The Book Guardian

Quit playing games with my heart

2012-01-31T19:19:00.001-05:00

I love games. Board games. Table games. Card games. The list goes on. I'm not much into RPGs, probably because I enjoy role playing on stage in front of audience more than sitting at a table talking about it.

When I acquired my coffee table from friends who were getting a new one, I was thrilled that it had a shelf underneath. I immediately began storing my growing game collection there. It never occurred to me that shelf could be for anything other than game storage.

For a few years, it was perfect. Then one magical day in December at the thrift store, I found 16 new games for just 14 clams and my game collection was definitely too big for the table.

I was also starting to have another problem. When I was out looking at games, I often second guessed myself - did I already have this one?

With this surge in game ownership, it was time to solve both problems.

I bought three 105 quart bins and 2 shoebox bins and, as I put my games in their new homes, created a spreadsheet in Google Docs of everything I have listed by title, type (i.e. Word, strategy, trivia, dice, mystery, card, art, puzzle), age, duration, and number of players. The big boxes went into the large bins, the card games into the plastic shoeboxes.

Now, the shoeboxes, some craft materials, and fitness equipment reside on the coffee table shelf and the other games went where I could find room.

With 60 games (including some 11 decks of cards for Nertz/Pounce) and one on the way, I'm really pleased with my nerdy solution. I can pull up the spreadsheet on my phone when I'm out shopping or share it with a friend when planning a game night.

It makes my little librarian heart glad and I'll avoid problems like this:

Shake it out, shake it out!

2011-12-31T11:38:00.000-05:00

Places I've Spent At Least One Night in 2011 (see 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2006-2007)

Where I Live, VA
Philadelphia, PA (My first national MLA Conference)
West Chester, PA
Thurmond, MD
Orem, UT (two different trips)

Clearly, this year was not quite as adventurous travel-wise as years past. Instead, I made great strides in life closer to home. I significantly upped my fitness game and it shows. I soloed with the Mormon Choir of Washington. I went back to school. I gained a sister-in-law. I have purple hair. I even had some brief romantic success and I certainly strengthened my other relationships, new and not so new, which I hope to continue doing.

Life is good! In fact, as I predicted, I'd say this year rocked. 2012? Bring it on!

PS - This is post 500!

I'm alive and the world shines for me today

2011-12-30T23:27:00.000-05:00

It's official. My first semester of my second Master's degree consumed my life. I got through it - two As, one B (surprisingly not in the class I thought I'd get a B in) and no important balls dropped. I may not have blogged or folded laundry in weeks, but I turned everything in on time and feel rather good about everything I wrote, presented or was tested on. I'm even so intrigued by the research I started that I hope to continue it in my next set of classes. Fortunately, I have until January 24th before that happens. Freedom is sweet.

I do intend to finish my personal history from November and post-date the entries accordingly, because it's my blog and I can do things like that. I intend to finish a number of non-school books. I intend to go dancing more. And I intend to only take two classes a semester from now on, because three was just a little too much.

We sing the songs that remind us of the better times

2011-11-18T16:52:00.000-05:00

What do you remember as the best times you had as a family?

Answering this could take all day. I love my family and we have LOADS of good times, and still have more to come. Road trips, games, moves, random craziness.

Two instances stand out to me though.

The first - mealtimes. Even when I'm home now as an adult - mealtimes are important family times, especially dinner. They are scheduled for times when the most people can attend and you are expected to be there if you can. If anything's more important than a weeknight dinner, it's a Sunday dinner. Breakfasts were often rushed, discussing events of the upcoming day or fighting over who got the pink bowl or cup (seriously, the pink one was the cool one). But dinners - dinners were where we had good talks. And silly talks. And talks that dissolved us all into uncontrollable laughter (you know it's good when Mom can't even stop). And dinners that kept us at the table for long after the food cooled off just because were enjoying each other's company. The food was always good, but it was the company that made it the best.

I spy two aunts, two uncles, two grandparents, one cousin, one mom, and one cousin's kid.

The second - anytime my whole family is in the temple is a best time. It is simply the most wonderful place for us to be together.

Said he was a cowboy when he was young

2011-11-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

Do you remember your great-grandparents? What do you know about them?

Only my mom's mom's parents and dad's mom's mom were living when I was born. I met all of them - I definitely remember meeting Grandma and Grandpa Law and there is a picture of me with Gammie. Grandma and Grandpa Law died between when I was 18 months and 3 or 4 years old, I believe. I remember going over to Grandma's once and that she was sitting on the couch in the living room. I have vague memories of one of their funerals and being lifted over the casket to give them a kiss. Gammie died shortly after we visited her when I was about 9 months old.

I honestly don't know a lot about any of my great grandparents. I'll share what I can think of and then beg my grandparents and parents (who read this here blog) to either comment with more stories or email them to me.

Paternal Great-grandparents

Dad's Paternal Grandparents

I know nothing about Dad's paternal grandmother, except that he must have had one. His paternal grandfather, however, was one of the youngest of 17 children! These people weren't even Mormon! That side of the family is from Iowa - we even have a street named after our family in Des Moines. My grandpa was Edwin H., Junior, so great-grandpa must have been Edwin H., Senior.

Dad's Maternal Grandparents

Dad's named for his maternal grandfather as Dad's first and middle names are his grandpa's middle and last names, respectively. His maternal grandmother is Gammie. They're from California.

Maternal Great-grandparents

Mom's Paternal Grandparents

Jesso Milo and Ella lived in Southern Utah. I don't remember what Grandpa did for work, but the town that family calls home is definitely a cowboy town. If I didn't miss anyone in the mental list I just made, they had 8 kids - 2 girls, 6 boys.

Mom's Maternal Grandparents

Vernon and Winona lived in Northern Utah - Cache Valley. Grandma quilted and knitted. They had 7 children - a boy who died in infancy and six girls. They both wore glasses. One of Mom's favorite pictures from her wedding is one of her with Grandpa in front of the temple.

Wow. I clearly have some work to do and people to learn/remember more about!

You're my bad habit, baby

2011-11-16T19:47:00.000-05:00

Do you have/have you had any bad habits?

Well now. This is a loaded question. This is my blog and I want to paint myself in the best light possible but I'll still try to answer this question honestly.

I procrastinate. I yell things at stupid drivers. I don't always wash my face at night which means I go to bed with makeup on. I pop my knuckles. This may be gross but sometimes I chew on the inside of my mouth. When I was a kid this was blamed on a mild peanut allergy. I don't do it in nearly as often as I used to but I do have a scar on the inside of my mouth from one time when I chewed too hard. I don't even know the last time I made my bed. There are three empty toilet paper rolls in my bathroom because apparently I am too lazy to take them with me when I walk the 15 feet to my kitchen and the recycling bin. I don't mop my floors nearly as often as I should. Sometimes I bite my nails. In the past I have been known to hit snooze about 58,000 times before I finally get out of bed. I generally don't keep my house is clean as I would like to.

Your turn!

Hey look - I wrote about bad habits in 2007!

If you drink, don't drive, do the Watermelon Crawl!

2011-11-15T18:48:00.000-05:00

Who is your favorite singer?

Now? I seriously couldn't tell you. What and who I like to listen to changes all the time. But here's a sampling of who is on that list:

Brian Stokes Mitchell
Norbert Leo Butz
Matt Nathanson
My dad
My uncle
Nathan Pacheco
Tori Amos
Mary Fahl
Audra McDonald

As a kid? Tracy Byrd

Tracy Byrd is a country singer from my same town in Texas - Beaumont. We actually lived in the same apartment complex when my family moved there and he was an up and coming local singer, just starting to make it nationwide. I think we heard him for the first time at a March of Dimes WalkAmerica event.

One day, when I was probably nine or ten, my best friend Chantal and I had been tasked with throwing out some old magazines and a tree that had died. We got the magazines into the dumpster just fine, but as two little girls, we were having some trouble with the tree, since it was about the same height as we were. As we were pondering what to do, we spotted a man walking his dogs in the courtyard and decided to ask him for help. He agreed, as long as we'd watch his dogs.

While he was gone, I mentioned that he looked like Tracy Byrd. Chantal insisted that I ask when he got back. So I did.

Me: You look a lot like Tracy Byrd.

Tracy Byrd: That's because I am.

*fangirl SQUEE!*

We ran home and told everyone who would listen. Sisterpants insists that she was there. I honestly don't remember that, but it's possible.

When I was 12 or so, my mom and I went to his concert at the Beaumont Civic Center. The ticket was $15 and I'm pretty sure I had to earn that money myself. It was a great concert!

When I was 18, I was working lunch at Durango Grill in Orem, Utah, and, for some reason, recounting the story of the tree and Tracy Byrd to my coworker.

Coworker: You know he's playing in Kamas tonight, right?

Me: WHAT!?!?

And then I called my mother immediately. We canceled whatever plans we had that night and she dug out my old concert tee from his Watermelon Crawl concert tour (incidentally, not the one we saw, but it was cheaper than the current one when I was 12). Mom picked me up after my shift and we drove up to Kamas.

If possible, this concert was even better. There was a much smaller crowd (it was Kamas and past his heyday, after all), so I got to be right up next to the stage. (Mom was a little farther back, in a lawn chair.) He actually noticed my Watermelon Crawl tee and, from stage, asked me where I got it.

Me: Beaumont, Texas!

Tracy Byrd: What are you doing up here!?

Me: Dad's job moved us.

*fangirl SQUEE!!*

A little later, he was actually signing things, on stage, that people were handing him - beer cozies, napkins, tickets, whatever. I had nothing on me like that, so I became that girl that took off her shirt and handed it to the handsome country singer to sign.

*fangirl SQUEE!!*

Don't worry, I had a tank top on underneath.

It was one of the best nights of my life.

To this day, I still love him. I turned on my Tracy Byrd playlist to write this post, and, in one format or another, I think I own everything (or almost everything) he's ever produced.

This is one of his two biggest hits:

*swoon*

Clean up, Clean up, everybody, everywhere

2011-11-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

Wasthere a chore you really hated doing as a child?

My parents would probably say "all of them". That was probably true at times. Eventually, however, I discovered how much I hate sweeping and mopping. I would clean toilets a thousand times over floors. This, for some reason, is still true. Vacuuming? No problem, so it wasn't all floors. I just don't like sweeping and mopping. It's gross and I never feel like it's clean enough.

At some point, we kids all figured out chores we preferred and I often traded vacuuming with someone else so they would sweep and mop. I've joked on Twitter before that I would trade with someone there who was complaining about doing a chore I didn't mind. I guess I wasn't really joking, because I totally would.

I really hope I marry someone who doesn't mind sweeping and mopping.

Heavenly Father's children kneel down to pray

2011-11-13T21:39:00.000-05:00

1. Whatteachers do you remember?

The Ards, an older married couple, were my teachers the year I turned 8 and was baptized. As each child in the class was baptized, they gave them a basic CTR ring (CTR = Choose The Right). They made each of us feel so special and shared the love they had for Jesus Christ.

2. Whatwere your classes called?

Each class, divided by age, had some sort of name. For example, I remember the 11-year-olds were called Blazers (the boys) and Merrie Miss (the girls). I think the 9-year-olds were called Valiants? Either way, those names were changed when I was about ten. The younger kids were all CTRs and the older ones were all Valiants, like CTR-6 for the 6-year-olds.

3. Recalla lesson.

I honestly don't recall any specific lessons. I do remember enjoying Primary a lot, whether it was in the individual classes or in the group Sharing and Singing Times.

4. Tellabout giving a talk.

My parents have a book on their shelves called Talks for Tots. I remember preparing at least one talk by referring to that book. I'm sure one of my parents would help me actually deliver the talk by whispering in my ear when I was younger, but I'm also sure that as I got older I insisted on doing it by myself, whether reading it or memorizing it. Probably memorizing.

5. Whatwere some of the activities that you did?

I remember paper bag puppets. I remember at least a few children's parades. The Activity Days program, the young girl's equivalent to Cub Scouts, started when I was of that age (9-11), and I remember really enjoying those and filling out my little activity charts.

6. Whatward were you in?

I don't know which ward I was in while we lived in Murray, Utah, but from age 6 on, we were in the Beaumont 1st Ward.

7. Tellabout your Daddy/child dates or some special primary activities.

While usually not part of official Primary activities, Daddy-Daughter dates were very important. Daddy made it a goal to take each of his children out for something special, just the two of them, at least once a month. One date, we walked to the Black-Eyed Pea restaurant down the street from our apartment. It was around the time of my birthday, so he had the staff sing to me and I got a brownie for dessert. One couple saw the waiters singing to me and gave me 50 cents as they wished me a happy birthday and walked out after their meal.

Loyal, strong and true!

2011-11-12T22:47:00.000-05:00

How do you feel about college football?

(Okay, that's not on the list I've been getting questions from.)

I've known the Brigham Young University fight song for as long as I can remember. When we kids were involved in sports, the family would change the words to be appropriate to our team name (e.g. And cheer our Heartbreakers and Amanda too). My parents met at BYU and I remember even in Texas going to friends' houses to watch BYU football games. Now that we're in Utah, the parents have season tickets and I had some with my freshman year boyfriend in fall 2002. Obviously, we're big BYU football fans at our house. So much so that when I was at Stadium of Fire for the Fourth of July in 2006 wrestling with the decision to move to DC, I got a little verklempt because if I moved, when would I ever be back in LaVell Edwards Stadium?

Apparently, the answer was 5 years and 4 months, because tonight I got to use my dad's ticket and go cheer my Cougars with my mom!

We beat the University of Idaho Vandals 42-7! It was so cold, but so great to be there!

GO COUGARS!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while Mom drives us home

I do, cherish you

2011-11-11T21:21:00.001-05:00

Sometimes creating family and personal history is more important than writing about it. Today is one of those days.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone at the end of a very wonderful day

It's like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife

2011-11-10T23:31:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, you have a groom's cake, but no forks.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone post-wedding reception

Brothers and sisters and sisters and brothers

2011-11-09T23:52:00.001-05:00

What were your siblings like back then, and how did you get along with them?

