My Life is Brilliant

January 2011: I Started Dating The Love Of My Life

2011-06-03T09:35:00.004-06:00

The first time I saw him, I don't actually remember, but I do know that I thought he was a good looking guy. The first time I met him, he doesn't actually remember, but I do know that he was dating someone. The first time we talked one on one, we both remember, but I do know that he wasn't really interested even though I thought he certainly was.

That first one on one was at a ward activity in November. I was studying for the GRE, around that time, and he offered to help me simply because he loves math. Well, like I would let that opportunity pass! I already knew he was attractive, smart, and funny so even if I hadn't needed the help, I still would have taken it. He came over a few times and really did help me (I got into graduate school). I decided to make him dinner as a thank you. We also spent a little bit of time together because we worked together in a calling in our church. Then, I went on my Paris, Egypt, and Israel trip. When I returned, he asked if I would tell him about my trip. It blossomed from there. Actually I think what really got him interested was the fact that I wanted to play a video game with him. What really got me interested was the fact that he kept wanting to see me, and his GIANT GOOD heart is so easy to see.

Now, in a few short weeks I will get to marry that good looking guy who is now my best friend. How cool is that? Oh, and I get to marry him knowing that our relationship will last forever. How even more cool is that?

Amber and Marcus sitting in a tree for e-t-e-r-n-i-t-y. Cheesy? Yes. And I truly hope we don't have to sit in a tree for that long!

Christmas 2010 - Israel

2011-06-03T09:10:00.002-06:00

Old City Jaffa

The Baha'i Gardens

The Jordan River

The Tomb of Lazarus

The Garden Tomb
I could write a million thoughts about the trip to Israel, and I did in my journal. I could talk about everything from the intrigue of the Baha'i religion, the delightful taste of falafel and persimmons, the fun we had and friendships made, to the lessons our tour guide gave us and the spirit we felt, but I think what it all really boils down to is the last site we visited. I think that most people have some significant feelings when they approach The Garden Tomb, and it was no different for me. What it all really boils down to though, even more than being there, at the traditional site, is that He lives. The Atonement is real and is effective our lives, in my life. If you ever want a little trip to Israel, just read an account of the resurrection and you will know what it feels like to be there.

Christmas 2010 - Egypt

2011-04-14T12:21:00.007-06:00

I think for this post I will share some thoughts from my journal and post some pictures at the end.

Cairo, what a sight! The Pyramids, camel rides, the Sphinx, the Nile; they are all incredible. I'm not sure seeing is believing though. It was slightly surreal. The Pyramids inspired awe simply by the engineering, but the reason for building them inspires thought. What of gods and the afterlife? There is so much in every culture that leads me to wonder if the gospel was fashioned by man from pieces of other cultures and religions, but then I have to stop myself because the boy prophet Joseph Smith did not have access to the knowledge we have now, and although I can't answer every question, the gospel just fits all of the pieces together so perfectly that there is no other explanation. The gospel is true!

People are beautiful. How can you not look at them and just know, as C.S. Lewis reminds us, that we would be in awe if we really understood that we were seeing divine beings.

So I am seeing wonders of the world, but the real majestic wonders aren't seen. They are felt. That is why we can't see proof the truth of the gospel. If we did it might be surreal and hard to fathom, but we can feel it and through feeling we know.

I'm reminded of the play I saw at the beginning of the summer, To Kill A Mockingbird. I know the story, but the play yanked my heart all over the place and I had a good friend who also saw it remind me of how we should be treating one another - human kindness. Our tour guide mentioned how in school he learned that there are all kinds of people. That is why there is tourism. If we were all the same there would be nothing interesting to go see because we would have already seen it or we would already know it. Then he said how we not one better than the other, just one different from the other and my heart sank. We wouldn't have to teach that if we really believed it and lived it. I often ask myself why we are so hard on each other and sometimes even cruel, but that is not the question I should ask. My question should be, where in my life do I treat others in an unkind manner and what can I do to change it? I want to change the world, but I need to remember my heart has to be changed first and always focusing on love. Love is Christ, after all.

I love that this trip has me asking life changing questions and that I didn't just enjoy the sights. Though, I did do that as well. :)

Christmas 2010 - Paris

2011-04-12T12:50:00.004-06:00

Paris smells wonderful. I've been told this is not actually true and in the summertime I might agree, but my nose had a wonderful winter experience in the city of love. I think everyone there uses the same detergent because I really noticed the wonderful fragrance in my bed sheets, but it's the same scent I smelled everywhere we went from the airport shuttle to the people in the Louvre. I miss that smell!

After our visit to the Eiffel Tower we thought it might be fun to find our way back to the hotel on foot. It was fun to wander through Paris, but we did get lost. We knew the general direction we wanted to go and at one point when we were quite close to our destination we pulled out the map again. An older French gentleman saw us looking at our map and stopped to help. He didn't speak any English, but he talked and talked and talked. He figured out where we wanted to go and drew us a map with street names. It's a good thing our hotel was near the Pantheon so we could at least communicate that's where we were trying to go.

The Louvre was awesome! I would definitely go back! I could spend months in there. I was so impressed with all of the paintings that depicted either the Savior's birth or crucifixion. I love that so many artists have portrayed Christ in some fashion.

The Mona Lisa was pretty incredible to see in person. I don't really understand her fame, but she is beautiful, and it was just fun to be a part of something so famous.

Paris is COLD in the wintertime, but I loved to experience all of the traditional touristy things as well as some of the culture and I especially loved the food.

December 9

2010-12-15T11:05:00.005-07:00

That is the day I was born, and 29 years later I had a Silly Sock Soiree to celebrate. Please see the success of my par-tay in photo form.

The Food

The Friends

The Friends and Socks

And More Friends

And Even More Friends and Socks

The Games

Pin the Sock on the Foot

And Sweet Jamen Letting Me Catch a Shot of Our Silly Socks After Party Time

Gray Toe Socks and Striped Skull Socks
Who Could Ask For More?

Personality Analysis Based on Drawing

2010-12-01T14:38:00.002-07:00

I did this with my left hand. My results: You are an open person and have a willingness to interact with others.

Arachnophobia

2010-11-29T11:14:00.005-07:00

I was sitting on the floor, leaning against my yellow chair, wearing a green hoodie. Shalayne was sitting across from me. We do this every weekday morning from 7:00-7:30. We call it scripture study, but often we talk about life. Dating, work, studying for graduate exams, etc. come up in our morning discussions. Doctrinal questions and shared scriptures come up too! :)

Well, one particular morning last week another topic came up. It was the topic of, "Scare me out of my wits!" Shalane looked at me and told me not to move, which for me means I can only assume that there was probably a spider somewhere near or on me. This was the case. She came up to me and brushed something off my hood. I turned around and on my yellow chair was a HUGE spider. I think it was a common house spider, but they look enough like hobo spiders that I have been creeped out ever since. She told me she thought it was going to crawl down my neck. SICK!

Since then I have had two spider experiences.

no. 1
I had a dream where a gross, brown, hairy spider started charging me so I took my laptop and threw it on the thing. It bounced right off and the spider kept coming. I don't know what happened!

no. 2
This morning around 3:00 AM I felt something by my nose. I bolted upright in by bed while blowing air out of my nose and mouth and brushing frantically with my hands. I feel like I shot a spider from under my nose clear across my room. It was probably a hair, but I had an uneasy time going back to sleep.

Amber's "insert adjective" Dating Life

2010-11-17T15:32:00.002-07:00

One day, my friend called me fine. I asked her if she would please inform a gentleman friend of mine that this was the case. She drafted a letter to send to him. Please see:

Dear _________,
I would like to bring something to your attention. I’m sure you are already aware but are just too ______(fill in the blank with your own adjective, i.e. shy) to notice. AMBER IS FABULOUS! Not to mention funny, quirky, brilliant, talented, beautiful, hilarious, and gifted.
PS She could be that best thing that ever happened to you. I think you should take her on a date.
The End

Wasn't that nice? I showed another friend that letter and she came up with the following madlib:

Dear ___________(name of gentleman friend),

You are ____________(adjective). I would totally ___________(emotion) to go on a date with you to _______________(place). If you would like to do this date, please meet me at ____________(place) and we will eat ______________(food), and have a___________(adjective) time.

