Collection of Fortunate Circumstances

Completly Stolen ....

2011-06-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Health:
Drink plenty of water.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
Live with the 3 E’s - Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
Play more games.
Read more books than you did in 2010.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Sleep for 7 hours.
Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Don’t over do. Keep your limits.
Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.
Dream more while you are awake.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.
Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Smile and laugh more.
You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
Call your family often.
Each day give something good to others.
Forgive everyone for everything.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
Try to make at least three people smile each day.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
Do the right thing!
Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
The best is yet to come.
Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Really LOVE this ...

2011-05-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Wow!! It's been a while .... Update

2011-05-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well -- it's been since April that a posted and that wasn't even really that awesome! So I will try better this time. I started a new job last Friday, May 20th, at Capital Group Investments as a contract Front Desk Administrator. So far it's a good job, it pays well and the people are nice. Although I'm a little bored because all I'm doing so far is answering the phone and responding to emails but I hope it will get better after my Security Clearance clears. In other news -- I am still the Personal Progress Leader for the Westdale II Ward, no longer Choir Director -- Yaya, kind of happy about that one! Roommates: One is Awesome, listens, follows my crazy requests for cleanliness and keeps to herself mostly, the other does as well but has little smell issue -- she very rarely does laundry and isn't the cleanest person ever, but she mostly stays in her room when she is home, but also travels quite often and is away for weeks at a time -- so not so bad! I'm going to start my boxing class again in a few weeks which I'm really excited about 'cause the girl needs some weight loss!!! Things are really good in general. I've got good friends, income and a great calling -- all around I can't complain :)

Blog Change Up's

2011-04-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

So I've been having so much fun changing my Blog design!! I hope all my reader(s) love it.

I've noticed that I do not have any followers :( even I follow so many readers.

Maybe some of you can hit the 'Follow Me' link on the side there, I would appreciate the love ;)

That is All

~ Good-Night!

Found a Really Beautiful Dress ....

2011-02-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

Really Pretty Dress .....

and the Back ....

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

I thought I should start the year off right and post some thoughts.

I've been thinking a lot lately about change. I kind of afraid of it sometimes, and don't always embrace like I would like to. Last Sunday, Annelise gave a lesson on the importance of change and some steps for doing it 'right'. I only got to get the handout, because I had to race to Young Women's, as we had changed schedules this year. We had a hard time figuring out where we were suposed to be!! I ended up teaching a very quick lesson on Who God is and how we can recognize Him in our lives. Any way, it got me thinking about it. I usally don't make resolutions, but this year there are some things I would like to improve on, like my typing ability -- for instance!

So here is a quick list of 'self-improvements / changes' I would like to make this year:

1. I want to Pray / Write in a journal once a day -- even if nothing really happened. I would like to log my activities each day.
2. I want to Read my scriptures, at some point in the day, everyday. Whether reading the Sunday School lesson or the Book of Mormon, I what to read everyday!
3. I want to Learn to Enjoy Excersing. I want to walk for a least 30 minutes per day, not including shopping!
4. I want to Be healthy inside and out! I want to eat less sugary foods & more fruits and vegetables.
5. I want to Be more obedient to the teachings of Christ and need less forgiving!
6. I want to Watch less TV. I know this one will be the hardest for me, but maybe with all these other things keeping me occupied, I can accomplish this one!

I really think these are improvements I can accomplish. I'm going to amke this list pretty when I get home and post it on my bulletin board so I see it everyday!

Wish me Luck!

The Holidays are officially here!!!

2010-11-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

Just put up the Tree and the Door Wreath.

Pretty Huh????

Thanks Giving .... and other craziness!!

2010-11-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I hosted a Thanks Giving Dinner at the apartment for the Ward and friends.

It came off without any hitches, fires or fiascoes!! I had about 15 people and leftovers.

The Bishop provided a Marie Calendar's Turkey dinner and ALL the fixings, which was great.

I don't eat Turkey, so I made a Ginger Orange Ham.

I also made sweet potatoes, improved the gravy, cranberries

and 'cause I don't eat Pumpkin pie either,

I bought a honey pecan chocolate tart form Trader's Joe's.

I attempted to make Apple Pie, twice, and lost the battle.

The First one would have worked if I didn't put orange juice it!

The Second one didn't work because I don't know!!

The top crust cracked open and the bottom crust just didn't cook at all!

Apple Pie is HARD!!!! I will try again later when the pressure is off.

It was fun and tiring and educational!

In Love .....

2010-11-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

With this bathtub ........

Wow .... long time, no write ....

2010-10-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I've written here. Lots has happened, but I have no time to write.

Just going to post some pictures ....

This is a beautiful Silver Satin Chair I saw at Z Gallerie. So Pretty!!

This I also found that day. It's a Pirate ship made out of Crystal Drops!!

This is bike I saw on 3rd Street Promenade, had to take a picture!!

That's all for now, I'll try to do more later :)

Weird Dream ....

