I Love My Life!

No. 11 BYU beats Utah behind Fredette's 47 points

2011-01-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

A bit of history here, folks.

ksl.com - No. 11 BYU beats Utah behind Fredette's 47 points

Life is Awesome.....Really.....

2011-01-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Just look at what others have to say about it. Read the book! Awesome!

Some claim that it has changed their lives. See if it changes yours. http://veryawesomeworld.com

Don't You Love What They Got?

2011-01-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

A little bit of fun while studying kids and families at school.....enjoy!

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

A Little Twist of Tradition

2011-01-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

To spice things up a bit with the annual resolution tradition, I looked to my iPod for some inspiration. Putting the playlist on shuffle for my entire music collection, I listened to the first ten songs that came on, using them as the driving force for my ideas to paper. So, here goes:

Edelweiss (from the "Sound of Music" soundtrack) - The beautifully gentle acoustic guitar in this song got me thinking that I should spiff up and use my music talents a bit more. So, working on a piano piece or two, even pulling out the guitar again, will be on the docket for the year.
Traffic in the Sky (Jack Johnson) - Jack is a simple, care free writer, but what he says does have meaning. Thus, a little nudge to record thoughts, impressions, and events are taken from this one. This could mean more consistent blog posts (but I'm not promising anything).
The Spirit of God (Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - Where else do you feel the spirit more than in the temple? Thus, at least biweekly temple attendance will be scheduled into the ever busy and full schedule of a grad student. But, really, it should be priority among all the things that I have going on. Also, a commitment to read out of the Book of Mormon each day for the next year.
Face of Love (Jewell) - Follow me on this one: to have a really beautiful face, full of love, you need your "beauty rest"; for me this means that I will be going to bed earlier and arising earlier, because I've been promised health and a wealth of knowledge and ability by following this simple lifestyle. I'll just have to be a bit more creative with my lifestyle to keep up with the important people and things that I love.
Remember (from the "You've Got Mail" soundtrack) - Remember those great dishes that your friends and family have made, and you keep thinking about them, but have never gotten the recipe? Well, now I've made it a priority to gather some of those fantastic recipes and make them myself. Awesome.
Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkle) - I'd really like to learn how to swim (like swimming strokes....I've already advanced beyond doggy-paddling). May happen this semester, or it may happen later on this year. But it will happen.
Dell'Amore Non Si Sa (Hayley Westenra and Andre Bocelli) - I have no idea what this title translates into (something about love, I'm sure), but it makes me want to travel to Europe. While they may not be feasible this year, at least I can start a fund to make this dream come true. And I can keep enjoying all sorts of art events that are inspired by this great continent.
Your Smiling Face (James Taylor) - Let loose a bit, and be a bit spontaneous; leave everyone with a smile! Have a plan, but don't be afraid to go off the beaten path...
My Favorite Things (Yo Yo Ma on cello) - What about all those great things that I love, but have seem to slipped by and out of what I do? Three things top this list for sure: playing tennis, photography, and national park trips. Thus, a resolve to find a way to take part more in all three of these.
My Oh My (David Gray) - Just let the new year and world surprise me--be willing to look at and recognize God's hand in all things.

Too bad I can't post this awesome music list.....

"Give" Said the Little Stream

2010-08-16T23:47:00.003-06:00

Elder Oaks recently pointed out that Brigham Young taught us a powerful lesson about the One who consistently went about doing good: "The difference between God and the Devil is that God creates and organizes, while the whole study of the Devil is to destroy" (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe (1954), p. 69).

Recently I've had some pretty sweet instances with some other people who decided to build up, when it could have been pretty easy to make zero goodness happen.

Anecdote #1: After an amazing concert at the Deer Valley resort this July, I found my car had been hit while in the parking lot. Not much damage as far as size or effect on driving, but hundreds of dollars in repairing that small stuff. [Cue nice people.] Two scribbled notes on leftover tickets said that they were witnesses, to give them a call, and here's the license plate of the not-so-cool-or-nice-person who hit you. [Cue nice cop.] The cop takes this little matter into his own hands, follows up, and is able to verify that I was really hit by a Mr. So-and-So, and yes, he is a registered and licensed driver, so here's his insurance information.

Booyah. I'm saved from paying for repairs. And now my Toyota Camry has had another two pieces of bodywork replaced; when that car reaches 300,000 miles it's still going to look only three years old with all the repairs that accident magnet has received.