______________(closing sentiments)

______________(your name)

Well, I am sure of one thing, I have GREAT and FUNNY friends. Thanks!

The Scariest Halloween Video of All Time!

2010-11-08T15:13:00.001-07:00

How do you eat a Reese's?

Tasting Dishes Trial Run

2010-11-01T09:00:00.002-06:00

I did it! Well, sort of. This was really just a dessert party, but I used my tasting dishes and it turned out well. Now I have acquired a few more tasting dishes and am planning a real tasting party very soon. This little dessert night though was fun. I had over some people from my temple shift. I do love the Tuesday Temple Team!

Tasting Party!

2010-10-22T09:27:00.003-06:00

This is definitely something that could hook me. I have the mini shot glasses, two kinds of mini bowls, and the stacked glass tiered platters. Mostly I have them owing to my mother. Thanks for the gifts! Anyway, look forward to some tasting parties. I have two in the works already!

2010-10-11T09:12:00.002-06:00

If you can answer the following questions correctly, you may tutor me in preparation for the GRE. Thank you.

1. PERENNIAL :: EPHEMERAL

A. volatile : evanescent
B. mature : ripe
C. diurnal : annual
D. permanent : temporary
E. majestic : mean

2. The intellectual flexibility inherent in a multicultural nation has been ____ in classrooms where emphasis on British-American literature has not reflected the cultural ____ of our country.

A. eradicated - unanimity
B. encouraged - aspirations
C. stifled - diversity
D. thwarted - uniformity
E. inculcated - divide

In the figure above AD = 4, AB = 3 and CD = 9. What is the area of triangle AEC ?

A. 18
B. 13.5
C. 9
D. 4.5
E. 3

The Hand

2010-09-27T12:42:00.002-06:00

I had an overnight work retreat on Thursday and Friday. I pretty much love the people I work with and it was fun to spend some good quality time with them talking about achieving our dreams both in the office and in our personal lives. Our theme was Dream Bigger. We had some good presentations and a lot of free time to play games and just chat. The food was also delicious. The most memorable moment though? Well, let's take a look at the following picture:

My friend Court and I got to share a room with 4 bunk beds wall to wall. I somehow lost track of Court and went looking for her. When I checked the bedroom I somehow got distracted by something in my backpack. So, there I am standing at the foot of my bed when this hand creeps out from underneath and I hear a creepy whispered growling sound. I YELPED! Ha ha! I'm so glad she didn't actually grab my leg. I'm thinking if she had I would have kicked leaving me with one less shin (the bed frame would have taken care of that) and her with one less half of a face (my foot would have taken care of that).

Oh, and if that wasn't enough . . .

I left my desk today for a moment or two and when I returned, she was hiding under it! Same creepy hand came out, same creepy whispered growl. I'm thinking revenge is in order. Any ideas?

Allergy Relief?

2010-09-22T08:24:00.003-06:00

Medical science rocks! I have had sinus infections and allergies all summer! In fact, it has lasted so long I forgot what it was like to hear normally because of the liquid in my ears. Ew gross! Well, I finally went to the doctor and within hours of taking the prescribed medication I could hear again. Like really hear! And, I could feel the difference between having liquid in my ears and not. It was a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, within a few days I learned that there is a trade off.

SIDE EFFECTS:

dizziness
dry mouth
headache
nausea
nervousness
trouble sleeping

Don't worry too much though; I am only experiencing the last three. :)

FHE Poetry Night

2010-08-24T08:00:00.002-06:00

We read some of our favorite poems for our FHE activity and a few of us brought some of our original works. Can you believe this activity wasn't my idea? I certainly enjoyed it! After some sharing we then wrote a poem or two. Ashlee asked for a prompt and Jason said "slingshot" so she and I both took it and ran with it. The following is what I came up with:

Fabled stories of rock and sling
often have me thinking
of heroes.
What does it take to become one such?
A bow? A sword? A cause?
Perhaps the courage to move ahead
when no one else will take the plunge.
My comforts keep my heart at bay
until one steps out of his way
to perform a noble deed on my behalf.
Then brave my head and heart become;
I desire to help another one.
And fabled stories now ring true
as you see in me and I see in you.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2010-08-23T07:57:00.004-06:00

Making smoothies with my nephew
Watching my niece dance
Getting kisses from my little D nephew
Hanging out with my family
Late night chats with Ashlee
Making new friends
Evening walks with Debbie
Amazingly humble people
Great neighbors
My Garden
Utah County Fair corn on the cob
St. Andrew by Bedouin Soundclash
Laughing my guts out at work
The Cope Family
My bike
Wizards of Waverly Place
80s music
Snickers
Farmer's Markets
Honey
Good Dreams
Limahl

Hero's

2010-08-05T10:11:00.002-06:00

I love rainstorms! I love the lightning and thunder. I love the sound of the rain on the roof and the feel of it on my face. The weather we have been having is totally dope in my opinion. There are problems though with this kind of weather. Lots of rain means lots of puddles and I ran into a rather large one last night. I guess I didn't really run into it, but I observed the following in regards to it. A young man on campus at BYU was trying to get his scooter out of a very large pool of water that resulted from the rain. I mean his scooter was in deep. When I came upon the scene (from a distance) I noticed he was on his cell phone talking to someone and assessing the situation. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw a BYU police officer working his way in that direction. As he approached the young man hung up his phone (I'm assuming he had called for help) and the two decided together that they could lift the scooter up out of the puddle, over the grass and the sidewalk, onto the road. It was such a simple thing, and really something the student probably could have done on his own, but it was neat for me to see that officer so willing and happy to do something so simple. I would call it heroic really. It reminded me of a few lines from the movie "While You Were Sleeping" where Lucy and Peter are talking to each other. She says to him, "You give up your seat every day in the train." He replies, "Well-- But that´s not heroic." And she counters with, "It is to the person who sits in it." I concur. I think it's the little things in life that make up the character of a person which causes them to be a hero. Kudos to all of you hero's out there who take the time to lend a hand, speak and kind word, or lift a scooter out of a very large puddle.

Triplus No. 3

2010-08-01T18:14:00.006-06:00

Ah yes, my other favorite painting. Well as stated by the scripture it references, Moses 6:59-60:

"That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory; For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified."

Of course, being the poet that I am I had to write something about this painting as I spent many a lunch hour walking over the the BYU Museum of Art to gaze and ponder. It has no title save I called it the same name as the painting, "Triplus No. 3."

Simple and almost unnoticed
But a transcendent beauty it holds
Though dark and gnarled the stock
The colors of the cross inculcate from first glance
Peace and purity signified by His courage and sacrifice for life
The water cleanses
The blood reclaims
The Spirit saves

Starry Night

2010-07-30T20:34:00.004-06:00

There are two paintings I plan to own at some point in my life. Not the originals, of course. Unless I decide to pursue a much more lucrative career than I currently have in the works, but very well made reproductions. One of those paintings is the all famous "Starry Night" by Van Gogh. It is certainly one of the most popular paintings in the world, and loved by all for a million different reasons. I fell in love with it when I was sixteen years old and enthralled with the ABC TV series "Boy Meets World." Admittedly I'm slightly embarrassed, but only slightly.

Cory and Topanga are almost calling it quits after fifteen years of childhood romance, but a scene at the end of the episode finds them in front of this painting and just before Cory tells her that he has learned their relationship is more than a childhood romance and a masterpiece and gets all gushy, she tells Cory this about the painting, "God is protecting the people in this little town. They live there lives and they come out of their houses and they see the sky. And they know God’s protection and love. And that everything will be alright."

