walking in a winter wonderland

So last week they warned of sno-pocolypse 2010.  Well today it really started to hit.  It has snowed pretty much non stop for the past 24 hours.

"Snow is coming  your window and it's snatching e'rybody up so hide yo kids, hide yo wife, and hide yo husbands cause there's a blizzard in town."

And the snow is absolutely beautiful.  We got several inches of snow and the roommates and I had fun times playing in it.

Last night I also picked up my 7ft tall Christmas tree and we got it mostly decorated.  Still need some extra lights but overall not too shabby.

And here are some pictures after going to the temple the other night.

Thanksgiving weekend

Watching USU beat UofU in basketball was more of a comedy of errors.  I have never seen so many acrobatics and bizzaro plays as the U players performed.
A sign I loved:  "You can't spell SUCK without the U"  on a similar note and more fitting for this game you can't spell STUPID without the U either.

Amazing moments:  Brady Jardine had some sweet dunks and Tai made two 3-pointers (which never happens) and one was in the last few seconds.  Sweet!

In the aftermath of Snopacolyse 2010 this was found on my car.  Come to find out Harry Potter wrote it (or so my roommates said).  Although the driving was a little iffy this was a pretty lame storm by Utah standards, at least in SLC.  Logan was FREEZING during the game and the roads were a lot worse there, I saw some major spin-offs and was just grateful I wasn't involved. 

Thanksgiving day was spent driving from Logan and making Pecan Pies which were SO delicious. The recipe can be found on my other blog.  All in all we had 15 pies for 16 people and a 30lb turkey.  All of the food was amazing and I spent the day playing Rummi, planning my shopping trip for Friday, and watching Glee.

Black Friday shopping was really early this year starting out at Target for a new camera.  This is my 4:00am shopping face!  I saved hundreds of dollars, bought lots of stuff on my list for myself and others, and got some good gift cards in return.  I love the tradition my mom and I have of eating turkey sandwiches and shopping far to early in the morning for Black Friday.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!!

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ”

 

Melodie Beattie - motivational author

it's coming...

no not Christmas.  Apparently the biggest blizzard of all time is coming to Utah though.  It should have started an hour ago but I haven't seen much more than our garbage can blowing down the street.  It has started in Cache Valley which dampers my travel plans for tomorrow.  As the song says, "the weather outside is frightful..." and that is where the comparison ends because I have no delightful fire and somewhere to go.

But really they are making this storm out to be of epic, Day After Tomorrow type proportions.  They want us to bring extra survival supplies to work in case we can't get home in the morning.   So I'll update with pictures of the natural disaster and we will see if it really is a beast or not.

"November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring."

- Elizabeth Coatsworth

I love November and December snow. I love this snow in the early morning when it is untouched, a perfect white sheet and lined on every branch. The sun isn't up, there is very little sound, it is a wonderful site. The world we live in is full of so many beautiful things to look at and I am grateful for that. 

I have been seeking a lot of advice on a variety of subjects...okay mostly one subject.  Found this quote that was eerily appropriate:  "Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper in sinks into the mind."  --Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Happiness is....

-being with awesome people
-the beauty of snow falling to the ground
-eating really good garlic bread
-having amazing friends who are willing to listen and think things thru with you day or night.
-when people are willing to help out


The past few days have been chaotic, emotional, exhausting, and fun.  Wednesday was the USU vs. BYU Basketball game.  Always an emotional ride it was unfortunate to lose this one in the last few minutes. I am grateful I didn't get sick (I felt nigh unto death for a bit there) and I was at least I was able to hang out with some of my favorite people even if it was in my most unfavorite place.

Thursday was Harry Potter day. Putting together a party like that is exhausting. I am grateful for the people who pulled together to help me out at the last second. 

Friday after a few hours of sleep I headed to work. Functioning at work was not at optimal performance levels but at least Annicka and I suffered through it together. It was hard to be feeling terribly grateful for anything on so little sleep, still feeling sick, and being at work. So yesterday I was grateful for the little things like toilet paper, tums, warm water, co-workers who understand me, chapstick, and the like. 

Saturday I got enough sleep at last. I felt really good, happy, and at peace driving to work in the beginning of a snow storm. The beginning of the shift was chaotic and I just wanted to yell "Serenity now!!!" But thanks to good people we managed to survive. I am grateful for the beautiful snow although not ready to drive in it long distances. I used to have no issue with it but then the winters of 07-08 and 09-10 I nearly didn't make it at times and have been bothered since.

Here is too a final week of gratitude posts....have a wonderful Sunday everyone!!

a little bit of magic.

