Where is the Whirligig?

"Feeling Sentimental...."

2012-01-30T21:25:00.001-08:00

Can't you just hear Snape's drawling voice with that title?

"Feeling Sentimental...."

Seriously--Snape is one of the best characters.

But--that's not what this entry is all about.

I've been feeling sentimental as of late.

I have no idea why. Maybe it's the whole starting the new year thing.

Maybe it's to avoid the constant barrage of already beginning (and annoying) political pundits.

Who knows.

But--I have decided this year--that I am going to try at least a couple times throughout the month to spotlight something "Sentimental"--a favorite from my past (or present)--that is worth spotlighting.

If any of you out there would like to add your own "sentiments" feel free!

Here's the first. Remember these?

They were so cool!!!

Ahhh---those were the days (they really were! Those necklaces were pretty fun!)

Enjoy!

Really Whirling?

2012-01-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry for long time no post.

As usual--life has taken over and my ability to "whirl" has been limited.

I did "whirl" to Branson over the holidays--and KS--to see family.

Unfortunately, the holidays were kind of a downer this year for me.

I have hopes of whirling somewhere in the future--ha ha--once I've financially recovered from a recent vehicle expensive expense.

And--I am hoping to "whirl" around my new home state a little more soon!

Plus--the Kansas City Temple open house and dedication was announced today--in April and May--so have major plans to "whirl" for that!!!!!

I will try to share pictures too.

But--for right now--I'll just share some where I REALLY want to "whirl" to. Really wish I could afford to go--especially since Disney announced that they're only going to open it with a "short run" at least to start out with--to see how it does.

Oh--so praying it does REALLY well--cause I SO want to see it!!!!!

So, here you go:

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/158766-Casting-Announced-for-Broadways-Newsies

Random Whirling....

2011-12-10T21:50:00.001-08:00

So--I noticed some tiny dumb ants crawling on one of my counters this morning.

Was hoping they'd all be dead by now--but no--they're hiding behind my refrigerator (or in it) I'm afraid (not the cold part--but the back warm part).

So--I picked up one of the Tarro Ant bait traps, that was sitting right on the floor, and put it on the cupboard.

This afternoon, I got something out of the cupboard up above it--and when I shut the door I realized that there was this diagonal line of ants crawling to the bait trap--now running the other direction.

Well--I've watched it all night--and the bait is working very very well!!! Too bad it's on the counter--

But hay--it's working :)

Yup--totally random!

Reece's Rainbow Christmas Warrior for Denny!

2011-11-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

I am sponsoring a orphan (Denny) from Bulgaria from Reece's Rainbow (RR) for Christmas. Reece's Rainbow specializes in assisting with special needs international adoptions to save children from lives wasted in institutions. We are raising money for his grant to fund his future adoption. Any donation amount will help---and every donor who gives at least $35 gets an ornament with Denny's picture on it. Our goal is to raise $1000 for Denny's adoption grant by Christmas. Please click on the following link if you would like to donate:

http://reecesrainbow.org/22824/denny-57-1

You can donate any amount--and any amount can help!!! They work with Paypal as well--so it's really easy to donate!

Please help if you can. Either click on the link above, or you can donate straight from my donate button on the side of this blog!

Thank you! Here's a picture of cute Denny below!

A Teacher Worth Remembering...

2011-10-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

This last week one of my favorite teachers passed away.

I have not seen her since 2nd grade. But, as my mother and siblings would put it, we were 2 peas in a pod.

It is amazing the ironies between her life an mine that have amazed me over the last couple weeks.

For example, her birthday is the day after mine (a different year, of course).

She adopted 2 girls as a LDS faithful single woman! This made my heart sing!

She introduced me to so many amazing authors and books! She promoted me writing. She carefully cared for my 2nd grade heart.

She was truly an amazing teacher worth remembering! And--her influence is truly amazing. I just think of how many lives she touched--because she touched mine. It is truly a wonderful heritage!

Thank you Ms. Butterfield. You are truly loved!

Here is her obituary!

Janean Butterfield
July 22, 1944 ~ October 15, 2011
Hometown: Sandy, UT

Janean Butterfield
1944 – 2011

Our Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Friend Janean Butterfield returned home to Heavenly Father on Saturday, October 15, 2011.

Janean was born July 22, 1944 to Elias C. and Maxine Sargent Butterfield and shared her birth with her twin sister Janeal.

Janean was born and raised in Riverton Utah. She attended Riverton Elementary, West Jordan Jr. High and Bingham High School. She graduated from BYU in Education and earned her Masters Degree from Westminster College.

Janean was a hard worker and self supporter. Early in her life she worked at the Salt Lake Genealogical Society. She was a Master Teacher in Jordan School District for 31 years. She went the extra mile and tutored many students and is remembered and loved by hundreds if not thousands.

Janean loved her two daughters, Lexie and Kenzie and lived to see the birth of her first granddaughter born hours before her passing.
Janean was a friend to all and was loved by all who knew her. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was privileged to receive her Temple Blessings in the Jordan River Temple. She served in the auxiliary organizations of the Church and was a faithful Visiting Teacher.

Janean was an accomplished pianist.

Janean loved to shop and especially enjoyed getting a bargain.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Janean is survived by her children Alexis Catherine Butterfield (Dylan Bailey), and McKenzie Maxine (Jeremy) Lane and granddaughter Lily Persephone Lane. She is also survived by her siblings Brent E. Butterfield (Carolyn), Roger C. Butterfield (Sue), twin sister Janeal B. Wells (Kent), Veda Burgoyne (Mike), Craig S. Butterfield (Becky), Rhonda Rindlisbach (Kim) and many nieces and nephews who loved her.

We express Thanks to those who lovingly cared for our Mother, Grandmother and Sister during her life long trial with Heart Disease which she endured to the end with faith and courage.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 18, at 12 noon in the Crescent Park 3rd Ward, 11250 South 1300 East Sandy, Utah.

A Viewing will be held Monday from 6-8 pm at the Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 South 2200 West, Riverton, Utah and at the church Tuesday morning at 10:45 a.m.

Interment in the Riverton City Cemetery.

So, what is the Whirligig doing?

2011-09-25T19:57:00.001-07:00

Well--right now this whirligig is enjoying the new place she's at :)

It's still basically warm, still green, and still beautiful.

A little more rain is falling, and this weekend came with a cold and lots of sleep and work at home...

My place is still a mess, and all in boxes. Such is life....

But--just whirling away at life right now :)

Thanks for visiting :)

In 10 years---how have we changed?

2011-09-04T22:51:00.001-07:00

Been pondering this--as I said in an earlier post.

The news is progressively been discussing this "what has changed in 10 years" question.

So--I thought I'd add a few of my own--

In 10 years, what has changed?

1. I don't "put up" with as much any more...emotionally, mentally, etc. I think part of the "chutzpah" comes from the years of experience I've gained--as well as getting to be older than 30. But--I think "nation wide"--we could say that, overall, much of attitudes have changed. Flight 93 happened for a reason. And we honor the memories of those who were brave enough to say "No way!", by, in essence, doing the same.

2. I fly more. Yup--WAY more.

3. I've changed jobs, held 3 plus jobs at one time, gained 8 more years of schooling, moved 4 times--yup--faced fears I think....

4. I've gone back to where "it" happened--both in the NY and in the DC. Which was really, really good.

5. I've learned to confront anxiety--and beat it. At least beat it better than before.

6. I use the internet more (dur!)

7. I pray more--not that I didn't pray a lot then--just even more now.

8. I "defy" the odds more--especially the assumptions of others.

9. I still attempt to live without regrets--actually--this increased after that day.

10. I think (hope, pray) I recognize how important life is--living it to the fullest, and recognizing what is important--more now.

Mmmmm.....ya--I LOVE proving those whom are obsessed with fear wrong :)

P.S. I ALSO passed 4 stats classes--with nothing less than an A- and my mother is still breathing. Ya--that's a raspberry in some eyes :)

So--I'm sending out an "all call". I want to hear from others. How have you changed in the 10 years "since"? What do you do to "prove them wrong"? How do you live your life each day differently? So--I'd love for everyone to make a list on your blog of the 10 ways you live differently now--but not the "negative" changes--the positive ones--how do you "prove them wrong" everyday? So--write you list, and then link your blog into a comment on mine. I'd love to read everyone else's!!!

Last update: Whirling south!!!!

2011-08-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

So--my move "south" took some time--as it was more difficult than I thought it would be to find someplace to live-but in the Lord's time--it all worked out! I found a place that so far, has been great! Of course--no place is perfect--but I'm happy thus far :) I really just feel very blessed!

So--my mom and I were able to take a trip "south" to look for a place to live--then we traveled "south" to move my belongings. Then my sis and the kiddos came down to help "look" again (and we played some too!). That time we found the place :)

Then--finally--my niece came down with me (and I borrowed the van again) to move in. She and I explored a little around where I'll be living too (we drove far and became tourists :) ) Overall, we had a lot of fun. She was able to go on a riverboat, we explored a real submarine, and we went to one of my favorite museums! And soon (after another trip north to drop of the van and the niece), "south" will be where I'll be a "whirling"! I'm excited!

Tornado

2011-08-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

On the same day as we were celebrating all the birthdays (earlier post)--we also ended up in my sister's basement because of tornado warnings. Well--we just got golf ball sized hail at my sister's house. But, Joplin MO got an F5 tornado--that devestated a huge part of the city. My sister's family visits this city from time to time--and it is part of their large LDS Stake (the Stake Center was destroyed).

We were not able to visit for quite a while--but my sister had a friend who set up to deliver cold drinks to any victims or volunteers--so for a while my sister would get as many drinks as she could (via couponing and donations), and delivered them to her friend about every 2 weeks. So--during my big "move south"--we parked the truck (have to go through this city to get to my new place)--and drove around. It was quite surreal, and almost too much to take in (and this was a month afterward). My nieces and nephew's pediatric dentist (who is awesome, by the way) had his office there. He's now moved closer to where they live--but his office was by the hospital that was completely destroyed (the concrete and steel girders that held it up were literally twisted feet by the tornado!)--so we stopped there to take some pictures. I also got some pictures of the high school (Joplin High), which was completely destroyed as well (the district lost 4 or 5 schools!). I was not able to get a picture of this--but the high school sign had lost all it's letters except for the o and p--so someone had spray painted "H and E" onto it to spell "HOPE" High School!

The top picture is of the high school, the others in this section are of random houses. This whole area was an "older" area of the city--and was full of older houses and trees--which are all gone.

These pictures include a picture of my nieces and nephew's dentist's office (it was completely destroyed--you could still see the x-ray--and it still smelled like a dentist's office!), another picture of the high school (this is where you can see the whole side wall fell off of the school), someone's house, the hospital, and the bottom picture is of the dumpster that was at the dentist's office. The one in the back was usable--being used to gather destruction--the one in the front shows what happened to a dumpster in the tornado!

Whirling to the Largest Mall in the Country!

2011-08-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

So--I spoke at a meeting in a town about 3 hours away from where I was living "up north"--with my niece in tow--and then we had some well earned "fun" before we tackled the rest of the "adventure" of moving. We went the largest mall in the country--and had a blast at both the indoor amusement park, and the indoor aquarium.

I remember watching this show (probably on Nat Geo or the History Channel, or Travel Channel or something) about this mall, and it's attractions--and I always wondered (while living in the "West") why everything was inside?!? After living for a year "up there"--I do not wonder ANYMORE!!! Cause winter started in November--didn't really end until May--and then, while we were there, they had the "hottest" day on record ever for that early (in June)--it was 100 degrees--about 110 heat index (cause of the humidity). It had been 75 days earlier. I like midwest crazy weather--but northern weather--is just NUTS!!!

Random fun!

2011-08-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Kay--here's a few more random pics:

Kay--the top is a pic of me that my nephew took of me a couple weeks ago while we spent 2 very long hours at McDonald's--

The one with the bright yellow binkie--is one of my niece's binkie that was found in a random place in my townhouse--while we were packing!!! It had been there for basically a year (where she hid it last year, when I moved in!)

And the last one is my oldest niece. She helped a ton--to help me pack! She worked so hard--and was able to play with some new friends up there too! We were so busy--it was a little nutty--BUT--I did find an hour to stop at the Children's Museum in the city where I was living--for her to go explore. This is a picture of her while we were there!

Kansas City Temple

2011-08-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

On the way up north--with my older niece (she came up with me--cause I borrowed my sister's van--and she also helped me move--both out of my place up north, and into my place down south!!!) Anyway--on the way there, we stopped at the Kansas City MO Temple! It's still under construction--and I had not been able to see it at all! It's SO beautiful!!! So exciting!

Oh--and my niece's favorite part was that there was a bright red ladder on the top of the temple! She thought that was quite funny!

Whirly Birthdays

2011-08-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

So--along with celebrating my convocation and hooding, we also celebrated a bunch of birthdays--namely a nephew, niece, and my mom's!

Now--you have to know something about my youngest niece. I've told you about her food sensory fun...she will eat cupcakes....sometimes. And sometimes she'll eat a couple licks of vanilla ice cream. But otherwise--she's not really a "cake" girl.

