Livin' Life

Our Wedding, October 7, 2011

2011-12-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Wedding Time

2011-12-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 7, 2011 was the most amazing day! The love of my life and I were married. Jared Gibb came into my life in February of 2011 and we have developed the most amazing friendship and relationship. I am so excited to have married my best friends. GOD definitely hand picked and designed the perfect man for me.

All of our children were able to be at the wedding. Jared's parents came up from Colorado and those family members that couldn't be there physically, we made heads on a stick for them.

I am so grateful to have been allowed to be Jared's wife. Before meeting Jared, I had lost hope that there were any single men out there who knew how to be a best friend, a lover and a spouse. Jared showed me otherwise. The wedding was amazing and life just continues to get better and better.

Summer of 2011 Pictures

2011-12-18T14:57:00.001-07:00

The End of 2011 is near.

2011-12-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

What an amazing and challenging year it has been. I met and married the man of my dreams. I have 3 more amazing daughters. I wouldn't trade this last year for anything. This summer Jared and I had his 3 girls for 9 weeks, MaKayla (9), Celeste (7), and Emma (6). This was definitely and adventure. I went from being single and living alone, to being engaged and have 3 girls living in my extra bedroom. Between Jared, an amazing soon to be sister-in-law and myself, we were able to arrange schedules so that the girls never had to go to a day care. I would go to work at 6:00, Jared would go in at 8:30 and then I would get off by noon to pick the girls up and then come home to finish my work day. It was very challenging, but very rewarding and amazing. Every weekend was an outdoor adventure, hiking new trails up the canyons here. On occasion we even were able to be blessed with Mike and Sabrina, my babies from another mother from my first marriage.

One particular weekend, All of us, Jared, MaKayla, Celeste, Emma, Mike, Sabrina and I headed up to the Granite Quarry to do some hiking and climbing. We had climbed up pretty far, some had seen a baby rattlesnake, but we were all hot, tired and thirsty, so we began to head down the mountain, with Jared leading the way. He was followed by Emma, Celeste, MaKayla, Sabrina, Mike and then me. On the way down a boulder with about a 14 inch diameter came loose and down the mountain it went. I screamed, Mike jumped out of the way and yelled, Sabrina moved, but unfortunately the boulder hit MaKayla in the back, pushing her into Celeste, who was not even a foot in front, and then pushing Celeste into Emma who fell. In the meantime, the boulder rolled around to the side, smashing MaKayla's thumb on the hand she had used to brace herself. We now had 5 freaked out children and 2 freaked out adults who had to spring into action. Emma's lip was bleeding where she had hit it on the rock, she had a scratch on her head, Celeste, Mike and Sabrina where just scared. MaKayla was bleeding from her thumb, as it was shattered and had almost ripped the pad of the thumb completely off. Jared grabs MaKayla's thumb, wrapping it up in his shirt and heads for the car. Here I am trying to get 4 kids down the mountain. Thanks goodness for some other very kind hikers. The gentleman picks Emma up, carrying her down, I grab Sabrina and Celeste's hand to help them down and Mike was the biggest help in trying to keep the girls calm. About 20 feet from the car, on the dirt trail, Celeste trips over a rock and face plants in the dirt, she is now crying hysterically, but not hurt. The kind hikers had an ice pack, so the thumb is now wrapped in a sock, with the ice pack around it. The hikers also gave the kids drinks to share. Now it is off to the closest hospital... Alta View.

We arrive at the ER, the 4 other kids settle in the waiting room, I go back with MaKayla, while Jared gets her checked in. At this point I still haven't seen the thumb, Jared being an EMT knew it was broken. The nurse enters the room and begins to unwrap the thumb, taking one glance at it, she wraps it back up and says the doctor will be in shortly... Must be bad is my first thought. Once Jared is done, I head out to the waiting room to sit with the other kids and Jared stays with MaKayla. About 15 minutes later, I decide to take the kids home to get them something to eat and to get cleaned up.

After X-Rays are taken, it is determined MaKayla will need surgery. Her thumb is broken near the joint and the joint is broken as well. She will need pins to secure the bones and help them heal. She survives the 2 hour surgery and is given prescriptions for an antibiotic and pain. As Jared stops at Walgreen's to fill them, MaKayla is still a bit out of it, but decides she needs to use the restroom. Apparently the anesthesia has made her sick. After throwing up, MaKayla is more awake and feeling much better, as she sits in a chair banging her cast on the arm, saying it doesn't hurt...

We are very grateful that everyone was able to walk away from this little adventure. There were definitely angels there that day watching out for all of us. It could have been so much worse.

MaKayla again has full use of her thumb and it didn't slow her down at all this summer.

The girls went back to their mom's 12 days into August, I began the semester shortly after and Jared continued working as did I. I began teaching ballet again in September and life continues to move forward.

Life so far....2011

2011-07-12T23:10:00.000-06:00

Crazy and amazing times have happened so far this year. What a blessed year it has been. I returned from Europe in January and jumped right back into life. Taking calculus during Spring Semester and actually understanding it for the most part, at least the first several chapters. I decided it was time to start taking dating a bit more serious, or I guess you could say I should consider dating in general. I hadn't dated much since my divorce and had the desire to meet my eternal companion and move forward with life. So I did just that. I joined a dating website and met the most amazing man, Jared Gibb. It did take me quite some time to respond to his messages and his flirts but I finally did, as he would say. Then one night we chatted online and Jared got my phone number. Our first phone conversation was about 5 and a half hours, which if you know me is an absolute miracle as I do not talk on the phone much. Jared was living in Southern California but was coming to Utah to visit his brother, so we decided to meet on Presidents Day. It was the Tuesday or Wednesday before and Jared was entertaining the idea of just moving to Utah. This freaked me out a bit, because we hadn't even met face to face and I wondered what if this didn't work... Looking back now, I am so glad that he moved. He made the decision, began applying for jobs on line and had a phone interview the same day. Within days of moving to Utah, Jared was employed and our friendship and relationship was blooming. Our first date was amazing. Our first kiss was shocking... mainly because Jared leans in for this amazingly romantic kiss, and it all begins... then I stop after noticing a light bulb is out and simply state, I need to change out that lightbulb. That is me, always multi-tasking.

Life has been 100% amazing since I met Jared. He is my dream come true for my eternal companion. Jared is beyond supportive of me, my crazy ideas and desires and he allows me to do the same.

Jared and I have been dating every since and have enjoyed getting to know each other, our stregnths, our weaknesses, our quirkes... what a joy it has been getting to know Jared and having him there and sharing my life with him.

Saturday, May 14th was an amazing day and boy did Jared get me good. A few weeks prior we had gone ring shopping, we had designed my ring and ordered it, or had it custom designed/made. So on the morning of the 14th we were off to Sierra West to pick up the ring. As we walk in, I am told that the ring isn't done. I was disappointed, but the final payment was made on the ring. Jared and I were then off to Bridal Veil Falls for a bit of hiking. Before we left, Jared leaves me in the car and runs back into Sierra West to see when the ring will be done, or so he says. The skies are darkening as we reach Provo Canyon, but a little rain never hurt anyone. On the drive down, I am giving Jared ideas of how to propose and how not to propose. I am sure his is just laughing during my suggestions and stories. Well we begin the hike and sure enough the skies open up and down comes the rain. As we head down the mountain, Jared stops, puts his arms around me and says, "will you do me a favor?" I answer yes, he then says will you marry me? I of course answer yes, he then brings his hand around in front of my face with my gorgeous ring on it... yes he got me good and I love it!

February thru May of 2011

2011-07-12T21:59:00.000-06:00

Europe Trip!

2011-01-17T17:59:00.001-07:00

New Year, 2011

2011-01-16T20:12:00.003-07:00

Well here it is, another year has past and a new year has begun. 2010 was very interesting and eventful, from work to school to vacations. I was blest to have the opportunity to visit Disneyland with my wonderful babies from another mother and their mom. It was perfect. I love seeing the excitement in children at the happiest place on earth.

At the end of the year, I was able to spend 2 and a half weeks in Europe with my younger brother and my mom! It was the first Christmas in 6 years that we have spent Christmas together. I love Europe. This trip we visited Salzburg Austria, which is where we spent Christmas, and then several cities in Germany; Mannheim, Trier, Ladenburg, Heddisheim, Frankfurt and Heidlburg. A small jaunt was also taken to Luxembourg. I could live in Europe in a heartbeat. I am slowly learning German and this trip I was more able to listen and not to think in Spanish. I love the time that I was able to spend with my brother, who is one of my best friends and my mom. It was very cold and wet during our trip, each day was overcast, with the exception of one where the blue skies tried to peak thru. I wouldn't trade those memories and experiences for anything.

In looking forward to 2011, even though January is half over, there is so much to accomplish this year. Some of my goals are to complete Calculus I and II, to take one vacation (at least), to date... yes I said date. It has been 2 and a half years since my divorce was final and I feel it is time to get out and start to meet gentlemen and perhaps even get into a relationship. Who knows what this year will hold, it will be wonderful.

I am looking forward to this year and all that it hold! May 2011 bless all of my dear friends and family. Thank you for always standing by me and being so supportive! Love you all!

THE ONES WHO DO

2010-11-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

Here's to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things.

They invent. They imagine. They heal.
They explore. They create. They inspire.
They push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that's never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.

While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world, are the ones who do.
-Apple

Oh the Places You'll Go

2010-11-07T14:27:00.004-07:00

OH, THE PLACES YOU`LL GO!
``You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You`re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who`ll decide where to go...`` - What a great quote by Dr. Seuss!

This great article about this quote from Dr. Seuss that was written by a woman named Jacqueline Wales.She writes the following:

You have brains in your head. Stepping out of our own way is the biggest challenge for most people. We over think, or under think, and many times the thinking is completely skewed in the wrong direction. Using our brains is what changing our thinking is all about. Move from the negativity to the positive and learn how to embrace your fearless self, removing doubts and anxieties that are currently stopping you from being your best self now.

Feet in your shoes. How many of us are standing in our own shoes? It took me years to realize that I was walking in someone else's. It was a proud day when I could say they were mine. Don't be walking someone else's path, and don't go trying to wear shoes that don't fit you. Pinched feet are painful. Leave them at home.

Steer yourself in any direction you choose. Choosing a direction is the hardest part. What do you really want for yourself? Where do you really want to go. Once you decide on that, then take every possible action to get yourself where you want to go.

You're on your own. That much is clear. We are totally responsible for EVERYTHING that happens in our life, whether wittingly or unwittingly, we have made a choice or a decision that brought us into the circumstance or event in our life. Being responsible for each and every aspect of your life means you're on your own, but you are not alone. Everyone is right there beside you.

You know what you know. It's all inside of you. The questions and the answers. Trust yourself more. Fear is essentially our lack of trust that we have all the answers, that we can control our life. We are stronger than we think, and we KNOW a lot. Trust you more often.

You are the one who'll decide where to go. It's your life. Learn how to embrace it, and allow it to unfold the way you want it to be. Be Fearless: See Where It Gets You! You will be surprised at what you find.

Three Words

2010-10-31T17:58:00.003-06:00

The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.

1. Let me help
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.

2. I understand you
People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in so many little ways - that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to any relationship.

3. I respect you
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

4. I miss you
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how important you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say "I miss you."

5. Maybe you're right
This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The implication when you say "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting, "Maybe I’m wrong". Let's face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you normally do is solidify the other person's point of view. They, or you, will not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other person.

6. Please forgive me
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

7. I thank you
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

8. Count on me
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship. It is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating "you can count on me."

