Where did you hear that?

Last night my nephews were eating hot dogs at my house. While preparing to put ketchup inside his hot dog and providing a running narrative of his actions, Mr. M. interrupted himself to say, "...except they aren't really made from dogs. They're made from pigs and rats and other sorts of things like that."

I'm EXCITED

I'm having dinner tonight with my "Stormy-weather Friend." Can't wait to see her and to try out the patio!

My Daddy

Just a few of my favorite memories about my Dad. In Dear Old Crimson, of course. :)

Sitting on my dad's lap as a little girl with him rocking me to sleep while watching a certain television show about a certain mobile medical unit that has been in reruns since before I was born.


My dad throwing me in the air and catching me. I never doubted for even the slightest moment that he would catch me.


Learning to chop wood, light fires, and use a pocket knife. My dad doesn't think there's anything his daughters can't learn to do, if they want to. He tried more than once to teach me to shoot a rifle or a shotgun or whatever, but I don't like having the butt of a gun crash into my shoulder.


Being dumped off my dad's lap when the Utes scored at the end of the game. (I can't even remember whether that was a bowl game or the the winning game to advance to the Final Four, but I know I loved watching with my dad.


Countless blessings given to me because he has always honored his Priesthood.


Watching Star Trek (mostly TNG) with him. I was raised on that and the original Star Wars trilogy.


Riding Space Mountain together. We love that ride.


My dad watching and helping with costumes and sets at so very many dance events.


Bishop's interviews with my dad. Especially the recommend interview sitting in our basement late at night with me in a sweatshirt and pajama pants.


The night I got stuck (in my sleeping bag) between the platform and the tent wall at Philmont. That week, any time a kid cried out, "Daddy," we got half a dozen or so responses. But my dad did come pull me back out and help scoot the cot closer to the middle.


Watching my dad do skits at Girls' Camp after Girls' Camp.


Going to Top Hat Video to rent a VCR and such titles as The Happiest Millionaire, Summer Magic, and, of course, The Parent Trap. He didn't complain about the girly movies. He just watched them with us. I know he's grateful to have grandsons now who care a lot less about musicals and fancy dresses and who kisses whom at the end of the show. (You know that means he'll have to marry her, don't you?)


Flying up to Boise to help me with my almost frenetically paced move back to Utah, helping me pack, chatting with my friends and taking us all out for pizza. My dad's always taken an interest in my friends and wants to get to know them, too. He's good at talking to people he doesn't know. That trait skipped me.


All the hundreds of thousands of times people, often strangers, have told me what a good man my dad is. I already know it, but I feel blessed that so many others do, too.


I could go on, but you get the idea. My dad's the best and I love him to bits!


Happy Fathers Day, Dad!!!

CUTE and Good

One of my favorite Idaho friends, Cindy, has had a loved one touched by childhood cancer. But she is a survivor! Her family is participating in Relay for Life and has set a pretty awesome goal as a team. In pursuit of that goal, Cindy is making and selling DARLING accessories. You should go look. They're really cute!



Aren't these darling?

Go to Cindy's super site to see and learn more.

A Paucity of Books

Okay, so, tonight I was visiting with a very special teenage girl at Primary Children's. The nurse took me to look for something to give my young friend's brain some exercise. Well, in the cupboard I found Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chamber of Secrets, Twilight, and New Moon on tape. There were no other young adult books. At all.

So, why am I sharing this? Because we (you, me, everyone) can donate books to this hospital. They have lots of children's books, but there are always teenagers there, too, and, let's just be honest, Pat the Bunny just isn't gonna cut it.

Please look through your books and audiobooks and see if there are any new or gently used books you can part with for these great kids. I'd be happy to pick them up from you if you aren't able to deliver them yourself. In my opinion, these kids generally need pleasant, light-hearted things to read. They, and their families, are getting a pretty strong dose of reality or they wouldn't be there. Go here for more information.

Thanks!

I haven't laughed so hard...

While I was on my unplanned shopping spree, I stumbled upon this. I don't remember the last time I laughed so much. Side-splitting, tear-provoking laughter. Jen Yates is exceptionally witty. You should check out the book, and the hilarious blog. Now I'll stop with the links. :)

Why I shouldn't go to bookstores.

I left work early today, so I went to Barnes & Noble to pick up two things. I left with ten. TEN. Not the best self-control.

I have the same problem with Day Murray Music. And Amazon.com. Also, Sur La Table. And sometimes Sephora.

An Emotionally Charged Week

Ups and downs. We all have them. It's been one of those weeks. I've been so worried about the people I love: my siblings, my nephews, my best friend and her sister. And I don't ever want to disappoint anyone.