So--last year we tried a home-made rice krispie cake. Utter failure. We had to take it away. Seriously--I'm NOT kidding! So--this year we bought her favorite donuts--those little powdered ones. She could eat those for every meal if allowed. So--that is what her cake consisted of--a pile of powdered sugar donuts!!!

Well--now whenever she's playing--or when another one of our family members have had a birthday--she happily sings the birthday song (she requests it sung to to her often as well)--at the end, she pretends to blow out the candles--she says "Yay!!!" And then she gets out her pretend fork--and says "And then eat the DONUTS!!!" For my sister's birthday earlier this week, we didn't get any donuts. My niece was sorely disappointed that there was only cake, and NO DONUTS!!! Oh my!!

So--here are some pictures--of the real cake shared between my nephew and my mom---and the pile of donuts--which my niece DEVOURED after she blew out the candles!!!

I got my niece that little piano--mainly cause I saw it at the store--and remembered that she often bangs on the piano when I talk to the family on the phone. Well, she opened it, we took it out of the box for her, she experimented for a minute with it, and then started busting out a tune. She seemed VERY determined. It took us a minute--listening to her--to figure out what she was singing. Then I caught the tune! She was singing "Elmo's World"!!! She's only seen it a couple times--but she was "La la"ing away! She knew just what that little piano was for! It was so she could become Elmo in Elmo's World!!!

Whirling through spring?

2011-08-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

I didn't really get a spring this year. There was snow up north until may (MAY!! UGH!!!) So--I was very happy in June to travel back south. I traveled south for a conference, and some family reasons--and for my graduation and hooding. Last spring (2010) I was able to do the University's commencement--but this year I was able to do my school's graduation and my own hooding :) All of my family was able to come.

Some of these pictures aren't that great--but oh well!! I quite like the ones of what my nieces and nephews were doing during the convocations (sleeping!)--and the one at the end--which is my cohort in a large group hug! So grateful for everything!

(P.S.Are you shocked and amazed that there are pictures of me? We'll see how long they stay up--but I thought ya'll would enjoy some :) )

Couple Random Pictures

2011-08-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple random pictures that my 4 year old nephew took. The one with cars and puff balls is of his room--the other is of his little sister walking down the stairs :)

This other picture was a momentous occasion. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, my younger niece has always had some "sensory" issues when it comes to food. She now will allow food she won't eat onto her plate (which was momentous to say the least!), but this day she was given the bun (which she will eat), and she asked for some "square cheese" (which she also will eat). She has never been one to mix most foods together. In fact, she would sometimes freak out if food was mixed. But on this day, she sat down, made this cheese sandwich, and ate all but this fourth of it!!! I had to take a picture of it--cause it was MOMENTOUS!!! She now will actually eat cheese sandwiches on occasion (and on her terms, of course)--but this was the first time!

Snow Fun

2011-08-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

Here's some Snow Fun. It's about all the fun I had in snow last year. By this point, up north had about 4 feet. But--these pictures are in KS--and a couple weeks after this (in January)--they were snowed in for about a week and a half with about 2 feet of snow. After this fun--I returned up north--where I got to learn the severe effects of Vit D deficiency--not fun at ALL!!! Let's just say, I need the sun!

Enjoy!

My niece (the younger one in the pink coat) finally started having fun with snow on this outing :) She learned how to make snow angels (and proceeded for the next couple weeks to walk outside and fall into the snow to make a snow angel--stopping no matter where she was! It got kind of hard once the snow was taller than she was!), learned how to shovel the snow with her toy shovel, and learned how much fun it is to throw snow on others--and even how fun it can be to have snow thrown on yourself (well, most of the time). Most of the pictures of her with handfuls of snow and a mischeivous (sp?) grin was when she was trying to throw snow on me :)

Butterfly Pavilion

2011-08-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

Branson has this great place called the Butterfly Pavilion. It is not "huge" so my mom was able to handle it. Her cancer has spread to her bones--so her hip was still quite sore last Christmas.

I got some great pictures of the butterflies--and of the kiddos. One of my favorites is that of the "little one"--the 2 year old--collapsed on the butterfly bench they had--just looking cute and "done".

The Pavilion also had an awesome mirror maze, which was a lot of fun. We spent quite a lot of time there--it was well worth the inexpensive price (compared to some activities, anyway!)

Here's a bunch of pictures! Forgive if they don't come in order--you know--blogger does that!

We're Already Up to Christmas!

2011-08-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

Whew! We're already up to Christmas. This year for Christmas the "fam" whirled to Branson MO. We had a fun slide slip-sliding on all the hills, staying in some great condos, I was desperately grading like a crazy person, and wrapping like a crazy person, and we got to see the Dolly Parton Christmas "Extravaganza"--which was quite fun! There were lots of lights, and lots of fun :)

Here's some pictures at the Bass Pro Shop, checking out the fish and seeing Santa :)

Get Ready.....

2011-08-10T22:33:00.001-07:00

Get ready...for a big long update!!! As in a year of updates! Woo hoo! I know you're so excited to see the last year of Whirling!

After a week like this....

2011-08-08T00:32:00.001-07:00

Much fear is amongering.....

Much despair all around...

And yet--after a week like this....

This is what the Lord has brought to my mind.

May we remember that someone before us--

Has already paid the price..felt our pain.

He can bless us with peace..and knows the hard times!

Now--go forth and help others...like this video says--wish we all would!

Ode to July!

2011-07-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

To the month I was born in:

Thank you for your warm breezes, heat and humidity!

Thank you for your beautiful blue skies and fluffy clouds!!

Thank you for your late July summer rain storms,

And for slightly cooler evenings for us to play in!

For circuses and fireworks,

For birthday cakes and sunscreen!

For new friends and new people to meet!

Thank you for coming half-way through every year,

To be something to look forward to--and something to fondly remember

Every year!

(I could get an A in a 4th grade poem assignment with that one! As long as they didn't have to rhyme, that is...)

Independence Day!!!

2011-07-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

To honor this awesome day (and the fact that it is July!!!!) here is one of my favorite parts, of one of my favorite songs for ya'll!!!

"And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA."

Thank you Lee Greenwood!

Fb Status for Today:

2011-06-08T22:40:00.001-07:00

So--while lost in the Minneapolis metro area (again) yesterday (I've yet to NOT get lost there), I complained by saying "Who designed this place?"--my niece responded "someone who needs to go back to college!!!" Laughed hysterically at that!!!

Living out of a suitcase.....

2011-06-01T20:21:00.001-07:00

So--in the last 5 years, I think I've perfected this art. Especially since, a couple weeks ago, I successfully slept in my CAR because of a delayed plane.

So--here's some of my ideas on how to do this on a regular basis:

1. Get rid of as much of the big stuff as you can--buy a lot of travel sized items!

2. Buy outfits and shoes that can go with lots of stuff--and each other--so you can attempt to do things with only 1 pair of shoes and a couple outfits.

3. Pack a wind-breaker. Just trust me on that one!

4. Pack an alarm clock. A small one that doesn't use batteries. Trust me on that one too.

5. When possible--don't check baggage.

6. When traveling some where familiar--like family (which I travel back and forth on a constant basis)--pack a suit case with all your clothes, and a shoulder type bag with your toiletries and pajamas/underwear. That way--when you get there--you can just grab that bag, and not worry about the suitcase (cause likely you'll be getting there late--and will be too tired to care--at least I always am). Sometimes I just pack an extra change of clothing too--simplifies things. Oh--this helps when packing to move (which I'm becoming way too good at as well!!!)

7. Inevitably, you will forget something. So--become really good at making things out of what you can find at Walgreens or CVS or another convenience store. I've made a scarf out of a headband, bought substitutes for things I've forgotten, etc.

8. The new trick I've been taught, to save money, is buy snacks/lunch stuff you can buy (helps if you have a fridge in your hotel/motel room)--especially when at a conference and you know lunch food will cost a fortune.

9. Always, always, always pack fingernail clippers, toenail clippers, a little pair of scissors, and an emery board. Just trust me on that too (oh--and ear plugs and a sleeping pill can be helpful too).

10. This really doesn't have to do with living out of a suitcase--but as I'm just not the best mass transport user, I've recently found that when all else fails (or I just really don't want to hail a cab)--go into a nice hotel and tip the door man to do it (whether you're staying there or not!). So. much. easier.

So--there you go--your total random information for the night!

Whirling South?

2011-05-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

So........I'm going to be permanently whirling south this summer. To a place pretty close by a "little rock"--if you know what I mean.

I'm excited--yet will miss those who have been helpful and kind this year.

But--I've decided to do a "what I've learned" list, to commemorate what I've learned this year:

A. I am NOT a Northerner---in absolutely no way, shape, or form. Not only do I just not like the weather, and lack of light--but it actually has a physiological effect on me--a permanent one. Really--NOT fun. So, yup--I've learned that I am not a Northerner.

B. I really am not comfortable with complacency. Granted--you can find it anywhere--but I'm just not like that....

C. No one should ever, EVER (especially of my faith) should ever feel as alone as I did that late night right after the blizzard of 2010. Ever!

D. People self medicate up here--and keep it a secret that the lack of sun can make you sick (probably cause it makes them sick--but they have to stay up here--or think they have to).

E. I now know that truly, only 1/4 of me is Swedish--and that the majority of me is just glad my Swedish ancestors moved South!

F. I have learned to go "cheaper"--when it comes to housing. Not "cheap" housing--but less expensive is better. I've been paying WAY too much all year. It's annoying!

G. I've learned to have it signed on the dotted line--and if I'm concerned enough about it, that I'm anxious about it--to bring it up before I sign on the dotted line.

H. I've learned that I can really go at least 2 years without ever seeing snow--and I won't shed 1 tear!

I. I've learned that I really have to like where I'm living--not just think "I can do this"--but "I know I like this". Ya--pretty important.

J. I've learned that you can say no to a calling--not that you should--unless led by the Spirit (which oddly enough--I was).

K. I've learned that sometimes I have to calm down enough to hear the Spirit. And I've learned that sometimes--even when you think you're doing what you think the Lord wants you too--if what you're feeling is the opposite--that the Lord is sending you a different answer than you assumed.

L. I've learned to trust my gut, more than I did before.

M. I've learned I like teaching Institute. Even if I'm "just a sub".

N. I've learned that I need sun, and light, and LOTS of it--all the time.

O. I've learned that people (most) are great! Temples are great too!

And--I think I'm good at O. I've learned many other things this year--some I already knew--others I didn't. Mainly--the most important thing I've learned again this year, is to Wait on the Lord--His timing, His answers, His scriptures, His word. It's all true. Okay--I'm done :)

And if any of you ever want to visit a "little rock" or Graceland--I'm going to be on the way ;)

Where I've been Whirling?

2011-05-07T21:14:00.001-07:00

I've been "Whirling" lately....so here's some clues:

(The picture above represents the National Mall)

It's been a lot of fun....and....more to come.....

God Bless....

2011-05-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

I don't get it....

2011-04-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

I Whirled my way this week to DC.....

It was great! I needed it!

I visited a museum while there--a famous one. The Holocaust Museum.

I didn't get to go there the last time I was in DC.

Did it touch me---yes. But not as one would suppose. I did not cry.

I just ached. I've seen much of what is there before. But, I purposefully took hours to go through. Until I could not stand it anymore--really.

So overwhelming. I must admit disappointment that the "room" where they discuss the horrible atrocities that were done to those with disabilities was so small--so limited.

So--I'm giving you all this link here:

http://www.regent.edu/acad/schedu/uselesseaters/

I believe the museum in DC needs more.

But--I have to just say this--after watching Harry P. 7.1--which books definitely have a theme of prejudice throughout them---

I just have to say, I don't get it.

It's a good thing, I suppose. I grew up in a Sesame Street world, where I was taught to be kind to everyone.

Now--am I perfect? No. No one is.

But--it's the bias, the bigotry, the hatred of others I just don't understand.

Again--I suppose that's a good thing.... but it doesn't leave me much compassion for those whom display such stupidity....

Or--should I say...understanding of how they can think the way they think.

I mean--I just found out today, for example--that someone I'm close to recently said some just horrible things. Things that embarrassed their own children. And boggle my mind.

Or--when unfriended by someone--surprisingly whom I thought was a great friend?

It's odd when it happens to yourself....but even more hard to see when it happened to millions.

So, I guess I'm proud to say "I don't get it"---I don't understand how those whom I assumed should "get it"---don't.

I guess I can just hope and pray--that someday they will?

So--in honor of that day---here's a Sesame Street world video--calling all to "come and play"----to open hearts to how Christ would truly want us to see each other!

Magical key....

2011-04-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like others around you must know some special secret about life?

I was recently reading a blog I LOVE--and the person talked about some knew technology they were going to purchase.

Even though they have other new forms of technology.

And I thought "Gee, they must have some special knowledge or coupon or something to be able to afford that?"

You know, the "they must be in THE KNOW".

Or--for example, I just read another friend's blog--about her daughter turning 16--and how a boy texted on her birthday to ask her out on a day.

This lovely young lady has had boys lined up ready to ask her out (many ages of boys) since she was about 14 (or younger).

I've certainly thought this MANY times in my life: they're family must know a special trick for how to get that to happen.

