Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
"Just send money. How about tens and twenties."
My friend Torrey made me the nicest CD of Christmas music this week and I've been thinking about my favorite holiday songs. I'll have to take the time to compile a list and then make sure that I have all of the wonderful favorites in one place, but I know right away which songs I DON"T like. The number one on this list has got to be the 'Christmas Shoes' song made famous (infamous?) by Michael Bolton. I know, Michael. Bolton. I was reading some funny stuff by the great Eric D. Snider when I stumbled upon this lovely bit:
"While we're on the subject of songs that are supposed to make you cry whose doctrine I find questionable, there's the recent sappy, crappy country hit "Christmas Shoes" (not to be confused with "Live Like You Were Dyin'," "Already There," or any of the other sappy, crappy country hits that are produced at the rate of one song per week). It's about a guy standing in line in a store at Christmastime, and this filthy urchin in front of him is buying a pair of women's shoes, which he declares to be for his mother:
"Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight"
Because, what, Jesus can't abide a barefoot woman? Or a woman who has shoes on that aren't beautiful? And who says Mama will be wearing shoes when she gets to heaven anyway? I believe the old saying is, "You can't take it with you." Does that not apply to shoes? Is there supposed to be an asterisk next to it?
You can't take it with you.*
*(except shoes)
Anyway, the kid in the song winds up getting the singer to buy him the shoes, because of course he's too poor to pay for them himself. I picture him thanking the man profusely, then hurrying out the door with the shoes to his mother, who's waiting in the car, smoking a cigarette:
"What took you so long? Here, let's see 'em ... What, these are the best you could find?! Pumps! I told you pumps! These are heels! I can't wear these, they make my feet hurt, you stupid brat! You better get it right at the next store. And would it kill you to cry a little? See if you can get someone to give you some cash, too. Mama can't buy lottery tickets with shoes."
And my question is, does this make me a bad person?"
And that to me, is Christmas spirit.
"While we're on the subject of songs that are supposed to make you cry whose doctrine I find questionable, there's the recent sappy, crappy country hit "Christmas Shoes" (not to be confused with "Live Like You Were Dyin'," "Already There," or any of the other sappy, crappy country hits that are produced at the rate of one song per week). It's about a guy standing in line in a store at Christmastime, and this filthy urchin in front of him is buying a pair of women's shoes, which he declares to be for his mother:
"Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight"
Because, what, Jesus can't abide a barefoot woman? Or a woman who has shoes on that aren't beautiful? And who says Mama will be wearing shoes when she gets to heaven anyway? I believe the old saying is, "You can't take it with you." Does that not apply to shoes? Is there supposed to be an asterisk next to it?
You can't take it with you.*
*(except shoes)
Anyway, the kid in the song winds up getting the singer to buy him the shoes, because of course he's too poor to pay for them himself. I picture him thanking the man profusely, then hurrying out the door with the shoes to his mother, who's waiting in the car, smoking a cigarette:
"What took you so long? Here, let's see 'em ... What, these are the best you could find?! Pumps! I told you pumps! These are heels! I can't wear these, they make my feet hurt, you stupid brat! You better get it right at the next store. And would it kill you to cry a little? See if you can get someone to give you some cash, too. Mama can't buy lottery tickets with shoes."
And my question is, does this make me a bad person?"
And that to me, is Christmas spirit.
Oh my
I received a call this morning from one of the secretary's in my ward asking if I could make it to church a few minutes earlier than usual and quickly meet with one the bishopric counselors. Although I was hoping for a little explanation of my current calling (activities committee member), I was instead surprised with a new calling: Sunday School teacher. Yikes.
I've definitely been wary of past callings I've received, but I was a million times for comfortable with the idea of being a counselor in Relief Society or ward music-whatever than I am with this. So, kids, I am definitely going to be needing some advice. The thought of standing in front of strangers and teaching ANYTHING makes me a little sick. Maybe there will be some good/humorous stories to come out of this experience in this ward; although if there is some cosmic joke that dictates I lose my skirt again in front of any ward members, I may just apostatize.
Also - I am going to be speaking in sacrament meeting next Sunday and would appreciate any good recommendation on books/talks about forgiveness. Seriously folks, any help would be appreciated!
