Sunday, November 30, 2008

SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE

I received one of those forward emails from a friend, that supposedly contains the insight from the Dalai Lama for the year 2008. I don't necessarily believe that part, but I liked the simple meaningfulness of it, so I wanted to share them:

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve risk
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson
3. Follow the 3 R's: Respect for Self, Respect for Others, Responsibility for your actions
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of marvelous luck
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly (seriously - the Dalai Lama did NOT say this)
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship
7. When you realize you've made a mistake take immediate steps to correct it
8. Spend some time alone every day
9. Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer
11. Live a good honorable life. Then when you get older you'll be able to look back and enjoy it a second time
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is a foundation for your life
13. In disagreements with loved ones live in the current situation - Don't bring up the past
14. Share your knowledge - it is a way to achieve immortality
15. Be gentle with the earth
16. Once a year go some place you've never been
17. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other exceeds your need for each other
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon
20. Get a dog (just kidding!!! that was Megann's advice)

So the email says if I send this to more than 15 people that my life will change drastically and everything I've ever dreamed of will begin to take shape. I sure hope 15 people read this! I could really stand my dreams beginning to take shape!!!!!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

TOUCHE

The other day at work I was notified by staff that one of our male residents was being inappropriate with a female resident, and that I needed to speak with him about it. He is one of our Alzheimer residents and couldn't even remember what he had done, so I tried to handle it simply. I explained what a staff member had seen, and talked to him about respect, boundaries, yadda, yadda. He stated that he understood, and repeated what I said. I figured the minute he wheeled himself out of the office he'd forget what we'd talked about, and would go back to thinking that I was the front desk clerk at "the hotel he's living in." (he's too cute) Later on that day I was at the nursing station and one of my co-workers leaned across the desk to grab something. I gave her a "good game" smack on the butt and right then Mister 'X' came wheeling by, looked at me, and said matter of factly "that is her body and you aren't supposed to touch it." Touche, Mister 'X.' Bless your heart!!!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

UM, SORRY DOG

Tonight when I was at the dog park with Jack I witnessed just how resourceful that dog can be when he REALLY wants something. I watched him race full force at this random little black dog, who was laying on the ground, minding his own business. All of a sudden Jack takes a flying leap, lands on his back, and uses him as a springboard to jump on another unsuspecting dog - so as to hump him! So awkward!!! I had to withstand the stares of the other dog owners as I attempted to 'break it up' but Jack was pretty fixated and required being picked up and moved to another part of the park. This would not have happened if I had invested in a goldfish!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

100 THINGS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW

I have loved learning about other people and I keep meaning to do this but it seems like I never have time to come up with the 100 things. Here is a little bit of me, shared with you:

1. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada
2. I used to be scared of the storage room in our basement
3. I served a mission in Vina Del Mar, Chile
4. I am the 2nd of 4 children
5. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life I would eat salad
6. I don't like olives and avocados
7. My favorite color is purple
8. I drive a Honda CRV
9. I went to college at Ricks in Rexburg, Idaho and graduated from BYU in Provo, Utah
10. I am terrified of snakes
11. I have a yorkie named Jack
12. I have a guitar but don't play it very well
13. Christmas is my favorite holiday
14. I lived in Lima, Peru and Feng Yuan, Taiwan
15. I think people who only take pictures of themselves, alone, are obnoxious (I understand the ocassional single picture with a scenic background)
16. My favorite kind of pizza is Hawaiian
17. If I could travel anywhere in the world I would go to Italy
18. My dad's name is Michael and my mom's name is Charlotte
19. I don't sleep through the night - I wake up 2 or 3 times every night
20. I don't like bargain shopping - I like to get in and out
21. My calling right now is Young Women's President in a singles ward (ironically)
22. I enjoy watching musicals
23. One of my greatest dreams is to be able to run for long periods of time without getting tired
24. I play the piano
25. I graduated with a degree in Social Work
26. I lived with my grandmother in Idaho for a year
27. I like to ski but get scared when I start going too fast and feel like I am not in control
28. I LOVE to travel
29. I sometimes get scared that i will never get married
30. I enjoy reading but don't take a lot of time to do it
32. I have been skydiving
33. My favorite kind of cake is german chocolate with coconut frosting
34. I was in the hospital with pneumonia when I was in junior high
35. I drive too fast and sometimes experience road rage - it's something I'm working on
36. I have never fainted
37. I walk really, really fast
38. I view my friends like family - even when I get upset I still care about them
39. My favorite place to shop for clothes is Kohls and Macy's
40. I am not good with computers, electrical gadgets, etc.
41. My favorite shows are "Lost," "House," and "The Office"
42. I love riding my bike but struggle with hills
43. I almost always wait until I have no clean underwear to do my laundry
44. I don't cook a lot but have a secret desire to learn to make everything from scratch
45. I am the Director of Social Services at a skilled nursing facility
46. I don't want to be the Director of Social Services anymore
47. I organize my closet by color
48. I get sick on amusement park rides
49. I would love to be a nanny in a foreign country
50. One of my favorite breakfast foods is leftover spaghetti
51. I have blonde hair and blue eyes
52. I don't like to floss but I brush my teeth regularly
53. When I am really upset I like to drive and listen to loud music
54. I love it when snow becomes hard and you can walk on top of it without breaking through
55. I would rather spend time in the mountains than at the ocean
56. I am a morning person
57. I have never broken a bone
58. I can't handle scary movies or television shows
59. I like to sing but get too nervous to sing in public anymore
60. I miss having long hair and wish it would grow back quickly
61. I have been to Disneyworld but not Disneyland
62. I have two nieces and a nephew
63. I have never really been in love, even though I thought I was once
64. I don't have a middle name
65. I've lived in Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Chile, Peru, and Taiwan
66. I would rather be hot than cold - I can't stand feeling cold
67. I am an emotional person, and hate how easy it is for me to cry
68. One of my favorite things to do is sit around with friends and talk or play games
69. I would rather fly than drive
70. I have to talk about things when I'm upset - I can't keep it inside
71. When I eat out I almost always order a kids meal or order from the kids menu
72. I want to be a foster parent one day
73. In college I used to start research papers the day before they were due
74. I can't shower at night or I feel dirty in the morning
75. I have never been a big fan of the 4th of July or Thanksgiving
76. I love looking at art and especially paintings
77. I didn't pierce my ears until I was in college
78. After a couple of chapters in a book I will go and read the last chapter to see how it ends
79. I like knowing what I am getting as a gifts before I get it
80. I love doing things anonymously - it makes me happier than when someone knows I've done something for them
81. I have three grandparents that are still alive and one grandfather who has passed away
82. I spent a month traveling to South America after I graduated from college
83. It is easier for me to forgive others than to forgive myself
84. I LOVE to laugh and enjoy being around happy people
85. I look about 5 years younger than I am, but wish that I looked my age
86. I would rather have sherbet than ice-cream
87. I love watching movies and eating junk food
88. I am a touchy person and love physical contact
89. I enjoy taking baths and listening to music
90. I used to play "church" with my dolls and would take them out when they were disruptive
91. I sing out loud in the car when I'm driving
92. One of my greatest fears is to lose a parent
93. I used to want to be an English teacher
94. My favorite part of the apple is the peel
95. The most intimidating situation for me to be in is to walk into a room with a group of people I don't know
96. I prefer eating leftovers to something new
97. I once traded in a car when it started making a funny noise
98. If I throw up I immediately start crying
99. I am honest to a fault - sometimes people don't want to hear the truth
100. If I could switch lives with anyone I've met, I would want to remain myself - but a better version of myself - that's what I'm working towards :)

Monday, November 17, 2008

HAPPY MONDAY


This is the kind of response I wanted to give during a phone conference this afternoon. Instead I spoke politely and acted professional. One of these days.......

Saturday, November 15, 2008

NOT SO MUCH

I realize with the holidays upon us, and especially Thanksgiving, that I should focus on that which I'm grateful for. I've been doing that, but wanted to take a moment to express something that I need to get off of my chest. I HATE THE WIND!!!!! These last two days have been horrible. I know that it blows away storms and cleans the air, but seriously! My allergies are acting up, it makes it feel about 10 degrees colder than it really is, my hair keeps getting thrown all over my face, and I don't even have a windchime to make it a pleasant experience. Enough is enough, folks!