There is speculation that around the same time Van Gogh painted "Starry Night" he was finding religion and that possibly the 11 stars in the painting are representative of the stars mentioned in Genesis 37:9. There is much discussion on its astronomical significance. Commentary can be found regarding his thought processes, and why he would paint this as he was in the asylum at Saint-Rémy and his behavior was reportedly quite erratic. There are fascinating theories and beautiful insights. But for me, it's the simplicity that any person can take any of these ideas to make this image of pure brilliance their own.

I perceive the ominous foreground and recognize its possible threat, but am much more cognizant of the little chapel which leads my thoughts to God, then a realization that it is a peaceful night and at this point I have to agree with Topanga Lawrence:

"God is protecting the people in this little town. They live there lives and they come out of their houses and they see the sky. And they know God’s protection and love. And that everything will be alright."

Amber Jumps!

2010-06-04T11:20:00.002-06:00

My Perfect Match

2010-05-20T16:45:00.002-06:00

This is the exact same thing that happened with me and my perfect match!

A Cheer for Amber by Court

2010-05-14T08:54:00.002-06:00

I just got a new phone and in trying to figure out the video recording I, well . . . didn't. So it's sideways and I don't know how to fix that. If you do let me know. I love it though so I will post it anyway, with Court's permission.

Your Turn

2010-05-01T07:00:00.003-06:00

I just spent an entire month blogging poems. Now, it's your turn! I won't leave you to it completely on your own. I'm posting a picture as your prompt. I would love to read a poem inspired by that picture from all of my readers. Post it in the comments, or on your own blog and I will totally link to it!

Day Thirty "Communication"

2010-04-30T11:28:00.000-06:00

Communication

You spoke your mind, now your concerned
That what you meant just wasn’t heard
You’re so frustrated; things don’t make sense
And now you’re acting on false pretense
Dear why don’t you come and tell me
All of your troubles and sorrows and fears
If you are candid and I am sincere
I know both of our hearts it will cheer

You walked up to me, and we embraced
I saw the smile on your face
We talked about it, and then we kissed
And your frustrations they were dismissed
Dear remember that I love you
Even when we do not always agree
And your happiness is my only plea
Because you mean the world to me

Day Twenty-nine "Word Verification"

2010-04-29T12:48:00.000-06:00

Word Verification

I got online to read a blog my friend had posted yesterday.
The things she wrote were so profound, I had things I wanted to say.
So I proceeded to leave a comment on her clever post,
But much to my surprise I had to type a word to prove that I was . . .
Human?
Well, croxisma and ochipent do they think that I’m a ghost?

It was a crazy comleac, but I figured I’d consent
To type a porkenry racra word and my opinion represent.
So, I tried wingsto and cattedi, I even tried splogdew,
But the words I typed would not prove that I was . . .
Human?
Well, ofunble and indedfor it would not let me through!

I really liked the post she wrote so I said a little prayer
That the imaritic and nalteria would finally get me there.
I typed slowly and deliberately that I might prove authentically
Despite the siturn mobefi, indeed I am a . . .
Human!
The word that let my comment post, “Sally.”

Day Twenty-eight "A Tribute to Casey"

2010-04-28T15:10:00.001-06:00

A Tribute to Casey

I have this friend; we’ll call him Casey to protect the innocent
The other day he came to me and said, “Dear Amber, I must repent.
For I have been telling everyone that I am really cool.
I have been saying people have said that I totally rule.
But these things are so not true.
And lying kind of makes me feel blue.”

I thought about the things he’d shared.
I had to act like at least I cared.
And then I offered this advice
Hoping that it would suffice.
“Dear Casey, take a chill pill friend. You’re only kind of smart
But kind of is good enough. Well, at least it is a start.”

Day Twenty-seven "Miss Flopsterkins Canary"

2010-04-27T10:26:00.000-06:00

Miss Flopsterkins Canary

Hinklemerry Dewberry confiscated a singing canary
From Miss Flopsterkins on a summers day.
He said that singing feathered fowl made too much noise and how
It was against the law to let such a sound display.

Miss Flopsterkins was quite put out
Her bird was such a pretty thing
And all the townspeople gathered round
When her dear bird did sing.

She cried aloud around the town in hopes her howling would be heard
But not a soul came to her aid for almost all were sleeping
Hinklemerry was awake and heard her sorrowed, saddened sigh
And in his heart he knew the law was not worth her weeping.

For Hinklemerry was in love with that mild mademoiselle
So, he took his quill in hand and changed that law that such sound be not banned
Then he returned that precious canary to that pretty gal and told her of his deed
And gracious Miss Flopsterkins said she did understand

Now as the town folk gather round to hear a lovely song
Hinklemerry Dewberry looked across at his elegant enchantress
He said I do, and she did too
And then the preacher of course their love did bless.

Day Twenty-six "A Man of God"

2010-04-26T21:32:00.000-06:00

A Man of God

For a man who follows God
may all blessings be bestowed
For faith and hope and action
lead to love of God and all mankind.

The heart can only gather
what its given selflessly
and for such a man all praise would go
but he gives it to his maker.

The soul of such the pure in heart
will have eternal reward
for his is the gift of lasting life
as he has taught us with conviction to follow God.

Day Twenty-five "Take the Risk"

2010-04-25T18:06:00.000-06:00

Take the Risk

Do something more.
Move ahead.
Take some risks, my mother said.
So, I did.

At first things went quite swimmingly.
Failure was foreign to me.
Taking risks made me feel free.
It did not last.

As I persisted on my way,
failure came and seemed to stay,
and it got harder day by day.
I wanted to give up.

But with each failure I learned better for my next deed.
The risk was worth the lessons of which I was in need.
So failure, correction, failure, correction is how one can succeed.
And, I do.

Day Twenty-four "Obtain"

2010-04-24T23:45:00.000-06:00

Obtain

Isn't the cry of every human soul, to be delivered?
Are we not all in bondage and crying for relief?
Do we not all want freedom?

Then how to obtain deliverance, relief, freedom?

One step at a time.
One day at a time.
Moment by moment, with maybe only the slightest glimpse of what our next move should be.
We must answer the quiet nudging of the Spirit which directs us down unknown paths.
We must go and do, knowing that if we use the good we have learned, we will obtain.

Day Twenty-three "What the Future Holds"

2010-04-23T11:32:00.000-06:00

What the Future Holds

Mark you my friend how days gone on the sun has passed them by its way.
Oh memories of days of yore, have longing left for sunshine’s warming ray.
Where is the laughter that I loved in my days of youth?
Yearning for a better time
Oh yes when I was living in my prime
How I want my childhood back, because it dearly holds my happiness in truth

What of today I gaze about and see the past is past
And as I make my memories new I wonder why must it go along so fast
Will time ever slow and me allow to live and love and be content?
Though everything is always changing the joy can stay the same
I suppose there is no shame
To be in the here and now and present

Yesterday has come and gone; today is drawing to an end
I wonder if my yesteryear's have been worthwhile because they're gone and what tomorrow holds is hard to comprehend
Shall I take my experience and wallow in what was, for fear of not knowing?
No, I will glean from old lang syne the pleasures I have had
Look up ahead and understand there is hope and faith and reason to be glad
For the future holds everything

Day Twenty-two "Succumb"

2010-04-22T20:58:00.000-06:00

I'm glad I have written plenty of poetry in the past so on days like today when I just can't get the words to flow or I don't have the time, I still have a poem to share. On days like today having a pool to draw from is needed muchly. I hope you enjoy.

Succumb

Speaking in a cradled tone
Listen to the message clear
Moving forward with my options
Muted connections disappear

Retrieving the old lost written letters
I begin to understand
The more communications hindered
The more the end is close at hand

Frantically I dial the number
One hope gone, new hope to find
The services I try to offer
Speak volumes to my inner mind

But as I note the date and hour
I log the options I have lost
Redialing won't allow me back
And so I have to count the cost

It's time to change my old direction
Switch my settings to things to come
Display the strength that's learned from stretching
And to my new found spirit succumb.