I assumed my family knew that too--as my older sister was asked out on a date the same weekend as her 16th birthday.

I always assumed it would happen to me. Never did.

I read a lovely Ensign article today--about the crown of thorns.

I must admit, one of my favorite movie quotes is "I'm my own crown of thorns" from Hope Floats.

Yesterday I had, yet another experience--where I felt the same way. Like everyone else around me had some secret knowledge--knowledge I've striven for, worked my butt off for, tried and tried again for--and yet it's still beyond me.

I've been incredibly blessed in my life. But this reality always haunts me.

I was recently told "well, what if you took your own expectations for yourself down just a notch--wouldn't that help?"

The thought caused me major anxiety. I was recently also told "well, you're allowed to be human?"

And--I looked a the the person and said "I've never been allowed to be human?"

I guess you could say, I have often felt in my life as thought I was trying to figure out what everyone else in the room knew--like so many were 2 steps ahead of me. I mean--I just think about high school math class and immediately go there.

Although--at least in my case--I know to some extent why.

This doesn't mean I don't still cry out in unrelented pain sometimes to the Lord. But He had let me know--that perhaps it's so I can know how others who don't have that "magical key" feel.

And that even those who supposedly have "it" don't always have "it"--or feel like they do.

Glad that brings peace--well..... Praying.....

You'd have to know us....

2011-04-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

So--you'd have to know us.

My mom is doing a "project" for me--for my birthday.

I want a decorator quilt for the extra bedroom someday I'll have.

It will kind of be a "play room" too--and maybe a room for a future adopted toddler as well.

I love elephants, the color red, and gingham, so wanted to combine those.

So--I bought these awesome tea towels this lady embroidered last year at a craft fair.

Than I found an awesome embroidery piece on ETSY for a very good price.

And bought it to be the "center".

There are 7 tea towels.

Then, this weekend, after traveling across the state for a presentation (3.5 hours), I traveled north to take pics of a city where my great grandfather served his mission while here in the state I'm in.

And went to a mill end fabric store (cause the city where I live has NO good fabric stores!!!)

I searched there and finally found the exact fabric I wanted, drew the design, and mailed a large box to my mom (yes, my mom wants sewing projects--so I'm not just sending her stuff).

Anywho--you'd have to know the 2 of us.

My mom got the package yesterday. And after opening it and figuring out how she thought she'd do the quilt, I called and we talked.

And then my mom said "well, the design will be different" I said "okay". She said "I"m not going to use the picture elephant embroidery you sent".

Then, the phone went quiet.

"Mom, I specifically purchased that one to be the center of the quilt top"

"Yes, but the fabric is different than the tea towels. It will look different"

"I don't care mom. I make T-shirt quilts? I don't care if the back fabric looks different."

My mom said "Well--if I do that, it won't be even".

"Well than take out one of the tea towel ones"

Anyway...we went back and forth like this for about 10 minutes.

It was just really funny to me afterward--cause I think the conversation really showed my mom and my personalities. I'm the type that puts the design together in my head, and goes for it. I figure out the details for sewing projects (most of them except the really important ones) kind of along the way. I plan, but don't worry as much about "conventions".

My mom, on the other had, is VERY conventional. We've had "sewing discussions" like this more than once. She wants to always follow a pattern or design. I'd rather measure, use a pattern if it helps me, and design out of my head.

You'd just have to know us. I think people listening in would either think we're funny, or mad at each other.

But believe me--you'd just have to know us. This is how we work :)

Tornado?

2011-04-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

So--when I moved here, I was told more than once, by more than one person who would hear where I moved from (KS) that it's "different" here...

Um...when I woke up from a nap this afternoon to a tornado siren--and eventually had to rush into my "tornado" place...

I thought that the difference likely is that it just doesn't have to get quite as warm here before it's "tornado" weather.

Whee phun!!!

Observant...

2011-03-31T16:14:00.001-07:00

As a child (and probably as an adult as well), I had this look. Pretty similar to the child above. You would particularly see this when I wanted to observe the world. I would usually be smiling...but hesitantly observing. Not hesitant toward the world (I could dive into an activity if I wanted to--I was not, per say, afraid)--but usually just taking it all in--and observing.

As I've gotten older, I've observed this observing. A few people (who usually don't know me very well) say I can seem "timid" at first. When in reality--I'm just observing.

The interesting part of this though...is that along with those observation--have come learning. Now--this does not me that I didn't learn things wrong. I mean...I was a self-absorbed teenager like many an American teen--who thought the whole world was watching me--and thinking the same as me--when they truly weren't.

BUT--SOME observations I made (having nothing to do with being a teenager, usually) have been useful.

Interestingly, though--I've found something very interesting things about all this "observation".

1st. This does not mean I see nor understand everything. I mean--physics...ya--come on!

2nd. But--it does mean that I've learned some things without experiencing them. Now--this doesn't mean I've learned everything ABOUT that "thing"--but, oddly enough--through these observations, I do actually sometimes clue into somethings. And, it's always nice, when put to the test, that those observations (and the decisions I've made related to them) actually end up correct.

3rd. Such observational techniques have been helpful in my jobs--and also stress inducing!! Because--I observe myself as much (if not more) than I observe others. So--my own observations of myself are usually harsher than of others. Thus...when I would observe myself in a job--and realized I messed up...ya--well for a while when I was teaching...I had to teach myself how to sleep instead of replay everything I'd thought I'd observed myself doing "wrong".

4th. That sometimes...with all this observing--things can be really funny. But, I also have learned that many other people are different than this. Thus, many learn some of the things I may have learned by observing.....by doing. And some people can only learn by doing...even if it means they have to do it wrong over and over again.
Think speeding tickets....

Anywho...this is really just a lot of babble--but it's been what I've been thinking about today...mainly cause I think back to that little girl--with the big, excited, yet hesitant eyes...and some days like today...I still think like her. I think "Oye! I think I'll do that differently!"

(Not that as a little girl I thought those exact words--but there were times I did think something like "don't do that...it will hurt" as I watched someone else get hurt...and so forth...)

There is my observant babble for today!

Whirli actually got to go on an adventure!!!

2011-03-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

I went here this weekend. I'm so glad I did, although I'm still recovering!!! (Sleep, sleep, sleep). And I'm sure the grading I didn't get done, will get done someday....

But, it was sorely needed!!! I could have gone north to another temple--but I'm seriously rebelling against north. Now that it's (almost) done snowing...I need sun...direct sun. And I need south. REALLY need south!!!

But--it's almost been 5 months since the last time I was able to go. Really don't love being snowed in for that long!!!

Beyond that--look at what my mom told me is going to be showing in NYC:

http://www.howtosucceedbroadway.com/

I'm aghast!!! ARG!!! I'll be nearby in a while---yet really "shouldn't" afford a train trip to NYC to see this. ARG!!! But I so want to....yet have no idea how I'll even afford life this Aug and Sept!!! Blah!!! And--where do I store my luggage if I go--and take a red-eye flight out?

Thanks mom! Do you think the NYC temple will let me store my luggage there? They probably close too early--aggghhh!!!

P.S. I have not even afforded to see Harry Potter 7.5---that is how tight it is right now (beyond that)!! But I'm still tempted!!! I mean---I'm praying that the gas this weekend will miracously (sp?) be covered!! But I'm still tempted!!! Maybe JFK has lockers (ha ha ha!!!)

Supposed to be...

2011-03-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

This was supposed to be my "happy" blog--where I blogged about my "whirli" adventures.

But--now that I don't have my other blog--it's turning not so "happy".

So--apologizing for today's depressive entry--but this is how I feel today.

Sometimes life just totally sucks!!! This is how I feel today.

To Blog...

2011-03-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I've wanted to blog here, or on one of my other "blogs". But--I've just been too busy enjoying my family to care. And honestly, I've been too overwhelmed with the emotions of this week. I'm the type of person who just wants to fly over and help any way I can. And feel like my hands are tied cause I can't. Feel that way a lot right now. Frustrating.

But--I thought I'd show this nasty picture:

I know--ewe! Why would I post this? Well--cause right now it's like I'm pulling off a scab. I have to say, one of my greatest frustrations in life is having it pointed out to me how little some people really know me--or how little the really know about my situation and what is going on--and yet they either do--or have to (cause they're asked to--like with an observation or something) pass judgment on my "job", or my life.

Just grinds my teeth. Especially cause I do feel that with those I don't know as well (sometimes especially them more than like my immediate family whom I've known most of my whole life)--I do try to give the benefit of the doubt. Especially, like, with those I teach. I do try to be understanding and helpful. I also will admit that I'm so hard on myself as is, that seriously--receiving criticism from others can often just push me over the edge. I'm a "Cancer"--it comes with the territory. We're hard (crusty) on the outside--but soft and mushy on the inside. And really--can feel chewed up and spit out really easily.

I have a sign for my office that says "Nobody knows what I do, until I don't do it". This is WAY too true in my life sometimes. Rip that scab off!

Stuck

2011-03-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

I found this picture recently---

And I realized--it's a perfect visual for how I feel right now.

I just feel stuck--

And look at that poor thing! I mean--there's no way for it to get itself out. It has to depend upon others in order to get out.

This is exactly the situation I'm in. It's just beyond frustrating.

Causes me many tears--like this poor elephant!

I just want out. Everything has been dashed--all the answers and "signs" point to
"out".

But--I still need others to decide to help--just like this poor elephant.

Wonder how much this poor elephant prayed like me--for others to do what needed to be done.

So it could not be stuck anymore....

Whirli-opposite

2011-03-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

So--you know how on the TV morning news shows they give a lot of advice?

Ya--I watch one of those. Not really for the advice, although sometimes I find it funny.

Well--I've decided that often, I'm the opposite of much of what they say.

For example--take exercising. You know how they say that if you really want to be successful at exercise, to do it with a friend?

Well--I HATE that. Or they say, join a gym? Tried that--mostly hate it more (there area few nice things--like a track--but I still much prefer to exercise on my own).

I've just found that I seem to do much better when I exercise on my own. No social games, no nagging, no judgment. Just me--and when I actually get to walk outside--a lovely conversation with Heaven.

Or--take fashion. Most of the time, whatever they show on those shows--I just laugh hysterically at.

I may not choose the exact opposite--but certainly something different.

Now--I will admit that I find some of their advice helpful. I don't think I would have gotten an extended-warranty on my car if I hadn't (which has been REALLY helpful).

Ahhh....to each their own, I suppose.

Okay--back to your non-babbling blog. I REALLY need to post some pictures on here!

Parchment Paper

2011-03-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Parchment paper is a beautiful thing!!!

Where has it been all my life?

Seriously! No more scrubbing cookie sheets!!!

Yea!

Whirli-random!

2011-03-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Okay--

In a random mood :) Aren't you excited?

Ya--I know.

So--here's some random thoughts for today:

Whew! That went well!

I'm controversial! I think I shock people (some people) somehow. That pot-stirrer that I am!

I think this experiment needs to be over!

Bills paid! Too bad 2 were late :(

But--it was only 2 this time :)

And--I'm paying off my forever late library fine (as in 3+ years late!)

I heart "Parenthood" :)

I REALLY need to put more pictures on this here blog!

Yes--a raccoon did that!

"Hawaiian rollercoaster" (I've been listening to my Lilo and Stitch CD a lot lately--must be the dream of warmer everything!)

Nat on Fat Rat is funny! Thanks for the reference C!

Okay--so K U better step up....cause the Y can't beat them!!!

Making them think...making them think...

If people only knew....

Okay--I think that's all the random for right now :)

The Sign

2011-02-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

There are certain signs we all watch for in this life.

Stop signs....moon signs....Spiritual signs.

Well, let's just say...I've seen WAY too many signs.

My prayers are constant.

Now--just hoping and praying faithfully

For His Will to occur!!!

Oh sheesh!

2011-02-26T23:04:00.000-08:00

So--

I was reminded today that after this "season" of political "fun" ends

Another "season"--an 18 month one begins....

Ugh!!!

Can I just say this, though....

Unless the options improve

My choice might just be

OH...who knows? A whirli-gig?

Cause honestly---I can't choose any of the current choices

And not regret it....Blah!!!

Whirly-?

2011-02-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

I watched one of my favorite shows this morning....

And this lady had a suggestion.

Her suggestion was that we actually write down the phone number of someone and call them.

Ann laughed at her (that should clue you in to what show I was watching if you watch morning "news" shows like me).

I laughed to.

You know--I don't even have a Black-berry--and to save mulah I don't even have Internet on my phone anymore.

I have very limited minutes during the day.....

So--try to save my minutes for important calls--and the daily chats with my mother :)

If you've read this blog before--you know I'm not a phone fan.

But--I found this as funny as Ann did.

I had a conversation a while back--well, more than one.

And people more than once were like "if I don't get back to you (via e-mail, Fb, whatever), you can call me."

And I looked at them like...."Why would I do that?"

I heard someone say "Save time, call me".

Kay--forgive me....I often say this is cause I'm "younger"--but "Ann" is not "younger".

But, um....isn't the point of e-mail, Fb, etc. so that people can E-mail you BACK!!!

