The wonderful news is... My passport is found! And the even better news... my passport is valid!! After three hours online yesterday, a trip to Walgreens for passport pictures, a drive to Salt Lake to retrieve my birth certificate, tearing my room apart one last time in hopes of finding my lost passport, finding my passport in the safe, two more hours on the phone this morning to make sure I didn't already cancel my passport yesterday, I think I'm finally 100% sure I will be able to leave the country in two weeks!!
Background: About a month or so ago I realized I didn't know where my passport was. Being the optimist that I am, I delayed reporting my lost passport, as well as applying for a new one, thinking I would find it soon. Finally, yesterday, with no progress made and my trip a mere two weeks away, I decided I had to take action and apply. So, as mentioned above, I spent a significant amount of time researching the process and finding a company (based out of Florida) that could provide me with a passport within two weeks (which is an almost unfathomable feat and thus impressive that this company claims such power).
I drove home to retrieve some documents to send in with my new application, and to my pleasant surprise, Carmen told me she'd seen my passport only two month ago sitting on my desk! With that shred of hope I searched every nook and cranny of my room, but to no avail. Alas! What could be done? But wait, one more brilliant idea from my dearest sister. "What if Dad saw it sitting out in your room and grabbed it and put it in the safe?" Sure enough, she found our father dear, who, thankfully had just returned home from work, and encouraged him to open the safe and find my passport! Drum roll please... he found it! My passport is found! Illhumdillilah!! I should have known it would be there, since Mom thought of that idea a whole week ago! You can always, always, always trust your mom to find something you've lost. At least that's how it is for me.
Rejoicing and giving thanks- hugs all around! Not only did I not have to apply for a new passport and worry that it wouldn't get here in time, but I now had all of my stamps from previous adventures to add to!
But then, a pit in my stomach. I don't remember what exactly happened that caused me to remember, but a vision of an electronic button I'd pushed earlier in the day flashed through my mind. It read, "Warning: If you generate this form, your passport will no longer be valid." Oh no! In my attempts to rectify my situation had I actually made it worse?? Was this treasured blue book with which I'd be so happy to be reunited now worthless to me? Facing the reality of the situation, I continued to gather my documents and prepared for the worst.
In the morning (this morning) I called the National Passport Information Center. They were very helpful yesterday, so with a prayer of faith I called again. This time, Debbie answered the phone and assured me, without hesitation, that the government does nothing if it is not on paper. Actual paper. It is not possible to submit any forms to the government electronically. Bless the old-fashioned methods of the governmental system!! Bless the hoops and the extended amounts of time to process everything! My passport is valid! (Don't worry, I called back and got a second opinion from Brett.) I can go to London!!
Thank you to everyone who helped me in this exciting endeavor and to the internet which, for some reason (divine intervention, I'm sure), decided to work this morning. And to anyone who is applying for a passport or needs information about their current passport, let me know and I'll tell you who's the best to talk to at the National Passport Information Center :)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday Flashback
BYU's graduation was yesterday and today (both school-wide and college-wide ceremonies). Although I just completed my fourth year of higher education, I did not graduate because I am continuing on to obtain my Master's Degree in Accounting (MAcc). The MAcc program at BYU is an integrated program, which means I will receive both my Master and my Bachelor Degrees at the end of five years (only 24 credits away!).
This means, however, that many of my friends from high school and from my time throughout BYU graduated this year. Congratulations to all of you! It was so exciting to be in the Marriott Center and watch everyone march in. There were over 1,600 graduating students this year!
Somehow, after commencement, in the masses of people, I ran into Cami and her sweet husband Bret, who both graduated as well. I hadn't even called her to try to find her, thinking it would be nearly impossible, and yet we coincidentally ran into each other! I thought it might be fun to commemorate this exciting event in her life with a flashback to yesteryear and the last graduation ceremony she and I shared together. Here we are now:
And here we are four years ago at our high school graduation (6 June 2006) at the E Center:
This means, however, that many of my friends from high school and from my time throughout BYU graduated this year. Congratulations to all of you! It was so exciting to be in the Marriott Center and watch everyone march in. There were over 1,600 graduating students this year!
