Something to Think About...

I am currently reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck (among other books). I have struggled with reading it mostly because of what I consider an extreme description of a certain character and her way of life (Cathy/Kate/Vicious She-Devil/Pure Evil/Symbol of the Serpent). Multiple times, I have considered putting the book down and not finishing it. However, something has kept me going...reading about Adam and his sons, and the Hamiltons. I am intrigued by what will happen to them.

Anyway, there was a quote from the book that I really liked and I had to share it. At this point in the book, Samuel Hamilton is speaking to Adam and Adam's servant Lee. They are talking about the Cain-Abel "story" and Lee explains what he discovered after researching the story in English, Chinese, and Hebrew. Later in the book, Samuel says "'Thou mayest, Thou mayest!' What glory! It is true that we are weak and sick and quarrelsome, but if that is all we ever were, we would, millenniums ago, have disappeared from the face of the earth. A few remnants of fossilized jawbone, some broken teeth in strata of limestone, would be the only mark man would have left of his existence in the world. But the choice, Lee, the choice of winning! I had never understood it or accepted it before...Timshel...."

Something to think about....

My New Home!!!

Ok...here comes a "post puke". After months of no posting, you're about to get two, maybe three posts...

As most of you know, I have changed residence. I am now up in Ogden and really like it up here! I have a cozy little place with the Ogden Temple in my backyard and the Ogden City mall down the street. I work at the McKay-Dee Hospital and really really like it! Life is great :)

Since the majority of you are far away, I decided, for your enjoyment, to post pictures of my place.

So, here is "the bedroom" and "the living room". One of my more creative ideas (thanks to my mom) was to have a trundle bed so I could sleep on the top and pull the bottom out just enough to make a couch. IT WORKS!! It's actually one of the more comfortable couches I have had! It also provides a nice little storage area where I can put my suitcases and empty boxes (and you can't really se them!) It works and I really enjoy it.

The blanket on the bed is the best blanket! My mom pieced it together, I quited it (while doing a Harry Potter/Chronicles of Narnia read-a-thon). I was able to listen to "The Order of the Phoenix", "Half-Blood Prince", "Deathly Hallows", "The Magician's Nephew", and half of "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe". It was great!

Here, you see my office :). That picture on the wall is my Master's of Social Work Diploma (I'm very excited about that.)

That desk is just perfect for the laptop and alarm clock, and I was able to get my printer right next to it. I am thinking of moving a bookshelf over by the lamp so I can

have my books right next to the desk. I don't know...we'll have to see how it works out. I'm also debating about getting a Christmas tree and putting it in the area, but I'm still debating on a couple of issues...first, should I get a real or artificial tree?, where will I store it if it is artificial? How much do I want to spend? etc. So man

y decisions...golly!

All right, I am most proud about this! This is my dining room. When my grandparents found out I was moving and didn't have a

table, they told me they had one that they were not using that they would let me use. They told me the leaves fold down so if I wanted a small table, it would work (and if I had company, the leaves would fold up and expand the table). When I saw it, I had to have it, so they brought it up for me (I have amazing grandparents!) Anyway, I then went to Kohl's (that's a dangerous store) and bought the table cloth and the runner. I then brought my old plants from home and put them on the table (one's up on the ledge as well). And, because I am very thankful for Christmas, I put the Christmas decorations up to help me celebrate Thanksgiving. I love it!!!

Here is the other half of the "family" room. You see that bookshelf I was thinking of moving to

"the office". I'm still not sure. Anyway, my family room is the same as the bedroom (if you couldn't tell by now). My brother who just got married asked me if I could "store" some of his belongings until he and his wife were able to move to a place with more space. I told him I think I'd be able to handle it, so he let me store his tv and dvd player. It has been very nice, especially with my very comfortable couch! I might have a piano coming to visit for a time that, if I do get to "store" it, will go here. Which means...I'll have to find a new place for the tv (and the shelf will definitely move to "the office".) We'll have to see if that happens (it would be great to have a piano!!)

