9 Days and Counting

This semester's Institute class is Worlds Religion. And as part of the class the teacher has asked us to do something to really learn more about the other religions we are studying. Some of the options are: reading the Torah, touring a Mosque, attending service of another faith, giving up as participation of Lent.

And I choose the later. (I did also go to the Mosque at 96th St. Cool experience) I was trying to decide just what do I give up. I knew that if I made it too difficult (Dr Pepper), than there would be no point in trying to participate as it wouldnt last long. And Lent is long, 40 days long!

If you know me, and my family, you know that we love our sweets! And If I choose sugar, than again, I would be committing myself to failure. But I knew that I should cut out some sugary substances from my diet, as its not healthy. So, I went for the simply. Candy. For some of you, Im sure that this would be easy. But Im such a convenience eater. And what is more convenient than a candy bar when walking out of a gas station, or while watching a movie, or, or, or. And if you remember this post, then you might remember that I love kitkats! I might have stolen one, or two, from my nephews Halloween bag! . . . So, I must say, there have been a few moments of weakness, while waiting in line at Target, and they are staring me in the face. But alas, I have held strong. 9 days strong! I will make it to 40!

A few replacements I have found. And remember I said, no candy. So other sugary items dont count. Must say candy on the box/wrapper.



(Mind you, I HATE protein bars. But this one, isnt so bad)






And you thought I was going to say Carrot sticks, and Apple slices! Bahahaha!

Perfect End

1 Box of Funfetti Cake Mix = $2
3 Fancy Nancy Books = $20
1 tank of gas = $40
Making cupcakes with my favorite 5 y.o and reading to my favorite 2.5 y.o = priceless!

After a few hard days, I was so glad that I have family close by to retreat to. I might just get stuck in bed in a few days with a horrid stomach bug that has hit everyone in the family. But it was worth it.

Taylor and I went for a short bike ride. It was alittle to cold to stay out long. But we did enjoy the big hill!

Jack loves to cook with me. I love his ramblings. I love his little helping hands. I love his little spirit.

Melia has become quite the conversationalist with full sentences these days. Its so fun to sit and talk with her.

Here is my favorite picture from last week at the Valentines party. Love her chocolate covered kiss.

Deflated

Do you ever just feel deflated? Feel like you are doing your best. Like you are giving your all. And its simply doesnt feel like there is much to show of it.

Thats where Im at today.

I know there is alot in my life to be grateful for. Family, Friends, Housemates, work that keeps me productive and gives me the funding to enjoy other things in my life, oppurtunity to learn new things, traveling. I need to learn how to see the current blessings that are more unseen to me.

2009, My Year in Cities

- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Manhattan, NY
- Melville, NY
- Cherry Hill, NJ
- Dallas, TX
- Arlington, TX
- Austin, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Houston, TX
- Denver, CO
- Phoenix, AZ
- Irvine, CA
- Glendale, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington, DC
- Santo Domingo, DR
- Dublin, Ireland
- Belfast, N Ireland
- Galway, Ireland
- Cork, Ireland
- London, England
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Westerly, RI
- Columbus, OH
- Cincinnati, OH
- Los Angeles, CA
- Boston, MA
- St Louis, MO
- Plano, TX

I do have my old job to thank for most of those (domestic) cities.

I do LOVE to travel. Where will 2010 take me?

Baby Me

Family picture from when I was the baby of the family. Love the 80's hair the family is sporting!

Its Time to Embrace It

Joy is the serious business of Heaven - CS Lewis

I think we forget this often. But we are SUPPOSE to be happy. There have been times that I even feel like I need to hide my happiness simply because I dont want people to think that I take life to cavalier.

Life is hard. Decisions are always there to be made. Situations are to be survived. Relationships to be learned and maneuvered. Yes, Life is hard. But I choose to be happy. I choose to laugh at the simple things around me. I choose to try my hardest to make those around me smile. (And I must say, that can be a feat here in New York!)

Sometimes I forget that this is a choice. (Yes, some might feel like there is more to it than a choice, and I understand that also.) And then I remember my life in Boston, and how miserable I was. (Between my job and the stress and overloaded plate of responsibility, and that a good portion of my friends had moved away, and I was living alone, and that it was a blizzard ever other week. Not horrible, but just rather harder than it really felt like it needed to be.) And I remember that feeling that Heavenly Father put in my soul that here is a chance to choose happiness.

As CS Lewis wrote, Im sure that these words just might be from our Heavenly Father too: "You do not look so happy as I made you to be."

Today. I choose happiness.

Filter Needed

I need a filter. I would say that mine is no longer working, but has it ever really worked?! I though that I was getting better, but after this weekend, I really need to just stop talking. I have embarassed myself enough lately.

"This is XX, I used to babysitter her." - Really, Was that how I needed to introduce someone? No, all I had to say was that we were in the same home ward. Or even, her Mom was my Young Womens Leader that I loved and adored.

"I would drive from Provo to Ogden to get my hair cut." - Really Lisa? Were we talking about hair cuts, Provo, or Ogden, or driving in Utah. No, not at all. We were talking about growing up in Centerville!

"Oh, How is XX doing these days? Is she pregnant yet?" Really Lisa? Just stop while you are ahead.

If these conversations sound familiar and you are actually reading this, (I dont think you do, and therefore feel comfortable to post this, but who knows!) I just want to apologize for the randomness that comes out of my mouth. I hope that you can forgive me. . . . Im working on it. Not sure exactly sure how, besides just not talking. So, if you have any suggestions, than Im all ears.