I've definitely been wary of past callings I've received, but I was a million times for comfortable with the idea of being a counselor in Relief Society or ward music-whatever than I am with this. So, kids, I am definitely going to be needing some advice. The thought of standing in front of strangers and teaching ANYTHING makes me a little sick. Maybe there will be some good/humorous stories to come out of this experience in this ward; although if there is some cosmic joke that dictates I lose my skirt again in front of any ward members, I may just apostatize.
Also - I am going to be speaking in sacrament meeting next Sunday and would appreciate any good recommendation on books/talks about forgiveness. Seriously folks, any help would be appreciated!
Friday, November 30, 2007
A List, A List, A List
I sometimes go through periods where I have trouble sleeping. I haven't pinpointed what the trigger(s) might be for insomnia or me waking up unexpectedly in the middle of the night, and this past Sunday began a pretty interesting 5-day run. It's so strange - I haven't been going to bed at a reasonable hour since Thanksgiving but I can usually fall asleep within thirty minutes or so anyway. But, while I've been getting to bed around 1:30, I have woken up every night between 4:00 and 4:30 and staying awake for at least an hour and a half.
What, you might ask, has kept me entertained during these one and-a-half to two hour intervals each night? Well. Let me tell you what I've been accomplishing while the rest of you have been sleeping soundly:
What, you might ask, has kept me entertained during these one and-a-half to two hour intervals each night? Well. Let me tell you what I've been accomplishing while the rest of you have been sleeping soundly:
- Rearranging all shoes according to type and frequency of being worn
- Packing away all summer sandals and shoes in light of impending snow
- Lining up winter boots according to height
- Gathering all scarves, hats, and mittens in one cute box
- Looking for econo-size static guard that I require during winter
- Taking inventory of coats (I need a decent navy)
- Clearing out accumulated junk under my bed
- Online Christmas shopping
- Online Christmas wishlist making
- Planning possible Christmas activities
- Eating one red apple
- Organizing all CD's according to genre AND color
- Dusting entire room - - no allergens for me, thank you!
- Cleaning bathroom sink
- Re-folding sheets and towels that were stacked haphazardly in closet
- Obliterating drawer of junk in console table
- Gathering DVD's back to bookshelf and coordinating each correct disc with correct case
- Resetting pre-programmed stations on stereo
- Setting all clocks to same time EXACTLY
- Deleting embarassing songs from itunes library (I'm looking at you, Spice Girls)
- Creating verb-based playlists (ie - Driving Fast, Running in Rain, Dancing in Car, etc.)
- Doing one load of dark laundry
- Finishing two books
- Catching up on many, many blogs
- Lots of wikipedia-ing
- Drawing floorplans for library I someday want in my house
- Updating list of what I want to read, hear, and watch
- Throwing out past-expiration prescriptions
- Getting rid of makeup that was a bad idea to begin with
- Taking super long shower
- Doing excellent conditioning treatment on hair. Twice. (Redken All-Soft Heavy Cream)
- Using exfoliating mask and renewing cucumber eye-things
- Moisturizing like a fiend
- Beginning to straighten hair, and then going to sleep halfway through
Things that I haven't been doing but really should:
- Sleeping
- Studying
It seems that my priorities and self-discipline need to be reconciled at some point...
Note: The hair thing was interesting, I had to finish in the morning, of course.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Introspection? Anyone?
So. I was not disappointed with the BYU-Utah game on Saturday. It was a good game with a satisfactory amount of drama that probably did bad things to my heart. I love very few things in this world more than I love BYU football and a competitive fourth quarter. Go Cougars.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the "perfect moments" in life. I don't remember when, but my dad coined the phrase/thought/philosophy that we are occasionally caught in the perfect moment and that it's beneficial if not important to pay pointed attention to situation or circumstance. Someone (my parents I'm sure) began taking note of perfect moments as we were together and the idea has been with me for a number of years. I mostly remember being conscious of pieces of perfection while enjoying time spent with family or friends, seeing beatiful places, or even the sense of contentment that accompanies a good book or nice walk.
