GOD Keeps You Going

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to Judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn,to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and returned, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen only one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season. That the essence of who they are, and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life, can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, and the fulfillment of your fall.

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches, and better times are sure to come in time.

Aspire to Inspire….Before You Expire

Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.

And leave the rest to God.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,

Trials keep You Strong,

Sorrows keep You Human

Failures keep You Humble

Success keeps You Growing,

But Only God keeps You Going !

Christmas Stories

Christmas Stories: For the Man Who Hated Christmas
By Nancy W. Gavin

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it – overspending and the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma – the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was on the wrestling team at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes.

As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids – all kids. He so enjoyed coaching little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came.

That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes, and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed a small, white envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done, and that this was his gift from me.

Mike's smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year. And that same bright smile lit up succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition – one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The white envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children – ignoring their new toys – would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the small, white envelope never lost its allure.

The story doesn’t end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree. And the next morning, I found it was magically joined by three more. Unbeknownst to the others, each of our three children had for the first time placed a white envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down that special envelope.

Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit will always be with us.

Merry Christmas

I can't believe this year is coming to an end. Christmas is coming quickly. I am happy to say that I am done with my Christmas shopping. The dance recital is over and it was amazing. My sweet Sabrina danced beautifully, like an angel to Christmas Cannon.

My dancers performed my piece beautifully. I set a piece on them to I Can Not Find My Way from the Forgotten Carols.

I love Christmas and what it stands for and means to me. I love being able to celebrate the birth of Christ, my LORD and My Saviour. I am so grateful for what he did for me and for all of us.

The feeling that Christmas brings is amazing. I love watching the excitement in the childrens eyes. I hope that everyone has a very Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

One Word Answers

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse

2. Where is your significant other? Gone

3. Your hair color? Blonde

4. Your mother? Amazing

5. Your father? Terrific

6. Your favorite thing? hugs

7. Your dream last night? Forgot

8. Your dream/goal? Mother

9. The room you're in? TV

10. Your hobby? Ballet

11. Your fear? loss

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? mother

13. Where were you last night? Studio

14. What you're not? Rich

15. One of your wish-list items? Piano

16. Where you grew up? Divorce

17. The last thing you did? ate

18. What are you wearing? pajamas

19. Your TV? sufficient

20. Your pet? dead

21. Your computer? Old

22. Your mood? Exhausted

23. Missing someone? Grandpa

24. Your car? Corolla

25. Something you're not wearing? Socks

26. Favorite store? Online

27. Your summer? short

28. Love someone? Yes

29. Your favorite color? Yellow

30. When is the last time you laughed? Wednesday

31. Last time you cried? today

Harder then it looks, you should try it.

Long Time and Las Vegas

Have you ever noticed that the closer to the holidays it gets, the crazier life gets? I have been preparing for our Christmas Dance Recital and I am very very happy to say that all of my dances are now complete and I have 3 weeks to clean them. I have to admit that I love the completed dance I hhave set on the Company class. I choreographed a dance to the song "Let Him In" from The Forgotten Carols. It turned out amazingly well and my dancers look amazing dancing it. I am excited for their parents to be able to see it. We are performing a shortened version of the Nutcracker as well, so my level 4 is performing the dance where Clara is given the Nutcracker and level 5 is performing the Arabian with one of my company girls as the princess. I am very pleased with all of my dancers.

My younger brother, Chad, was also here for a visit and we had a blast while he was here. He arrived at 9:26 PM on Friday, November 7. I picked him up from the airport, assuming he would be exhausted and ready to go back to my apartment and crash, but that was not the case. He decided that he wanted to go bowling. So we met his friend, Brandon at the bowling alley and bowled two games. By about one a.m. it was home to bed... Prior to my brother coming we had discussed heading to Vegas for a few days and seeing Mamma Mia. So a few weeks prior we made hotel reservations and bought tickets to the show! Now was the discussion of what time to leave for Vegas on Sunday Morning...Chad wanted to leave at 3 a.m. and I felt that 7 or 8 was sufficient, so we compromised and set a goal to leave at 6:00. First stop in Vegas was In N Out Burger! YUMMY!!! Second stop was the Mandalay Bay to pick up our Mamma Mia Tickets then to check into our hotel. We were staying at Planet Hollywood, and what an amazing view we had from the room. We were on the 38th floor overlooking the fountains at the Bellagio.

