresses have sleeves and don't look like they were just tacked on as an

I Need Some Cheese

2011-08-17T22:52:00.000-05:00

Because I was being whiny earlier, I thought I would share two of my new favorite talks from BYU Devotionals given in the past 2 academic years. Elder Kikuchi Yoshihiko--"How Do You Open Your Heart to Heaven?" Elder Claudio R.M. Costa--"Ships Are Safe in the Harbor" And breathe in..... and breathe out..... Everything will be okay. Just be calm.

I Wish.....

2011-08-17T17:18:00.001-05:00

...I had disposable income for unforeseen crap that gets thrown at my face. ...I didn't have pity party/crying moments in the shower after expressing congratulations and truly being happy when someone else gets engaged. ...I had a kitchen with more than 3 feet (1 meter) of counter space. ...Other people would actually do their job like responsible adults are supposed to so that I don't have to

Art Exhibit

2011-08-16T01:58:00.000-05:00

If you're interested in Modern Art exhibits or art history lectures, the Museum of Fine Art, Houston is having a free lecture this Thursday, 18 August 2011, at 6:30 PM. I would love to go but I am a masochist instead of a hedonist. Don't have a clue how to be irresponsible the week before school starts, while working full-time, and running my own business. Someone go play for me and let me know

FUSE-fest Benefit

2011-08-14T16:50:00.001-05:00

My friend, Reid May, has released a 4-track EP to benefit FUSE. Check out the music and buy the album if you enjoy it. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to support Fuse-fest. Rock on Fresno! Back To The Garage: A FUSE-fest Benefit EP by Reid

"Lovesick Ass"

2011-08-13T21:04:00.002-05:00

Story of my life: Quirky TV show that I really like airs on TV. Minimum 12 episodes later the show is cancelled. This is one of those shows. And this is my favorite episode because I know people who could take lessons from the donkey after being given the "Go To Hell" look. And I totally understand the whole "I'm too screwed up for a relationship" feeling. I'm totally going through a selfish ME

"Weird: New Code for Mormon"

2011-08-13T00:14:00.000-05:00

Here's a laugh brought to you by: The Colbert Report. I don't have cable or an antenna hooked up to my TV. (Is anyone surprised, really?) Someone informed me of this tiny excerpt and it cracked me up. Mostly because if you're Mormon, you've heard it all. Here are just a few "treasures." "You have horns on your head." "Mormons are a devil-worshipping cult. You worship the Devil so my mommy

"Midnight in Paris"

2011-08-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh, Paris. Je t'aime Paris. When I was 16, I walked around Paris in the Springtime and, without realizing it, allowed myself to fall in love. Woody Allen recently released a movie that reminded me of my love. While I am not a Woody Allen fan, and sat in my seat cringing in preparation for something off-colour or crude, this was a fantastically made picture and it was clean. "Midnight in Paris

Japanese LEGO's

2011-08-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

I love LEGO's! Every year I ask for LEGO's for Christmas--1 year Brother Number 1 actually got me some. The main problem I have with LEGO's is the price. When did they get to be that expensive?! And does it really cost that much to produce those little plastic pieces? If they weren't so expensive I would buy my own instead of putting them as the only item on my Christmas list every year. (

It's TOO Flippin' Hot!

2011-08-10T02:20:00.001-05:00

It's been in the upper 90's-low 100's in Fahrenheit in the Houston region. But with the humidity it feels like 115. I am ready for the Other season that's not Hurricane season to arrive--usually around the middle of November. When it gets this hot, or I'm stressed about something, I have trouble sleeping at night because I get horrible headaches. Tonight, my sister also had trouble sleeping so we

Florida Drug Testing Laws

2011-08-09T01:17:00.001-05:00

There are several interesting things going on in the state of Florida right now. One is mandatory drug-testing for employees of the state and the other is mandatory drug testing for those seeking Welfare assistance. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed several suits against the State, declaring that this drug-testing is a violation of Constitutional Rights. The Wall Street Journal has an

Pass Interference: An Education

2011-08-08T03:06:00.001-05:00

Yesterday at work, we had an interesting discussion about what is and is not acceptable social etiquette. A girl and her boyfriend attended a wedding. They've been dating for a little bit and are older than what is considered the "normal" marriage age. In other words, other people have placed an expiration date on their foreheads that only those people can see. (Some of you may know what I'm

Oldies

2011-08-07T01:53:00.001-05:00

When I was growing up the Disney Channel had old TV shows and played Disney movies. We would get cable every once in awhile and my parents would splurge on the Disney Channel upgrade so that we could have quality family viewing time. We all feel in love with movies like "Darby O'Gill and the Little People," "The Gnomemobile," "Ben and Me," etc. One of my all-time favorites though was an old TV

The Joys of Motherhood

2011-08-06T01:58:00.002-05:00

Somehow I got roped into helping potty train a 2 year old. Now, in my humble, childless, unwed opinion, shouldn't the child tell you when she is ready to put on the big girl panties and use the big girl toilet? For example, one day said child wakes up and thinks, "I have no desire to wear a diaper anymore. I realize that my bladder is full and am going to go pee-pee in the toilet." As this