This is the entrance to my apartment. Yes, I know the fish tank is empty, but that will be rectified shortly, once I get some time to get it ready and go buy some fish. I also want to buy some shelves to put above so it doesn't look so bare. I did want to put some plants there, but there would be no sunlight...so I might have to buy some silk plants or shelves...again,

we'll have to see what happens. My only concern is the fish. I must be missing something about proper fish care because they keep dying really quickly. I don't know. I do plan on putting fish in the tank...it looks really neat with the light on.

That jack-o-lantern night light is a great memory. I had to beg my mom to let me take it, with a promise that I would never take it to the DI. No worries there...I will keep it until she demands I give it back. It's fun!

Here is the kitchen. It suits me just fine...except the fact that there is no microwave (and really,

no room for one). But, it does have a dishwasher, a nice oven/stove combo, and a HUGE fridge! It's so weird not to have to share the fridge with other people. There really is a lot of space! There is a nice little pantry that I really like as well. It is very nice!!

I also have a huge bathroom that I really like.

My mom and sister bought me the shower curtain and I really like it! It goes along with the fish tank that will soon be running at full power! Anyway...what you can't see is that there was enough room on the counter for me to put a radio. I listen to it once in a while, but I don't know how thin the walls are and the wall with the mirror is also the wall to the hallway. However, I do still use the radio and it is very nice!

Well, there you have the grand tour of my place. Like I said, it is nice and cozy and I really enjoy it. Please feel free to stop by when you are in the area. I love having company!!

Prepare yourselves...the next post is about my backyard (it is amazing!!!!)

Religious Freedom - LDS Newsroom

I really liked what Elder Oaks had to say about this subject. People may think he is over-reacting and that the Church is over-reacting; one thing to remember is that the leaders of the LDS Church are not just talking about current effects. They are also talking about long-term effects that science will never be able to prove until something happens.

Religious Freedom - LDS Newsroom

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Thanksgiving Came Early!!!

General Conference was absolutely incredible! It was a huge spiritual feast. Unfortunately, I ended up having to work Saturday and Sunday, so I was only able to catch the two morning sessions. However, thanks to the internet, I was able to catch up with the sessions I had missed. I wanted to just talk about some of my highlights. It was hard to choose which ones. These ones were the first to come to mind.

First of all, I really enjoyed Elder Ballard's talk in the Priesthood Session (about how sons should relate with their fathers and how fathers should related to their sons). While listening to it, I realized just how lucky I was to have a father who did what Elder Ballard was suggesting. My dad was a faithful member of the church who served where he was called, magnifying whatever calling he held. My dad made it a point to talk to us. My dad made it clear that he loved us children, that he loved our mom, and that he loved the Gospel. My dad always put our needs above his wants. Even though we may not have had the latest and greatest accessories or taken extravagant vacations, we had a strong family united in the Gospel. We children grew up in a home where the Priesthood was exercised on a regular basis. We grew up in a safe, constant, and structured environment. And our vacations were the best! Everywhere we went, we were together as a family, listening to fun vacation tapes with everything between The Rascals, The Association, and Chicago to Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Olivia Newton-John. Our top favorites were Sweet Dreams, Holiday by the BeeGees (I hated this song, but we still have fun memories), and many many others!

I believe he also spoke about showing our family members that we love them and not just saying we do (without showing it). This made me remember my brother's wedding and how I missed everyone after they all left. I realized I need to be better at showing my family I love them instead of just saying it.

Second talk: Pres Monson's talk during the Priesthood Session. The line that stood out the most to me was a quote he used that went like this: "'he who takes offense when no offense was intended is a fool!'" That was some great food for thought.

Another talk that I really enjoyed was by Elder Holland. He spoke with such power and authority that I was amazed! It was great to hear such a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. I have always enjoyed Elder Holland's talk, but this one was absolutely amazing! I know I need to be more diligent in reading and studying it than I have done in the past.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed conference and was very sad that I could not enjoy it with my family. I am anxious for the Ensign to come out in November so I have the chance to read the talks again!

WOW!!!

Well, what can I say. Again, it has been quite awhile since my last post...and boy do I have a lot to report on! Let's start where I left off...

