Kid History - You must watch the 6 previous episodes as well

I Love You

The Book of Mormon

Yesterday, I watched this video for the first time. I had seen people post it on Facebook but I just hadn't taken time to watch it. I loved it! First, because it is set in London and Second, I felt the spirit so strongly as this man talked about his experience with the Book of Mormon.

I have been reading the Book or Mormon again from the beginning since September. My ward issued a challenge to read it before the end of the year and then to give the Book of Mormon away. I was really excited for the opportunity and decided to take on the challenge.

I am currently in Helaman 13, and I think I will make my goal. Although, I am tempted to finish it earlier so that I can give it to someone on Christmas :) The reason I am thinking this is because this morning while riding trax, I pulled out my Book of Mormon. I was going to read it but was distracted talking to my friend Kent who I take to trax every day. I wasn't noticing the people around me too much until an older man that was sitting across from us interrupted and said that I needed to read and that Kent was distracting me.

This led to a conversation with this man who moved here about a year ago from Kentucky. He asked me if this was my first time reading the Book of Mormon. I told him no and he asked how many times I have read it. I told him I really don't know. Many times? And then he asked if I have ever read it this fast before and I told him probably not. He said he finds it very interesting, Mormons,etc. I am sure being new to the state raises curiosity in the dominant religion.

He was a a very nice man and I told him he could have my Book of Mormon when I was finished reading it. I maybe should have given it to him this morning? But hopefully I will see him on trax or in Daybreak at some point and then have the opportunity to talk to him some more. I would love to give him my Book of Mormon as a Christmas present.

This experience on the train this morning brightened my entire day. I love the Book of Mormon and believe it to be another Testament of Jesus Christ. I feel the spirit when I read it and it helps me to know how to be more like Christ.

Christmas Time

I liked this quote that I read this morning

"The answer in the Christmas season and throughout the year lies not in the receiving of earthly presents and treasures, but in the forsaking of selfishness and greed and in going forward, seeking and enjoying the gifts of the spirit"


It kind of goes along with some gift ideas I found on a website I get emails from every once in a while. The website is called 29 Gifts and it goes a long with a book I read at the beginning of 2011. I read it because my goals/theme for 2011 were Gratitude and Giving. 29 Gifts, is about a woman who has MS. She has struggled with it for years and after talking to a guru of sorts she decided to take a challenge to give a gift each day for 29 days. It was a pretty inspiring story and I took on the challenge. I have only done the 29 day challenge once and may not have done an amazing job with my gifts but I felt happier and more in tune with the spirit of giving when I did it. When I decided to do the 29 day challenge I signed up on the 29 Gifts website and that is why I got an email recently with some gift ideas for the holiday season. I like to focus on gifts that are more meaningful so this list made me feel pretty excited for the upcoming Christmas season and Holiday. Enjoy :)
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif


During this season, we are so busy hustling and bustling in and out of shopping centers, malls and shops, that we sometimes forget what the holidays are really about. The most meaningful and appreciated gifts are often those that cost us only time and imagination.

Each day in December, we challenge you to give one non-material gift. It could be a nice note you write, kind words you say mindfully with meaning, something you do to go out of your way to help another person.

Get Creative. And don't forget to share your experiences here or in your giving blog! Here are 29 Simple Out-of-the-Box Giving Ideas to get you started. We'd love to hear your ideas, too:

1. Wave to neighbors as you drive through the neighborhood.
2. Forgive someone
3. Go around your neighborhood caroling with friends and family
4. Wash someone's car for them
5. Bring lunch to an elderly or ill neighbor
6. Iron a family member's favorite shirt
7. Pick up trash in the park
8. Serve breakfast in bed to your mate
9. If you have a roommate, wash and put away all their clothes while they're out
10. Write a poem telling someone how you feel about them
11. Leave handmade "Secret Santa" cards around your neighborhood
12. Don’t be afraid to give out sincere compliments to friends and strangers
13. Let someone with less items pass in front of you in the checkout line
14. Allow a car to enter the freeway in front of you
15. Hold the door open for someone
16. Help another shopper find an item in their size
17. Take a busy friend's children to the park for the afternoon
18. Take your family on a night tour around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights
19. Visit a retirement home and share stories with the residents, maybe sing with them
20. Share your plant clippings with a friend
21. Scotty (Lubabat's hubby) reminded Facebook friends of how Lubabat used to leave quarters in the gum machine slots at the stores just to put a smile on a child's face..
22. SMILE at everyone you pass
23. Hug someone
24. Host a pot-luck dinner with family and friends you haven't seen in awhile; have everyone share their recipes
25. Hold a family dinner and game night
26. Complete a home project that's way overdue; specifically one that has inconvenienced others
27. Make someone laugh with a funny joke
28. The next time you tell someone you love them, also tell them why
29. Think of a talent you have or a service you could provide and give loved ones a coupon book offering your skills or talents. We have offered free babysitting, car detailing and house cleaning. There are so many great ideas such as: free haircuts, manicures, massages, chauffeur services....let your imagination go and give the gift of a talent or skill.

Start the Machine

Rhythmn is a Dancer

Seriously, this song just came on my Ipod and I am doing everything I can to refrain from dancing in my cubicle. HELP!

Clark Gable

I was waiting for a cross-town train in the London underground when it struck me
That I've been waiting since birth to find a love that would look and sound like a movie
So I changed my plans I rented a camera and a van and then I called you
"I need you to pretend that we are in love again" and you agreed to

I want so badly to believe that "there is truth, that love is real"
And I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd

I greased the lens and framed the shot using a friend as my stand-in
The script it called for rain but it was clear that day so we faked it
The marker snapped and I yelled "quiet on the set" and then called "action!"
And I kissed you in a style that Clark Gable would have admired (I thought it classic)

I want so badly to believe that "there is truth, that love is real"
And I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd

I know you're wise beyond your years, but do you ever get the fear
That your perfect verse is just a lie you tell yourself to help you get by?

Bengal Spice

I finally found a tea that I like. AMAZING!

:)

Why is this not on the new CD?

Paradise

Oh man, I cannot get enough of this band. How is it possible?

