Family Fiesta

The pictures have arrived! And they are amazing :). This was the first time in 10 years that my family had been all together. It was so much fun having everyone in the same room! The only sad thing was that it was very short-lived, but well-worth the time! Following are some of the other photos that were very well done!

All the siblings

All the grown-up children

This was a lucky picture. The fact that all of us were able to look at the camera and smile while there were 11 little children running around in the background. It turned out great!!

I liked the rustic-looking color!

All my nieces and nephews (minus two, but I know they were both there!)

Like I said, I had an amazing time with all of my family. There is one song with lyrics that really explain they way I felt (and feel) whenever I'm with my family. The singer is obvious, but I'll put the lyrics of the song here:

These are the special times

Times we'll remember.

These are the precious times,

The tender times, we'll hold in our hearts forever.

These are the sweetest times,

These times together.

And through it all one thing will always be true:

The special times are the times [we] share [together].

Family is amazing and there was one week this year when Heaven was on Earth!

Now You See it...Now You Don't

So, there is some exciting news going on in the Ogden neighborhood! We are getting a "new" temple! I couldn't believe it when I heard it. I had mixed emotions about it.

1) Even though the exterior design is a bit interesting, I will actually miss it.

2) I really, really like the steeple on the tabernacle! I will definitely miss that when they take it off.

3) The new exterior looks amazing!

4) It'll be fun to have an entrance on both sides of the temple

5) I really liked the look of the Draper Temple

6) I like the idea of making the "temple square" more pedestrian-friendly. That makes for more gardens (and I LOVE water!!)

So, what do you think??

I Was a Part of It...Again!!! :)

So, as many of you may know, I was surprised by an all-expense-paid trip to New York City!! Very soon after the surprise, I realized that I was the one paying the expenses (I'm so generous!) Anyway, I was quite excited. Why the surprise? Well, my brother and his wife and kids were planning a trip up to Salt Lake and, as a result of some volunteerism and favor-asking, it was decided that I would fly out to New York to escort my sister-in-law and children (hers and my brother's) back to Salt Lake. However, Plan A was for me to fly out on the red eye to New York and then, 4 hours later, fly back to Salt Lake (i.e. I would not leave the airport). I thought it would be helpful as my sister-in-law did not speak much English (and I would have been scared to death to travel with two children to an unknown land with a different language). However, something unexpected and not too pleasant (but potentially pleasant) happened, leaving me quite confused.

The passports were all ready and had been sent off for the visas. However, the consulate office (for some unknown, stupid, but hopefully valid reason) would not let my brother and sister-in-law pick up the visas and passports in person. I don't know, I'm sure the government has its reasons, but one would think it would be safer if the individual were to pick up their passport in person, thus ensuring that the passport is delivered successfully. But, what do I know?! Anyway, it ended up that my brother had to delay the flight plans (which means I did too). However, I could not pass up a vacation to NYC...so I only delayed my flight coming back to Salt Lake! WAHOO!!!! I booked a hotel, got work off (PTO!!!), and started packing.