But I had three experiences this week that remind me that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and that through our Savior, all our burdens can be lifted.

Thursday night, I went to our Stake Spring Relief Society Meeting. The theme was "there is HOPE smiling brightly." The speaker was wonderful and truly embodied hope. And our amazing stake president blessed us with special protection.

Saturday morning, I began volunteering in the Bountiful Temple. As I spent several hours watching people come and go, I felt so strongly that when we are in the right place, doing our best to serve the Lord, we are always blessed, and miracles do happen.

I was reminded today that true friends are tender mercies. I was so grateful for the old friend (can't believe we've been friends for more than half of our lives, now) who sat with me and helped me see the many things to smile about.

Funny Nephew Story

Tuesday night my family was at the stake center because my brother-in-law was set apart. The stake president explained that one of his counselors was at home preparing for a colonoscopy. My 8-year-old nephew asked what that was, so my mom explained it's when they look at your intestines to make sure they're healthy.

Nephew: "Ohhh, yeah, I had that and it wasn't good. They took mine out when I was three."

All of us: "Huh?"

Nephew: "I had my 'testines removed when I was three and my brother had his removed, too."

Me: "No, Sweetheart. You're thinking of your tonsils, not your intestines."

Unsettling Food Label

From a tub of fundraiser cookie dough:

Shelf Life:
Frozen: 1 year
Refrigerated: 6 months
Room Temperature: 21 days

Yikes. Not what you want to be putting into your body.

Things I'm Thankful For...

1. Time with my sisters.

2. My really amazing brother-in-law.

3. Ice Cream.

4. Long talks with my best friend.

5. Toothpaste.

6. Cameras.

7. CD's.

8. Ability for life-long learning.

9. Truth.

10. People who honestly want to do the best they can.

Airport Security at its Finest

Last Sunday, as I waited for my flight at Denver International, I witnessed a very strange episode. I was sitting at a table by the window in the food court. Two tables away, the lady cleaning quietly, but quickly got her supervisor. He went into the back and soon returned to stand next to the table. Next, an airport security guard arrived and the cleaning supervisor pointed to something and left.

The security guard radioed someone and then he stood there. I couldn't see the table or the obviously suspicious item on it because there were people at the table between. I began to wonder whether I should be concerned, but mostly I was curious. The next to arrive was a TSA agent, who briefly talked to the airport security guard and then moved to the outskirts of the food court and watched from there.

Finally, a police officer came, fully armed. I started thinking maybe they should, I don't know, evacuate the food court, if they're this concerned. So, the airport security guard pointed to the suspicious item and then the lady who initially reported the concern was called over and asked some question. In the end, the cop picked up an eyeglasses case. Really? Well, okay, we have to be extremely cautious, right? Well the cop opened the case while passing my table! Which left me wondering, why, after all that, he didn't at least wait until he was away from innocent people to potentially set off an explosive or expose us all to some bio-toxin. I, for one, didn't feel an increased sense of safety that day.

Why my sister makes me laugh...

So, I'm thinking many of you are familiar with The Onion News Network. If you're not, see here (because there is no more reliable source, of course, than Wikipedia. Well, last weekend, I went to visit my little sis in Boulder, Colorado. She and Nick told me Saturday morning about this newspaper they have, called The Onion, and they started relating a story about a man with a mustard addiction. I said, "Um, you mean the National Onion News, as in the fake news, right?" No. They proceeded to tell me it is a real newspaper and this is a true story.

The next day, Heidi brought me a copy of the paper. And what to my wandering eyes did appear? The Onion, just as I had suspected. In all its satirical glory. I miss my sister.

Dear Fashion Place Mall:

I had a consumer need this evening. I needed a Franklin Covey store. So, I drove to your mall. I intentionally parked near a mall entrance instead of my customary department store entrance with the purpose of finding a directory. Well, guess what. There was no directory there. I walked the whole mall without finding the store I was looking for. I did stop at Down East, which I needed to do.

In comparison with some other malls, I like Fashion Place for its cleanliness and visible security presence. I do not like the feeling of being in a flea market as I walk through the corridors. Your kiosk people are aggressive and persistent. Because I stopped on my way home from covering another building, I was alone. Like a gazelle separated from the herd, I was targeted by the predators on commission. I'm a nice person and I don't like to tell people "no," but I don't have time to stop for everybody to "ask [me] one quick question." And I don't have interest in most of the products. Can't we at least put these folks in more pen-like kiosks like the cellphone guys? That would prevent them from coming after me when I try to keep walking. Please? I'm not going to shop at your mall anymore if I feel like prey in the grasslands. Just saying.