First of all an elephant costume and the elephant escaping from the zoo? brilliant! (love the beginning where his elephant buddies are drawn in chalk on the wall)

Second, filming in London, showing the tube, the escalators with video windows, the sign for Heathrow airport.

Third, Chris Martin on the unicycle dressed as an elephant,trying to catch a ride, taking a moment to take the elephant head off because he is HOT! ;)

Lastly, a band of elephants? It doesn't get much better than this, honestly

There are some things that I just love and I can't explain why...

Is it possible to not love these kids???

Seriously, I love them!

Hey Mama

If this song doesn't ignite even the tiniest spark inside to make you want to whistle, sing, dance, skip? I don't know what to tell ya

Thanks to Savannah

I woke up with this going through my head

"The Hills are alive... with the sound of music. To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over stones on its way. To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray. I go to the hills when my heart is lonely, I know I will hear what I've heard before. My heart will be blessed with the sound of music. And I'll sing once more. la la la la"

That is not the exact order of the lyrics to that song, but that is what was going through my head this morning. :)

We listened to the entire movie soundtrack while I was visiting Georgia this past weekend. Oh how I love that place, especially because my sister and her kids are there. I mean how could you not love this cute girl?






Savannah is a girl after my own heart. She loves to dance and to sing. She even tends to frolic around the house :) She even let me braid her hair in a crown the first day I was there and then we picked roses from the bush in the front yard and put them in her hair :) Fun for me.

And now a gift for you so that you can also have this song in your head :)

Jamba Juice

I haven't been to Jamba Juice in a while but I walked there yesterday for my lunch break and bought the Apple's and Greens Smoothie. It was yummy! I am starting to get in to the idea of the green drink/smoothies thanks to the book "The Beauty Detox Solution". I don't completely agree with everything in this book but I think it teaches good principles for eating healthy.






It feels good to eat healthy food! :)

A Killer Day

You know that you are off to a good start when you miss TRAX by approximately 4-5 seconds...Yes Yes lovely morning in Daybreak :) At least it gave me a good little sprint and possible embarassment if anyone would have seen me running. Who cares?!
No longer will I be as naive as to think that TRAX is on time and that the train had already left when it is 8 minutes past the scheduled departure.

Anyway, luckily I bought some mint medley tea to warm me up once I got to work this morning because surprisingly it was freezing outside as well as on TRAX (thanks to never ending air conditioning). Herbal tea still doesn't taste very good. I don't know how people learn to love it! I still think it tastes like hot grass shavings (even though I have never tasted hot grass shavings).

Now my iPod is playing crossfire by Brandon Flowers and next up is Human by his band The Killers. This day is getting better, little by little.





Also, if you really want a pick me up :) Here is the first song that I heard this morning ;) MY MY MY

Man who can't be moved

This was the first song that I heard from the Script. It a good one. Don't be surprised when I tell you that Danny used to be in a boy band, called "My Town". Kinda funny! But, hey I have been a boy band fan since NKOTB...hard habit to break.

Breakeven

Yep, that's right...they sound just like this live. Danny has an amazing voice :)

A Script Weekend :)

Science and Faith Tour here I come :)

Ralph Waldo Emerson - The Over-Soul

The soul is the perceiver and revealer of truth. We know truth when we see it, let skeptic and scoffer say what they choose. Foolish people ask you, when you have spoken what they do not wish to hear, "How do you know it is truth, and not an error of your own?" We know truth when we see it, from opinion, as we know when we are awake that we are awake. It was a grand sentence of Emanuel Swedenborg, which would alone indicate the greatness of that man's perception, -"It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases, but to be able to discern that what is true is true; and that what is false is false, that this is the mark and character of intelligence." In the book I read, the good thought returns to me, as every truth will, the image of the whole soul. To the bad thought which I find in it, the same soul becomes a discerning. separating sword, and lops it away. We are wiser than we know. If we will not interfere with our thought, but will act entirely, or see how the thing stands in God, we know the particular thing, and everything, and every man. For the Maker of all things and all persons stands behind us, and casts his dread omniscience through us over things.

Paradise

I love conference weekend :) And I love this song. Listening to conference is so inspiring that it makes me feel close to paradise. (cheesy? possibly)




Paradise lyrics



Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo.
Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo.

When she was just a girl,
She expected the world,
But it flew away from her reach,
So she ran away in her sleep.

Dreamed of para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Every time she closed her eyes.

Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo.
Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo.

When she was just a girl,
She expected the world,
But it flew away from her reach,
And the bullets catch in her teeth.

Life goes on,
It gets so heavy,
The wheel breaks the butterfly.
Every tear, a waterfall.
In the night,
The stormy night,
She closed her eyes.
In the night,
The stormy night,
Away she flied.

I dream of para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.
( From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/coldplay-lyrics/paradise-lyrics.html )
She dreamed of para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

La-la
La-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la.

Still lying underneath the stormy skies.
She said oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh.
I know the sun's set to rise.

This could be para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

This could be para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

Oh, oh. Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo.

This could be para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Para-para-paradise,
Whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh.

Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo
Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo
Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo
Oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo...

Ralph Waldo Emerson - Friendship

This one might be my favorite.

"We have a great deal more kindness than is ever spoken. Maugre all the selfishness that chills like east winds the world, the whole human family is bathed with an element of love like a fine ether. How many persons we meet in house, whom we scarcely speak to, whom yet we honor, and who honor us! How many we see in the street, or sit with in church, whom, though silently, we warmly rejoice to be with! Read the language of these wandering eye-beams. The heart knoweth"

POEM
A ruddy drop of manly blood
The surging sea outweighs,
The world uncertain comes and goes,
the lover rooted stays.
I fancied he was fled,
And, after many a year,
Glowed unexhausted kindliness
Like daily sunrise there.
My careful heart was free again,
O friend, my bosom said,
Through thee alone the sky is arched,
Through thee the rose is red,
All things through thee take nobler form,
And look beyond the earth,
And is the mill-round of our fate
A sun-path in the worth.
Me too thy nobleness has taught
To master my despair;
The fountains of my hidden life
Are through the friendship fair.