Day Twenty-one "You Are My Joy"

2010-04-21T07:53:00.000-06:00

You Are My Joy

In the morning I turn to see your beauty and as you smile butterflies flutter around in my chest and I think, “You are my joy.”

When we walk down a path I take your hand in mine and your touch sends warmth through all of me and I think, “You are my joy.”

We float across the ballroom floor and with you near I smell your sweet scent; my senses find delight and I think, “You are my joy.”

I pass by you in the hall as you hum a charming melody and as my ears are filled with the soft alluring tones I think, “You are my joy.”

As I lay down my head at the end of the day and reflect on the blessing you are to me, I turn to you once more and I think, “You are my joy.”

Day Twenty "Finals Survival"

2010-04-20T08:56:00.000-06:00

Written for a phenomenal friend, Thanks J!

Finals Survival

It's finals week and finally I feel like I will die.
I wonder if after I'm gone people will hem, haw and sigh.
But as I ponder my eyes wander round, in the corner a package doth lie.
And I see the contents inside are things on which I can rely

There is food for my belly and drink for my thirst.
There's a stress reliever that my emotions don't burst.
There are socks in which feet can be immersed.
And suddenly I don't feel so cursed.

This finals thing is really a dread.
With all of this knowledge jumbled inside my head.
But this package of goodies has light on me shed.
Though I am tired, this gift from a friend has me thinking how cool I am instead.

Day Nineteen "Doughnuts"

2010-04-19T20:58:00.000-06:00

I came home from work today and Debbie kept asking me what I was having for dinner and when I was going to eat. I was really busy with making her bridal shower invitations so I just kept putting it off. Finally she said "I'm so impatient, I just want you to come open the microwave because I left a surprise for you inside of it." I was a poem! So alas, today you will not be hearing my voice, but hers.

Doughnuts
By Debbie

Amber loves to eat doughnuts,
but she cannot eat wheat.

She opens a brand new package
and onto the plate it clinks!

I think to myself, that cannot be good.
What flour could they have used?

When into the microwave it goes,
and to myself I mused . . .

Frozen, clinking, gluten free doughnuts
leave a tantalizing aroma
as I now clean the microwave.

Day Eighteen "Peace and Love"

2010-04-18T19:21:00.000-06:00

Peace and Love

I feel good just being here
sitting next to you in this place
where hope and love abound.

When truth is taught,
power flows into my soul,
and when I look at you I know you feel it too.

We get to choose our actions and emotions,
and when this peace is prevailing
I choose to do good to you.

So I will take with me these feelings
and my love for you.
Then, charity will flourish and together we'll reach higher ground.

Day Seventeen "Magic"

2010-04-17T20:53:00.000-06:00

I'm cheating yet again. This time because I really messed up the rhyme scheme on the poem I was writing and my eyes are going a little computer crazy at this point so enjoy this poem I wrote in 2008. :)

Magic

A magician's act is not to write but a writer truly can conceive of sorcery and hocus pocus as the words created in his head travel down from hand to quill and quill to parchment with certain force and sleight of hand the writer's will becomes the magician's.

So the writer creates illusion through thought and mystical belief while the magician entertains the eye with showmanship and trickery both transforming our sensations evoking inimitable ideas and emotions.

A cheap little trick you can put in your bag of tricks is to learn how people feel conjuring with your savvy art the way into a person's soul so as to transform fantasy into knowledge.

Then the production will come forth, and exhibition that will flatter the mind, but reality is certain to remain and misinterpretation will vanish because abracadabra fills the senses but truth enlightens the soul.

Day Sixteen "Hit It"

2010-04-16T16:37:00.000-06:00

Hit It

It beeps all the time.
How can I quiet the thing?
Stupid alarm clock!

Day Fifteen "The Fall"

2010-04-15T15:07:00.000-06:00

The Fall

I am fast falling down the way
I try to stay
But I fall fast
And then at last

I land and take a look around
See what I found
A stunning place
I love this space

I’d like to live here I suppose
But the cock crows
And up I fall
Dream ends, that’s all

Day Fourteen "Heartache"

2010-04-14T22:09:00.000-06:00

I'm cheating again. I also wrote this poem a few years ago.

Heartache

It aches.
There is an emptiness that cannot be filled because it cannot be found.
The pressure, the stress, frustration and strain engulf the whole of it.
Relief has long since been a hope.
Tired and forsaken, abandonment is the only key.
But, how can I abandon what is not there?

Day Thirteen "Playbill"

2010-04-13T16:30:00.000-06:00

I'm cheating again. I actually wrote this poem a few years ago. I even submitted it to a contest. I didn't win anything, but I think it's pretty great.

Playbill

Peace and passion sound in style
Myth and mystery coincide
Enjoy this epic for a while
Fore death and drama are applied

The content constantly consuming
The scenery serenely set
Light and love are often looming
Fame and fashion don’t forget

We act and are oft acted on
Teaching technique learning art
The songs we write the cast is chosen
Our backgrounds known let’s do our part

This living legend of a life
Is real and ready to reveal
The singing staged and structured strife
The haughty henchman’s heavy heel

It’s simple in a pre-set venue
To know and feel and understand
This publication must continue
We can direct we can command

A new collector’s compilation
Though gifted it’s a grueling task
There’s failure and there’s frustration
But in bright beauty sometimes bask

So break a leg and stage a farce
Improvise and entertain
Performance of high class is sparse
Put on a show and there remain

Day Twelve "My Closet"

2010-04-12T21:17:00.001-06:00

My Closet

It's where I go to pray this place
I ask for love and health and grace
I ponder and seek guidance clear
That I may finish this great race

The Spirit draws unto me near
The feelings inside are so dear
The warmth of his presence I embrace
And I know my good Lord doth hear

Day Eleven "To Err is Human, But I am a Captain"

2010-04-11T18:19:00.000-06:00

To Err is Human, But I am a Captain

Beauty is in the beholders eye
And man cannot breathe without air
So I find my theory holey
That upon the highest seas
Pirates are taken for dollars and cents
Where X marks the spot on the site

Were it not for someone other than I
This conjecture is sure to err
And the ideas would wither and fail wholly
But thievery with direction leaves quite the prize to seize
And behind are left sweet scents
As the captains words I cite

I speak aye aye
And am certain, I'm soon to be the heir
For such a call in truth is holy
And every person sees
And every man can sense
It is beauty to their sight

Day Ten "Forbidden Fruit"

2010-04-10T21:49:00.000-06:00

Forbidden Fruit

I ate an apple Friday; the doctor stayed away.
I ate an apple Saturday; the doctor stayed away.
I ate an apple Sunday; then at church I heard,
about a certain piece of fruit and circumstance it spurred.
Now in my head and in my heart, I think I understand,
that eating of that piece of fruit was previously planned.
But, it brought death and sorrow upon all humankind,
and now to eat an apple I'm not sure I'm so inclined.
If this food brings me death, will it keep the doc away?
Well, I will go without a week and see if I'm okay.
I did not eat one Monday; the doctor stayed away.
I did not eat one Tuesday; the doctor stayed away.
I did not eat one Wednesday; the doctor stayed away.
So I feel I am doing fine, what holds in store on Thursday?
I did not eat an apple, but I tried a lovely pear.
Who knew I was allergic? Now, I am aware!
I saw that blasted doctor and to my face he said,
"Pears are not for you, I suggest apples instead."

Day Nine "This is How I Define Love"

2010-04-09T21:44:00.000-06:00

This is How I Define Love

I thought about you today and my heart sang.
My memory took me to a time when I did not fear.
I could tell you anything.
You did not judge me.
You did not make me feel inferior.
You laughed when I was silly.
You cried when I was sad.
You believed in me, even when I could not believe in myself.
To you, I could do no wrong.
You loved me in spite of, and sometimes because of my imperfections.
You are my best friend, and that is the best kind of beauty this world has to offer.

