Solving the Grumpies

So I have been suffering from a case of the grumps this weekend. I don't really know why... I've just been in a funk.

So, what can I do about that? A couple of things, as it turns out.

First, I watched this

Then, I decided to write this.

Ten Amazing Things I am Grateful For
1. Knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me.

2. An ever-growing understanding and testimony of the Atonement

3. A family that lives the principle of unconditional love

4. The enormous blessing of serving in the temple each week

5. The trust others have shown in me

6. Friends who, through many years, have lightened my burdens and brightened my days

7. Living in a great neighborhood

8. A job I love that leaves me feeling like what I do matters

9. Daily opportunities to serve

10. Hope

My Goat-Dog

This is Miss Pemberley. She's a dog; sadly Pem believes herself to be a goat.

Here are a few of the poor ingurgitation decisions she's made since she joined my world last July. These are only the highlights of items I'm aware of. Can't begin to imagine what else has traveled through my puppy. Warning: Stop reading now if you don't like descriptions of digestive processes.

1. A knee-high. Twice. Same stocking. (In fact, several other knee-highs have been pulled by me from her esophagus right before fully passing through the upper esophageal sphincter.

2. Deodorant.

3. Half a pair of pantyhose, which we tried to find with endoscopy, but eventually passed through her gastro-intestinal system without surgery, just an overnight stay at the specialty vet and a lot of barium.

4. A band-aid. She actually removed that from my thumb.

5. A trouser sock. About a month ago. Didn't know about that one until she'd lost 5 pounds and regurgitated said sock on my mother's formal couch.

6. The plastic eye from a toy.

7. This morning I found a pair of tights which had been securely in my laundry hamper with about 8 inches of one leg missing. Guess where we found it. The dog's abdominal x-ray. So, what are we doing tonight? Well, she spent the day at the animal hospital being fed barium. I brought her home tonight with instructions to give her an ounce of mineral oil. We're still waiting.

So, at the specialty vet clinic last February, I was told Old English Sheepdogs have a propensity for eating stupid things. I still love the dog to bits, but it would have been great to have that little gem of knowledge when I was doing my internet-based breed research. Thanks, internet.

Things People Should Know How to Spell

College vs. Collage


College: an institution of higher education; usually attended post high-school (where you should have learned to spell collage)


Collage: a piece of art with multiple items displayed; may involve magazines and rubber cement.


Severe vs. Sever


Severe: harsh, having a large impact


Sever: to cut apart or away from, like an arm or a stale pen-pal relationship


Stock vs. Stalk (Thanks Miss Maggie)


Now this one is tricky because there are a multitude of unrelated definitions for both, but let's give it a try.


Stock: 1) Merchandise available for purchase, 2) The act of placing that merchandise on shelves for consumer access, 3) Usual, common or ordinary items, 4) Something involving Wall Street and NASDAQ


Stalk: 1) A single rib of celery, 2) The object climbed by Jack, 3) To obsessively pursue/harass


Please also note:
Stocking: 1) Placing items on a shelf, 2) An article of clothing made from fabric worn on the foot, most often under shoes.
Stalking: 1) A cat waiting and watching prey, 2) Driving by your ex-whatever's house multiple times to see if s/he's home.


Gray vs. Grey
No content-based difference, just dialect.


Gray: American English


Grey: English


Who's vs. Whose


Who's: This is the contracted form of who is.


Whose: Possessive form of whom. (I'll explain whom in grammar post.)


No vs. Know (Sadly, this little gem is not a joke)


No: This powerful little word denotes negation.


Know: To have an understanding or expertise on a topic or subject.


To vs. Too


To: a preposition or part of an infinitive.


Too: Also, in addition, as well.


You're vs. Your
This well may be the one item on the list that most effectively increases my blood pressure. Especially when I see it in professional capacities. Or on facebook.


You're: Contracted form of you are


Your: Possessive.


Bottom Line: If you want me to take you seriously please don't tell me "your making a college to."

Temple Night

Tonight we had a Stake Temple Night at the Salt Lake Temple (even though that isn't our district). We started with a meeting in the chapel with the Temple President and then did a session. It was great! In addition to being able to do some wonderful service for those who have died, I was also able to renew a friendship with a an almost-cousin of mine. Love it!


My morning was spent volunteering at the Bountiful Temple and, boy, did my feet feel it. But even when I don't want to go, I'm always glad that I did once I get there.


Sometimes I forget to be grateful that I live in the midst of so many temples. As I was getting ready to leave I was feeling mildly inconvenienced that the evening was going to take up so much time. Then I remembered that most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have to travel and give much more time to attend the temple than I ever do.


We are SO blessed!

Can't Do It All

Today, I went right to FHE at an assisted living facility (ALF) after leaving a work meeting. I got home at 8:30, when I ate and talked with my parents. Here's the deal, I have so many good things that need to happen, I feel a little frazzled right now.

I'm trying to exercise for improved health. Didn't happen today.
I brought work home with me that NEEDS to get done. Didn't happen today.
I needed to catch up with a friend. That did happen today and I'm glad.
I need to send an email for my calling. That is in the process of happening, but not until I've cleared my brain a little.
My ward is reading the Book of Mormon together. I'm already behind.

How do people fit all this stuff in? It is critical for me to sleep enough. I can't give that up without getting really sick. I have to work full-time and I have to give 100% to my patients while I'm there, even though that often means my days don't turn out as planned.

So, seriously, what do people do?

Little Things that Make Me Feel Loved

1. My dog's tail wagging so fast she can hardly walk when I come home.

2. My nephew, "Peter, High King of Narnia" talking my ear off the whole time I'm with him.

3. Said nephew telling me, "Good job Katie and Chad adopted me after my real parents were killed in the battle in Narnia."

4. A hug from an aphasic patient.

5. Holding hands with an elderly man who needs to feel comforted.

6. Dance parties.

7. Breakfast with friends.

8. A genuine, heartfelt smile.

9. Good friends and phone calls.

10. Babies and toddlers.

11. Walks outside.

12. Chocolate milk.

13. A good haircut.

14. Flowers.

15. Really good socks.

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