I mean--I don't know what is faster....sitting and waiting for a phone to ring, having the voicemail or machine pick up, leaving a message, hanging up. Later calling (or forgetting to call), waiting for the phone to ring......so on and so forth.

Or just sending a whirly-e-mail!!!!! You don't get an answering machine, wait for the ring, get the voice mail, have to play "phone tag", or get a busy signal!!!

It's a beautiful thing! (And yes--I'm becoming more and more converted to text messaging too...)

So, I guess my response is "e-mail" or "message" me! And my cocked eye-brow is trying to figure out when it became a bad thing to just "e-mail"?

Whirling......

2011-02-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

The world as I know it.

For some reason this time of year gets me thinking about this... a lot.

Perhaps because I often feel, at this time of year, that who I am--what I do--and how they coincide comes so under attack.

That people who usually, know very little about what they're talking about (but they have an opinion about "it") weigh in, questioning the world as I know it.

Perhaps this is healthy--reflection is a good thing to practice (although, honestly, I practice it on a daily minute by minute basis--so usually feel I need to escape from reflecting--not add to it).

But--instead--I'm blogging--whirling...don't know why.

Let's reflect in public--put it out there for all to see---ya--that will decrease on the "self-reflection" :)

But--I'd just like to say this--amongst all the arguing, blaming, cutting, dicing, berating, defaming, belittling, excusing, and so forth that comes with this time of year....it does always remind me of this:

I did not go into this (what I do) because I was what others may label me as.

I went into this because 3 little boys taught me how the world COULD be...taught me what was important....and helped me see what we should truly be reaching for.

It certainly wasn't the "best" for a few--while the rest were hung out to dry.

It certainly wasn't because they intended to burden others by their presence.

It was because they--all 3 of them---were sent to teach me, as much as I could teach them.

It was so I could learn that touching a life is what is important.

Do I have to make a living...yes.

Is that part a little frustrating at times. Yup.....

But tonight...I taught a bunch of learning, growing, eager adults how they could utilize good teaching techniques to touch innumerable amounts of children in the future.

And we even had fun doing it.

I didn't do it for the "pay check"......I did it because I care. I care about these students, and the student's whose lives they will touch in the future.

It is so easy this time of year....to see---and not to see--how connected this world is....how 1 decision can so impact so many. How 1 decision can change so many people's lives.

But at least....amidst my whirling....perhaps, just perhaps....what I did tonight will make a difference in the long run. A lasting difference.....that will outlast any budget, any meeting, any piece of "law".

Perhaps it's what makes the "whirling" of this time of year worth it (or at least livable).

Thank you for reading the whirling....I still hope this season is over soon!

What is worse than winter season?

2011-02-21T14:17:00.001-08:00

What is worse than the winter season?

The legislative season!!!

I seriously enjoyed my 4 year break from the "hoopla" as I called it!

And--now I'm in purple land. Oh joy!

People get mean, people get stupid, and people say things and do things to other people I don't think they'd usually do.

(No--I claim no innocence here)--and some people love this.

Can I just climb under a rock until it's all done?

"Run Whirli Run!"

2011-02-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Living in a very purple place--

Has become very interesting as of late.

I've learned a lot in the last couple weeks. Here's a few:

Vitamin D=important

Sun=more, more, more--never enough up north!

Purple=political?

Don't always do what those whom give you advice--even though they're really knowledgeable and really smart---tell you to do. Sometime, if you really are worried about it--you should just do what you think you should do to help you not be so worried. Cause those who give the advice, don't have to live with the consequences you have to live with.

Political revenge=never-ending, no matter what. And when you're "innocently" stuck in the midst of it=no fun!

So--I found a bunch of these to describe how I feel of late. Lots and lots and lots of feelings, all mixed into one!

Whirli-hard day....

2011-02-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

It's been a hard day.

Prayers would be great!

But my mommy is doing okay.

That makes me happy.

I'd just really love to know

Where the Lord is leading right now.

And right now.

Thanks for listening.....

Whirli-escape!

2011-02-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Escape the gray, snow, etc!!!

Oh--wish we could!!

Whirl me away please!

Well--at least the mail man is here....

Did I just write a weird haiku?

:)

Whirli-tidbit!

2011-02-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

So--I'm watching the Walton's cause there is nothing else on.

You know--the "Big Game" just ended--so we must re-hash it a couple dozen times now.

Anyway--there is this lady on it--and I couldn't figure out who she was--what movie I'd seen her on before.

She's pretty grumpy on the Walton's--

Then I realized she was this woman:

Ma Bailey!

Ha--that was really weird to figure that all out! But I'm glad I did--cause if not it probably would have bugged me forever :)

Whirli-random!

2011-02-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

This is totally random--

But as I was "stumbling" yesterday--which is really fun, BTW--

I found this awesome blog:

http://thompsonfamily.typepad.com/thompson_familylife/page/3/

And--I LOVE it--so retro, so "random".

Made me think of these:

Do you all remember these from the 1980's? They were so cool--

And now--they're worth a small fortune!!! Man--I shouldn't have sent mine to the D.I. way back when!

2 Whirli-tidbits

2011-02-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

So---2 tidbits I've learned via experience as of late:

1. Vitamin D is important--VERY important--and when you don't have enough of it happening in your body (and yes--I was eating a balanced diet) it doesn't make your body (or brain) happy. AT. ALL. It's so nice to know "it wasn't all just in my head"--cause I was getting a little tired of the whole "just buck up and get over it" attitude and indifference I'd encountered at different venues as of late.

2. When you're told that you have 50% life in your brake pads--that REALLY means---"GET THEM REPLACED IMMEDIATELY SO YOU DON'T LOSE YOUR ROTARS (SP?) OR TIRES".
Yup--2 break pads, 2 rotars, and eventually 4 tires later--I'm a poorer person than I was previously. Blah! So--don't trust those "you should be fine for a while" messages from the nice mechanics--cause I drive too much--and it's been WAY too blizzardy for my brakes to not wear out faster! Ya--so much for treating myself to a massage this month. Nope--I'm getting 4 new tires instead (and yes--they're only 2 years old!)

Those are my 2 Whirli-tidbits of knowledge for right now. Maybe we should make this an annual entry on the blog? What do you think? Do I learn enough on a regular basis to have tidbits of knowledge? :)

Whirling toward FEBRUARY!!!!

2011-01-31T21:48:00.000-08:00

Oh--praise the Higher Power Above!!!

Tomorrow is FEBRUARY!!!!!

Now--if only the gray would go away, the feet of snow would melt, and winter would go away!!!

I don't think we should ask the Ground Hog--he always says more winter!!!!

How one life touches another....

2011-01-27T15:40:00.001-08:00

I know I put up my "memorial" last week--but I'd like to outline how one life touches another:

If Challenger had not occurred--and a teacher had not been on that shuttle,

N A S A would not have created the "Name the next space shuttle" contest.

--My 6th grade class would not have chosen (with prompting from one of our teachers) to decide to complete the process to enter this contest--we decided to choose the name "Half-Moon". (Also--I attended an elementary school named for another space shuttle--Columbia--so our who school was "endoctrinated" with the excitement of space flight).

--My 6th grade class would not have decided to do hours of service to earn our way half way to the moon and back--by awarding miles for hours of service to each student.

--My 6th grade class would not have chosen to serve our school and community by volunteering, fundraising, and gathering food, etc.

--A group of girls from my 6th grade class would not have asked for permission to assist in the Inclusive Pre-school classroom--a "new" program at the time that combined children with a range of disabilities and abilities together.

--That group of girls (which included me) would not have spent most every recess, and any extra free time we had volunteering with those very cute pre-schoolers.

--I would not have fallen in love with going to that preschool, and I would not have been asked to work with "B"---a bright, active little guy with Down Syndrome.

--If Christa had not taken that risk on the Challenger, I would not have been inspired with one moment of teaching "B" to identify his shapes--one moment where he was so proud of himself, and I was so proud of him.

--I would not have gone on, during my quirky teenage years, to volunteer, and take care of other children with special needs. I would not have purposefully studied disabilities, and disability advocacy--I would not have been led so masterfully on the path that the Lord has led me on--if Christa and the Challenger crew had not taken that risk.

--I would not have had to opportunity to work with incredibly talented professors and instructors at my undergraduate college, work for 7 years with some of the most amazing students and families (ya--I'm a little biased), and 15+ years with even more amazing people and families on this planet. I would not have been able to work with amazing professors and instructors at "that school down south"---or my masters alma mater.

--And, even most especially--I would not have had the most blessed opportunity to work in one of the "best" programs nationally for my "higher ed." degree. And now, would not have the opportunity to (hopefully) inspire and educate even more educators who can touch the lives of so many more children and families--and people.

How one life touches another--how 1 sacrifice of gargantuan proportions could effect even 1 small little life--and hopefully--many more.

We just never know, do we?

Thank you for that sacrifice! I know it led me where I was supposed to be (and--have to thank the Lord for that as well!)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

5

2011-01-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

5 more days....5 more days....5 more days....

This is a great blog about how I feel! Wish I could go where she went to escape!!!

http://emersonmerrick.blogspot.com/

7

2011-01-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

7 more days!!! Yes--I'm counting down....

"I Touch the Future...I Teach!!!"

2011-01-23T17:37:00.001-08:00

Will always remember! Thank you Christa and the rest of the Challenger crew for inspiring so many dreams!

Whirli-phenome?

2011-01-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

Kay--yes--I know. I'm taking the Whirli themed titles a little far...but it's fun!

So--last night as I was doing my Sunday night "avoid anything work related" Internet check--

My friend had linked to this article on Fb:

http://www.salon.com/life/internet_culture/index.html?story=/mwt/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs

I read it, and laughed, and puzzled, and then--of course--had to share!

I told my sisters and my mother (and father) about it. And now, I'm telling all of you.

Yes--I admit it--I am a blog addict.

BUT--no--I don't read most of the "Mormon Mommy Blogs" out there.

I do read Nie Nie--and her sister C Jane.

I checked out the others the woman writes about--and basically automatically detested them.

Why--you may ask?

Well--for the same reason many of the article commenters stated: They're too perfect!

See--I love Nie Nie and C Jane because, well--

THEIR LIVES ARE NOT PERFECT!!!

And--as a very "imperfect" Mormon woman--who reads these blogs at time to justify her green envy--other times to not feel sorry for herself (or--um--to feel sorry for herself)---

And sometimes, just cause--like the author of the article--it is nice to remind myself that a supposedly "simpler" life does actually exist (compared to mine)--

Nie Nie and C Jane bring me comfort.

So do my friend's blogs. As they don't all have supposedly "perfect" Mormon lives.

Yet--they are like me in one way: they are faithful Mormon women--trying to keep their temple covenants, keep the Lord's commandments, share the Gospel in their circles of life, and do what the Lord wants them to do.

They--for the most part--don't put on shows of model like "perfection"--but instead glorify in things that are beautiful and praiseworthy.

They whine, complain, and carry on at times--like the best of us!

But--to me--it's often like a grand, large on-line RS Meeting--where I'm able to interact with dear friends who live realistically imperfect lives--and are willing to open up about them for the whole world to see--

and perhaps--read about.

So, thank you Nie Nie and C. Jane--and my many friends who are willing to share!

Whirli-snow?

2011-01-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

Okay--this snow thing is starting to REALLY bug me!!

I mean--I've officially seen snow on the ground for about, oh, 5-6 weeks now. And I'm already beyond done with it.

And I'm not even close to "home" yet! Where there's probably like, 3 feet now. Plus it's freezing!

I now know how people survive living up "north" though.

They don't--they leave during the coldest and darkest periods--if they possibly can!!!

Ha!

Whirli-good!

2011-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best articles I've read in a REALLY long time--especially about this topic!

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/19294/Insight-into-education-careers-and-womanhood?s_cid=newsline

The only thing I think I'd tell her to improve it--is to talk more about the degrees the prominent women have gotten in the Church. Like the RS Presidency (and emphasize those whom are married--rather than just the one counselor who is single), the Primary Presidency, and YW Pres., and perhaps, emphasize the degrees the WIVES of the General Authorities have achieved.

But--thank you to her for quoting the true statistics in response to the "they're too career oriented" whine! L-O-V-E it!

Whirli-momentous event!!!

2011-01-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

Okay--

I got to view a very momentous event today.

My niece--whose diet mainly involves very few foods--mainly foods of 1 color, and never mixed together--

--Woke up from her nap tonight

--Came to the table

--Got a plain hamburger bun

-Got a slice of cheese

--Made a sandwich with some help from her mom

--and ATE 2/3 of the whole thing!!!!!!!

It was so momentous I had to call grandma and grandpa to share the news!!!

We taught her how to say (and sign) cheese sandwich!!

"She liked it!! She liked it!!!

Seriously--it was momentous--BELIEVE me!!!

Whirli-organized!

2011-01-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

I feel so organized! I actually have recorded (on 1 document) EVERY address I sent Christmas cards to this year!!!

Will be thanking this Whirligig next year!

:)

Whirli-phone?

2011-01-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

I admit it! I do--I am a phone hater.

The only people I don't mind talking to on the phone is my family (immediate).

I'm not sure why. It's partially genetic. My mom and sister are the same way.