9. I'll be there
If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase "I'll be there." Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

10. Go for it
We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."

11. Bonus: I love you

Perhaps the most important three words that you can say are telling someone that you truly love them. This satisfies a person's deepest emotional needs; the need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words: "I love you." Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone. "

Trip to Cedar City

2010-10-18T21:21:00.001-06:00

Fantastic Weekend

2010-10-18T20:59:00.006-06:00

Finally I was able to make it back to Cedar City from Thursday October 14th thru Sunday October 17th for a Theater Arts and Dance Department Reunion and fundraiser. What an awesome weekend it was! I left Thursday after work, about 4. The traffic was horrible until Spanish Fork due to road construction, but after that it was smooth sailing. I finally arrived in Cedar city about 8:15 and stopped at the grocery store to pick up some breakfast food before heading to Kay's! I love staying at Kay's home, it is so welcoming and peaceful. Kay is a very dear friend of mine. He was my modern professor in college and a co-worker afterwards with the American Folk Ballet. It had been a year and a half since I had seen Kay, but you would never know it. Our friendship is one of those that it doesn't matter how much time goes by, when we see each other, you would never know it. Steve Nielsen met me at Kay's. Steve and I graduated from SUU today and haven't seen each other for years, probably 6 years. Steve had invited me to perform with him on Saturday night, so at 9:00 Thursday night, it was off to the studio to rehearse and learn the piece! We danced until midnight, when campus security showed up and kicked us out! Nothing like getting in trouble by campus security on the first night back in town! hee hee hee. Steve and I stayed up until about 1:30 AM talking and catching up. Lot's has happened in both of our lives!

Friday morning came very early, we had a meeting at 9:00 AM and I was teaching at10:00 AM. Oh how I love to teach. It was an absolute blast teaching college kids who are majoring in dance. The studio was gigantic! I love it! The went amazing! I could have used 2 hours, rather than an hour and half. After my class, Steve and I rehearsed with some of the students that we had asked to perform with us. At noon, Steve taught a jazz/musical theater class, which I took. After his 1.5 hour class, more rehearsal! At 3:00, it was time for Tech Rehearsal on the stage, then a dance panel from 4-5! Busy day!

After panel, it was off to St. George to see Tarzan at Tuacahn. It was a good show, but not up to par for a professional theater, it was more on the level of a high school show or community theater. However, Steve and I had a blast! I love going to the theater to see shows!

Saturday, it was dress rehearsal from 12-3, then off to get ready for the performance and reception. The show turned out amazing, the reception was a blast. I love seeing friends that I haven't seen for 10-12 years! It was just like the good ol' days!

I am so glad that I was able to head south and make the memories! I came home on Sunday and actually started looking at apartments in Cedar. Cedar is home! I love it there, perhaps in the next year I will end up there!

I wish you enough

2010-10-11T21:44:00.001-06:00

Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone...' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

He then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE....

To all my friends and loved ones,
I WISH YOU ENOUGH.

Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you & keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you
& be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you & give you peace.

Trust

2010-10-03T21:16:00.003-06:00

Today I was reading a friends blog and she talked about the song "Consider the Lilies." In reading her blog and then listening to the song, I realized that I had also built a wall. The song goes, "And He will heal those who trust him. And make their hearts as gold." The beginning of the song says, "Consider the lilies of the field, How they grow, How they grow... Consider the birds in the sky, How they fly, How they fly."

Thanks to my dear friend, I too realized that I have built a wall to keep the hurt out and in turn to prevent the happiness and joy I deserve out. It is time for the wall to come down and for me to begin trusting again, trusting those in my life now, trusting new friends I meet and trusting GOD.

I had a great conversation with my mom today about my life and stresses that are happening, situations and feelings that have arisen. I am so grateful for her and the love and support she gives. Her advice is very welcome and really helped me make some decisions today. Thanks Mom, I love you.

Yesterday was a great day as well. It started off with a long over due massage. She knew exactly where I hold my stress and pointed out that is why I have been having headaches. During the massage I realized that some of the stress in my life is self inflicted and I am the one to resolve and remove it. Saturday night was priesthood session of conference, which means the girls get to play while the men are being counseled! I headed out to my friend Tanji's house where we ate TGI Friday's and just talked and got caught up. What a perfect night and way to end Saturday!

Life is good and is going to get better. Thank you to allb of my friends and family! You are all amazing.

GOD Bless America

2010-09-23T21:32:00.003-06:00

I'm so tired of seeing what's WRONG with this country....this was truly refreshing!Enjoy. I did!

From a Romanian Newspaper

We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about the USA

Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title 'C'ntarea Americii, meaning 'Ode To America ') in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei 'The Daily Event' or 'News of the Day'.

~An Ode to America~

Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs.

On 9/11, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the Army, or the Secret Service that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about...

Instead the Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand.

After the first moments of panic , they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing: 'God Bless America !'

I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.

How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put into collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth can unites the Americans in such way? Their land? Their history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace, I thought things over, I reached but only one conclusion.... Only freedom can work such miracles.

Cornel Nistorescu
(This deserves to be passed around the Internet forever..) It took a person on the outside - looking in - to see what we take for granted!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Two Years

2010-09-19T10:32:00.006-06:00

What a crazy and wonderful two years! It was two years ago today that the judge signed my divorce papers and I became a single woman again. In looking back at the last two years I see how blessed I have been.

During my marriage, I became extremely submissive and gave up on a lot of my dreams and goals in life. The one goal which I never gave up on was being a wife and a mother. I have two of the most amazing children (babies from another mother) whom I am still very blessed to see and spend time with on a regular basis. They are two of the largest blessings in my life. It does make my heart ache to hear the challenges they are facing in life and the feelings the have towards people in their life. Children should not have to understand happenings in life at such a young age. I am amazed at their comprehension and understanding of people, their actions and their words. They have a deep understanding, much deeper that I think we as adults give them credit for. They have and understand their feelings and are very creative in their ways of expressing them. Michael and Sabrina are amazing and the best children! I love them with all of my being and am so grateful for them.

I originally was ashamed of my divorce. It is something I never wanted in my life. I always wanted to be married only one and to the man that we would grow together, love, and support each other. Spend time building each other up. Unfortunately that did not happen in my marriage. There were 25 months spent trying to make it work, changing myself so that it would work. I was very blessed to spend many hours in the temple, praying about what to do... then the answer came that it was time to leave... it takes two people working at a marriage and giving to make it work. It was time for me to leave the abuse. I think this was the hardest part for me. My ex was only physically abusive several times in the marriage and I was great at making excuses for it. The first time was 2 months into our marriage, when I ended up with two small black eyes and a cut across my forehead. He did an amazing job at justifying his actions. There was the bruises on my ribs from him poking me, the bruise on my shin from him kicking me... the bruises on my stomach from him 'tickling' too hard. Then there was the verbal, which is also mental and emotional abuse, and the spiritual abuse. I struggled with realizing it until I was able to meet with a counselor, read several books and made some tough realizations, as well as going back to a self discovery stage. I was great at making excuses for his behavior and even got to the point of blaming myself. It was a horrible place to be and I realized that now. I am back to my spunky, loving life and living life self. I am checking goals off my list and completing wants and wishes off of my bucket list.

I think that his family is great and amazing. I have enjoyed keeping in contact on a high level with his family. His mom sent me a very sweet letter, even stating that she was grateful that I had gotten out and away from the abuse. His sisters have been fun and amazing. I love seeing their children grow and have new experiences. His family are blessings in my life!

I pray that my ex can become the man that I saw in him, especially now that he is remarried to a woman with 2 children. I would hate for her to have the same experience I did and for her children to go thru a 2nd divorce.

As for things I have been able to do over the last two years...I am back in school studying Chemistry and Biology, working towards working in the forensics field or medical research field. School is challenging and I love it! I am still teaching dance and am back to being the Assistant Director of Southpointe Ballet company. I have been on a hot air balloon ride, I have returned to Disneyland with the kids, I have been to Europe and am going back in 3 months to experience more! I have met amazing men, who have treated me with the utmost kindness and respect. I have rekindled friendships and have become more social again! Life is amazing. I am so grateful for my trials and the lessons learned thru them. I am grateful for my blessings. I know that GOD is real and truly cares about each and everyone of us. He has carried me at many times thru the last two years and 9 months. My ex and I were separated for 9 months prior to the divorce being final.

I am grateful for Mandi(his first ex-wife) and our friendship. I love that we have become friends, after all we both experienced a very difficult marriage. It was very strange at first to sit down with her and compare our experiences with him. Our stories are almost exact, even from the phrases he used on us. She is a blessing in my life!

So, here is to another exciting time in life, to checking more off my bucket list, to finding my spouse, to starting a family, to living life to the fullest. Thank you to all of my friends who have been there for me in the difficult and sad times. Who have been there to lift me up and keep me going, to hold me back when necessary. I love you all and am grateful for you everyday!

Great Article

2010-08-22T13:53:00.001-06:00

ORANGE COUNTY ( CALIFORNIA ) NEWSPAPER-New Immigrants
This is a very good letter to the editor. This woman made some good points..
For some reason, people have difficulty structuring their arguments when
arguing against supporting the currently proposed immigration revisions.
This lady made the argument pretty simple. NOT printed in the Orange
CountyPaper...................

Newspapers simply won't publish letters to the editor which they either deem
politically incorrect (read below) or which does not agree with the
philosophy they're pushing on the public. This woman wrote a great letter
to the editor that should have been published; but, with your help it will
get published via cyberspace!

From: "David LaBonte"
My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful
letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed.
So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass
it along if you feel so inclined. Written in response to a series of letters
to the editor in the range County Register:

Dear Editor:
So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made
up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the
Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated
the same as those who passed through Ellis Island
and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr.
Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of
immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of
Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand
in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on
their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the
laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning
English a primary rule in their new American households and some even
changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new
life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate
into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare,
no labor laws
to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had
brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity.

Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father
fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany,
Italy , France and Japan . None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave
any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were
Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of
Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people.

When we liberated France , no one in those villages were looking for the
French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of
France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one
country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up
another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would
have been a disgrace to their parents who had
sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to
be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue
bowl.

And here we are with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and
privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of
rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being
faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an
American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis
Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard
work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has
become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they
would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving
foreign country flags.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty , it happens
to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I
wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

(signed)
Rosemary LaBonte

Good Things to Come

2010-07-22T19:58:00.000-06:00

Where oh Where!

2010-07-20T19:41:00.002-06:00

I am amazed that July is more than half over. July is one of my favorite months. I love celebrating Independance Day and Pioneer Day. I love fireworks and that there are fireworks every weekend for the month of July. Fireworks make me smile! As life goes on, you learn to appreciate the small things in life, the sunrise, the sunset, the butterflies, the silence, beautiful music, smiles... I am so grateful for my friends, my family, those on the other side. This world is amazing and wonderful. There is so much to see and learn, enjoy and take in.

I am so excited to be seeing The Lion King on August 14th! I love the arts, the talents that are shared. Less that a month and I get to see a show that I have always dreamed of seeing! I love the music and can't wait to see it on stage.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-11T17:53:00.008-06:00

I love the 4th of July holiday and it was especially fantastic this year. The holiday celebration began on Friday July 2nd! I would have my babies from another mother for the majority of the weekend. I love seeing the excitement in their faces! Mike and Sabrina were dropped off abotu 4:30 by their mom and we then headed to Park City. I had to exchange a pair of pants that I had picked up the week before. It was 90 degrees in Park City. I was amazed when we arrived at the outletss that a mother had left her infant child in the car with the windows up. The fire department was there and about to shatter a window to rescue the child. It broke my heart. Upon returning from Park City, we did the Saturday errands so that we could play all day Saturday. Once the errands were done, it was off to Subway for sandwiches and then to Granite High School for the live music and fireworks. We met a group of friends there and had a blast. The fireworks were amazing. They were the best fireworks I have seen in years and the kids loved them! Mike wouldn't let me take his picture, but here is Sabrina wearing my sunglasses!