Somehow, after commencement, in the masses of people, I ran into Cami and her sweet husband Bret, who both graduated as well. I hadn't even called her to try to find her, thinking it would be nearly impossible, and yet we coincidentally ran into each other! I thought it might be fun to commemorate this exciting event in her life with a flashback to yesteryear and the last graduation ceremony she and I shared together. Here we are now:
And here we are four years ago at our high school graduation (6 June 2006) at the E Center:
Intellectual Curiosity
Intellectual curiosity is a curious thing. It seems to be number one on the list for recruiters and yet it is so abstract. What is this thing called “intellectual curiosity” that I am supposed to posses? Is there some sort of handbook or 10-step process to obtaining it? Well, throughout the course of my ethics class this semester I think I’ve finally figured it out.
Intellectual curiosity is the art or skill of asking questions. More than that, however, it is knowing which questions to ask and when to ask them, not to mention knowing whom to ask them to. We learned in class that one of the greatest cognitive errors we tend to make is overconfidence, specifically in asking questions. As the prideful human beings that we are we tend to only ask questions we already know the answers to. We assume we have the right answers and then seek to ask questions that confirm that which we think we know. What if I don't have the right answer? Funny how that might be possible, since I haven't even asked the question yet. Asking tough questions is part of intellectual curiosity. For example, questions like, "How much of my judgment is emotion?" or "Would I conclude the same if I was an objective observer, or in a better mood?" Asking questions like these forces us to admit the possibility of imperfection, requiring humility in the greatest sense of the word.
It is interesting to note the thoughts of an Enron trader in the aftermath of the tragic downfall of America's seventh largest company. He remarked, "I didn't ask WHY enough." Being ethical is more about the questions we ask then the answers we give. In large firms or complicated processes it is easy to get caught up in the isolationism of it all, thinking only of one’s job or one’s self in particular. Sharon Watkins, the whistleblower for Enron, said she tried understand the business model of the company for whom she worked (to avoid this mentality of isolationism), but once she started asking questions, she found that no one could give her any answers. She states, "I need to be able to account for my behavior and explain why" (paraphrased). Intellectual curiosity leads us to take ownership for our actions, ultimately facing the ethical (or unethical) nature of them.
When faced with an ethical dilemma, the question is not, "What should I do?" but rather, "Who am I?" Throughout the semester I've been keeping an ethics insight journal, recording my thoughts on subjects discussed in class or in the readings. More often, however, I found myself writing about the ethical dilemmas I face everyday, specifically as a BYU student. A lot of times I don't even see a particular situation as an ethical dilemma at all, simply because I already know who I am and how I will respond in that situation when I'm faced with it. Other times, however, a dilemma arises that I have not previously encountered and I am forced to decide. It is in these moments that my intellectual curiosity guides me to ask questions. I've realized over the course of the semester that it is ok if I don't know what I'm supposed to do, as long as I'm willing to venture down the path to determining it. This, my friends, is intellectual curiosity. Asking questions. I may have good innate ethics (due largely to my upbringing), but I am not immune to unethical behavior. Great leaders think about ethics all of the time. As my professor would say, "Don't be an ethical maverick! Ask questions!" Don't try to answer your own questions.
In ethics this semester I’ve learned not only what intellectual curiosity is, but also how to implement it into my life. Ethics is a skill, a large part of which is intellectual curiosity. In his final remarks to us as a class Professor Thompson said two things, “Remember to ask questions” and “Remember that you can do extraordinary things.” I believe these two things are interrelated. It is only by asking questions that we expand our mind’s horizon, becoming morally aware and leading to the accomplishment of extraordinary things, things we would never think ourselves capable of otherwise.
Intellectual curiosity is the art or skill of asking questions. More than that, however, it is knowing which questions to ask and when to ask them, not to mention knowing whom to ask them to. We learned in class that one of the greatest cognitive errors we tend to make is overconfidence, specifically in asking questions. As the prideful human beings that we are we tend to only ask questions we already know the answers to. We assume we have the right answers and then seek to ask questions that confirm that which we think we know. What if I don't have the right answer? Funny how that might be possible, since I haven't even asked the question yet. Asking tough questions is part of intellectual curiosity. For example, questions like, "How much of my judgment is emotion?" or "Would I conclude the same if I was an objective observer, or in a better mood?" Asking questions like these forces us to admit the possibility of imperfection, requiring humility in the greatest sense of the word.