Although it lends itself to scientific process more than I like to admit, I've been trying to remember and pay attention to the role I play in creating the perfect moment; my actions or attitude that may make it easier for me to enjoy a brief interlude of calm in everyday life. I haven't come to a satisfactory conclusion, but have certainly enjoyed taking the time to consider it. It's probably just the impending end-of-semester rush and mental preparation for a new year but what a great opportunity to look at old pictures stored on the computer, review great books read and music listened to, and think about all of the new stuff that we've learned in the past weeks and months. I don't know that any of these things will make me appreciate the good things in life any more than usual, but at least they help to remind me of perfect moments that I've been lucky enough to enjoy.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the "perfect moments" in life. I don't remember when, but my dad coined the phrase/thought/philosophy that we are occasionally caught in the perfect moment and that it's beneficial if not important to pay pointed attention to situation or circumstance. Someone (my parents I'm sure) began taking note of perfect moments as we were together and the idea has been with me for a number of years. I mostly remember being conscious of pieces of perfection while enjoying time spent with family or friends, seeing beatiful places, or even the sense of contentment that accompanies a good book or nice walk.
Although it lends itself to scientific process more than I like to admit, I've been trying to remember and pay attention to the role I play in creating the perfect moment; my actions or attitude that may make it easier for me to enjoy a brief interlude of calm in everyday life. I haven't come to a satisfactory conclusion, but have certainly enjoyed taking the time to consider it. It's probably just the impending end-of-semester rush and mental preparation for a new year but what a great opportunity to look at old pictures stored on the computer, review great books read and music listened to, and think about all of the new stuff that we've learned in the past weeks and months. I don't know that any of these things will make me appreciate the good things in life any more than usual, but at least they help to remind me of perfect moments that I've been lucky enough to enjoy.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
"I feel really warm around you, and my tongue swells up..."
... and that's pretty much how I am feeling right now. In a good way, though. I actually just heard this line while watching the movie "Elf" with my roommate. I know it's a special breed of cheesy, but I've been thinking recently that I need to be more diligent in vocalizing the things that I am appreciative of and express thanks to people in my life.
I'll give you a moment to catch your breath and dry your tears. That was, after all, the most emotion I've put out in the world for a while.
It just so happens that this sentiment seems to fall right in line with the Thanksgiving holiday, making it very convenient for me to be just another one of the crowd of seasonal thanks-givers. Nonetheless, I'm going to make the effort. A 10-day countdown to Thanksgiving day seems appropriate. I'll have to start on that tomorrow though, because I am definitely feeling grateful for a warm bed and the joy that is the heated mattress pad.
I'll give you a moment to catch your breath and dry your tears. That was, after all, the most emotion I've put out in the world for a while.
It just so happens that this sentiment seems to fall right in line with the Thanksgiving holiday, making it very convenient for me to be just another one of the crowd of seasonal thanks-givers. Nonetheless, I'm going to make the effort. A 10-day countdown to Thanksgiving day seems appropriate. I'll have to start on that tomorrow though, because I am definitely feeling grateful for a warm bed and the joy that is the heated mattress pad.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sheesh
I am such a hypocrite. I spend way too much of my time checking blogs and when they aren't updated with some frequency, I am very much annoyed. So, I resolve to at least make a greater effort than I have been recently.
There has been so much going on in the past few weeks that I remember sections mostly in slow, dull, re-runs of work and school. However, I hope that the onset of the holiday season will bring some sort of reprieve to the monotony in which I seem to be stuck.
I purposely designed my class schedule this semester with the idea that I wanted to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Being wholly immersed in school and work for the past three fall semesters made it difficult to appreciate the end of the year as being anything other than a mad rush; completing the semester and beginning to prepare for the next seemed to overtake November and December. So, although I know that I will be paying for my light workload when January rolls around, I am looking forward to the next month and a half. Things are looking up.
There has been so much going on in the past few weeks that I remember sections mostly in slow, dull, re-runs of work and school. However, I hope that the onset of the holiday season will bring some sort of reprieve to the monotony in which I seem to be stuck.
I purposely designed my class schedule this semester with the idea that I wanted to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Being wholly immersed in school and work for the past three fall semesters made it difficult to appreciate the end of the year as being anything other than a mad rush; completing the semester and beginning to prepare for the next seemed to overtake November and December. So, although I know that I will be paying for my light workload when January rolls around, I am looking forward to the next month and a half. Things are looking up.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Few Things
1. It snowed here in Utah on Saturday. Big snow, the kind that made me not want to drive home from Salt Lake to Provo. So I didn't.
2. Even in blizzard-like conditions, the Cougars won the football game against Eastern Washington. I'm happy that they did so well even though I wasn't at the stadium cheering. It will be the last time I miss, I swear.
3. With special care, you too can carve a Halloween BYU pumpkin.
4. 'Hocus Pocus' is a fun and fancy free Halloween cinematic accomplishment.