Sunday night we were off to Mamma Mia. What an amazing show! It was interesting, as we walked into the theater there were the headshots of the actors on the wall, and I recognized 2 of them from my days at Shakespeare- Carol Johnson and Don Burrows. I loved Mamma Mia! The live production was amazing, and I enjoyed it even more than the movie. Monday was spent shopping...My mom and brother are much bigger shoppers than I am, I did buy 2 pairs of boots, 2 shirts and a pair of pants, but shopping for 8-10 hours, really did me in...Although I discovered that my favorite store, H & M, is in Vegas at the Miracle Mile Mall at Planet Hollywood! Tuesday it was time to head back to Utah. We stopped in St. George at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and then stopped in Cedar City to eat at my favoriet Mexican Restaurant, La Fiesta!



It made me miss living in Cedar City, just the driving thru the town and remembering the fun and crazy times. We also stopped and did the scenic drive thru Kolob Canyon.






I must admit it was nice to return home and be in my own space again. Wednesday was my day to recouperate and then Thursday it was back to work. Wednesday night Chad and I had dinner with our dad and Donna. Saturday night Chad, some of his friends, myself and my dad and Donna all went to a hockey game. I do not understand hockey. I go for the fights and I think that hockey is a sport for individuals who don't have any anger control. So in the first minute and a half there was a great fight... There were actually several fights throughout the game!





Sunday morning Chad left to go home. I was sad to see him go. It was so nice having a sibling here with me.

I want/need to go back and see Mamma Mia again before it closes on January 4, 2009. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, except those under 13 or 14... It is definitely a PG-13.

What have you done?

Okay, I got this one from Melissa... I thought it was a fun list and I thought I'd share with you. It reminds me of one of those lists of things to do before you have birthday, getting to know you or pass on, etc. As of today, here is what I've done. How about you? If you want to participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. Happy discoveries!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I've seen it in person!)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (Then I had to pay bills!)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I've tried but I've either not weight enough or have been ill)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox: I had them twice
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Life and Death

This week has been a bit of an interesting one. Monday the 13th I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of my dear sweet Grandpa Moon. What a man he was. From the first time I met him over 3 years ago, he has had an impact on my life. I am so grateful for him and his sweet spirit. He will be greatly missed in this life and I look forward to seeing him again in the hereafter. The service was beautiful, and it was wonderful to spend the day with my sweet Jerel, Michael and Sabrina. It was very rough day as well. Death is always a hard thing, even when it is expected and you have the knowledge that your loved one is in a better place. In attending the funeral and graveside service, it made me think about what I want at my service. And no I am not really planning on dying anytime soon, but you never know when this life will be over. And honsetly, lately I would love for my time to be cut short on this earth, I would love to be the one meeting my maker. But I know that now is not my time, I still have to much to do and learn. So in thinking about my funeral... I want a lot of music. I want Amazing Grace, I know that my Redeemer Lives, and How Great Though Art sang. I also want Ballerina Girl sang. I want the good times to be remembered. The crazy high school days and the even crazier college days, the wonderful memories with my brothers, my parents, my extended family, my friends, and my sweet Jerel, Michael and Sabrina. Originally I wanted to be cremated, but now I am not so sure. In all of the funerals I have attended, there is just a peace about being able to see the peaceful state in which the deceased loved one seems to be in.

Sunday night before the funeral, I had a complete emotional breakdown. I had no idea that I had so many emotions inside of me. It was nice to have someone to be able to talk to and share what I was feeling with. I hope and pray that this person really listened because the thoughts I shared were from my heart. This person needs to know how much I love them and how much I need them in my life. I know that I have made mistakes, but this life is to learn and grow, to make mistakes, learn from them and move on. I hope and pray that this person will forgive me and will allow me to be apart of their live, even as a friend. I will always love this person.