2010-10-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Had the weirdest dream last night ..... There was a knock on the front door and when I opened the door I found the strangest thing I've ever seen. One of my roommates had ordered herbs, Lavender & Chives, in the mail. They were encased in these long, 2 feet x 3 inches, vellum envelopes. Somehow they had arrived in one piece and totally intact. Which I really believe would be absolutely impossible because seriously the mail system could never achieve this. Any way I woke up thinking about this and wanted to order some myself, then immediately forgot about it, until just now! How weird!!

Project ....

2010-09-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

So ... I've been staring at the naked space above my keyboard:

So I decided to do a project. I got the idea from an Relief Society
Lesson that my friend Kristen Johnson taught last week.
I started with some really dark frames

I found on sale at Micheal's Craft Shop:

I sanded them to rough them up a little so the paint would adhere:

Took them outside and painted them:

Then I washed them with a Lavender paint
and filled them my Favorite Hymns:

O My Father,

I Stand All Amazed,

Be Still My Soul

I Know That My Redeemer Lives.

Here are the finished Products:

Here they are on the Wall!!

Nice, right?!?! I love them!!

Found this today ....

2010-09-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here

Isn't it fitting for me??? Yeah, I thought so too ;)

Dream Rooms ....

2010-08-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the a Kitchen I love and Would like to have someday!

Here is a bathroom ....

What a Great Door!!

Here is a great porch swing I found:

Aren't they so pretty and clean and white!!!

That is all !!

Just a note ...

2010-07-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a pretty good day. Worked, grocery shopped, started dinner, went for a massage, finished making dinner, ate dinner, finished watching Fringe, Season 1 (love this show by the way!!!!) -- overall a pretty good day! However, my thoughts to today are ... how come I'm by myself in doing ALL of this?? I'm feeling lonely a little, like I want someone to share it with, someone to cook for, someone to watch Fringe with! I don't miss my past relationships at all but I do miss having a companion to talk to, share with and cuddle with. I live kind of a lonley life, sure I have roommates but it is not the same! I think my main reason for wanting to get healthy and back in shape is so someone will want me. I know it isn't the best reason and I should be satisfied with what The Lord blesses me with but sometimes I'm NOT. I feel bad for thinkning it, let alone writing it down but it is how I feel!! ~ ~ just needed to say that. I'm sure feel beeter tomorrow :-)

Dinner .... Pasta with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes and Broccoli Salad

2010-07-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Part of my NEW routine is to only eat between 1200 & 1400 calories per day .... So I made a great Dinner tonight .... Pasta with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes ~

Ingredients

Whole Wheat Pasta boiling

Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes

Broccoli Salad

Plated and Eaten!

It was AWESOME!!!!! Yummy Good!

Frustrated & Does Walking for Lunch count?

2010-07-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went for a walk for 20 minutes at lunch in Westwood where I work. The area has terrible sidewalks and is very hilly (is that a word?) So I am counting that as my workout, as my calf muscles were really feeling it and my heartrate was up at a good pace. Although, I ate really badly yesterday -- Burger King for lunch and leftover pizza for dinner! Maybe today will be better, actually probably not as I am getting a root canal tonight after work and will be on a liquid diet for the night! ARRG! I can not seem to get started -- maybe this week wasn't the best time to do this! Life seems to be getting in my way here -- also I couldn't get to sleep again last night until 2:00am! I really don't understand what the problem is. I am proud of myself for getting up any way and getting my tried butt to work at least ... YAY for me!

So maybe tomorrow will be better, I have a massage at 5:00pm, so I maybe I will run before that 'cause a massage will feel great after that! I'll see how I feel :-) I should do some laundry tonight as well.

Ice Cream and a Workout Update ...

2010-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

So I made Ice Cream but didn't take any pictures. I will tell you it tastes Awesome!! I made the Chocolate Coconut recipe but I forgot the sugar ... truth is though you can't tell and it tastes great. I think because it has Giradelli Cocoa with Chocolate and the Coconut milk all the natural sugars made up for the missing ingredient! It may have been too sweet any way! YUM!!!

Workout update: So I was feeling good yesterday morning, not too sore at all just a little in my inner thighs muscles. Not bad at all! I will do another tonight after I get home from work. I thought I would try this morning but I didn't get to sleep until 1:30am, so getting up earlier was more than a struggle and I have time tonight -- so tonight it is!
This morning I feel good and I anticipate feeling better after my walk/jog tonight. Also, I was thinking about my route, I think I ma going to literally run around my block. If I go north to south there is a slight decline which might be nice and the sidewalk is much smoother with less obsticles. Kind of looking forward to it!

Side Note: ~ it seem every Sunday I straighten my hair I can't get to sleep. It's weird! I don't really understand it except that my hair feels heavier than normal and isn't as pliable. I actually got up, finally, and wet it down and ran some conditioner through it. I went right to sleep. I must remember this so I don't have to toss and turn trying to sleep :(

More tomorrow .....

So .... Ice Cream !!!

2010-07-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

I did it it!!! I bought an Ice Cream Maker!