Ralph Waldo Emerson-History

I am working on finishing Self-Reliance and Other Essays. This is not a quick read but it has a lot of good stuff.

I will probably post little pieces here and there to give you a glimpse of his work.

"Broader and deeper we must write our annal, --from an ethical reformation, from an influx of the ever new, ever sanative conscience, --if we would trulier express our central and wide-related nature, instead of this old chronology of selfishness and pride to which we have too long lent our eyes. Already that day exists for us, shines in on us at unawares, but the path of science and of letters is not the way into nature. The idiot, the Indian, the child, and unschooled farmer's boy, stand nearer to the light by which nature is to be read, than the dissector or the antiquary"

Arms

I heard this song Saturday night and thought it was very pretty.

Searching

My life is simple yet profound
Within my soul love abounds
Is this my place so small and kind?
Where thoughts and dreams are intertwined
How do you find that treasure sweet?
When all you taste is incomplete
My wish for you when feeling blue
Is that you always remain true
Despite your fears and questioning
Somewhere find awakening
Then you'll see as I have to
What is best and right for you

Shopping at Harmon's

Have you ever tried a Larabar??

I bought some from Costco a few months ago to see if I liked them. I bought them in a pack of course, which consisted of Peanut Butter Cookie, Apple Pie, and Cherry Pie. These probably sound like a sweet unhealthy treat. They are actually naturally sweet and I bought them because it is nice to have something nutritious to grab on the run.

When I was at Harmon's the other night I saw that they had a ton of other flavors there which made me pretty excited! Pecan Pie, Lemon Bar...I bought a few other flavors but I can't remember what they are off the top of my head. :) And the best part is that they only have 5 ingredients...Some type of nuts, fruit, dates, and something else. Pretty healthy. I tasted the Lemon Bar and it is amazing.

Also, while I was shopping for other produce I noticed the song that was playing on the radio. Snow Patrol :) Not only do they have good food (particularly their produce) but they play good music as well.
I think I am becoming more of a fan of Harmon's...

Pain

I had a hard time falling asleep last night, which is weird. I usually fall asleep really quickly. Sometimes, when I can't fall asleep I glance at the news feed on facebook from my phone. I did this last night and saw that one of my good friends from High School was just diagnosed with something that most likely is lymphoma. She has always been a very strong Christian and has strong faith. Her perspective and faith during this very recent trial amazes me. I keep finding things this morning that are making me think of her.

One of them is this talk from last conference.







I am praying for her and hoping that I can be a good friend to her during this struggle and find some way to help remind her that God is mindful of her.

Highlights

I was riding Trax home last night and the girl that sat next to me was reading the Ensign. She was actually reading the exact same article that I was going to read next. I was in the middle of reading the book "Specials" and had the Ensign in my bag. I felt like maybe I should read my Ensign instead. I didn't pull it out because I was pretty in to my book and I had studied my scriptures earlier. But I was grateful for this girl and her desire to read the Ensign. It was a good example for me and also made me aware that there are a lot of people out there who are trying to live the principles of the gospel and to stay close to Christ. It made me want to be better.

I read the Ensign this morning, and then decided that I wanted to watch or listen to something on lds.org. I chose to listen to last April's highlights from conference. I love conference time and sometimes wish it was every weekend.

The funny thing is that I realized as I was thinking this, that it can be conference every day. I just need to choose to listen to or study a talk :) I love the power of the spirit that I feel when I hear the prophet and the apostles speak. These highlights are good.

Enjoy :)

Cooking Class

Last night I went to a cooking class and the Viking Cooking School. It is a Culinary school just off of 2100 S and 300 E in Salt Lake. My friend Azure told me about the class and we both decided to go because it cost $20 instead of the regular $80. :)





As you can see, this school is beautiful and their kitchens are amazing. I became super excited as soon as I walked in the doors.





There were about 20 people that signed up for the class and we were given 5 recipes to prepare. I wasn't sure what to expect from the class but I started having memories of my Culinary class in college come back to mind. I initially thought we would each have to make all 5 recipes and then the teacher would come and grade what we made.

That was not the case. This was much more low key. We split in to groups of 3-4 and each group worked on one recipe. Our group made the Roasted Corn with Manchego and Lime. You can see the picture of it below. It was pretty easy to make because the teacher roasted the corn for us before we got there.



I remembered how much I like to cook during this class. Especially when you have all the ingredients that you need, a fantastic recipe, and an amazing kitchen. All of these things make the cooking experience much more enjoyable. I had a moment last night where I had wished that I hadn't sold my Culinary text book back. I was wanting to remember all of the terminology and also to have the recipes that were in that book.

The best part of the class was that we got to taste everything that was made. The picture probably does not do the meal justice. It was amazingly good. Not kidding. It is so good that I think we are going to make all of these things for Sunday dinner :)


The meal consisted of Zucchini & Summer Squash Gratin with Caramelized Onions, Pasta with Pesto Sauce and a Basic Basil Pesto (which we used walnuts instead of pine nuts), Roasted Corn with Manchego and Lime, and s Skillet Pancake with Peaches. (This is no regular pancake!)

The class had a fall produce theme to help people use what they grew in their garden over the summer. :)

Seriously, love the food and the class.



Thanks to Azure for finding out about this class and inviting me! :)

Great Perspective

I spent this weekend out in Tooele with my family. It was so much fun. I probably did not accomplish what I should have(finishing my resume), but I had so much fun. I got to see Jake for an entire day, went to the gym with mom and dad, saw the garden, watched a movie, mowed the lawn, played with the stinky dogs... :) It was fantastic.

While I was there, mom and I were talking and somehow the topic reminded her of an article that she saw in the LDSLiving magazine. It is about an African American man who joined the church in 1980. He joined the church 2 weeks after meeting the missionaries and later became the first African American to be accepted to the J. Reuben Clark Law School. His faith and accomplishments are pretty impressive. What impressed me the most though was his perspective.

The article talks about race and the restriction of the priesthood and temple ordinances to African Americans prior to 1978. I know that this has been a topic that is difficult to understand, but Keith Hamilton did some soul searching of his own which is enlightening. Here are a few of my favorite excerpts from the article.