Last night was the midnight premier of Harry Potter.  I have far too many pictures to post and little details to share.  A rundown of the party:  Lots of good food (recipes can be found on my other blog), the making of snitch Christmas ornaments, "fishing" for the sword of Gryffindor, Don't Eat Pete the Deathly Hallows edition, watching of the 6th movie, some Harry Potter Uno, and major costumes.  At the theater we tried to get pictures with a bunch of characters and enjoyed our prime IMAX seats at 11:59pm to watch a suprisingly jumpy movie (REALLY big snake doing creepy things).  It was good and I am sad to wait so long for the second half.  Luckily I know how to read and have recently read it so I am not left wondering what happens..

At the party:

 At  the movie:

I was a house elf for kicks...nothing better than being truly nerdy.  I am grateful there are so many other nerds out there aren't afraid to be themselves!

Have a magical day!

It's amazing how...

-one sentence can alter your attitude, mood, outlook, feelings, day.

-having something as simple as having gone to the same college makes you instant friends or an automatic smile.

-little stress I am feeling related to the HP party tomorrow that is so not close to being ready.

-much I dislike "rocking the boat" even though I know it is necessary.

-the song Pour some sugar on me still instantly puts a smile on my face.

-the little things make all the difference in the world.

-I can love and hate my job so much at the same time.

-much paper I really own.

-many extraordinary people I know.

A funny story from work the other day:  I had worked a 12 hour shift and then had 4 hours of meetings afterward (remember I work nights)  so being rather tired, sick feeling, and generally irritable I was not in the mood to demonstrate how to fight off a combative patient.  I was paired with a tiny Vietnamese girl and was suppose to "attack" her.  Of course our instructor was thoughtful enough to state that, "now Jill is twice the size of Thu so this will be a good demonstration...most aggressive patients are big people...etc."  Not nice after being at work almost 16 hours...wait not nice to say ever.  Anyway it was a  less-than-enthusiastic attempt to "attack" her.  After the demonstration another nurse Jonathan says to me that he thinks Thu could kick my trash.  Then Cyrus (another noc nurse) pipes in that I would win because I would whip out some wizarding world skills.  Then I joked that I would just summon my pet dragon and take the whole hospital out, which those boys loved because they are trying to get me to date this 40 something charge nurse who writes a dragon fantasy series because we "have so much in common."

For the love.

But I am grateful for these hilarious moments, the small things, the one simple sentence that totally make your day better no matter how bad it was before.

feeling rather apathetic in general today.
Grateful for my own washing machine and dryer.  No more quarters and walking down a side walk with an over flowing laundry bag like in college. 

Finally recognized why I like Christmas music so early.  Too many years of being in a choir where you start singing it end of September. 

Wish I didn't have to work tonight, don't have the time. 

In regards to the picture from yesterday... maybe I bought my dogs Christmas sweaters and tried to get them to pose in front of the fireplace. I should have remembered last month when I tried to get them to pose in their Halloween costumes next to pumpkins that this doesn't work so well.  And yes this is Corduroy in a corduroy jacket.

**It's taken me an hour to write this post and I am not feeling so apathetic now after all. :)

There was a post secret the other day that might as well have been my secret.  Maybe someday I will actually post the post card that some person so thoughfully made.

I tend to think things through as much as possible.  To the point where I over think it, but usually I have every base and outcome of a conversation covered.  I also have a fear that if I think of something that I would like to happen then it never will....like back in Jr. High when I would daydream that such-and-such person would send me a valentine balloon (or was it heart shaped suckers?  I don't remember) then of course it wouldn't happen.  It seems that things you imagine happening (bad or good) in too much detail, never really seem too.  Most of the time if I really want something to happen I try not to imagine it as an option.  I tend to avoid covering that option and outcome of whatever.  **** I know this probably makes no sense, but I have to write it out.  I'm trying really hard not to overthink something right now and it's just not working and now I'm afraid that since I can't stop thinking about it, it's ruined by fate...welcome to my warped mind.****

Okay back to the original point.  GRATITUDE.  I am grateful today for a car that works and a debit card.  I have been running all over town finalizing plans for my Harry Potter party.

weekend:update

1.  Today I am grateful for little reminders... little reminders about the good people, the good word, and the good experiences I have and know.

2.  Last night I went to see Unstoppable starring the amazing as always Denzel Washington and the amazing to look at Chris Pine.  It was an interesting story that was nice and tense in a Speed kind of way.

3.  Nice week is cancelled due to all sporting events.  This one time in college we wrote on our 8 ft. tall white board that it was nice week.  Then we recognized that there were some major aggie basketball and hockey games that week.  Thus we crossed it out as cancelled due to all sporting events. 