First Snowfall of 2008

I am amazed that it is now October 12, 2008 and we had our first snowfall; a month earlier than normal. It was very pretty, but I have decided that I am not ready for it. We went from 80 degrees to the mid thirties, all in one week. To me that is absolutely crazy and it makes it really hard for the body to adjust. It is also supposed to be back up to the 70's by the end of the week. Fall here is crazy, but beautiful.




I am very grateful for my heater. I woke up Friday morning, and the apartment was freezing, but the heat had run all night. Once at work I began to think about that fact and realized that perhaps my pilot light was out. Jerel was coming over after work on Friday, so he was my life saver as he re-lite the pilot light. Thanks Jerel, I really appreciate that and you!

Once a dancer, always a dancer....

Emotions...October!

Happy first day of October. Where has this year gone? We are not in quarter 4 of 2008. It is amazing to me. I have to admit it was a very emotional October 1st. I was doing just fine at work, plugging through my tasks for today when I received an email from the CEO of the company. The email made me feel so good. Basically she told me how important I was to the company and what a great job I did. I was told that I always exceed her expectations. The email made me cry. I guess my fellow employees are getting used to me crying at my desk. It has been a common occurance over the last few months. I love working for a company where I feel needed and important. And what an honor for the CEO to take time out of her day to let me know that I am appreciated. I have never worked for a company like that. It definately makes me a loyal employee.

Tonight I was going to go and take a ballet class, but after the emotional day, I needed to feel of some peace, so where better to go than to the temple. I have been contemplating where to move and about school and so I went to feel the peace and to seek out some answers. I love going to the temple. I wish I always had the same feeling of peace going thru life. I guess that desire will get me to the temple more often. I am so grateful that there are so many temples with in 30 minutes of my apartment. My favorite temple is the San Diego, but the Salt Lake is second.

Work...

As most know, I currently work for Mediconnect as a Legal Account Manager. Basically I resolve issues and concerns for Lawyers on medical record requests. I have been feeling extremely discouraged about my job lately, well about life as well, but let's chat about work now. In the last week there have been 3 individuals that have been removed from thier jobs. That made me very nervous. You look at the economy and hear that individuals are getting fired and I began to wonder how secure I was in my job. So today I go into to work to learn that our global president was also leaving the company, by his choice. The nice thing about our President is that his door was always open. So this morning I asked if he had a minute to chat. So into his office I go. His first comment was, I take it you have heard the news that I am leaving. I let him know that I had heard and that I was concerned about the company and my job. If I were to loose my job right now, I would be in a world of trouble financially. He then proceeded to let me know that my job and I was completley safe with the company. The company is actually in a better place than it has been in quite some time. I was also informed that our CEO values me as an employee. This was such a relief to hear. Ironically I also heard this from 2 other employees. One had a meeting with our CEO, and was asked who she had been training with. When she stated that she was training with me, our CEO stated, "that is great. Anna is one of our best employees, she knows what she is doing." Then another new employee was in a meeting with our CEO today and our CEO told all of the new employees that if they had any questions that I was a great asset because I know my job and the company and I do a great job. I felt very honored by these compliments and it made me feel much better about my job. It was good to hear these things because life has been a bit rough lately and has taken some very tough changes and turns... I just keep saying to myself, this too shall pass.

A new week

Well it is the start of a new week. I have noticed that the weeks just seen to blend together. Life has become quite boring... Get up, usually late, go to the office, work for 8 or 9 hours, then some days I go and teach, then home... Same old routine day after day. I guess it is time to change things up a bit. I haven't really decided how I am going to do that yet, so I am open to suggestions. I have been seriously considering going back to school in January, but looking at my finances, I am not sure that will be possible. I already have a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and now I would like to work toward a Bachelor's in Chemistry and Criminal Justice. I am also going to start looking for a new place to live. I am tired of my apartment and all of the noise that comes along with it. Saturday night or shall I say Sunday morning about 1:30 there was a huge domestic dispute going on either just outside my bedroom window or at least in the same building. It was a bit scary. I don't want to be around that, so the apartment search is on again. Plus I want to move closer to work, especially with the winter coming and me still driving my little corolla.