It is interesting to note the thoughts of an Enron trader in the aftermath of the tragic downfall of America's seventh largest company. He remarked, "I didn't ask WHY enough." Being ethical is more about the questions we ask then the answers we give. In large firms or complicated processes it is easy to get caught up in the isolationism of it all, thinking only of one’s job or one’s self in particular. Sharon Watkins, the whistleblower for Enron, said she tried understand the business model of the company for whom she worked (to avoid this mentality of isolationism), but once she started asking questions, she found that no one could give her any answers. She states, "I need to be able to account for my behavior and explain why" (paraphrased). Intellectual curiosity leads us to take ownership for our actions, ultimately facing the ethical (or unethical) nature of them.
When faced with an ethical dilemma, the question is not, "What should I do?" but rather, "Who am I?" Throughout the semester I've been keeping an ethics insight journal, recording my thoughts on subjects discussed in class or in the readings. More often, however, I found myself writing about the ethical dilemmas I face everyday, specifically as a BYU student. A lot of times I don't even see a particular situation as an ethical dilemma at all, simply because I already know who I am and how I will respond in that situation when I'm faced with it. Other times, however, a dilemma arises that I have not previously encountered and I am forced to decide. It is in these moments that my intellectual curiosity guides me to ask questions. I've realized over the course of the semester that it is ok if I don't know what I'm supposed to do, as long as I'm willing to venture down the path to determining it. This, my friends, is intellectual curiosity. Asking questions. I may have good innate ethics (due largely to my upbringing), but I am not immune to unethical behavior. Great leaders think about ethics all of the time. As my professor would say, "Don't be an ethical maverick! Ask questions!" Don't try to answer your own questions.
In ethics this semester I’ve learned not only what intellectual curiosity is, but also how to implement it into my life. Ethics is a skill, a large part of which is intellectual curiosity. In his final remarks to us as a class Professor Thompson said two things, “Remember to ask questions” and “Remember that you can do extraordinary things.” I believe these two things are interrelated. It is only by asking questions that we expand our mind’s horizon, becoming morally aware and leading to the accomplishment of extraordinary things, things we would never think ourselves capable of otherwise.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Unsettled and Off-Balance
Explanation: The first of those two I am working on figuring out- I'll let you know when I know. It was just one of those days that I woke up feeling unsettled, not really knowing why! Possible causes: Rach is leaving today, our utilities are ending on Thursday (which really isn't that big of a deal since we're moving out, but for some reason it's really bothered me), I lost my passport, statement of cash flows (always a headache), dreading my last final (just need to go DO IT!), volcano in Iceland... That's all I can think of. It's bound to be one (or two) of those things. At least I have a list to work from.
Second, I think that has to do with the massive books I have to carry to campus everyday. Today I tried something new- I put them in a bag, thinking that would be easier than carrying them in my arms. But the bag only made me feel lopsided. Maybe I need two bags- one for each volume of the code and one for each arm. I've included a picture of my beloved IRC (Internal Revenue Code), so just imagine these two... plus a textbook that is just as big as both of them put together. Seriously, isn't accounting a "nerdy" enough major even without all of the textbooks? I think I'm going to treat myself to a back massage once finals are over- purely a NEED rather than a want... probably could be considered qualified education expense. Ok, ok, I'll spare you the accounting humor. Back to the books it is (literally).
Second, I think that has to do with the massive books I have to carry to campus everyday. Today I tried something new- I put them in a bag, thinking that would be easier than carrying them in my arms. But the bag only made me feel lopsided. Maybe I need two bags- one for each volume of the code and one for each arm. I've included a picture of my beloved IRC (Internal Revenue Code), so just imagine these two... plus a textbook that is just as big as both of them put together. Seriously, isn't accounting a "nerdy" enough major even without all of the textbooks? I think I'm going to treat myself to a back massage once finals are over- purely a NEED rather than a want... probably could be considered qualified education expense. Ok, ok, I'll spare you the accounting humor. Back to the books it is (literally).
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Ladies in Very Deed
Sister Julie Beck, in this past General Conference, said, quoting Eliza R. Snow, "We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will be those that will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God. . . . Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities."