5. In 5 days, I will be among the masses of pre-teen girls watching Hannah Montana perform in concert. That's right.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Weekend in 3 Parts
If you are me, this is your weekend:
Friday
After work, drive to Salt Lake with Sarah to eat dinner at Trio and see a movie at Broadway. Trio is cool (included: hot waiters and great flatbread) and ends up lasting through movie starting time. Must reschedule. Drive home in torrential rain. Enjoy warm bed.
Saturday
Watch first session of General Conference prior to phone call from previous property manager at Oakpoint. Aforementioned torrential rain has caused flooding in basement bedro0m and closet. Wish that you had waited one more week before becoming active property manager. Prepare to spend the next week coordinating Emergency Disaster Cleanup and getting new carpet in basement. Also, prepare to fight insurance for tenants whose car engine has flooded in parking lot. Realize it will have to wait until Monday and enjoy second session.
Go Thai for dinner with roommate. Later, have girls over to house for movie/treats. Watch "Little Manhattan" and laugh self silly. Consume large amounts of chocolate and peanut butter. Read lots of Cosmopolitan and Glamour. Enjoy self immensely.
Sunday
Listen to General Conference and fall asleep briefly. Leave for Salt Lake in between sessions, drive via Sundance/American Fork canyon with friend. View beautiful scenery and marvel at snow on mountains. Remember that seasons change and it will be okay. Inexplicably, rear passenger window shatters while driving I-15. Drive to parents house carefully and clean up. Attempt to focus on second session before dinner with family. Swap cars with Mom. Drive home and watch “Planet Earth.” Prepare to enjoy warm bed. Ahhh.
*More to follow with the car thing, it was very strange.
Friday
After work, drive to Salt Lake with Sarah to eat dinner at Trio and see a movie at Broadway. Trio is cool (included: hot waiters and great flatbread) and ends up lasting through movie starting time. Must reschedule. Drive home in torrential rain. Enjoy warm bed.
Saturday
Watch first session of General Conference prior to phone call from previous property manager at Oakpoint. Aforementioned torrential rain has caused flooding in basement bedro0m and closet. Wish that you had waited one more week before becoming active property manager. Prepare to spend the next week coordinating Emergency Disaster Cleanup and getting new carpet in basement. Also, prepare to fight insurance for tenants whose car engine has flooded in parking lot. Realize it will have to wait until Monday and enjoy second session.
Go Thai for dinner with roommate. Later, have girls over to house for movie/treats. Watch "Little Manhattan" and laugh self silly. Consume large amounts of chocolate and peanut butter. Read lots of Cosmopolitan and Glamour. Enjoy self immensely.
Sunday
Listen to General Conference and fall asleep briefly. Leave for Salt Lake in between sessions, drive via Sundance/American Fork canyon with friend. View beautiful scenery and marvel at snow on mountains. Remember that seasons change and it will be okay. Inexplicably, rear passenger window shatters while driving I-15. Drive to parents house carefully and clean up. Attempt to focus on second session before dinner with family. Swap cars with Mom. Drive home and watch “Planet Earth.” Prepare to enjoy warm bed. Ahhh.
*More to follow with the car thing, it was very strange.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Seriously Folks
I'm not gonna lie.
I have not liked this week one little bit. Between the hours upon hours of studying, botching a meeting at work, probably failing a test and not sleeping because of "the sound" I hear outside of my bedroom every 90 seconds (still a mystery) I am ready to be done.
It's a good thing I walked to The Riverwoods and bought these during lunch today:
I have not liked this week one little bit. Between the hours upon hours of studying, botching a meeting at work, probably failing a test and not sleeping because of "the sound" I hear outside of my bedroom every 90 seconds (still a mystery) I am ready to be done.
It's a good thing I walked to The Riverwoods and bought these during lunch today:
Take that, week!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Busy Weekend
Although I didn't really accomplish much this weekend, it felt pretty non-stop. After a super long week of work and studying for the real estate license exam, I picked up a ticket and went to the Smashing Pumpkins concert. I can now cross one thing off of my "to-do before I die" list. I have sort of been in love with the Pumpkins since 1996, at which time I was a really awesome 9 year old. The show was well done and I enjoyed hearing my all-time favorites live for the first time as well as some new stuff that I am not as familiar with. I went with a couple of guys who were in my ward last year and am glad that they care about Billy Corgan as much as I do - it made the experience all the more enjoyable. I must have overestimated my energy level after the concert because I went to a friend's house and promptly fell asleep ten minutes into a movie. Not so much hard core.