This is one of those weeks.  Today my hometeachers delievered a message on Pride and it had a specific quote about athletic events.  This is an issue that came up every year while in Logan amongst the community vs. the students.  Let's just say that nice week has been cancelled due to all sporting events.  I'll  try harder next week, but this week is the USU vs BYU basketball game. Nice week= cancelled.

4.  Currently: 

-watching:  the office, the simpsons, bones, glee, and ER season 3-4

-reading:  Decision Points by George W. Bush, the complete biography of Jack the Ripper

-eating:  I have a thing for potstickers.

-listening to:  last weeks glee music, christmas music, the bed intruder song.

5.  Last night was the first Cambodia team meeting and benefit.  I am excited to work with such dynamic people doing such amazing work.  If anyone is interested in a tax-deductible donation to a great cause please let me know.

team leaders Britnie and Kyler

Grateful for the weekend.

Nov-12-13.

I am grateful for clean water, hot men, the aggie game being on TV, Rich and Bonnie being my co-medical mentors for Cambodia, toilets that flush, good friends at work, the church and the leaders I have in it, my family, delicious Thai food, my soft bed, Christmas music, the courage of people, and the compassion of others.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Freedom isn't Free.

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

Today is obviously a day where I am grateful for those who serve our country proudly, faithfully, selflessly, and strongly.  All veterans are to be admired and acknowledged for their hard work and bravery.  I am reading former President George W. Bush's memoirs right now and am in the thick of the beginning of the war after 9/11.  I can't believe that was almost 10 years ago.  Sometimes I look at the job board for the VA hospital system because I think that would give my career in nursing a little more meaning.  Someday maybe I'll be able to take the leap over there.  Thank you to the veterans and their families.



This is a collage from when Toni and I spent Veteran's Day in Washington DC.  Freedom isn't free.

Happy birthday La.

Happy birthday Laura.


Today I am grateful for my sister Laura and it's her 24th birthday.  I admire Laura because she is not afraid to voice her opinion, is considerate of those around her, and is a passionate and hard worker.  Laura and I shared a room a lot of the time we were growing up.  I am glad she is moving back to UT next week.

-Somethings we love to do...  Go to concerts and movies, scrapbook, talk about boys, read.
-Some traditions we had/have... getting up at the crack of dawn on Christmas to color in coloring books we picked out for each other, scrapbook and watch Home Alone on Thanksgiving, Going to Def Leppard concerts,.
-Memories from Childhood....lots of dress-up, barbies, legos, and make believe, our cat Lock.

love you la.  happy birthday!

a daily dose

Today it leaves us with only 10 more day until HP 7 comes out, 24 more days until I am in Washington DC, and 46 more days until Christmas.

I miss scrapbooking, it has been far too long since I have done anything scrapbook related, but I am pretty much done with HP plans.  I will post at the end of the week everything we are doing for the party on my other blog.

Very contemplative as of late about my job.  I love using nursing skills and being a nurse, but I don't love the field of medicine I am in at present.  There are ups and downs to it and maybe I am in a down, or maybe I just really don't enjoy it.  Isn't that one of the many points of being a nurse?...because there are a lot of different types and if one of them isn't your thing, choose a different one?  Well unfortunately the market out here is pretty saturated right now.  So right now all I can do is make the best of what I have.  I know Cambodia will re-perspective my thinking and am glad for that.

Dear Future Husband... I hope you have the patience to tolerate my love (obsession) of Harry Potter, Broadway musicals, scrapbooking, and crime fighting shows.  I promise to tolerate your love of golf/politics/cars/etc/etc.  Luckily (hopefully) we will share the love of going to athletic events.
Thank you.  Sincerely with love, Me.

So on to the subject of gratitude...  today I am grateful for little details.  Kind words from another, a smile, a song on the radio that is perfect for my mood, a treat, a comment...just the little things that make your day better.  I am grateful I am good at making little things happen in my life.  I am grateful for my ability to also see the big picture...an eternal perspective of sorts.  I am grateful that I am genereally a pretty logical person (maybe I'm part Vulcan)...a lot more logical than some people, but know how to go with the flow too.
 

just one of the little things...owning up to the Dork-side.

Today I am grateful for things that make me laugh because after the last few days I definitely need some good laughs.

Somethings that have made me laugh in the past 24 hours:

-The Simpson's tree-house of horror episode from last night
-Last week's episode of the Office
-irony
-delight
-reminiscing about certain friends in certain situations

talk about old school...me and mike in 2004.

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. ~Victor Borge



Excellence.

A More Excellent Way.  I am grateful that I know and believe in the more excellent way.  I am grateful for all the beauties (I'm feeling Canadian today) who love living a more excellent way too.