There are so many gems in this quotation! First of all, who doesn't want to be a lady?? So Audrey Hepburn-esque.
Next, "there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized." So, my first thought is that we need to look at the things we desire, and if they are in righteousness we need not have fear that our desires won't be realized! Last, Sister Snow tells us our greatest responsibility is to "refine and cultivate ourselves." To me this means always learning and progressing in both new and old things. For example, learning how to make bread last summer! For this summer, perhaps it will be learning how to change a tire on my car... as well as continuing my accounting education, I guess ;)
There are so many gems in this quotation! First of all, who doesn't want to be a lady?? So Audrey Hepburn-esque.
Next, "there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized." So, my first thought is that we need to look at the things we desire, and if they are in righteousness we need not have fear that our desires won't be realized! Last, Sister Snow tells us our greatest responsibility is to "refine and cultivate ourselves." To me this means always learning and progressing in both new and old things. For example, learning how to make bread last summer! For this summer, perhaps it will be learning how to change a tire on my car... as well as continuing my accounting education, I guess ;)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Favorite Place
I usually shy away from absolutes, feeling constrained by them, but right now, in this moment, I feel like having an absolute favorite: Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Fifty-five acres of beauty and serenity (yes, I feel like being dramatic right now too). Two interesting things to note about the gardens currently: first, the Tulip Festival started yesterday, and second, the Gardens are having a photo contest along with the Festival.
BLOOMometer: 35%
In an attempt to enter the contest, we took a bunch of pictures at the Gardens yesterday. Here are my three favorites:
Oh, and the best part is, I am now officially a member of the Gardens with a season pass with my picture on it and everything!
BLOOMometer: 35%
In an attempt to enter the contest, we took a bunch of pictures at the Gardens yesterday. Here are my three favorites:
Oh, and the best part is, I am now officially a member of the Gardens with a season pass with my picture on it and everything!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Cycling
Today, after completing my first final (wahoo for the end of ManEc!) I visited the gym in the Smith Fieldhouse for the first time during my career at BYU (or ever, for that matter). Did anyone even know there is a gym there? Completely free and available for use with only the swipe of your BYU ID card. Apparently a lot of people are as uninformed as I (until today, of course), judging on the lack of people in the gym. I'll even admit that I was impressed! Except for the obvious lack of fans for circulation and overhead music, I think my every desire for a gym could be met in the Fieldhouse gym. And, the fact that's it's free makes it all the better. (I know what you're thinking... of all the times to start exercising you pick finals week? Well, what can I say? It's a tried and true fact that the busier you are the more you accomplish.)
Some of you may know me formerly as a runner. Well, I'm here to tell you that I've changed my ways. I am now a cyclist (as opposed to a biker, which is defined as virtually the same thing, but has the connotation of pertaining to motorcycles, which is not the type of cyclist I am). I've decided to pick up cycling for two reasons:
1. Modern revelation
2. Upcoming family "vacation"
Number 1. Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the temple and read the entire April issue of the New Era (which I would highly recommend for anyone who's name starts with S- or C- and ends in -hannon or -armen). Ha ha, seriously though. The issue is directed towards "beginning daters" and has some sounds advice. Although I had to discount most of it, since I actually am supposed to do things like go on single dates and have a boyfriend, I did take a couple of things to heart. I'll expound on one of those here. The General Young Women's Presidency wrote an article about becoming the person you want to date (and marry). On that list is being physically fit. That bullet point made me stop and think for a minute. I realized, sitting there on the benches of the baptistry, that physical fitness is something I value in a person (specifically boyfriend... ultimately my husband), and thus, I need to make sure I'm physically fit as well! I've definitely made progress this year- improving my diet and my intake of water considerably- but there is undoubtedly room for improvement in the exercise department of my life. And thus we have cycling.
Number 2. A number of members of my family are planning to bike the North Rim of the Grand Canyon this summer. After hiking Rim-to-Rim last year, we realized we just can't get enough of the Grand Canyon and are going to go back! The Grand Canyon represents a sort of "right of passage" for many members of my family, and thus holds deep significance for us all. Now, you may have noticed that the word "vacation" is in quotations up above. I've included an excerpt of my Dad's email, inviting us all on this adventure below to give you a taste of the type of vacations my family takes:
"I suggest you spend a fair amount of time training for the upcoming feat -- lots of aerobics, strength training, and time in the saddle on a mountain bike... As a preparatory ride, the day before, we will meander through the forest along the Arizona Trail for about 40-50 miles just to warm up."