This one from Cuisinart in Blue Crush to be Exact:

I will be making an Ice Cream Recipe I found on one of the

many Foodie Blogs I read: Baked Bree ~ ~ I am very excited!!!

I think I may use Coconut Milk in it, not sure yet.

Doesn't that sound good Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream!?

Couch to 5K??? OR a new workout routine ....

2010-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

I've been going to Pilates as part of my Physical Therapy for about 2 month now. I go about twice a week and I love it!!! It's a private session with a great lady named Penny Compton. She as so much energy, it would drive me nuts except she has the attitude of a rainbow -- all blue skies and butterflies AND no SUGAR -- which means she doesn't sugar coat or patronize me, which I appreciate so much! Also, I get massages in between our sessions from a great Thai girl -- SaWang -- she is fantastic!!!

So last night as I was laying in bed trying to get to sleep I decided ~ ~ I am trying out this new workout routine .... it's called Couch to 5K.

Basically it's an iPod App or Podcast {which I have had for 4 months :-( } that works you through walking and jogging/running to get you into shape for a 5K run. Now don't get all excited I'm not doing a 5K, I just what to get back into shape. I saw myself in a picture or as others see me and got really freaked because I have become really overweight. Somehow I missed it until now -- I know the scale says a number I won't discuss but I didn't realize how I looked, hence the new routine. I started it on a Saturday for a reason, I wanted to know I would feel after the workout so I could decide if I wanted to do it before or after work -- it's after!! I took a really long time (30 minutes) to 'cool' down after so trying to shower and get ready for work would be really frustrating, so its' after!

So I will 'try' to keep up the tracking of this workout and try to stay motivated ~ ~

Today around 11am ..... I had a small breakfast - Honeynut Cheerios - before going out and starting. I did 6 out of 8 of the jogging intervals, not ALL of them but not bad for me. I am not in the best shape right now but I think I did really well!! I came tired and hot and sweaty but satisfied with myself. Oh and by the way, I started my monthly yesterday too, so keep that in mind!

After I cooled down and showered, I made breakfast - 2 eggs scrambled with onions and peppers and bacon crumbles with a piece of toast with peanut butter and a glass of apple juice - I finished most of it. I think I need to retrain my body to eat as well and cut down on the sweets and sugary.

Now I'm off to Sur la Table to get some vanilla paste and maybe an ice cream maker - not sure yet got to check the price. I've been craving making my own Ice Cream and frozen yogurt. I'll let you know!

In Preparation of a Day that may or not ever happen .... Just in case .....

2010-07-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

My Next Wedding Dress??!?!?!

I love this dress -- so classic and elegant and yet simple! Just Grand!

I would wear it with a Lilac Sash that ties in the back and has really long trails!!

Here are the Groom's Colors:

Such pretty Colors!!!

Nice and Elegant Cake.

Table and Napkin Set up!

Party Ice Cubes -- How Clever!

A Dedication to my Father ....

2010-06-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

My Dad is an awesome dad. We haven't always gotten along or seen eye to but I love him so much! I am so blessed to have him and to get to be his daughter. He loves me without condition or limit. He has helped me in so many ways I couldn't count them. Even with all I put him though - he has never disowned me! I know if I ever need anything He will help me figure it out!

Here are just some of my memories for my Dad, some great .... some not enjoyed by all parties :)

Remember:

-- renovating the farm house - my love of design & building things comes from you - thank you

-- early morning chores - as much I dispised them then - I am now morning person - thank you

-- weeding and nuturing the garden - I now have a thriving herb box garden on balcony- thank you

-- my love of cooking come from watching you, & teaching me how to budget -- I never could have taken on the High Priest Dinner and feeling confident in my abilities without you - thank you

-- in the garage - trying to teach me about cars, changing oil, a tire, checking the fluids - niether one of us having any fun - guess what! I still learned it! I know how to check fluids and change tires and I've done it! So Thank you!!!

-- the tractor fiasco?? I learned about listening and cluches, well how NOT to use them! What a harrowing experience that was!

-- when I walked home from the field -- I think my love of walking started that day!

-- my Eighteenth birthday at Trevi's -- That is one of my favortite birthday's!!

-- If I ever play the lottery and win -- it all goes to you -- I owe you so much!!!

-- the day I went through the temple - I remember coming through the veil and seeing you - I was so grateful we finally got there!!

Thank you for teaching me, loving me, being such a great example for me and wanting so much for me! I could never express how much you've taught me and how important you are to me!!! I have a hard time saying -- which I think I also got from you :) so ... Here it is -- I LOVE YOU!

~ Sherrilyn

Father's Day OR another busy Sunday!!!

2010-06-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was Father's Day, the day was rediculous .... in a good way! I was so happy to have had a great sleep - Heavenly Father really came through!!! I needed it after the Dinner and Party! So the Young Women sang in sacrament - "I Walk By Faith" - They were Awesome!!! They really such amazing girls and so willing to do whatever I ask them to do!

