REASONAL, SEASONAL, ETERNAL

I have this fabulous friend named Shane Shimada. He's Asian. And he likes country music. Those are some of the reasons we love him so much. But most importantly, Shane is sensitive enough to know what people need to hear, when they need to hear it. A year ago, when I was in need of some pretty significant support, Shane explained to me that there are 3 kinds of friends:The first kind of friends are the ones that are reasonal. You met them because of a work assignment, a church calling, a task. There is a 'reason' that you know them. Then you have the kind of friends that are seasonal. You were friends while you were on a mission, you knew them in college, you worked with them for several years and occassionally send each other Christmas cards. It always makes you happy to hear from them, and to catch up with their lives.

And then there's the last kind - the best kind. The greatest kind of friends, and the ones that leave an impression on you forever, are the ones that are eternal. They're the ones you have laughed and cried with. That you are allowed to always be yourself around. They're the kind of friends who will drop everything to help you when you're at your lowest, and are there to celebrate with you those times when you are the happiest. Eternal friends are the ones that come along when the Lord knows you need them, and become a part of who you are. When you look back you find yourself having met them at the right time, and in the right circumstances. They're the ones that marriage, distance, time, and life experiences don't take away from you. They help you understand that despite all of the changes that DO happen, that nothing will change your friendship or how much you can love those kind of friends. I have been blessed with those kind of friends in my life, unbelievably blessed, and I am forever thankful for eternal friends.

READY FOR WINTER

This morning it was so cold that Jack didn't want to go outside, so I pulled out the dog sweater. I'm admittedly not a fan of putting clothes on dogs, but when the wind is blowing and it's 42 degrees, I guess some exceptions should be made. On a lighter note, it has been a big hit with the residents here at work. Apparently they ARE fans of dressing up your pets.

AND IT BEGINS

Today during Sunday School I was pulled out to help in the Nursery since one of the leaders was out sick. When I got there I found a table full of two-year-olds eating snacks. Seven girls and one boy. Little Gordon with his ridiculously cute sweater vest is experiencing the reality of modern day ratios in the Mormon church. Eat it up, kid. Pretty soon you'll realize that you don't have to do anything and at least five of those little girls will be showing up at your door with baked goods, fighting for your attention. Your future's looking pretty good, Gordon! Pretty darn good!

ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST

Yesterday when I was driving home I passed a guy riding a bike with one of these mirrors attached to the side. Immediately I was taken back to a scene from "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" where the guy is flying over the grass with a magnifying glass attached to his head. I don't know if it was the mirror that took me back or the fact that the outfit of this particular bike rider looked equally ridiculous as the flying contraption on the movie. Either way, it made me smile, so thank you for that, safe bike rider!

TASKS FOR TODAY

Breathe .... smile ... stop obsessing over things you can't control ... eat something sweet ... remember how good life is ... breathe ... smile again.

THE LUCKIEST

This is my new favorite song. I'm sure it's been played a thousand times over the past couple of years, but today was the first time I heard it, and selfishly, I almost didn't want to post it because I want it to be just MY favorite song. Still, good songs should be shared, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!