Anecdote #2: Picturesque camping spot by the Colorado River in Moab with my fun little group of girls from work for our awesome camping trip. While we're unloading and setting up camp, up pulls a sweet van (somewhere along the lines of a VW, but not.....) with a hippie-ish, mod, up-and-coming rock band who want to film a music video in the midst of our sweet canyon camping. I give them permission to do their thing, and to start the recording once we leave to do our sunset hike of Delicate Arch. Not a bad idea until you consider the bad idea that you have pretty much every possession you took with you back at the campsite, and it's just sitting there, free for the taking.

Uh-oh. What kind of stupid decision did I make? Why do I trust people so easily? Coming back to camp, we found a sweet addition (instead of desolation) of a gracious note and a CD of the Battlehooch. Check them out on YouTube to see their aspiring sound waves....and possibly a shot of our awesome campsite.

Anecdote #3: Still living this one out, as I don't finish my work with Provo Canyon until this Friday. Despite my negativity and frustration with high up administration, this has been an absolutely great place to work. Who else gets to have about 50 kids make them feel like they're on top of the world by the things they say, the attention they clamor for, and the silly things they do? Plus have recreation as the main focus of their job description? Plus have an awesome boss and co-workers who gives autonomy with lots of support?

Lucky, you say? Yes. But no. It's more like I'm super blessed by super rad people and my Heavenly Father.

Give, oh, give.

Cleaning Off the Camera

2010-07-03T16:25:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I don't take pictures off of my camera until a year later. Which then means that no one really gets to partake in the goodness and fun until much later. Sorry about that. Here are a few snapshots from some memories of this past year.

#1) Henry made his first visit outside of his home to Christy's and my place, for which we were supremely surprised and honored. And to top it off, Trish and Matt gave us grape juice and thank you notes for our time helping them with Henry in his first few weeks of life. Those were some good times. It was neat to intimately watch a mom in action with her new gift of life, and see how they were adjusting to one another and their forever changed worlds. I loved that time together with Trish and Henry, and I love Henryman heaps!

2) Why would you ever document your Sunday dinner? Well, you can't really see it, but there is some awesome roast on our plates. And why, Miss Newman, would you document having a roast dinner? Because it's not just any roast, it's our Grandma John's roast--her recipe, and her roasting pan from her mother, Hazel Adeline Post McRae. Miss McRae was an infamous cook in her parts (St. David, AZ), and her roasting pan is tried and true. Luckily I have the pan and the recipe to thank for a killer roast.

3) I was the lucky one able to see Henry on Day 2 of his life. Matt needed to get some sleep before trying to function as a normal human being, and I got to spend some time with Trish and the little man. Here he is sleeping just after being fed. You might have noticed that Henry hands are out. Well, that kid fought me when being swaddled, and since he was only a day old, I didn't want to fight him that hard, nor did I have any experience, so he won out and looks like he's a little chipmunk with his hands up.

#4) Visiting Caroline Dunn and Emily Moulton in Wyoming! And it just so happened that Cosmo wanted his picture with us at the BYU v. Wyoming football game in Laramie. Fortunately, the weather was in the 50s on this November day, and the fans were polite to us womenfolk. And BYU kicked some trash, 51-0. Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!

#5) Classic family photo by the awesome landscape. Trish, Mom, Dad, and I enjoyed some Shakespearean Festival plays in August last year, and the girls visited Cedar Breaks while Dad fished at Panguitch. We eventually met up for our plays and our traditional steak at Milt's. So good!

More good times to come. And hopefully before months have passed.

Love you, Mom!

2010-05-09T22:39:00.003-06:00

Mom, you're the best! Kudos for the good you've done this world, for your life of teaching all around you, and your example of goodness and happiness. I love you heaps!

A Little Bit Here and There....