On a lighter note, I just wanted to say that I AM grateful for friends. Last night I spent the evening with a large group of fabulous people and it reminded me that honest to goodness friends know your heart and are an advocate for your happiness, no matter what. I am thankful that I have had so many of them in my life.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

MORE THANKS.....

Here are some things that I'm grateful for today:

#1: String Cheese - I have sort of gotten into the habit of running to places. Running to work, running to a meeting, running to church...you get the general idea. Lately the least of my concerns has been figuring out what to eat, so I just want to say how grateful I am for string cheese. It's small, it comes individually wrapped, I can pull it apart with my fingers, and it gives me calcium.
#2: Brittney, our receptionist - I can't go by today without being thankful for sweet Brittney. She's the one who knows when I'm stressed and opts to tell everyone that I'm in a meeting, and would they like my voicemail, rather than bothering me with hundreds of companies who want me to use their business. She is my lifesaver, especially with how work has been lately.
#3: My warm, comfy, terry cloth robe - Who knew that this little baby would come in so handy! As the weather drops at night, and as Jack feels the need to wake me up at 2:00 in the morning (seriously - I took him on a walk before bed - why didn't he do it then), I have found that rather than stumble around, looking for clothes, I can just wrap this little ditty around me and I am good to go. Fortunately I live in the ghetto so even if my neighbors were to see me, I sort of wouldn't care. It's just so warm!

#4: Robert Abney - Need I say more?! SO GRATEFUL for him!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE



Being that it's the week before Thanksgiving, I've decided to put my focus on those things that I'm grateful for, especially at this time in my life. These are the things I though of today:

#1: The temple - I love that Las Vegas has a temple that is so close to me! These last few times that I've gone have been absolutely fantastic and I have left there feeling like I was able to completely escape from life's issues and focus on those eternal things that are most important. Not only that but I just want to point out that the bathrooms smell like cherry twizzlers (true story). It's fantastic!

#2: Jack the Dog - I know it drives people crazy that I talk so much about a dog (mom and dad - nudge, nudge) but I was lucky enough to find one of the coolest small dogs ever created. I've had Jack for about 4 months now and while I don't necessarily care for the occassional 3:00 am bathroom runs, he has made me happy on so many levels. He's spunky and playful, and has this way of making you love him even when he's being a pill! I am truly grateful for my little four legged friend and his unconditional love!


#3: The scriptures - Some time ago I was sorting through a difficult situation and was getting to the point where I wasn't really sure how to handle it or who to talk to about it to help put things into perspective. I decided the best thing to do was to put it out of my mind and focus on something else for a while. After unsuccessfully watching television, doing the dishes, cleaning my room, and going grocery shopping, I realized I was still thinking about it, but then I was tired on top of it! I decided to do some reading before bed and of course, it was one of those "the first scripture you see" experiences where the answer was right there. I didn't have to read to find it - I just opened the scriptures and there it was. I've turned back to that scripture several times in the last weeks and still feel the peace that comes from knowing that's what the Lord wants me to know to help me. I love that I know that he is aware of me, but more so than that, that he takes the opportunity to show me as well!

#4: My cell phone - I seriously don't remember how life was before we had cell phones! I vaguely recall coming home during college and seeing if there were messages on our little board, or checking the answering machine. I'm not proud to admit it, but I've turned into one of those people that has to turn around and run home quickly to grab my cell phone if I realized I had forgotten it on my way to work. I know - ridiculous! Still, I'm grateful for how convenient it makes my life. I love that I can chat with friends and family whenever, or wherever. I love that I can send a quick message when I don't have time to talk. I especially love that I feel connected to others even when they're far away. I'm all about modern technology! Let's hear it for the cell phones!


Saturday, November 8, 2008

IT'S ALMOST BACK!!!!

For those of you who are fans of "Lost" I have two words : January 21st. It's going to be phenomenal!!!!