I don't mind texting--sort of--but it's kind of clunky.

But--I've noticed something. There are some people who LOVE their phones.

I mean--I've had friends have Fb and e-mail and everything connected to their phones.

I've known quite a few people who wear their phones.

I quite enjoy mine turned off, buzzing, far away in my purse where I can't hear it.

I've found people abuse phone use--call too often. It annoys me.

Now, I do use the phone to make important phone calls--those annoying ones that I can't just e-mail about. That annoys me too.

I don't know--finding my phone in my purse is always a pain--even when I've tried to make it easier....

Phones get lost--slide into annoying places.

And wearing my phone? I don't think so!!!

But--the problem is that I have to interact in this world with phone lovers.

With people I find odd--who think "Well--you e-mailed me once, and I didn't respond--so call me".

What? What is up with that thinking?

I mean--isn't the purpose of e-mail so that you can get a hold of people whenever?

I mean--I'm the type of person who wishes and hopes for someone's answering program to pick up their phone so I can just leave a message (except family--with family I want to talk to a real human being--or when I'm trying to do some customer service work).

I mean--when I was recently "evaluated" I was reminded that not responding to an e-mail within 24 hours (with the "younger" population) is considered rude--and I'm usually pretty good about that (usually!)--but yet others seem to think I should just call them?

So--I have the answer--here it is:

A computer program where I can just e-mail my phone call--and they can respond back to it.

So--I still get the convenience (and decrease of anxiety) of e-mail--

And the phone lovers can still get their "phone fill".

So--here's the Whirli's request for all those techno giants out there:

please create a phone where I don't have to text--don't have to answer--but instead can just e-mail all my phone calls--make a phone where I don't actually have to "use" it--but can still use it :)

Now that's a Whirly request if I've ever read one!

Whirling: Not as easy as it looks....

2011-01-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

I admit it--I have a real lack of ability to understand certain things.

For example, I had many a roommate and friend in college ask me how it is that I picked a major and "knew" it was right?

Well--this one was tough for me to describe. I had volunteered at a very young age, and now realize that the Lord's Hand was involved in placing me in a very inclusive Ward (inclusive of people with more significant disabilities). In some ways--although I've certainly wandered and been lost and uncertain of what it is the Lord wants me to do, or where the Lord wants me to go---I've seen the "path" laid out--backwards and sometimes even I'm given a hint of the forward path....

This does not mean that Whirling is easy now. Believe me. Living up to what "can" be is as intimidating, (I think) as not knowing what "can" be.

But--it was definitely hard for me (still is) to understand my roommates. To understand what it was like to not have a "passion" for something (or something that could turn into some kind of job/career).

I've had people tell me "It's just a job".

Well, I've had a couple "just a job." I hated them!

So--I've tried, throughout my years of "Whirling" to put myself in other's shoes (or minds, dare I say), and try to figure out a little better how they think. Some people are perfectly happy with "just jobs". Some people are perfectly happy working for years on degrees, and still working "just jobs". And that's great--for them.

But--in recent weeks/months I've found another "blindness" that I have. It kind of works like this:

When I was in high school, after years (literally since 2nd grade) of struggle with math--I sought some help the semester I took the Algebra 2 class I bravely (for me) took. I took it to get into a certain school---a school I didn't make it into--THANK HEAVEN!!!

Anyway--I remember going to "peer tutoring". The NHS had this after school. And, I came in and presented my problem--to some of my friends. The really smart ones whom I had known since 7th grade. LOVE them (oh--and not that I'm not smart, about some things...just math is not my greatest subject! I've persevered through anyway...)

Anywho...so I tried to present my problem to one friend in particular. I tried to get her to outline for me the exact instructions on how to do the math (cause much to the chagrin of my horrible teacher, telling a student who has a hard time in math to "just read the chapter again" does not cut it!). She looked at me, and literally said "You know--you just need to not be afraid to play with the numbers." I looked at her with alarm!!! See--to me, numbers ARE NOT play things!!! They are an annoying foreign language of symbols, words I don't always understand, and numerals--math has rules--rules that must be followed exactly, or that big red pen (or failing notice) eventually wrecks your life (and future)!!! Numbers are not something to "play" with!!!

Anyway--she then showed me about 8 different ways to do the problem--to which I left--and basically cried my way home.

See--my friend was missing one important bit of knowledge....and that is that math does not come easy to everyone! In fact--numbers do not stick in the brains easily to everyone!

Over my years of teaching, I have learned that this is a very VERY important concept to understand in life. Understanding that "things" do not always come as easily to others as they do to you is a remarkable grasp of reality--

That many people do not have.

I think most of the horrible assumptions, prejudices, and offenses in this world could be solved if we (and I mean everyone--cause I can't claim I've always been perfect and grasping this for everyone....notice my first example)just grasped that we do not always recognize how hard something is for someone else.

In fact, as horrible as this sounds (because I whole-heartedly do not want to wish for hard things to happen to people--even though it is really only through the "hard" that we learn some of the most important lessons in life), I must admit to sometimes thinking "Gee--couldn't one hard thing happen to them?". I know, I know--that sounds horrible! But--here's the kicker--I only really think such things when I have observed a lack of empathy from the direction of the person I may be whining about, usually related to the area of "hard" that seems to not be understood.

Anyway--what is my point? I don't know--I guess mainly that I was talking to my mom, and we were discussing a situation similar to this--but one in which someone has no or very little empathy to the reality others (namely my family) experienced. This especially affected my mother. Anyway--I guess I just wonder--in the scriptures--when it says that Christ "discerned" what people were thinking/feeling, if this is what He truly discerned? What a blessing that could be!

Okay--babble and whirling over.

Whirling!!!!

2011-01-03T22:59:00.000-08:00

Okay--

I don't get it. What year is it? Seriously?

I mean--yes--there are those, whom for religious reasons choose to live without the modern blessings we have---

BUT--I'm really beginning to see that quite a few of those whom live on the side of the river I'm now living on...

Do not seem to grasp that it's the 21st century--

And using the Internet to help someone like me know how to get to your store, or that you even exist--is

HELPFUL!!!

I"m half tempted to find a new place on the other side of the river--

And "Whirl" over there!! At least their cool "markets" seem capable of creating websites!

(Not that I have any mulah or time to shop--but you know--I'd like to "Whirl" at least a little bit this season--to survive the snow and darkness I get to go face again soon....)

Yes--the Whirli's vent is now over.

I miss my other "vent-filled" blog sometimes....

Whirling in MO

2010-12-31T13:41:00.000-08:00

Are you as amazed as I am? What--3 posts in about a week?

That's unheard of on this blog!

Now--I just need to post some pictures.

My family and I "whirled" our way to MO this year for Christmas.

As someone who is LDS--this area--these 2 states (KS and MO) have become very important to me--to my family.

It's all quite odd--really.

But--I have to testify--that there is a spirit in these 2 states--it is unexplainable really. They are subtle, beautiful---content.

I know--sounds weird--but just believe me.

Anywho--so my sister, nephew, and I went grocery shopping--at W-Mart.

We were staying in places with kitchens--so we bought a lot of our food.

Anyway--my nephew had a cold--so his oxygen was on full time (which it is most of the time anyway--but he can go play when he's not sick without the oxygen).

So--he was in the stroller, while my sister did most of the shopping.

He and I shopped some, and wandered some as well.

He got a lot of "attention". Oxygen tubes seem to do that...draw attention.

Luckily--he's still young enough to not notice, too much.

Some people just stared.

Others were kind--said hello--were cute with him.

At one point, we were near the meat and dairy. My nephew was talking, going on and on about something (as he usually does). He's quite cute...so I just let him talk.

But--a man--worker at this store--saw him. The man was a stocker, I'm pretty sure. So, you can imagine how much he makes an hour....

But--the man came out and said hi to my nephew--and tried to strike up a conversation. I tried to help out, as automatically my nephew became "shy".

They had a cute little conversation--and then the man told him to "be strong, little guy".

Of course--my nephew being 4, didn't quite get it. My nephew has really known nothing else than wearing oxygen--so for him, this is typical life.

Well--we went on our way--and my nephew continued to be cute.

But--about 5 minutes later--this same man found us--wandering down another eisle (sp?). He came up to me--gave me a rolled up $20--and told me that my nephew reminded him of his son, who had to wear a tube at one time too. He said to please purchase him something extra for Christmas, and if I needed to tell him where it came from, tell him it was from God.

Well--I was shocked! This man didn't really know us from Adam.

But more so, I was shocked because of this: The last couple weeks, I have experienced VERY little of this. Of enthusiasim (sp?) for life, of giving to strangers, of pure kindness--dare I say the Love of Christ.

In all honesty, since I've moved I've experienced very little of this. People don't really talk much to each other where I live now. There's little pleasantries at stores. Especially once the snow hit, this attitude of pervasive indifference has really hit---

and in all honesty, it's strangling me! I don't get this--am not like it!

This is not to say that I have not run into nice people, who are kind where I live now. It's not that I'm trying to be judgemental either.

It's just been VERY much more different than I ever expected--and not for the better.

I miss the "spirit" of MO and KS. This is not to say that there are not mean people in these states, or prejudiced people, or whatever kind of people. You can find them anywhere, really....

BUT...lets just say that this little act (and the party I'd been to as we all had to wait in line at the post office as well) reaffirmed my faith in mankind--and in these 2 little states.

That people are kind, caring, and most mean well.

I nearly bawled the ugly cry in the middle of W-Mart.

So--thank you to that man whose name I never caught. Your little gift was not only kind to my nephew--but exactly what I needed!

The Whirligig

2010-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

So--

I miss my other blog. The Whirligig must admit it!

I've missed a lot of things this half of the year.

So--

The Whirligig is really not sure when she'll get to be a "Whirligig" again--and actually go "exploring".

There is a lot going on right now--and will for a long time--that is decreasing such "fun" from happening.

Just like a Whirligig spins in odd directions depending on the wind---this Whirligig's life is taking some odd spins---

Spins that are crazy--

That are very unexpected

Some of which are depressing

Some of which are hard

And it all is taking some major faith

And focusing on listening to the Spirit--even when very wise people tell the Whirligig "are you nuts?"!!!

Maybe--but I've learned through hard lessons to listen to the Lord--when He says "turn"--I turn. It seems sudden, odd, weird, or just crazy---

Sometimes they are (the moves)---

But--I can tell you one thing....

That for months now--I've lived a very unsettled life---even though I was working terribly hard (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) to become "settled".

It's been a surprise. I don't know what the end result will be--

And if you know me at all, you know that being "unsettled" is NOT what I like to be.

BUT...once I was calm enough--once I stopped "Whirling" enough to actually hear the Lord's messages through the Spirit--

I was surprised--but have been remarkably, and incredibly full of peace.

Even when the "whirling" has tried to start--the answer returns--even when I try to "doubt"--

The answer returns!

The Ensign has an article about such things this month--beautiful.

So--trying to not Whirl as much right now....in more ways than one!

BUT--I'm not one to usually do this----

I believe in prayer--and have no problem praying for others--but sometimes have a really hard time asking people (other than my mother) for prayers....

But--I'm asking for them now--for me--for the many ill people I know right now---and for others who may influence and cause the needed changes in this "Whirly's" life to be inspired appropriately--so that what the Lord says needs to happen--happens!

Thank you!

Hiatus

2010-12-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

So---because of recent interesting reasons--which I can't explain at this time, I had to take down my other blog. So--I'll like most everyone to this one...for the time being.

But--even though this is late...I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas--and Happy New Year!

To Start off the Season...

2010-11-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

On my drive back last night--this is the song I listened to quite a bit. I have many favorite Christmas songs....but this one--

Is a great way to start the Season--thank you Michael M. for writing songs about what we all wish we could say!!!

BEAUTIFUL!!!

2010-11-13T21:11:00.001-08:00

Love this!!!

And the Winner is....

2010-11-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Almost a whole month without posting!!! Last week was insane!!! Seriously--insane!! And I think last month kind of just sped by...

Glad it's over!

I went away for the weekend as well--which was lovely!!!

But--I want to share a story today--quite random--but want to anyway...

Once I was in a new Ward (Wow--shocker!).

It was a student one. It was SO large it had 2 of everything--except Sacrament Meetings (cause at that point--they might as well just split the thing!)

So--it had 2 Relief Societies, and 2 Priesthoods, etc.

Well--the Relief Society president of the RS that I attended (was assigned to) got permission from the Bishop (which she made sure to emphasize) to have us do a less-spiritual "get to know you" type class for our first meeting.

So--she sent around a basket of slips of paper with questions on it--and told us to take 3.

Then we went around the room, and answered the 3 questions.

Pretty cute--reasonably harmless.

I somehow ended up sitting on the front row that day--at almost the end of the row as well--so was one of the last people to answer my questions.

Well, one of the questions was "Of all the movies you have seen, which one do you think has the best kissing scene?"

What a question for a room full of girls/younger women to answer!

(Perhaps we should have recorded our answers and shared them with the Priesthood?)

Anyway--so we went almost all the way around the room.

Some girls said "Anne and Gilbert". I though--ya--good, but just not "the best".