Saturday it was off to the West Jordan Carnival. My dancers performed at 1:00, then the kids rode rides, ate snow cones and have an awesome afternoon! The kids and I headed to Red Robin for burgers and fries! Yummy. Mike and Sabrina talked to Mandi, their mom at the restaurant, discussing their lack of desire to spend time on Sunday with their dad. Listening to their reasoning behind not wanting to go, I felt very bad for them. I am grateful for my relationship with my father and that he never made me feel the way they do. Once the conversation was over, we enjoyed our meal and then headed home for a bit of relaxing before more fireworks! Saturday night it was off to Pleasant Grove for more fireworks. The fireworks were very adventurous tonight as some of them shot off into the crowd. Made me very grateful for not sitting close and on the front row! I love watching the kids faces as the fireworks dance thru the sky. On the way home I dropped the kids off at Mandi's as their father was picking them up in the morning at 9:00.

Sunday was very quiet compared to the rest of the weekend. I completely over slept and missed church, OOPS. Other than that I just chilled at home and did homework until I headed to American Fork for a BBQ with Russ, who I have been seeing a bit since May. He is a very nice guy, I am just simply not ready for an exclusive relationship and neither is he. so that is perfect!

Strange Day

2010-07-08T21:46:00.004-06:00

What a day, what a day! The morning started off great! Talked to my boss at the dance studio about teaching some modern this summer, excited for that! I then called and left my ex a VM about a game I had left at his house... I had been trying to communicate with him via text about it for two weeks...granted I only sent him one text a week, as I didn't want to irritate him. So this morning I left a VM about it and offered to pick it up from his house and suggested that he could just leave it out by the garbage can and I could just grab it... It is the Atari Frogger game, my favorite. It brings back such fun memories of my childhood and college days.

So, then I get to work, and talk about the day from HELL. I don't get why people don't feel they need to pay their bills, pay for the services rendered, and pay late fees on past due balances. I am amazed. I have even explained it like a credit card bill, that has a due date and finance charges. It is not that difficult. So then I come home and am outside talking to a friend that has stopped by and up pulls my ex with the game. It felt really awkward. That is strange to me, as I am still friends with the majority of my ex-boyfriends. He didn't even say two words to me, just handed me a sack. Strange, but then verbal communication was not one of the strong points between us. I am very glad he had my game still. I will admit I plugged Frogger in and relaxed a bit this evening while playing! After unwinding, it was time to study a bit before I went on a date for dinner.

In the meant time, I get a text from a guy I have been out with many times, we have been spending time together since early May, asking me if he gets to see me. I informed him that tonight wasn't good as I had plans... his response, do you have a hot date. I inform him that yes, I do have a date and proceed to tell him I will talk with him later and to have a good evening... His response "Now I won't, thanks
REALLY, YOU ARE GOING TO PULL THAT CRAP WITH ME! I personally believe that you as an individual are responsible for finding happiness and such in life. There are people and situations that add to or detract from it, but the ulitmate decision is yours and you have no one else to blame. This line took me back to my marriage. It was always my fault when anything went wrong of we weren't happy as a couple. I am amazed at how a little phrase can bring back the hurt and pain that was felt. It took me months in counseling to work thru it. Crazy!

I am grateful I recognize it and am able to move past it. I am beyond excited for the weekend and had an absolutely amazing 4th of July weekend with friends and kids! Really I couldn't ask for a better life. I am so grateful for where I am, for being able to keep a roof over my head, having a job, being able to teach, having amazing friends and family... I could go on and on! Life is FANTASTIC!

Too Cute

2010-05-23T18:16:00.004-06:00

What a fun weekend! I had my babies from another mother this weekend and we had a blast! Friday night we ran tothe store to pick up bedding for their 'new' beds. As we were finishing up dinner I was taking my birth control and my sweet kids ask me what I was taking. So I carefully explain to them that they are birth control, knowing that Mike has had the changing classes at school. I explain that the medicine can prevent pregnancy, but it helps me with my cramps. Mike cringes and says I know about how girls have periods. So Sabrina pipes in and says, yeah my mom has told me about them and how girls that are really tall can even start their periods at 8. I hope I don't start because I am 8, but I am not tall. It was the cutest conversation and reassurance. So Saturday we are up running errands, doing the grocery shopping and Sabrina pipes up that her tummy is hurting, but it is not the I am hungry hurt or the I am getting sick hurt. So I ask her what kind of hurt is it? She replies, I think it is cramps like when you have your period. It was so cute and funny. It was again a reassuring moment that she is not starting her period at the age of 8, and we went and got something to eat. Problem resolved.

Ahh kids, gotta love them and their understanding of life and the experiences we have. I love their honestly, although it is really hard sometimes to not crack a smile or even giggle a bit with some of the comments. Then there are those comments that break your heart. I am grateful that most of my moments are giggling ones!

Below you can check out the kids new bedding! They were so excited to pick it out! I love seeing the excitement in their eyes with the little things in life. It is a real eye opener and helps me re-analyze my prioritites in life. Thanks Mike and Sabrina, Loves!

Why God Made Moms

2010-05-16T13:25:00.002-06:00

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related..

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy..

3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot..

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on. (One of my Favorites!)

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine..

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Nothing like Disneyland!

2010-04-18T10:45:00.000-06:00

Dessert First

2010-04-16T20:03:00.000-06:00

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldnâ€™t believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.
I smiled. He asked if he amused me
I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.

How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is Possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.

This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old before."
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored.
I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

There are too many golf courses I haven't played.. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.

I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.."

With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy.

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

Happy April Fool's Day!!

2010-03-31T22:00:00.000-06:00

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY!!!
You must read this...a proper decision by the courts.....for a change.

Gotta love this judge!!!!

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST Holy day

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!

Mothers

2010-03-28T18:54:00.002-06:00

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up...

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade....
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn’t know everything!

14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn’t have a clue.
.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Going Private

2010-03-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone, I am taking my blog private due to some concerns I have. Please email me your addresses so that you can continue to follow me. Or you are welcome to give me a call.

Loves to you all!

100% True

2010-02-28T18:42:00.003-07:00

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received.. Forget about the rude remarks.

Good friends are like stars.........
You don't always see them,
But you know they are always there.

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only
God keeps You Going

'Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up.'

Another Week

2010-02-07T12:57:00.004-07:00

Here is it, the ending of a week and the beginning of a new week! I survived another 70+ hour week, the 3rd in a row! I calculate the 70+ hours between the day job, teaching, school, rehearsing and doing homework. The rehearsing will end in two weeks when Southpointe Ballet performs Copellia. The performances are Friday and Saturday, February 19th and 20th at the Summit Academy in Draper (1225 East 13200 South). The performances are at 7:00 PM both nights with a 2:00 Matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Everyone should come and see what my dancers have been up to. I was worried about the show until our first full run though yesterday! It is coming together and will be a great show! I am very proud of the girls and guys!

This last week was rough, my emotions were still a bit out of wack and I was in a why me mode... so I decided this weekend it was time to wake up and get out of it. I think that we all need those 'attitude' adjustments in life. I remembered a friends advice and a story once told. He was struggling in life and decided to think about everything he had to be grateful for and ended up writing a song about it. I decided to do this and to start thinking of every thing I have to be grateful for. I realized today that 5 days a week I have the opportunity to see the sun rise and sunset at least 5 days a week. What a beautiful site. I get to teach an amazing group of children and see them grow, learn and become amazing people who bless my life. Think of the moisture we receive, the flowers, trees grass, modern technologies that allow me to communicate with my brothers who are far away, my amazing friends who have helped me get thru some very tough times. I have amazing guy friends as well who have taught me some amazing lessons and who treat me with the utmost respect and love. I have several great jobs who help me in being self sufficent, I get to attend school to further my career of choice. I have the peace and assurance that one day I will be a wife and mother and fullfill that portion of dreams. I am looking forward to continuing on this journey called life and the adventures it will allow me to have!

Survivor...

2010-01-31T20:30:00.008-07:00

So I have been struggling a bit lately in life, at work, with teaching, defining my relationships/friendships, and such. I have been looking back at the lessons I learned over the last several years thru the trials and blessings I have experienced. I have been debating about sharing the story of my marriage, with the ups and downs, as well as the divorce, which is the toughest trial I have been thru in my life so far. I don't think it completely stems from the actual divorce, but from many of the experiences that took place during the marriage. Tonight I again made the realization that I am a survivor. This was made while watching some TV and a similar situation that was expressed on the show.

Hind sight is 20/20... I survived the death of my best friend, her younger brother (who was my adopted younger brother as well), my parents divorce at the age of 28. I have survived a relationship where I was emotionally, spiritually, verbally, and even physically abused. Now it wasn't like this all of the time. We had some great times together, but I realized that I completely lost myself, cut myself off from friends, activites that I loved, and family. I immersed myself in the relationship. I got up went to work, went to teach and came home to my husband, whom I loved and just wanted to be the best wife and give him all that his heart desired. I lost myself. I have since realized that the bruises from the poking, the 'tickling' and such were not signs of love. The bruises and welts have long since healed, but the emotional scares re-surface every so often, which they did this last week. I feel horrible. I got very upset with a very dear friend who has stood by my side thru deaths, my marriage, my divorce and other good and hard times. I feel like it was out of a bit of jealousy. This friend is in an amazing marriage, with a beautiful child and one on the way. She is having a bit of a rough pregnancy and was venting/stressing a bit. I told her that I would give anything to be in her shoes, a great marriage, children, a husband that loves and supports you in all ways and allows you to do the same for him. So, to this person, you know who you are, I am so sorry.

I also made the realization tonight, that I will have that one day, I know that without a shadow of a doubt. I hope and pray that I can let down my wall so that I can allow a special someone into my life. I will admit I have some trust issues, but I am also very aware of behaviors in my guy friends and the gentlemen that I date. I have been blessed with an amazing counselor, who has given me some 'warning' signs to watch for and amazing friends who have always stood by my side, even when I overstep my bounds.

Thank you to my family and friends for everything. Now life has been amazing as well. I have 2 amazing children from another mother, hundreds of students from teaching that I get to see grow and progress in many aspects of life, from college, to marriage to babies, I have seen Europe and places across the US, I have an amazing family and friends. I have learned lessons thru my experiences that I could not have learned any other way. I am grateful for all of these lessions and experiences. I too hope and pray that my past relationship(s) find that special someone who will make them happy in everyway.

I am going to be an Eagle and Soar!

Ducks Quack-Eagles Soar

2010-01-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Ducks Quack - Eagles Soar
No one can make you serve customers well....that's because great service is a choice.
Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey .

He handed my friend a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.'

Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment....

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.' My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.' Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice.' Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I 'll take a Diet Coke.'

Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today..'

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'

And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts...

'Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the driver, 'have you always served customers like this?'

Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.

He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'

'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally. 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers.. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.'

'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.

'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give the m a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.
How about us? Smile, and the whole world smiles with you.... The ball is in our hands!
A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up... let us do good to all people.
Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans.

**
SORROW looks back, WORRY looks around, and FAITH looks UP... BECAUSE OF FATHER'S LOVE, I AM CHANGED!!! "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

New Years!