Church was great, as expected - really good talks by Trina Talbot and Justin Dick, as well as Bro. Chris Haynes. Trina spoke about the impotantance Father's who are around us in place of our own and all the potenital fathers. It was a really great talk. Justin spoke mainly to the guys about the responsiblity of being a father, being the teacher and the priesthood holder in the home. Bro. Haynes spoke about being a father and what an amazing blessing and responsilbity it is. The rest of the meetings were great also. After all the church, I went home for a few hours, called Dad and left him a message -- he was out - hopefully having all kinds of fun!
At around 6:00 pm, we then headed out to Trina's for Diner's Club. Mariya brought steaks for everyone and I brought all the leftovers from the H. P. Dinner - there was some much ham leftover. We had a great, filling dinner and great conversation. A great group: Trina, Mariya, Dan, Robert Cheatham, Scott Katchke, Kennrick Carrera, Ryan Muir, Travis Morgan, & me! Leslie Ragland was supposed to come but stayed home with a fever instead - poor girl -- she ran helself ragged this last week ;(

After we finished eating and conversating, we left and went to the other Diner's Club at Chris and Victor's place. More great company there and even better conversating. I have such great friends and I'm so grateful for them, I really am blessed! Got home about 11:30pm.

This morning I feel blessed and happy!

~ Rylinn

Weekends are rough .... sometimes!

2010-06-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

So here is the rundown of my crazy busy week/ weekend ....

In our stake, they hold an annual dinner for all the High Priests and the Sisters over 55 yrs of age. About a month ago, I was asked to be in charge of the menu and making the dinner.

I, of course, said absolutley -- would love to!!

Now this dinner usually has about 120 attendees each year and they have served pan lasanga from Smart and Final for the last 5/6 years except last year, when it was catered by a guy in our ward's resturant. Last year, they had so many issues that they wanted a new person to take over and they called me. So I immediatley started planning and thinking about what I could make easily and cost efficiently,

as my first budget was only $ 500.00.

I wanted to really treat them to a great tasting dinner which was still easy to execute.

Here's what I came up with:

Apple and Mandarin Salad

Honey Baked Ham (from the shop)

Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugared Pecans

Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Grilled Onions

Mixed Vegetables with Citrus and Garlic Vinagrete

Dessert:

Brownies with Apple Carmel Drizzle

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Cheesecake with Mixed Berry Couliee

Now, the desserts were volunteered out, we bought and the Honey Baked Ham and the cheesecake but the rest of it -- I, Maryia and Victor Vaile Made from scratch.

As I started to do cost comparisions from available stores I quickly ran out of money, feeding 130 people with $500.00 is why they were consistantly getting lasanga. So my Stake advocate, Dan Fife, went back to the Stake Presidentcy with the menu and got me $700.00 for food and $150.00 for supplies. As they renovated our kitchen last year, they also donated all the supplies from the kitchen including all the plates, glasses, silverware, salt & pepper shakers and everything else I would need to achieve this feat!

So I was very happy when I got news about my funds being increased :}

Any way, I bought a costco card and started shopping, grateful for amazing friends and a great roommate! After several trips to the store and the church, cleaning, dropping off groceries,

Saturday morning finally came.

Here is the days rundown:

Christi Synder and I went to the Flower Mart at 6:30 am - we bought the flowers for the centerpieces,

went to the church at 7:15am and cut and arranged the flowers,

Chris, Joe & Dan showed up around 9:00 am to set up tables,

We had an Enrichment Activity that morning to With Leslie Ragland (see previous post),

so we arragned the table for that - luckily the formation worked for the dinner to, just a few adjustments,

I think my friend Matt took pictures for everything so I'll try to get them and post them here!

Enrichement started at 10:00 am ish - we ended up sending home Mariya to get my computer for Leslie's presentation as her notebook wasn't equipped to attach to the projector! So around 10:20am we actually started enrichment, much to Leslie dismay - she is an on-timer like me but it all worked out.

Speaking of which, she did work us out -- it was great and I'm still feeling it :) in a great way!!!!

So at 1:00pm Victor showed up and our team got to work - what a great team, we worked together so well it was steamless, I so grateful for them and all the talents, skills and overall greatness!!!

There was also a Football game that day, so after that Dan, Jen & Justin came back to finish set up. Jen helped me create a stage vignette with lattice from the garden, drapery I bought and furiture from the Stake Office Foyer (I think Matt toke pictures of this - I didn't --- my bad!!!!)

At 3:30, Mariya & I went home to shower and change in something nicer than a sweats

and did it in record time - 30 minutes total -- we were back at 4:00 including driving time, picking up McDonald's for us and Victor ..... and yes we broke the speeding laws - absolutely!!!

The servers started showing up around 5:00pm -- They all amazing and helpful with the last minute things,

they plated, stirred, drained, tossed and made my life so much easier!!!

I just delagated and ran the show, It went off without a hitch and I mean NOTHING went WRONG!!!!!

I know Heavenly Father was there and amking it happen! and I am so grateful - he really is amazing.