"It was as a newly called bishop that I first learned of many of the rationales and myths put forth by LDS commentators and others regarding the Church’s historical relationship with blacks—namely its pre-1978 ban against black males receiving the priesthood and all blacks receiving the exalting ordinances available in the temple.

One time, two white, middle-aged sisters in the ward came to me with serious concern about the ways they perceived blacks had been treated by the Church. In an attempt to address their concerns, I researched the issues as best I could, which led me to an abundance of information. Some of it defended the Church, while other things I read severely criticized the Church and its leaders.

Over the years I gathered more and more information, and as I digested and pondered what I read, I often felt a spiritual emptiness or outright offensiveness to my spirit. Scripture study, more ponderings, and intense personal prayer led me to conclude that most of the commentary on both sides of the issue centered around a historical perspective or view toward the issues, which focused on how God’s children treated each other, or on what one of His children had said regarding the issue. It occurred to me that this approach might not be the more excellent way, particularly regarding the priesthood ban, since the priesthood is God’s, not man’s. I felt prompted to consider looking at the ban, and the lifting of the ban in 1978, from the perspective of how God has dealt and continues to deal with His children generally, and in particular, how He had apportioned the “right” of the priesthood in dispensations
prior to our current one.

This provided me the foundation of true principles, which have developed into a sure testimony that allows me to distinguish, through the workings of the Holy Ghost, truth from error and fact from folklore. It has also permitted me the ability to recognize the sublime yet tremendous impact the 1978 revelation on priesthood had on the Church and on all God’s children, black or non-black, LDS or otherwise.

In order to qualify to return to our Heavenly Father’s presence after our mortal probation, every person must pass through the trials and tribulations of this life. So, too, it is and was for many nations or groups of peoples. The scriptures are replete with evidences that, at times, the Lord’s people must pass through severe hardship, due to no fault of their own, in order to serve as instruments in demonstration to others of His love, mercy, compassion, power, and divinity. Should it have been, or be, any different for blacks of this dispensation?"

"I do not know when or why the restrictive practices against my people were adopted and carried out by the LDS Church, but I do know that the policy and practices were the Lord’s doing and not the autonomous or unilateral act of any man or men. I know this by faith in God and through personal revelation from the Holy Ghost. According to God’s wise and just purposes, He allowed the restrictions to be placed upon my people for the trial, growth, and benefit of all His children, especially my people and those of His church and kingdom on earth.

Adversity, through its many forms and faces, has dug a deep well of sorrow—and thereby created the potential for greater joy—in the lives of many peoples, not just blacks of this dispensation. Early LDS Church members suffered great hardship in establishing the Church in the Eastern states, as did the pioneers who crossed the plains into the Rocky Mountains. Twentieth-century Jews experienced horrendous atrocities during the Holocaust. Trials and adversity have been the lot for all of God’s peoples in all dispensations, including this dispensation, and my ancestors and I have not been excluded."

"The Gift of Being Black
For many years I had the good fortune to be associated with a play about the life and times of black Mormon pioneer Jane Manning James, entitled I Am Jane, which contains a poignant scene where Jane is speaking with Elijah Abel, a black convert ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Jane asks Elijah to give her a straight answer about what she has heard preached by some Latter-day Saints concerning the curse of Cain and black skin. Elijah replies that he once took the question to God, and then shares with Jane his perception of God’s response. I close this article with my sincere prayer that Elijah’s words will bring each reader the same comfort and counsel they do me:

I feel, Sister Jane, that ours is:
Not a curse but a gift t’us,
The best path we could seek
A place where God can lift us
We kneel; our knees is weak

And when one of us is kneelin’,
We understand his fears.
We know what all us is feelin’
We cry each other’s tears.

That’s just what Jesus done
For all us human folk.
He agreed to come get born
To feel ev’ry pain and poke.

So’s he could understand us,
What it is to be a slave.
So’s he could get beneath us
And push us outa the grave

Would you rather be the massa
Or the Roman with his whip?
Would you rather nail the Savior—
Put vinegar to his lip?
Or learn the lessons of sufferin’—
How we nothin’ without grace.
Jesus, He give us a callin’
He gifted us our race."

Also here is a link to a podcast "Why I believe" featuring Keith Hamilton

I LOVE Quotes

Both are quotes of the day.

This one was on my google homepage.

"Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes."

Mahatma Gandhi


Quote of the Day
"Everybody needs somebody."
Mahalia Jackson

Classic

I took a break from work to take a walk and found a pretty great find.




The best part is that it is named "Stella". Look close, you will see it.

Does this make anyone think of "The Aristocats" ?

Trinity

I really liked this article that was in the Deseret News this morning. You should check it out.

Self Reliance

I haven't read anything by Ralph Waldo Emerson up to this point in my life, but something that was sent out at work inspired me to pick up his essay titled "Self-Reliance". He had quite a few good things to say. He writes in way that it somewhat philosophical so it takes a little more effort to process what he is trying to get across.




Here are a few things that I liked from his essay.

" Ne te quaesiveris extra"
(Do not seek for things outside of yourself"


"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance;that imitation is suicide;that he mus take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe if full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power which reside in him is new in nature, and non but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried. Not for nothing on face, one character, one fact, makes much impression o him, and another non. this sculpture in the memory is not without pre-established harmony. The eye was placed where one ray should fall, that it might testify of that particular ray. We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents. It may be safely trusted as proportionate and of good issues, so it be faithfully imparted, but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards. A man is relieved and gay when he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace. It is a deliverance which does not deliver. In the attempt his genius deserts him; no muse befriends; no invention, no hope.

Trust thyself; every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minor and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark."