Day Eight "How to Kiss A Frog"

2010-04-08T20:11:00.000-06:00

I chose today's topic from a website that offered prompts for creative writing. So, while the idea did not come from the recent Disney movie, The Princess and The Frog, I will put in a plug for it because I thought it was FANTASTIC!

How to Kiss A Frog

What a slimy mess he is,
but could he be a prince?
I would like to know;
however, my lips are very tense.

To touch my mouth to such a creature
does not sound too fun.
'Cause mucus is not charming
and is easily outdone.

Shall I risk the nasty warts
that true love might be found?
I could lean in and pucker up
and make that kissing sound.

I'll do it, I've decided,
because knowing is a must.
He could be handsome, or kind of cute?
Or, could this be a bust?

I close my eyes and bring him close.
He croaks and I'm surprised.
I quickly do the deed,
then realize I've been ill advised.

He's still a green and slimy fellow,
and now my lips are sticky.
So my advice to all young girls,
kissing frogs is very icky!

Day Seven "My Path"

2010-04-07T20:11:00.000-06:00

I'm kind of cheating a little bit today. I have been sick (I even stayed home from work) so I haven't written a poem. It takes too much brain power for a tired body. Luckily I wrote a poem just a few days before April so I'm going to share it for today. I guess it doesn't really qualify because I didn't write it today, but it will have to suffice.

My Path

To walk the path unseen unknown
to most must seem absurd
but how to find the faith required
and so obtain the word
I'm called upon to take the way
the pain and toil I bear
but peace and hope are interspersed
and I am made aware
The road that I am taking now
is building up my soul
and though this world my heart will break
my God will make me whole

Day Six "Timeworn"

2010-04-06T11:30:00.000-06:00

Timeworn

The large arched doorway, with nearly no support
Stood gallant in its sorry state
The ravages of time, though decaying, created an almost beauty
The open cracks gave way to light entering from the court

From the door to the majestic staircase there seemed to wait
A quiet and sad stillness
For years the grand entry was untouched
But the peeling paint and debris upon the floor could not desecrate

Kings and nobles had walked these halls and did bless
Many a soul who were found in their presence
No, the destruction wrought by forgetfulness and age
Would not destroy such grace, nor could it distress

Day Five "Nap"

2010-04-05T11:05:00.000-06:00

The past few days ideas have just flowed and coming up with a poem has not been hard. Not so today. I spent way to much time coming up with this and it still doesn't have a title:

Brotherhood
Jovial kinship
In him there is safety and support
The most powerful ally
The most trusted friend
My brother

Then, my dear friend, Jared, sent me a text photo of him taking a Sunday afternoon snooze with his beautiful nephew, Derek. With his permission I have posted it and here is the poem it inspired:

Nap

Quiet, Precious, Still
The most peaceful moment in life
To hold a child against your breast
To smell their sweet fragrance
To watch them sleep
Then slip into slumber yourself

Day Four "Disconnect"

2010-04-04T15:55:00.000-06:00

Disconnect

Things seem so well planned
But something does not click
I do not understand
The two are very thick
That should do the trick
Things seem so well planned
But they give to kick
Again, again against the prick
I do not understand
It would be fantastic
I guess it is ironic
Things seem so well planned
It was not quick
So it should stick
I do not understand
Though it should be harmonic
It is nearly catatonic
Things seem so well planned
I do not understand

Day Three "All Here"

2010-04-03T16:03:00.000-06:00

All Here

Five toes upon his foot he counted
the right one not the left.
Then five upon his right he counted
of none he was bereft.

Five fingers on his hand he counted
the left one not the right.
Then five upon his right he counted
all ten were in his sight.

Two arms, two hands, two legs two feet,
two ears, two eyes, a nose;
and out of that one mouth he said,
"I'm perfect, I suppose!"

Day Two "Beautiful Words"

2010-04-02T10:11:00.000-06:00

Beautiful Words

I was thinking of beautiful words today
A number came to mind
My favorite ones seemed to portray
Both light and love in kind

Ethereal, the heavenly, celestial joy entwined
Cherish, to hold dear to me and keep within my heart
Resplendent, shining radiant full luster so enshrined
Devotion, oh what loyalty and charity impart

Epiphany, illuminates and understanding start
Incandescent, brilliantly expressed and true
But all these words though beautiful one stood apart
The most beautiful word I found my dear, was the word, you

Day One "I Do Not Want To"

2010-04-01T11:46:00.000-06:00

April is National Poetry Month and Poet's Market sent me an email this morning advertising an April PAD (Poem A Day) Challenge. Though I have decided not to participate in the one they were advertising I thought it would be fun to still take this challenge on my own. So, here it goes:

I Do Not Want To

I must have been a fool to think that I could get it done
The time it takes is far too much and I am on the run
Another time another day when easy it may be
But not this time and not this day it’s just too hard you see
The strain upon my back is not worth the slim reward
And walking round the stupid thing my feet cannot afford
It happens everyday, this mess; its pieces are wide spread
And I’m a bum so just this once, I will not make my bed!

Hair Ties and Branch Presidents

2010-03-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am an ordinance worker at the Provo Temple on Tuesday nights, and I love it! I love it for a good number of reasons. One is that I get to work on the same shift as my friend Coral and she is amazing, and funny, and beautiful! Another is that I love seeing all of the people who come to the temple. It is pretty amazing the amount of work that gets done in Provo. We are definitely a temple conscious people. One more reason is that I often run into people I know. This past Tuesday that exact thing happened and it was so great I decided it deserved a blog post.

I was downstairs in the temple, just before my shift, and my hair was driving me crazy. I really wanted to pull it up, but I didn't have a hair tie, so I went looking for one. They always have some in the baptistry so the girls can pull back their hair if they so desire so that is the place I went. I don't actually ever go their on my shift so I don't really know any of the workers who are there on Tuesday nights, or at least I didn't think I did. Well, I walked past a familiar looking gentleman on my way in and between my seeing him at first and me finding myself on my way out I realized that he looked familiar because I DID actually know him. It was my branch president from the MTC! I approached him and told him I remembered him and we chatted for just a few minutes and my little brain and heart were very happy to have seen a familiar and friendly face.

Then, yesterday I was at work and I got a phone call from this gentleman. He told me that he had gone home and told his wife that he had seen me at the temple so they pulled out their memorablia from when he was branch president and found a picture of my MTC district with the branch presidency from 2003. Then we just reminisced about the missionaries in my district and how our missions progressed after the MTC. He asked me a few questions about what I was doing now and we talked a little bit about our work in the temple. He mentioned how he enjoys working in the baptistry because many times the youth who come are coming for the first time and he gets to make a big deal out of them and the experience and help them to feel special. As I thought about him sharing his opportunities to "make a big deal" out of someone, I realized he really is the kind of man who does that for everyone. Those are the kind of people who amaze me! This man took the time to go home and talk to his wife about me. Then he took the time to call me and talk about experiences in the MTC and find out about my life now. This is the kind of person who I want to emmulate. Thanks President Woods for reminding me that simple acts of remembering someone or taking the time to let someone know you care can make a world of difference and it's something that I can do too!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sick.

I made it to mom and dad's just before 8:00 PM on November 25 and realized that I didn't feel so well. By Thanksgiving morning I was pretty stuffed up and didn't want to get out of bed. In fact, I didn't. But, that's the perk of having amazing parents. We still had turkey, and potatoes, and yummy veggies, and Thanksgiving at my house is never complete without the pickles and olives. There were even cranberries for dad and pumpkin pie for all. This, still prepared without my help and they let me partake. Wow! I have to say, I was raised in a home where love was freely given, agency was well taught, and everything was provided for. My parent’s take care of me in so many ways and I am very happy to be their daughter.

The rest of the time at home mom tried to talk me into letting her sew WAY TOO MUCH for me. She succeeded a little. She also talked me into playing Chinese Checkers with her and dad. We watched a lot of T.V. and just relaxed. It was so nice.