Saturday began with the onset of freezing fall/winter temperatures and lots of rain, not much of a motivator to get out of bed. After peeling myself away from my heated mattress pad (the best money I've ever spent), I studied and attempted to do a few things around the house before heading to the mall with my roommates. Unfortunately, I haven't really been in the shopping mode lately so there wasn't much that caught my attention. I have high hopes that the upcoming winter will force me indoors and subsequently force me to 'shop harder' if only out of boredom.
Saturday began with the onset of freezing fall/winter temperatures and lots of rain, not much of a motivator to get out of bed. After peeling myself away from my heated mattress pad (the best money I've ever spent), I studied and attempted to do a few things around the house before heading to the mall with my roommates. Unfortunately, I haven't really been in the shopping mode lately so there wasn't much that caught my attention. I have high hopes that the upcoming winter will force me indoors and subsequently force me to 'shop harder' if only out of boredom.
I later went up to my parents house in Salt Lake to both watch the BYU football game (Go Cougs!) and celebrate Michael's 15th birthday. I suffered a little bit of shock when I realized that Mikey is a freshman this year! I can't believe how old everyone is getting. I don't feel like I've grown up much so it surprises me when other people do. Anyway, it was a good time and was only improved by a win over New Mexico 31-24.
I drove up to Logan to attend my best friend from high school's baby blessing on Sunday. It was fun to drive with her siblings and catch up a little bit with what everyone is doing these days; I must have spent at least half of my life between eighth and twelfth grade at their house, with their whole family being like a second to me. I was so happy to finally meet baby Madison, who I think is just an extra-small adult. Granted she was sleeping for the majority of the time I was around her but still... I'm probably right. She couldn't have picked a better time to be born, either. The drive through the canyons on the way was spectacular - the leaves are just at a perfect point of being vibrantly red and orange. My desire to pick up and take off for New England was somewhat satiated by the drive - good news for my schedule and checking account, I suppose. I'll have to post some pictures once I get around to downloading them from my camera. I think that pictures of a fun weekend may be the saving grace of this upcoming week. I am afraid that I am catching a cold and also have two major tests for school - boo !
I drove up to Logan to attend my best friend from high school's baby blessing on Sunday. It was fun to drive with her siblings and catch up a little bit with what everyone is doing these days; I must have spent at least half of my life between eighth and twelfth grade at their house, with their whole family being like a second to me. I was so happy to finally meet baby Madison, who I think is just an extra-small adult. Granted she was sleeping for the majority of the time I was around her but still... I'm probably right. She couldn't have picked a better time to be born, either. The drive through the canyons on the way was spectacular - the leaves are just at a perfect point of being vibrantly red and orange. My desire to pick up and take off for New England was somewhat satiated by the drive - good news for my schedule and checking account, I suppose. I'll have to post some pictures once I get around to downloading them from my camera. I think that pictures of a fun weekend may be the saving grace of this upcoming week. I am afraid that I am catching a cold and also have two major tests for school - boo !
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Jazz in SLC
Last night my roommate and I went to the Dave Brubeck Quartet concert at Abravanel Hall. It was so great! I have listened to some really great jazz off-and-on for a few years but haven't ever been proactive in finding live performances. Fortunately for me, Sara knows a whole lot more than I do and is a better 'do-er' than I am also. The show was great - the quartet has been playing since the early 1950's and I don't think they've lost a beat. Dave Brubeck looks sort of like a cross between Charles Schulz and Alan Greenspan (I think someone told me he is turning 87 this year) and he was absolutely rocking out on the piano. The same applies to the other three; I don't think I've ever seen a better drummer and the saxophonist was dancing around during the entire two and a half hour show. It was a great time and a lot of fun, I hope that everyone is still around (read: alive) so that I get to see them play again sometime.
Monday, September 17, 2007
An Inaugural Post
So. I now have a presence on the world wide web. Well you know, at least more than the name that I share with that teacher-lady in Washington (thank you google). Anyway, I was convinced to join the blog culture when I realized this weekend that I am really terrible at keeping in touch with my family and friends when life gets a little busy. So, while I can't promise anything exciting or intriguing, I plan on posting often enough to at least prove that I AM still alive and kicking here in Provo. I guess we'll all see how much of it is worth documenting here...
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