Bless this Broken Road

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or twoWiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you




It amazes me how much this one song has helped me in the past 6 months. There is just something so true about the words. And granted, I havent found the "You" spoken about in this song. I do feel that one day, when I do meet that "you" I will see how "you" were a Northern Star. Today, this song was on repeat on my iPod on the way to work. Many days does it get stuck on repeat. There is a power in music, that can touch your soul in such a way that many other ways cant. (I feel this power with photography also.)



I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Ahh. So many times, I have thought that Im just passing the time without my "you." But Ive come to realize that Im not just passing my time, but rather learning, and growing. There is a grander plan. One that is beyond my realm of understanding and knowledge, but that God has blessed this broken road that is my own!


The power of music! Thank you Rascal Flatts for this song.

Red Sox Nation!

There is just something about Boston when the Red Sox are winning! I love it here. This is the second year since I moved here that the Red Sox are in the World Series. People are happy!

I work with manly Bostonians. Bostonians that have been Sox fans since, say, they were born. And, therefore, the office feel during the month of Oct is so much dependant on the Sox. . . . The officemates are happy today! Big, flashy smiles.

Oh and you cant forget all the commuters. Man, Happy times in Boston all around!

Going Public

So. I have had this blog for 10 months now. And Im starting to think its time to open it up to the world. I must say that I have deleted a few of the early postings as this was an outlet for me during a hard time.

But I think its time. I think that Im ready to be a public blogger . . . I have enjoyed many friends blogs, and its time to return the favor. Granted, I really dont think I have much to share or that Im quite as eloquent as many of you. (Ok, actually I know that Im not. I am fully aware of it as it has always been a problem of mine. Just ask Josh Wolverton. He tattled on me in 3rd grade for looking at his paper when we were writing a "How To" paper from the teachers example. Pathetic, oh so pathetic!) But it might peek your interest during a long day at work.

Welcome to my life! :) Hope you enjoy.

Update

Update to my Wed 10/10 Blog:

I bought 1 ticket to Brian Webb, and 1 ticket to Josh Ritter. (Count that: 1 ticket to each.) I want to enjoy the concert without worrying about whether or not the soul I found to go with me was enjoying himself. I feel good about my decision. . . . Not great, as that would have come if I didnt have to have this internal turmoil to begin with. But good, nonetheless.

I was watching the sad Red Sox game last night over at a friends house. And I was quite amused as this same discussion was brought up by a girl that bought Opera season tickets. The first one is coming up in a week, and she too was wanting to take a male companion, and didnt know who. Granted, I think that she is in a little harder of a spot as its OPERA. I mean, come on. That is going to take the right person, male or female, to 1) go and 2) enjoy. . . . But I was glad to know that I am not alone in my desire to do something that I want to do with a male companion. . . .

A Great Weekend!

I had a great weekend. Great Friends, Amazing City, and an Apostle. I mean what more can you ask for!

Wed Night - Drove to Hartford, and picked up my best friend Sam and her old college roommate Melissa who also grew up in Dallas.

Thurs - As it was my brother's birthday, we ran errands to help my sister-in-law get ready for the party. As it was his 31st b-day and his favorite thing besides his family is ice cream, the theme was "31 Flavor for 31 Years." Needless to say we went to Baskin Robins and picked up 31 flavors of ice cream. Ok, well, maybe it was only 25 flavors. What store that advertises 31 flavors but only has 25. Before all the errands for balloons and ice cream, we went out to the land/house and were given a tour by James. I really do love my brother. He was so cute and so excited to show Sam and Melissa his house. Jack came with us as Taylor was helping Megan with the cake and decorations. It was so fun to have Jack with us. He has such a fun little personality that I just adore.

By the time Megan's family arrived, we were able to watch the presents being opened before we headed off to the airport. Chloe, Sam's sister, flew in at 7pm. We came back for ice cream, and then off to Boston.