"Virtues are, in the popular estimate, rather the exception than the rule. There is the man and his virtues. Men do what is called a good action, as some piece of courage or charity, much as they would pay a fine in expiation of daily non-appearance on parade. Their works are done as an apology or extenuation of their living in the world,- as invalids and the insane pay a high board. Their virtues are penances. I do not wish to expiate, but to live. My life is for itself and not for a spectacle. I much prefer that it should be of a lower strain, so it be genuine and equal, than that it should be glittering and unsteady. I wish it to be sound and sweet, and not to need diet and bleeding. I ask primary evidence that you are a man, and refuse this appeal from the man to his actions. I know that for myself it makes no difference whether I do or forbear those actions which are reckoned excellent. I cannot consent to pay for a privilege where I have intrinsic right. Few and mean as my gifts may be, I actually am, and do not need for my own assurance or the assurance of my fellows any secondary testimony.

What I must do is all the concerns me, not what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the worlds opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."


This is just a sample, but I am looking forward to reading more of his works.

Also the quote of the day is one of his.


Quote of the Day
The only way to have a friend is to be one.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spiritual Vertigo

I honestly cannot get enough of lds.org lately. There are so many good things on there. I have started using the study journal :) And I just found the string of Youth Videos this morning. I don't care that they are geared for the youth, I like them.

Here is one that I just watched.



Within Bounds is also very good.



p.s. I also went to the CES fireside last night where Elder Oaks and his wife spoke. It too was very good. It is posted on lds.org as well.

Beneath the surface

Sometimes I feel like I am a teenager and this post might explain why.

I recently finished a book titled "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld. It is YA Fiction, a fun and quick read, but I felt it had a good underlying message. The book is about a city where everyone is told that when they turn 16 they will have an operation that will make them pretty. Up until that time they are considered ugly because they do not have perfect body shapes, perfect faces, hair, etc.

So, when the kids turn 16 they prepare to have this operation, pick out what they want themselves to look like (out of the options that they have) and then get the operation. Once they get their operation the live in New Pretty Town. All they do is go to parties, drink, and basically only care about superficial things. The book tells a story of a few Uglies who don't want to get the operation and run away. I finished this book in 3 days (by reading on Trax and on breaks at work) so it didn't take long. But I honestly can't wait to read the next book "Pretties".

It is just interesting to me that an author would write this book for teenagers. Hopefully they see the message that he is trying to send. I think it is very representative of the world and how it is so focused on outer beauty and not so much what is in the inside. Which also made me think of this song. This song is totally Jr. High and Disneyish, but it has a good message.

Names

I am taking an Institute class and last night our teacher talked about the meaning of names. Part of my homework was to find out what my name means.

I like mine :)

Snow Patrol

A new song by Snow Patrol :) It's a good one





"Called Out In The Dark"

It's like we just can't help ourselves
'Cause we don't know how to back down
We were called out to the streets
We were called in to the towns

And how the heavens, they opened up
Like arms of dazzling gold
With our rain washed histories
Well they do not need to be told

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

I was called out in the dark
By a choir of beautiful cheats
And as the kids took back the parks
You and I were left with the streets

Show me now, show me the arms aloft
Every eye trained on a different star
This magic
This drunken semaphore
And I

We are listening
And we're not blind
This is your life
This is your time

House of Learning

I checked this book out from the library a couple weeks ago and started to read it last night before I went to sleep.



I had glanced through it's pages and automatically assumed it was a fluffy, feel good type of book. I decided to give it a second try and actually read it. I found that it was simple but gave me some good ideas of how I can get more out of going to the temple. I typically go because I feel peace there and I know that I am doing service for others. But, I have never been one of those people that feels like they get a lot of answers.

First of all, I don't always go to the temple with a question in mind. Secondly, I focus more on how I feel than I do about paying attention, learning, and applying gospel principles while I am there. This book talked about how if you pay attention at the temple and look for the gospel principles that are taught that it does become a house of learning. Reading this gave me the desire to make my temple attendance more meaningful. I think I will probably start getting more out of it :)

This is a really quick read as well. I started it last night and finished this morning.

Gems

Scripture that I read during fast and testimony meeting on Sunday

Doctrine & Covenants Section 136

31 My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.

32 Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;

33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.

Quote from the Sunday church program

" The Lord doesn't expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn't (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can - that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Fasting

I haven't blogged in a while because I was starting to feel like it was pointless and I was just throwing random thoughts out in to an oblivion. But, I feel a desire to take a different approach in my posts so I will continue to give it a shot.

Today was fast Sunday and I really wanted to make this fast meaningful, so I looked up fasting on www.lds.org and read a few articles. At times, I am not good at fasting mainly because I don't plan ahead. But, the principle if practiced promises to bring blessings, give you answers, and increase your spiritual strength. These are things that I feel are worth investing in. :)

So while reading an article titled Fasting with Power I found a few things that stood out to me.

1. To fast with a purpose

I have always tried to do this because if I don't it is just as if I am starving, which is pointless. Also, there a lot of good things to fast for and lives you can bless through fasting.

2. Fast for 24 hours or 2 meals.

I have fasted both ways and I believe it is personal preference. I did find something interesting in the above article, which led me to choose to fast for the full 24 hours. I found the end result of having an increased sensitivity to the Holy Ghost enticing.


"Fasting requires discipline. Fasting helps us accomplish one of the vital purposes of life: developing self-mastery.

King Benjamin referred to this self-mastery as overcoming the natural man. He taught that the natural man is an enemy to God, always has been, and ever will be. If we don’t overcome the natural man in this life and become “a saint through the atonement of Christ” (Mosiah 3:19), we will never live with our Father in Heaven again. Our physical bodies are created in such a way that we can have a spiritual victory over the natural man each time we properly fast.

“When a person starts a fast, biochemical adjustments begin in the bloodstream to compensate for the lack of food. A carbohydrate substance known as glycogen is released from storage areas in the liver and the muscles. The body uses glycogen as food to keep cells supplied with energy. After 24 hours this food source is used up, and another source of energy is needed.

“Dr. Siegfried Heyden of Duke University’s Department of Community and Family Medicine says when this happens, the body starts looking for other energy sources. ‘The first thing happening after a 24-hour fast is the breakdown of fat cells. And these fat cells, when they break down, produce ketone bodies, as they are called. And these ketone bodies seem to have an effect on our psyche in that they make us no longer hungry.’”1

After 24 hours without food or drink, the body (the natural man) submits to the spirit (the spiritual man). When the spiritual man is victorious, we experience greater sensitivity to the influence of the Holy Ghost."