2010-04-21T21:54:00.002-06:00

Thinking about things that have happened the past few weeks. A few notables to share:

I toured Gunlock Resevoir and the town of Veyo on a road trip with my little nephew. Oh, others were there--he really enjoyed laughing and cooing at his parents the whole time. And....cool thing: Veyo has a delicious rhubar-berry pie and is home to the Veyo Pool Resort, a spring fed swimming pool that was built in the 1920's.
I found out that our house in St. George could find some very unwelcome visitors. These would be tarantellas, scorpions, and possibly a rattlesnake (good thing we don't have window wells where they like to hide). Oh, and our house might have a resident lizard. Pistol Pete jumped out of Dave's hands pretty quick and scurried to find some relief under our bricking on the front columns. Say hello if you see him on your visit.
Henry slept for 2 hours in my arms. Easiest babysitting. Ever. And now we've got a bond that is unbreakable.
I'm giving a tour of my facility in May to a BYU RMYL class. Funny how it wasn't (but was--2004) so long ago when I was in the same class...
I was present for two monumental developmental events in Henry's first three months of life: a hearty laugh, and rolling over from his tummy to his back. That's my little man.
Today was a first in using a sonic toothbrush. It's weird to feel vibrations from the inside of my head. And this one does the job, because if I leave it in place or press a bit firmer, it makes my whole head vibrate and my vision goes slightly fuzzy. Who needs drugs for a new sensation?
Just bought a plane ticket to Hawaii with my Fijian friend from work. We are going to have a blast. And with her looking and acting like a local, and knowing a ba-jillion people, we'll have the 'in' all over the place.
I'm working on getting my classic GT hybrid bike back in tip top shape, and planning on riding to work everyday. If it goes well, maybe I'll ride in the National Ability Center Summit Challenge.
I've almost caught up on all my paperwork at work....I've been behind since February with winter camping and skiing in the forefront. Now it's blue skies from here on out, and a big sigh of relief.
I dried strawberries today for the first time. SUPER tasty and yummy. If they go on sale again, we've got a keeper.

Cheers!

Who would've thunk?

2010-03-21T22:09:00.004-06:00

This was a weekend of firsts. Let me narrate.

First, I had a sleepover at Jessie's house (a first), so that we could get an early start on our trip. At 2:15 a.m. our alarm clocks rang to get us on our way for a 3:30 a.m. departure (another first) for a group trip to Moab for a five mile race (a first) and a visit to Canyonlands national park (first #4).

Jessie drove the car I rode in, and I slept off and on, while Jason kept Jessie awake, and Dave and Jim slept. Jen drove the other car with Morgan, Jake, and Mark. We arrived at 7:00 a.m. to pick up our race packets, and, of course, for a quick bathroom break. Jen, Morgan, and I went to find the women's restroom, and upon entering, a man stated that he was almost finished and would be out quickly. We looked at each other perplexed at the situation of finding a man in the women's restroom (next first), and busted out laughing when it was Jim that stepped out and didn't even look us in the eye as he passed. Apparently Jim mistook the the men's restroom as being closed--it was open on the other side of the building.

Since it was so cold (about 24 degrees), we did a little bit of prepping and stretching at the gym where our race packets were, before we headed to where the busses were located to take us up the canyon. Since we would be at the start of the race for about an hour or more before the actual beginning of the race, we took along iPods and a frisbee to throw to keep us company.

They dropped 739 runners off at the Negro Bill's Canyon trailhead parking lot on Highway 128, where our little group occupied about 1/6 of the parking lot for our pre-race warmup of throwing the frisbee (again, a first). Probably the best warmup ever because it was so fun and I didn't tire out one bit. Plus, I it warmed up my ungloved hands in the below freezing temps.

Our actual start line was about 1/4 of the mile down the road, which our little group jogged to and sang "Viva la Vida" to keep our energy going. We were right next to the starting line (you guessed it, a first! and in the sun!) and were laughing and guessing how we would do since we really hadn't trained for the race (except Jake), and were running it anyway (first #8). I honestly figured that I would be running about a 9- to 10-minute mile based on my previous week's result in the Rex E. Lee 5k where I ran about a 9-minute mile. As a side note, I ran in honor of my grandmother, Barbara Johns, as a cancer survivor--one of the myriad of trials and successes she has had in her 80+ years of life. Running in honor of someone, and running the Rex E. Lee run were each firsts, but they didn't happen this weekend.

I didn't feel absolutely stellar, but I didn't feel too bad either, and just enjoyed the scenery along the Colorado river. At about mile 2.2 of the race, this awesome Japanese drum group was playing, which could be heard from about a 1/2 mile away as it echoed on the canyon walls, pounding out a beat that really motivated you to keep on moving. I've never heard a Japanese drum group (almost to 10 firsts), and really enjoyed their energy.