Now, you might be thinking that this was at least a few weeks ahead of time. No, this all happened THE DAY that I was supposed to fly out. (Actually, I bought the tickets about a week before but I did not know about the delay until the day I was supposed to leave). So, anyway, as I was driving down to Salt Lake to my parents house (I was going to leave my car at my parents house), I started to realize the implications of this vacation: 1) How was I going to get from JFK to Manhattan (the subway), 2) I had no hard-copy subway schedule with the different routes, 3) I could not check into my hotel until 3 pm (I was arriving at 6 am), I was going to be completely alone (the biggest city I have been alone in was...Provo...which is like comparing a grain of sand to a beach!) When I got to my parents house, I was hitting high anxiety levels and feeling a bit sick. My mom reminded me that I had been there before and so I somewhat knew my way around the city. Also, to my benefit, my cousin called (who has lived in NYC) and gave me some pointers. I also found out that I had a friend who was living in Manhattan. I WAS SAVED!! I was not as nervous (althought I was still nervous about the subway and getting from JFK to Manhattan).
Anyway, I took the flight, could not sleep at all (even though I had all three seats to myself), and arrived...EARLY! My flight got there at 5:30 am. I had no idea where the subway station was and the JFK airport people were SO helpful and pleasant! Just another validation as to why I hate asking people questions (the pleasant rolling of the eyes, the nasty tone of voice, and the sighs of exasperation.) I eventually found the stop for the subway and took the hour ride into Manhattan. Once I got there, I called my friend who said I could leave my luggage at his apartment while he worked. I was free to roam the city (my Disneyworld, explained with the link). I had a great time. I saw the Temple, Central Park, Times Square, etc. However, I was cold and very tired! I got to my hotel by 5:30 pm and was freezing (seriously!) When I got in the room, I turned the heater up to 80, got into bed, and slept until 8 am the next morning. The mattress was a memory foam mattress. It was so comfortable!!! Anyway, I was well-rested and ready for a day of touring! I went to the financial district and saw Wall Street, Ground Zero, Battery Park, Lady Liberty, Staten Island, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, Rockefeller Square (the Christmas Tree was still up!!), Central Park (again), the Temple (again), Radio City Music Hall, South Street Sea Port, the Juilliard School of Music, the Metropolitan Opera House, and Central Park at night (obviously, I'm a big fan of Central Park!) I then met up with my friend and we ate and then walked around some more. I didn't get back until 11 pm (so daring! It was like a rite of passage to adulthood!)

I had meant to get something for my aunt. She had requested a Prada bag (knock-off of course). I had asked a couple of friends who had them how they got them. When they told me, I at first did not believe them. Then, I realized they were serious. This is what I heard...

I was told to go the China Town and that the sales people will be on the street trying to get you to come to their stores. When they come up to you, you are supposed to say "Prada" or "Gucci" and they will lead you either 1) to a door in the store that leads to some stairs. You go down with them and they will show you their storage and you can choose, or 2) they take you to a van with no windows and you get in and they shut the door and you can choose what you want. My friends said that it feels like you are being abducted and that's normal. I decided that I was not going to risk it. The funny thing was that the first thing that came to my mind as to why I would not compromise my safety was because I needed to get to the Gershwin Theater for "Wicked" (not getting back home safely or anything...my priorities were a bit screwy).

The next day, I had to check out of my apartment, so I did so and then took my luggage back to my friend's house. I then did some repeat tours (the Temple, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, South Street Sea Port, the Financial District and Ground Zero. To top the evening off, I saw "Wicked" at the Gershwin Theater!! It was absolutely amazing (even better the second time around). However, that put me at Times Square at 11:00 pm (which was actually pretty exciting! It was all lit up.) I had to get up to friend's apartment (just up from Central Park) and then get to the airport (southeast of Manhattan). I got there and then went to get on the subway for the airport...at midnight! I was feeling quite risky that night. I was doing pretty fine until the speaker came on and said that, due to construction between the current and the next stop, we had to get off the subway and then shuttle to the next stop on a bus. That is when I noticed that I was in Brooklyn and it was about 1:30 am and there were a ton of people wanting to get on the buses. As each bus came and filled up, the doors closed to many violent and X-rated comments. I was scared to even try to politely-aggressively get on the bus. However, I did so and eventually got to the next subway stop and onto the subway. Then, I realized that I was on the right line but that the train I was on was going to head the wrong way when it split (the airport was south and I was on the train going north). So, I had to get off again and wait.

Obviously, I made it to the airport safely and in one piece (otherwise, you would not be reading this!) I got there about 2:30 am and my sister-in-law (and her children) were not due to arrive until 5:30 am, so I found a telephone booth and slept for a couple of hours. They arrived and it was such a great time to see them for the first time!!! I could not believe they were finally here!!!!!

Anyway, that was my fun little vacation. I ended up having a great time and was glad I went. I now want to go back in the summer to experience it again that way. It was funny but just as the plane was taxiing off the runway, I almost cried (I know...a bit ridiculous!) I really like NYC. I know I'll be going back again, but I think I need to see DC again before going back. I am quite sure I would have a much more enjoyable time in DC and NYC than I would at Disneyland and Disneyworld. Another downside to this trip...I really want to go abroad again. Spain, Brazil, UK...who knows. Anyway, I hope that was enjoyable for you. Thanks for reading!