A Request for Prayers

2011-08-03T15:55:00.001-05:00

A fellow blogger and friend, Erin, found out that a sore on her husband's leg was, in reality, necrotizing fasciitis and not just a boil. He has had 2 surgeries so far to remove the diseased tissue and has been in the hospital since July 29. There is a 50% mortality rate because if any diseased tissue is left AT ALL after each surgery, the infection continues to spread and spread. Their little

Musical Memories

2011-08-01T13:34:00.000-05:00

Friday, 29 April, I attended the Moody Blues concert in Houston, TX. It was so relaxed and low-key. But I sang loudly and was on my feet with the rest of the crowd during my favorite songs. Can I just say you haven't lived until you have heard Justin Hayward singing--in that heartbreaking cry that we all identify with--the lyrics "'Cause I love you. Yes, I love you! Oh, how I love you!" It hits

Re-Construction

2011-07-31T16:52:00.000-05:00

As you can see at the top of the blog, there have been some new things added. Feel free to look around and leave your comments, suggestions, complaints, etc. Here's to a fantastic August.

Re-Post

2011-07-29T23:29:00.000-05:00

My best friend read this on her friend's blog and sent it to me. I can relate and thought others might as well. For all of us who have been That Girl or That Guy.... "Going Under" Well, I'm actually That Girl all the time. If you were to see me alone in public, I am the girl sitting there with her nose stuck in a book wondering if any guy would ever have the intestinal fortitude to come up to

The Relationship Between Car & Driver

2011-07-27T10:15:00.000-05:00

This article points out one of the main reasons I have come to like driving a car with a manual transmission. I actually have to constantly do something to make the car work properly. Plus, manual's are just more fun! They jump off the line faster and I get great gas mileage. Zoom, zoom!

Books of the Week

2011-07-26T18:16:00.001-05:00

This week I am reading..... Memoirs of a Gaijin by Erin Neff Peters To Draw Closer to God by Henry B. Eyring The Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden Ghost Story: The Dresden Files, Book 13 by Jim Butcher Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card The Ensign of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, August 2011 Jim Butcher is one of my favorite authors. I have

Nerd Princess Extraordinaire

2011-07-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

I LOOOOOVE Star Wars! Boeing is awesome! I want to fly in this! So cool to me! Wired.com Yes, I am a nerd. I can quote Star Wars and see every Star Trek movie. And I watch all the Nazi documentaries on the History Channel. I also watch random documentaries about the history of paint and the history of plumbing. The secret is out.

The Sands of the Earth

2011-07-25T10:19:00.000-05:00

Isn't the Earth a fascinating place?! I see images such as these and am reminded of God's promises made to Abraham. "That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou

A Challenge In Honor of Pioneers

2011-07-24T02:13:00.000-05:00

24 July is sorta the only Mormon holiday. No one else celebrates it or acknowledges that it exists. We call it Pioneer Day. 24 July 1847 was the date that the first Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. They had been driven from their homes because of religious persecution and were finally in a place where they hoped they could live in peace. On this day we honor those men and

Photographic Proof

2011-07-21T21:47:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos I took while on vacation last week in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Hill Cumorah, Palmyra, New YorkMom, MJT, and Me On our way down the back side of the hill.So pretty and peaceful there....and just a wee bit windy. Niagara River, Niagara Falls State Park, New YorkDoesn't that water just scream get a raft or kayak and run me?!? American Falls, Niagara Falls State

Confession is Good For the Soul

2011-07-21T01:25:00.000-05:00

Hello. My name is Emily and I'm a movie theater snob. I just realized this tonight after seeing Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 3D at a Cinemark Theater with stadium seating. This was not my first viewing of said film. I saw it opening day in Cleveland, Ohio in a theater without stadium seating and in regular 2D. And I paid more in Cleveland. I saw Zookeeper the next day at a

100 Years Ago

2011-07-19T13:31:00.001-05:00

Machu Pichu was stumbled upon. Another place on The List and the reason I want to learn Spanish. Read more about visiting it here.

Fuel for the Imagination

2011-07-19T09:47:00.001-05:00

I love exploratory archaeology. You get to ask, "What if?" and then test your possible answers. I minored in socio-cultural anthropology at Brigham Young University and was planning on pursuing a double-major. One of my classes required a reading on the peoples of Easter Island. They were originally believed to have come from Africa but recent studies have shown that their genetic markers are

"Because I Knew You, I Have Been Changed for Good."

2011-07-19T02:17:00.001-05:00

Soooo.....I'm officially in love with David Cook's new album, This Loud Morning. I think it may be his voice or the lyrics of the songs or something like that. All the songs are fantastic, in my humble musical opinion, but there is one song in particular that I have come to love. My sister can vouch for me because it got played over and over and over on our loopy road trip last week. (Stay tuned!