As you know, I have two siblings - a brother and a sister. Growing up, we were in a pretty typicalsibling relationship - loving each other, playing together, driving each other absolutely batty.

Brotherface was a stereotypical middle child male - he did all the boy things - frying ants withmagnifying glasses, playing sports, being gross. He managed to get into more than his fair share of trouble too, trying to get attention and be his own person instead of following in his goody two shoes older sister's footsteps.

Sisterpants, on the other hand, idolized me. Her favorite color was whatever my favorite color was. She always had to be around my friends and me and tag along with everything I did. Of course, this annoyed me to no end, but I couldn't stop her.

We were all pretty crazy, imaginative kids. Of course there were times we didn't get along, but I don't ever remember hating my siblings for any substantial amount of time. I certainly hope they feel the same way. I really couldn't ask for a better of pair of siblings.

This is a rather general summary, I realize, but I'd rather spend the rest of my evening helping Brotherface and Almost-Mrs. Brotherface assemble centerpieces!

Do you have a house on a hill and a bed for three?

2011-11-08T07:04:00.001-05:00

What subject in school was always the easiest for you?

I don't remember any specifically easy classes. I was in Challenge/Pegasus/Honors/AP classes for all my core subjects, which certainly weren't easy. Electives could often have termed easy only in that we weren't challenged in the same way. My Video Production class would have been much harder if we weren't just reading out of a simple textbook and creating very short films. Had we been require to create works worth of Sundance, it would have been a different class altogether.

That said, I want to say that my easiest class was math. Stop laughing, Mom. I took all the way through AP Calculus AB, which is definitely not an easy class. In fact, I transferred out of BC for AB because BC was going too fast for me. However, the thing about math is that once I got it, it made sense. It was logical, objective, and I was really good at it. I actually got a 5 (the highest grade possible) on that AP test.

That's not to say I really enjoyed math and I obviously don't work as a mathematician or anything, but I was consistently good at it, which is more than I can say about the rest of my classes. (I was good, but maybe not as consistently.) Even now, I sometimes wish my homework was as easy as a set of math problems. There's something satisfying about logic problems with one right answer and one right way to get there.

Just don't expect me to remember how to do Calculus right away now. At least give me a few days to review.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while waiting for my flight to board

You're having my baby

2011-11-07T22:15:00.000-05:00

Where were you born and when?

I was born on May 25, 1984 at 10:16 AM Mountain Daylight Time in Provo, Utah, at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. My mom had just finished her Masters the month before, and Dad would graduate with his Bachelor's in August. I was definitely a BYU baby and their first.

Clearly, I don't remember anything about that experience, which is probably for the best. I do know that the umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck, but I seem to have survived that okay. I actually learned that one day when I overheard my mom talking to another mom about it at baseball game of my brother's, which was a strange place to learn such a thing.

I also know I was born with jaundice. This being the day before those cool light contraptions, my parents were instructed to get me in the sunlight each day. At one point, my dad put me in the back runnerboard of the car and then left me there a little longer than he intended. I seem to have survived that too.

I was a pretty adorable baby, really. Check back here later and I'll try to post a picture to show you!

I like to look for rainbows, whenever there is rain

2011-11-06T22:37:00.001-05:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

This is the story of my baptism:

a.    Howold were you?

I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 8 years old.

b.    Wherewere your baptized?

I was baptized in the font at the chapel of my ward in Beaumont, Texas.

c.    Whobaptized you?

My father baptized me.

d.    Whoconfirmed you?

My grandfather - my mother's father - confirmed me a member and gave me the gift of the Holy Ghost during the regular church services the next day, Sunday.

e.    Howdid you feel about becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints?

I was so excited! I had been preparing, reading a book about baptism and church membership and completing the accompanying workbook with my parents, as well as doing the usual things like attending my church meetings and classes and reading scriptures with my family. In fact, I was so excited that I was bouncing on my toes a little in the font.

f.     Whoattended your baptism?

I remember my immediate family was there - parents and siblings. My maternal grandparents came all the way from Washington state to attend. As a birthday and baptism gift, they presented with my very first set of scriptures and a case. I'm sure my Primary teachers and other church friends came. My best friend, whose birthday is 18 days before mine, was baptized the same day, so her family was there too. Another boy our age was baptized with us too.

It was a wonderful day. My mother braided my hair sideways ending in a bun on the left side. I wore the same dress she'd been baptized in. She'd also made my confirmation dress - a lovely white dress with three pink roses on the waist in the back.

I remember feeling so happy that day. I knew I'd made a good choice, and I still know.

We are family!

2011-11-05T23:39:00.001-04:00

Where does your last name come from?

My last name is Pilmer. It's a rather rare last name that comes from the Tweedside district of southern Scotland. There is evidence that it was once spelled Pillmuir and muir means moor in Scottish.

You may have figured out from my post yesterday that my maternal family name is Palmer. It does get a little confusing sometimes.

I love having a rare last name. It's surprising how often people can't seem to pronounce it (it's phonetic, I assure you), but you get used to it after awhile. I fully intend to keep it as a middle name when the time comes for a new last name.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone from bed because I was almost asleep before remembering I hadn't posted yet

And I won't tell 'em your name

2011-11-04T23:52:00.001-04:00

Were you named for anyone?

I was named for my great-aunt Ella Amanda Palmer. She was my mother's father's eldest sister.

Aunt Amanda was born in 1920 in southern Utah and grew up to serve an LDS mission, work various jobs (I think she even worked in a library for a while), and be one of the greatest examples of charity and service I've ever known. She never married or had children, but that's alright.

As the oldest child, my mom could have named me anything, but one day she felt that she should name me Amanda, before she even knew I was a girl, and that was the end of that. Sometimes I kind of wish my full name were Ella Amanda, but it's not and that's actually okay. I'm still honored to be Amanda at all.

While she was alive, she was called Aunt Amanda and I was Little Amanda. We had a special bond, and I'm so glad I got to know her before she died in 2000. In fact, because of our bond, I was asked to write her obituary and deliver her eulogy. It may have been a strange task for a 16-year-old, but it was the least I could do to honor her.

I'm not an Aunt Amanda yet, but I anticipate I will be one day. I just hope that I live up to the name!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone because it's late and I'm too tired to turn on my compy

Had I Known How To Save a Life

2011-11-03T13:08:00.000-04:00

Has anyone ever saved your life? Describe.

Not in the traditional sense. None of my accidents, falls, illnesses, etc., have been truly life threatening. Maybe if you count my parents stopping the bleeding and diligently taking me to the doctor when I split my head open the first time. And the second time. We didn't have insurance the third time, but I survived anyway.

You could probably count the doctor who performed my reconstructive foot surgeries when I was thirteen. I would have lived without them, but not nearly had the same quality of life.

There's Krista, who introduced herself to me the first day of school at my new junior high in Utah, having recognized me from being in her ward (congregation) the Sunday before. I didn't know a soul but, thanks to Krista, went out with a whole new, fantastic group of friends to see The Truman Show at Movies 8 that Friday, and I'm still, more or less, in touch with these same friends today.

There's Cristina, who found out I was interested in theatre and invited me to join her at the SCERA Youth Theater after school program. Getting involved in that group opened up many doors, and I wouldn't have known about it if she didn't tell me.

There's Andrew, who suggested I talk to Myrna about getting a job in the music library. So I did, and I'm sure you figured out the rest.

There's Cheeky Monkey, who sent me the posting for the job I still have today that got me out of a bad spiral I was in while living in Utah and brought me to DC, where countless things and opportunities and people have blessed my life.

There's A$, who set me up with a more efficient workout plan I have yet to falter on. And Cabeza and Theater Greek and Eilonwy and Fran and my family and everyone else who has supported me on this particular journey. Being healthy now will certainly save my life later.

I could go on. No, one has ever saved my life in the CPR/rescue breathing sense, but there are definitely many people who have helped direct it towards a more fulfilling and rewarding path and improve the quality of my life which has undoubtedly saved my life in some way.

John Donne said "No man is an island." I certainly believe that, and I'm so thankful for the wonderful people who are part of my life and let me be part of theirs in return!

Clearly, three people on a hammock didn't work out so well.

P.S. I'm CPR/AED certified - so if I needed to save a life, I could!

Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do?

2011-11-02T16:53:00.001-04:00

Have you ever been the victim of a crime? What happened?

I did a Theatre Study Abroad in London, UK, during spring term 2004. That's 19-year-old me, overlooking the city from St. Paul's Cathedral. I'd been in the country all of a week and a half when my messenger bag was stolen from under my seat at a play at the the National Theatre. I hadn't wrapped the strap around my leg and the Standing Room Only section was immediately behind my seat. I was just asking to get robbed, really.

Of course, I was devastated. My bag contained my personal journal, theatre journal, camera, camera journal, someone else's copy of Peter Pan, wallet, and other ephemera. I went to the police, submitted a report, and figured that was the end of all of those things. I went about canceling my card, replacing what I could, and getting back to having a great time in this phenomenal city. One friend mailed me a new camera, I found a cute wallet with butterflies on Portabello Road, and my parents withdrew money from my account and placed it in that of a friend who was in London with me via his parents, so I wasn't borrowing money from anyone, just getting it differently. My new debit card came via another friend who visited me in London for my birthday on his way to Finland. My parents knew him, and it was safer than mailing a card internationally.

It was an inconvenience, to be sure, but it really didn't damper my spirits after a day or so. I committed to watching my things better, mourned the loss of my journals, and carried on.

The big surprise was that my bag was found not very long after the theft, by some trashcan behind a building, if I recall correctly. The really big surprise was that my journals were still there! Of course the thieves had taken the wallet, book, and other stuff I didn't care about the same way, but I had my journals and that's all I cared about!

Despite all this, London is still my favorite city in all the world (thus far), and I'd go back in a heartbeat. I've just learned to keep a closer eye on my things!

Who are you? Who? Who?

2011-11-01T15:57:00.001-04:00

I can't believe that when I woke up this morning, it was November. Actually, it was November when I went to bed too, but that's not the point.

The point is that it's time, once again, for NaBloPoMo!

Now you may be saying: Amanda, you've barely posted twice a month or so for the last few months. And what about school? Don't you have finals coming up? How do expect to be able to write EVERYDAY for the next 30 days?

Trust me, I'm saying the same thing. Truthfully? I don't honestly know. But it's tradition, and I'm going to give it my all!

The theme Eilonwy and I have decided on this month is personal history. We have several prompts lined up, which should give me some direction even in the midst of potential brain frying. I'll answer those starting tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's my Halloween costume from this year!

I dressed as Marilyn Monroe for a party with the theme of celebrities who died too soon. For Halloween proper, I went to class dressed as a Goth, pulling out the black clothes, black lipstick, and purple wig. I even wore a black fishnet shirt under my cap sleeves. Good times all around!

So, my fellow blogging addicts, who else is in for NaBloPoMo 2011?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while walking to school and somehow managing not to trip or run into a tree.

And Wondering What Dress To Wear Now

2011-10-27T18:19:00.002-04:00

OR Why Clothing Size Doesn't Really Matter

Today, I bought two super cute dresses - one a size 8, another a 10. After I tried them on, I put my size 13 pants and XL blouse back on.

If you hadn't read that just now, you wouldn't have known at all that I was wearing or trying on 4 differently sized things. All you would know (if you could see me, that is) is that I was wearing clothes that fit well, or even a little loosely if you were looking at the pants, and flatter my new, slimmer figure.

Clothing size is rather arbitrary. It depends on where you're shopping, the fabric, the cut, the style, and so on. Men have it relatively easy, since it's much more about measurements (neck circumference, shoulder width, waist size, inseam). Women come in a wider variety of shapes and sizes and so does their clothing.

And you know how celebrities are always wearing clothes that fit them perfectly? It's not because they have magically perfect bodies and all the money and time in the world to find the clothing that fits their perfect bodies. It's because they have everything tailored. Everything. They buy clothing that fits and flatters in their widest area, then have the rest tailored.

So don't worry if you're a size 4 or a 14 or a 24. Wear what fits and matches your personal style and you'll look amazing!

Here are some numbers that actually matter:

8 months and 1 week - how long I've gone without missing a workout
$22 - how much I spent on 2 new (to me) dresses
3 - how many more full pushups I can do compared to Cabeza, who is a boy
13 - days until I get to see my family
100 - lbs. of my own body weight I can pull-up 6 times in a row (I'm working up to my full body weight)
5 - seconds I can hold a frog stand, last I checked

Now, who wants to go swing dancing? I have the PERFECT new dress. . .

Fall is here, hear the yell, back to school, ring the bell

2011-10-03T16:47:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed that I've been awfully quiet around here. Even my regular Sunday posts haven't been so regular. There is a perfectly good reason for that - I'm back in school, pursuing a Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in [Insert Working Title Here] at George Mason University.

Essentially, I'm studying Musicology. And yes, that means I'm studying the study of music. I'm about a month in to this degree, and I'm absolutely loving it!

It came as a bit of a surprise. Way back in January, I started feeling like I needed to explore other options regarding either my career or education. Eventually, it basically came down to going back to school for a teaching certificate or going back for a music degree. There were even two or three variations of either of those options, and I consulted several people about the direction I should go.

Finally, I decided on the MAIS degree program at Mason. With the help of the graduate director in the school of music, we could create a program of study that was most in line with my career goals - to be an academic music librarian. I'll take classes like music history and ethnomusicology and skip all the performance based classes of an official music degree, which means I'll get done a LOT faster.

It felt like the perfect option. I applied. And I waited. And waited some more. And almost waited so long that I'd all but forgotten the very real possibility I'd be in school again this fall.

Then, on a Saturday two weeks before fall semester started, I got an acceptance letter! Over the next two weeks, I had to figure out which classes I was taking, arrange financial aid, quit my part-time job, rearrange my full-time schedule, buy books, and so on. It was a bit maddening. Of course, when classes started, I had this totally new, rather overwhelming new schedule to get used to. Yes, I know how to be in school, but I had to remind myself of those skills. Additionally, I actually attend classes in person this time, unlike my last degree which was entirely online.

I feel nothing short of crazy. Full-time job. 9 credit hours. Gym. Church. And everything in between! (You know, like a social life?)