Before we started serving, I had Chris say a prayer and ask for the extra help,

even though I don't think we needed to -- I know it helped. It was such a great success - nothing but complements - no compliants at all! The server did thier jobs flawlessly and took direction so well.

It was just a wonderful experience for everyone involved

and if they asked me to do it next year - I probably would!

After all this, we went to a birthday party for our friends - Vic Davis & Charity Rawlings - I only lasted 20 minutes but I made my appearence - they understood and appreciated the effort!

I Wish I'd taken more pictures ....

2010-06-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

... but I was too busy!!!!

Here's just a sample of the High Priest Dinner ......

This is just some of the supplies for the dinner!!

Here is Mariya doing some chopping ....

Here are the Flowers for the table ....

This is the refreshments for the Enrichment Activity from earlier that day!

This is Leslie Ragland teaching the Relief Society about Health & Fitness

and the Word of Wisdom ...

I'll write more later. I'm really quite exhausted!!!!!

So I feel much Better....

2010-06-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

I changed my hours to 10am - 2pm so in case I can't sleep until 4am, I can still get so sleep!

So the dinner is going to be AWESOME!!!! I did a schedule for the setup, the kitchen and the dinner service!! I feel so much better about this. Wanna see what I did today?

Working Papers

Cost Comparision

EVOO & Honey

Garlic Prepped

Garlic Honey Dipped

Garlic Oiled Up

GORGEOUS!!!

Now for the Grilled Onions

Holy Cow!! That's A Lot Of Onions!!!

Sweatin' Out the Water

Grillin' & Done!

This house smells SO good right now! I love it and I feel so productive : }

I 'm a Happy Girl!!!

Anxiety ... Win or Lose? Is it worth it??

2010-06-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am so tired it's just isn't funny anymore!

I was put in charge of the food and decoration for an annual dinner our stake holds for the High Priests and senior sisters. Not a small undertaking but still doable for me. However, I can't stop thinking about all the details before I try to retire each night for the last 2 weeks! My brain keeps coming up with new ways of doing things, even tough the last idea was awesome! Now I appreciate that I have this talent of seeing things in my head as they shold appear in reality, don't get me wrong. I just wish I could stop the process right before bed! I have a hard enough time getting to sleep as it is. Granted these ideas are fantastic and achieveable, they come in waves and don't stop until 4:00 in the morning and when you need to get up for work at 6:00am, that's not alot of sleep! I plan to take pictures so there is evidence of my sleepness nights and their worth. I've got a great team of helpers: Kitchen: Victor Vaile & Mariya Ivanushkina (Roommate) and for decor and set up: Christ Snyder and a team of Mid-Singles from the Stake, so the day of should be a breeze, it's just the Prep work that's killing my sleep patterns.

This experience proves to me I should be an event planner, I must say God gave me a talent that I very rarely get to use because I don't show it off!

Can I boast for a minute??
Favorite Talents:
1. Singing and Performing
2. Organization and Planning and Execution
3. Cooking and Baking, Altering and Customizing as well!
4. Humilty!!!!
5. I must also include my craftiness -- in all it's definitions!!

Just kidding about that last one, but only a little. I think part of the reason no one knows of my other talents is becasue I don't speak up or defend myself . This will go one my resume as volunteer work, I think ~ ) Remember when we plaaned and executed that fashion show?? We were awesome, why didn't we take that and make it a career?? They say to find someting you love and make it a career, well here we are at 37 1/2 years old, still doing working a job that is not only not fun, but is something we don't reaaly like!!! We need to choose us and not settle -- quit settling!!

Enough ranting :)

On another subject: I have been going to Physical Therapy for my shoulders, neck and upper back ... finally! It's basically massage and bone adjustment but it's working. I'm not in as much pain and it's quite relaxing, which is nice!

Breakfast .... who knew!!!

2010-06-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

So this morning I woke up from a toss 'n turn night. Finally got to sleep around 12:30pm. I know not that late, except for me. I'm usually in bed and asleep by 10:30pm, so the additional 2 hours of turning and 'trying' to get comfortable made me extra tired this morning. So I was a little late dragging my butt out of bed, 6:45pm instead of 5:30am. Shorten my routine quite a bit. Anyway, I decided I would skip breakfast, because I didn't want to be late for work this morning too! So by 9:15 I was almost sleeping on my desk, not good or productive! I thought to myself maybe eating would get me some energy and I'll wake up a bit more. Yeah I know -- I'm brilliant!! So I went down to the cafe/deli & ordered some French toast and Sausage to get a few food groups at once -- eggs, bread, milk and meat.

Well -- I feel some much better that I had to write it down so I don't forget next time. I mean when you really think about it of course breakfast is important!! We haven't eaten since usually 6pm if we're good and 8pm if we're not. That's like 10 - 12 hours without eating!!! That's crazy!! Granted sleeping - not really burning that much energy, but still our bodies are working, repairing, and regenerating. Have you ever weighed yourself before bed and then in the moring when you wake within the same 12 hours?? I have and I've weighed 4 pounds more at night then in the morning!! Which means I worked off 4 pounds sleeping! Totally nuts!!