Some mentioned movies I"d never seen before--others movies I'd seen.

But still--nothing for me was really hitting "the best".

So--I thought and thought and thought throughout all of the ideas. And then had one pop in my mind.

THE BEST kissing scene I think I'd ever seen--or at least could remember at the time.

It was this one:

(Sorry for the poor picture quality--best copy I could find!)

Well--they got to me--and I mentioned that yes, most of those others had mentioned were good, but my favorite was this one.

Well-by the reaction of the rest of the RS--mine was completely the winner.

Let's just say the RS president had to stop laughing and quiet everyone down...

And after that, from what I remembered, all the rest of the girls who may have had that question basically agreed with my choose.

I think mine was definitely the winner!!!

So--there you go for truly random stories of the day!

More Alike than Different!!!

2010-10-06T07:06:00.001-07:00

LOVE this!!!

"Just standing on Boo Radley's porch that night was enough"

2010-10-03T21:43:00.001-07:00

I just got to watch this movie:

I've been wanting to watch this movie for months now! It is beautiful! I had forgotten some parts--especially about Boo. Didn't realize how many civil rights issues this book discusses and brings up--and how many life issues are within the pages of this book as well.

Yet--handled so completely beautifully. No pity....no sympathy....lots of reality....but wisdom throughout.

Also got to watch Undercover Boss for the first time. I'm not the greatest fan of "reality" shows--but this one--at least this episode that I got to watch today--was beautiful!!! Wish all bosses could do this--and wish all could be as caring as this one was after the fact (and also wish all employees could be as great as hers-understanding what she was dealing with as well). Made me cry.

Finally--have to post this!!! So awesome!!!

http://www2.ljworld.com/videos/2010/oct/01/32950/

I absolutely LOVE that the students were the ones who initiated this--who petitioned to change the dumb rule--and made it happen!!! So awesome!

Mourning--and learning to love.....

2010-09-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Oh--ode to my old state....

How I miss you.

The sunsets--the late autumns.

The familiarity

The cities--and farms

And trees growing out of silos!

Oh--to my new state...

I am learning to love you as well.

Driving past the many rivers....

And the greatest river of all

The taller roaming hills (although the bluffs still throw me)

The ever lingering 70 degrees

Putting off autumn just a little later for me this year

Even the cute froggies welcoming me home (although--they really need to not to try to jump in the house--cause then stomping and screaming would ensue).

The history and red barns---and always used silos (not a tree amongst them!)

The black pony led carriages

And weekends of "fests"

It's slow--but we're getting to know each other...

And, of course, the excitement of discovery is always present!

A--what a whirligig I am--blowing every direction possible!

Random bleary thoughts this morning from the Whirligig

2010-09-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

Some random thoughts from this morning thus far:

**J. Ritter's son J. Ritter sure looks a lot like him!! He even has similar mannerisms! That is so weird when that happens!

**That should clue you in to what show I'm watching

**I think I found some places to snowshoe this winter yesterday....which is good cause the place I tried to scope out Friday was a bummer failure

**Grateful I'm not in smokey SL Valley--blah!

**Is it really morning? Clouds tease my mind

**My gooey zucchini bread is good!

**Chatting with my sis early in the morning on Fb is fun :)

**Too bad we're both up so early!

**Bleary eyes--been up for an hour--and they're still bleary!

**It will be fall (officially) tomorrow. I'm still in capris :)

**This whirligig wants to go back to bed--blah!

**This whirligig went to the Apple Fest on Saturday. It was pretty fun. At fried apple pie egg roll. Pretty good. Drank some VERY hot apple cider--couldn't finish it all. Dunked some freshly fried mini doughnuts in it. Pretty good. Although--are you seeing the frying theme? Perhaps there should be a frying fest?

**I hate watching a really bad haircut grow out. Cause you realize that even when you get a trim--it will still have to grow out more. Blah!

**Blah seems to be a theme this morning. No worries--I'll take a shower at some point, and improve my mood. As I used to warn my roommates, I am not a morning person--and talking to me before breakfast and a shower is usually not the best idea. Blah!

**Although--here's a good thing--I had a very good dream last night--and chocolate chip zucchini bread this morning. Life is good for the moment :)

Have a good day!

Move...

2010-08-21T17:41:00.001-07:00

So--I now officially live in a new state.

Has a W and an N in the name :)

And so far--so good :) (Although, I'm a little afraid to say that--don't want to jinx myself).

So--here's some randomness about the "big" move for you:

1. The drive here--was really not that bad. I think it was worse for my sister--she had 3 kids in her car. I just had me and a CD player--so overall--the drive was pretty cakey (plus, I had gotten a reasonable amount of sleep the 2 nights before--always helps).

2. Bluffs ARE NOT mountains---although they can kind of trick you sometimes!

3. Candles don't move well--especially in the summer :(

4. I have a new table--and the awesome Elder's Quorum president and another brother in the new ward came and put it together for me!!!! Yea!!!

5. I have NO mulah!!!

6. Fireworks went off as we were driving in--ahhh...what a welcome!!!

7. The local community I now live in also is having a festival (there are A LOT of those around here!) right now--so we've enjoyed even MORE fireworks (which totally rocked--as I was sick on the 4th of July--and writing a dissertation--so really didn't get to experience a good fireworks show this year until now)--and a fun parade this morning!

8. The downtown here is awesome!!! And it's fun (and a little weird/scary) to live by large amounts of water!

9. Woodman's Grocery--is AMAZING!!!!

10. There are Shop-e-ko's in my neighborhood now. Dance of joy!!! That's where I got my table!!! AND...they carry Stephen's Hot Chocolate!!! Even bigger dance of joy!!!

11. I have my VERY first actual pantry--that's all for me. ALL of my food (except for refridgerator food, of course) actually FITS in ONE place!!! Do you know how awesome that is?

12. Getting the internet is taking a long time (have you noticed?)

13. Awesome job!!!! All I"m going to say!!

14. The big D--almost done and finished!!! Yea!!!

15. Gone to the grocery store A LOT these last couple days.

16. Moving with kids is stressful--and they're not even mine.

17. My back hurts--cause of the bed and the parade--not the moving :(

18. Moving with movers has had mixed results! And I don't really want to elaborate--but I really don't want to ever move again without having someone else do all the packing and cleaning!!!

19. Exhaustion just comes with the mental reality of moving--doesn't it?

20. I think that's all for now!

July---little late....

2010-08-01T20:47:00.001-07:00

So--sorry this one is late. Kind of busy this last week (okay--not kind of--REALLY busy).

So--I met my goal. The title of this picture is "Done"--as in done with that dissertation.

Yes--done!

Well--I still have to defend.

But--other than being off by about 24 hours today--I've posted 1 pic a month from the end of this P H D adventure.

And an adventure it surely has been!

I will probably continue to post a pic a month--of my "new job" adventure or something. Exploring a new state...all that jazz...

Wooo hooo!

Dreaming....

2010-06-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

I'm dreaming of sleep right now....

But have to finish Chpt 4. of this really big book I'm writing in order to grad....

I'm dreaming of not hacking and coughing....

But pretty sure I have the P from DPT (no--not kidding! Long story! Lesson learned: make sure when given adult immunization for what you thought was DPT that they put the P in the shot! Which obviously--they didn't!)

Dreaming of a fruit cobbler with ice cream....

Even though ice cream doesn't mix well with hacking cough.

Maybe chocolate muffins will have to do....

Whoop Whoop, hack hack, cough cough!

Also--my friend is having a give-away on her blog! She knits absolutely beautiful things--so check it out:

http://a-bit-of-string.blogspot.com/

I haven't forgotten....

2010-06-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten...really.

Here are some more pictures recording my P H D adventure:

Here is a pic of my drive back and forth--south to north, north to south. I should get used to this drive...although it will be longer by the end of Aug :( and :)

Don't you love those low clouds? I do :)

This is a pic at commencement. I got to walk in commencement, which at my lovely university is a BIG deal! Lots of great traditions! LOVED it! Even though it was almost rained out, and my nieces and nephews didn't get to come cause of the oldest getting stomach flu (that morning she was supposed to be confirmed), and my sis's (her mom's), um, anxiety.

Finally--gotta love these 3, even though they're majorly distracting, and the middle one came down with stomach flu this morning at my house (all is fair. I got stomach flu at his parent's house one Christmas in UT--so, ya). So, now I'm Lysolling, and re-doing all the laundry I just got done yesterday. Ahh...the joy!

But, love them anyway.

Anyway--basically done with gathering data, and done with 3 chapters...well, revising them I should say. I will get this done, I will get this done!

New Song

2010-06-09T16:59:00.001-07:00

Great song!!!

2010-06-09T16:58:00.001-07:00

I heard this on the radio today. It started out with a great melody and beat...and then the words came. Oh my word!!!!! How long I've waited for this song to be written. I SO needed this song in years past. It's just awesome! (And, really--if you know --um um--men like this...it's incredibly and most spectacularly hilarious!)

Here are the lyrics. Oh SO funny!:

Keep drinking coffee, stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I'd say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by

You've got opinions man
We're all entitled to 'em
But I never asked
So let me thank you for your time
And try not to waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe
But I'm not drowning
There's no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything

You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
Swear you know best
But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
And ride off into your delusional sunset

I'm not the one who's lost
With no direction, oh
But you'll never see
You're so busy making maps
With my name on them in all caps
You got the talking down
Just not the listening

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything

All my life I've tried
To make everybody happy while I
Just hurt and hide
Waiting for someone to tell me it's my turn to decide

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything

Lemme hold your crown, babe
Oh, oh

Summer Swap

2010-06-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

So, I did this last summer and it was SO incredibly fun! I would highly suggest anyone participate who wants to do it! Just follow the direction below:

Monday, June 7, 2010
Summer Swap 2010
Who: You
What: The Summer Swap
When: This Summer
Why: Because everyone loves receiving a package of goodies in the mail

The details: If you want to participate, sign up by emailing me (chrisandpeggy [at] gmail [dot] com) with your name and address. If you want, you can also post this on your blog so that more people can participate. I will then randomly select a swap partner for everybody and email them the address of the person they will send to. It is totally up to you if you want to let them know who you are or if you want to remain anonymous. Then, you put together a package of fun assorted goodies of some of your favorite things. Jump on over to the post office and send it off, and then eagerly wait by your mailbox for your package to arrive! It's a lot of fun to gather things to send, and even more fun to see what you get.

The swap stipulations: You must sign up by June 15th. You must spend at least 15 dollars (before shipping) on your package, just to make it fair. Please only include items that you would like to receive yourself--no junk. You must mail your package by July 31st. Let me know if you have any questions, and happy swapping!

Thank you for the Internet!

2010-06-04T22:24:00.001-07:00

Recently, my aunt posted a link on Fb of a little article that had been written about the blessings of Fb. It mainly focused on the benefits of support.

I've been pondering about this. Then, I read this month's Ensign--with it's interesting messages about the Internet. It's warning about using it too much--but more so it's blessings.

For example, there is an article about those whom are home-bound--but yet still being active when homebound. Personally, I feel there was some stuff left out of this article (in my opinion)--but I'll post about that on my LDS disability focused blog.

But, as I've completed 4 years of P h D work--I've thought a lot about how my life has been blessed because of the Internet. Here's just a few blessings:

1. I would have never known about, nor connected to the right people for my Reading Endorsement, Master's, and especially my PhD if it wasn't for the Internet. Seriously--the timing and the use of the Internet in researching and connecting with the right people at the right time is blatently obvious.

2. Over the 4 years of living out of state, I've been able to stay connected with my immediate and extended family because of the Internet. When my nephew was in the hospital, getting diagnosed with a ILD we were able to find information and support via the internet.

3. I was able to connect with ward and CES members in KS--and in WI because of the Internet.

4. Heck! I found my job cause of the Internet!

5. Not to mention, my whole dissertation research is actually being gathered because and with the Internet!

6. I have been able, ever since letting down my pride, and joining the Fb revolution, to reconnect and connect with SO many people I love! I was able to help organize a reunion for a performing group I was in, in UT last year--and see people who truly made my life as a teenager again! It has been such a blessing! I can keep up with people, get to know people, and even serve people through the Internet. Because of this blessing, I can offer support to distant friends and relatives, warn them of danger, send information, offer service, and so much more.

7. It helps me stay connected. This is incredibly important! I have had such a busy and crazy last 4 years--I've been able to keep up on the news, weather, and especially on people I care about because of the Internet!

8. It has helped me share the Gospel in small, simple ways.

9. Did I mention it has helped me stay connected? I am a very social, sentimental person in many ways. But, I am also anxious, busy, and busy! I worry about people (the thought of certain people will "tap" on my heart at times) and/or want to know how people are, what they're up to, etc. I am just that way. I mean--I remember my friend's children's names (not all of them). Don't ask me why. I'm a teacher---it comes with the territory I guess. But, it's a great blessing in this day and age to be able to stay so connected, when miles and miles a part from each other. I mean, I think about my ancestors--the pioneers--who had to leave family and friends, and NEVER saw or heard from so many of them. And yet, I have the blessing of hoping on-line, entering Fb, and finding out that one of my friend's is pregnant, another is getting married, another from elementary school needs a new car, one is almost done with law school, and so forth. Or perhaps, that the woman I visit teach is not feeling well today.

