Nightmares

Have any of you ever had a reoccurring nightmare? Well, I haven't. I'm certainly glad about that, but have you ever felt like you keep reliving certain painful memories? This, I can relate to, and I don't know how to get over it, because part of it is out of my control. I guess that this is one of those things that you don't want to go into specifics with everyone you know but it lies just beneath the surface. You know when people ask "how are you?" and you are suppose to say "good, how are you?" People lie about being fine. And maybe we all say that we are fine or good to appease others, but sometimes we say it for our own benefit as well, with hope in our hearts that someday we will be fine and good, or maybe even great. With hope also that one day it will be a reoccurring dream instead of a reoccurring nightmare.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Snowflakes are wonders of natural chaotic symmetry, their presence the result of a harmonious symphony between the various elementary principles. Delicate in form, exquisite to the eye, mesmerizing to the mind.

Everything testifies of him. He was born and he lives.

Strike a pose

I had a photo shoot in my room last night. Don't tell me you've never done that!

No time

I am not so dumb to think that I am the only one who is busy...especially this time of year. For those of you who are wondering where I have been, I guess you'll just have to wonder. And, yes I have been busy. I don't mind being a bit mysterious every now and again. I will tell you one thing though, people tend to be very generous this time of year. And I don't mind sorting through their generosity and also making sure their generosity gets delivered to people who are in need of others generosity. And before you go and think that I'm all sorts of wonderful, well, I'm not, I get paid to do all of this. I am truly a blessed person.

Happy Birthday Mere!!!

This is my friend Mere when we tried to transform her into a redhead. Redhead or not, isn't she beautiful? Mere is the mother of the little baby below. Remember John Thomas? Adorable!! Well, now you can see where he gets his good looks. Mere and I have a history. We are kindred spirits and I do believe that we will be friends forever. Ya know when you haven't seen an old friend for a while and it's a bit awkward because you don't know what to say? Mere and I will never be at a loss for words...believe me. We always are able to pick up where we left off. She has a way of always making me laugh. I am grateful for her today on her big day and would like to say Happy Birthday to one of my dearest friends!!

Welcome John Thomas

Yesterday morning I received a phone call from my friend Mere. Mere and I go way back. Thank goodness for Spencer Burnside because I think that he is the reason we are so tight. Since our crush on Spencer, we have come a long way. Needless to say Mere has come a longer way than I have. She married this crazy boy from Seattle and she just had her first baby!! Isn't he adorable. I have a feeling that this isn't the last picture you'll see of Mr. John Thomas Felshaw. Also this isn't the last you will hear about my friend Mere. She will be having a birthday soon. Too bad John Thomas couldn't wait a little longer to be born to share a birthday with his amazing mother! Although, I don't know if Mere could've waited that long.

Whole or broken

Do you ever feel that you might spontaneously crumble into a million pieces? I do. I've come to the conclusion that it's the fear of the unknown. What life has yet to dish out is a mystery...and it scares me sometimes. Other times however, I hear "Be still and know that I am God." I know that whatever it is that is coming I will still hear those words and know that I will remain faithful to Him who I have come to know and trust for my support and strength. And instead of crumbling into a million pieces, I will be whole, but only by and through Him. It's going to take some effort on my part though.

Down an octave

Do you ever wish that your raspy voice from a cold was the way you always sounded? Not the nasal voice, but the lower sort of cracking voice. I think I sound sexier...I don't know, maybe not.

Marie's down for the count

Did anyone see Marie Osmond faint on Dancing with the Stars this week? I have my suspicions about those Osmonds, especially Marie.

Another year older and hopefully wiser too

I've decided that it's better to have a weekend to celebrate my birthday instead of just a day. There is so much more that you can fit into a weekend. Also, as I've said before, I always feel so many emotions and this weekend wasn't any different.

First of all, Friday evening I got off work and I was headed home. My original plan for the evening was to attend the temple. As I pulled into our parking lot at the Grandview Village, my phone rang. Of course it was my good pal and sister Mickey. She was asking what I had planned for the evening. I told her that I was thinking about going to the temple, to which she said that Laura and Eric wanted us to go to dinner with them. And since I am such a family oriented type of person, I agreed to the adventure to Riverton, Utah. To my surprise, when we arrived at their home, my parents vehicle was in the driveway. Yep, they all had me fooled (pretty easy to fool someone like me). We piled into my parents van and we were off to Trios, a very enjoyable and delicious Italian restaurant.

The next day was game day. We knew that their would be snow but we were prepared for the worst and we came out very successful. The cougars won and we managed to get out of the stadium just as the snow was starting to get bad.

Yesterday, my big day, was only good because I had my family there to pull me out of the indifference I felt about my birthday. I have to say that they know how to handle me. It always ends in laughter and sunshine when they are around. Well...maybe not literal sunshine, but the kind of sunshine you feel in your soul. The kind that makes you grateful to be alive for another year. By the end of the weekend some of us were tired, but it's only because the Virtues party hard when we get together. Thank you for another spectacular birthday! Next year is the big 30. We'll see if I make it.