Fri - Touring Boston! Val was able to join us. We started over by my old house, and wandered by the Christian Science Headquarters. Then through the Prudential/Copley Mall, on our way to the Boston Public Library, and Copley Square. We strolled down Newbury Street and through the Public Garden, and stopped at Figs for lunch. It was perfect timing, as there was a down pour. Time was getting close as we wanted to head over to Sam's Cousin house. So we took the train to the car, and then drove through Beacon Hill, Government Center/Faneuil Hall, North End, and then made our way through South Boston to Anns house. We spent some time with her, and then went to Legals Seafood for Dinner. Diana meet up with us. . . . And then to the Opera House for Wicked! What a great show. It was amazing. I forgot how much I love that stuff. (Thanks to my mother for making me join her countless times has she attended rehearsals for the local Repertory Theatre that she did costumes for.) The Opera House was so beautiful. And thanks to Melissa for an amazing find on the tickets. They were alittle more than we were wanting to spend, but TOTALLY worth it in the end. We were only 10 rows from the stage.

Chloe, me, Sam, and Melissa out in front of the fountain at the Christian Science Headquarters

Just before going into Wicked! I loved it

Sat - Education Conference. One Word: AMAZING! I loved it. Great speakers, great friends, great topics, . . . just simply what I needed. Elder Holland was able to attend and I was able to hear him speak on three different occasions. He is my favor General Authority at the moment. He was so sincere, so kind, so loving, and so amusing. I really appreciated his candor. I also was able to hear Kim Clark, Jane Clayson Johnson, Gary Crittenden, and Al Switzler speak. They were very good as well.

Matt Beecher and Brian Bowers were able to come and visit! It was fun to have old Boston friends in town.


Black and White Ball at the State House. I must admit that church dance are just not my thing. I went to them when I was 14-15, but that was because in Plano, TX there isnt much else to do at night. But dances are not usually my thing. It was fun to be in the State House. It was fun to get dressed up. And it was fun to be with friends.

With roommate ME!

Are they Missionaries? Are they the men from Men In Black?

No, no. They are 2/3 of "The Dentals" Trio.

Chloe, Sam, and Melissa enjoying the State House

Sunday - Worship Service. Within the Mormon Faith, we attend a Sunday service called Sacrament Meeting. This is because the main reason for this meeting is to partake of the Sacrament. But we werent able to have the Sacrament, and therefore it was just a Worship Service. BUT it was such an inspirational, edifying, peaceful meeting. Between the musical numbers, and the speakers, the spirit was so strong in that room. I love my church. I love being a member. I love the other members that love and appreciate the Gospel as much/more than I. Elder Holland was able to speak to us again, along with Bro/Sis Clark, Bro/Sis Crittenden, and a few young people in the area.




Then I showed Melissa and Chloe the beautiful Boston Temple, and Mt Aubrun Cemetry. It was a great afternoon. After a good nap, we headed over to Anns house for dinner. Kathleen and Lizzie were there too. It was so fun to get to chat with them.



We headed back to Hartford, and got to chat with James and Megan before heading off to bed. They were amusing us with the "how we meet" story, and some other banter.


Mon - 5am trip to the Hartford airport. Im sad to see my weeken visitors go, but it was such a good trip. Im so glad that they come to visit.

Local Concerts

I really am a local music junkie. I love sitting in a small venue, and listen to the talents and love of others. A co-worker of mine is also a huge fan of the local scene in Boston, even a BIGGER fan than I. I know that might be hard to realize! But he told me about Josh Ritter playing at Club Passim in Dec! I missed his last concert a week ago, because Im lame and my concert-going, old roommate moved away and I would have had to actually make an effort to find someone to go with me. Such a lame reason. I can go to Antje Duvekot by myself, but for some reason that is totally different. . . .

Morale dilima. Ok, not really a morale as there is no right or wrong decision. But a decision none the less. Do I just buy one ticket (as it is $35, which is $20 more than Club Passim tickets are normally) and just enjoy the show with no hassle of finding someone to go? Or buy a second and try and be social? And Brian is like three days before. Again, do I buy one ticket or two?

I know. This really shouldnt be a big deal. But for some reason, Im starting to get self conscience of the independence spirit that I have always seemed to be ok with. I mean, really. I dont want to be single forever. I should make more of an effort to spend time with people. Men, in particular. But . . . Agghhh. I just dont know. I really do just really enjoy my music! Especially Brian and Josh! :) Yes, Yes. We are on first name basis.

Bad to Worse . . . In a matter of moments

Its really interesting to me on how life plays out. I have come to realize that I was in fact suppose to stay in Boston for another year. There have been many bitter sweet moments. And my job is one of the bitter ones.