10. It has offered me ways of being supported that I am very grateful for! For example, I was incredibly sick last spring with the rotovirus at one point. I went on-line, updated my status, saying I was sick. Well, a friend from my Ward e-mailed and asked if there was anything she could do. Oh my--I was desperate for allergy medication and white bread!!! But was so sick I could not make it to the store! Asked her if she'd do it--exchanged it via the door knob (so I didn't get her sick)--and felt so incredibly blessed!

11. It has offered me a way to know I'm not alone...even when I take a break at 2:00 a.m. in the morning while writing a paper....to know 3 other people I know are up too--can be very comforting. Nevermind the opportunity to vent :)

12. I've been able to connect with distant family members--family history work is miraculous online! And, beyond that, I have to say--that I've really noticed the connection with family is such a beautiful thing. I grew up with dozens of cousins--on both sides of the family. We visited each other and my grandparents very often. It's something I've always missed when away. But now, almost all my grandparents have passed away--but the Internet--especially Fb and blogs, and e-mail--makes it so we can stay connected. Honestly, in a lot of ways, I feel closer to some of my cuzons now than ever before. PLUS, I've been able to get to know some of their spouses and kids--which is just beyond fun! I've been able to connect with my father's foster siblings even! It's just beautiful! And, to talk about my long lost "cuzons" I've found on-line!! That has just been beyond awesome!

13. I have been able to find comfortable good shoes because of the internet. If you do not have bad feet, you do not know what kind of a blessing this is!!!

14. I was even able to order groceries, and pizza, cause of the Internet!

15. As someone who hates phones, this is all GOOD things!

So--I could go on and on and on. Of course--everything has its opposite. There is good, bad, in between, and pure evil on-line. This is all stuff I"m very aware of, and very very careful about. But, I am incredibly grateful for this blessing from the Lord! Seriously!

And now--here's that lovely video again--for all to view--made available because of the internet. Thank you Nie Nie! Get better soon!

We should be more.....

2010-05-29T22:53:00.001-07:00

We should be more....like children.

Really--we should. Now, not the whining, fighting, biting, annoying, and so forth that children constantly display----although, if you really really think about it, adults actually act like that all the time. We just do it far more subtly--thinking that somehow that makes a difference. Don't believe me? Just watch TV--especially episodes of "The O f f i c e" or some other annoying type sit-come (ya--not great fans of most of those). Really--in the negative sense, adults just perfect being passive aggressive children...

But--that was so not my point. Forgive my side-tracking a bit.

Anyway--today was a lovely day. Not only did I get to go home with dreams of Brad
P a i s l e y singing (although--it was an awesome concert--but wish his last song hadn't been the one about a drink I don't drink--that makes people even more childish than they are sober--he has SO many better songs....) last night--even if the 3 chillun's that came with were not as impressed...

But--I got to spend the whole day with the kiddos. We had some rough moments. A few too many tears this morning....and a little voice raising of all (unfortunately)--a time out or two.

But--then we set off on our adventures. I love having adventures with this three-some. We went to the Natural History Museum--which was a blast. They were ALL totally enthralled--even the almost 2 year old! She was enamored with most everything she saw. From bugs to bees, to skeletons, to live snakes. Then, we went to the famous Pet Store here in my town--they let you hold most everything. And other than a few "I can't see you" moments--and yelling at an unsupervised little girl to quit picking up the poor bunnies BY THEIR EARS...we had a blast!

Then--it was off to the "train restaurant"--a fun restaurant chain here in the metro area (the new one) that has trains deliver your food after you order it from a phone. The kids loved it (we actually got a nap in between all this--in the van).

All had a blast--even if the 2 year old didn't get quite a long enough nap.

Then--on our way home, we stopped at my favorite nature park with the kids. Had to work to keep them off the grass (darn chiggers!)--but saw a few turtles, some frogs jumping, lots of bugs,awesome birds, no snakes, threw a few sticks, and had a beautiful walk around the nature park with the kiddos, and THEN--the fun really started. We spotted some hot air balloons sailing over the park. First, it looked like there was just one. Then two. Then, we got ready to go--and realized the balloons were REALLY close to us--and landing.

So, here's where the "we should be more like children" comes in. See, I grew up, for the most part, with 2 parents who are not really good at being spontaneous. Okay--let me rephrase--other than a few rare moments with my mom (who probably could be more spontaneous if it wasn't for all the medical problems she's had to deal with)--and maybe 1 or 2 with my dad (ya--flexibility not really his forte), spontaneousness was not what I experienced often. But, children often have very simple requests, desires, etc.

Like, for example, my parents rarely took us to the "mall". They couldn't afford much there, and taking the 3 of us there was not really "fun" for my parents. Okay, lets face it--my parents are "fuddy-duddies"--admit it, they do. And so "the mall" was not really their cup of tea. But, on rare occasions they did take us. We usually got ice cream cones. My younger sister's usually ended up on the ground (ya--probably should have had us sit down BEFORE giving us the ice cream--or have us sit down period--it's hard enough for kids to walk forward without worrying about eating ice cream at the same time!). But, my parents had this "process"--one would walk in front (usually my dad), leading the way--the other would walk in the back--hollering at us to keep going, stay together, look where we were going, etc. Especially, and often, at me. See, I was the type with wandering eyes. I just wanted to see everything. I've always been excited by, well, excitement. New things--different things. But, as a child was still learning to balance that excitement with looking where I was going. And, as I was shushed and not really allowed to explain my desire to "see" everything--I would just feel bad, or ashamed, and move forward.

I remember, especially--I always wanted to stand and watch the taffy puller machine at the candy store. But, since my parents could only afford 1 treat, and I'm a chocoholic, I always wanted ice cream. But I wanted to WATCH the taffy puller. But, never really told my parents this--as I was never given a chance, and didn't really know how to tell them (one of the down-sides of being a kid---well, a person in general--not always knowing how to communicate what we want). Anyway--so--a couple years ago--we were talking about such things. And I told my mother about the taffy puller--how I knew we only got 1 treat--but I just wanted to watch. She felt bad--that she had never realized that I just wanted to watch the machine. I wasn't upset or anything...but now have the ability to communicate what I couldn't as a child.

So--since then--with my nieces and nephew I try to remember--that often, what kiddos really want is pretty simple. Of course--sometimes this has led to me spoiling them (but hey--I'm the aunt--it's my job). But tonight--as I pulled over for them to get a better look at the hot air balloons--I thought about taffy pulling machines. So, I asked if they wanted me to turn the van around, and go over closer so they could watch the hot air balloons? We had nothing pressing to do--plenty of time. They enthusiastically said "yes!". So, we did just that! Oh--the memories! The smiles! the ooo's and ah's! And, it was basically free (other than gas). We got a few pictures I'll try to upload soon. And we got to drive by pretty close to one (they were later bummed after we turned around and the balloon had been taken down)--but the kids had a blast! They had to count them, my nephew remembers the colors--oh--what a lovely night!

Then--to add to the fun of the night--after the kids were patient with me in running an errand (they wanted to help so much too!)--we stopped at the famous "Tropical Snow" shack! What fun!!! This is a famous spot in this college town! And it was 9:30 at night--so lots of people there! The kids thoroughly enjoyed their snow cones (even the 2 year old--who won't eat anything like that--including ice cream--but I got her just a cup of shaved ice with no flavoring--which she THOROUGHLY enjoyed, like it was the best ice cream cone in the world! You would have thought I'd taken her to S e r e n d i p i t i e s in NYC!!!)

Anyway--was the day perfect? No. Was obedience perfect? No. I did have to remind--did have to "stop"--the 3 of them needed an adult with them (dur)! BUT, we also had an amazingly wonderful time! And I was again blessed and seriously impressed with the reminders of taffy machines, and being spontaneous enough to remember that we should be like children--and willing to "make the day"--"live in the moment"---and do the simple, special things that adults often avoid doing--since they seem "not adult enough". So, watch that D i s n e y movie--get that banana split--stop and watch the hot air balloons--life will be better for it--and I known I'm happier for doing it!

Moderation.....please pass the preservatives!!!!

2010-05-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

This is such good info---I'm posting it on here too :)

Saw a news report (not this one--but this one is even more dramatic). Ahhh...finally I have a name for those whom "count my points" (excuse me--but I want to eat what I want to eat without you "counting" it, thank you)---or correcting me/us about how "clean" our food should. Yes, I've actually known people who've done that. Luckily, I'm still friends with most of them.

Moderation in all things people! Sheesh!

(P.S. I REALLY like what the lady says at the end...that "None of us get to choose how we die. We only get to choose how we live. And I was NOT living". Hallalujia!!!!)

This is Awesome!

2010-05-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

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Makes you think....

2010-05-09T16:14:00.001-07:00

So--one week before this happened, I was getting swollen feet and ankles, and blisters walking around this hotel. Walking to and from on the now flooded parking lots. One and a half weeks before, I attended a great concert with Charlie Daniels returning to the Grand Ole Opry--now completely flooded.

One week before.....I left as the first torrential rain storms began to hit.

Makes you think....doesn't it. The expo center, where I shopped and visited people--is now completely underwater.

:( Nashville :(

Lazy....procrastination....

2010-04-28T16:25:00.001-07:00

Okay--so I need to post a pic for April in this P H D adventure. Well--last week I practically had my feet fall off at the C E C conference in one of my favorite cities:

We actually did get to see all of the city--but it was kind of dark, we were VERY lost, and quite giddy with friendship silliness!

Anyway--the conference was actually at the O p r y l a n d. Which is beautiful--but WAY too big!!!! It's like being stuck in a part of Diney World--the part you wish you could get out of!!!! Went to a show--the D e v i l does go down to Georgia--and had a great time.

But--now I'm back, bruised, sore, and finally catching up on sleep. Of course, had to run down to my local sister's house for my nephew's fourth birthday! He was born the same year that I originally moved! Wow how the world has changed in 4 years!!!

As for the P H D adventure--plugging away--and trying to get over this great desire to procrastinate! Data is streaming in (yea!!!), and Chapter 2 is coming together!!! Will get it done, will get it done!

Wear sunscreen...

2010-04-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

I'm not an ourdoors type of person---

But, I do like walking outside.

I am not one of those weird people who likes to tan---never been in a tanning booth my whole life

But, I did try to tan a couple times as a teenager--and always got a "farmer's tan" all summers.

I do believe in sun screen--especially in the summer, or anytime I think I'll be in the sun for a long time--during warm weather.

And--I almost always got the highest SPF I could--but often forgot to put more on throughout the day.

I did not think I was much at risk for skin cancer---but I was born in the summer, and did live in a very high elevation for almost 30 years of my life (does increase one's risk).

I also have lighter skin, green and blue in my eyes, freckle, but wear modest clothing. I also easily get skin infections (also can increase one's risk).

None-the-less...after treating 2 months ago what was thought to be a possible precancerous leision on my nose...I heard the big SKIN CANCER words from a doctor yesterday.

Twice in the last year I've had physicians do things I never expected. Up until this December I've had to battle doctor's--as they often didn't take my health problems or complaints very seriously.

But--to have physicians and nurse look at you with that "look"--tell you you "must follow-up".

Wow!

Wear sunscreen--everyday---all over. Put it on a lot. A lot, a lot, a lot. Put it on your babies. Over and over--ALL year long. Don't put that sunscreen away in the winter. Pull it out and put it on. Always. Cause seriously--although I have the basic "risks" that most caucasian people have--I have not been at any more risk than most people. In fact--I was probably at less of a risk than most (e.g. I don't tan "on purpose", I don't avoid wearing sunscreen anymore than most people do, etc.)

I've learned how important it all is now.

And now I have to figure out how to wear some sort of hat like covering (I hate hats--even visors--I have a ton of hair--I create my own heat). I'll probably have to figure out how to cover up in the summer too. Ugh! Do you know how warm I usually run?

Maybe it's a good thing I'm moving north....

This month's----sanctuary....

2010-03-20T09:49:00.001-07:00

So--the whirli-gig has been on spring break. Doing dishes, changing diapers, etc. Yes, I find that a "vacation". Yes, I'm weird. I suppose when you don't have the "blessing" of doing it all regularly, you're glad to get a chance?

On positive news: the comp exams and diss. proposal have been approved and passed!!! Woo hoo!!!

So, here, during these crazy months (gathering possible participants now!) is my sanctuary (P.S. I was going to take pics of it myself, but it's snowing---yes snowing---in March--blah!)

And these 3 are my vacation :):

New picture....

2010-02-19T17:18:00.000-08:00

So, here's my random photo for February--on this adventure of all adventures toward P H D-dom.

Actually--this contains a couple random photos:

This is called, one of many dissertation proposal revisions!

This is called where I escaped one of the MANY grey, foggy days this winter (ugh!) To this lovely museum I love! What a way to spend M L K day!

These are some of my favorite quotes from the museum :)

Perfect!

2010-02-12T07:14:00.001-08:00

This AWESOME post about the "R" word is WHY it's so offensive to use that word!!!!