Just to warm up!?!?! Oh man. I'm excited... but I have a lot of work to do... and padded bicycling shorts to purchase. Thus, once again, cycling.
And there you have it. I am a cyclist. I recorded the stats of my ride today below. I have no idea if they are any good or if I'll just embarrass myself by posting them Either way, I plan to improve on them in the next two months, which is all I can ask for.
Date: 16 April 2010
Time: 30 minutes
Resistance Level: 3 and 4
Calories: 185
Distance: 6.26 miles
Oh, and lastly. After actually going to the gym for the first time, I've come up with a third reason to frequent the place:
3. Priceless entertainment value
Maybe sometime I'll have to write about the amazing people-watching opportunities afforded at the gym, especially when working out on the stationary bike. Speaking of which, anyone have suggestions for good work-out music?
Some of you may know me formerly as a runner. Well, I'm here to tell you that I've changed my ways. I am now a cyclist (as opposed to a biker, which is defined as virtually the same thing, but has the connotation of pertaining to motorcycles, which is not the type of cyclist I am). I've decided to pick up cycling for two reasons:
1. Modern revelation
2. Upcoming family "vacation"
Number 1. Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the temple and read the entire April issue of the New Era (which I would highly recommend for anyone who's name starts with S- or C- and ends in -hannon or -armen). Ha ha, seriously though. The issue is directed towards "beginning daters" and has some sounds advice. Although I had to discount most of it, since I actually am supposed to do things like go on single dates and have a boyfriend, I did take a couple of things to heart. I'll expound on one of those here. The General Young Women's Presidency wrote an article about becoming the person you want to date (and marry). On that list is being physically fit. That bullet point made me stop and think for a minute. I realized, sitting there on the benches of the baptistry, that physical fitness is something I value in a person (specifically boyfriend... ultimately my husband), and thus, I need to make sure I'm physically fit as well! I've definitely made progress this year- improving my diet and my intake of water considerably- but there is undoubtedly room for improvement in the exercise department of my life. And thus we have cycling.
Number 2. A number of members of my family are planning to bike the North Rim of the Grand Canyon this summer. After hiking Rim-to-Rim last year, we realized we just can't get enough of the Grand Canyon and are going to go back! The Grand Canyon represents a sort of "right of passage" for many members of my family, and thus holds deep significance for us all. Now, you may have noticed that the word "vacation" is in quotations up above. I've included an excerpt of my Dad's email, inviting us all on this adventure below to give you a taste of the type of vacations my family takes:
"I suggest you spend a fair amount of time training for the upcoming feat -- lots of aerobics, strength training, and time in the saddle on a mountain bike... As a preparatory ride, the day before, we will meander through the forest along the Arizona Trail for about 40-50 miles just to warm up."
Just to warm up!?!?! Oh man. I'm excited... but I have a lot of work to do... and padded bicycling shorts to purchase. Thus, once again, cycling.
And there you have it. I am a cyclist. I recorded the stats of my ride today below. I have no idea if they are any good or if I'll just embarrass myself by posting them Either way, I plan to improve on them in the next two months, which is all I can ask for.
Date: 16 April 2010
Time: 30 minutes
Resistance Level: 3 and 4
Calories: 185
Distance: 6.26 miles
Oh, and lastly. After actually going to the gym for the first time, I've come up with a third reason to frequent the place:
3. Priceless entertainment value
Maybe sometime I'll have to write about the amazing people-watching opportunities afforded at the gym, especially when working out on the stationary bike. Speaking of which, anyone have suggestions for good work-out music?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Walking on Sunshine
Today is an absolutely beautiful day! While some may not agree, depending on how you spent your day, no one can disagree with the fact that the weather is perfect! I walked out of the Tanner Building this evening, on my way to our ward BBQ, and couldn't help but feel like I was walking on sunshine. You know when you walk out of a building and it feels warm, but you have to hesitate before you let yourself enjoy it, because it might not be real? Well, that happened today... and it was real!! I whipped out my ipod and found the perfect music to walk home to: a playlist of purely summertime songs. Everything was perfect, strutting home in my purple pants.