I'm making it work, and it's slowly becoming more manageable as I get into my groove. I really do love my classes and it's kind of fun getting to know another college campus. Of course, I'm already looking forward to being done, but at least I know I'll enjoy it along the way.

I hope I'll find snippets of time for blogging here and there. I have plenty to talk about with this new chapter in my life, but not so much plenty of time to do anything but live it. In the meantime, don't miss me too much!

The morning breaks, the shadows flee

2011-10-02T09:23:00.000-04:00

I belong to the church

2011-09-18T20:26:00.001-04:00

We Are All Enlisted

2011-09-11T21:58:00.000-04:00

I would be my brother's keeper

2011-08-28T20:26:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

As we have a lay ministry and it falls upon no one in our local congregations to serve the church and its members full-time, how do we care for each other and monitor one another's needs, especially in the event of things like hurricanes and earthquakes?

The answer is within the service of the Priesthood and its auxiliaries, including the Relief Society. Priesthood holders are called to home teach families and Relief Society sisters visit teach other sisters. Home and visiting teachers essentially have the same responsibilities - to teach and strengthen other members and form relationships of trust so that the families and individuals can call upon them in times of need. Those needs are reported to the Priesthood and Relief Society, who, in turn, report them to the bishop.

We each are called to be the eyes and ears of the bishop regarding the welfare of those he has a stewardship for, and, as necessary, his hands. My own home and visiting teachers have helped me with things as simple as extra prayers that I may get through trials or hanging a mirror on a door. In turn, I hope I've helped those I visit teach. It's just another way in which our church is connected individually and collectively, locally and globally. We truly care for each other.

We are also able to mobilize quickly to help neighbors not of our faith in times of disaster. The church is involved in humanitarian aid throughout the world. The membership of the church is encouraged to donate funds or material or participate in any way we can. Of course, as Christians, we are also encouraged to serve and help our neighbors in times of daily needs as well.

I hope that I always take the time to help and serve as I observe the needs of others. I know that I have not always done so, but I know that I can do better and resolve to do so.

That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an aeroplane

2011-08-23T21:16:00.000-04:00

In case you live you under a rock and didn't know, there was an earthquake with an epicenter about 85 miles southwest of DC. And if you do live under a rock, I hope it didn't move too much today, because I imagine that might hurt a bit. Official details from the United States Geological Survey can be found here.

Much like the last earthquake I experienced, it was pretty awesome for a geology geek like me, once I got over the shock of it all and knew that everyone was okay, of course.

I was eating lunch at my desk when I felt a bit of shaking. With construction across the street and trucks rolling by, it took an extra second for me to realize just what was happening. The shaking was intensifying, so I recalled my training from drills as a kid in Utah and went directly to my office door and stood in the frame until everything stopped moving. Nothing fell, though my rolling compact shelves rolled a little bit.

Once the earth settled down, I checked on my building mates who were experiencing various degrees of astonishment or total freak out. Then Twitter exploded. So did Facebook. I posted my own first reactions and watched others roll in while I finished eating.

One friend, who currently lives in New York City, commented on my Facebook status and asked if I'd be willing to talk to a reporter in Utah about my experience. I said yes, then a chain of emails from this friend to her roommate to her brother, the reporter, and soon I was on a phone interview with the brother, an anchor for 570 KNRS in Salt Lake City.

Random.

During this afternoon's 2 PM MST top of the hour news update, I tuned in via the webs to hear my 10 seconds of fame. I've heard myself on the radio before, but it's weird every time. Weird and cool. I was able to get a copy of the broadcast to save forever and ever.

Nothing too crazy has happened the rest of the day. I did come home to find one casualty - my BYU football Pez dispenser took a dive off my bookshelf. The bottles of hair product on my bathroom floor may or may not have been there already.

Definitely one of the stranger days I've experienced.

You can't take the sky from me

2011-08-18T11:05:00.002-04:00

NPR published a list of the top 100 Science-Fiction and Fantasy books. It was based on 60,000 votes from NPR users.

How many have you read?

1. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

3. Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card

4. The Dune Chronicles, by Frank Herbert

5. A Song Of Ice And Fire Series, by George R. R. Martin

6. 1984, by George Orwell

7. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

8. The Foundation Trilogy, by Isaac Asimov

9. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

10. American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

11. The Princess Bride, by William Goldman

12. The Wheel Of Time Series, by Robert Jordan

13. Animal Farm, by George Orwell

14. Neuromancer, by William Gibson

15. Watchmen, by Alan Moore

16. I, Robot, by Isaac Asimov

17. Stranger In A Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein

18. The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss

19. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut

20. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

21. Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick

22. The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood

23. The Dark Tower Series, by Stephen King

24. 2001: A Space Odyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke

25. The Stand, by Stephen King

26. Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson

27. The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury

28. Cat's Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut

29. The Sandman Series, by Neil Gaiman

30. A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess

31. Starship Troopers, by Robert Heinlein

32. Watership Down, by Richard Adams

33. Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey

34. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, by Robert Heinlein

35. A Canticle For Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller

36. The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells

37. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, by Jules Verne

38. Flowers For Algernon, by Daniel Keys

39. The War Of The Worlds, by H.G. Wells

40. The Chronicles Of Amber, by Roger Zelazny

41. The Belgariad, by David Eddings

42. The Mists Of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley

43. The Mistborn Series, by Brandon Sanderson

44. Ringworld, by Larry Niven

45. The Left Hand Of Darkness, by Ursula K. LeGuin

46. The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien

47. The Once And Future King, by T.H. White

48. Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman

49. Childhood's End, by Arthur C. Clarke

50. Contact, by Carl Sagan

51. The Hyperion Cantos, by Dan Simmons

52. Stardust, by Neil Gaiman

53. Cryptonomicon, by Neal Stephenson

54. World War Z, by Max Brooks

55. The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle

56. The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman

57. Small Gods, by Terry Pratchett

58. The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson

59. The Vorkosigan Saga, by Lois McMaster Bujold

60. Going Postal, by Terry Pratchett

61. The Mote In God's Eye, by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle

62. The Sword Of Truth, by Terry Goodkind

63. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy

64. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, by Susanna Clarke

65. I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson

66. The Riftwar Saga, by Raymond E. Feist

67. The Shannara Trilogy, by Terry Brooks

68. The Conan The Barbarian Series, by R.E. Howard

69. The Farseer Trilogy, by Robin Hobb

70. The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

71. The Way Of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson

72. A Journey To The Center Of The Earth, by Jules Verne

73. The Legend Of Drizzt Series, by R.A. Salvatore

74. Old Man's War, by John Scalzi

75. The Diamond Age, by Neil Stephenson

76. Rendezvous With Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke

77. The Kushiel's Legacy Series, by Jacqueline Carey

78. The Dispossessed, by Ursula K. LeGuin

79. Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury

80. Wicked, by Gregory Maguire

81. The Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series, by Steven Erikson

82. The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde

83. The Culture Series, by Iain M. Banks

84. The Crystal Cave, by Mary Stewart

85. Anathem, by Neal Stephenson

86. The Codex Alera Series, by Jim Butcher

87. The Book Of The New Sun, by Gene Wolfe

88. The Thrawn Trilogy, by Timothy Zahn

89. The Outlander Series, by Diana Gabaldan

90. The Elric Saga, by Michael Moorcock

91. The Illustrated Man, by Ray Bradbury

92. Sunshine, by Robin McKinley

93. A Fire Upon The Deep, by Vernor Vinge

94. The Caves Of Steel, by Isaac Asimov

95. The Mars Trilogy, by Kim Stanley Robinson

96. Lucifer's Hammer, by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle

97. Doomsday Book, by Connie Willis

98. Perdido Street Station, by China Mieville

99. The Xanth Series, by Piers Anthony

100. The Space Trilogy, by C.S. Lewis

17 out of 100 isn't . . . terrible. I'm sad that the Redwall series by Brian Jacques didn't even make the list, and I'm not sure that sci-fi and fantasy, while very closely related, should even be on one list. Oh well.

Your turn!

Here's Theater Geek's list.

I'm trying to be like Jesus

2011-08-14T20:47:00.000-04:00

13 aWe believe in being ^bhonest, true, ^cchaste, ^dbenevolent, virtuous, and in doing ^egood to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we ^fhope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to^gendure all things. If there is anything ^hvirtuous, ⁱlovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

There's also a really good discussion about it in the Preach My Gospel manual.

In short, to be like Christ, we must strive to have faith, hope, charity and love, virtue, knowledge, patience, humility, diligence, and obedience. Our meetings, services, and relationships focus on these things with the hope that we may one day be even a diligent fraction of the kind of person Jesus Christ was. We hear that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", but as it suggests perfection and matching them, I'd prefer to use "emulation" in our devotion to be like the Savior to truly worship Him.

I know I have a long way to go, but, to my benefit, not only do I have great example to live up to, I believe that He is also my greatest cheerleader in encouraging me in the process. With Him, I can truly do anything.

The Song That Goes Like This

2011-08-02T17:14:00.000-04:00

In April, my dear friend, Eric, and I sang for a regional Young Single Adult talent show and received rave reviews! And now, finally, I can share it with you! You'll have to forgive the terrible church lighting and imagine the looks of adoration/frustration on our faces.

Eric and Amanda, accompaniment by Jenny - The Song That Goes Likes This from Spamalot

And now Eric is getting ready to serve in Haiti for the rest of the month, followed by a 1,200 mile bike ride from DC to Miami to raise funds for the group he's serving with - Sustain Haiti. You can follow and support him on Twitter, Facebook, or his blog. Check him out!

Reverently, Quietly

2011-07-31T20:53:00.000-04:00

Recently, we discussed the role of the President of the Church and his calling to receive revelation for the church and world as a whole. While that is definitely a blessing in our lives, we also believe that we are blessed with receiving personal revelation, direct from Heavenly Father, through the gift of the Holy Ghost. Here's my post about that from January.

Rather than simply repeating myself, here are a few other resources that may give you a little more insight as to what personal revelation is:

Revelation

The Spirit of Revelation, a talk from Elder David A. Bednar during April 2011 General Conference

Eight Ways God Can Speak To You, a talk from Elder Dallin H. Oaks at BYU in 1981

Captain Organic Vegetable Man

2011-07-30T14:57:00.001-04:00

So, farmers markets are rad, in case you didn't know. Fresh, usually organic fruit and veg, dairy and meat I can't afford (I'll grow an extra spleen from the growth hormones at supermarkets for now, thanks), and supporting local industry. Major wins in my book.

Here's today's haul:

Green peppers
Yellow cucumbers
Summer squash
Asian jewel melon
Eggplant
Tomato

Dinners are looking good for the next few days.

But what the heck do I do with an eggplant?

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It's a holiday pardon me as I celebrate

2011-07-29T16:10:00.000-04:00

This morning started out like any other day. I went to the gym and back home, got ready for my day, and headed into work. I'd been in my office just long enough to unpack all my food and check my email when I heard a boom and saw the power go out as a power line outside my window shook.

That's not a . . . good sign.

A couple smaller booms and flickers of electric sounds and it was clear something was up. I joined the other curious onlookers in my building on our landing to discover that a truck with an extendable rig on top had clotheslined itself on the power lines, taking down four power lines as it went.

Obviously, we were done with work for the day. Wahoo!

So, I went home and took a nap. Watched a silly chick flick while going about some online business (checking Google Reader, buying baseball tickets for next week). I've also done some dishes and made enough laundry soap to last me through March 2012.

Cheese curls? More like Fels-Naptha laundry bar soap.

And, as I write this, I still have an hour before I have to eat dinner and head to my other job. I think I'll read a book!

How's your Friday?

Soy un perdidor

2011-07-27T18:45:00.001-04:00

Here's how that game turned out.

I lost by 156 points, but I got to play my own screenname on a triple word score on the left. As Cabeza gleefully exclaimed on my behalf, "Eponymous!"

Things are looking better in my new game against the lovely Snack, at least score wise.

Anyone want a U?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

ABC, easy as 123

2011-07-26T21:55:00.000-04:00

So. Words With Friends. Basically, it's Scrabble on the iPhone (except that Scrabble now has an official app). I love it. I currently have five active games, and am losing all but one of them.

Still, I play on.

Words With Friends, like many table/board/card games is as much about luck as it is about strategy. It's all well and good if you have a decent vocabulary and know a thing or two about letter placement, but if you have a rack full of vowels, there ain't nothin' you can do except swap them (and lose a turn) or play them wherever you can.

Whenever I have a rack that includes an inordinate number of a particular letter, say O, and I wish I could pawn them off to my opponent, I feel like a back-alley trenchcoat wearing salesman.

"Hey. You. Wanna buy a O? I got lotsa good Os. Good prices."

Of course, as Cabeza pointed out, they're probably just cheap, knock-off Os made in China. So, today, when he offered to his sell his vowels, I laughed and turned him down, since I had just played "lobo" to get rid of two of my three Os.

Then this happened:

And it kept happening:

And now I'm losing and still have 5 vowels.

Of course, by the time I get some consonants, we'll have tiled ourselves into a corner or something. I do win my fair share of games, but sometimes the fates are against me.

In the meantime, "Psst! You lookin' for some vowels? Got lots of good vowels here."

But with joy, wend your way

2011-07-24T16:21:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

On this day in 1847, the first company of Mormon pioneers, under the direction of President Brigham Young, arrived in the Salt Lake valley to settle a land of their own, away from the persecution of many non-believers in the East.

Over at least the next 20 years, Mormons migrated to Utah from all over the world in wagons, with handcarts, on foot, and eventually by train (the transcontinental railroad was completed in Utah). Many gave up all they had and lost even more on the way to make it to the Great Salt Lake Valley, yearning for the peace the Lord had promised and with which they were eventually blessed.

Some of my own ancestors were among their numbers, leaving Nauvoo in the dead of winter or sailing from England. A few didn't make it to see their promised land, but their effort and faith were rewarded in the next life.

It's become almost cliche in the church to, when discussing these 19th-century pioneers, to recognize the other pioneers in the church - those who did something first and brave in their one way. For example, my own father is a pioneer, as he was the first, and thus far only, member of the church in his family, joining as a young man. Cliche or not, they are still examples to us all, as we all have something we must do before anyone else we know.