Reality

What a week it has been, a very rough week, again. I am amazed at the number of emotions I can feel during the course of a few days. I have had the opportunity to face some realities this week. It was brought to my attention this week that I tend to dwell on the past... As I have been thinking about that comment I have realized that I do love to reminsce about the past, especially college. Those were some very happy times in my life. Now it is time to look to the future and continue to make happy memories. My goal is to look to the future, whether it be a minute in the future, a day, a week, a month... I look forward to making those memories with my friends and family.

Rain

So here it is Saturday Afternoon. So far today I have gone to my sweet little Sabrina's soccer game, where they won! I have done my grocery shopping, cleaned both of the bathrooms in my apartment, gone to the dollar store and to Bed, Bath and Beyond to look for the microbead pillows. They had them, but they were the "U" shaped pillows and that is not the shape I wanted... I was very glad that I got all of this done before the storm hit this afternoon.

I must admit though, I love the rain. I have enjoyed sitting here on my couch watching it rain and listening to the thunder. I love the smell of rain. During and after the rain, everything just smells so fresh and new. It reminds me of the fresh starts we are each blessed with in this life. I am grateful that it is raining. September has been a very dry month and we need to moisture! I would rather it come now in rain, than later on this winter in the form of snow. If we have a winter this year, like last years... I am going to have to buy a new car. My little corolla doesn't handle well at all in the snow. It is so light weight as well. I am amazed that I didn't wreck it last year in a slide off. So let it rain now!

Gratitude for Tribulations

"Tribulations are frightening. And yet the Lord said: 'Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." 'And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious' (D&C 59:7)."The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord--even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace."When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?"President David O. McKay observed, 'We find in the bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude . . . , which . . . goes beneath the surface of life, whether sad or joyous' (Pathways to Happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay [1957], 318)."
Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, 35 36

Tylenol PM, Retail Therapy, and College Memories

So this is a couple of stories/thoughts all in one.... What a week it has been. The number of emotions I have felt in my body is unimaginably large. I didn't realize that I could feel so many emotions at one time. Along with emotions I have been having anxiety/panic attacks. It is a very strange feeling. Mostly it feels like what I think a heart attack would feel like, then on top of it I have not been sleeping much at all because of the anxiety... That is where the tylenol PM comes in handy. For the first time last night I took 2 tylenol PM's before bed, I finally slept incredibly well. Unfortunately I am now a bit groggy, but it was definately worth it. Maybe the tylenol will help the tendonitis in my knees too! That would be a bonus since I am again teaching 3 days a week and taking a jazz class on Monday nights and a ballet class on Wednesday nights. It feels so good to be taking class again. I have missed dancing. It feels amazingly well to be back in the class room again.

