Love at First Sight

Dont jump to conclusions. This is not what you are thinking. My undying love for some guy. Sorry, not there yet, at all! . . . But it is another love story of mine.

This story starts in Boston about 2 years ago. I was really missing music in my life. Being Commuter, and not having the time before and after work filled with a car ride and radio/cd ablities, therefore, I was truly missing the blessings of music in my life. . . . So I made the plunge and bought a Mini. I couldnt fathom the idea of spending and arm and a leg on a "gadget." So I went with the reasonably priced mini. But the last few years have helped me realize the beauty of this so called gadget. (I actually didnt want to follow the crowd and get an iPod, so I first got something else. And it DIDNT work and not worht the hassle. I think it was a Samsung.)




During my last trip to Florida, I was rushed getting the rental car returned in order to make it for a standby flight. Needless to say that I didnt get the chance to clean out the car, and I left my iPod in it. As I dont usually use my iPod on the weekends, I didnt realize that it was missing until Saturday night. My stomach dropped and I just wanted to cry. My iPod was like my left arm. Like my friend. Always there, willing to lending a word or two of encouragement. . . . And now no more in my life. As I wasnt 100% where it was, I didnt have the heart to go through the pain of other people telling me that they didnt have it.





So, my new love. I now have an iPod Classic. Its b-e-a-utiful. Its Black, and shiny. And hold LOTS of music. Ive only had it for a few days, but I already love it. All I could ask for and more. Thank you.

President Hinckley

President Hickley passed away this evening in SLC. He was 97 years old, and has lead an amazing life. He will be missed greatly around the world. But Im sure he is so happy to be home with his dear wife.

I grew up hearing stories about him, as he was in my mothers ward in SLC before marrying my father. He was a humorous, loving, kind, dedicated soul. I have enjoyed his addresses, and humor he brought to the meetings. He was such a kind heart, and source of stengthen for all the members of the church. The world is blessed by his desire for temples to dot the world. His legacy will live on.

Great Weekend

I love to see my family. And we can do nothing special besides doing the same puzzle over and over again. And the hours of driving and sitting in horrlbe traffic are totally worth it. I love their smiling faces, adorable voices, and elaporate stories. I miss my little buddies. I even got some cuddle time with the 3 year old. Oh, how I could of stayed there for days, weeks, months, or even years. . . .

Here are some pictures:

This was at 8am. I was watching the kids as mom was sleeping and dad was working on the house. Melia is one content baby, but it takes alot to get a good smile out of her, and they dont last long.

Jack and I were pretending to act surprised. Jack is funny in the way that he really only has one face when a camera is around. Its the scrunched up pretend smile. So, I was quite excited to see this one somewhat close to a real surprised face. Maybe the hands in the air helped him get in the mood!

It was a crazy roller coaster ride. . . No, just having fun taking pictures in the living room. What silly boys.

Shopping with the Fins

Last night was an outing to Target and Shaws (the local grocery store) with my Finnish neighbors. It was really amusing to be out with the three of them. Here are some shots from the evening:

Ami, Otso, and Teppo. Cant pass up a good deal when they seem one.

Ami and Teppo patiently waiting!

Ahh. Me! Enjoying a ride on the cart, just like when I was 10! Good times.

Humm

I have been harassed for not adding pictures to my blog. Sorry. Im lazy. Lazy in taking pictures, and lazy in posting them. But, in my defense, I have been much better at taking pictures this last year as I got a great camera for Christmas in 2006. I realized this when I was scrapbooking over the break (I know, Im a geek.) I had twice as many pictures and events to document in 2007 as I did all the rest of the time here in Boston (2004-2006). . . .

Here are a few pictures of co-workers I was with in Florida:

DeeDee Lang, Me, Michelle Donovan, and Brian Gannon. I had fun with these three. This particular hotel was the Doubletree Castle Inn in Orlando. It was shaped like a Castle, and decorated as such. There is a knight behind us. I was introduced as the Dutchess of Plano during the Presentation. Too bad that the front desk had no sense of humor.

Sorry. Bad lighting. In this one, Sam Rosenberg, Me, Deb Hannus, Linda Carroca, and Joe Cali. This was before our last day. We were very excited that within about 4 hrs were finished. Ahh, but an exceptionally long 4 hours that was.

Enjoying

Im sitting on my couch in my lovely Cambridge Apartment. Watching a movie with the roommates. Just simply glad to be home. I went and worked out this morning. I know, I know! Amazing. But after 2 weeks of little physical activity, I needed to do something. Ahh. To be home again.

Florida

Im sitting here in Jacksonville, Florida. Its the largest city in Florida. I would have never guessed that. I was hestitatant to get here. But after driving by the downtown, I actually want to check it out. . . .

14 days in Florida. Visiting 11 cities. Meeting 2500 travelers or potential travelers. 8 different co-workers. Work day = 730am til 10pm. Im in the middle of my two weeks. I have survived 8 days, and I have another 6 to go. I think I can make it. Its just been a really long week. I might have been in Florida, but, in reality, I could have been in Nebraska for all I have not been able to enjoy the sun.

Alrighty. Its not all that bad. I dont have to sit at a desk. I dont have to juggle between jobs in the office. I dont have to pay for a thing. . . It was really nice to be able to make it to church today. A co-worker (who is married) went with me, so I found a family ward. It was nice to be able to go to church. I love the fact that I can go thousands of miles from home, and still find peace at church.

Beauty of the City

Alright. There are many reason for living and loving the Urban life. The oppurtunities that it brings, etc. But my new favorite reason is because of this cute little shop, Mint Julep, in Harvard Square that opened my eyes to a new line of clothes and bags. Granted, Its only a lust-ful reason, as I can not afford, or needless to say that #3 on my New Years Resolution will not allow me to endulge this love. . . But the designer is Orla Kiely. Im sure that others have found it as Anthropology does sell her stuff. . . . But I still love the style.

Check out http://www.orlakiely.com/

No online purchasing here. Just dreaming!

2008

Ah. Its about that time again. New Years Resolutions. I historically havent been much of a goal setter. But lately I have found myself looking to better me in certain areas. And even though this is not going to be a complete list, its a start.

1. Travel Internationally. There is so much more than what is here in the wonderful America. Heavenly Father didnt just create the US, but a world full of greatness. And its time to experience more of it!

2. Become more spiritually grounded. Time to turn up a notch on the scripture reading, and spiritual preparedness. Attend the temple atleast every other month. (Cant go too drastic, or else it wont happen. Considering I was averaging every 6months, I think 3 times in that same period should be do-able. Im totally embarassed to admit that as there is such a lovely Temple in my area.)

3. Become financial sound. No more debt (credit card atleast, as there is no way that Ill be able to pay off my car this year alone.)

That alone gives me alot to work on. Im excited for 2008. 2007 was not my favorite. But Im expecting good things from 2008!