I am grateful for all the pioneers. My ancestors. My family. My friends. It's because of them that I know I can do hard things, like my own cross-country trek to a land I'd never seen five years ago, though I had A/C and made it in three days and slept inside each night.

May we all find our own ways to be a pioneer and emulate those who have gone before.

You make the rockin' world go 'round

2011-07-21T21:04:00.000-04:00

Things I learned from biking to work today:

Choosing the hottest day of the summer to restart such a habit is a bad idea.
Pack a complete change of clothes for work, and I mean complete.
I need to find a way to air out the clothes I have to wear on the ride home.
If I do an upper body workout in the AM, bike to and from work, and do yoga in the PM, I will be exhausted by 8:30 PM.
I am awesome.

God Bless Our Prophet Dear

2011-07-17T17:04:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

6We believe in the same ^aorganization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, ^bprophets, ^cpastors, ^dteachers,^eevangelists, and so forth. (AoF 1:6)

Most Christians, Jews, and even Muslims believe in prophets of ancient days - Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Mohammed. As Mormons, we believe in current, latter-day prophets. The man called as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also called as prophet, seer, and revelator. To date, there have been sixteen of these men, with President Thomas S. Monson currently filling that role.

But what does that mean?

By definition, a prophet is one who testifies of Jesus Christ, makes known God's will and character, and denounce sin and warn of its consequences.

A revelator is one who receives communication from God regarding His will for His children, including guidance, chastisement, and anything else the Lord needs us to know.

A seer can prophecy of future events, or is simply one with extraordinary moral and spiritual insight.

But can't many people testify of Christ, receive revelation, and possess such insight?

Of course!

However, only one man is ordained to be the prophet, seer, and revelator for the entire Church and even the world. The other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have priesthood keys to also act as such, but they must do us under the guidance of the President of the Church. A bishop may receive revelation for his ward/congregation, a father for his family, or a person for themselves, but only President Monson is ordained to receive and prophecy for us all.

I see a red door and I want to paint it black

2011-07-06T16:16:00.000-04:00

Apparently, I have been in a mood to DYE ALL THE THINGS!

First, I dyed Cabeza's hair blue.

Sometimes people make us laugh while taking our picture.

Then, I dyed some cake.

Hooray for America!

And since we're talking about kitchen-y things, here's my latest kitchen toy

It has the capacity to mix the dough for 13 dozen cookies. Too bad that would take 5.2 hours to bake 13 dozen cookies in my tiny toaster oven, which doesn't even account for the taking them out of the oven time! Guess I'll just need a bigger oven.

Oh, and yes, Myrna, I work at a custard shop (continuing on the kitchen theme) part-time now - 10 hours a week. It's called The Dairy Godmother, and it's adorable. The food is pretty tasty too. If you can't come visit me in person, you can always check me out on the Custard Cam! It's like the PandaCam, only with less cuteness.

What's random in your life this week?

The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock

2011-07-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

Over a year ago, at least, a house on my street burned down. It was a tragic, early morning fire wherein two men died, and I can only imagine how the family must have grieved. A few, maybe several, months later, insurance and fire investigations must have been complete as the remains of the house were torn down and a new foundation was started.

And that's all that was there for another long set of months. I have to pass this house everyday and everyday I wondered if they'd done anything at all to the house, as any changes were imperceptible to my untrained eye.

Then one day this week, I passed the house early in the morning on my way to and from the gym - nothing. A bit later, I drove by on my way to work and there were a few new trucks on the street that looked like walls, or windows maybe? Finally! Progress!

Little did I know just what the contractors had planned. I almost got into an accident that evening, as the lot now looked like this:

Not just frame and flooring, as I was expecting, but an actual house! With walls AND windows! All that time with just a foundation and now this beautiful building has sprung up in one day.

And I got to thinking about the foundations in our lives. If we, too, take the time to build a solid, sturdy foundation in our beliefs, relationships, and our lives in general, anything we build on top of it can go up even more quickly then we'd ever imagine and will be stronger for it.

In the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our foundation is Jesus Christ.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the^arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your ^bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty ^cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. (Helaman 5:12)

Believing in Him has truly given me the foundation I need to get through the hard things in life. Sometimes I may feel like I'm headed for rock bottom, but as I do, He is there to catch me and lift me back up. For that, I am truly blessed.

I've grown accustomed to her face

2011-07-01T12:14:00.000-04:00

After posting yesterday's photos of my new hair, I started blog surfing my own blog (please tell me I'm not the only one who does that), and came upon this post from November. I considered the photo from then and the one from now and noticed a very distinct difference between the two. Check it out.

Okay, so my hair, makeup, clothes, and location are all different, but did you notice the jawline? The cheekbones? How you can see them!? (Pardon my hack and slash MSPaint editing of iPhone photos taken in bathrooms, but you can click on the photo to enlarge it slightly.)

SO. AWESOME. I can tell I've been successful with my new fitness regime in how I look, feel, and how my clothes fit, but to look at two profile shots with six months between the two? Great motivation to keep going!

The Song of Purple Summer

2011-06-30T11:50:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite books as a kid was the Lois Lowry novel Attaboy Sam! A chapter book about a 4 year old boy seems an unlikely favorite for a pre-teen girl, but there you have it. At one point in the story, Sam's mother gives herself a buzz cut, for no other reason than to do something a little crazy. She suggests that to get oneself out of a sadness or a funk, they should do something a little out of the ordinary to shake things up and help them feel better.

For the last week or so, I've been in such a mood. Now, I didn't buzz my head (I have to be SERIOUSLY sad to consider that), but I did color it purple.

And I'm in love, and I even feel a little better because of it. Purple victory rolls? Yes, please!

What do you do to pick yourself up?

Families Can Be Together Forever

2011-06-19T21:10:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

Happy Father's Day!

I was all set to talk about God as our Eternal Father, but it seems I already did that in February. So! Today I'll be discussing another of my favorite doctrines - eternal families.

We believe that when married by the proper Priesthood authority in the proper place (the temple), a husband and wife and all children born to them can be together forever in this life and in the eternities to come as long as they are worthy. This ordinance is called a sealing. In some countries, this counts as a legal ceremony, though in others the couple is wed civilly before their sealing. A sealing can also performed after an already married couple joins the church or when an adopted child joins the family.

I actually discussed this, briefly, once before, but that's just how much this means to me. The blessing of being with my current family and any family and husband that are yet to be is such a wonderful promise, full of hope and good things to come.

Does this mean that we're going to be living in one big house together, sharing bathrooms and space for always? Or what about those who don't have as wonderful an immediate family as I do? I'm not entirely sure. Sometimes, I think that it means we'll be living with our spouse, who is a person of our choosing, wherever it is we live after this life, but have access to our family any time we'd like.

It certainly sounds good to me.

You Know What It Is

2011-06-15T14:24:00.000-04:00

One New Yorker recently polled his fellow urbanites about what they were listening to, which I found fascinating. Some of the answers are surprising, some are not.

Tracklist:

1 The Bee Gees: More Than A Woman
2 Fenix TX: Abba Zabba
3 Eminem: Not Afraid
4 Keni Burke: Keep Rising to the Top
5 Beyonce: Smash Into You
6 LCD Soundsystem: Dance Yrself Clean
7 The Black Keys: Too Afraid To Love You
8 Kanye West: Blame Game
9 Kinky: Mas
10 Lil Wayne: Lollipop
11 Oasis: What's the Story Morning Glory
12 Frank Sinatra: The Best Is Yet To Come
13 Korn: Counting on Me1
14 Britney Spears: How I Roll
15 Panic! At the Disco: From A Mountain In The Middle Of The Cabins
16 Kid Cudi: Day 'n' Night
17 Bob Marley: Buffalo Solider
18 Wiz Khalifa: Black & Yellow
19 Big Punisher: Still Not A Player
20 NPR2
21 Tub Ring: No One Wants To Play
22 Lady Gaga: Just Dance

So, now I turn it to you - what are you listening to?

Sidenote: The title of today's post comes from #18, Wiz Khalifa's Black and Yellow. I'm not ashamed to admit that no, I don't know what it is, but I still like that song.

Sidenote on the sidenote: This probably means that IT is probably something I don't actually want to know, doesn't it?

Oh, and I'm currently listening to Good Life by OneRepublic.

Millions shall know Brother Joseph again

2011-06-05T16:33:00.000-04:00

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

2011-05-29T23:59:00.029-04:00

Do you have any book recs that are not too intellectual and in modern language. Basically something easy to read. I have the Book of Mormon but it's not easy for me to read. Maybe a young adult type book?
I want to learn more, but all the books I pick out are way over my head.

Honestly, the best way to learn about the Book of Mormon is to read it. However, I totally understand that, well, sometimes it's not easy to understand. My first suggestion would be to read the Book of Mormon Study Guide published by the church for their Institute of Religion classes, in conjunction with the Book of Mormon itself. You can order a hard copy or read it online. In fact, all the study manuals can be found online, or in the Church's official iPhone app.

Other companion books that might help are Christ and the New Covenant by Jeffrey R. Holland or Unlocking the Book of Mormon by Pinegar, Ludlow, and Allen. Thanks to Eilonwy and Mr. Eilonwy for the suggestions!

Emily - I hope this helps! Thank you for the question!

He's got the whole world in his hands

2011-05-24T16:41:00.000-04:00

I've recently been teased for having a bag so big I couldn't find my keys (guilty) and both Laylabean and Bridget have asked "What's in your purse?", so I decided to play along. Here's what was in my purse yesterday.

Glasses case (Brown case - for regular glasses that currently in my bathroom, black case for computer glasses that are currently on my face)
Orthotics (So I could wear them with my "custard shoes" that live at work)
Bike gloves (I use them as my weightlifting gloves)
Oil absorbing sheets
Checkbook
Socks (Also so I could wear them with my "custard shoes")
Travel toothbrush
Toothpaste
Sunglasses (Not the pair I like, which are in the car)
Earbuds
Lock
Change purse
Wallet
Paycheck
Stub from said paycheck
Envelope for said paycheck
Gym card
Two lipsticks (same color, natch)
Nail buffer
Nail polish
Eyedrops
Church program (at least it was from this most recent Sunday)
Exercise band (I've won three of these from school district's fitness competition, don't know that I need three)
Lipbalm
"Thor" ticket stub
Used tissues (gross)
iPod arm band
Nail clippers
Three pens
Grocery receipt
$4 (not in my wallet)
77 cents (not in my change purse)

Fortunately, I've now thrown away the garbage, put the dinero in their respective carrying cases, and the socks and orthotics are at home, since I don't work at the custard shop until Saturday.

Still, maybe it's time to downsize again.

Oh, and my keys are not in my purse. At least this time.

What's in your bag/purse?

Book of Mormon stories that my teacher told to me

2011-05-22T20:30:00.000-04:00

8We believe the ^aBible to be the ^bword of God as far as it is translated ^ccorrectly; we also believe the ^dBook of Mormon to be the word of God. (Articles of Faith 1:8)

The Book of Mormon is not a replacement for the Bible. Instead, we believe they work hand in hand to testify of the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Bible was written by prophets in the Middle East, we believe The Book of Mormon was written by prophets in the Americas who lived at the same time.

For a much more in depth explanation of the history, purpose, and message about The Book of Mormon, please click here. To read it online, click here.

As for me, I have felt blessed and guided in my life as I read and study the words and messages found in its pages. I feel connected both with the people who wrote and lived at the time of Christ and with my fellow members of my church and even God by acting on the things I have learned. It truly is the keystone of our religion and written for our times. I am so grateful to have it. If you are at all curious about what we believe, fundamentally, I encourage you to read it and decide the truthfulness of its content for yourselves.

As always, if there are any questions you have or topics you want me to cover here, please ask!

Been up all night wondering why things aren't getting any better

2011-05-10T18:48:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been so tired that your lack of competency and complete clumsinsess astounds even you?

Um, yeah, me neither. . .

Well, except for last night. Mondays are just hard for me. I get up at 5 AM to workout then have a 13 hour work day between my two jobs. I'm usually tired, but last night I was absolutely useless at the end of my day.

How useless you ask?

First, I ran a stoplight. Except not so much ran as came to a complete stop at, then forgot what was going on and proceeded to drive again, straight through it, before it turned green.

Genius, I tell you.

Then! I forgot how to get to my co-custard scooper's house. It's not a drive I've made super often, but enough that I know how to get there. Usually. I didn't get us turned around completely, thank goodness, but he did have to confirm all turns I was only half-committed to making on my own.

Of course, he was heartily amused at my exhaustion and its consequences. He doesn't know yet that once I made it home (without any more automotive incidents, for which I am grateful), I knocked over my large glass makeup bowl, which shattered on my bathroom tile and cut my foot.

It was all I could do to sit slumped on the floor and pick up the pieces, then clean and dress my wound.

Mind you, this was only 11 PM. Remember when I used to go out that late? Those days are clearly over, at least after working all day.

On This Day of Joy and Gladness

2011-05-08T18:17:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

While we've talked about the importance of the Sabbath as well as that of meeting together regularly, we haven't discussed exactly what it is we do at church for three hours every week.

Our current meeting schedule looks like this:

Hour 1 - Sacrament meeting
Hour 2 - Sunday School
Hour 3 - Auxiliary meetings

Sacrament meeting is a general meeting for the whole congregation. There are congregational hymns and other music, two or three talks given by members of the congregation (they're usually asked a week or two in advance), prayers, and, most importantly, the passing and partaking of the Sacrament - bread and water to symbolize the Atonement and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, much like Catholic communion.

Sunday School is broken up by age group from ages 18 months to 18 or, depending on the size of the congregation, two or three classes for the adults to choose from. Ages 18 months to 11 is called Primary and 12-17 is Young Men and Young Women. Classes are taught on gospel topics from the scriptures, appropriate to the age group.

The auxiliaries of the Church are Priesthood (men) and Relief Society (women), who generally meet separately. The youth and children are still in their various Primary and Young Men/Women classes. Currently, the Priesthood and Relief Society classes are taught from teachings of the presidents of the church.