I have to say the walk home has never been so enjoyable. One thing after another made me smile: the beautiful tree that smells worse than you ever think it will, the mouthwatering smell of BBQ a block away from my apartment complex, walking in the door to see two beautiful faces smiling at me and welcoming me home from a long day of studying. Even the thought of continuing studying tonight after dinner didn't seem so bad.
Today is April 15th and, as you may be aware, a holiday of sorts for accountants (well, some may argue that the real holiday is April 16th). I'll even admit I checked Google's page to see if they'd decorated their logo to commemorate. Today is the day all tax returns are due to the IRS! Which means... tax season is over! Although I find myself looking forward to it every year, by the time it gets to this point in the season, I find myself looking forward to the end of it even more. After today my inbox hopefully won't be inundated with emails from people asking me to submit their returns for them... you may default to the conclusion that that instead means that my inbox will just be less full, but alas, that is probably not true. It is more likely that I'll start receiving nasty emails from people who thought they did everything to submit their return, but in actuality did not. Those, if taken in good humor, can be entertaining at times and I'll be sure to report if that is the case.
Well, that's all I have for now. I'm off to a delicious-smelling BBQ!
**Disclaimer: Once April 15th passes, nothing can be done at the VITA Lab for the late tax filers-- thus, all I can do I try to laugh when people aren't so nice to us about missing the deadline (like somehow it's our fault). In my heart of hearts I feel bad for them that there's nothing we can do to help.**
Fun Fact: BYU's VITA site is #1 in Beta Alpha Psi sites in the nation for 2010, filing over 2,200 returns this year (the next closest site filed 500 returns).
I have to say the walk home has never been so enjoyable. One thing after another made me smile: the beautiful tree that smells worse than you ever think it will, the mouthwatering smell of BBQ a block away from my apartment complex, walking in the door to see two beautiful faces smiling at me and welcoming me home from a long day of studying. Even the thought of continuing studying tonight after dinner didn't seem so bad.
Today is April 15th and, as you may be aware, a holiday of sorts for accountants (well, some may argue that the real holiday is April 16th). I'll even admit I checked Google's page to see if they'd decorated their logo to commemorate. Today is the day all tax returns are due to the IRS! Which means... tax season is over! Although I find myself looking forward to it every year, by the time it gets to this point in the season, I find myself looking forward to the end of it even more. After today my inbox hopefully won't be inundated with emails from people asking me to submit their returns for them... you may default to the conclusion that that instead means that my inbox will just be less full, but alas, that is probably not true. It is more likely that I'll start receiving nasty emails from people who thought they did everything to submit their return, but in actuality did not. Those, if taken in good humor, can be entertaining at times and I'll be sure to report if that is the case.
Well, that's all I have for now. I'm off to a delicious-smelling BBQ!
**Disclaimer: Once April 15th passes, nothing can be done at the VITA Lab for the late tax filers-- thus, all I can do I try to laugh when people aren't so nice to us about missing the deadline (like somehow it's our fault). In my heart of hearts I feel bad for them that there's nothing we can do to help.**
Fun Fact: BYU's VITA site is #1 in Beta Alpha Psi sites in the nation for 2010, filing over 2,200 returns this year (the next closest site filed 500 returns).
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Yenta v. Maria
Sometimes I wish my love life were managed something like this:
"For Papa make him a golfer,
For Mama make him want to live in Utah,
For me, well, I wouldn't holler if he were as handsome as anything!"
Or perhaps this would be better (specifically at 0:58-1:18 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=MX3i77-KXS0
(Sadly this video is not post-able, but it's quite entertaining.
Just copy the above address into your browser to view it.)
Either way would probably yield better results than having me in charge of it myself.
"For Papa make him a golfer,
For Mama make him want to live in Utah,
For me, well, I wouldn't holler if he were as handsome as anything!"
Or perhaps this would be better (specifically at 0:58-1:18 minutes):
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=MX3i77-KXS0
(Sadly this video is not post-able, but it's quite entertaining.