Any way, enough ranting. Long story short -- EAT BREAKFAST!!!!

Never, Ever ....

2010-05-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

I think I found a cure?? & Happy Late Mom's Day ....

2010-05-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

I kinda skipped over Mother's day altogether this year. I did my daughter and sisterly duties and I called and wished to my sis and step-mom on Saturday but I also broke the unsure news to them as well. Along with all my friends, they are now waiting in the lurch for my medical news (which I should state I don't have officially from my doctor).

Any way, feet are back to their normal shape and size and seem to be staying there, so far today!!!!!!!
I keep checking them to make sure :) I noticed it last night and confirmed with my roommate Mariya. It was quite the happy occasion - I wish I had some cake or a cookie or something to celebrate!! When I weighted myself this morning - I've lost 6 pounds in 6 days!! I wish fat weight came off as quickly as water weight ;}

So for my sister's Mother's Day 'gift', I sent her copies of letters my mother wrote to her BFF Marilyn George. Marilyn had given these to me way back in 2006 when I sent the day with her. They aren't sad until you closer to mom's death date and then they really pull hard on the heart and tears flow fast and free! I hope my poor sister is prepared for this, maybe she won't have the same reaction, I don't know. Her and I have different memories of that time and event, of course! She was only 6yrs old when Mom got sick and 11 when she passed, I on the hand was 11 and 16 when she died.

It's interesting there is a letter from my Aunt Sheila in the collection as well and she describes the funeral to Marilyn in minor detail. There is one part where she is talking about me and all my friends who came and how I finally broke down when they wouldn't stop hugging me. I remember this very clearly, I never felt so loved and cared for by my friends. I remember after the funeral at the grave site, the rain had held off all day, then as I was sitting there on the ground (with Benji Nilsson, I think) waiting for them to put her into the hole they had dug, it started to pour down - the heavenly literally opened up and drenched us. I let the rain absorb my tears and let go for the first time since I had gotten the news that fateful Thursday night, April 20th, at 9:03pm. I remember when Benji and I got back to my house, all I wanted to do was be normal and go play with my friends. I went down to my room, changed my clothes and left all the mourners and well wishers in my house and shut them away. I went to my friend Paul Seely's house and met up with my friends, we jumped on his trampoline and tried to be normal. We would never be normal again! My friends had no idea how to talk to me or be around me and I slowly closed down and then off. Our friendships became very superficial. It's only been recently that I've understood these reactions and that it wasn't anyone's fault. None of us were equipped to handle what was going on in our town, our lives. I recently reunited of sorts on FaceBook with several of them and it feels so nice to hear from then and share the goings on in our lives again. Can I say how grateful I am for FaceBook?? It feels funny & weird to say but is' so true!

That's all for now - I'm feelings teary and I'm at work :}

So I didn't find Prince Charming but .....

2010-05-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

I did go to the doctor finally regarding my feet issues. They have been swollen since I started this job here at Occidental Petroleum (Oxy). We ruled out Thyroid issues and he put me on diuretic medication. I started today, so we will see what happens. He also thinks it may be Diabetes Type 2, I have to back for a Glucose test in a couple of weeks.

Sidenote: I am typing this without looking at my fingers!!! Yay ME!!! I'm finally learning how to type and I 'm getting better - although I still use the back button -- but less often!

Back to it: Also started working for the US Census Board doing Enumeration (counting people) so far so good! I'm hoping it will help me to loose some weight and get me back in better shape.

As for the Conference -- it was OK, but my poor feet were hurting so much I didn't have much fun at all. The Sunday sacrament was interesting -- they talked A LOT about not getting down on yourself for being single and lowering your expectations. Which for me wasn't really an issue - just kiddin'! I know I'm awesome and I need someone who not only realizes that but can be OK with it! NO! Love IT!!

I am a daughter of GOD and will not settle for a man who doesn't know it and doesn't treat me that way!! It's funny, I've been in the Young Women's now for just over a year and I teach these amazing young girls all the things I keep forgetting!! Maybe that's why I'm charged with teaching them!

I need to do better though -- I am not perfect and I know it : )

Love this ....

2010-04-23T16:35:00.001-07:00

All too true .....

2010-04-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

"When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home."

However -- "The more decisions that you are forced to make alone, the more you are aware of your freedom to choose."

These may seem unrelated, but for me they are to close not to recognize and validate. This weekend I am going to a Mid-Singles Conference. I have made the decision, alone, to go to this conference and be away from home for the weekend. I haven't done this in quite a while, maybe even since I moved to LA. It's a big step for me to be away from my bed, my things, my sanctuary. I am staying over at my friend, Dawn's parents place while we go on this adventure. I've never met her parents and it worries me a little to be imposing on someone's parents, unless I'm married to them or have been a long time friend. Dawn and I met last August in the ward. She is a great friend and now is my Visiting Teacher -- she and I get along very well. The weekend will probably fly by and I'll get little sleep --- but I'm praying for a safe, peaceful weekend!