2010-01-03T15:57:00.004-07:00

What a fantastic New Years! I had no plans for new years eve at all. I had bought myself some sparkling grape juice and was just planning on hanging at home. I prefer not to be on the roads that night due to the increased number of intoxicated drivers. Well the day before... December 30th, I talk to one of my best friends, and he too had zero plans for New Years... but he also was not feeling well. So the decision was made to chat on the 31st and see how he was feeling and decide what to do... I could not have been more elated and excited. I have known Chris for 5 years, and we have stuck by each others side through some very trying times. So New Year's Eve rolls around and the decision has been made to head to the mountains and meet up with his parents at their cabin. So with in an hour I was packed and off to the mountains to have an incredible time. The cabin and the area is absolutely gorgeous and so peaceful. We played games, watched a movied and rang in the new year with sparkling cider. It was a great time had by all, Amazing Friends, Great Food, fantastic games and a great movie. It was so nice to spend time with Chris, Pam and Steve. We had not seen each other for a very long time. I am so grateful for the friendships that have been made with these 3 amazing people. I met them 5 years ago, by chance. What a huge blessing! Love you all!

This is the scene I woke up to.. The peaceful scenery and even serenity was amazing. I am so grateful I was able to spend the start of a new decade with such amazing people. This next decade is going to be fantastic and started out with a bang! Wahoo.

I get to start school in a week, back to work and teaching tomorrow! Look out life, I am back and ready to accomplish! Happy New Year to All!

Christmas!

2010-01-03T15:40:00.003-07:00

I can not believe that it is now 2010. The last decade passed so quickly. Christmas this year was great! I actually put a tree for the first time in a couple years and reall felt the Christmas Spirit. I started the Christmas season off by going with my mom to see The Forgotten Carols. I love starting the Christmas Season off by seeing that show and have done so for the last several years. I am grateful that my mom went with me. It is something we used to do as a family every year... then when my dad left it, that ended. I continued to go each year with different friends or the man I was dating, but it was wonderful to see it with my mom. The Christmas Recital was on the 12th, a bit earlier this year than normal, but honestly that was nice. I enjoyed the time off and being able to assist with the Coppeila rehearsals for the week after the recital. We almost completed the first act of Copelia in that week, amazing! I am excited that we are doing a new ballet this year. My sweet Michael and Sabrina had the opportunity to go and enjoy the lights and the feeling at Temple Square as well. What a gorgeous sight and an amazing time with my sweet kids. They are so much more in tune and smarter than I was at that age. They truly understand the meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it. Later in the month the kids nd I got together to celebrate our Christmas and exchange our presents. I picked the kids up on the 29th of December and we first met up withsome of my very dear friends for dinner. We headed up to Red Robin in blizzard like conditions and met my old college roomie, Laura, who we called and still call Larda, her hubby and her in-laws, Corey and Shannon, as well as their kids. It is such a small world. Larda and I were roomies in college at SUU, and her brother in law, Corey and I used to work together at Working RX. It was so fun to see them all and Mike and Sabrina got to see Tia and Katlyn (Shannon and Corey's) again. What a terrific evening. After dinner we came home and opened our presents. Then curled up and watched Secondhand Lions. Michael and Sabrina love to swim, so after breakfast we headed over to the swimming pool for a bit of fun! It was sad to take them back to their Mom #1's house, but they are just the best and most kind hearted children. They wanted to spein time with their mom before she went to work.

What a fantastic Christmas Season!

Christmas Pictures!

2010-01-03T15:39:00.001-07:00

Arise and Shine Forth, one of my favorite Christmas Songs.

2009-12-24T16:49:00.001-07:00

He did not come in glory when He first came to earth
And most the world ignored His humble birth.
But the heavens were singing in celestial harmonies,
And a star guided some souls to their knees;
Those with ears to hear and eyes to see.

And the miracles followed, but the skeptics believed
They were lies spread by those who'd been deceived.
With their appetite for power, they mocked every word He said,
While the ones truly hungering He fed;
Those who hungered after righteousness he fed.

And the light that He gave was to lift and to save
And the burdens that He came to bear are the ones we can't carry and need to share

I give thanks for His sweetness; I have faith in His power,
And I know He'll strive with me every hour.
For He suffered in darkness, kneeling in Gethsemane,
So the light of His love could shine on me;
So the light of His love could shine through me.

Arise! Sisters, arise!

Arise and shine forth, let us add to the flame
That burns brightly in hearts that bear His name.
And the torch that's a standard for the nations all to see
Is the light of the world shining through me.

We are standing for something, prayerful in all things, comforting those that mourn.
We are gathering Zion, we can rely on this refuge from the storm
We are strengthened on every side in the light we cannot hide
We are united, spirits ignited, feeling the fire inside.

Arise and shine forth, and we'll add to the flame
That burns brightly in hearts that bear His name.
And this torch that's a standard for the nations all to see
Is the light of the world that shines in you and me;
It's the light of the world shining through me!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

FUN HOLIDAY EATING TIPS!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Loss, Chrstmas tough time of year...

2009-12-21T22:01:00.008-07:00

This time of year is a bit tough for me and very emotional. The memories all came flooding back yesterday as I got a tough call from my mom yesterday, Sunday December 20th. I had just gotten home from church and my mom called, asked where I was and what I was doing. I was at home, getting ready to wrap some presents. At that moment my mom said, I have some tough news to tell you... Matthew Quayle passed away last night. I grew up with Matt, he was like my younger brother. His older sister Meisha is my best friend. We have known each other since I was a toddler. Meisha and I would get the same things for Christmas, matching outfits in Kindergarten. Matt and my younger brother were good friends as well. I remember one Christmas when Matt bit me in the back and got spanked by his dad all the way down the hall. The summer's where we teamed up and Meisha and I would hide in the house and lock all of the doors and Matt and Chad would have to find a way into the house, the trips to Lagoon, Raging Waters and the Homestead... Matt you will be missed.

Why is this time of year tough... It all began on December 10, 2002 when my best friend Meisha was killed in Washington State. That year I got the most beautiful Christmas card with a boondoggle lizard, that she had made. I still have it. On January 6, 2003 my Grandma Carroll passed away. This was expected, but it didn't make it any easier. On December 23, 2004 my Grandpa Carroll passed away. He was buried on December 27th. My dad told my mom he was filing for divorce on January 4, 2005, 7 days after her father was buried and now Matt passing away December 19, 2009.

Yes thi is a very tough time of year, but also a glorious time of year where we get to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, who has made it possible by his life for me to see my loved ones that have passed on again.

Please remember the reason for the season.

ONE FLAW IN WOMEN

2009-12-11T20:15:00.002-07:00

Women have strengths that amaze men...

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
And laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart..
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Why Women Shouldn't Take Men Shopping

2009-12-10T21:38:00.001-07:00

WHY WOMEN SHOULDN'T TAKE MEN SHOPPING

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Target.

Dear Mrs. Samuel,

Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Samuel, are listed below and are
documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1.June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.

2.July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3.July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4.July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

5.August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.

6.August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7.August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.

8.August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' EMTs were called.

9.September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

10.September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11.October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.

12.October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.

13.October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

14.October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'

And last, but certainly not least:

15.October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the clerks passed out.

Password!

2009-12-07T21:10:00.002-07:00

During a recent password audit, it was found that a blonde was
using the following password:

MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento

Keep reading! . . . . . . .

When asked why such a long password, she said she was told that
it had to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one
capital..

Happy Fall!

2009-11-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

A woman was asked by a coworker,
'What is it like to be a Christian?'

The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.'
God picks you from the patch, brings you in,
and washes all the dirt off of you..
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.

Then He carves you a new smiling face and
puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

How to Stay Young

2009-10-18T19:52:00.001-06:00

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers.. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Worry about nothing, Pray about everything.

ABC's of Anna

2009-10-05T20:55:00.002-06:00

ABC's of Anna....

OK... My friend Katie did this and I was bored so I thought... Why not?!?!?
A- Available/Married? Available
B - Best Friend? My Savior
C - Cake or Pie? Pie... Pie!
D - Drink of Choice? Water
E - Essential item you use everyday? Toothpaste
F - Favorite Color? Yellow
G - Gummy Bears or Worms? Gummy Bears covered in Chocolate
H - Hometown? Twin Falls Idaho and Salt Lake
I - Indulgence? Ice Cream
J - January or February? January
K - Kids and their names? None of my own yet, but I consider all of my dancers to be my kids and Michael and Sabrina
L- Life is incomplete without? My Savior
M - Marriage Date? wish I new
N- Number of Siblings? 2-Eric and Chad
O - Oranges or Apples? Apples
P - Phobia's/ Fears? dying alone
Q- Quote you love? Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments taht take away your breath away.
R - Reason to smile? Life
S - Season? SUMMER, the warmer the better.
T - Tag 3 People? Whoever reads this and wants to but let me know so I can read it!
U - Ultimate vacation? Europe, there is still so much to see
V - Vegetable you don't like? Brussel Sprouts
W - Worst habit? Putting myself down
X-rays you've had? Feet, ankles and wrist
Y - Your favorite food? SUSHI!!!
Z- Zodiac Sign? Pisces

Pictures from Mannheim & Wurstmarkt Germany September 11-12, 2009

2009-10-04T15:35:00.000-06:00

Mannheim Germany September 11-12, 2009

2009-10-04T14:58:00.002-06:00

So my last two days in Germany, we decided to stay close to home, just walking and shopping around Mannheim. I bought a lovely purple sweater,as we are going into winter. Purple is a very popular color in Europe. I would say probably the most popular color all of the stores have loads of it. I ate Gelato these last two days. It is so delicious. On Saturday we also headed to a Wurstmarkt or wine fest. This is where there are loads of booths with the new wines for the year. Chad and I headed over there and met his roommate, Chris and some fellow Servicemen that are stationed in Germany. What a crazy place to be. There were all sorts of games and rides and I had the best grape juice, fresh, I have ever had and the bratwursts... Yummy! It was packed, reminded me a bit of the Twin Falls County Fair when I was younger. We also visited the Jeusowitz church, which is gorgeous, almost to the extent of the Cathedrals.

I was sad to realize that I was almost on my way home. I could live and work in Germany. If I had to choose one of the cities to live in that I visited, I would say Mannheim. It felt like home, I loved walking everywhere and the views and the 5 H&M stores in the city. I can't wait to head back over the Europe and see even more!

Frankfurt Shopping! 9-10-2009

2009-10-04T14:33:00.002-06:00

So more adventures in Germany! Thursday, September 10, 2009 Chad and I headed to the train station to head over to Frankfurt. It was fun to be ableto ride on one of the fast trains. I must admit, Europe has the mass transit figured out and the freeway system. It is often heard that there is no speed limit on the autoban, but that is false. There are portions of the autoban that do have speed limits, very similar to ours here in the US, however there are sections that are speed free, we went around 130 MPH at those points. The autoban is 2 lanes in each direction and you stay to the right, unless you are passing. The Europeans follow that and are very polite drivers. The use their signals, they let you merge... I did not see one accident on the autoban in the 12 days I was there, much different to the daily accidents I see here.

Anyway, Frankfurt to me looked and seemed like the typical larger city. I must admit that the cathedrals and the history is very impressive. My goal in Frankfurt was to locate a Birkenstock store! That mission was sucessful. I bought 2 pair of birkenstocks for a little more than I would have spent on one pair here. One of the pairs I bought were 30 Euros, which is about $42, that pair here in the US would have run me $100, talk about deal! I finally disgarded my pair of birkenstocks that I bought in when I was 12, 21 years ago. What a deal! Wahoo. Yes I will admit I love shoes and expecially Birkenstocks. They are so comfortable. After walking around Frankfurt, seeing the cathedrals and the opera house, it was back to Mannheim for Dinner at Vapianos... I was craving a salad, needing vegetables, so I ordered what I thought was a salad with Mozzerella and Tomatoes... come to find out, that is all it was... no lettuce or anything... I ended up munching on it and then eating a slice of my brothers pizza...which I must add was amazing and not full of oil and such. What a fun day, I am glad that I was able to visit Frankfurt, but it is definitely not the city I would choose to live in if I lived in Europe.