This is a most excellent group of people.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,

then, is not an act, but a habit.”   -Aristotle

Some good thoughts on excellence and finding a more excellent way of life can be found here.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Since I have spent a majority of the day in bed and am now heading to work...I am just grateful for all the little things that make life work right.

Some really fun crafty ideas for Thanksgiving and expressing gratitude can be found on my other blog...click the link to the right.

a word about hugs.

I love a good hug.  I hate a weak pat or a barely touching you (like you may break) or shoulder squeeze lame-o side hug.  So today I am grateful for when I get a real, good, genuine hug.  If it isn't one of those, what is the point.  A video I like about hugs...

In other news... love me some aggie basketball, it always brightens my day.  Harry Potter planning is almost complete thanks to the wonderful Annicka and Kellie.  My brain is clearing up and functioning almost at normal capacity, although the rest of my body is now on revolt.  Got some interesting looking books on Cambodia to read. And maybe I started listening to Christmas music tonight.  It makes me happy okay?

ps.  In trying to find a picture about/of a hug I found some really funny/random things...

1.  How to "literally" give someone a hug.

2.

3.  What on earth...???

So many things to get going on...

-Harry Potter is only 2 weeks away.  Are my plans ready?  Not in the slightest.
-Tickets.  My life revolves around tickets/reservations right now.  Aggie Basketball tickets, plane tickets, movie, hotel, Kurt Bestor Christmas, Cambodia benefit, etc etc etc.  Still a few more tickets I need to get though...
-So many things I want to cook, so little time.  But today I made Aggie Oreos and that makes me happy.
-my brain needs a break.

Today was the first day I was able to sleep in and just take a break from life, get some stuff done.  I was talking to Toni and we both agree that bed is our favorite.  So I decided that today I am super grateful for a bed I can relax and spend time in, the opportunity I had to catch up on some sleep, and for friends who understand about my love of bed.

This is an old picture of last March when I was out at Toni's house the night prior to the NCAA tourney.

“Learn to limit yourself; to content yourself with some definite work; dare to be what you are and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not; and to believe in your own individuality.”

Henri-Frederic Amiel (1821-1881); philosopher, poet, critic

Today I am grateful to be exactly who I am.  I have heard a lot of critizism lately (most in good fun) for being an Aggies fan, a Yankees fan, a Republican, loving Harry Potter, going on a humanitarian trip, etc.  But I remember a day in 9th grade where I decided I was done playing the "popular" game.  I was tired of trying and realized that those who thought they were "popular" really weren't.  It was those who just did their own thing and were kind to others that were really the popular ones.  So that day I stopped caring what people thought about me in those types of aspects.  And since then I have tried really hard to just be myself as much as possible.  Dare to be what you are.  Don't hide parts of yourself, if you can't be your full self then some part of the situation needs to change, whether it be the behavior, location, attitude, practice, etc.  Believe in your own Individuality...no day but today people.

Grateful to be an American...

...For at least I know I'm free.

Nov. 2nd was election day this year. A lot of people in Utah become very apathetic to the whole voting process because being a majority republican makes people feel like their vote doesn't count. They couldn't be more wrong. Thousands of people have fought over the years giving us and then dying to protect us for our right to vote, to have a voice in our government. To not vote is a waste of a precious freedom so many people are dying to have across the world. People are going to get voted in whether you like them or not, take the time to learn about them and cast a vote.

This year I had the opportunity to work on Morgan Philpot's campaign. Although things didn't go our way in the last second, it shook up the state a bit. It opened some people's eyes that being a "lazy American, republican or democrat" can have some very interesting consequences. If you aren't willing to do something to be part of a solution than doing nothing just causes you to become a part of the problem.

Thanks to all who took time to vote (even if it was for the other guy), I was glad I had to stand in line for so long to get it done. And thanks to the people who but their selves and families on the line to try and make some sort of difference in this great country of ours. I met some seriously inspiring people last night, and witnessed the awesomeness of a good grassroots effort.

The Gratitude list

This month I wanted to bring the gratitude list back and do it in picture form too. 

It's been a crazy fun-filled, emotional, choatic weekend.  Between Halloween activities, good and bad friends, campaigning for the upcoming elections, interesting church related things, and working with all of my friends my past few shifts I don't know where to start and what to think anymore. 

But I think I will start by expressing gratitude for my wonderful work friends. They are the reason I keep going back, can stay awake all night, they make me laugh, smile, and listen to me talk when I just need to talk.  This picture was taken late last night (my camera has had an accident so no fresh picture on Nov. 1st when I go into work today).

What are you grateful for today?

A Spooktacular Halloween...

Just some pictures from Halloween weekend...first basketball game, dancing the night away, trying to get the dogs to pose in costume, brain and heart jello...Bellatrix Lestrange...Happy Halloween!