Yesterday, My mom and I went shopping. I needed some retail therapy and it was much more fun to go with someone than go alone. I really wanted a new car when I got up yesterday. Actually I should say I have wanted a new car since about February of 2008, but it has been more of a want lately. I love retail therapy. I didn't buy a new car yesterday, the one I want is a bit expensive right now and I need to wait until my mind is a bit more clear to make that type of a purchase. But when I do buy, I want a Subaru Outback Wagon with a sun roof in a color that doesn't show the dirt. So someday that will be what I buy. On the therapy trip we went to Downeast Outfitters where I bought a darling purple shirt, then it was on to Kohl's because they are always having a sale and their clothes are darling. There I bought 2 sweaters, a grass green one and a mauve one, then I bought a tangerine shirt as well. I love them all, I can dress them up with a skirt or a pair of slacks or dress them down with jeans. I love being able to alter the occasion for the outfit. I also took my mom to the Verizon Store as it was past the time for her to upgrade her phone. I love taking her cell phone shopping. Finally it was time to feed our bodies, so it was off to Applebees. This is where the college memories come in. My good friend from college, Kevin, is a manager at Applebees. He recently moved back to SL for work. Kevin is the type of friend that you can go days, months or even years with out seeing him and then you see each other and it is as though you never spent time apart. My mom hadn't seen Kevin since 1997 or 1998. It was fun to see him again. Our waiter came out and I asked him to please send Kevin out, so our waiter goes back and tells him that Table 10 is angry and so he needs to come out and resolve the problem... I thought that was great. So we talked for a bit and ate, he introduces me to his co-workers as his Ex-Girlfriend, and the co-workers laugh about that a bit. Kevin and I did date in college, but then we each chose a completely different path in life. Kevin had to go and do some work but came back sat down and says... "Anna, I guess I shouldn't introduce you as my Ex-Girlfriend, because we never really officially broke up, we just went our separate ways. I went to NYC and you stayed in Cedar City to finish school." I had to laugh because I never really thought of it that way. I had to giggle a bit, because whenever I see Kevin's significant other, I make the comment that Kevin is and will always be my Kevie... Even though we have both moved on. Ahhhh the memories. I love reminiscing about the crazy, good ol' days, when I could survive on only a couple hours of sleep.

Every Woman

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE.
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a past juicy "Story" that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her
family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a feeling of control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover,
and confront a friend
without; ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK
AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust, whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a
charming Inn in the woods.... when her soul needs
soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

What a week!

It has been awhile since I posted, so I guess it has time. Plus it has been an eventful week. I spent from Sunday night until Tuesday late afternoon hanging out with my dear friend Tanji and Baby Jay. Tanji had back surgery at the end of August and isn't able to pick Baby Jay up. So I got to help her out with him for 2 days. I must admit, I had a blast. Tanji and I were talking and she asked if me taking care of Jay was helping to diminish my hunger for a baby. Nope, it just made it grow even stronger. I am glad for that. I am excited to eventually become a mom, and no I am not making any announcement. Someday, there will be a sweet little one in my life. I look forward to that day. Tanji's husband, Jimmy was home for a bit on Monday evening for dinner and then we all watched a movie, The Eye. It was a creeper movie. After Jimmy left to go back to work, Tanji and I decided to watch a comedy... What Happens in Vegas. I fell asleep, but Tanji made it thru the movie. Not that me sleeping thru a movie is a surprise. Along with the time spent at with Tanji, Jay and Jimmy, dance started again this week. I am very glad to be back teaching again. I am a again teaching Ballet 4, Ballet 5 and Company Ballet. I have amazing dancers again this year. It is again going to be a very fun year. I love watching the dancers progress in ballet and in life. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to share my love of dance with others. My dancers are my kids as well. I love that aspect. I get to watch them grow and see them get married and have little ones of their own. So I am looking forward to this year!

Tag...

Four Places I go Over and Over:
1. Dance Studio
2. Grocery store
3. Work
4. CrAzY

Four people who email me regularly:
1. My Mom
2. My Brother
3. Tanji
4. Janet

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Mexico
2. Hawaii
3. Germany
4. Disneyland

Four people I talk to on a regular basis:
1. Tanji
2. My Mom
3. Jerel
4. Angry Lawyers

Four of my favorite places to eat:
1. Ichiban's
2. Subway
3. Cafe Rio
4. PF Changs

Four people I tag:
1. Tanji
2. Libby
3. Tahnie
4. Cheri
And anyone else who wants to do this. So I guess I tag everyone!!!!!

Ahhh the memories

High School Tag

I saw this on Libby'sblog and thought it would be a fun one to do. I tag anyone who wants to do it..**Note: there is no #3

1. Did you date someone from your school? Yep, but no serious boyfriends in high school, I had better things to do.

2. What kind of car did you drive? A 1981 Gray Ford Granada, it was awesome!

4. Were you a party animal? I enjoyed most social scenes, a bit of a party animal, but I was mellow compared to a lot of the kids I went to HS with.