I finished the race at 42:47, with an eight year-old girl--I was so impressed at her stamina and ability! And I was absolutely delighted that I had finished so quickly, beating my projected time by minutes. Amazingly, I placed 78th out all the 5-mile runners, 35th out of all girls/women, and 3rd in my age group (25-29)! I've never placed in a race like that in my life, and considering I haven't run too many, that was pretty darn awesome (first numeral X). In fact, all five runners in our group placed in the age divisions: Jim 1st, Dave 2nd, Jake 1st, Jessie 1st, and myself 3rd. I've decided that from now on I will abide by three things for all races: not train much, run with Jessie, and warm-up with frisbee throwing.

Canyonlands was had absolutely beautiful vistas, and we enjoyed the scenic overlooks and small hikes to these amazing vistas. Plus, as you can see, we had a blast taking pictures, laughing and joking the entire trip.

The last first (#11) of the trip was a visit to Cathy's Pizza and Deli in Green River, a well liked, clean, little joint that where I got great fries, a chicken sandwich, and a blackberry shake. I recommend it if you're planning to eat in the area. Great way to top off the a weekend of firsts for the trip.

Good times. I love trying and doing new things, and I love my life.

My New Favorite Thing

2010-01-28T23:49:00.002-07:00

Is to hold and just watch this little guy as he sleeps, looks around and explores, sneezes, or hiccups. Henry Matthew Sederberg was born at 4:28 pm on Wednesday, January 27, coming in at an impressive 8 pounds 7 ounces, and 19.5 inches! Mom and Dad are doing well, and the new family is learning to arrange their life around new sleeping and eating patterns. And I'm having a great time being on hand to help out--don't I have the greatest job ever as an aunt?!

The key, the passport

2010-01-19T23:49:00.002-07:00

If I can change just one thing about myself this year, it is to pray more often, more fervently, and commune in sweet, simple, sacred moments of light and enlightenment with my Father in Heaven. Here's to power and peace.

All in a Normal Holiday Season

2009-12-13T21:14:00.002-07:00

Long ago I wanted to try and get into the 2012 London Summer Olympics with speed walking. However, my dreams were dashed once I realized that those people can walk faster than I can jog. So, I went back to the idea board, and realized that maybe I'd just have to settle going to watch the Olympics. And since London is so far away and so expensive, I thought maybe Vancouver, BC would be better. And then, ya know, I thought, hey, why not watch athletes perform here?

My brother-in-law facilitated this pre-Olympic event by sharing tickets to the World Cup Speed Skating at the Utah Olympic Oval. (Come to find out, everyone's tickets were free, but hey, this is a high profile event we're talking about, so it's not an important detail). It was pretty awesome to see just how fast those men and women fly around the track, and we even witnessed one wipe out. And my ticket says I get a 2-for-1 admission to come ice skating to the rink in the future.

Outcome = awesome time to watch some pretty fast athletes and talk and joke with the family. We even got to see Jenny Wolf from Germany make a new world record in the 500m race, and put up her new placard in the front lobby area. Note: while it was very professional and showy, I feel bad because the 'y' in her name on the placard was put on backward. Tsk. Poor girl. Speed skating just doesn't get the respect (or notice to detail) it deserves.

Since I'm always wanting to try new stuff, maybe once I actually become decent just ice skating, I'll look into speed skating for my new winter sport of choice. And maybe start to dream about competing in the Olympics again.

While that filled up our afternoon, the evening was filled with beautiful lights, music, and stories in word and dance. No holiday could be complete without seeing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert, this year featuring singer Natalie Cole (daughter of Nat King Cole), along with author and historian, David McCullough. My favorite part of the whole concert was Mr. McCullough telling part of the history behind "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas". One more reason why I love America, and one more reason why I love history.

My next favorite piece would have had to been Organist's Richard Elliott's arrangement and rendition of "Good King Wenceslas". Mr. Elliott is pretty much a genius at the organ. His feet are flying everywhere, even criss-crossing, while his fingers are amazing enough switching up and down the keyboards and changing the organ voices. Wow, I just want to learn how to get through a hymn successfully, even with years of organ lessons.

And my dad suggested that maybe we install and trap door and pulley system to set up our tree next year. If the Conference Center can get a two-story tree up in about 20 seconds, I figure we can get our eight foot tree up in two minutes. Could be a fun project for dad in his time off this winter with the weather too cold for fishing.