It's the 19th...you know what that means...

I'm mad at my dad because he didn't call and wish me a Happy Birthday today!

Paging Dr. Izzie Stephens

Grey's is back on!! I feel emotionally connected to this show for many reasons.

1. I used to watch it with an old flame of mine.

2. I love the music.

3. Grey's is often Mickey and Kimmy time.

4. I connect with Izzie because she "feels" almost as much as I do. We're emotionally unstable according to some.

5. There is always a love or I hate to say it..."lust" connection.

Help!!!!!

I got locked out 2 nights ago and had to borrow Stanley's ladder to climb into Michelle's room. . . I'm a mess!!

The Big Apple

Laura and Eric made it to New York City today to see Eric's brother Dave, his wife Alicia and their adorable children, Sarah and Zachery. What can I say? I'm extremely jealous of them. But will they see Mike Rowe in the airport? Probably not.

I can always count on...

What I have come to know as a now 28 almost 29 year old is that you can always count on certain things. And so today I wanted to tell you just a few of the things that I have come to count on that I am truly grateful for.

1. I am grateful that conference comes around twice a year. I can always count on being fed spiritually according to my personal needs and desires. God knows exactly what I need.

2. Another thing that I have come to expect is that despite my wish that summer will forever remain, fall always rolls around and even though I complain, deep down I appreciate the colors, the harvest, and the crispness in the air.

3. Along with fall, inevitably I increase in age by yet another year. And the joke will always be that my birthday is on the 19th (thanks to my favorite mayor and yours) instead of the 21st (my real birthday). I'm grateful for each year that passes because I feel wiser and just a bit better than the previous year because of experiences that change me.

4. Another thing I can count on is my mom calling me to see how I'm doing and to ask "What did you do this weekend?" I'm grateful for my parents constant concern for me and their on going support of me and the things I do.

5. I can always count on Mickey creating something beautiful, edible, or fragrant in our home. I'm grateful for her constant care of making our house a home. Our home is a little piece of heaven.

6. The sun comes up every day whether I want it to or not. And these days I want it to because you never know what lies ahead of you in your days, weeks, months or years...so make the best of it and love, hug, and kiss a little bit more than yesterday, last week, last month, or last year.

What's your sign?

Does anyone else check their horoscope on an almost regular basis?

The National Botanical Gardens

I realized a few things on our trip about Michelle and I and my parents. I already knew how different we all are from each other, but I enjoyed seeing how my parents compliment one another in many ways, as do Michelle and I. What one person lacks, the other person makes up for. We truly need each other to be better. It's difficult sometimes to appreciate those differences in each other, but other times it's completely refreshing.

Moonlight tour of the Monuments

It's not easy being green

This is me and Kermie at the Smithsonian. Aren't we a fabulous pair? It was quite the reunion. I hadn't seen him since I was 6yrs. old. I also took this picture for my friend Stephen. Thanks for the song Stephen.

Jim vs. Olga at the Library Of Congress

Our first sight to see on Tuesday was the Library of Congress. It was a very informative tour. The building was gorgeous and the picture does not do it justice. Jim was our tour guide and I appreciated his enthusiasm about the LOC. The man knew his stuff...which is why I got my picture taken with him. You might be wondering who this woman is. Her name is Olga (another tour guide). Her name seems to fit her because she was completely rude and pushy to my Jim. Jim was merely trying to point out that in the history of art and architecture, creators would intentionally flaw their work because they believed that nothing was perfect unless it was created by God. Olga seemed to think that her group was more important than us. Jim being the gentleman he is, simple pointed out that this was neither the time or the place for her to argue with him. It was fabulous! He shot old Olga right down. This city is almost as exciting as Provo!

Ted's Montana Grill

Okay...so I lied about Mike Rowe, but we did spot him in the airport and he check me out. Later that night, we went to eat at Ted's Montana Grill, thanks to Miriam from the Marriott. She recommended it. And it was by far the best hamburger I have ever eaten. Mmmmm! When I'm in town again, I will go back.

My trip with Mike

So I have felt really guilty lately and I need to come clean (or "dirty") about something. I've told many of you that I'm on a trip with my family in Washington D.C....well this picture indicates otherwise. Mike Rowe and I are seeing each other. The reason that I hesitated to tell anyone is simply to protect the innocent. Now I fear that the media will have a heyday with this...so I felt I should get it out in the open with my family and friends. One more little secret...I think he might propose.

P.S. Those of you who read my sister's blog, she was in on it too. Her post about Mike was a ploy. She is a good sister to support me in my time of need. Anyway, love you all and I'll see you soon.

"Read"y to eat?