Remember--you use it--you're putting down my future child (See Reese's Rainbow button)! And this woman's youngest daughter--and many many more!!!

Because--no matter how often people try to justify and excuse their "words"---what they truly, ultimately are referring to is the inappropriate assumptions about people whom are labeled by the word.

P.S. It amazes me that people who would NEVER use the "N" word--or people who would NEVER put down someone who is ethnically different than THEM--still see NO problem with putting down someone who is chromosomally different than them. Wait a minute...we're all chromosomally different than each other...um, so aren't they truly just putting down ALL of us?

The link: http://theunknowncontributor.blogspot.com/2010/02/it-wasnt-meant-that-way.html#comment-form

P.P.S. The other truth the blatent use of this word continues to show is that people with disabilities are still viewed by many as "less than" the rest of "us". Gee--funny--especially considering that people with disabilities make up the LARGEST group of "minorities" in the nation, and the world!

This is unofficial---but exciting!

2010-01-31T20:42:00.001-08:00

Current Fb status:

Although not official, THISclick here for link is pretty exciting (especially the date of the possible ground breaking and the picture) :)

Where's the Whirligig now?

2010-01-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

So, I've been inspired by yet another blog. Thislovely lady has a great blog, that's followed by many. And, she recently announced a "new project" she's working on, where in the morning she posts a picture, and another blogger she's met in Germany posts a picture. Just a random picture of whatever in the morning.

So--I thought this was a great idea (cause I mainly copy others great ideas, ya know). So, since I only have 8 more months of this exciting adventure called "Getting a P H D" I've decided that at least once a month (cause I can't promise every morning--let alone every week), I'm going to post a random picture of something "this whirligig" is doing on the road to the "adventure" of achieving that degree!

So, here's my first post. It's called "Keeping Warm":

You're probably thinking that these just look like pictures of a mess. Well, this mess is a picture of how I'm surviving a major natural gas leak in my house. Friday night I finally called the gas company to come check out what I actually thought I could be smelling for 2 days. It was getting worse on Friday night, though. After telling the lady that, I'm sorry, I'm not going to stand outside in -15 degrees for a half hour while the gas guy gets there (she said I couldn't open my garage--or make phone calls inside my house--which I totally get--but um, I was basically in a "no choice" situation. Of course--my friends who live about 5 minutes away reminded me I could have called them--but after working on comprehensive exams all week (and still am getting my portfolio done!), and sucking in natural gas all day (it has side effects, BELIEVE ME!), I had no brain left!

Anyway--so, I unplugged my printer, grabbed everything I thought I needed (good thing I have yet to unpack from coming back from Winter Break), and with a wicked "I've been sucking in natural gas" all day headache, I headed out at about 10:45 p.m. after the rental company maintenance guy got there--and the gas guy had found THREE leaks (yes, it is a miracle that he said "no, your house isn't going to explode", and that I'm okay)--to find a not very expensive, but still has wi-fi motel room.....cause I'm still working on comprehensive exams (and I LOVE my WONDERFUL friends who are willing to have me stay with them--but I had one more to write/fix---and needed somewhere private and quiet---if you know what I mean).

So, these 2 pictures capture my desperate desire for warmth. With my "Logan" coat and scarf thrown on the motel chair--to my incredibly messy and unorganized "larger than life" purse---which is in desperate need for organization--but I have yet to have time (nor brain power) to do it. Never mind my large lap top bag stuffed with all the paper-work/journals I thought I'd need to bring with (yes, I've made at least 2 trips back home to get stuff I forgot)--and gotta love the picture including the spoon and mac and cheese I brought in case of hunger. Oh--and the book I've been reading since this summer, which is awesome, but who knows when I'll finish it!

I tried to take a picture of the 2 feet of snow, and freezing cold outside, but it wouldn't work (out the window), and it's been WAY too cold to take good pics outside.

So, there you go. January so far has brought freezing temperatures, crazy late night natural gas leaks, during the most important week of finishing up my comprehensive exams, an emergency motel stay, and all this before classes "officially" begin this week! Wee fun!

Kind of glad I rent.....but doesn't leave this Whirligig much time to "Whirl"...

2010-01-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

Cause I don't have to pay for the fix:

Here's my latest status:

the fun will never end! Ever seen Anastasia? Remember where the scary dude sends out evil little dudes to break everything? I think they came my way. Summer it was my airconditioner trying to flood my living room. Now, my heater is trying to explode my house! MAJOR natural gas leak. I'm still trying to finish comprehensive exams! Ever feel like something is working against ya? Don't worry--I'm at a motel now!

I HAVE to blog this....

2010-01-01T22:47:00.001-08:00

Kay--I HAVE to blog this! But, what were ya'll doing 9 months ago? Well---um um.....

ya know how a couple months ago I blogged about how the news had announced that the birth rate went down in the US for the first time in like 100 years in 2008. And that my friends and family (and even acquaintances) were trying to change that single-handedly....

Well--I currently have 13 friends or family who are due in days--to up to 8 weeks.

And I know have approximately 85-90 friends/family members who either had a baby in 2009, or are expecting in 2010. No, I'm not kidding. Yes--it seems like every time I turn around, someone else is expecting (Karen--I had to put that in there!) And 2 of whom I hope are delivering right now--or already have (cause they'll be over-due soon, if not already).

So, um, thanks for increasing the birth rate---ha ha he he. Happy New Year!

Ringing In the New Year!

2010-01-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Bring on 2010!

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I found the perfect way to ring in the New Year...

2009-12-31T10:07:00.001-08:00

drop your lap top on your 4th toe after finishing edits on a comprehensive exam. Then don't scream (because it's 3:00 a.m. in the morning, and your niece is asleep next to you). Um--ya--hobbling sure is fun! Will be even MORE fun when I have to hobble to dig out my house from all the snow they say has fallen (and is still falling) there!

Happy New Year!

Christmas: I must admit!

2009-12-26T20:43:00.001-08:00

I must admit:

I LOVE white Christmas's. Too bad my parents had to drive 2 1/2 hours in a blizzard basically---but at least it wasn't us this year driving in a blizzard blown caravan to UT!!!

I LOVE playing in the snow on Christmas Day! What fun!

I LOVE when the kiddos sleep in on Christmas morning!

I LOVE my sister's "new" 100 year old farm house in the middle of "no where"---it feels like staying in an awesome cabin for Christmas!

I LOVE having time to cook--at least most of the time.

I LOVE getting the grading done---so one less thing on my list. Now, to attack comps again!

I LOVE that I'm 2 hours south of home--home where there has been a major blizzard--and about 4 major snow storms---everyone is digging themselves out like crazy, having electric outages, and major mayhem! Whew! I think I've missed the biggest blizzard/snow storm they've had there in years (at least in the 4 yeas I've lived there). Seriously--how much luck is that? Just praying my house is okay!

I LOVE that my niece likes one of the Christmas presents I worked very hard on (although she's going to finish it all WAY faster than I thought she would!)

I LOVE when the kiddos can just play and go to bed whenever, and people don't stress!

I LOVE Christmas in Kansas (at least thus far!) :)

Procrastination at it's best: Top 10 videos (maybe more or less?) of the year.

2009-12-12T19:18:00.001-08:00

Yep--procrastination at it's best has begun. And, to not help matters, I'm fighting lovely light-headedness I'm sure is related to this lovely infection I'm fighting.

So, you all get a lovely video montage! So, here are my picks for some of the BEST videos of the year. Thank you U-tube!

Dance into the wedding! Too bad you can't do this on the way out of temples!

What talented friends!

Ava, and her amazing dance! (Sorry--I know the other baby is adorable, but this girl just has the best moves of all!)

I'm sorry--I'm sure some people would be "appalled" but she is just adorable--obviously likes to dance, and seriously, good at it for a younger than 2 year old!

Kittens--inspired by....kittens....

A student showed this--and it's just too funny:

And now, to turn to the seriousness of this year (seriously, this summer...sheesh!)

BEST part of the funeral, in my opinion (even though my mother thought it was weird. I think she's weird!)

Seriously--did this happen? Kay--still like whoah!

AND then this happened---plus about, what, 15 more famous deaths. Sheesh!

This--I loved this in honor of him. Still feel like what 1980's famous person is next? Ugh!

And to be fair--plus, it's my favorite song of his:

And then, to add to the sadness--to hear the news on Phil. NO--he's not dying!!! So, don't freak out. But, basically can't perform anymore!!! SO freaking sad!!!

And then, just this week! Not that I watch this show--and she's not "leaving" the channel or anything...but still....

U Tube can't have this video yet. I REALLY had wanted to post the video of the Sept. 11 babies--on that day this year. But instead, you get it now. Click on the link to see the video on the ABC site. I was heartened to hear that they had brought as many of those babies (now 8 year olds) together, and had presented Diane with flowers on Friday. Wish I could have found that one....

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/diane-sawyer-goodbye-day-good-morning-america/story?id=9306084

And now, on some happy notes. Remember this:

(Sorry--U Tube won't allow embedding--so you have to click on the link. But, it's worth!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM

Perfect song to kick them all in the you know what! She is the QUEEN of the WORLD!!!! Way to go Susan!

And--can't help but put this up. His son's blog may be truly annoying--but he is still king of the dancing world (well--at least for this season). I'm sure Marie was a little green. But, loved how he went and picked up his wife! That was one cool move!

Sorry for the poor quality--best I could find on U-Tube:

Okay--well, that's 11. I feel like I've forgotten a TON of stuff and videos from this year. BUT, now that I've been working on this for a good long time, and have procrastinated a ton, this is what you get!

Enjoy!

It really can sneak up on you!

2009-12-10T18:30:00.001-08:00

So, I'm pretty on top of my health. Overall--with asthma and some of the other health problems I've had in my life, I feel like I have to.

So, because of this, I've never quite figured out when I'd hear stories about someone who got pneumonia and didn't realize that they had it.

How is that possible? I mean--I kind of could grasp how someone could get a really nasty flu, and have pneumonia come on fast. But still....

Now--I get it. I really really do. I went to the Dr. on Tuesday. I've had a cough that I got over Thanksgiving. Pretty sure my sweet niece brought it home from school. Both my sisters got it. My nephew got it (which meant Monday was horror for my sister!). My niece has missed school all week. But, really--we thought it was just a weird cold that only had a cough.

So, since the cough had lasted a week, I decided I'd better go to the Dr. Even with the asthma, usually if I show up before a week the Dr. doesn't believe it's anything serious.

Well, I showed up a little early. They got me right back. And, as the nurse and I were enjoying a nice conversation, and she was taking my vitals--she took my temp. It was almost 101 degrees! I was seriously, seriously completely surprised! I thought at the most I'd have viral bronchitis that was turning bacterial! I seriously never ever thought they'd want to do a chest x-ray. But, the minute I had a temp, all the medical personnel got very serious. And I heard things I never thought I'd hear. Like chest x-ray. Like "Um, you're not going to class".

Luckily--I suppose--the chest x-ray still looked clear. I was having some chest pain. Mainly when I took a really deep breath, or coughed a lot. Nothing that I thought was serious. But, they did! Overall I sound clear--but because of the history of asthma--and because of the seriousness of the symptoms, the put me on anti-biotics right away--mainly to avoid walking or other nasty pneumonia in my future. And, told me to go to bed, and do as little as possible for a while!

Oh my word! I've been totally blown away! I really was getting majorly sick! I've since then had a fever off and on (today it was off most of the day, which is good). I've been weak, with very little energy--and a cough that is just unpleasant! But, I feel truly truly blessed that the Lord intervened on my behalf. I truly believe, as the PA said, that it was a really good thing I went in when I did. Cause now we can pre-treat, rather than Post-treat (which could easily lead to hospitalization!!!!) I've slept a lot, coughed a lot, and taken it very easy.

But, I honestly now can understand how it can "just sneak up on you"--cause that's how I feel. Sitting and not moving--I truly don't "feel" horrible or anything. But man, try to do the dishes, or run errands... and I'm out for the count after about an hour!

Tomorrow I'm going to try to actually do a couple things. We'll see how it goes. I'm going back to the dr. tomorrow as well. But really--really, I get it now.

Be careful ya'll!!! It really, really can sneak up on you. I say, right now, with the flue and other nasty bugs going around--if you have a cough, chest pain, and a temperature---go to the Dr.!!!! AND--if you have the flu (which luckily, I've had both shots--and didn't have the flu)--don't even wait for the chest pain!

This is truly HILARIOUS!!!!!

2009-12-08T20:36:00.001-08:00

Okay--I'll leave the Christmas card up for a while longer--on the post just after this one.

But, I just watched this show for the first time tonight:

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Meet_the_Natives

OH MY WORD!!!! It is truly hilarious, and truly awesome! To see these men try to figure out us weird Americans--I watched the Thanksgiving episode--so truly funny. To watch them try to figure out why people dress their dogs in clothing (I still can't figure out that one either--unless it's freezing outside or something!), feed the dogs "Thanksgiving dinner" that costs more than "human" food. The best was them squealing and running away from the snakes at the pet store.

Oh--now they're building the "plastic" Christmas tree made in China. They're trying to figure out why the American's build a "special" tree.

Oh seriously SO funny!!! And, seriously, educational!