3. To keep a Fasting Journal

This is another idea that I came across as I was reading about the topic of fasting last night. I decided to write down my specific purpose for fasting and to take notes throughout the day, when I gained insight or felt the spirit.

This was my first round at approaching fasting more seriously and it was a good experience. I didn't feel any lightening bolts or receive any visions, but I felt the spirit rejuvenate my soul and give me increased strength and hope. Also, I did notice that by the 24th hour my hunger was not as noticeable. This may be due to the fact that I was talking to my mom on the phone and so I was distracted. But, when I prayed to end my fast, I felt that I wanted to talk to Heavenly Father more and I felt more connected to him.

This experience leads me to want to do this again the next time that I fast. I thought since it was a meaningful experience for me that I would share :)

Mat Kearney

He has a new CD :)
I am a fan!

I heard this song on the radio a while ago but finally figured out what is is called.




DOWN

It took his breath away holding the bank page
He got the letter they’re gonna take their house away
I’m bout to have a daughter he yells it in the air
Feeling the weight of a world that just don’t care
He lit a cigarette felt in on his lip
Driving home on a long road with regret
He pulls the window down shouts it out loud
Pushing the pedal and praying lord help us now
He’s looking for a reason watching the sun coming down
Can you hear when we call
There where we fall
Standing our backs against the wall
Top of our lungs hallelujah
Where pain and love bleed into one
Baby when all you see is darkness
We all need forgiveness
Coming round now



It was Monday night under the street lights
She’s turning seventeen in seven nights
Out on the fairgrounds walking in monotone
She kicks a bottle as empty as her soul
On the road alone in a house that’s half home
They give her pills just to kill when she feels alone
She’s looking for a reason watching the sun coming down
Take these broken streets
Take these broken dreams
Hold my hand like we we’re walking free
Tell me it will change I see it in your face
The hope the fear the love the faith
I’m working late again slaving to make the rent
I’m slanging coffee with dreams heavy as cement
They’re coming one by one the face of falling love
I write a song with a prayer as I slide the cup
Can you hear when we call
There where we fall
Standing our backs against the wall
Top of our lungs hallelujah
Where pain and love bleed into one
Baby when all you see is darkness
Coming down now
We all need forgiveness
Can you hear when we call
There were we fall
Standing our backs against the wall
At the Top of our lungs how far we’ve come
Were pain and love bleed into one
All that we need its so bitter sweet
The pain that opens our eyes to see
Baby when all you see is darkness
Coming down now
We all need forgiveness
Coming round now

Choosing Happiness

On Saturday night I read a really great talk in this months Ensign. It is an article by Camille Fronk Olson, who is an Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU. I didn't know who she was prior to last Sunday, when she spoke at a YSA fireside in South Jordan. She is a pretty amazing woman and has written a few books, including Women of the Old Testament and Mary, Martha, and Me. (I have added a few of her books to my "to-read" list")

I will just say that the fireside was amazing. I really enjoyed listening to Camille because she was so real and I felt like I could relate to her in a lot of ways. I felt like she said things that every girl/guy needs to hear about making decisions and following the path you feel is what God wants for you regardless of opposition from others.

The article in this months Ensign is called "Be of Good Cheer, Choosing Happiness". The entire article was good but she points out two false assumptions that I know are not true, but I still get in to the mind set at times that they are.

1. We Can Avoid Tribulation:
First is the false assumption that, if we are good enough, we can avoid having bad things happen to us and those we love. If we can just keep all of the commandments, pay an honest tithing, and have daily prayer and scripture study, we can assure ourselves of His protection from heartache, accident, or tragedy. But trials will surely come, including when we are trying to do everything right.

If we believe that God will shield us from tribulation because of our obedience and then adversity strikes, we may be tempted to accuse God of not hearing our prayers or, worse, of not honoring His promises. Obedience to God is not insurance against pain and sadness. Challenges have always been included in God’s great plan to test our faith and to help us grow in humility and compassion.

2. We can trust in our own Efforts:

A second false assumption might come from misunderstanding 2 Nephi 25:23—“It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” We mistakenly deduce that we must first prove our worth through our obedience and righteousness before the Lord’s sacrifice will cover us or His grace enable us.
We may come to believe that we can and should trust in our own efforts rather than humbly acknowledge God. This is self-righteousness. When we look through the lens of our righteousness and take comfort in our good efforts, the idea of depending wholly on Christ (see 2 Nephi 31:19; Moroni 6:4) seems a bit risky.


I wanted to share some of my thoughts from this article, but didn't get a chance at church. So I guess this is where it gets to land :)

Also, a quote from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf that is in this article

THE ULTIMATE
FORMULA FOR
HAPPINESS
“The gospel of Jesus Christ
has the answers to all of
our problems. The gospel
is not a secret. It is not
complicated or hidden. . . .
It is not someone’s theory
or proposition. It does not
come from man at all. It
springs from the pure and
everlasting waters of the
Creator of the universe,
who knows truths we
cannot even begin to comprehend.
And with that
knowledge, He has given
us the gospel—a divine
gift, the ultimate formula
for happiness and success.”

Good One

As I was getting off of the bus this morning, I told the bus driver Thank You. His response was "Have a good day and make lot's of money" :) Ha ha, for some reason this really made me laugh.

Sometimes, money is overrated...How much do you make, Mr. Bus Driver?

Visiting Georgia

I decided on one of the first days in Georgia that I would actually take some pictures. Luckily :) the kids were totally up for being silly. Poor Andrew ended up getting dog piled. But seriously, could you resist hanging out with these kids?



I love the face Savannah is making. ha haha




Sadly these are the only pictures that I have on my camera. This is because I helped Savannah and Ryanne shuck corn outside that same night and ended up leaving my camera out on the play oven or something. I couldn't find my camera before we left to go to Savannah and Hilton Head. When we got back from our trip Mary Ann found it outside...and it had rained. So, the camera wasn't really feeling up to taking any more pictures. All is well though now. It dried out and still works :)

Moments that Matter Most

Oh my :) This is such a good video. I felt very uplifted after watching it and listening to it. How is it that the simplest things are often the most profound?