Some say that the color red represents power. I tend to agree, because when our friend Sarah came into town on Monday, each of us showed up in the color red. We definitely did not plan it, but I think we are pretty powerful and I appreciate these women and their testimonies, their faith and support over the last couple of years. I am so grateful for them and love them to pieces! Thanks Sarah for bringing us together. We love you! P.S. We ate at Red Robin ; )

Kimmy the Cookie Monster!!

I went to the cookie exchange tonight. Made my peanut butter Rollo cookies. Problem is, there were a million cookies and only four people. Guess who left with more cookies than she brought. Yep...me...and I don't even eat sugar!!

Bootylicious text messaged me yesterday...weird.

The Academy Is plays at In the Venue

Why didn't anyone tell me that the Academy Is was playing tonight in SLC?

Stardust review

I was very skeptical about seeing the movie Stardust. The previews made the movie look ridiculous. And even though it has a romantic story in the movie, it is more than that. It was surprisingly humorous as well. I give the movie two thumbs up. Thank you to Jared and my new friend Zach for the lovely food and a most entertaining movie. Not to mention the ride in the beautiful new Altima.

Scary Kimmy!

Whoever took this picture of me is going to die!! I think it was Michelle. In high school she always used to talk me into doing this sort of ridiculous thing with her. Then, when she had me trapped in a difficult position, she would take my picture and laugh. Ha ha ha, very funny Michelle! P.S. I am just sitting on the seat of the toilet...not using it.

Happy Birthday Kimmy!!

Remember when I had a birthday party and invited all my friends...and Laura? Well, it's coming up again. Who should I invite? If you can name the people in this picture I will take you for some ice cream.

Fall Back to School

Remember the movie You've Got Mail where it talks about bouquets of newly sharpened pencils? Well, this morning I woke up with my window open I and am smelling it...no, not the smell of pencils I guess, but the smell of fall. Some friends have told me that they have smelled it the last couple of weeks. Maybe I've been in denial and haven't wanted to smell it because I love love love summertime. Anyway I went for a run outside this morning and it was beautiful and crisp and I saw school buses and kids on their bikes with backpacks and I can't help but love it. I just wish it was not a foreshadowing of the long winter months that lie ahead.

Super Cute Virtue Sisters

Today was a bit monumental for me. 10 years ago I attended my first super cute Sunday. Many of you read my sister Michelle's blog and if you already have, you know Super Cute Sunday is defined as the first official Sunday in the semester of new singles in a BYU/anywhere ward. It is every girl...or guy's opportunity to leave a super cute first impression. We all agree it's ridiculous, but it's what we do. So...we went shopping, not really for the occasion to begin with, but it ended that way. Michelle and I found our super cute outfits and I must say that she came out on top. She had a terrific find!! She looked fab. I will let you look on her blog at the beautiful black and white ensemble. And even though this whole thing sounds horribly shallow and pointless, I admit I enjoyed the time well spent with one of my favorite sisters and friends, especially the photo shoot afterward. What a great way to celebrate my 10th year!

Education Week Mishap

As most of you know, it's education week at BYU. Quite honestly, it makes me slightly irritable and on edge. These people are NUTS!!! The majority of them do not know where they are going, which makes it harder for those of us who do know where we are going to get anywhere.

But, on a lighter note, I was using the women's restroom and overheard what sounded like three women enter. I knew they were Ed week women because of the way they were talking. So here is the good part...one of the women dropped her pedometer in the toilet. It was obvious that she was upset and the rest of the women were trying to calm her down and resolve the situation. It was pretty funny. I know that it's not nice to laugh at this woman in peril, but she was just what I needed to lighten my mood about education week. I felt much better.

Footprints in the sand

Guess whose feet these are...

Jack Weyland's Charly

I know I know. You are wondering why I am posting about this ridiculous, sappy Mormon romance novel made movie. I thought that after seeing it for the first time about 3 or 4 yrs. ago with my friend Mere and also my friend Spencer Burnside, I would be tearless in seeing it again. But...it was not so. And I may have cried more if Eric had not fast forwarded through most of the end. I know it was simply to save himself from more tears of his own. He claims that it was his allergies, but I know better. Anyway, thank you to Laura and Eric for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon full of beautifully cooked garden vegetables, rolls, and don't forget the perfectly cooked Salmon. It was simply lovely!!

It's out!!

I will now go into hiding...into my reading dungeon.

The Barber BBQ

Last night was our annual summer Barbershop party. And even though it wasn't a BBQ this year, I think that it still has a nice ring to it, don't you? These people are my barbers. And even though I have some difficulty with some barbers at the shop (none of which are pictured) 7yrs. is the longest that I've stayed at a job. Shortest time was a month...Arctic Circle of course. The day that I leave the shop will be such sad day (who knows, maybe I'll never leave. Maybe I'll be like Jim. He says that he'll die cutting hair. Well, I certainly hope that that doesn't happen.) So here's to yet another Barber BBQ. They sneak up on me so quickly these days. Oh, and do you like Lisa's new car? It fits her. Small, but dazzling.