Friday, November 7, 2008

IT'S BETTER TO BE IGNORANT

I have to vent!!! As some of you know, every year I look forward anxiously to the day when Jack in the Box puts out that glorious sign that says "Egg nog shakes now available for a limited time only." It really does make me that happy. Last year after a brief 2 1/2 week stint of the shakes, I was informed by our neighborhood eatery that their milkshake machine was broken and that they were unavailable. It was rough but I dealt with it. By the time it was fixed there were only 2 weeks left and the shakes were a thing of the past. Needless to say, I've been getting pretty excited about this year. Last week as I was driving by, there it was! The sign I had been waiting for. However, this morning as I was casually browsing the internet, I came upon a list of the highest 20 calorie count foods in fast food restaurants. I'm slowly trying to move away from being a fast food eater (budget, health, blah, blah) so I glanced at the list, wondering why anyone would want to eat that in the first place. But then there it was. As big as day. My egg nog shake! It was disheartening. Of all the thousands of fast food items in this world, why, WHY would that be a part of it?! I'm not strong enough to give up the shake, but the logical part of me realizes that I probably can't substitute it for breakfast like I did this morning...and Wednesday night....and on Monday.....sigh....... Why couldn't I have felt this way about vegetables?!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE...

After months of listening to arguments back and forth on people's feeling on Proposition 8, I was happy to find that sometimes the best answer is the one that comes from the Lord. The following are excerpts from a talk Neal A. Maxwell gave at BYU in October of 1978, and was printed in the February 1979 Ensign. It was entitled, "A More Determined Discipleship."

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'

"This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

"Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened.... Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened aslumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."--- Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Unfortunately this is more than just some people wanting to make their opinions known, or loudly standing behind what they think, not caring if others judge them. Anyone can forcefully argue their feelings and thoughts. Sometimes it's about following those who are the mouthpiece for the Lord, and receive instruction from him. It's not just a matter of ones feelings on the matter. It's a matter of faith in his servants.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

BACK FOR MORE

The Bull Riding World Finals are in Vegas this week, and trust me when I tell you that it is good, good times!! There is nothing like the heart pounding feeling of wanting that ruggedly attractive cowboy to reach his eight seconds and then make it out of there without being the victim to the angry bull he's riding. It's phenomenal! So I found myself looking forward to the end of the ride, you know, the part where the cowboy is thrown off and the bull looks around, angry at the world for what he's just had to endure in front of thousands. I found out that there are 3 kinds of bulls. The ones that indifferently run back to their pens, the ones that run around kicking up dirt before heading back to their safe haven, and then the final ones that I like the best. The bulls that run around angry, head towards the pens, and then turn around and let the world know they're not done yet. Those are the ones that take a moment to realize what has happened, and want to put in their 2 cents before calling it good. There's that moment of confusion where the clowns realized that the action hasn't passed, and then you see a wall of bodies jump up onto the gates to avoid the aftermath. It's fantastic. I say good for you, little bull! I saw what they just put you through and if you want to raise a fuss - you raise a fuss!


I'd like to think that I'm like the first bull - the one that doesn't want to deal with it and goes on their way, or even the second one who kicks at the dirt and then realizes it's over. In my heart of hearts I truly want to be them. Still, I'm afraid to admit that I think I have little bit of the third bull in me. I think I go back to the gate, realize that I'm not done, and go back to let it all out! It might not be the greatest approachi, but in the long run I feel that the 3rd bull has the greatest advantage of getting all of those pent up frustrations out. Besides, it doesn't last forever. Just like the other bulls, when all is said and done, he still goes back to his pen! However, he goes back knowing that he has said his peace. Here's to the bull........

HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES

So every year the same thing happens. The 30th of October rolls around and despite my fight up until the bitter end, I feel the need to somehow find a costume in an attempt to win a prize in our work's stupid costume contest. Every year! Last year I thought I had done pretty well until Human Resource showed up with her sexy Dorothy and Toto costume, and rehab brought a chained up Cannible Lexter. I didn't stand a chance. This year my heart just wasn't in it so I opted for a pair of ears and a tail. I figure if I didn't try that hard I wouldn't be crushed when the prizes went to someone else. Still, I gave it my best and I'm happy to report that the Halloween gods smiled down upon me. When only a handful of people came in their festivus attire, it made for an easy win. Thank you, gift card! I also learned a valuable lesson .... when opting for a costume with a tail, be cautions when attempting to use the bathroom. Needless to say, this is not a costume that will be stored away for future uses! Happy Halloween!!!