To give you an update of the holiday season to date, I've been busy trying to become more of a "homemaker" (i.e., one who hand makes food and decorations for home). While I don't have my own home, I am putting together a tree skirt about two nights a week, and over the Thanksgiving break I made cinnamon rolls and homemade wheat bread. Which should not be out done by my early morning adventure outside on the grill to brown the roast for Sunday dinner today. And don't forget that I finally bottled my own peaches and made raspberry jam this summer. My, I'm growing up.

I love how I get to enjoy the traditional with a bit of a mix-in of the non-traditional events this year. Yep, I love my life. Christmas doesn't need presents. I've already how a pretty awesome one so far.

Gratitude

2009-11-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

Gratitude

'Tis the season to enjoy and bask in happiness. Life is truly great. Love it.

I [Use to] Agree with Bronco's Wife

2009-10-23T23:12:00.003-06:00

"He's only a football player--I mean, really, what can he do?"

I really like Holly Mendenhall, BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall's wife. She says it like it is. She focuses on her family and important things. She once ran her own travel agency business in Missoula, Montana, lost out big when having to sell it, but got her family out of debt within only a few years time because of her self-discipline. Bronco says that she is "the glue" in their family, and to the football team he coaches. I think she's a spectacular, down-to-earth lady.

And her first summation of her husband, after their dating break-up, is something that I used to think about many-a-college athlete, even at BYU. "He's only a football player--I mean, really, what can he do?" However, after a few years time she caught Bronco reading a book, catching her off guard, causing her to think that he had matured and should maybe give him a shot.

Tonight the BYU football team caught me off guard. I decided to go to their fireside the eve before a home game to see what all the commotion is about these things. And it was nice that it was only a block away from where I live at the stake center down the street.

Lots of kids, from very young to high school age (and my age as well--I'm still a kid) were in attendance. I thought that the evening would have some feel-good stories, a few musical numbers, and some good words of encouragement from the coaches.

And it did. But there was more to it. When Bronco says that this football team is a means to shape young men, he's definitely right. With the simple talks that were given, they were given with testimony and the Spirit, and they gave me some important things to think about tonight. As Lavell Edwards stated tonight, "We are all learners and we are all teachers, beginning at a very early age." Every single one of these speakers focused on their testimonies of Jesus Christ and the happiness it brings into their lives, the strength it gives them, and what it means to be a true disciple.

Wow, I couldn't have been more wrong. So much for judging. So much more to think about just being and doing--just like these football players.

Round 'em up!

2009-10-20T23:11:00.006-06:00

How many people can say that they get to enjoy this scene at work every morning? Well, the rangers at Antelope Island State Park do get to enjoy this scene annually, as they round the bison up to do regular "check-ups" (i.e., go to the doctor) and figure out which extra ones they will sell to keep their herd numbers to 500.

Luckily for me, I got to be a part of this experience as part of a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) experience at the NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association) Conference in Salt Lake City this past week. For one whole day I learned about and experienced Antelope Island and it's round up, complete with eating a bison burger--which I do recommend.

I won't bore you with all details, but I will say I plan to go back to Antelope Island with my kids at work for a great field trip and/or camping trip. They do really awesome educational presentations, there is biking and hiking all over the island, bison and antelope abound to the point that I feel like I'm on a Disneyland safari ride, and you can even try out swimming and kayaking the open water.

And possibly my mom and I will try out it's nice sand beach and sweet, soft, rolling waves as we paddle surf.

All I can say is: I love my life!!

Love ya heaps

2009-09-27T00:31:00.002-06:00

Something to help us decide what to spend our time on in our day to day lives. It's definitely help me refocus.

Love ya all heaps and heaps.

Things I Like

2009-08-19T21:06:00.007-06:00

1. Working as a recreation therapist. Playing for work is not a bad deal, and the kids are a bonus...well...sometimes :)

2. Getting my hair cut. One of the simplicities of life that is absolutely fantastic as you get a

head massage, look beautiful, and feel rejuvenated all in one.

3. NZ fish and chips. But when you can't go to NZ, Barbara's Fish Trap's are just as good.

4. The fall harvest. I love fresh food. I love cooking and eating fresh food. Fresh food does the body good.

5. Wide open spaces. I live next to open fields that have horses or cattle, and I only have a short drive up to Hobblecreek Canyon or to go and run in Mapleton. I definitely should look into a road bike.