My Horoscope said this today: "You should be feeling lucky right now. The person you've been wanting to meet is just about to make a well-timed guest appearance. They might be someone entirely new, and if so, you should feel as if you've known them for your whole life. It might be someone you've already known for quite a long time, in which case, you'll discover a whloe new side to each other. Either way, don't let them out of your sight!"

Just intersting given the event planned!!

Wish me luck!!

Today ....

2010-04-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

"When you're happy, everyone is happy (well, almost everyone -- some don't get it yet). You have an eccentric, irreverent, zippy sense of humor that comes out at the strangest times. After the five-second delay most folks need to catch up, you usually reduce your audience to tears. The best part for most is that it's just casual oberservations that bring it on. You're on stage now, no matter where you are. Get ready for an onslaught of new fans." ~ Horoscope

"quote"

2010-04-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

This is one of my dream walls .....

2010-03-10T19:00:00.001-08:00

Ahh ..... Nice

2010-03-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Love It .....

2010-02-18T13:49:00.001-08:00

Today is my Birthday!

2010-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling great and a little sleepy. My phone woke me up with a text message from my friend and colleague from Young Women's asking about tonight's festivities. We are going bowling at Bay Shore Lanes, Emily and I planned it. I am looking so forward to it.
Before all that though, I'm going to see these TWO movies:

Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief

Valentine's Day

They both open Today and look like they will be great movies. We'll see :D I went and got my nails done yesterday as well, gotta look fab-U-lous tonight.

Wish me Luck!

Awesome :D

2010-01-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

Quote ...

2010-01-21T13:37:00.001-08:00

love me when i least deserve it because that is when i really need it ~ swedish proverb

Quote ....

2010-01-20T19:29:00.001-08:00

"The supreme act of forgiveness is when you can forgive yourself for all the wounds you’ve created in your own life. Forgiveness is an act of self-love. When you forgive yourself, self-acceptance begins and self-love grows."

~ Don Miguel Ruiz

Ahhhh Lilac .....

2010-01-20T19:00:00.001-08:00

What a Beauty!

2010-01-14T18:30:00.001-08:00

Love It ....

2010-01-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

Be the kind of Woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning,
the Devil says "Oh Crap, She's Up!!"

Yum-mers!!

2010-01-08T18:10:00.001-08:00

Love this

2010-01-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Light

2010-01-07T11:43:00.001-08:00

Testimony

2010-01-06T20:41:00.001-08:00

Today .....

2010-01-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

2010-01-05T23:04:00.001-08:00

Happiness ...

2010-01-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

today

2010-01-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

Laughing ....

2010-01-05T16:17:00.001-08:00

Quote ....

2010-01-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

Inspriation ....

2010-01-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

I Wish I Was This Creative .....

2010-01-05T16:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year !!!!!

2010-01-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Quote ...

2010-01-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Heart

2010-01-05T15:50:00.001-08:00

A Quote for a Monday .....

2009-12-28T18:25:00.001-08:00

love ....

2009-12-28T17:41:00.001-08:00

wicked fun !!!

2009-12-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

Love Quote

2009-12-28T11:02:00.001-08:00

Quote ....

2009-12-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

life is like photography

.....

we use negatives to develop!

Nice

2009-12-23T20:40:00.001-08:00

Quotes ....

2009-12-23T16:18:00.001-08:00

Quote ....

2009-12-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

Real Life Bambi & Thumper!

2009-12-23T15:30:00.001-08:00

So Beautiful!!

So Pretty ....

2009-12-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

Even though it's Photo-shopped :)