I got back to Provo today, November 28th. First I went to the library to complete my lesson for Sunday School tomorrow, then I called Margret. This woman is amazing, as is her ENTIRE family. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this dear family. When I was serving a mission for my church I met them and had the opportunity to teach Margret's children, Keri and Daniel, most of the lessons before their baptism (she was a recent convert). First of all, God could not be more pleased with any people sharing the gospel than He must be with this family. It is just an exalting feeling for me to be a part of their lives. Anyway, Margret and her husband are in town visiting family, including Keri and her husband and there is no way I could resist an opportunity to spend time with them. And, I'm glad I didn't because their faith buoys me up consistently. I am crazy in awe at how amazing they are.

I am excited too because tomorrow I will get to see my Miranda friend and she is also one of those stellar examples in my life and she likes me too.

This world is full of good people. I am thankful that I am privileged to associate with some of them.

2009-10-05T14:26:00.000-06:00

Don't be shocked! I am writing on my blog.

I have a million stories I could tell from the past few months, but I'm merely writing to bid my farewell to my Mike friend.

California better appreciate him!

Do I have "insult me" written on my forehead?

2009-07-14T12:19:00.001-06:00

I mean that all in good humor, referring back to my sweet nephew's remarks about my single status and "unemployment", and now my next story of a comment from a dear friend who will remain nameless to protect the not so innocent.

I'm enjoying a beautiful Sunday evening with a small group of friends. We are eating pie and having a grand old time when my friend leans across the counter and says to me, "You know what's strange about your features?"

WHAT? Now, I'm single, unemployed, and I look strange? Great, I have a lot going for me these days. I'm going to develop a complex. :)

I was told I have Northern European cheeks and Southern European eyes, which is apparently unique? Hmm . . . he still tells me I'm hot so I guess I don't have to worry too much.

Woah slacker slacker

2009-07-13T21:25:00.000-06:00

It's been some time, and while I have good intentions of catching up we all know where the road paved with good intentions leads. :)

So, two quick stories from the Nielsen family reunion this past Saturday.

I rode back to Provo with my sister and her kids. I have taken up a new hobby of knitting, so while we were driving I was knitting a scarf. The conversation as follows:

AJ: Amber, what are you going to do with your scarves?
Me: Oh, I think I might give them as gifts.
AP: You should sell them to make money because you don't have a job or a husband.

*Now, in my mind I'm thinking WHAT?

Me: AP, I have a job.
AP: Well, you don't have a husband. And, you could still sell them so you can have more money to buy stuff.

AP is on this I like having money so I can buy "stuff" kick. It's fab!

That was conversation number one. Number two was pretty great too. Talk about a darling little girl putting me in my place. This one also occurred as we were just enjoying (or something like that) the ride.

Me: AJ, what's going on?
AJ: YOU SHOULD KNOW! We're just sitting in the car being bored.

Ha ha, she is a very observant child.

I left my camera in my sisters car so pictures will be coming (a pie crust promise from an inconsistent blogger).

Until next time.

I really was sick!

2009-04-10T08:43:00.001-06:00

December 2008 I got sick. It was just a cold, I thought. But, come January I was still sick. Then February rolled around and I was tired of being sick. I had been around a lot of people with mono so I thought, "Hmm, I guess that is a possibility." I had told my mom some of my symptoms and she said a lot of them were symptoms of MS. Then I started doing research and came up with fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, etc. Every new disease I thought I had I advertised at work. So, of course, everyone thought I was a hypochondriac. But, I was still sick. I even went to the doctor and they did some blood work and neurological test, but everything was fine. I was reflecting on how much my muscles hurt and how I hated that I couldn't breathe when I remembered I had the same muscle pain on my mission. The doctor there told me it was allergies, gave me a prescription and the pain went away. DUH! If I have headaches, can't breathe because my nasal passages feel closed and hurt like I did on my mission then I probably have some sinus issues. I went straight back to the doctor. She looked in my ears and down my throat and prescribed a spray right away. I have been feeling lovely ever since! Anyhow, because of my "research" to find out my illness I received this award from my dear friends at work!

NCAA Bracket 2009

2009-04-09T10:39:00.001-06:00

I beat my boss!!! And everyone else in my office, which at BYU means I got a candy bar based on the fact that I beat my boss. There was no gambling involved. :( I could have made bank!!!

Thanks goodness the Daily Universe is going to be vigilent in guarding against errors?

2009-04-08T12:14:00.000-06:00

The Daily Universe issued this apology regarding their apostle/apostate error a few days earlier. Too bad they didn't pay very close attention to the caption, again on their front page.It looks like Cosmo has seen some scenes in his life of scenic scenes and cinematographic scenes.

If you can't read the caption it says, "Cosmo lies in the grass, pretending to be unconcious, for a scene in his new short film. Episodes of the film can be scene after each third quarter of BYU football's home games."

I really do love my dear BYU and the students and employees at the Daily Universe. I just have to give them a hard time!

Uhm . . .

2009-04-06T10:48:00.001-06:00

Oh, our dear sweet Daily Universe. Really? The paper has been recalled, but the damage done. It's a good thing we know by the power of the spirit that these men are called of God and truly his ordained A-P-O-S-T-L-E-S! Well, at least we all had a good laugh.

By the way, you can now find this on ebay going for over $100!

St. George

2009-03-25T14:39:00.001-06:00

What a crazy weekend!!! Andrea, Aubrey, and I decided to head to St. George for the weekend as Spanish Fork High School’s baseball team was participating in a tournament there. The trip started out quite well. In fact, when we very first got there we made our way to In and Out.

It starts . . .
We made a wrong turn and ended up back on the freeway. Ha ha ha! It was only a ten minute detour, so it wasn’t too bad, but it was a precursor to the rest of our crazy trip. After we ate it was time to go to our hotel, only it wasn’t the hotel we thought we had booked. Check this out, you had to go into the laundry room of the hotel to get to the door of our room! WHAT!!!

The place was totally ghetto. Andrea’s parents were staying in another room that smelled and had two doors. The back door had SIX different locks on it! The pool was out of service, and the pool guy kept walking around it and belching a lot.

Needless to say, we weren’t thrilled. But, we couldn’t get a refund so we headed into our room. The first thing Aubrey did was turn on the T.V. and much to our dismay the first thing on the screen was something totally inappropriate. Oh dear!

We took some time there and then headed to the shops. On the way out of the parking lot some dude in another room waved at us. He had a long ponytail, wife beater tank on, and he was balancing a beer can in the hand he wasn’t using to wave. YIKES! After a little shopping we headed to the baseball fields. Lo and behold, we couldn’t find them. We were totally at the wrong school and it took us forever to get to the right place. While we were at the game Andrea decided to put on some sunscreen and it just so happened that she spilled on my back and her black pants. The game was boring because Spanish was totally killing the team they were playing so we left early. On the way back to the hotel we saw some old guy on his balcony, barbequing, in his whitey tighties.

Friday night we met with our friend Kali for dinner. Dinner was pretty normal, but as we were getting in the car to leave there were these men parked next to us trying to get into their truck. One of the guys asked the driver why he wasn’t getting in the truck and in the gruffest, funniest voice ever he said, “I can’t, their getting’ in their car.”

After dinner we went to rent a red box movie and on the way out of the parking lot these boys in a car next to us who had the music blaring and apparently really scared Andrea. I’m not sure on the story there, but I thought I would mention it.

Saturday we spent most of the day shopping for which I was glad. I purchased some fun new stuff. There were a lot of things that happened that day but I can’t remember it all. Here is what I do know. I got sick that night so I missed the championship game. Andrea and Aubrey went and guess what should happen to appear running down centerfield? A streaker! Yeah, I’m glad I was sick! Well, at least Spanish Fork won and we made it back to Provo safely.