My Goals...

Ok, first of all, please note these are not my goals for this year. These are my goals for the next 10 years (I think that gives me adequate preparation time!) I believe Claire de Lune is possible for me to learn in this year. Anybody know any good piano teachers (in the Weber/Davis county area?) Anyway, prepare yourself for some very fine ear candy...

Clair de Lune by Debussy

La Campanella by Liszt

Liebstraume by Liszt

Cristofori's Dream by David Lanz

Fur Elise by Beethoven

Piano Concerto in B flat Minor by Tchaikovsky (obviously without the orchestra...and yes, I've seen it done on just piano)

You could also throw in something by Chopin, too!

I obviously have lots of work to do! All I can say is (and my mom would be proud) that I wish I didn't waste time during my piano lessons!

Enjoy!

Oh, Christmas!!!

So, I went to the Gateway and Temple Square in Salt Lake City and went camera crazy! I was fascinated by the tree at the Gateway, so I recorded it (the lights are amazing!!) Here it is for you all to see. :) By the way, I could not figure out how to change it so it was turned correctly (it's not as easy as fixing pictures I guess). Forgive me, please ;)

And yes, I have other pictures :). Some of them have some pretty funny stories, so here we go:

Ok, so this must be one of the more popular, most-desired places to take a picture on temple square (here and the reflecting pool on the Main Street Plaza). So, in an attempt to be polite, we waited our turn in line. There was a family in front of us who were also waiting their turn. The family in front of us were taking their sweet time as well as enough pictures to fit on 5 memory cards! When it was the family's turn (in front of us), this pack of girls ran up to the platform, giggling like they were funny, and started taking pictures. Then, this old lady walked up to the platform. Her husband kept telling her that it wasn't her turn and she looked at him and gave him this nasty sneer that communicated "I don't have to wait my turn!" Finally, I decided to throw civility aside and ran up to the platform when Mrs Entitled got down. I let the family in front of us come up so that we could take their picture for them and then I took the snapshot I wanted. Obviously, I was annoyed (especially with Mrs. Entitled. I don't care how old you are...wait your turn!!) Ok...I feel better now that that is off my chest. Next:

Wow...this picture has a hilarious story! So, I wanted to take the shot from the corner of the window because it didn't have as many hand and fingerprints on it. The only problem was this couple who were having an interesting conversation--and by that, I mean the guy (no older than 23) was talking to the girl about all the money he had loaned to his family. First of all, he loaned $10,000 to his parents because "they had fallen on hard times". Second, he paid off all of the student loans his sister had incurred. Now, obviously, I did drop some eaves but it was impossible not too...this was an interesting story! I want to know what this kid did for a living if he was only about 23 (maybe 24 but definitely not older than 25)! This guy had loaned out about $30,000 (unless the student loans were not very much)!! AND HE WAS ONLY 23!!! I was about to ask him for a loan, but my better judgement helped me refrain. Anyway, I knew it was pointless to wait for the spot because more people were coming and this story was not about to end any time soon (the girl decided to sit down on the sill!) So, I took my shot from the center (and yes, it was a decent shot) and then we headed down the elevator. Our assumptions were:

1. this guy was genuine and I am being pretty rude,
2. this guy was Mr. Moneybags (and I am still probably being somewhat rude), or
3. this guy was really trying to impress this girl with money and generosity, and he was laying it on REAL thick (and I am still being rude...dang it!)!!

Anyway, here are some other photos:

An amazing nativity!

The temple through the lights (I admit this idea was not original. I saw someone else doing it and decided to follow suit!)

I really like the Assembly Hall! It is an example of some great architecture.

I like the temple and the lights right in front. I will never have enough pictures of the temple!

The best shot of the evening! I love this one (and yes, this idea was original. I took it before seeing the other people on the other tree).

Well, there you are! Some fun little pictures of magic and wonder. I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!!!

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!!!!)