5. Were you considered a flirt? No, I still don't really know how to flirt.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope

7. Were you a nerd? I don't think so, but according to some I might have been.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? Varsity Debate.

9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No

10. Can you still sing the fight song? Yes

11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr Nick, the debate coach and Mr. Miller the drama/competivie speaking coach.

12. Where did you sit during lunch? In the Quad.

13. What was your school's full name? Twin Falls Senior High School

14. School mascot? Bruins

15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? No.

16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? No. I have some great memories, especially of my sophmore year and hanging out with my Senior brother and all of his friends, but I would never go back. I much prefer being an adult and treated like an adult.

17. What do you remember most about graduation? The guy sitting next to me, he was completely drunk and stoned and he brought his pet Rat with him. I have a picture of me at graduation holding his rat.

18. Where did you go senior skip day? We didn't have one.

19. Were you in any clubs? Yearbook, Spanish, Debate, Business Professionals of America, Honor Society, the Outdoor Club, Competive speaking...

20. Have you gained some weight since then? Yep, but just a little. I still wear the same size I did in high school though.

21. Who was your prom date? I didn't go, not many went. It was held in the HS gym and there were about as many cops there as there was students...You would think my HS was full of holy terrors, and it really wasn't, although my class had the reputation of the worst class to ever graduate from TFHS.

22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? It was in 2004 and no I did not go.

It is only August, but...

So I came to the realization that it is only August, but dance starts again tomorrow for our 3 week summer session, which means that the fall session starts in a month and 3.5 months from that is the Christmas recital. I have begun the search for Christmas songs for my 3 ballet classes. So I am asking for suggestions... It does not have to be classical music. Last year Company Ballet danced to Imagine by Mercy Me and Ballet 3&4 danced to A Strange Way to Save the World by 4Him... So I am open to ideas....

Jealousy...

So tonight I was reading a friends blog, who is expecting. I am so happy for her, but I must admit as well that I am a bit jealous. I would love to be a mom. I know that my time will come and I look forward to that time. I want to experience the morning sickness, the first movement, the pain giving birth, what a joy it will be.

Mamma Mia

Life has been really calm lately, it makes me wonder what is about to happen... The calm can only last so long, at least that is my experience.

So last weekend I went and saw Mamma Mia. I loved it. I just wanted to get up and dance in the aisles. I would recommend it to everyone. It was so fun. Plus I love the Abba music. It was just a feel good movie. I also want to see The Dark Knight and Get Smart... I would even see it again!

Memories...

1. As you comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Grandparents...

Today was a bit of a rough day, my emotions were very high and close to the surface. When I am feeling this way I like to go to the cemetary where my Grandma and Grandpa Carroll are buried. I find peace and comfort there. My grandpa was always one to say, "Everything is OK." When it said that to me, I could feel that everything would be OK. Until I was 10, we lived around the corner from Grandma and Grandpa. I remember being mad at my mom and dad, so I would pack my little red suitcase and run away to Grandma's house. I always knew that Grandma would have fresh baked bread and cookies and Grandpa would let me help him pick the vegetables in the garden or play in the irrgation water if it was watering day. My grandpa taught me how to fish. I remember the camping and boating trips to Flaming Gorge and Bear Lake. My Grandma bought us our sweet puppy, Sadie. There was this little pet shop down the street from my grandparents house. Chad, my younger brother, had gone down and found the sweetest little baby girl. The kids all fell in love with her, even my mom fell in love with her little waddle. My mom had never wanted an indoor dog, but the kids headed back to grandma's and what grandma says no to her grandchildren. So we took Sadie back to Twin Falls with us as the newest member of our family. We were blessed to have Sadie for 17 years.