Amazing Finds

2009-03-23T21:25:00.000-06:00

I was in the shower the other morning and I noticed a piece of my roommates hair on the shower wall. I found Benjamin Franklin in my bathroom! Isn't this picture crazy weird? Ha ha!

My Bucket List

2009-03-18T15:11:00.008-06:00

1. Write My Will
2. Write My Own Topical Guide For The Standard Works
3. Write A Letter To Congress
4. Write A Book
5. Win A Poetry Contest
6. Wear A Formal Evening Gown, Eat Junk Food, And Watch Chick Flicks All Day
7. Watch Wicked On Broadway
8. Wallpaper An Entire Room With Post-its
9. Walk On The Great Wall Of China
10. Volunteer Someone For Oprah Or TLC
11. Volunteer At A Soup Kitchen
12. Visit The Holy Land*
13. Visit Stonehenge
14. Visit Auschwitz
15. Visit All Fifty States
16. Visit A Tibetan Monastery
17. Touch A Big Cat
18. Teach Sunday School*
19. Taste A Habanero Pepper
20. Swim With Dolphins
21. Surf
22. Start A Food Fight
23. Squish Grapes In A Vat Between My Toes
24. Spend Valentine’s Day With My Best Friend
25. Spend A Full Day At The Spa
26. Snow Ski
27. Sleep In A Castle
28. Sky Dive*
29. Sit On A Jury
30. Sew A Jean Quilt
31. Send An Anonymous Love Letter*
32. Send A Care Package to A Soldier
33. See The Pyramids*
34. See the Northern Lights
35. See Rome (Does seeing it from the airport count?)*
36. See Lady Liberty
37. Run In A Race
38. Ride An Elephant
39. Take the GRE*
40. Remember Family Members Birthdays For The Entire Year
41. Read Thoreau And Eat Fresh Peas On Walden Pond
42. Read the Silmarillion By J.R. Tolkien
43. Read The Book Of Mormon Every Year
44. Read For Children At A Local Library
45. Read Every C.S. Lewis Book
46. Raise Money For Humanitarian Aid
47. Publish Something
48. Post A Video On Youtube*
49. Play The Entire LDS Hymnbook On Piano
50. Plant A Tree
51. Own A Home
52. Own A Bocce Ball Set And Use It*
53. Meet A Member Of The Twelve
54. Make Pickles With Grandmas Recipe
55. Make My Own Jam
56. Make Fried Green Tomatoes
57. Learn To Play Tennis
58. Learn To Cut Men’s Hair*
59. Learn How To Use Photoshop*
60. Learn Again To Drive A Stick
61. Learn A Traditional Indian Dance In India
62. Kiss Under Mistletoe*
63. Kiss The Blarney Stone
64. Kiss Someone On New Year’s Eve
65. Kiss My Spouse Everyday* (forever in progress)
66. Host A Super Bowl Party
67. Have My Own Booth At A Craft Fair
68. Have Lasik Eye Surgery*
69. Grow A Garden*
70. Go Up In A Hot Air Balloon
71. Go To The Louvre*
72. Go To Pike’s Place In Seattle
73. Go Through My Email Contacts And Contact Them Or Delete Them
74. Go Sailing
75. Go On An Alaskan Cruise
76. Go On A Temple Road Trip
77. Go On A Marathon Date
78. Get Season Tickets To Something Artsy
79. Get Married*
80. Get Acupuncture
81. Formulate An Actual Budget
82. Forgive* (forever in progress)
83. Fall Helplessly And Unconditionally In Love*
84. Exercise My Calligraphy Skills
85. Eat Sushi And Like It
86. Ride A Camel*
87. Eat Alligator
88. Donate Items To A Homeless Shelter
89. Do My Own Taxes
90. Create My Own Blog Background
91. CPR Certify
92. Compile All Of My Journals
93. Come Up With A Recipe All On My Own
94. See The Eiffel Tower*
95. Catch A Big Fish
96. Bury A Time Capsule With My Future Family
97. Build A Huge Snow Fort
98. Build A Full Year Of Food Storage
99. Be Someone’s Soul Mate*
100. Adopt A Child

*Bucket List Items Accomplished!

Shout Out To Greg . . .

2009-02-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

. . . the BYU student who saved me on the freeway Saturday night!

First of all Saturday night was splendid! I was treated to a wonderful evening of fine dining and entertainment by my friend Jon. We went to Ballet West's production of Madame Butterfly. Talk about an amazing dance interpretation of that story! It was gorgeous!

My friend lives in Draper so I met him there and we drove to SLC together. That, of course, meant I had to drive back from Draper.

Hmm, as luck would have it, I got a flat tire. Now, I'm a pretty well rounded girl. I'm all about being prepared. I know how to change a tire, but let's be honest, I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO GET THE BOLTS OFF! Stupid fancy tires that need a special key! Well Greg, came to my rescue. He used to work in a tire store so he had that thing changed in five minutes. I was SO SO SO grateful! Now, I just have to go buy a new tire! That's ok, I needed to go in to check my alignment anyway!

WAY TO GO GREG!

Things that I have enjoyed as of late or will shortly enjoy:

2009-02-20T09:11:00.001-07:00

· BYU Young Ambassadors
· Utah Symphony
· Draper Temple Open house
· Taken, Lost, and Lie to Me
· Speaking in Sacrament Meeting
· Finally making my way out of the insanely large crowd at the shade clothing sale
· Ballet West
· BYU Ballet Showcase
· BYU Folk Dancers
· Bajio’s, The Olive Garden, Jason’s Deli, and Sizzler
· Brand new pair of Nike running shoes
· Cougarettes
· Steamed Broccoli

I had this genius idea

2009-02-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

That I could come up with a themed blog that would catch everones attention and make me famous. It was to be called, " . . . for a day" and I was going to write about all of these amazing things that I was going to be or that were going on, for a day. I wrote one blog, then got bored. :) Therefore, the happiness of that blog I have decided to share with you below.

McDonald's Offers Free Happy Meals . . .
Have you ever seen that show, Supersize Me? I was going to watch it one-time. I had tickets and everything, but the day before I went to the theatre McDonald's announced that in two days they were offering free Happy Meals for an entire 24 hours. I knew the premise of the movie and I knew that if I watched it the day before I was to gorge myself on delicious hamburgers, chicken nuggetts, and french fries that I would forgo the opportunity for all the free fat I could handle. So, I gave up my tickets (I threw them in the trash) and anxiously awaited the first hour of Happy Meal Heaven. I entered the blissful fast food place and ordered a hamburger, cheeseburger, and two chicken nugget Happy Meals. Much to my dismay the cashier pointed to the sign on the wall that read, "Only one per customer, please." I was near tears when a stroke of genius came to me! I calmly asked for the cheeseburger Happy Meal with fries and root beer. I walked to an empty table, sat down, and enjoyed the lovely meal. I was happy, and that joy didn't leave as I drove to my house and pulled out my Halloween costume collection. What wig would I put on first?Brittany Spears? Hmm . . . Could I get away with that disguise? Oh, you had better believe it! I strutted into the golden arches like I owned the place, but I guess I didn't really look like Brittany because noboby even turned their head. Simple enough, I got Happy Meal number two, ate it to my hearts delight and strutted right back out. As I was getting in my car, however, this guy started chasing after me. I thought, "Yes! Somebody does recognize me!" He said, "Ma'am, you dropped your wallet, here you go." Doh! Well, at least I got my Happy Meal.I went back as Hannah Montana, Justin Timberlake, Denzel Washington, Donald Trump, Nicole Kidman, and Julia Roberts. I really don't do look alikes well because nobody recognized who I was supposed to be, but I didn't care because nobody recognized me as the same girl who had been there hour after hour.It was the final hour of the day, one costume left, one last Happy Meal to enjoy. Steve Buscemi, it was the only option other than Barney the Dinosaur and Rainbow Bright. You know Steve Buscemi, right? He's the supporting actor guy from Armageddon, The Wedding Singer, Big Daddy, etc. Yeah, well I didn't think anyone would recognize me as him either. Boy, was I wrong! I wasn't even out of my car before people started flocking to me for my autograph! Really? I'm a girl dressed as a famous guy who you might recognize if you see, but do any of you really know him by name? I just ducked and ran into McDonald's. (I wasn't comfortable signing autographs for someone else) So, I enter the glorious burger joint and the line dissolves. I guess being famous means I get to go first. The cashier says, "What do you want? It's on the house!" WHAT!!! I told 'em I just came for the free Happy Meal, but they insisted, so I said, "I'll take one of everything." I started eating, and that is how I spent my last night on this lovely place called earth.