Picture from Frankfurt, Germany Thursday, September 10, 2009

2009-10-04T14:25:00.000-06:00

Where I hiked in the Swiss Alps September 8, 2009

2009-09-27T20:22:00.004-06:00

Words can not describe the beauty of the Swiss Alps. I can say after hiking for approximately 8 hours, my feet were killing me and I had 4 blisters. I wouldn't trade any one of them for the views I saw.

We began our day from our 'hotel' in Lauterbrunnen and hiking to Wengen. This was a tough, the toughest section of the day, all up hill for about an hour and a half... I thought I was in shape, but I am not. We hit Wengen and decided to take the tram to Mannlichen. The tram went straight up the mountain. From Mannlichen we hiked to Klein Scheidegg and had lunch there. From there we hiked back down to Wengen and then took the train back to Lauterbrunnen. This section is the Junfrau region. I am guessing we hiked about 14 KM, which is about 22 miles. The hills are gorgeous. We got to hike thru a pasture, right past the cows, all of which do where the swiss cow bells making the hills alive with music. What an experience. I can't wait to head back to Switerland. After hiking all day, we headed into Interlaken to meet a very dear friend, Rebecca Titz, who lives in Zurich. She took a 2 hour train ride just to meet us for dinner. It was so great to see her. I last saw her in the spring. After dinnner it was back to Lauterbrunnen for a good nights sleep!

Hiking The Swiss Alps, September 8, 2009

2009-09-27T20:20:00.000-06:00

September 7, 2009: Basal and Lauterbrunnen Switzerland

2009-09-27T18:12:00.011-06:00

The drive from Mannheim, Germany to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland (where we were staying) was only a 4 hour drive. We left Mannheim around 6:00 AM... really early. You would never know that we were only going for 3 days by the way my younger brother, Chad, packed... As compared to the one small backpack I took...
We did stop in Basal Switzerland for breakfast and to walk around for a bit. First stop was a bank so that we could all get the Swiss Francs. Everyone pays cash for everything in Europe, which I thought was great. There are ATM's everywhere. While in Basal we stopped at the Raushaus, which is similar to the city hall. Also know as the Red House or the Rat's House. I personally think Rat's House fits very well for politicians. hee hee hee. We also visited an amazing Cathedral where we were able to climb up the bell tower and over look the entire city. We climbed up over the bell as well. The church has a gorgeous and very unique patter on the roof. I believe it was the Rhein River that ran thru Basal. We finally arrived in Lauterbrunnen about 2:00, and couldn't check in to our room until 3:00, so after parking the car we walked to a cafe to have lunch. I was amazed at our room, absolutely cute and darling...It was probably a 9 x 9 room with 2 sets of bunk beds, that were not a full size twin. My feet hung off the end and I am only 5'9. There was also a small shelving/closet unit and a tiny desk. This little room was quite pricey as well, almost $200 a night, but worth every penney. It had a communal bathroom, including showers. I felt like I was staying in the dorms again. I also had to pay for hot water in the showers. It was half a franc for 4 minutes of hot water (about $0.50) and again after hiking around, worth every franc. After checking in, we off to walk to Trummelbach Falls. The waterfalls drain the water of Eiger, Monk, and Jungfrau glaciers ... over 20,000 liters of water flow from the waterfalls per second ... and the waterfalls are the only glacier-waterfalls in Europe that run inside a mountain and are still accessible. We had to take a lift inside the mountain ... very similar to a mine shaft to reach the middle of the waterfalls ... then we were able to hike around tunnels to see different sections of the waterfalls. It was really really cool. After the supposed 20 minute walk, according to the desk agent at the hotel, which actually took 2 hours round trip, we headed to Interlaken for dinner. On the walk back, we discovered a playground, which the boys enjoyed immensely. Dinner in Interlaken was fantastic. What an exhausting day! But worth every minute. Switzerland is absolutely gorgeous!

Trummelbrach Falls, Lauterbrunnen Switzerland, September 7, 2009

2009-09-27T18:08:00.000-06:00

Basal, Switzerland September 7, 2009

2009-09-27T17:35:00.001-06:00

Speyer Germany Sunday September 6, 2009

2009-09-20T15:44:00.000-06:00

Day 3: Heidelberg, Germany

2009-09-20T15:07:00.006-06:00

What a gorgeous city! On Saturday September 5, 2009 it was off to Heidelberg via train! Heidelberg also has a great shopping street that I loved walking as we headed to the Heidelberg Schloss (Castle), a definite landmark. The castle is amazing, what a structure. There was several very large vats of Wine and a gorgeous garden. The garden is the perfect place to take a blanket, a picnic, a good book and good company. While were were there there were several brides. I must admit it would be a cool place for bridals, a wedding reception and to get engaged... Very romantic. The pictures do not do it justice at all. On the shopping street, I picked up a book about Germany, a watch, a carving of the castle, postcards and a small bag.

Lunch was eaten at Vetter's in Heidelberg. It is a Brewery that brews 33% beer, which is huge compared to Utah's 3% beer. Vetter's is where I ate my first traditional german meal... Brautwurst and Sauerkraut and the american Diet Coke. A glass of water was just as expensive as diet coke, so I had the soda.

Saturday night, my younger brother had decided to have some of his church friends over for a small party. It was great fun to meet some more of Chadder's friends. We ate and watched Hitch. After Hitch the decision was made to watch a scary movie, so in went The Grudge 2, which was perfect. Chad had cracked his balcony door and then excused himself. At the most perfect point in the movie Chad snuck out on the balcony from the other bedroom and he hit the door into the living room, those on the couch all screamed and jumped. It was so funny.

Heidelberg Germany, 9-5-2009

2009-09-20T15:05:00.000-06:00

Mannheim, Germany September 4, 2009

2009-09-20T13:45:00.005-06:00

So... Day 2 in Germany and it was decided to stay in Mannheim for the day, which is where Chad lives. What a great little city. We visited the Marktplatz, the Water Tower (Am Wasserturm), The Paradeplatz, the Schloss which was turned into a Universitat, and the Hauptbahnhof (the train station). In Mannheim they have a fairly large shopping section of which had several H&M's Stores, a WoolWorths, Markets... Wow. Chad wanted me to familarize myself with downtown so that the days he had to go into work I could head downtown and shop... I have to admit it was a bit confusing, I had no idea what was east or west or north or south and living in Utah that is a bit of a challenge. Their downtown is done on the grid system, but it is different. It is a letter number system. Each block was a letter and each space/business was a number. For example the sushi restaurant we ate dinner at was at Q12 downtown. On our way into town we stopped and ate breakfast at a little card called Cafe Fellows. I had the best bagel I have ever eaten. It was great to just sit and eat and relax. There was no hurry at all. I was amazed at how everyone smokes over there. The cafe had a nice none smoking section and a smoking section as well as outdoor seating. Fun little tables, chairs and couches gave it a homey feeling. After touring the city and doing a bit of shopping, buying sunglasses and Chad buying a cell phone cover and an aweseom ring, we just walked and walked and walked. I love that aspect. They have an amazing public transportation system and everyone walks. Honeslty in the 12 days I was there I think I saw maybe 4 or 5 obese people, everyone else was slender. Friday night it was off to sushi, my favorite food. I was honestly amazed that my younger brother would eat sushi. Growing up all he would eat was applesauce and Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches... then here he is enjoying raw fish and seaweed with me. We met some of his friends for dinner. I enjoyed their company, but it was strange not being able to understand much of what was being said, due to my lack of understanding of German. I have decided it would be beneficial to take a german class before I go back to visit again. Friday night I crashed again after a day out on the town. I fell asleep watching Mamma Mia on the couch. Enjoy the pics!

Pictures from Mannheim Germany Friday September 4, 2009

2009-09-20T13:43:00.001-06:00

Wurzberg, Germany Slideshow!

2009-09-19T21:10:00.000-06:00

Wurzberg Germany and the flight over...

2009-09-19T20:36:00.005-06:00

I recently had the opporunity to travel to Germany to visit my younger brother. I flew out of Salt Lake City on Wednesday September 2nd. The flight from SLC to NYC (JFK) was smooth and relaxing, I had the time to read a Mary Higgins Clark book. On the flight from NYC to Frankfurt was a different story. I had taken some dramamine, the drowsy kind, with me so that I could sleep on the 8 hour flight, knowing that I would not sleep when I arrived in Germany. So after dinner on the flight I took my dramamine and put the headphones to sleep. Not ever 20 minutes later we hit turbulance, and not minor turbulance. The plane all of a sudden took about a 45 degree dive to the left. Had I not had my seatbelt on I would have been ended up in another seat. The pilot immediately came on the intercom and told everyone to sit down and buckle up. I honestly thought we were going down. I began the "death bed" repentance and began being very grateful that I knew how to swim and that my seat cushion was a floatation device because we were over the Atlantic. The turbulance went on for about an hour and half...so much for sleeping. I arrived in Frankfurt at 9:00 AM, after 18 hours spent in airports and in the air! It was all worth it. After picking up my luggage, and meeting my brother, we were off to Wurzberg (I didn't even get to shower, oh well. My brother took me to see the Bishops Residenz, what a gorgeous building. We took a tour of it and then walked around the gardens. We also walked thru the town and ate at an absolutely darling and tasty cafe. I learned that a Diet Coke is a cola light... ina cola light grosse is a large diet coke... That phrase came in handy. It was strange to me because I would hear the german and not understand, but I would think in spanish... It was great going out for meals there, because you were never rushed thru a meal. I loved that. We headed back to Mannheim that evening, just in time for a bit of rush hour. I was exhausted but so glad to be visiting my brother. It was great and smart for my brother to not let me sleep. It helped with the jet lag and sleeping amazingly well that first night.

My brother's apartment is great. I was amazed to learn that when you move into an apartment there it is an empty shell. When my brother moved in he had to put in all of the light fixtures, the kitchen cupboards and everything. There was nothing there. Literally when you move out you take everything with you including the kitchen sink...

Emjoy the picutures... more stories to come...

What a weekend, Friday First...

2009-08-18T20:34:00.006-06:00

So this is going to be a multiple post, the weekend was jammed pack with fun that must be shared!

I had to opportunity to spend some time with my dear friend Katie Cooper Christensen this weekend. Katie and I have known each other for 13 years now. Her sister and I were college roomies and she would come and hang with us on the weekends! Ahh the memeories of the 90's... :)

So Katie came up this weekend and I had the opportunity to meet her little one, Cooper, who will be 3 in a few months. What an absolute doll. Katie, Cooper and I met up with Jill and Lucy at the Aquarium in Sandy. It was great, none of us had ever been there. So Cooper was a bit shy at first, he didn't understand that the fish were behind glass and not able to 'get' him. Finally he starts to feel safe and he gets down by the Sting Ray's, where you can pet them. He is doing great, until the shark tank... dun dun dun... I am holding him and a shark swims past the glass and he is fine, all of a sudden a shark swims right up against the glass with it's mouth right there by Cooper's sweet little face. That starts it all, the scream and the tears.. The 3 adults think it is so cute and funny, so Katie pulls out the camera and starts taking pictures... He eventually calms down, but will no longer walk nor let go of Katie... Too cute.