When my Grandma passed away on January 6, 2003 I remember the family getting together to plan the funeral. After the funeral we all got together and watched the home movies on the reel to reel projector that they had. Afterwards my cousin had those (silent) movies put on DVD with music. I love to sit down and watch it. I remember watching my grandpa help the mortuary staff place grandma on the gurney and take her out. He was always so kind, gentle and loving towards her. My Grandpa passed away December 23, 2004. It didn't really feel like Christmas that year. My grandpa had been sick for quite sometime. He was so worried that his posterity wouldn't get there Christmas money from him and grandma that year. Ironically he passed away the morning after we told him that the money was in the envelopes and ready for everyone. They got to spend Christmas together that year. Ah the fond memories of my sweet Grandma and Grandpa Carroll.

Friends

I must admit that I have the best group of friends. I am so thankful for each and every one of them. I am grateful for the support that each gives me on a daily basis. I was reading thru my journal from college, and oh the memories that came flowing back, from the waterfight with the neighbors in the middle of the night in January. The end result of that was a soaked kitchen floor in the good ol' college ave apartments. Granted we girls did start it and the guys finished it. We started it by finding the fuse box for the complex and discovering which switch belonged to the neighbors and of course mysteriously ending up with a copy of their key. So we flipped the switch, let ourselves into their apartment and turned everything on... then flipped the switch to turn everything on. Well there wasn't a good enough reaction, so we did it again, which started a gigantic water fight. We were all soaked, and it was so much fun. Oh the memories. College was crazy, but I wouldn't change any of those days.

Poetry

One of my favorite poems is The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.





The Road not Taken
Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow woodand
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --I
took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference

Have you ever seen a foot of hair?

Here it is!!!

12 inches or one foot

I have been growing my hair out for quite some time now and recently decided it was time for a change. My hair was driving me nuts. So I did it again. I had a foot cut off. I have donated the foot of hair to Locks of Love, a wonderful organization that makes wigs for children who are going thru medical trauma and losing their hair, such as cancer. It is a fun thing to do and I figure my hair grows back and I do have a ton of hair.

I am coming back!

How stinking cute is that... I did not want to go for a flight....

Over the last couple of weeks I have come to the conclusion that I am content with life at this point. I am very grateful for all the lessons that I have learned thru life and especially lately. I have always been such a fiesty individual, never really one to be walked over. I always knew what I wanted and I went for it. My mom reminded me of a story when I was 11 or 12. I had gotten a perm and I hated it, the woman that permed my hair did not listen to what I wanted, it was horrible. I had been saving up the money for quite sometime, babysitting. So I had my mom drive me back to the salon and I marched in and told her exactly what I thought and I got my money back. Over the last few years, I had lost my zest for life, I had stopped standing up for myself and going after what I want in this life. Well the fire is slowly coming back. I am glad to be finding myself again.

Wahoo!

I know this is post number 2 for the night, but I had to share. Last Thursday, June 12th, I was sitting at work and all of a sudden I received an instant message from a very dear friend from college, Kevin Burns, and he was living back in Salt Lake. Kevin and I have known each other for 13 years and we have been thru a lot in life together. I can honestly say knowing that he was back in town made my whole day! So Kev--- Welcome back to SLC!

It is Over!

Well Survival has happened and the dance recital is over and a complete success. I am so proud of my dancers, they definately made me proud. I feel like a mom of over 300 kids and I love it. Our lower school recital was themed Through the Garden Gate and the Upper School did Alice in Wonderland. My advanced dancers had the last dance before the finale to Anyway by Martina McBride. It was absolutely gorgeous. I am amazed at the progress in technique over the last year. For the last 2 years we have ended the recital with a finale by our jazz companies. This year 7 of our faculty members came out and a dance for a part of the finale. I participated and it was fun. One of our teachers did completely dislocate her second toe during our section. It was so gross when she took off her shoe. We are back to regular classes this week, which is nice to be focused on technique again and preparing for the exams that will happen next week. We are taking the month of July off, as we move the studio to our new location! I am very excited to be in a new location. Performing in the recital made me really miss performing on a regular basis. I realized that I need to start taking class every week and get back into shape. There is the new goal for me...