I realize this is a really brief synopsis, but hopefully it provides a basic idea of our meeting structure. In between and after classes, we have plenty of time for socializing and ministering to each other. I know I've said this before, but I do enjoy meeting with other members and worshiping and serving together, and if you ever want more details than I provide about our meetings and their content, visitors are always welcome.

P.S. Happy Mother's Day!!

Mother, I love you; I love you, I do

2011-05-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

Mom came to visit me! (Three weeks ago and I'm just now telling you about it. I'm awesome that way.)

Back when I was a fresh-faced little undergraduate theatre student, my mother offered to pay for my voice lessons. The condition was that I would learn "O Divine Redeemer" by Charles Gounod, one of her favorites. Even though I had three years of private vocal instruction and multiple recitals, I didn't sing that particular song for her until I was graduating from my Masters program. When we were given the opportunity to audition a solo for the Easter program of Mormon Choir of Washington, DC, I knew exactly which song I would pick, and, luckily, they picked me as one of the five soloists.

Mom, ever supportive, then arranged with my dad to use all their frequent flier miles to spend three nights and two days in DC to hear me sing! Of course, when they wanted to Skype on a weekday morning on April Fool's Day to break the news, I didn't believe them right away. But it was true! Two weeks later, I picked her up at Dulles International Airport and we had an incredible weekend!

Saturday was rather rainy, but after I went to the gym and choir rehearsal and Mom slept in, we had dessert at The Dairy Godmother (where, bee-tee-dubs, I work part-time now) and for a walk around Eastern Market, which effectively shuts down all outdoor operations (translation: the coolest part) when it rains. So we holed up at Capitol Hill Books and I read Sandol Stoddard Warburg's I Like You to her.

We lunched on burgers and fries at Good Stuff Eatery. You can see the stack of books we adopted by my elbow.

Sunday morning, we wandered the National Arboretum, taking loads of pictures and enjoying the herb garden, bonsai exhibit, and the glory of spring in DC, since it was finally sunny.

And, of course, we went to my choir concerts, enjoyed just being the two of us together, and had way too much fun. I love my mom!!

O Divine Redeemer

2011-05-01T19:22:00.001-04:00

Happy belated Easter! As much as I love Christmas, the Easter season is also wonderful. Spring is such a beautiful time of year with brilliant, natural colors (as opposed to the lights and manufactured shimmer of Christmas) symbolizing a season of rebirth and new possibilities. To me, it is a reminder of the Resurrection of our Savior and the rebirth and new possibilities available to us through His sacrifice.

This year, I got to celebrate a week early with my mom in town (which is why I didn't write two weeks ago) and then enjoy a beautiful, quiet Sunday on the actual holiday (why I didn't write last week). I'm so grateful for the chance to reflect in gratitude for our Jesus Christ, my Redeemer.

My mom was in town specifically to hear me sing the following song, which I share with you today as a testimony of how I truly feel about Jesus Christ. Enjoy.

O Divine Redeemer - Charles Gounod

We Give Thee But Thine Own

2011-04-10T21:04:00.000-04:00

I give ten percent of everything I earn to the Church. It's called tithing, and we're all expected to give a full ten percent. These funds help build up the church throughout the world, whether it's for actual buildings, or in financially supporting the activities of its members.

By paying tithing, Church members show their gratitude to God for their blessings and their resolve to trust in the Lord rather than in material things. They also help further the work of the Lord in the earth, blessing others of God’s children with the opportunity to learn of Him and to grow in the gospel.

This isn't a new principle. Even in the Old Testament, we read in Malachi 3:10 :

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

I'll be honest; it's not always the easiest principle to follow. I could think of many other things I could do with that money. Yet, I feel that it is blessed me. At the very least, being a full tithe payer allows me to attend the temple and when I am faithful in paying every month, I feel like I'm still okay financially. Personally, I am grateful for the opportunity to give an honest tithe and thank the Lord for everything He has given me.

Baby we could sleep in

2011-04-02T20:41:00.000-04:00

You guys, I think I'm turning into my dad.

Now, I love my dad, but I don't want to be the person who sleeps until 8:45 AM on a Saturday morning and then thinks to myself "Oh my gosh, I'm soooo lazy!"

I mean, seriously? A month ago, I would sleep in that late on a workday. Funny how that attitude changes so quickly, at least for me. I would have gotten up earlier if Cabeza or A$ were going to be at the gym today, but I was on my own this morning and it was nice to sleep in a little after getting to bed so late last night. (So late = 11 PM.)

Later today, I turned into the person who thinks "Guh. I've only worked out today, had a protein shake, fixed a pair of shorts, and showered/dressed? That's it!?"

Friends, it was noon-thirty. Really, there was still plenty of time left in the diem to be carpe'd.

Tonight, I'm going bowling for a birthday celebration. I'm actually worried that I'm not going to make it the entire evening, because we're not going until 10 PM, which is my goal bedtime most days. In fact, I haven't been out that late (as a starting time) since I started being a morning person, but in the 26 years and 9 months previous, I'd be all over going out that late. (Granted, during 18 of those years, I did require parental permission.) And after a lower body weightlifting session this morning, my first shift on my feet for 5 hours at The Dairy Godmother (for fun and extra clams) this afternoon, and bowling tonight? I'll be lucky if I'm able to move tomorrow.

Please send a foot masseuse, and don't mind the girl sleeping in lane 9.

Come listen to a prophet's voice

2011-04-01T17:35:00.004-04:00

This week's Sunday post is coming a little bit early, and not just because it's April Fool's Day. This weekend, we are gathering as an entire church to listen to General Conference. Of course, gathering as entire population of over 13 million people in one place is rather impossible, so we're meeting together in a worldwide broadcast at church buildings and in homes via radio, television, and internet. In five two hour sessions over two days, members will hear counsel from President Thomas S. Monson and each member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as other General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of the Church.

We believe that President Monson and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve are truly modern day prophets, seers, and revelators, according to the same organization of the Church that existed in the time of Christ. Their counsel from the Lord is regarded as modern day scripture.

I'm looking forward to watching Conference this weekend, and the semi-annual excuse to wear pajamas during church (if you're watching at home) is only part of it. I'm actually posting early this week to invite you to join us. There's more information about the broadcast schedule here, or you can just watch it on your computer here. You can even follow along on Twitter via the #ldsconf hashtag. Tune in for all 8 hours of public broadcasting (the Saturday evening session is for the men only and broadcast exclusively at chapels; the women have their own sessions in September) or just 20 minutes. You can see our beautiful Conference Center and hear the amazing Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and listen to talks from the senior leadership of the Church, both men and women, to hear what we're all about as Latter-day Saints.

If you can't participate this weekend, the video archives and transcripts will be online soon. They're already up for every Conference since 1974.

And if you tune in during the intermediate hymns, know that I'm singing loud and proud right with you!

Welcome, welcome Sabbath morning

2011-03-27T14:28:00.000-04:00

8 Remember the ^asabbath day, to keep it ^bholy.

9 ^aSix days shalt thou ^blabour, and do all thy work:

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy ^astranger that is within thy gates:

11 For in ^asix days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord ^bblessed the sabbath day, and ^challowed it.

What does it mean to keep the Sabbath day holy?

For me, it means a day of rest from the main stressors of the world, but it's not just sitting around doing nothing. Instead of focusing on work and entertainment with only a little bit of daily worship like I do most of the week, I use the Sabbath to focus on my worship and strengthening my relationship with God. I avoid spending money and more carefully choose the leisure activities I participate in. I also attend my worship services. Sunday is the day I write to my family, and if I were still in Utah, I'd join my brother in going home for Sunday dinner.

Of course, there are times when people have to work on Sundays or circumstances make it difficult to take a whole day off. When that's been my case, I still try to find a way to make it a special day and find some time to dedicate to the Lord.

Overall, it's my day to focus on my relationship with people (family, friends, fellow church members), with God and Jesus Christ, and with myself. Having such a day is rejuvenating for body, mind, and spirit. I feel a difference in my weeks when I don't have the opportunity to enjoy a full Sabbath day of rest, so I'm very grateful that I usually can.

Fellow members - in what ways do you make Sabbath observance a part of your worship? Other friends - do you have a day of rest? How do you observe it?

Good day, Sunshine

2011-03-22T08:43:00.000-04:00

I'm a morning person now.

You can stop laughing, because it's true. For one month now, I've had a workout partner and made it to the gym every day except Sundays. This is my fifth week of the new fitness regime and it's going amazingly well, but first, the morning person thing.

Two weeks ago, we switched exclusively to morning workouts. By morning, I mean 5:30 AM, which means I have to be up by 5 AM. 5 AM!! Before the last two weeks, 5 AM didn't exist in my world, except maybe as a bedtime on really extraordinary weekends or a wakeup time when I'm flying somewhere awesome. It certainly wasn't an every day occurrence.

But now it is, and guess what? I love it.

As long as I get to bed by 10 PM (a feat I'm still working on, but it happens sometimes), 5 AM isn't actually so bad. Then, 5 AM, I'm up and dressed and on my way to the gym. I'm back home anywhere from 6:30-7, and then I have time to drink a protein shake, do the previous day's dishes, read scriptures, fold laundry, watch an HBO documentary I recorded over a year ago, shower, dress/hair/makeup, actually cook breakfast, and eat (sitting at the dining room table, natch) while reading an article or two in a church magazine.

At least, that's what I did yesterday morning. The daily details vary (today, no more than dishes to clean, so I'm blogging while watching last night's TV), but the gobs of time is no joke. It's almost like there are two of me - Morning Amanda and Evening Amanda. Morning Amanda does all the chores, prepares the food for the day, and does all the exercise so that Evening Amanda can go out with friends, read, or otherwise enjoy a life of leisure. For all the complaining I do about not having enough time to manage my household and live my life, I'm making quite a bit of progress.

Speaking of progress, the workouts are going amazingly well. A-Money, my partner, and I alternate days of cardio and strength training. I'm also tracking my calories, carbs, proteins, and fats with my LoseIt app. My goal is to lose 30 lbs by my 27th birthday (end of May), which is approximately 2 lbs. a week, and get to 22% body fat.

As of this morning, I'm down 3.6 lbs. and 4% body fat. The weight loss doesn't seem that dramatic, nor is it on track, but it's significant because I've been lifting weights for the first time in ages, so I'm building muscle and STILL losing weight. The 4% body fat is definitely nothing to scoff at.

So, I'm not losing weight, but I'm losing size. My muscles are already more defined (hello calves and biceps), my shirts fit better, and my face is thinning! It's nice to see my cheekbones again. In fact, it was A$ who mentioned the face thing, so I'm not the only one who is noticing all the changes.

Working out with a partner, especially one who works part time as a personal trainer, is literally changing my life. We actually still can't work out together every single day, since sometimes she has clients, but we always check in. I even convinced Cabeza to meet us at the gym three days a week, though he's swimming whilst we're lifting, and calling him on his workout days gets me out of bed that much faster. It's brilliant, I tell you.

I never thought I'd say this, but I really do love getting up early and working out and I'm really looking forward to a new me!

I'll go where you want me to go

2011-03-20T22:13:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

At the beginning of the year, I talked about how our church functions with a lay ministry. We all pitch in and serve together to support each other and worship appropriately.

But how do we decide who does what?

We believe that a man must be ^acalled of God, by ^bprophecy, and by the laying on of ^chands by those who are in ^dauthority, to ^epreach the Gospel and administer in the ^fordinances thereof. (AofF 1:5)

Basically, we believe that God inspires our leaders to ask certain people to fulfill certain callings, or jobs, within the church. Those leaders were likewise called by those with a higher stewardship than they. Most callings are held for a few years, before we're needed somewhere else in the church service. That way, the burden is shared and experience is gained in many areas.

Yes, sometimes certain talents are required to fulfill certain roles - an experienced pianist would likely be asked to serve as a choir accompanist over someone who has never played a note in their life, but if you're an area with a piano and a need and no one plays, you might be asked anyway, and you'll learn as you go.

We feel that we are blessed to magnify our callings, given strengths and the ability to learn skills we didn't expect to pick up. A chemical engineer might be asked to teach a children's class, and a professional teacher might be asked to be an activities director. As long as we can ask each other for help, and have the strength of the Lord on our sides, we can fill any role asked of us, and we are blessed for it, individually and collectively.

Now We'll Sing With One Accord

2011-03-13T20:45:00.000-04:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

I attend church every Sunday for three hours. For many people, it sounds like quite a lot. In comparison, a Catholic Mass is approximately 60 minutes and I imagine many other churches meet for approximately the same amount of time. So three hours really is a commitment, and if you also consider the time spent in meetings outside of the regular church service - leadership meetings, choir rehearsal, visiting assignments - Sundays can potentially feel quite unlike a day of rest at all. Still, we are expected to faithfully attend our meetings and gather together to share our testimonies and be edified by each other.

Why is it so important that we gather together on a regular basis?

First, Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are ^agathered ^btogether in my ^cname, there am I in the ^dmidst of them." By meeting together, we invite the Spirit of the Lord and act in His name, so whether or not He is physically present, His power is there.

Additionally, it builds a both a stronger community and a stronger disciple. As we are a church with a lay ministry, we are called to serve and teach each other. We grow together individually and collectively as learn together and share what we feel and know. Professional communities work the same way, holding meetings and conferences on a regular basis to share ideas, collaborate, and strengthen both the individual and the profession.

While it is important to worship as and individual and a family on a daily basis, it's also imperative to worship regularly as a congregation. I am grateful for my church meetings. I appreciate the spirit of the services and the different perspectives and thoughts of my fellow members.

Want to know what happens at a church meeting? The LDS Meetinghouse Locator can provide you with an address of a building and meeting near you. Visitors are always welcome.

For an interesting history of LDS Sabbath observance, click here.

Because I Have Been Given Much

2011-03-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

Today is the first Sabbath of the month. Traditionally, the first Sabbath is reserved as a day of fasting and prayer. Fasting is voluntarily going without food or drink for a specific period of time (usually 24 hours or two consecutive meals). Fasting combined with prayer provides a greater opportunity for spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God.