After we dropped Cooper off with his dad, Katie and I headed to the apartment, then off to dinner at TGI Friday's, the steak was fantastic!!! Then home to watch a movie, you know it was a musical! Mamma Mia! I must admit it was nice to not watch the musical by myself! Someone else was there to sing with me! Wahoo, Thanks Katie!

While deciding where to eat, I sent a text to my dear friend Kevin, who works at a restaurant, to see if he was working... He wasn't :(, but in the conversation he asked if I would be interested in taking a ballroom class with him... Hello, of course I would, I have been trying to take a ballroom class for several years, but couldn't ever comvince anyone to be my partner to take it with me... problem solved, Kevie and I are going to take a class! Wahoo. I haven't taken a ballroom class since my sophomore year of college. Can't wait to work and improve the skills!

Been awhile

2009-08-07T19:04:00.004-06:00

The count down has started. I am just about to head to Europe in 3 and a half weeks! I am beyond excited to see a continent I have never been to and to spend time with my brother. So I will post after the trip with los of pictures.

On top of going to Europe, I recently received great news from my dear friend Katie Cooper Christensen! Katie is coming to visit me next weekend. I am so excited to have company.

I also had the opportunity to be reminded how amazing my friends are. So to my dear Friends, Thank you so much for your love and support over this last week and especically these last 2 days! I truly appreciate you and all you do for me.

I also had a nice experience last Sunday Morning... I woke up, headed out to my kitchen, only to step into a puddle of water. I first thought is was my dishwasher leaking, until I opened the door to my laundry room, which also had a bit of water on the floor. So I found the leak, got the hot water shut off, as that is where the leak was, dried off the floor, pulled the washer out and there it was... Mold growing on my wall. Apparently the leak had been leaking for quite some time. I assume for about 3 months as that is when I got my washer and dryer. However Saturday evening was the first time I had ever washed anything in HOT, hence the larger leak. I placed a call to my apartment office to cleam up the mold. After all, before we can use our washer the maintenence staff must check all connections.. Apparently they didn't check them well enough. At least they have now taken care of it. Ironically over the last little while I had noticed a smell in my apartment, so I would take out the garbage, put orange peels down my garbage disposal, trying to decide what the smell was. Well now I know...it was mold. I am glad that I knew how to shut off the water and glad I have tools to do so...

So that is the adventure of the week. I am looking forward to a quiet weekend.

A Carrot, An Egg and a Cup of Coffee

2009-06-17T18:43:00.001-06:00

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil;without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl . Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak The egg had been fragile.Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the neat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Nails in the Fence

2009-05-12T21:23:00.004-06:00

NAIL IN THE FENCE

Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.

(Most importantly the last sentence)

There once was a little boy who had a bad
temper . His Father gave him a bag of nails
and told him that every time he lost his
temper , he must hammer a nail into the back
of the fence. The first day the boy had
driven 37 nails into the fence Over the next
next few weeks, as he learned to control his
anger, the number of nails hammered daily
gradually dwindled down. He discovered
it was easier to hold his temper than to
drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't
lose his temper at all. He told his father
about it and the father suggested that the
boy now pull out one nail for each day that
he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally
able to tell his father that all the nails
were gone. The father took his son by the
hand and led him to the fence He said, 'You
have done well, my son, but look at the
holes in the fence. The fence will never be
the same. When you say things in anger,
they leave a scar just like this one. You
can put a knife in a man and draw it out.
It won't matter how many times you say I'm
sorry , the wound is still there. ' A verbal
wound is as bad as a physical one.

Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They
make you smile and encourage you to succeed.
They lend an ear, they share words of praise
and they always want to open their hearts to us.'

YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!

Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole in your fence.

Roller Coaster

2009-04-26T16:27:00.004-06:00

I figured it was time to actually blog about life. Perhaps I have been facing some of the truths about life. It has definitely been an adventure for quite some time, it has been a roller coaster ride for over a year now... I have learned more lessons than I even imagined would be possible. I am amazed at the ability of the human heart, body, spirit..emotions to recover and then crash again and then recover.. just like a massive roller coaster. I went from having parents that were still married, and being very happily married myself, to having my marriage fail, to being divorced, still loving my Ex, my in-laws and my step kids, to attempting to move on and pretend to be happy, finding other things to fill my time with. I even attempted to run away from life and start over in Cedar City. I was so looking forward to going back to the town where I attended college and have some of the best memories and friends of my life. Thru all of the challenges over the past few years, I am amazed at the amazing support system I have. I love that I don't have to say a word to my friends, but they are so intune with the spirit and with me that they just know when I am struggling. I am also grateful for my amazing family, who have stood by my side thru all of life. I am grateful for my Savior and what he has done for me. I love the poem "Footprints in the Sand". I can honestly say I have felt my Savior carrying me a lot of the time over the last while.

Have you ever noticed that just when you think you have things figured out, a curve ball is thrown at you? I think this is to make us stronger. I am grateful for challenges in life that shape us into the person that our Heavenly Father wants us to be and knows that we can be.

I am amazed at the blessings that also come thru trials. I have 2 amazing jobs, one that pays the bills and another that allows me to share my love of dance with many amazing girls. I am blessed to have a place to call home, an amazing family, and friends, enough food...

I am grateful for all that I have and for everyone that is a part of my life. You are all very imporant to me! Thanks for everything!

To Those of You Born Between 1930 and 1979

2009-04-11T19:34:00.003-06:00

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE
1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or
drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can
and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in
baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors
or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps
not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats,
no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and
sometimes no brakes

Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always
a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and
no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon.. We drank
Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't
overweight. WHY?

Because we were always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as
we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and
then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the
brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned
to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There
were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies
or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal
computers, no Internet and no chat room

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there
were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games
with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it
would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the
door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those
who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.

Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was
unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers,
problem solvers and inventors ever.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new
ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we
learned how to deal with it all.
If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck
to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government
regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know
how brave and lucky their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors,
doesn't it ?
~
The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:

'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides,
flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one
end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist
attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the
Pledge of Allegiance?'

Keepers

2009-04-09T20:27:00.000-06:00

OUR PARENTS

I grew up with practical parents who had been frightened by the Great Depression. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a Name for it.... A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. It was the time for fixing things; a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that repairing, eating, reusing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

But then my mother died, and on that clear summer 's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that maybe 'keeping' wasn't to be scorned because sometimes there isn't any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away....never to return. So... while we have it.... it's best we love it... And care for it.... And fix it when it's broken...... And heal it when it's sick.

This is true.... For marriage.... And old cars..... And children with bad report cards..... And dogs and cats with bad hips .... And aging parents.... And grandparents....And friends ....We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special... And so, keep them close!

Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

Keep them close.

Lesson Learned from Clay Balls

2009-03-21T12:34:00.003-06:00

A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock . Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. May we not ome to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have with you. Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.

APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE THING YOU HAVE--ESPECIALLY YOUR FRIENDS! LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND FRIENDS ARE TOO FEW!

Tender Mercies...

2009-03-04T20:00:00.001-07:00

"We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

-- David A. Bednar,"The Tender Mercies of the Lord"

Cedar City

2009-03-01T14:59:00.008-07:00

I love Cedar City! I had a great opportunity to return to Cedar last weekend (February 20-22). It was dance placement and scholarship auditions at SUU, so I took one of my students, Camille Anthian, to audition. We headed for Cedar City after ballet class on Friday evening, after stopping to grab some dinner at Subway. We drove straight thru only stopping at Walmart in Cedar to get breakfast food before heading to Kay's, where we were staying. I haven't seen Kay for years, but it was as though we had never been apart. It was very strange pulling into Cedar, I felt as though I had returned home. It was the best, most peaseful feeling.

We got to kay's house about 10:00 PM and ther he was to great us with the sad news that Larry H Miller had passed away. Kay had a performance of Coppelia that night and was still in his make-up... But it was just like old times...
Camille was exhausted, so she crashed and Kay and I sat up and chatted, caught up on the last several years, reminsced about the crazy days. Saturday was auditions for Camille, so I dropped her off at SUU about 9:30, and I ran in to say HI to all of my former professors. It was great to see Shauna and chat with her about life and some of my desires. During auditions I headed over the Christensens, my second favorite store to shop at. My first favorite is H&M. The auditions went amazingly well! I am so happy for Camille! After auditions I walked Camille around the campus, gave her a bit of a tour. What a gorgeous campus. While walking around I ran into a couple of individuals that I worked with while I was working with the Utah Shakespearean Festival. It was gerat to chat with Jill and Scott. After the campus tour, it was time to eat... and where better to go than La Fiesta, my favorite restaurant in Cedar City. I had to introduce Camille to it, especially if she is going to school in Cedar!

Saturday evening Camille and I headed to the Heritage Theater to see Coppelia performed by the Cedar City Junior Ballet, and Kay of course. I was very impressed with the ballet. The Heritage Theater is new the Cedar City and it was a gorgeous theater and huge. There were several in the ballet that I went to school with, so it was great to see them and watch them dance again. There were also several in the audience that graduated with me as well. So it was a great time to have a bit of a reunion. Fun to see where everyone is and has ended up. I also ran into Fred Adams, the founder of the Shakespearean Festival. He is always a joy to talk with.

Sunday, it was time head back to Salt Lake City. I was sad to be leaving Cedar, but Camille had school on Monday and I had work :( Kay had early church and we had to hit the road to get back. Yes, Camille and I are still in our jammies and Kay is ready for church. So off Kay went and we packed the car and hit the road.

I really wanted to just stay there. Life in Cedar feels so much more peaceful and calm.. Oh well. Back to SLC for now. I am heading back to Cedar the weekend of March 7th for a Dance Department Reunion. So Look out Cedar, I am coming back!

Something to think about...

2009-02-11T19:32:00.002-07:00

``If you think you can, you can. If you think you can`t, you`re right.`` Mary Kay Ash

``The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.`` Benjamin Mays

``Ideals are like stars: you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny. `` Cal Schurz

Live and Learn...

2009-02-01T15:21:00.003-07:00

Where is this year, 2009, going? I am amazed that February began today. Life has been just grand. I fell like I worked the month of January away, but I am grateful for that, because it means that I have a job, that I have to abiity to work. I work with amazing people. Auditions were held on Saturday, January 24th for Sleeping Beauty, the ballet. I was very happy with the turn out. It was difficult deciding which dancer would be best for each part. But the casing list went up on Monday and rehearsals began on Friday. I must admit it was nice to have something to do Friday night. We learned almost the entire first act on Friday. It will again be a beautiful ballet performed in March.

I am ready for spring and even summer. I am a much larger fan of the warm weather and spring rain storms than the snow.

Not much has happened this year, which is actually kind of nice. Last year was a very tough and emotional year. I don't think I could handle another year like last year. This year has been a bit rough as well, especially lately. But I have to keep plugging along. Life is what you make of it after all. Everyone will face challenges and it how each decides to over come those challenges that is important. I am trying to take each challenge, heart break and struggle with stride. I will admit that it is not easy, but apparently there are lessons to learn and thru these experiences I will learn the lessons I need to. I hope and pray that I learn the lessons needed so that I don't have similar experiences again. I was reminded this week that everyone makes mistakes. One important thing to remember is to learn from each mistake and not repeat that mistake again. LIVING AND LEARNING!

Failure...

2009-01-21T17:40:00.001-07:00

"Don’t be discouraged by failure. It can be a positive experience. Failure is, in a sense, a highway to success, inasmuch as every discovery of what is false leads us to seek earnestly after what is true, and every fresh experience points out some form of error which we shall afterwards carefully avoid." John Keats

The Experiment: What Are We Missing Out On?