Extra-Ordinary

2009-12-09T12:03:00.001-08:00

Fonts

2009-12-07T13:36:00.001-08:00

Create Your Life

2009-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

Metamorphosis

2009-12-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Song of My Heart

2009-12-03T20:15:00.001-08:00

10 Things We All Must Figure Out for Ourselves

2009-12-03T20:11:00.001-08:00

Love – There is no official guide for falling in love, falling out of love, or dealing with the emotional intricacies of love. Love cannot be taught and it certainly cannot be forced. Love is an instinctual feeling, a powerful sentiment, one we will all find under different circumstances and must each figure out for ourselves.
Friendship – Some personalities simply click and others clash. Just like love, friendship is a natural process that cannot be forced. Other people can select our acquaintances for us, but over time we will find true friendship on our own. When the conversations are comfortable and relaxed and a mutual feeling of trust is apparent, true friendship has been found.
Loss – At some point each one of us will experience a loss in life. It could be the death of a loved one, the devastation of personal belongings, or a vicious rejection in our career. Each of us is going to naturally deal with loss in our own unique manner, some taking more time to reflect on it than others. While suggestions can be made, we must figure it out for ourselves, morn if necessary, and move on when we are ready.
The Short vs. Long Catch-22 – There is a paradox found in various situations where we must choose between short-term and long-term fulfillment. It governs the path we take concerning our aspirations, desires, and available opportunities. Things that seem positive in the short-term can turn sour in the long-term. Likewise, disciplined efforts to meet long-term objectives can lead to a more dull short-term existence. People can try to advise us in specific situations, but we must ultimately figure out how to manage this catch-22 for ourselves across the broad scope of our lives.
Self-Forgiveness – We all make mistakes. It is an inevitable element of being alive. Since we are undoubtedly our own toughest critic, we sometimes inflict unnecessary self-guilt on our conscious for certain actions we did or did not take. This typically hinders our productivity and happiness. Many self-help instructors attempt to teach self-forgiveness, but every circumstance and individual is slightly different than the next. Experience is the key. General experience in dealing with the process of trial and error across various life circumstances is really what increases our comfort level with making mistakes.
Life Balance – Living a healthy, rewarding life involves the simple art of balance. We must balance risk vs. reward, family and friends vs. career goals, quantity vs. quality… the list could continue indefinitely. Over time, and with enough experience, we will be able to evaluate any situation, decipher the boundary extremes and find a happy, healthy medium between these extremes.
Responsibility and Independence – Responsibility is not a quality instinctually instilled in all human beings. Some of us have to work really hard at leading a responsible life. The key is to realize that it is okay to assist someone, but the full burden of a responsibility should never be taken away from its owner. If it is, the owner will never learn, thus becoming forever dependant on others. Cause and effect is the ultimate guide to responsibility. “If I don’t get a job, I won’t have money to buy food.” Our success with responsibility will eventually lead to complete independence.
Character Identity – “Who am I?” We all have to figure this out for ourselves. Character identity is incredibly difficult to define. We all have ideas in our minds of who we are, who we want to become, or how we want to live. The single greatest gift a human being possesses is free will… our ability to think, make choices, and take action with the decisions we make. These decisions eventually mold the person we are, our character identity.
Betrayal – Dealing with betrayal usually sends a person on an emotional rollercoaster ride. There is no practical way of preparing for it because every act of betrayal contains a different set of variables. When it happens, we are usually left asking a series of questions. Why? Is there another side to the story? Can we work through this? These are questions only the people involved can answer and deal with.
Happiness and Success – As I stated in my last post, happiness is doing what you love, and success is excelling at doing what you love. Nobody else can tell us how to be happy or what to love. As we progress through life we uncover these mysteries on our own. Once we have happiness figured out we can map out a course for achieving our own personalized version of success.

Me Too!!!!

2009-12-03T20:05:00.001-08:00

Sad ....

2009-12-03T20:04:00.001-08:00

I wish my friendships were less one-sided! That is all!

Daily Mantra

2009-12-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

One of My Absolute Favorite Songs ....

2009-12-02T16:03:00.001-08:00

Bridge Over Troubled Water — Simon & Garfunkel

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine

If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

Mantra ....

2009-12-02T15:58:00.001-08:00

Love In It's Truest Form ....

2009-12-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Wreath ...

2009-12-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

From Blog Journal

Gratitude

2009-11-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today

2009-11-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

Light

2009-11-27T17:51:00.001-08:00

This Looks YUMMY ......

2009-11-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

R rrrrr !!

2009-11-25T16:52:00.001-08:00

Awwww......

2009-11-25T16:50:00.001-08:00

The Movie "UP"

2009-11-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

You Know how some movies just really touch your heart?
Well, this movie did just that! I loved it SOOOOOOOOOO much!!!

p.s. -- I'm downloading it right now!

Pretty Violet

2009-11-24T17:19:00.001-08:00

Words To Live By ....

2009-11-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Truth

2009-11-24T17:00:00.001-08:00

A Blissful Reminder

2009-11-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

This Is Perfect .....

2009-11-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

Ways to increase your feeling of self worth

2009-11-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

1. Write down 7 minor goals for the week and tick one off each day as you achieve it.
2. Read a book a month. Reading a book is actually an achievement in this technology and media driven world and reading a full book is a great way to achieve a sense of accomplishment.
3. At the end of each day before falling asleep write down something you feel proud about, either on the day or in the past.
4. Tell someone else how much you appreciate them, being able to be open and honest is great for self worth.
5. Say no! Learn the skill of saying no without offending the person asking.
6. Everything you do, do to the best of your ability even if it cleaning the toilets or something equally as mundane, develop a reputation as someone who takes pride in their work.
7. Walk tall and proud. walk as if you’ve got somewhere to go and you need to be there now, never run just walk tall and quickly.
8. Dress as smart as you can for each occasion, whether it be work, meeting a friend, or going for an interview. Take pride in your appearance.
9. Do something for yourself every day.
10. Learn a new skill or take up something you’ve always wanted to and stick with it.

Prayer

2009-11-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

Love

2009-11-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

I love you, yes you, reading this.
Don't be to hard on yourself,
we all make bad choices sometimes
and don't always do the right thing.
We get what we give out in the world,
so always give love and joy.
You're not alone,
I'm right here with you and I do care,
even if we don't know each other.

Journey's

2009-11-24T15:40:00.001-08:00

Happiness

2009-11-24T15:07:00.001-08:00