Now that it is February . . .

2009-02-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

. . . I suppose I should blog about my Christmas.

I took a little trip with mom and dad down to San Antonio to spend Christmas with my brother's family. Let me just say, they have adorable children! We spent a lot of time doing fun things because the weather there was so warm. We went to the Alamo and the zoo, and got some great pics with the kids.

I also got a really good video of C.A. with a billy goat at the zoo.

It was fun to watch them open presents.

My other brother's family was in town just before we left for Texas so I got to see the new baby and the other darling children. Love them! Love my family!!!

This is My Birthday Song. It isn't very long.

2008-12-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are incredible you know. I am awed by the wonderful people who I am privileged to call my friends. As I received birthday wish after birthday wish, phone calls, gifts, and meals galore I was impressed to realize that these treats were a mere expression of a love that I feel all of the time. Certainly, on this day those expressions were more concentrated, but there are incredible people in this world. People who make me feel like a million dollars on my worst day. People who will drop everything to come to my aid for even the smallest need. People who will let me open my heart to them and more importantly whom will open their hearts to me and let me in to be a friend and confidant. It is so wonderful to feel important to others but I NEED to feel as though I have something to contribute to others. Many of my friends have allowed me to do just that, even if all I could offer was a prayer for hope in their behalf. On my birthday I was reminded of how lucky I am to have so many in my life who allow me to just be me, and to have great hopes for those I care about. Thank you, to all of those people who have blessed my life with love, acceptance, and kind deeds. You are truly the angels whom God has sent to provide for me. Here are a few photos from the celebratory day.

A Tale of Two Turkeys

2008-12-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ah the wonderful sights and smells of Thanksgiving; turkey, potatoes, cranberries, and Cornish hens? Wait, really? That tiny little bird should not be on the table at thanksgiving time. My mother decided she wanted to play a little trick on the only child she had coming home for the holiday of gratitude. I’m not sure I’ll be going home next year (*wink). Mom, dad, and I helped put together a delightful little meal, but mom was sure to give me the items that kept me away from the main meal, mainly the bird. She had this recipe for an a-m-a-z-i-n-g cranberry cream cheese dip and I had the privilege of making it. Thank goodness, because now the recipe is burned in my brain and it is delicious! Find a triscuit or Ritz cracker and start dippin’ baby because this stuff is good.

I was also in charge of the pumpkin crumble dessert. No pictures, but it was cake to make! So, dinner was placed nicely on the table and mom tells me to look at the turkey and how much it shrank. I, of course, flipped a little and asked, “How big was it before you cooked it!” She couldn’t hold back her snickers. Phew! I did not want to eat that bird. Then they brought out the real one. Thank goodness! It was a much prettier bird. It was a nice break from everyday life to spend some thankful time at home with mom and dad.

There's somethin' wrong with the world today

2008-11-10T10:34:00.001-07:00

I don't know what it is
Something's wrong with our eyes
We're seeing things in a different way
And God knows it ain't His
It sure ain't no surprise
We're livin' on the edge -Aerosmith

I think there has always been war waging in the hearts of men whether it is manifested in physical battle or angry words of hate. We preach tolerance in America, but do we live it? Or, are we motivated by our own selfish behavior? Is it possible for everyone to feel that justice and freedom are theirs? I am emphatic in my belief that the answer to that question is yes! But, it requires sacrifice and our very nature as man leads us to selfishness therefore denying us the very freedoms we profess to desire.

As of late I have been especially conscientious of the people in my surroundings. I am fascinated by the things I observe. Yes, we are surrounded on every side by hate and envy, greed and even terror, but there truly is so much good. I was at a bookstore and realized that the environment around me was quite peaceful. People weren’t in a rush, nor did they care if they had to wait in line to make their purchase. In fact, people were smiling and talking as they waited. The cashiers were sweet and kind. The people there were not worried about themselves and the things they had to do, but it felt as though they actually loved the people they were around. How would our definition of tolerance change if we realized that we should be caring more about other people? I think it’s important that we have our opinions and live according to our own dictates of conscience. That is what defines us as individuals, but if we are so focused on our opinions and standards that we lose sight of others as real and true beings of conscience, emotion, and love; we lose sight of ourselves as just such beings and our view of tolerance becomes something akin to the idea that I will tolerate the other so long as they live according to what I believe.
I can only strive to love myself and to love others so that my heart is open and my eyes are free to see that I might tolerate others and desire for others the best for them.

Spooktacular Halloween Stuff

2008-11-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

I really am living in the wrong era. I can pull off looks of other ages so much better than the current trends allow. However, I do enjoy the current high waisted skirt trend. Anyway, I think the proof of my living in the wrong era is apparent in this photo. This is my look right? Well, my friend Lance thinks so and I fully agree with him. I wish with all my whole soul that I could go back to the side crimped pony and big bangs!!! Alas, I cannot as I realized the awkward looks I received when I went to vote in this very attire. YIKES! Good thing it was Halloween. Oh, and I must commend my dear Michael on his fabulously disgusting hair. Do you see how wretched and awesome it is? He definitely went above and beyond with his costume. This was my fabulous work costume.

My eveningwear was a little more scandelous. My lovely roomates and I decided to be the three fairies from Sleeping Beauty. We took it to the extreme. Me being Flora had a lot of flowers and greenery on my costume, not to mention my dress was a nightgown! Mary was Fauna and if you look closely you may see animals attached to her costume. Andrea was Merryweather and had beautiful white clouds floating around her blue and purple skies. We had too much fun putting these outfits together. I wish we had Halloween once a quarter. I really enjoy the dressing up thing. Oh happy day!

Trusting God

2008-10-25T22:02:00.001-06:00

I think I am finally learning to trust the Lord. I have always thought I have been a person of immense faith, until my faith was shaken and I realized that my “faith” was a belief that God would bless me with the things I desired. I know now that God will bless me with the things that he desires. I am immensely ok with that! I trust that Heavenly Father will bless my life in exactly the way I need it to be blessed. That may come with heartache. There are a lot of things I wish I had, but those things truly affect the agency of others and are things that I cannot change. I wish I were capable of removing trials from my friends. I wish I could fall in love with someone who loved me as much as I did them. I wish for the money to save all of the starving children in the world. There are some things, which no matter what choice I make, will not be given to me. However, I truly trust that God will give me the things that will help me to become a better person. I am capable of making righteous decisions and as I strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ God will bless me. As I strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ my will shall become like his will which is God’s will, which leads to the most incredible blessing we can receive which is eternal life and exaltation. I have complete confidence that I can find joy in simply making correct decisions. I cannot force others to do the same, but I am grateful that I may do so for myself. I trust God. I know that all things shall work together for my good and for our good as we emulate our Savior.

P.S. A note about my friends who struggle:

I want them to learn whatever God has for them to learn in these trials. I would not want to take the blessings of their sorrows from them. I want help to understand and I want to help them. God's purposes are good and righteous and we need to trust him. What are we becoming in the process of struggling? Something brilliant and something beautiful!

Blogging Novice

2008-10-16T14:25:00.001-06:00

I keep telling people that I have a passion for writing, but I never let much of my writing be seen. Lame, I know. I figured it was about time I started putting my words to use in the real world, so here it goes. That here it goes means blogging in general and not this particular post because I am not so much ready to write my soul as I am to simply step into the world of blogging. This is step one.