Yours with Frustration,
Jill

Why do I love Easter?

Christ, our Savior, was resurrected on the 3rd day. Because of this, ALL of humankind have been given the gift of resurrection. Christ, and by extension, the resurrection, is no respector of persons. Each person who has ever and will ever live on this earth will be resurrected. Our bodies will be returned to us, giving each of us the incomprehensible gift of immortality.

We also have access to the great blessings of the atonement. Our Redeemer has paid the price so that the burden of all that is painful and heartbreaking can be lifted from our shoulders. We have only to ask in sincere humility.

And so I add my testimony to the words penned by James E. Faust, sung this morning, "With saints of old, in joyful cry, I too can testify, This is the Christ."

I'm grateful for...

1. General Conference!!

2. Easter

3. Books

4. Post-it Notes

5. Good Shoes

6. Apples

7. Pillows

8. Cadbury Mini Eggs

9. Pleasure in Cooking

10. Talent for Baking

11. Spring Snowstorms

12. Spring Flowers

13. Tulips peeking up through the snow :)

14. Photographs

15. Agency

16. Access to information

17. People with sense of humor

18. I finally found a face cream that works

19. Roundabouts

20. Scissors

Twenty items because I skipped a week, but it was good to stretch my brain a little.

Things that don't work

So, I have to register for my 401k by Friday. I've tried twice to do this. I entered the login ID and PIN as they were given to me and, guess what? It wasn't a match. I tried again and it locked me out of my account. So, tonight I tried to call the customer service number with "extended hours." Only extended on the other side of the country, apparently. Too bad I have a job during those hours and all.

I bought a pen light about a month ago. It's basically useless now. This is an important tool in my job and I'm not going to be too friendly about having to get a new one every month. Suggestions?

When times get hard, and your heart is breaking

There is a Primary song that's always meant a lot to me, "I Feel My Savior's Love." I was thinking about it today in church. When my Bapa died many years ago, we, his grandchildren, sang this song at his funeral. In our lives, we are constantly blessed by the love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I pray that I will always be grateful for these blessings and that I can serve as an instrument in the Lord's hand to bless those around me.

Things I'm grateful for.

This week's list:

1. My family's patience with me when I'm grumpy.

2. Friends to whom I can say anything.

3. Knowledge of the Plan of Happiness, specifically post-mortal life.

4. My heritage.

5. www.hulu.com

6. Snow. The giant, heavy flakes are my favorite.

7. Dancing.

8. My sisters.

9. Cary Grant

10. The baby shower I get to go to this week.

Attitude of Gratitude

I've decided to post 10 things I'm grateful for each week. Several years ago, my good friend Andrea gave me a Gratitude Journal and I started writing things down. Over the years, I've written daily, weekly, or not for months at a time. I've included 5 items or 3 items or 10. I've listed by category, order in which I noticed things in the day and, my personal favorite, alphabetically. Well, I still keep a Gratitude Journal and I always feel better when I write in it, but some of those things are very personal and precious to me. Still, I'd like to make public some of those things I'm grateful for, both significant and ridiculous, and in no particular order. Let's see if I can remember to do this. :)

1. My family.

2. The love of reading.

3. Best friends.

4. My mattress.

5. A CD player in my car.

6. Modern medicine, a blessing inspired from above.

7. Really soft, fuzzy socks.

8. Milk.

9. The newest 4-year-old in my life.

10. Scheduled posts.

So, maybe I'm a party pooper.

You know how I said I LOVE the Olympics? Well, I do. But, here's the thing, and please don't hate me for it. I don't like ice dancing. Why? Not completely certain. I like figure skating and I like dancing. But the combination of the two becomes like synchronized swimming to me. (Yeah, I don't much care for that, either.) The music is weird and, somehow, it always feels disjointed to me. And this, my friends, is my Olympic confession. Kind of silly, but what can I say?

"I know I'm different, Steve,..."

"...but from now on I'm gonna try to be the same."
"The same as what?"
"The same as people who aren't different." (What's Up Doc?)

I'm rocking the boat, stirring the pot, whatever you want to call it. I'm basically liking my new job so far, but there are things I'm not willing to put up with. So, whether I'm the squeaky wheel or whatever, I expect to see a clock in every patient room and I want my nectar thick liquids to not be pudding thick. Fine. Now that that's off my chest.