6. Having a garage for my car to live the luxurious life. I live in a house. Not an apartment, or a condo, or anything that says "I'm a student or single person who doesn't quite yet know what to do with my life." While I don't own my house, I feel that I have moved up in the adult world, while at the same time am being spoiled rotten since I can't ever say that I will NEVER live in an apartment or condo again.

7. The arts. Music from symphonies. Vivid pictures, or engaging landscapes. Great minds. New ideas. A good story. Something new to enjoy and learn. Relaxation. Me and a good book :)

8. The fact that I can run and play and enjoy tennis...and a multiplicity of other sports and outdoor ventures.

9. The seasons. Fall is my favorite. September is my favorite month. I should take a day off, just as an Ode to September.

10. Technology. Specifically my new phone that let's me read my text messages without even having to open my phone. Pretty darn sweet, eh?

11. Traveling. A Mexican cruise. My grandmother's home in Idaho to plant flowers. Jackson Hole river rafting and hot tubbing in Idaho Falls. San Jose Bay area camping, Redwood forests, Stanford, and Half Dome at Yosemite. Southern California beaches and an LA wedding. Shakespearean Festival. Moab. Mount Timpanogos. Possibly Europe next year...

12. Ultimate Frisbee. Ultimately because of the people that I have connected to and become friends with. Good times.

13. People I know. They make me happy, and they make me smile. They give me a lot to look up to. And they rarely make me upset or mad. Could I be luckier? I submit that I cannot.

My Soul Smiles

2009-08-01T00:10:00.003-06:00

What a legacy to remember, and what great character and goodness to continually reach for, stretch for, and achieve. I love President Hinckley, and whenever I get to listen to his recorded voice, the Spirit speaks calm to my mind, the worries of the world shrink in stature, and my heart is glad.

A little slice of NZ...except in Scotland

2009-07-31T01:42:00.007-06:00

The picture above was taken of the wall in one the hostels on our travels around the country....I believe it was in Queenstown, for our adventure-town get-away. For those who do not understand the humor, NZ is populated with roughly 4 million people. However, the sheep population runs at 40 million. Thus, these little guys were everywhere....

Okay, I can't take credit for finding this sweet video. Well, I did find it, but on the family member's blog of a friend's blog of a friend's blog. All I can say is just enjoy the video. It's pretty darn awesome! Ah, the memories of scattered, dotted seas of white on rolling green hills throughout NZ....

Two words: El Beautiful-o!

2009-07-18T23:39:00.006-06:00

All I can say is that I had one of the greatest runs of my life today. No I did not win a race, nor reach a new PR. Nope, it wasn't like I felt like Rocky Balboa after conquering a major mountain, nor did I even want to attempt one.

But two things rocked my world today: my running buddy and my running route. My incredible sister and I are training for the Hobblecreek Half, and she's the one that came up with the running route--the other fantastic piece of today's running pie. Please take note of all of the green within the city boundaries on the satellite image, plus the nicely situated mountains that are covered with foliage as they take part of the Uinta National Forest.

Yep. Love my life.

So close, yet so far

2009-05-18T22:49:00.000-06:00

A couple of Sundays ago, Christy and I were working on Indexing projects for the LDS Church. It's where you look at scanned copies of records in their original handwriting and try to decipher what is on them. I began working on U.S. Census records, but with my mother as our family genealogist, she encouraged us to begin working on U.K. Land Tax records.

I figured, big deal, this will be easy. America was principally founded by people from the British Isles, our English language comes from them (but we do drive on opposite sides of the road), so how different--or difficult--could these records be?

Ha! Much-o difference-o. Definitely different. Made me think about how on my Mexican cruise I kept seeing American stores or franchises, yet the Mexican way of life was totally different. So interesting to me that things can be so similar in a multiplicity of ways, but thinking and ways of life can be so different.

This is the house that Jack built

2009-05-08T15:04:00.000-06:00

My view looking directly south from my window. That canyon on the left, where the mountains dip, is Spanish Fork Canyon.

Some of the twin homes built a few years before our townhouse. Also look at the flimsy trees just planted in February on our street. Does anyone know what kind they are?

Living on the second floor of a townhouse in a new subdivision definitely has its perks. I have an awesome view to the south of the mountains surrounding Spanish Fork Canyon. I can check how the construction on 400 South is coming along, and before that began I could check the rush hour traffic each day. It's quiet. No one really drives down here, and at night you can here crickets and frogs. Little kids running up and down the street screaming in delight (or anger) can be heard on a regular basis, especially with the increase in warmer weather. And, something really quite new to me, is the makings of a house. Or townhouses, to be exact.