Choose your Career

Wow, how eye opening life can be sometimes. I am currently working on a project that involves web design, and while looking at the web page I came across some resources about careers.

Can I just say, wow! I wish that I had read this article in High School :) You can't change the past but really I wish I would have actually contemplated the possibility of having a career when I was younger...
As someone said recently "Ignorance is not bliss"

Anyway, I will include a link to the article. The article I am referring to is on page 4.

One thing I can say for sure, is that my kids will have a chance to discover what they love and I will encourage them to follow their dreams. As for now, I am going to try to pinpoint where I really want to be. I have a good job but in a way my whole career thus far has "come" to me. It has just worked out.

Right now all I want to do is go tell every teenage girl "Discover what it is that you love and go for it! If you find love and get married on the way, then Hooray! If not, then at least you will be leading the life you have dreamed of."

Time for Change

I think that it is time to make some changes to my blog. I don't really know what I am doing at this point, but part of the reason I am even posting this is because I am tired of my last posts video covering the current books I am reading...I don't want to leave Georgia!!

The Afters

Spiritual Food

Do you ever feel hungry for spiritual things? I do

My cousin posted this video on Facebook a few months ago. I cannot tell you how much this little clip from F. Enzio Busche helps me. He says some pretty simple but profound things.





Also, if you want to read a really good and inspiring book. There is a book called "Yearning for the Living God". It is a biography about F. Enzio Busche.

Kohlrabi

Another thing that Health Utah sent me, is a list of plants that you can still plant this month. Here is the list...

It’s not too late to plant basil, beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, kale, kohlrabi,melons, peppers, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, and turnips.

There are a few of those items that I would like to plant. The one I want to plant the most is kale so that I can make kale chips. (Also, I think kale would be hard to kill)

But, I was curious about what kohlrabi is. I read on the link in this post that it is often used in Indian Cuisine :) yummy
Here is a picture of it...



And here is a link to some recipes :) I am looking forward to having time to cook and to try some new recipes soon.

btw if you click on the recipe link you will see where I got the pictures for this post...

ha ha

Food Challenge Week 1

Success! I did not eat meat yesterday :) So, that means I have accomplished my goal of "Meatless Monday" for one week. Only 3 more to go this month.
I didn't eat as healthy as I would have liked yesterday. But, as the quote says "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". I probably should go to the grocery store soon...

Anyway, here are a few more fun things that Healthy Utah sent to me today.

Want a Reusable Bag for Your Local Produce?
Healthy Utah will give away reusable bags to the first 50 people to visit us at the Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market on June 18th from 8:00 - 10:00 AM next to Borski's Farmers booth (street side, 300 South, across from Uffen's market place) at the downtown SLC farmers market. Or, if you attend your own local farmers market, CSA, or Co-Op, take a picture of yourself there and email it to us ( healthyutah@utah.gov ) and we'll mail you a reusable bag!

What's in season in Utah in June?
Basil, Blueberries, Chives, Cherries, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, Lettuce, Mint, New Potatoes, Parsley, Peas, Radishes, Scallions/green onions, Spinach, Snap peas/snow peas/pea pods, Strawberries.


Yum, maybe I need to go to the Farmer's Market :)



Also, here is something that would be fun to do :)

Plant perennial herbs near the house so you’ll be sure to use them. Mediterranean herbs,
including rosemary, oregano and thyme don’t need good soil or much water and do
well in planters.



:) This way I could make yummy breads or pizza dough with rosemary as well as test my skills in keeping plants alive :/ I love rosemary!

Not Disappointed

Man, how do they manage? I had no idea what this song would sound like, but :) I like it!

Check it out :)

New Coldplay Single

I honestly have not listened to Coldplay much lately, but tomorrow they are releasing a new single. It will be available at 12 pm. :) I hope it will be good. I usually am not disappointed.



Sneak preview of the lyrics :)


I TURN THE MUSIC UP, I GOT MY RECORDS ON
I SHUT THE WORLD OUTSIDE UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME ON
MAYBE THE STREETS ALIGHT, MAYBE THE TREES ARE GONE
I FEEL MY HEART START BEATING TO MY FAVOURITE SONG

AND ALL THE KIDS THEY DANCE, ALL THE KIDS ALL NIGHT
UNTIL MONDAY MORNING FEELS ANOTHER LIFE
I TURN THE MUSIC UP
I'M ON A ROLL THIS TIME
AND HEAVEN IS IN SIGHT

I TURN THE MUSIC UP, I GOT MY RECORDS ON
FROM UNDERNEATH THE RUBBLE SING A REBEL SONG
DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER GENERATION DROP
I'D RATHER BE A COMMA THAN A FULL STOP

MAYBE I'M IN THE BLACK, MAYBE I'M ON MY KNEES
MAYBE I'M IN THE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO TRAPEZES
BUT MY HEART IS BEATING AND MY PULSES START
CATHEDRALS IN MY HEART

AND WE SAW OH THIS LIGHT I SWEAR YOU, EMERGE BLINKING INTO
TO TELL ME IT'S ALRIGHT
AS WE SOAR WALLS, EVERY SIREN IS A SYMPHONY
AND EVERY TEAR'S A WATERFALL
IS A WATERFALL
OH
IS A WATERFALL
OH OH OH
IS A IS A WATERFALL
EVERY TEAR
IS A WATERFALL
OH OH OH

SO YOU CAN HURT, HURT ME BAD
BUT STILL I'LL RAISE THE FLAG

OH
IT WAS A WA WA WA WA WA-ATERFALL
A WA WA WA WA WA-ATERFALL

EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEARDROP IS A WATERFALL

EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEARDROP IS A WATERFALL

Meatless Monday

Every month at work, I get emails inviting me to sign up for a "Health Challenge". Most of the time I don't do it, because I feel to busy. But, this month's challenge sounds pretty easy and fun.

The health challenge for June is to focus on healthy eating. I received an email with lot's of web sites for locally grown produce. As part of this challenge I get to set my own goals. An example of a goal that they gave us, is to go the local Farmer's Market :) FUN!