On Fast Sunday, a proper fast also includes church attendance, where the main worship service is a testimony meeting where all are invited to share their beliefs with each other, and a fast offering, or donation equal or greater to the cost of the uneaten meals to help care for those in need.

Additionally, we are encouraged to fast for a specific purpose, more than just showing our devotion to God and willingness to sacrifice. That specific purpose might be a prayer for the healing of the sick, an answer to a question, or a prayer for guidance. It's entirely up to the person fasting and kept personal, though sometimes friends or family may request that others pray and fast for something they need. Fasting isn't just reserved for Fast Sundays, but can be on any other day according to our needs or the needs of others.

It's certainly not easy. Anyone who reads this blog for any length of time knows I like food. Today, in particular, has been challenging since I've been awake since 5 AM and I would have really enjoyed a nice, leisurely breakfast long before now. However, I feel that it is worth it. I've felt the Spirit in my fasts and seen answers to prayers come because of them.

For more on fasting, click here.

Ain't that a kick in the head

2011-03-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

What a strange week this has been. Big decisions. Potential career roadblocks. Loss of extended family. Getting picked for a major solo. Emotions all over the map. But that's life isn't it? Hasn't killed me yet!

What this week has definitely been is a good one for music. Here are some songs I can't stop listening to:

Moneygrabber - Fitz & The Tantrums

Get Outta My Way - Kylie Minogue - Kylie Minogue is FABULOUS

Parlez vous Francais? - Art VS. Science - This one is especially good in fullscreen.

Enjoy! Happy Friday!

Are You Ready To Rumble?

2011-03-03T17:57:00.000-05:00

Remember that Wizards game I won tickets to way back in September? It finally happened! Last night, Kyle and I went to the Verizon Center for some Washington Wizards v. Golden State Warriors action. And our seats were rather awesome. (Looks even better if you click on it for full size.)

We had a blast! Both teams aren't exactly good and evenly matched teams, one way or another, always make for better games. The half-time entertainment were two teams of 5 year old ballers playing full court regulation ball! They were so cute! They even scored baskets! AMAZING!

I rather enjoy live sports in general. I played soccer as a kid and watched my siblings play soccer (both of them) and baseball (Brotherface) when I wasn't playing. I still play various games (soccer, ultimate frisbee, basketball, even volleyball) when the occasion arises, and I'm at least fairly decent at ultimate frisbee. I attended football and basketball games in high school and college, and I've been to handful of professional sporting events wherever I've lived, so I've seen the Houston Astros, Utah Starzz and Jazz, Provo Angels (before they were the Orem Owlz), Baltimore Orioles, and the Wizards and Nationals here in DC, all on their home turf. I even sang the National Anthem with Brotherface at a Provo Angels game when I was 18.

But it has to be live for me to really enjoy it. With the exception of BYU football and maybe a little BYU basketball and most certainly the Olympics, I don't seek out televised sporting events and I don't stop and watch them if I'm channel surfing. For me, it's as much social as it is about the game. That's one reason I can watch or listen to BYU games on my own , because I know others who are watching and I can celebrate/commiserate with them after. If another sporting event is on TV and friends want to watch, I'll watch and probably even enjoy. If I'm going to a live game, I definitely prefer to have friends to share it with. Sporting events are also really great for first dates! I love rooting for the home team, investing a couple hours in their triumphs and losses. If it's BYU, I'll even invest a whole day - I flew to and from Boston in the same day in September 2006, just to cheer on my beloved Cougars. I prefer college ball to pro ball, because there's more heart and pro athletes are grossly overpaid, but I'll have a good time at either.

With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, I'm actually really looking forward to baseball season. There's something rather lovely about spending a summer evening outside, batting away mosquitos, chatting with friends, and cheering on some ball players. Bring on the overpriced food! I'm ready for summer and baseball!

So - how do you feel about sports?

Peace and joy be with them, harmony and wisdom

2011-02-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole. - Joseph B. Wirthlin

The key to believing and being whatever we choose is allowing others to do the same.

Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too. - Voltaire

So, believe and live as you see fit, and I will respect that and you. But do take the opportunities you have to learn about other peoples, religions, and ways of life. It may not change your own mind, but it will at least expand it.

Last night, Mormon Choir sang with the Alfred Street Baptist Church Senior Choir and special guest Alex Boyé. In celebration of Black History Month, we sang a selection of spirituals together, celebrating a shared belief of Jesus as our Savior and of a God in heaven. We may not have all believed exactly the same doctrines, but the spirit and joy and music we shared made that concert my personal favorite to date.

I've had similar experiences with people of many other backgrounds and faiths. Finding common ground and respecting the differences has given me wonderful relationships and memories. It takes patience and an open mind, but it's been so worth it.

This is the reason I write these posts every week - to give you another opportunity to know what makes me and others of my faith tick. Thank you for reading and commenting.

And most importantly, thank you for believing what you believe and being the fascinating person you are!

I am a child of God

2011-02-20T21:50:00.000-05:00

We Are Unstoppable

2011-02-15T10:30:00.005-05:00

So, Philadelphia was wonderful. MLA 2011 was a great conference - I participated in some fascinating sessions, ate delicious food, and met several quality fellow music librarians. These are definitely some of my people.

What really helped me do all that is just jumping right in and getting myself involved immediately. Even as a first time attendee (with bright blue ribbon on my nametag announcing it to the world), I am the new Film Music Roundtable Coordinator. This meant that I led a meeting and attended a couple extra networking events. The people I met just through that were all incredibly supportive and we've brainstormed some interesting ideas about where to go from here. It was also really encouraging to be regarded on a professional level by the same people who gave me my start back at BYU. Thank you Myrna and Janet! I also organized a successful tweetup, which led to even more fortuitous meetings.

It helped that I knew a few people beforehand, like my BYU colleagues and members of my regional MLA chapter, since I've been to the past two fall meetings. The latter group even acknowledged that they couldn't believe it was my first time at a national meeting - they were just so impressed by me and felt like I'd been around forever. It's quite a compliment!

I'm so glad I was able to attend this year. I really feel like some promising seeds were planted and I can't wait to see the results!

But first, some more pictures:

Sushi!

Best skirt to wear to a music librarian's conference, awkward picture

A jazz band of musicians from Harvard, playing in the Reading Town Market while I got lunch

The Wanamaker Organ, or at least part of it, built specifically for this Macy's

Rocky!

Sunday Brunch


The rose I was given at the grocery store today, though it has nothing to do with Philly

And, finally, the sounds of the West Philadelphia Orchestra, our entertainment at the closing banquet. They were great fun live!

I'm already looking forward to MLA 2012!

Wastin' away on the streets of Philadelphia

2011-02-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings from the City of Brotherly Love!

I'm in Philly for the Music Library Association Annual Meeting for the week, but I drove up a few hours early to do some sight-seeing. Like a doofus, I left during rush hour, so the drive took me a wee bit longer than I might have liked and I disliked about 75% of the music my iPod wanted me to listen to, but it was still a good drive.

No visit to Philly is complete without a cheesesteak, so I made that my first, thanks to a recommendation from a Twitter friend. I can now agree - Campo's on Market Street is delicious.

So is Franklin Fountain. Nothing is better in 30 degree weather than a refreshing hot fudge sundae.

And how cute is this shop?

Of course, I said hi to the Liberty Bell.

And took a tour of Independence Hall.

It was all I could do not to break into a musical number and tell John to sit down.

Loving this city so far!

Tonight's gonna be a good night

2011-02-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Xena sometimes reads Tarot for me. Of course, I don't put all my stock in it, but the occasional card pull really speaks to me.

Here's today's (from the Nature deck):

Cattails - spreading seeds

Now is the time to seek out environments that are creative & nourishing for you. Don't hesitate in your creative endeavors & pursuits. Spread as many seeds as possible in as many areas as possible.... Enough of them will take that you'll be amazed at all the success that develops in your life. Now is the time to act! Initiate new endeavors; take new creative approaches. You will find yourself breaking away from old restricting habits.

(BTW - you feel watery/emotional today. Everything is going to be ok - everyONE is going to be ok. Go have a cry; catch your breath; just let it all go. I love you.)

Just what I needed to hear today.

Do What Is Right

2011-02-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

We believe in being ^asubject to ^bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in ^cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the ^dlaw. (Article of Faith 12)

The events in Egypt have been weighing on my mind everyday since January 25th, especially since I was just there last year. There's not much more I can personally do than pray and hope for the best, but, incidentally, I've been wearing my scarab necklace since the 23rd. I've kept in on as a sign of solidarity.

So, what does that have to do with Mormonism?

While we follow the laws of God first and foremost, we also believe in following the laws of the land.

“We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society." (D&C 134:1)

We are also encouraged to support our government and country by participating civilly and politically and even in the armed forces if we so choose. And in situations like Egypt where there is open rebellion against the current government? We're free to use our own judgment, just like when we choose political parties.

"We believe that no government can exist in ^apeace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the ^bfree exercise of ^cconscience, the right and control of property, and the ^dprotection of life." (D&C 134:2)

When the laws and government no longer uphold that standard? It's time for a change.

Laws are truly there to protect our rights and freedoms and to allow others the same privilege. It is our duty as citizens of the world to follow them.

Hey baby, can you bleed like me?

2011-01-31T22:20:00.001-05:00

I started giving blood my freshman year at BYU. They regularly host blood drives in the Wilk (the Wilkinson Student Center), and I'd try to stop by as often as I could. I got out of the habit after college, mostly because there weren't blood drives in buildings I walked through all the time.

I started going more regularly in the last couple of years. Yay! The Red Cross now calls me every two months to schedule an appointment and there are two donation centers convenient to me, so I don't really have an excuse.

That is, until my iron levels started dropping inexplicably. They weren't dangerously low, just too low to donate. I upped my iron intake - supplements, leafy greens, broccoli, beef, and so on. I even started drinking more OJ (Vitamin C helps you absorb iron) and decreased my caffeine intake. Caffeine is bad for iron, an even though I don't drink a ton anyway, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

After a few iron fails, it finally worked! I'm still just barely passing the iron test, but it's passing! And maybe I get really excited about it every time I pass.

But there are still other questions I have to answer correctly to be eligible to donate. Now that I've been to Egypt, there's a new set of questions. "Have you been to Africa?" "Yes." "Where?" "Egypt." "Where in Egypt?" "Cairo and Alexandria." And then Cairo is on the approved list, but Alexandria isn't on either list so the tech has to go find a supervisor and ask them. It also seems to matter HOW I traveled in Egypt. Train is acceptable, so I'm still in the clear. If I'd never been to Africa, I could answer no and save myself five minutes.

If only I could do that with all the sex questions. "Have you ever had sex?" "No." And then we'd move on. Of course, at my age, it would probably be followed with a "Really?" Really.

Still, it's a small inconvenience to answer all those questions to get to the point where I can help save some lives. Today, I passed the iron text (12.7!) and all the other questions.

Then, I found out that when I've had 2.3 liters of water to drink prior to my donation, my veins are a little juicy. Check out that blood spatter!

If you're eligible to donate blood, do it! Give blood - get cookies. What could be better?

The Witness of the Holy Ghost

2011-01-30T20:28:00.000-05:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Articles of Faith 1:4)

Fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost

Have you ever had that feeling that you should call a certain friend, so you do and find out that they're having a really hard day and are so glad you called? Or experienced an overwhelming sense of peace about a decision you just made and you know it was the right one?

We believe that those are manifestations of the Spirit or Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, a personage of spirit without flesh and bone. Through manifestations of the Spirit we can know the truth of all things, be guided in our decisions, receive Heavenly comfort, and feel that we are on the correct path.

Those experiences are just the influence of the Holy Spirit and can be felt by anyone who honestly seeks truth. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the right of His constant companionship and the reception of the fulness of His blessings, as long as we remain worthy. This gift is given by the laying of hands by those hold proper Priesthood authority, an ordinance usually immediately following baptism.

I know I have felt the presence of the Spirit in my life, confirming decisions and comforting me in times of trial. Sometimes, when I have a particularly good idea, I wonder if it was me that thought it on my own or the influence of the Spirit. But as long as it was good and in line with my beliefs, does it really matter? Other times, I know I didn't come up with it on my own, like a recent decision I came to about my job search, and I feel blessed to have a Heavenly Father who will communicate with me through the Holy Ghost.

How have you felt the influence of the Spirit in your life?

And I said hey what's going on

2011-01-27T15:51:00.000-05:00

"What's up?"

Functional idiom or outdated nonsensical greeting?

Most of the time I go for the latter. If someone greets me with a question but really just mean "Hi" or "Hello" instead of actually asking me "What's up?" or "How's it going?", why not just say hi in the first place? It's shorter anyway and doesn't necessarily start a conversation you don't want to be a part of.

I even had this conversation recently, when a friend I was on my way to meet called me. Remember, HE called ME.

Me: Hello?
Friend: Hey. What's up?
Me: iiiiI'm on my way to meet you for dinner?

I was so confused. Turned out he was calling to give me the heads up that he might be late because of traffic. That's totally fine, but why not just jump right into that?

Then there's this:

And all variations of that commercial and everything it spawned in real life that resurfaces every now and again. It's done. Done, I say.

Now, I will permit instances like this:

Because it really is a cool sign.

Also, when it's really a question, that's okay too.

Me: Hey Mom!
Mom: Hi Panda! What's up?

But all other instances? I'm done with them, unless you have a good case why I should permit their existence?

To Fulfill The Law

2011-01-23T21:27:00.000-05:00

13¶Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be ^abaptized of him.
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, ^aSuffer it to be so now: for thus it ^bbecometh us to ^cfulfil all ^drighteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And Jesus, when he was ^abaptized, went up ^bstraightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the ^cSpirit of God descending like a ^ddove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a ^avoice from heaven, saying, This is my ^bbeloved ^cSon, in whom I am well pleased.

We are to follow His example and show our commitment to Heavenly Father by our own baptism, converts and members from birth alike.