I returned home from DC, jobless and school-less (not complaining about the second). At first, it was nice to be able to come home and relax. I was able to reunite with my old friend Harry (who also introduced me to Jim Dale...HILARIOUS!!!!!) While searching for jobs, I read HP 1, 2, 3, and 4 and then listened to 5, 6, and 7. While listening to the last three, I worked on a quilt (which I really enjoyed! If you ever want a relaxing activity, I highly recommend it!) Anyway, I enjoyed that. So, while students everywhere were preparing for the beginning of another school year (high schoolers loosing all their extra free time to cause trouble; college students loosing all their hard-earned summer money on books and tuition), I was quilting/running/reading/searching for jobs. It was all very pleasant (except for the searching for jobs).

Anyway, highlights in the job search began to pop up when different agencies called me for interviews. This really made my day; I felt positive about my prospects. I had interviews at a few different IHC locations as well as with Valley Mental Health. All I knew was that I wanted a full-time job doing something that I liked (full-time because I did need money and I really wanted benefits...especially with the piggy pukes--thanks Ben for the name--on the rise and my fun little tradition of getting the flu/food poisoning on Thanksgiving). To my consternation (he he) the majority of my interviews were for part-time/on call positions. Even with the full-time job interviews, the first question I was always asked was "are you applying for the full-time or the part-time position?"

Well, the interviews went well, for the most part. One interview included a Spanish speaking portion. Because I was not prepared with the vocabulary aspect, I scored what my friend Harry would call a D for Dreadful (maybe even a T for Troll!) It was horrible and I am in no way being too hard on myself. I left that job interview (which was the one I really wanted) convinced I would not get the job. When I told my parents, they responded that I should always be hopeful. Interestingly enough, I got the job I wanted with IHC!!!!!! I cannot tell you how excited I was about that. The offer came within 5 minutes of another job offer (which was only part-time). I consider myself very blessed! I also give a shout-out to my parents who put up with a very grumpy son.

Anyway, with the new job came a lot of changes. First of all, I moved (and now I really miss being home!) Second of all, I HAVE INSURANCE!!!!!!! I am so excited. Third, I have a paycheck that allows me to meet my needs (none of this $8/hr business). Fourth, and for the first time, I have my own car insurance! This is all so interesting and new for me. My parents are also experiencing some change. It's like they had a rich uncle die and leave them an inheritance ;). All I can say is that I am a very lucky person to have parents who are willing to help me with my needs. They are willing to sacrifice their own wants to help myself or my siblings!

Other big news...my brother got married! It was an exciting time! He married a fantastic bride and we are all excited to have her as part of our family! (I'm going to see if I can write this entire paragraph with exclamation points!) It was really fun because my sister and her husband came out from back east and my brother and his wife and family came up from down south. The only drawback was my other brother and his family were unable to make it. While we missed them, we still enjoyed being with the rest of the family. I do admit, though, that Sunday morning, after everyone had left and it was just me and my parents, all the excitement and anticipation turned into nostalgia and homesickness (even when I was at home! Interesting, I know!) Frodo said it best when, after going back home to the Shire, he says in his monologue "How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back?" Even when all of my siblings (minus one) were all here, together with their families (again, minus 4), things will never be like they were when we were all growing up. I guess that's one of the reasons God provided the way for memories. However, as much as I miss life growing up with my siblings, and as much as I would love to go back in time and spend more time with them than I did, I would never take that chance. I've gained two more brothers and three more sisters, along with 12 nieces and nephews (and more on the way). Our family is still not complete! Instead of "pick[ing] up the threads of an old life", I go on weaving those old threads with the threads of a life that is improving and progressing. My biggest support is the knowledge that I will be with my family forever, even if we don't get to be together now. It also helps that my family and I have strong ties that keep us unified no matter how far away we are from each other.

Wow, that was a long, long narrative!

Anyway, the wedding was wonderful!

Well, I do believe this post has gone long enough. I am going to have to write another one to finish everything I wanted to share. I'm sure I've lost the majority of readers at the beginning. Anyway, all I have to say is don't loose time; spend it with those you love! You'll never regret spending time with those you love and those who love you.