The part that I am for sure going to try to do and you can as well, is Meatless Mondays. The goal is to go at least two Monday's in the month of June without eating any meat. I didn't know this prior to yesterday, but there is a global movement called Meatless Mondays. (which as a side note, it seems that there is a global movement for just about everything! how can I keep up? sigh...)
Anyway, I checked out the site yesterday and it was interesting. Meatless Monday is a global movement to help in the fight against obesity. I looked at some of the numbers, which were frightening but not really surprising. A link to NPR on the site states, based on current rates by the year 2030, 50% of Americans will be obese.




Does anyone else feel like the movie WALL-E could become reality?? Yikes

Also, just as an FYI...There was another E. Coli outbreak, this time in Europe. Here is a link to the news on the outbreak in Germany. This news made me curious about E. Coli and why in the world it is so out of control. Here is another link, it might gross you out.



But, if you have seen the documentary Food Inc., you may already know of the awful condition of slaughter houses and so you may not be as grossed out.

I am committing to do Meatless Monday for the entire month of June :) Join me if you want...Mare, prepare for Meatless Monday when I am there. Andrew will be a big fan, I am sure ;)

O' Magazine

I don't recall a time when I have looked at O'Magazine, but today I went with my co-worker to the police station across the street to pay a parking ticket. While I was waiting for her, I saw O'Magazine on a table. I picked it up and started to glance through the pages. I think part of the reason why I picked it up is because I know Oprah's show will be ending next week. I haven't watched her show much but I know that a lot of people like her show and that she has done a lot of good. I don't get a lot of time to watch t.v., so I sometimes only hear about shows from others.

But, as I glanced through the pages of this magazine, I found an article that caught me eye. It is called "Women and the Negativity Receptor"

Here is the caption at the top of the article, which also caught my interest.

"Why is it that women pick up on the slightest slur and never hear the good stuff? Criticisms are stored forever; compliments evaporate instantly."




Here is a paragraph from the article.

"Why it that some people, the Donald Trumps of the world, seem to believe only the best about themselves, while others—perhaps especially women, perhaps especially young women—seize on the most self-critical thoughts they can come up with? "It turns out there's an area of your brain that's assigned the task of negative thinking," says Louann Brizendine, MD, a neuropsychiatrist at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of The Female Brain. "It's judgmental. It says 'I'm too fat' or 'I'm too old.' It's a barometer of every social interaction you have. It goes on red alert when the feedback you're getting from other people isn't going well." This worrywart part of the brain is the anterior cingulate cortex. In women, it's actually larger and more influential, as is the brain circuitry for observing emotions in others. "The reason we think females have more emotional sensitivity," says Brizendine, "is that we've been built to be immediately responsive to the needs of a nonverbal infant. That can be both a good thing and a bad thing."



If this interests you, read on :)

I found it inspiring because the article stated that even if you have the tendency to have negative thoughts, that you also have the power to change those thoughts.

I think it is worth reading

Music Monday

There is a reason why I picked this song today :)

1-I actually really like it.
2-I want to see the Justin Beiber movie.
3-I ran a 5k this past Saturday and heard this song while I was there.

THE 5K
It was not timed and was held to raise money for a teacher at my friends school who has Lou Gehrig's disease. He probably won't live much longer, maybe 6 months.
I loved the run because it actually was fun and so many people were there to support this kind man.
The reasons why the 5K was fun for me are:
-It wasn't timed
-It was perfect weather and a beautiful day
-I felt stronger running than I have in a long time (I think this is due to what I have been eating)
-I was able to meet the man who we were running for since he was sitting in his wheelchair at the finish line.

I heard this song on the loud speaker when I was stretching after the race was over. Enjoy :) and Never Say Never!

Pectorals

I know weird title, but...

I slept less that 5 hours last night and you know it's going to be a good day when your eyes sting when you open them.

This leads to the point of my post, I promise.

On the bus this morning, I didn't even pretend like I was going to stay awake. I got on, sat down, and immediately rested my head against the window. I think I noticed someone sit next to me as I came in and out of sleep. But, for some reason I thought it was a woman.

As I woke up I looked over at the person next to me. It was a guy, wearing sunglasses and out of the corner of my eye I could see his pectorals moving. I was not completely coherent and somewhat dazed but inside I think I was laughing. I am not sure if this was a muscle twitch or if he was flexing. All I know is that it was pretty entertaining and a somewhat memorable thing to see when you first wake up.

Bill Cosby and Barry White

This morning was good. You will understand more as you read.

First of all, I was running late to the bus stop. I thought I was fine, but I soon realized as I approached the park and ride that the bus was already there. So, I figured that the bus would probably just leave me. Amazingly the bus driver saw me pull in and he waited for me! Really? A tiny thing but totally made my day.

It gets better. As we are driving along our route, I noticed that each time we came to a stop to pick people up, the bus driver said "Good Morning!" Some people responded...some did not. But, the point I am trying to make is that this bus driver is so nice.

Then, the best part...we stop at one of the last stops before the freeway and I looked out the window to see who was getting on the bus. First of all, it was the cutest, cutest old man. He was either completely blind or partially because he had a walking cane. He was also wearing a cute hat that was plaid, the fisherman hat style. It took him a minute to get on the bus. Once he got one he asked the bus driver if there was a seat for him. So, the guy in the very front seat just got up and moved so he could sit there. He ended up right in front of me. This gave me the opportunity to hear his conversation that he continued with the bus driver. He was asking about the bus route schedule,etc. so that he could make it to another route. After this he was silent for a little while but then he randomly asked "Did you ever hear Bill Cosby's Noah?" "Man that was so good". This was great, but it gets better. He then went on to say "Have you every heard a singer as good as Barry White?" "There is no one as good as him. He made songs that were so sexy and mellow. Not like rap music..." And then he started to sing a portion of one of his songs.
And to top it off he finally asked "Have you ever thought why is it that black people are such good singers? I mean there is Diana Ross, Sam Cooke..." He listed a few that I cannot remember, but really I was loving the bus trip this morning.


Can't wait for tonight :)