One thing particular to the LDS Church is that we don't baptize infants. We believe that Satan cannot tempt children, so they cannot sin and are therefore pure until they are old enough to be held accountable for their own actions. We believe that children reach the age of accountability at the age of 8, when they, at the very least, have a basic understanding of right and wrong. I was baptized, by my father, about a week after my own eighth birthday.

I wrote before about the baptismal covenants themselves - here.

I am grateful for the blessings and promises of the baptismal ordinance, and the opportunity to be part of something eternal.

Movin' Right Along

2011-01-18T17:15:00.000-05:00

Things that are not really working for me today:

It's a school snow day, but not an admin snow day, so I had to skate to my car and come to work.
As much as I enjoy my work, it's not the tropical respite of The Jungle in the Botanical Gardens, where I was just yesterday.
I have a tiny hint of a cold, just enough to keep me on the edge of my seat about it.
I have yet to talk to another human being in person, besides the coworker who just yelled to me that he was leaving.
I'm poor.
My garbage here at work hasn't been emptied in a week.

Things that ARE working for me today:

Only three more days until the weekend.
I do get to have dinner with the lovely JoBeth.
I just had two Oreos.
I created a bouncy new Pandora station, even if it still needs tweaking.
I didn't fall on the ice.
I got my car back from the shop on Saturday, so I had my nice ice scraper for this morning. No idea what I would have done if I were still in the rental.
I'm wearing my favorite duster.
Tea is good.
My garbage just got emptied.
I got to email with Sisterpants.
I had a really great weekend, and it's still making me smile.

So you know what? All said - a good day.

Come, Let Us Anew

2011-01-16T23:13:00.000-05:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Articles of Faith 1:4)

Second, Repentance

To understand repentance, we first have to understand sin.

James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

In other words, sin is willfully disobeying the commandments of God, and since none of us are perfect, we all commit sin, probably on a daily basis, by doing something we shouldn't (sins of comission) or not doing something we should (sins of omission).

We do believe that through the grace of God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we will be saved and be able to return to Their presence despite our imperfections, but we must first show our willingness to obey God's laws by following them as closely as we can. And when we mess up, we repent.

Repentance is more than just admitting we made a mistake and resolving to do better next time; the very root of the word (which is Greek in origin) "denotes a change of mind, i.e., a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world."

We believe there are 5 steps of repentance:

Sorrow for sin - acknowledge within ourselves that we have sinned
Confession - Disclosing to Heavenly Father, through prayer, what we have done
Abandonment of sin - Resolving to never repeat the sin
Restitution - Restoring, as best we can, any damages done
Righteous living - Filling our lives with righteousness and engaging in activities that bring us spiritual power

Repentance is an act of faith - acknowledging our belief in the Atonement and the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. I am certainly not perfect and will be forever grateful for the opportunity I have to daily renew my commitment to follow my Heavenly Father.

Faith is knowing the sun will rise

2011-01-09T22:18:00.001-05:00

I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Articles of Faith 1:4)

First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

What is faith?

The apostle Paul said, to the Hebrews: Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

My favorite definition is from the Book of Mormon prophet, Alma, who said: faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. (Alma 32:21)

Not to have a perfect knowledge of things

We're not expected to know every aspect of the Gospel, but learning of the principles and then acting on them with faith is how we come to know whether or not they are true.

Faith is like the wind. Or even love. We can't see it, but we can see its effects and power in our lives and know that it's there. We can even harness its energy and use it to our benefit.

Also like love, it's more of a verb than a noun. It requires choice and action to be most effective.

I, for one, choose to believe. I hope that I'm right, but even if I'm not, it's a good way to live.

Move, move (if you wanna)

2011-01-03T17:46:00.001-05:00

My one and only official New Year's Goal/Resolution is this: 7,800 minutes of cardio exercise in 2011.

It doesn't matter if it's swimming, yoga, walking, jogging, rock climbing, dancing, or whatever. As long as it gets my heart pumping and my body moving, it counts! It breaks down to 30 minutes five times a week, which is the minimum recommendation anyway and totally doable. This should lead to some other good things: lose weight, get healthier, move more, feel better, etc. There is a tracker at the bottom of this blog that will help us keep track of my progress!

Ideally, I'll be doing a lot of this exercise before work. I don't work until 9:30 AM anyway, so I have the time. I just have to get out of bed. There are a lot of perks to pre-work workouts - I feel better all day. It's done and I don't have to try to figure out when I'm going to eat if I want to work out and do whatever evening activity I have planned. I'll sleep better, both because I'm working out consistently and I'm going to bed at a decent hour if I want to get up to work out.

I started this morning. After a rough night of sleep (something about messing up my sleep schedule in December anyway and then screwing it up all over again this last weekend combined with the anxiety that comes with setting one's alarm 2 hours earlier than I usually get up), the alarm went off at 6:45 AM and I eventually got out of bed around 7:30. I was moving too slowly to get to the gym and back, so instead I took a two mile walk up and down my street. I was cold and tired, but I did it and I'm feeling good! Hooray!

Of course there are other goals and plans I have for this year, but they aren't official resolutions. For example, I WILL finish my non-fiction book challenge, find a new job, more diligently study the scriptures, and so on. I am also striving for better fiscal responsibility.

I also continuing my efforts to eat and drink healthier. I finally acquired a new giant water bottle, my fourth, since they keep dying on me. I drank it all by 5 PM today, and I went to the little girl's room at least once an hour as a result. Worth it.

Unfortunately, I may have done a bad food thing already today. I think I ate someone else's lunch. There isn't much in the freezer at work to begin with, and I stashed a couple of Lean Pockets in there this morning. (Not my favorite lunch food, but I didn't get a chance to make my usual lunch and they're better/cheaper than fast food.) I didn't even think about it when I grabbed a box out for lunch this afternoon. It was a mismatched pair, and I was pretty sure one was ham & cheese and one was pizza, which is at least similar to what I ended up eating, now that I think about it. I thought the one tasted more like turkey than ham & cheese, but you never know with frozen lunch foods anyway.

But then I refilled my water bottle to put in the freezer and as I opened it, I spotted the box I'd actually brought with me right where I now remember leaving it.

Oops.

I feel like such a jerk. Whose lunch did I eat? Who else brings mismatched Lean Pockets? Did someone find their lunch eaten (who was eating lunch after 1 PM, I don't know, since most people here take lunch around 11) and complain to their cubiclemates?

Without a clue, I left a note in the freezer.

It has occurred to me that it may just be mine anyway. I've been known to leave things in the fridge or freezer when my lunch plans change, and does anyone else I work with prefer to mismatch their Lean Pockets? I guess we'll find out if anyone comes forward in the next few days!

Regardless, here's to a healthier and less-lunch stealing 2011!

Put your shoulder to the wheel

2011-01-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

Well still pretty good year

2010-12-31T14:03:00.000-05:00

Places I've Spent At Least One Night in 2010 (see 2009, 2008 and 2006-2007)

Where I Live, VA
Alexandria, VA
Somewhere Over the Atlantic
Cairo, Egypt (exotic desert vacation!)
Arlington, VA
Tucson, AZ (more desert vacations!)
Somewhere Over the Big, Square States in the Middle (red eye flights are lame)
Thurmond, MD (Super Stretch!)
Columbia, MD
Orem, UT (I love my family!)

2010 was, all things considered, a great year. I've hated the question "So, what have you've been up to?" because it always felt like the the answer was "work, choir, looking for more work" and how boring is that? But thinking back, I've had some really wonderful and not boring at all times! Is my life perfect and stress-free? Not in the slightest, but it's still very, very good. I'm learning to be more comfortable in my own skin, building strong relationships, seeking continual self-improvement, magnifying my responsibilities, and learning to love whatever comes my way. Each year seems to get better than the last, so if that trend continues, 2011 is going to rock!

How was your 2010?

Called to Serve

2010-12-27T01:35:00.001-05:00

In case you don't already know, I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I'm going to discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better.

I have been spending the last week with my wonderful family. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't be with them for Christmas! It's just not truly the holiday without them.

However, I have been missing my sister this week. As I've mentioned, she is currently serving a mission for our church in the Texas Houston East Mission. You can read more about her adventures on her blog (which I update for her).

What is a mission?

The Lord has declared that missionary work is the responsibility of all who follow Him. Members of the Lord's Church can, by the goodness of their lives and the strength of their testimonies, share the gospel message and help prepare family members, friends, and other acquaintances who are not Latter-day Saints to be taught by the full-time missionaries

There are a few different ways to do missionary work.

One is a proselyting mission, which is what my sister is doing. Young single men and women are called for 18 months (women) or 24 months (men) with the primary goal of sharing and preaching the gospel to those who want to learn more. These young men and women do not get to choose where they go, but are assigned missions based where the Lord and church leadership feels they should go. They are aided by members in their areas who are introducing friends to the gospel, or they may find people to teach through knocking on doors or contacting people on the street. They are the nice young people in white shirts and ties (or nice dresses) you'll see going about two by two with nametags on. Since their primary goal is to serve the Lord and the people in their missions, they follow strict rules, like only listening to Church appropriate music and only calling their families on Mother's Day and Christmas (it was a precious 30 minutes for us on Saturday). They are expected to write home once a week, and it's always a highlight of my Monday!

Another option is a mission for a senior couple who have retired and are able to leave their family and home obligations for 18-24 months. They are also called wherever the Lord and church leadership sees fit. They usually are called to fulfill service opportunities, like serving in the temple, as my grandparents did in London a few years ago, or Family History Centers, or otherwise supporting local church leadership in a different country, as my mom's cousin and his wife are doing in New Zealand right now.

There are other service missions, either served by senior single sisters or young people who are unable to serve a full-time mission for medical reasons. These are often served for shorter periods of time, usually close to home (though senior sisters may be called elsewhere).

Finally, there are member missionaries. That's supposed to include all the rest of us as we share the gospel to those we come in contact with, even if it's living our lives in accordance with the gospel and being examples of faithful members of the church. Blogging about church topics every Sunday is a form of missionary work as I help you get to know more about us, even just to help us be less misunderstood. I'm also always happy to answer questions about my faith, here online or in person.

As for the rest of my family, my brother served in Atlanta, GA, until sidelined after shattering his elbow, then completed his mission in Baltimore, MD. My mom served in Quito, Ecuador, and my father in Salt Lake City, UT.

In case you were wondering, I have not served a full-time mission. Young men are expected to go, but it's a choice for young women. Instead, I choose to be an example of my faith and share my beliefs whenever appropriate.

Non-Mormon readers/friends - now you know who those young men in the white shirts and ties on bikes are!

Mormon readers/friends - I'd love to know where you served a mission! What did you love most about it?

All is calm, all is bright

2010-12-22T18:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Mssrs. Gruber and Mohr,

Thank you for writing a beautiful Christmas hymn. Stille Nacht has always been a favorite because of it's beautiful melody and simple statement of reverence for the Savior. I'm sure I'm butchering the language when I sing it in German, but I'm also sure you don't mind.

Gratefully,
Amanda

Dear Mr. Young,

What is UP with your translation? Thanks to you, I JUST figure out what was "round yon virgin" and that "beams" is a verb. A verb!! Trained musicians, particularly vocalists, look for phrase markings and punctuation marks for their musical phrasing, but even they fall victim to phrasing with the sound of the music, and this song DEFINITELY has distinct musical phrasing. Your translation cuts off the phrase and the meaning of the words doesn't exactly follow it. "All is bright round yon virgin" is totally different from the way people mindlessly sing it - "All is bright. Round yon virgin" The same problem exists with the third verse, which most sing as "Love's pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face" instead of "Love's pure light radiant beams from thy holy face". Once again, beams is a verb!? I had no idea.

Fail.

Mostly kidding because I still love this song,
Amanda

Here's a more clear translation of the original German - clicky. My goal from now on will be to sing this song with the proper phrasing, so that those who hear me sing it will know that beams is a verb.

A verb!

It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees

2010-12-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

FEVER! When you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight

2010-12-16T23:43:00.001-05:00

The cough set in late Monday night. I'd had a weird tickle all day, but suddenly it went from polite throat clearing to painful barking my lungs out. I had cough syrup (why we can send humans to outer space but not create a decent tasting cough syrup is beyond me), but I didn't sleep so well.

Tuesday I was doing pretty well. I was still coughing and it was still painful, but at least it wasn't often. But by that afternoon, I started feeling flush and achy. I made it through work and a run to the grocery store for sore throat supplies (I had run out of cough drops AND honey) before going home and taking my temperature.

99.3

No big deal. I laid down for 30 minutes, snuggled in fleece jammies and heavy blankets, and then took my temperature again.

100.3

That's cool. I can handle this. I was feeling well enough, I thought, that I could still go to the Institute choir concert, but only sing in the nontet and play my finger cymbals.

The fact that I was double dressing to go sit in a chapel didn't clue me in otherwise. Two shirts AND a sweater plus pants and other pants. Oh, and my snowboots with fuzzy insides and slipper socks. I mean, it was a cold day, but this is what I wanted to wear for an inside thing.

I made it through. Barely. Afterward, I came straight home and went straight to bed. It was before 10 PM.

At 7 AM, I woke up and took my temperature again.

101.7

Now, I don't have health benefits and I don't get sick leave, so the didn't make the following decision lightly.

I called in sick.

I haven't done that since I started this job in summer 2006 because I haven't felt this sick during work hours since who knows when. (I almost took a sick day after bringing home something nasty from Egypt, but my stomach was only rejecting my offerings during non-work hours. It was mostly fine from 9-5.)

After making three calls, I went back to bed and stayed there until almost 1 PM. At some point, I'd taken a phone call from my Dad and I'd considered getting up for food more than once, but I always kept falling back asleep.

Sleep is good.

After 15 hours of sleep, I finally succumbed to hunger and foraged for a few bites of applesauce and a string cheese. Applesauce bottles are COLD when you're feverish.

Once I fed myself, I was lying down again, this time on the couch. I had food, appropriate meds for my symptoms, and a blanket. I was still shivering, but I didn't have the energy to get up for a warmer blanket.

I watched tv, I took a nap, I considered doing things on the computer but declined the idea a sitting up for longer the necessary and figured my brain couldn't handle computing anyway. For a few exciting moments, I had a nasty nosebleed. I decided it was the run off from my brain boiling inside my skull. That was fun.