Crazy Week

Well the week of the recital is finally here, actually the recital is tomorrow, Friday the 13th. Kind of creepy if you ask me. This week has been packed full. Monday night, after working all day, the teachers had rehearsal for their little tid bit in the finale. Tuesday night I taught until 6:30 and then I headed over to the South Jordan City Hall to attend the planning commission meeting. C&C Ballet wants to move to a new building and so we had to apply for a Conditional Use Permit. There was a public hearing that night for it. We discussed the concerns for over an hour. The biggest concern was the traffic on Redwood Rd. After much testimony, the commission voted unanimously voted to give us the permit. This is a huge blessing. We have to be out of our current location on June 30th. Our new location will be ready the first of August. I am so excited to be moving and to have a brand new building. We will be the first tenants of the location. There is also a tumbling studio and a Karate studio going in the same strip mall. So I finally got home Tuesday night at 10:15. That is really late for me, I am usually in bed by 10:00. Wednesday night I had rehearsal again and had a ton of laundry to do. Tonight was our dress rehearsal. IT went from 5:00-9:20 at Taylorsville High School. I was amazed at how smoothly the rehearsal went. I am glad. I look forward to the recital and to having a month off of teaching.

Check out my Slide Show!

Getting Old

The dance recital is this weekend, Friday the 13th to be exact. I found that kind of funny, when it registered. So the faculty decided to do a small section of the finale, yes there are 7 of us that are dancing. After our first rehearsal on Friday the 6th, I realized that I am getting older and I am not in the shape I was in when I was in college. My whole body hurt Saturday and Sunday... We had rehearsal again tonight, so I am wondering what I will feel like tomorrow. I realized how much I missed taking class and I am very excited to be performing again. The recital is going to be great this year! I must admit that I am also excited for it to be over. I will take the month of July and most of August off from teaching. We are moving the studio during the month of July. I am excited that we are able to move into a brand new space with more square footage. It is very fun to teach and watch the students grow and develop. Some of my first year pointe students (ages 11-12), I started teaching them when they were 4-5 years old. It is like I have 250+ kids that I am watching grow up... Love that aspect of my job!

Thankful For

I bought a new mattress set last weekend. I never realized how much I missed having a real bed, until I didn't have one. For a little over the last 5 months I have been alternating between a futon and an air mattress for my bed. I never thought I would miss a "real" bed. Then I realized how I wasn't sleeping well and my back was often sore, so I decided to invest in a mattress set. The first night I slept on the mattress, I woke up the next morning and realized how grateful I was to have been able to get a mattress. It made me realize that I need to be more grateful for the simple things in life. I hope that everyone will take some time to thank GOD for the simple things in life.

Childhood Memories

Aren't we cute! Eric, Chad and me riding the boats at Lagoon.

I was reading back thru my childhood journal today, and the rush of memories that returned. I had to laugh, because in elementary school I disliked science . I always called it stupid science and now, years later, I love to study science. The drama of being a child, then seemed so trivial and now looking back... I would love to have those struggles again, instead of the adult struggles. I remembered my first cat, that was Black and White. I named her Barbara after one of my best friends. Yesterday I pulled out the Texas Star Quilt that my Grandma Carroll made me in 1984, when she was 74 years old. I must admit it brought tears to my eyes. She passed away on January 6, 2003. There are days now that I wish she were here, to have her give me a hug and have her bake fresh bread and cookies. The treats always made life better. I used to get mad at my mom and run away to grandma's house. I had a little red suitcase that I would pack. Grandma lived around the corner, so mom always knew where I was going. My Grandpa Carroll used to take the family boating, water skiing and fishing. He helped me catch my first fish at Flaming Gorge. Ahhh the sweet memories of childhood.

Getting Started

With all of the changes that are taking place in my life, I figured it was time to start blogging. I am amazed that 2008 is reaching its mid point. I love that the tempatures are warming. This winter was very long, cold and wet. I am much more of a summer person.