I took on this new position as a Circ Manager for the m/s Paul Gauguin. I didnt realize that the team was struggling as much as it is, or else I probably wouldnt have agreed to it. But yesterday was just simply a bad day. After weeks of being treated horribly by the Exec over the team, yesterday was just no different. I had to sit in a finance meeting, and be harassed by the Exec. And I just found out that I didnt in fact receive the full salary increase that I should have three months ago. I cant find any proof of what I agreed to. I would not be putting myself in this place for only a $2000 increase. Hello, $40 increase on a paycheck for dreading to go into work, for being yelled and treated horribly by my supervisor and Exec member, for dealing with backbiting, deceiving co-workers. I think NOT! . . .

This position has actually taught/made me realize more about my self. 1) I am a task-oriented person. Give me actual, concrete items to do, and they are done in a timely, effective, correct manor. But give me general ideas of things I can "look" at or analyze, and I blog stalk all day. 2) I am very much a follower. Dont get me wrong, I wont follow someone off a cliff or to the gates of Hell. But I do mimic or adjust to the personalities and situations that I am placed in. I remember thinking that during my crowning years playing soccer, I would have off games. And those were usually when we played against teams that were worse than us. In this position, I work with people that are just par or even below par. Therefore, I work at or below par. AND I HATE THIS. I am not an at par below par employee.

Learning: surround myself with good, ethical, hardworking people. But when I do find myself in a bad situation, find ways to rise to the occasion.

Back to the bitter sweet reason for feeling like Boston is still where I should be:
-I have really had the oppurtunity to grow spiritually. But its that what trials are for!?!
-Spend time with my family. Not just James and his family, but my cousin and her family
-I have meet some really amazing people. People that I want to more emulate in my life
-Roommates that given me the oppurtunity to serve
-Calling that has made me leave my comfort zone
-wearing shorts and flip-flops in OCTOBER!

I am happy to still be in Boston. I am happy to know that the Lord loves me and truly can direct my life if I but let him. I am happy to be in the place I am right now, even though I might not exhibit that happiness at the current moment as I am sitting at work just wanting the day to be over!

Passing Time

There are many, many days that I just simply feel unmotivated at work. I find ways to look busy. Blog Stalking, Gchating, Facebook Stalking. Online Window Shopping, etc.

Today was alittle different as what I found to occupy my time involved laughing. (Ok, so maybe I found a few of these from blogstaulking. . . But anyways.) Not just a chuckle here or there. BUT out loud, the whole floor at work can hear, type laughter.

And here is why:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/col/401268521.html

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/179435238.html

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/lax/184295834.html

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/phx/401138691.html

Beware. Some might be alittle voulgar. But I just couldnt stop laughing. I wish I had the writting skills like some of these talented souls.

ENJOY

Brian Webb

I never did mention a concert I went to a week ago. . .

I happened to check my myspace account. Shh, I know. Lame. But a while back I had commented on Brian Webbs Myspace page, simply saying "When are you playing here in Boston?" So, Brian ended up doing a concert on Sept 21 at this historical house in Jamaica Plains, MA (South Boston) and the guy in charge of the concert, sent me an email letting me know because of my comment on Brians page. . . Hope that made since. (Gosh, Im such a groupie)

So I emailed this dude right away, but it was still 3 days later. It was sold out, but that he would put me on the waiting list. After a day or so, I cleared the waitlist. I had asked for two tickets. So then I had to ask someone to go with me. Not wanting to ask a girl, unless it was a must, the wheels started rolling. As Brian Webb is one of my favorites, I couldnt just ask anyone. That might sound weird, but there is something about opening my music love to the world that doesnt sit easy with me. As I have become a fan of the music in a way that only Boston could have evoked in me, its hard for me to take just anyone. This is something that I learned after taking 15 people with me to Antje last year. . . . Needless to say, I ended up taking a friend that seemed to really like it. It was a very intimate concert. (ie 40 people in the living room of this old house. Once I walked in, Brian called me out by name, and we chatting for while before, during, and at intermission.) If Brian wasnt married, I would be all over that action! Hahah!

After the concert, we head over to JP Licks for ice cream. (For those not in Boston, JP Licks in one of the BEST ice cream places in town, and the JP stands for Jamaica Plains, the city that we were in.) We talked for awhile. . . .

Conclusion: A great way to spend a Friday Night! :)