By sometime in the evening, my fever was down significantly and I was able to set up a makeshift humidifier with a pot on the stove AND heat some leftover soup to eat. It was glorious.

Around 10 PM, I was even feeling up for a visitor, namely my home teacher, especially because he came bearing gifts of Kleenex, Gatorade, chocolate, and a cool microwave potato that the Republican senators got in their gift baskets at lunch today.

Kyle pretty much rules.

My fever was back by the time I went to bed, but another 9 hours of sleep was enough to make it go away for good. I feel 18 bajillion times better today. I got to go back to work and even partook of Building Holiday Luncheon Part 2: The Leftovers Edition. I hope the food was better yesterday; I'm kind of glad I only had to eat it once. At tonight's choir concert, I was wearing my snow boots again, but that's because it snowed. I still have a cough and I can only breathe through both my nostrils on special occasions when I concentrate on doing only that, but without the brain boiling, I still feel pretty awesome.

I'm so glad this flu thing only lasted a day or so. Of course, not having it at all would have been preferable, but at least I'm getting better now.

Fevers. Are. Lame.

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Greeting cards have all been sent

2010-12-07T17:36:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite things to do when I go home for Christmas is read all the Christmas cards and letters that my parents receive. I especially love seeing the pictures and wondering how on earth that cousin or family friend’s child got so big! True, I get a few holiday greetings of my own, but not nearly to the extent my parents do.

Now that I’m an adult, supposedly, it’s about time I start sending my own Christmas cards. My generation is already up in each other’s business all the time with the Facebooks and the Twitters, so I don’t know that I need to do a whole Christmas letter, but perhaps a little card to friends and family saying “Hey, I’m thinking about you – have a most lovely holiday!” would be a nice gesture. We already know how I feel about sending mail, so why not Christmas cards?

This year, Shutterfly.com is doing a special holiday card promotion – 50 free cards in exchange for some blog love. With designs like these, I certainly don’t mind giving them a shout-out!

They also have calendars, invitation cards, and other fun photo gifts.

The only thing I’m at a loss for is what to put on the cards, since I don’t have adorable children or pets. Perhaps instead of a cute holiday themed photo, I’ll do a picture collage of my year. It’s been a pretty great one after all!

Any suggestions? Favorite pictures you've seen of me this year that I should send to 50 of my friends?

Also - would you like a Christmas card? Email me your address! With any luck, at the rate I'm doing these things, you'll all be wished a very happy St. Patrick's Day!

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me

2010-12-05T21:44:00.001-05:00

Based on the positive response I've received on my Sunday Series (yeah, just came up with that), I'm going to continue doing it. Each Sunday, I'll discuss something related to my faith in a continued effort to help you get to know it and me better.

I have a few topics I'm looking forward to discussing in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, here are a few other resources for getting to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Official Church website

More about individual members

We're even on Twitter!

And YouTube!

And always, always, you can ask me anything!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah! Zip-a-dee-ay!

2010-11-30T23:08:00.000-05:00

Huzzah! I did it! 30 posts in 30 days, on both my blogs! That's a LOT of blogging.

It's been really good for me. Writing a daily list of things I'm grateful for has improved my mood and attitude, and I've had a much better month than I did in October. On this blog, I feel like my writing continues to improve. I'm not the best writer out there, and I'm not trying to be, but improvement is awesome.

I'm grateful to all y'all for all the comments - keep 'em coming!

Here's to another successful NaBloPoMo!

Yummy yummy yummy I've got love in my tummy

2010-11-29T23:25:00.004-05:00

I love cooking. I love the smells, the magic of it all coming together (chemistry rules!), and the taste of something I made myself. Home cooking is always better than restaurant food, especially chain and fast food, even if just for the personal satisfaction of it all. This doesn't mean I don't eat out, because I do and I enjoy it, but home cooked is better. Plus, the time spent around a table with friends or family eating something you've prepared for them or with them is time well spent. And yes, I AM a foodie. I'm so grateful my parents taught me my way around the kitchen and encouraged us to learn to cook and prepare full meals.

Now, I don't cook something brand new and spectacular every day. One, it's expensive. I'm okay with making one or two family sized meals a week and eating leftovers. This also helps the time factor, reason number two. Leftovers are very convenient. Three, I don't have anyone else to cook for very often. The only time that's a perk is when a new recipe fails and I'm the only one disappointed and hungry. I like feeding other people, and there are some things that just aren't worth making for just me. I'd have more people over more often, but, Four: I only have half a kitchen.

I have a toaster/mini-convection oven instead of a full sized oven - 6 cupcakes at a time here. Two burner stovetop (like two hot plates) on my counter, with a very slow heating left burner. A microwave. And a George Foreman grill. (I also have a toaster and a blender, but those aren't as versatile.) My counter space is also very limited, and the one time I had the toaster oven, microwave, and stove going simultaneously, I blew a fuse.

Considering some places I looked at when I was apartment hunting tried pass a microwave on top of the dryer off as my "kitchen", I lucked out having as much as I do. The toaster oven came from a co-worker who knew I was apartment hunting, but didn't know I was also researching toaster ovens. She just popped into my office one day and said "Hey, do you need a toaster oven?" "Yeeess . . ." "Good, my husband bought one that I don't really like, so you can have it." It was perfect!

It's not ideal, but it's working out really well. One pot/pan meals are awesome. I'm getting really good at mise en place and timing my meal preparation appropriately. And I can still make some really yummy food!

I Believe in Christ

2010-11-28T21:53:00.005-05:00

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:23, 26).

It's in our name - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I believe that He was born, the Only Begotten of the Father, to live a perfect and sinless life, only to atone and be crucified for our sins. I believe that He was resurrected so that we all, everyone who has ever lived, will also be resurrected and live again, forever, with our Father in Heaven (and our families).

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

We don't have crosses on or in our churches, and don't wear crosses around our necks, though it is the traditional symbol of Christianity. This is because we choose to celebrate the Living Christ, as He is now. Instead of the cross, the symbol of our faith is our members and their lives.

Jesus Christ is the very foundation of our church and our faith in Him is the reason for everything we do.

So yes, Mormons are Christian.

I am a Christian.

X

2010-11-27T11:20:00.001-05:00

I goofed up. I failed to properly promote this amazing concert I'm singing in today (The Mormon Choir and Orchestra of Washington at the Strathmore Music Center, an important DC music venue) yea, the very reason I stayed in DC for Thanksgiving, and, therefore, as far as I know, no one is coming to see me. Yes, I'll likely have friends and acquaintances in the audience, but none will be there primarily to support me and it's my own blasted fault.

Sure, I could blame the less than stellar month that was October, or the busy-ness of November, but when it comes down to it, I didn't take 5 minutes to email my friends and invite them until last night. I even have a comp ticket that I don't anticipate getting used.

I'm really bummed. I'm still excited to be part of the event, I just wish I'd made more of an effort to share it with someone.

Next time!

P.S. Reading this? In the DC area? Can make it to the 2 PM? Know my first and last name? The comp ticket is yours!

And yes, Eilonwy, this post's title is an actual song lyric AND the appropriate letter for today. Remind me and I'll play it for you.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while the orchestra rehearses since we don't come in until measure 219

Wait! What's your rush? What's your hurry?

2010-11-26T22:01:00.004-05:00

Patience is a virtue.

At least that's what they say.

Unfortunately, it seems to be one of the hardest ones to learn, and just when you think you've learned it, you realize you haven't.

I usually have no problem waiting for things when I know it's going to be a short wait and I'm not in a hurry, like today when my laser hair removal was interrupted by an overheated machine or even when I was stuck in Germany for 9 hours longer than I anticipated because I missed my morning flight. I do get a little testy when, say, I'm in traffic and trying to get somewhere that's anywhere other than my car in the middle of a packed freeway, but I try to relax and take advantage of the wait with a car dance party or sing along.

But what about when I have no idea how long I'm going to be waiting and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it?

That's when it gets difficult.

Whether it's something as simple as waiting for the phone to ring or as big as pieces of a life changing puzzle to fall into place, exercising patience obviously not the easiest to do.

The key I've found for myself is to do what I can when I can, and then let the other things happen as they will, and, most importantly, try not to stress about it in the meantime. There are other things I can be doing while I wait.

As Jewel said:

If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear

Easier said than done, of course, but I'm sure going to keep trying!

Very Extraordinary

2010-11-25T21:40:00.003-05:00

Today, I was a Thanksgiving refugee. Unable to travel to see family this year, I'm so grateful for a group of fellow refugees and friends to gather with today and share a meal and reflect on our blessings.

As one of these friends mentioned, the wonderful thing about Thanksgiving is its simplicity. The best thing about any holiday is the food and the loved ones anyway, and that's all that Thanksgiving is about. No gifts to stress about, just good food and good people.

I definitely enjoyed good food and good people today. Yes, I missed my family, but I'll see them soon. I've never had to spend a major holiday alone and I feel truly fortunate for that.

I live such a blessed life. I have everything I need, so much of what I want, and I could never truly enumerate everything I am thankful for.

Is my life perfect? No. But it is so, so good.

Umbrella, ella, ella

2010-11-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

This will be a brief Thanksgiving Eve post, since I have a CLEAN ALL THE THINGS MAKE ALL THE DESSERTS KITCHEN DANCE PARTY to attend to, nevermind that it's quite late. I have music playing, clothes drying, butterscotch-peanut-chow mein noodle no bakes freezing, and a chocolate pumpkin tart baking. Once that's cooled off enough to refrigerate, I'll probably adjourn the party for a sleep break and resume the good times tomorrow.

But I'd like to take a moment to express what I am most grateful for this year and that is you. Thank you. You and all the other people in my life who make it worth living. You who let me stand under your umbrella, so to speak. You who give me reasons to travel just so I can spend time with you and get to know where and how you live. You who get me out of my apartment for a much needed friend's night. You who call me/answer your phones. You who comment on this here blog. You who just read this blog. You who hug me.

You who love me, like me, or even just tolerate me.

You for everything you do and are.

Thank you.

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol

2010-11-23T22:30:00.004-05:00

Work and choir rehearsals. That is my life right now. Soon it will be work and choir performances. Such is the life of a musician in multiple church choirs around the holidays.

The good news? I love it. I'm expanding my vocal repertoire and continuing to develop my musicality. Plus, I'm having fun! I love Christmas music, and I love most of the songs we're singing.

Except this one.

It makes me do this.
I'm also learning new things. Like the definition for the word troll.

Troll

–verb (used with object)

1. to sing or utter in a full, rolling voice.

2. to sing in the manner of a round or catch.

r of a round or catch.

–verb (used without object)

to sing with a full, rolling voice; give forth full, rolling tones.

This came up because in a version of the carol "Deck The Halls" arranged by one of our choir directors, he'd edited the line "troll the ancient Yuletide carol" to "toll the ancient Yuletide carol" which didn't make a lot of sense. So, being a nerd with a compulsive need to know, I looked it up in my dictionary app and shared with the choir. We've changed it back to "troll" and I'm going to try and use it in my personal vocabulary more often.

Then tonight, this thing was set up right in front me and it was huge!

Discussing it with my fellow sopranos, we decided it was probably a conductor's stand. But probably wasn't good enough, so I did a Google image search on my phone and confirmed it. Compulsive need to know strikes again!

Learning new things is awesome.

Somewhere that's green

2010-11-22T22:53:00.003-05:00

Some people have a dream house. I just have a dream next apartment.

Don't get me wrong, I really love my current apartment. I need to get it clean again and take you all on a little tour, and I do mean little since it's about 300 sq. ft. based on my mental estimations. As a visual aid, I can vacuum my entire apartment in under 8 minutes from one electrical outlet.

Anywho. This was supposed to be about my next apartment.

The key to my next apartment will be space and sun, two things my current apartment lacks. As much as I love that my bed is my dresser is my storage space and my dining room is my sewing room is my food storage room, I wouldn't mind separating these things a little bit. I look forward to the day that my bedroom is my bedroom is my bedroom with maybe a dresser but very little else.

And sun? Oh how I miss natural light. I've had a basement bedroom for 8.5 of the last 12 years, so I'm used to having very little natural light in my bedroom, but there's always been a sunny spot somewhere else in the house. Now, I don't have any windows in my bedroom/living room, and the tiny windows I do have look out into the window wells and are over my toilet (making the rare times when there is someone in the backyard potentially awkward) and the back of my kitchen and dining room. I'm not totally devoid of natural light, but it hardly does anything to allow me to see and certainly doesn't warm up my space at all.

Space. Sun. I wants them.

I also want a dishwasher, a real oven, and a real stove. This half kitchen thing works, but it's certainly not ideal.

Oh, and a bathtub. I have a standing room only shower with terrible water pressure. No soaking sore muscles after a long day. Washing my long hair is such a chore, and if I use my Big shampoo from LUSH, I usually don't quite get it all rinsed out. One of my favorite parts of any of my travels is getting to use a shower with decent water pressure, which is kind of sad. I can't even remember the last time I had a bubble bath - probably just before I moved to this place. One of my Christmas presents to myself will be a soak in my parents' garden tub. I can't wait.

To sum up, my next apartment, if I can at all help it, will have 2 bedrooms, 1-2 full baths, a full kitchen, and windows. Plenty of windows. I'll use the extra bedroom as a hobby room of sorts - where I can set up my sewing machine, books, musical instruments, whatever.

Someday.

For now, I'm going to get off my futon that is my couch that is my "guest room" that is my secondary shoe storage (underneath) and move the three feet and three steps up to my bed. I haz a sleepy.

We can be together forever someday

2010-11-21T20:43:00.006-05:00

In case you don't already know, I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday in November, as part of NaBloPoMo, I'm going to discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better.
I love my family.

I'm so lucky and blessed that they are some of my best friends.

Sure, we have our disagreements and times we don't get along.

But we always love each other.

The best thing? We always will, and I mean always.

We believe that when married by the proper authority in the temple, couples and their children can be sealed together not just for time, but for all eternity. It's not just until death do we part.

Being with this crowd forever?

That promise makes me very happy.