I'm moved back in (I have about 15% left to do, but the prep work is done so I can do it. I'm happy to be in my humidified-house. I'm thrilled to be with my family! Between moving, working, and family commitments, I haven't seen many friends just yet, but I'm working on it. Please be patient with me. I'm grateful to see the mountains. I love being able to see the temple from my house. I had hoped to see more snow, but I suppose I can live without it. If the ground isn't covered in white, though, couldn't we have more color and less drab-brown.

I LOVE the Olympics. I've developed some serious insomnia because I stay up watching. I wish I could be there. I've been to Vancouver a couple times and it's beautiful! And friendly! I also love the atmosphere of excitement and cooperation. I think it is such an example when athletes competing from different countries are obviously friends and truly care about each other. I love watching people genuinely happy for one another and showing respect for their sports. So, despite the occasional sour-grapes, I think the world could learn a lot about respect and kindness for others.

Okay. Really?

Dear Drivers in the Gem State,

Contrary to what seems to be a serious misconception around here, STOPPING at a RED LIGHT is not considered optional!!! Come on, people... You're going to kill someone.

Yours truly,
Jill

And... The Announcement

I will be moving back to the Salt Lake area the last week of January. Holy cow!!

Also, I will be getting a dog. Name submissions welcome. Try to be literary.

BIG Decisions

I've spent the past few years wondering how to make being an adult stop. No luck, but I still refer to "when I grow up..." Anyway, I don't like making big decisions, which is sort of important being a sort-of grown-up and all. Well, I'm currently faced with another. The thing is, I know what I want to do, but I'm not sure how to do it. This is one of those being single things that gets annoying; it would be nice for something to be "our decision" rather than "my decision." Just saying. One of my favorite people in Meridian, Cindy, and I had a talk about this a few weeks ago. She is a tender mercy in my life. From the day I met her, I've felt comfortable talking with her and she's opened up to me. It's nice to have a friend who understands what it's like. I am thankful for Cindy and so many others over the years I've been able to talk with about things that I can't process on my own.

Well, expect an announcement soon. :)

Looking Back

2009 was kind of a big year for me. Here are some of the headlines.

I completed my Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology, with pretty darn good grades, I might add. This was rather bittersweet for me. I've been on the University of Utah campus in some capacity since August 2001. I love it there. I have favorite spots to sit and eat, read, think, talk, freak in, and freak out. I know which drinking fountains are okay and which should be avoided like locust. I've witnessed the change of two bathrooms in the Union from women's to men's and discovered one of those in quite the wrong way. In my time both on campus and at the world's best Institute (old building and new, thank you) I've formed lasting and treasured friendships. I think back on every class, meeting, and concert with fondness.

I got to go to two Temple Open Houses, twice to Draper and once to Oquirrh Mountain. In addition to sharing those experiences with my family (including my future bro-in-law), I was able to go with some of my favorite girlfriends and share some of my beliefs with friends of other faiths. I love learning about others' beliefs and discovering how much we truly have in common.

I was able to do two really great externships with amazing supervisors, who have forever shaped me as a clinician. Hooray for Cara and Verna!!

I sang in General Conference, which I've always wanted to do. What an awe-inspiring experience!!

I danced in parking lots and parking terraces and laughed with wonderful girls.

I learned that the shin splints I've had since high school weren't shin splints at all. One surgery and nearly a month in boots that Cossacks would envy later, I was finally able to walk fast without my ankles randomly not working right.

I interviewed for several different positions and ended up in Idaho. I'm blessed to have Katie, Jarom, and their boys up here. I've really missed seeing them more than once or twice a year. I also have a great apartment.

I learned how much I love my family. I thought I knew, but I didn't until I had the pains of missing them. Most important part of this lesson: I'd never want to spend eternity without them. I can't imagine an existence without them.

I bought my first car. Totally not the car I was dreaming of, but it's a step up in most ways from what I've been driving. I have a black 2005 Jetta. My next car, though, will have heated seats. I hate having a cold bum and back.

My mom got some mixed news on her health, but basically good. Heidi finally got an answer, now we're just waiting for a solution. We keep praying.

My nephews continue to be an extraordinary blessing in my life. Jon was baptized. Mark loves first grade and is a fast reader. Eric sang "Wosty the Noman" to me on the phone. (Consonant Cluster Reduction strikes again.)

I'm grateful for all I learned in 2009, even the difficult lessons. I'm excited to see what 2010 has in store.

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

The flying cloud, the frosty light;

The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,

For those that here we see no more,

Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

And ancient forms of party strife;

Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care the sin,

The faithless coldness of the times;

Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,

But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,

The civic slander and the spite;

Ring in the love of truth and right,

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,

Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;

Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

The larger heart, the kindlier hand;

Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be.

-Alfred, Lord Tennyson (emphasis added)