2009-01-13T21:35:00.002-07:00

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Kevin Dolce

Recipe for a Good New Year!

2009-01-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

GOD Keeps You Going

2008-12-25T20:12:00.002-07:00

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to Judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn,to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and returned, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen only one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season. That the essence of who they are, and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life, can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, and the fulfillment of your fall.

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches, and better times are sure to come in time.

Aspire to Inspire….Before You Expire

Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.

And leave the rest to God.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,

Trials keep You Strong,

Sorrows keep You Human

Failures keep You Humble

Success keeps You Growing,

But Only God keeps You Going !

Christmas Stories

2008-12-23T22:07:00.001-07:00

Christmas Stories: For the Man Who Hated Christmas
By Nancy W. Gavin

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it – overspending and the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma – the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was on the wrestling team at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes.

As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids – all kids. He so enjoyed coaching little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came.

That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes, and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed a small, white envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done, and that this was his gift from me.

Mike's smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year. And that same bright smile lit up succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition – one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The white envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children – ignoring their new toys – would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the small, white envelope never lost its allure.

The story doesn’t end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree. And the next morning, I found it was magically joined by three more. Unbeknownst to the others, each of our three children had for the first time placed a white envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down that special envelope.

Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit will always be with us.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-20T20:14:00.010-07:00

I can't believe this year is coming to an end. Christmas is coming quickly. I am happy to say that I am done with my Christmas shopping. The dance recital is over and it was amazing. My sweet Sabrina danced beautifully, like an angel to Christmas Cannon.

My dancers performed my piece beautifully. I set a piece on them to I Can Not Find My Way from the Forgotten Carols.

I love Christmas and what it stands for and means to me. I love being able to celebrate the birth of Christ, my LORD and My Saviour. I am so grateful for what he did for me and for all of us.

The feeling that Christmas brings is amazing. I love watching the excitement in the childrens eyes. I hope that everyone has a very Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

One Word Answers

2008-12-12T21:32:00.002-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse

2. Where is your significant other? Gone

3. Your hair color? Blonde

4. Your mother? Amazing

5. Your father? Terrific

6. Your favorite thing? hugs

7. Your dream last night? Forgot

8. Your dream/goal? Mother

9. The room you're in? TV

10. Your hobby? Ballet

11. Your fear? loss

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? mother

13. Where were you last night? Studio

14. What you're not? Rich

15. One of your wish-list items? Piano

16. Where you grew up? Divorce

17. The last thing you did? ate

18. What are you wearing? pajamas

19. Your TV? sufficient

20. Your pet? dead

21. Your computer? Old

22. Your mood? Exhausted

23. Missing someone? Grandpa

24. Your car? Corolla

25. Something you're not wearing? Socks

26. Favorite store? Online

27. Your summer? short

28. Love someone? Yes

29. Your favorite color? Yellow

30. When is the last time you laughed? Wednesday

31. Last time you cried? today

Harder then it looks, you should try it.

Long Time and Las Vegas

2008-11-22T16:41:00.011-07:00

Have you ever noticed that the closer to the holidays it gets, the crazier life gets? I have been preparing for our Christmas Dance Recital and I am very very happy to say that all of my dances are now complete and I have 3 weeks to clean them. I have to admit that I love the completed dance I hhave set on the Company class. I choreographed a dance to the song "Let Him In" from The Forgotten Carols. It turned out amazingly well and my dancers look amazing dancing it. I am excited for their parents to be able to see it. We are performing a shortened version of the Nutcracker as well, so my level 4 is performing the dance where Clara is given the Nutcracker and level 5 is performing the Arabian with one of my company girls as the princess. I am very pleased with all of my dancers.

My younger brother, Chad, was also here for a visit and we had a blast while he was here. He arrived at 9:26 PM on Friday, November 7. I picked him up from the airport, assuming he would be exhausted and ready to go back to my apartment and crash, but that was not the case. He decided that he wanted to go bowling. So we met his friend, Brandon at the bowling alley and bowled two games. By about one a.m. it was home to bed... Prior to my brother coming we had discussed heading to Vegas for a few days and seeing Mamma Mia. So a few weeks prior we made hotel reservations and bought tickets to the show! Now was the discussion of what time to leave for Vegas on Sunday Morning...Chad wanted to leave at 3 a.m. and I felt that 7 or 8 was sufficient, so we compromised and set a goal to leave at 6:00. First stop in Vegas was In N Out Burger! YUMMY!!! Second stop was the Mandalay Bay to pick up our Mamma Mia Tickets then to check into our hotel. We were staying at Planet Hollywood, and what an amazing view we had from the room. We were on the 38th floor overlooking the fountains at the Bellagio.

Sunday night we were off to Mamma Mia. What an amazing show! It was interesting, as we walked into the theater there were the headshots of the actors on the wall, and I recognized 2 of them from my days at Shakespeare- Carol Johnson and Don Burrows. I loved Mamma Mia! The live production was amazing, and I enjoyed it even more than the movie. Monday was spent shopping...My mom and brother are much bigger shoppers than I am, I did buy 2 pairs of boots, 2 shirts and a pair of pants, but shopping for 8-10 hours, really did me in...Although I discovered that my favorite store, H & M, is in Vegas at the Miracle Mile Mall at Planet Hollywood! Tuesday it was time to head back to Utah. We stopped in St. George at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and then stopped in Cedar City to eat at my favoriet Mexican Restaurant, La Fiesta!

It made me miss living in Cedar City, just the driving thru the town and remembering the fun and crazy times. We also stopped and did the scenic drive thru Kolob Canyon.

I must admit it was nice to return home and be in my own space again. Wednesday was my day to recouperate and then Thursday it was back to work. Wednesday night Chad and I had dinner with our dad and Donna. Saturday night Chad, some of his friends, myself and my dad and Donna all went to a hockey game. I do not understand hockey. I go for the fights and I think that hockey is a sport for individuals who don't have any anger control. So in the first minute and a half there was a great fight... There were actually several fights throughout the game!

Sunday morning Chad left to go home. I was sad to see him go. It was so nice having a sibling here with me.

I want/need to go back and see Mamma Mia again before it closes on January 4, 2009. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, except those under 13 or 14... It is definitely a PG-13.

What have you done?

2008-10-19T12:19:00.005-06:00

Okay, I got this one from Melissa... I thought it was a fun list and I thought I'd share with you. It reminds me of one of those lists of things to do before you have birthday, getting to know you or pass on, etc. As of today, here is what I've done. How about you? If you want to participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. Happy discoveries!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I've seen it in person!)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (Then I had to pay bills!)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I've tried but I've either not weight enough or have been ill)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox: I had them twice
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Life and Death

2008-10-19T11:40:00.004-06:00

This week has been a bit of an interesting one. Monday the 13th I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of my dear sweet Grandpa Moon. What a man he was. From the first time I met him over 3 years ago, he has had an impact on my life. I am so grateful for him and his sweet spirit. He will be greatly missed in this life and I look forward to seeing him again in the hereafter. The service was beautiful, and it was wonderful to spend the day with my sweet Jerel, Michael and Sabrina. It was very rough day as well. Death is always a hard thing, even when it is expected and you have the knowledge that your loved one is in a better place. In attending the funeral and graveside service, it made me think about what I want at my service. And no I am not really planning on dying anytime soon, but you never know when this life will be over. And honsetly, lately I would love for my time to be cut short on this earth, I would love to be the one meeting my maker. But I know that now is not my time, I still have to much to do and learn. So in thinking about my funeral... I want a lot of music. I want Amazing Grace, I know that my Redeemer Lives, and How Great Though Art sang. I also want Ballerina Girl sang. I want the good times to be remembered. The crazy high school days and the even crazier college days, the wonderful memories with my brothers, my parents, my extended family, my friends, and my sweet Jerel, Michael and Sabrina. Originally I wanted to be cremated, but now I am not so sure. In all of the funerals I have attended, there is just a peace about being able to see the peaceful state in which the deceased loved one seems to be in.

Sunday night before the funeral, I had a complete emotional breakdown. I had no idea that I had so many emotions inside of me. It was nice to have someone to be able to talk to and share what I was feeling with. I hope and pray that this person really listened because the thoughts I shared were from my heart. This person needs to know how much I love them and how much I need them in my life. I know that I have made mistakes, but this life is to learn and grow, to make mistakes, learn from them and move on. I hope and pray that this person will forgive me and will allow me to be apart of their live, even as a friend. I will always love this person.

First Snowfall of 2008

2008-10-12T13:22:00.003-06:00

I am amazed that it is now October 12, 2008 and we had our first snowfall; a month earlier than normal. It was very pretty, but I have decided that I am not ready for it. We went from 80 degrees to the mid thirties, all in one week. To me that is absolutely crazy and it makes it really hard for the body to adjust. It is also supposed to be back up to the 70's by the end of the week. Fall here is crazy, but beautiful.

I am very grateful for my heater. I woke up Friday morning, and the apartment was freezing, but the heat had run all night. Once at work I began to think about that fact and realized that perhaps my pilot light was out. Jerel was coming over after work on Friday, so he was my life saver as he re-lite the pilot light. Thanks Jerel, I really appreciate that and you!

Once a dancer, always a dancer....

2008-10-04T13:25:00.002-06:00

Emotions...October!

2008-10-01T21:17:00.004-06:00

Happy first day of October. Where has this year gone? We are not in quarter 4 of 2008. It is amazing to me. I have to admit it was a very emotional October 1st. I was doing just fine at work, plugging through my tasks for today when I received an email from the CEO of the company. The email made me feel so good. Basically she told me how important I was to the company and what a great job I did. I was told that I always exceed her expectations. The email made me cry. I guess my fellow employees are getting used to me crying at my desk. It has been a common occurance over the last few months. I love working for a company where I feel needed and important. And what an honor for the CEO to take time out of her day to let me know that I am appreciated. I have never worked for a company like that. It definately makes me a loyal employee.

Tonight I was going to go and take a ballet class, but after the emotional day, I needed to feel of some peace, so where better to go than to the temple. I have been contemplating where to move and about school and so I went to feel the peace and to seek out some answers. I love going to the temple. I wish I always had the same feeling of peace going thru life. I guess that desire will get me to the temple more often. I am so grateful that there are so many temples with in 30 minutes of my apartment. My favorite temple is the San Diego, but the Salt Lake is second.

Work...

2008-09-30T21:20:00.003-06:00

As most know, I currently work for Mediconnect as a Legal Account Manager. Basically I resolve issues and concerns for Lawyers on medical record requests. I have been feeling extremely discouraged about my job lately, well about life as well, but let's chat about work now. In the last week there have been 3 individuals that have been removed from thier jobs. That made me very nervous. You look at the economy and hear that individuals are getting fired and I began to wonder how secure I was in my job. So today I go into to work to learn that our global president was also leaving the company, by his choice. The nice thing about our President is that his door was always open. So this morning I asked if he had a minute to chat. So into his office I go. His first comment was, I take it you have heard the news that I am leaving. I let him know that I had heard and that I was concerned about the company and my job. If I were to loose my job right now, I would be in a world of trouble financially. He then proceeded to let me know that my job and I was completley safe with the company. The company is actually in a better place than it has been in quite some time. I was also informed that our CEO values me as an employee. This was such a relief to hear. Ironically I also heard this from 2 other employees. One had a meeting with our CEO, and was asked who she had been training with. When she stated that she was training with me, our CEO stated, "that is great. Anna is one of our best employees, she knows what she is doing." Then another new employee was in a meeting with our CEO today and our CEO told all of the new employees that if they had any questions that I was a great asset because I know my job and the company and I do a great job. I felt very honored by these compliments and it made me feel much better about my job. It was good to hear these things because life has been a bit rough lately and has taken some very tough changes and turns... I just keep saying to myself, this too shall pass.