Just copy the above address into your browser to view it.)Either way would probably yield better results than having me in charge of it myself.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
My Inspiration
Here's a shout out to Vale! My inspiration! A couple of weeks ago Vale applied for an internship in Chicago which, she tells me, is primarily for students beyond her level in her program. We just found out today that she got the internship! Of course she did! Vale is the most "go get 'em" person I know and I am so proud of her.
This event today alone was inspiring, but Vale's influence on me really started about three or four months ago when she applied for her current job. This past semester Vale has worked/served as the Vice President of Communications for the Student Alumni Association. With probably more odds against her than for her, she applied, and once again, prevailed! Talk about no fear. Then she continued on to apply for another job as the marketing director for Women's Services on campus, which she interviewed for today, and I'm sure she'll get that job too!
As one who shies away from applying to many things for fear of not being accepted or getting the job or whatever it may be, I am truly in awe of Vale's initiative and confidence she has in the contributions she can make in this world, on this campus, and most close-to-home, to me. We all have so much to give, and only by "putting ourselves out there" will be truly be able to serve and bless the lives of those around us.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Yet Another Bridal Shower
Day two of blogging: Jocie's bridal shower (I can already tell that this new blogging endeavor is going to be yet another drain on my time... but a wonderful drain I feel...).
Since this is the third bridal shower we've hosted in this apartment alone in only the past year and a half, I thought we were starting to get the hang of it. Well, that's what I thought... until Rach pulled out a bridal magazine and we read an article about bridal showers. I don't know what the bridal showers you attend are like, but those described in the magazine were intense! Invitations out six weeks in advance? Really? Needless to say, our invitations were not out that early.
So Saturday we threw a bridal shower for Joce! Although it was a wonderful hour spent with close friends and good food, I have to say my favorite part about the whole experience is the fact that Joce was only gone from our apartment for half the time she usually is! It was so much fun to spend time with her not only on Saturday morning, but Friday night as well!
Thanks to Cami for the cutest favors ever! She made flowers out
of fabric and glued them to clips and headbands. Vale and I both wore ours today! (I'll have to post a picture of them when I get a chance to take one). I'm sure I'll find out if anyone actually reads this because Cami's inbox will be full of orders for them!
And, lastly, here's my favorite picture from the day (I left Rach's reaction in the pic too, cause I love it almost as much as I love Joce's):
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Laughs and Lightbulbs
I've been suppressing the urge to blog for over two years now, trying to suffice it all with Facebook or personal journaling. I'm not sure what it is, but something about a blog is inexplicably intriguing to me. It really fulfills the same purpose as a journal, only public, and despite the fact that I could have an audience of only one, the audience inspires me. Why have I felt the need to suppress my blogging need for so long, you ask? It always seemed like such a "married-person" thing to do. But here, I am, two years later and not married, still wanting to blog! So I am! I don't need a man in my life to be able to blog! I don't need a man in my life to do a lot of things...
Today was Stake Conference, which was wonderful in and of itself and could probably use an entire posting of it's own, but I'm actually going to write about the happenings after Stake Conference, which led to quite the conversation about living with men. Let me explain.
After church we rushed home to make treats (which is a common occurrence on Sundays at my apartment). On the menu: cupcakes and banana bread. Cupcakes because of a certain significant yellow cake mix and banana bread because we had old bananas (such a wonderful thing to let get old!). Anyway, as Vale and I were cooking, Rach decided to change the lightbulbs in the kitchen. She took the cover off the light, only to find that the bulb had exploded inside and the metal end of the lightbulb was stuck inside and wouldn't come out! As she poked at it with a screwdriver, she quickly did the only logical thing and called her boyfriend to see if he'd come be our handy man. Really? Did we really need him? I thought she was doing a great job, going through each tool in the toolbox, poking at the lightbulb. Eventually something was sure to come of it, but in the meantime, we were getting priceless entertainment value out of the whole situation. Why would we ever want to trade that for living with a man who could fix it so practically?
Well, through our subsequent conversation we decided there are benefits to living with men (meaning potential marriage for each of us someday), but until then, we are loving the single life and the laughs we have while living with each other. I wouldn't trade life with these girls for anything! ... except for maybe a man... if he's the right man...
So it is with great pleasure that I dedicate this first post and the title of my blog (at least for now) to my sweet roommates, without whom life would not have nearly so much meaning.
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