Christmas in Los Angeles

My parents took the single kids to LA for Christmas. We spent a day in LA, three on Catalina Island, and then another in LA. It was a nice relaxing way to spend the break. It wasnt as warm as I was hoping, and there wasnt a beach to lay on on Catalina Island. But it was still nice. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Mark, Jeff, Me, and Ben looking out above Hollywood Blvd and LA.

Jeff, Mark, Me, Ben, and Mom. In front of the house we rented on Catalina Island

Mark and Ben looking over Catalina Island.

Josh Ritter

I finally am on my home computer and have downloaded pictures . . .

Here is a picture from the Josh Ritter concert at Club Passim. It was an amazing concert. Oh that reminds me, I should be getting the cd fom the concert any day now.

Dream Big

Back on Dec 2nd I wrote about a friend who passed away. Hark was a beloved soul, and will be sorely missed. He was such a kind, caring, open person. He loved life, and lived it to the fullest. I have thought alot about him, and his wifes' new situation. A situation that Im sure she never thought she would be in again. Its truly made me reflect on my life, and what I want to accomplish. And restores the idea that I do not want to marry someone just to be married. But I want to marry the right Man, at the right time, for the right reasons. Even if it will only be for a short time on this earth. Its better then a long time and eternity with the wrong person.

One song that has been in my mind for the last month is Dream Big by Ryan Shupe. Cheesy Mormon music isnt my favorite, but I really love and can relate to this song.

When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes,
'Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile, be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride,
And don't show the hurt inside,Because the pain sill soon be gone.

(Chorus)And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean, blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
But when you dream, dream big.

And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself,
And it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on,
But when the troubles come your way.

Dream Big. That is going to be my montra for 2008. Dream Big, cause when you dream it might come true.

Least Favorite Part of the Year

I was driving back from CT and early Christmas Celebration with my brothers family, and just about died 20 times. Ok, maybe a slight exageration. But Im usually not one to think twice about the road, weather, etc. But yesterday was horrible. It snow 6+ inchs on Thursday, and then over a foot Sat night. So by the time it came around to drive home Sun, it was just plain gross. Its time like this that I wish I lived in Utah again. Shush, I didnt really say that! :) But I must say that I rarely drove in such horrible conditions.

But it was all worth it to spend time with family. I was lucky enough to head to New York City for 24 hrs. I visited with my cousin and her adorable 5 month old. While my cousin was working, I went shopping with her cousin Vy. She helped me find some great buys in SoHo. I also got to see an old Boston friend Neil. Ahh. I love seeing familiar faces!

I then headed to James house. It was fun to open Christmas presents. I have to admit that Im pretty good at finding gifts for his family, and I dont think this year was any different! I just love seeing those happy, excited looks.

I have to say that its going to be hard to move away from the Northeast and James and his adorable family. Ahh, cant think about it.

Music

There is something about music that just makes me feel at home. . . . I got to see Brian Webb at Club Passim last night. Its my favorite venue in Boston, and Brian is my favorite local artist. I must say that he was in rare form, but still great. He even played some new stuff. As I have been following him almost since I moved here, it just makes me to feel at home listening to him. That might sound alittle odd, but its the truth.

Feel free to check out Brian at www.myspace.com/BrianWebbmusic. He is great. There is just something about him that I just enjoy.

. . . .

And Tuesday is Josh Ritter! I cant wait.

180 degree Difference

Wow! On Monday I helped to convict a man of murder 2, and then by Thursday a good person was taken from this earth. What an emotional week it has been for me.

The Unexpected

I found out about 24 hrs ago that a friend from college passed away. Aaron Harkness. He wasnt a fan of the name Aaron, and just went by Hark. He was in my ward when I lived in Lakeridge Condos in Orem. I will admit that I had a crush on him.

As I have been reminded of many different memories of him, Im mainly reminded of the amazing example he was. He was a very kind, friendly, service-oriented person. He was very talented and was an amazing carpenter. Ahh, and he had a boat. He loved to take people out. He loved to let others enjoy the water! . . . As its alittle hard to keep in contact with male friends once they are married, I havent actually talked with him since I moved out East.

After he got married and we were still attending UVSC, we would chat for hrs at school. He was always an easy one to talk with. Well. It is a small world, in the sense that his wife was my old roommate, Kristys, trainer from the mission. So I have been able to hear about how they have been doing over the years.

I dont know much concerning his death. His obiturary meanted that he passed in his sleep. He does have a son that turn 2 y/o 2 days after his death.

Its hard to deal with bad things that happen to really good people. I know that there is an eternal purpose to this life, and to all things that happen here. I know that he must have had a divine reason for heading back to Heavenly Father early. There are many people that will be effected by his sudden passing, but the gospel of Christ does help to offer peace and understanding.