A new week

2008-09-29T21:00:00.002-06:00

Well it is the start of a new week. I have noticed that the weeks just seen to blend together. Life has become quite boring... Get up, usually late, go to the office, work for 8 or 9 hours, then some days I go and teach, then home... Same old routine day after day. I guess it is time to change things up a bit. I haven't really decided how I am going to do that yet, so I am open to suggestions. I have been seriously considering going back to school in January, but looking at my finances, I am not sure that will be possible. I already have a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and now I would like to work toward a Bachelor's in Chemistry and Criminal Justice. I am also going to start looking for a new place to live. I am tired of my apartment and all of the noise that comes along with it. Saturday night or shall I say Sunday morning about 1:30 there was a huge domestic dispute going on either just outside my bedroom window or at least in the same building. It was a bit scary. I don't want to be around that, so the apartment search is on again. Plus I want to move closer to work, especially with the winter coming and me still driving my little corolla.

Reality

2008-09-24T20:24:00.002-06:00

What a week it has been, a very rough week, again. I am amazed at the number of emotions I can feel during the course of a few days. I have had the opportunity to face some realities this week. It was brought to my attention this week that I tend to dwell on the past... As I have been thinking about that comment I have realized that I do love to reminsce about the past, especially college. Those were some very happy times in my life. Now it is time to look to the future and continue to make happy memories. My goal is to look to the future, whether it be a minute in the future, a day, a week, a month... I look forward to making those memories with my friends and family.

Rain

2008-09-20T15:36:00.003-06:00

So here it is Saturday Afternoon. So far today I have gone to my sweet little Sabrina's soccer game, where they won! I have done my grocery shopping, cleaned both of the bathrooms in my apartment, gone to the dollar store and to Bed, Bath and Beyond to look for the microbead pillows. They had them, but they were the "U" shaped pillows and that is not the shape I wanted... I was very glad that I got all of this done before the storm hit this afternoon.

I must admit though, I love the rain. I have enjoyed sitting here on my couch watching it rain and listening to the thunder. I love the smell of rain. During and after the rain, everything just smells so fresh and new. It reminds me of the fresh starts we are each blessed with in this life. I am grateful that it is raining. September has been a very dry month and we need to moisture! I would rather it come now in rain, than later on this winter in the form of snow. If we have a winter this year, like last years... I am going to have to buy a new car. My little corolla doesn't handle well at all in the snow. It is so light weight as well. I am amazed that I didn't wreck it last year in a slide off. So let it rain now!

Gratitude for Tribulations

2008-09-17T20:24:00.000-06:00

"Tribulations are frightening. And yet the Lord said: 'Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." 'And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious' (D&C 59:7)."The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord--even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace."When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?"President David O. McKay observed, 'We find in the bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude . . . , which . . . goes beneath the surface of life, whether sad or joyous' (Pathways to Happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay [1957], 318)."
Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, 35 36

Tylenol PM, Retail Therapy, and College Memories

2008-09-14T10:57:00.003-06:00

So this is a couple of stories/thoughts all in one.... What a week it has been. The number of emotions I have felt in my body is unimaginably large. I didn't realize that I could feel so many emotions at one time. Along with emotions I have been having anxiety/panic attacks. It is a very strange feeling. Mostly it feels like what I think a heart attack would feel like, then on top of it I have not been sleeping much at all because of the anxiety... That is where the tylenol PM comes in handy. For the first time last night I took 2 tylenol PM's before bed, I finally slept incredibly well. Unfortunately I am now a bit groggy, but it was definately worth it. Maybe the tylenol will help the tendonitis in my knees too! That would be a bonus since I am again teaching 3 days a week and taking a jazz class on Monday nights and a ballet class on Wednesday nights. It feels so good to be taking class again. I have missed dancing. It feels amazingly well to be back in the class room again.

Yesterday, My mom and I went shopping. I needed some retail therapy and it was much more fun to go with someone than go alone. I really wanted a new car when I got up yesterday. Actually I should say I have wanted a new car since about February of 2008, but it has been more of a want lately. I love retail therapy. I didn't buy a new car yesterday, the one I want is a bit expensive right now and I need to wait until my mind is a bit more clear to make that type of a purchase. But when I do buy, I want a Subaru Outback Wagon with a sun roof in a color that doesn't show the dirt. So someday that will be what I buy. On the therapy trip we went to Downeast Outfitters where I bought a darling purple shirt, then it was on to Kohl's because they are always having a sale and their clothes are darling. There I bought 2 sweaters, a grass green one and a mauve one, then I bought a tangerine shirt as well. I love them all, I can dress them up with a skirt or a pair of slacks or dress them down with jeans. I love being able to alter the occasion for the outfit. I also took my mom to the Verizon Store as it was past the time for her to upgrade her phone. I love taking her cell phone shopping. Finally it was time to feed our bodies, so it was off to Applebees. This is where the college memories come in. My good friend from college, Kevin, is a manager at Applebees. He recently moved back to SL for work. Kevin is the type of friend that you can go days, months or even years with out seeing him and then you see each other and it is as though you never spent time apart. My mom hadn't seen Kevin since 1997 or 1998. It was fun to see him again. Our waiter came out and I asked him to please send Kevin out, so our waiter goes back and tells him that Table 10 is angry and so he needs to come out and resolve the problem... I thought that was great. So we talked for a bit and ate, he introduces me to his co-workers as his Ex-Girlfriend, and the co-workers laugh about that a bit. Kevin and I did date in college, but then we each chose a completely different path in life. Kevin had to go and do some work but came back sat down and says... "Anna, I guess I shouldn't introduce you as my Ex-Girlfriend, because we never really officially broke up, we just went our separate ways. I went to NYC and you stayed in Cedar City to finish school." I had to laugh because I never really thought of it that way. I had to giggle a bit, because whenever I see Kevin's significant other, I make the comment that Kevin is and will always be my Kevie... Even though we have both moved on. Ahhhh the memories. I love reminiscing about the crazy, good ol' days, when I could survive on only a couple hours of sleep.

Every Woman

2008-09-13T10:35:00.002-06:00

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE.
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a past juicy "Story" that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her
family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a feeling of control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover,
and confront a friend
without; ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK
AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust, whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a
charming Inn in the woods.... when her soul needs
soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

What a week!

2008-09-05T21:44:00.003-06:00

It has been awhile since I posted, so I guess it has time. Plus it has been an eventful week. I spent from Sunday night until Tuesday late afternoon hanging out with my dear friend Tanji and Baby Jay. Tanji had back surgery at the end of August and isn't able to pick Baby Jay up. So I got to help her out with him for 2 days. I must admit, I had a blast. Tanji and I were talking and she asked if me taking care of Jay was helping to diminish my hunger for a baby. Nope, it just made it grow even stronger. I am glad for that. I am excited to eventually become a mom, and no I am not making any announcement. Someday, there will be a sweet little one in my life. I look forward to that day. Tanji's husband, Jimmy was home for a bit on Monday evening for dinner and then we all watched a movie, The Eye. It was a creeper movie. After Jimmy left to go back to work, Tanji and I decided to watch a comedy... What Happens in Vegas. I fell asleep, but Tanji made it thru the movie. Not that me sleeping thru a movie is a surprise. Along with the time spent at with Tanji, Jay and Jimmy, dance started again this week. I am very glad to be back teaching again. I am a again teaching Ballet 4, Ballet 5 and Company Ballet. I have amazing dancers again this year. It is again going to be a very fun year. I love watching the dancers progress in ballet and in life. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to share my love of dance with others. My dancers are my kids as well. I love that aspect. I get to watch them grow and see them get married and have little ones of their own. So I am looking forward to this year!

Tag...

2008-08-20T20:34:00.003-06:00

Four Places I go Over and Over:
1. Dance Studio
2. Grocery store
3. Work
4. CrAzY

Four people who email me regularly:
1. My Mom
2. My Brother
3. Tanji
4. Janet

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Mexico
2. Hawaii
3. Germany
4. Disneyland

Four people I talk to on a regular basis:
1. Tanji
2. My Mom
3. Jerel
4. Angry Lawyers

Four of my favorite places to eat:
1. Ichiban's
2. Subway
3. Cafe Rio
4. PF Changs

Four people I tag:
1. Tanji
2. Libby
3. Tahnie
4. Cheri
And anyone else who wants to do this. So I guess I tag everyone!!!!!

Ahhh the memories

2008-08-16T21:02:00.001-06:00

High School Tag

2008-08-16T12:16:00.003-06:00

I saw this on Libby'sblog and thought it would be a fun one to do. I tag anyone who wants to do it..**Note: there is no #3

1. Did you date someone from your school? Yep, but no serious boyfriends in high school, I had better things to do.

2. What kind of car did you drive? A 1981 Gray Ford Granada, it was awesome!

4. Were you a party animal? I enjoyed most social scenes, a bit of a party animal, but I was mellow compared to a lot of the kids I went to HS with.

5. Were you considered a flirt? No, I still don't really know how to flirt.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope

7. Were you a nerd? I don't think so, but according to some I might have been.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? Varsity Debate.

9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No

10. Can you still sing the fight song? Yes

11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr Nick, the debate coach and Mr. Miller the drama/competivie speaking coach.

12. Where did you sit during lunch? In the Quad.

13. What was your school's full name? Twin Falls Senior High School

14. School mascot? Bruins

15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? No.

16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? No. I have some great memories, especially of my sophmore year and hanging out with my Senior brother and all of his friends, but I would never go back. I much prefer being an adult and treated like an adult.

17. What do you remember most about graduation? The guy sitting next to me, he was completely drunk and stoned and he brought his pet Rat with him. I have a picture of me at graduation holding his rat.

18. Where did you go senior skip day? We didn't have one.

19. Were you in any clubs? Yearbook, Spanish, Debate, Business Professionals of America, Honor Society, the Outdoor Club, Competive speaking...

20. Have you gained some weight since then? Yep, but just a little. I still wear the same size I did in high school though.

21. Who was your prom date? I didn't go, not many went. It was held in the HS gym and there were about as many cops there as there was students...You would think my HS was full of holy terrors, and it really wasn't, although my class had the reputation of the worst class to ever graduate from TFHS.

22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? It was in 2004 and no I did not go.

It is only August, but...

2008-08-03T20:27:00.002-06:00

So I came to the realization that it is only August, but dance starts again tomorrow for our 3 week summer session, which means that the fall session starts in a month and 3.5 months from that is the Christmas recital. I have begun the search for Christmas songs for my 3 ballet classes. So I am asking for suggestions... It does not have to be classical music. Last year Company Ballet danced to Imagine by Mercy Me and Ballet 3&4 danced to A Strange Way to Save the World by 4Him... So I am open to ideas....

Jealousy...

2008-07-31T21:52:00.002-06:00

So tonight I was reading a friends blog, who is expecting. I am so happy for her, but I must admit as well that I am a bit jealous. I would love to be a mom. I know that my time will come and I look forward to that time. I want to experience the morning sickness, the first movement, the pain giving birth, what a joy it will be.

Mamma Mia

2008-07-30T21:33:00.002-06:00

Life has been really calm lately, it makes me wonder what is about to happen... The calm can only last so long, at least that is my experience.

So last weekend I went and saw Mamma Mia. I loved it. I just wanted to get up and dance in the aisles. I would recommend it to everyone. It was so fun. Plus I love the Abba music. It was just a feel good movie. I also want to see The Dark Knight and Get Smart... I would even see it again!