Post-Graduation 2009

Well, it has been quite some time since my last post, which was a complaint (I left you all hanging on a low note...my apologies!) The question is...what have I been up to since graduation? Well, here is my answer:





As you may already have known, I planned a little US tour to see my sister and brother-in-law as well as my brother and sister-in-law who no longer live close. Unfortunately, this US tour could not be broadened to an international tour and I was unable to visit my brother and sister-in-law. While I am still dealing with the disappointment, I did enjoy my visits to my two other siblings. As a momento of the trips, I picked this photo, taken by yours truly at the Sarah Duke Gardens (I can never get enough of that place!)



Anyway, afterwards, I went to my very own Disneyland (aka Washington, DC). It was
phenomenal! I love it in DC and would definitely live out there if a job ever came my way. There is so much stuff to do out there that I still have a list full of activities (yes, I need and will be going back...sometime).

My time in DC was filled with interesting moments. For example, there was the shooting at the Holocaust Museum and the metro accident (luckily, I was at Georgetown Campus and was not near these incidents, but still, I was affected. It was sad that both accidents occurred.

An extremely exciting and positive event did happen while I was there. President Monson came, along with Elder Oaks, to meet with President Obama! Even though I did not see either individual (I was very sad indeed), it was fun being in the same city (yes, I am a bit quirky...but it makes life fun!)

As you may have noticed (from my previous post), I was in DC for the 4th of July, which was amazing (aside from the three individuals who thought they were the only ones there, but enough of that). The fireworks were fabulous and it was a great experience to be on the National Mall at that time. I felt completely at home!

Anyway, this photo of the Washington Monument was a pretty good picture to share. Again, I love DC!!!! If you have not been, you must make it a priority (unless you're going to Spain, then Spain needs to be the top priority, of course!)

Once my internship in DC came to an end, I returned home. While it was great to be back, I missed DC very much. I did enjoy being back with my family and back in Salt Lake City. The only bad thing about it was...job hunting :(. Yes, it's true, I had to begin the search for a job. The upside has been that I am in good company...apparently everyone and their dog is looking for a job (which is enough to make the experience much more fun!)

I do admit, I believe I have had great experiences during my job hunt. I have had several interviews that helps me recognize that I am competitive. These interviews have also helped me improve in my skills and have helped me recognize areas in which I need to improve. With that being said, I am still quite ready for a FULL-TIME job with BENEFITS (but there aren't very many of those available).

While I have been applying for jobs and interviewing, I have also been hanging out a lot with my friend Harry. I have just discovered book on CD (I have always known about it, but I listened and was hooked). This book-on-tape idea is amazing! I have been able to get so much done while listening to Jim Dale narrate an amazing story!!!!!

Well, that is about all I have for now. I can honestly say that life is good and I am enjoying it. Family and friends really make life more enjoyable!

Honestly???...

Picture 1 (above)

Picture 2 (above)

So, what is different between the two pictures above (something is missing)?

Give up? Here's a hint...

Apparently there were three individuals who thought they were the only ones attending the firework show on the National Mall (which, we all know, is in Washington, DC...the capital of the United States). While you cannot see too well in these photos, all the other hundreds of thousands of people in attendance were seated, except for these three individuals. And what did they cover? None other than the Washington Monument. Not only were the thousands of people behind these individuals shouting at them to sit down, these three kept looking behind them and saw many other people motioning for them to sit down. About half way through the show, someone went up to them and asked them to sit down (which thankfully they did-finally!) Obviously, I was very bugged by these people (I took time out to take a photo and am writing a blog about it). My question is...what were they thinking?

What is your first reaction when you are in a huge group of people who are all sitting down at a very popular landmark on a very important day in a very important city for a very important opportunity? Honestly, is it possible someone can be that clueless? This post seems unnecessary and childish, and I realize that perception is reality, but I was very bugged! Now that I have it all out on the table, I can let it rest.

To focus on the bright side, they did sit down and I got to see the remainder of the firework show over the Washington Monument, which was a very fun and enjoyable experience. I also learned that the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans" can be some very valid, important, and respectful advice as well as just plain, simple common sense! (And yes, there was plenty of room for them to sit down).