While growing up in Bountiful, we had some neighbors move into an empty lot next to us after it had been empty for most of my young childhood. I still remember the day they came to bulldoze it down. As kids, we would run around in the alfalfa and long grass, climb and pick peaches from the last of the peach orchard remains, and catch praying mantises and pill bugs. As the youngest of the Newman clan, I was the only one still fascinated with running around these empty lots. I remember just wandering around, looking to see if I could find anything of interest to pick up and look at for the day, when I heard a loud rumbling coming down the street. A bulldozer! Is it coming to dig up this dirt right here?! In my mind I knew I was being dramatic, but childhood is so much more fun that way. However, it really was coming right for that plot of open land. Run away! Run for your life! This was getting exciting, and I didn't want to die by the swoop of a bulldozer! To this day I'm sure that the guy operating the machine was laughing at a little seven or eight year old girl running out of the lot up to her house, only to sit on the lawn and watch the dirt-digging event unfold.

Well, our neighbors built their home, but unfortunately I never really took note of how they did it. Part of that could have been due to the fact that our house is on higher ground, and the large cement retaining wall hid much or what was happening. However, my big chance has come again, and I get to watch them build the townhouses from the start to finish right from my very window--pretty impressive front row seats, I might add.

Each morning, if I'm not already up, I am alerted to the beginning of the day by the sounds of something being hit by something else, or the sound of diesel engines running, or the back of forth of workers in mixed English and Espanol. Today, as it was my day off, while I was working from my computer and fixing lunch, I would look out the window to watch the mix and pour the cement. Quite fascinating how many times they go over the stuff to try and smooth it out as much as possible. And, I am impressed by the aiming and estimation of where and how much cement to pour--you really don't want to make a mistake with that stuff coming down the chute pretty quickly.

Before that I saw them dig the foundations, set up the wooden frames to pour the foundations, take them off, spray them with some black stuff that looks like waterproofing stuff, fill up the foundations (these have no basements), make sure the important pipes are wall marked before they poured the cement, and now the pouring of the cement. No wonder homes cost so much. This has been taking weeks to just get this far, and a lot of people are involved.

Would you like a little Kari in your life?

2009-03-16T23:46:00.000-06:00

Instead of watching info-mercials on television late at night, I read my friend's blogs. And thus I was quickly roped into signing up for a homemade gift by my friend Jessie from Utopia (the Ultimate Team I belong to that is doing amazing things at tournaments without me). She was offering a homemade gift to the first five people who responded to her blog, the payment for this service being that I offer this same service myself.

So, if you want a little bit of Kari in your life, be one of the first five people to respond to this blog, and you will be the proud owner of something unique that I will make just for you. If you live far away, please include an address or some sort of contact information.

It's spring time--let's spread the happiness!

I Defer

2009-02-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

It's not my fault that I haven't been updating my blog lately. I didn't even think about my blog until a few days ago. After logging on, instead of reading my own stuff (since I already know what I wrote), I quickly went to my side menu of the all the blogs that I like to read. And then I sat and read those updates for about an hour (or three) or so. So much more spectacular than what I have to share.

I mean, who should be writing on their blog when there is nothing new and exciting to report? Nothing that will challenge the rival blogs out there. So I defer. Check out all my friends' blogs. They have much more exciting things going on at this time in their lives.

However, as I don't have much of anything new to report (except that I'm going to Mexico for the first time, and on a cruise for the first time), or any updates (no Ultimate tournaments until March, I still have my job after layoffs at work, I'm learning a lot--and still have far to go--as I play on my ward's b-ball team, I'm enjoying my new desk, I'll be playing the piano and teaching in Church in the upcoming weeks, and I now have a gym membership that I have to pay for for the first time in my life), I guess I'll give you a little insight into the routine of my day.

I realize that much of my time has been filled with a few things that I have begun to give more priority: reading and watching television. What I was giving my time to before that, I'm not quite sure. But I'm enjoying these two activities much more than I have in the past, simply because of the quality of the content. Christy and I are now on to Season 2 of The Cosby Show, which is even better than the first season, if you can believe that. It's kind of like a night time bedtime story--one episode in twenty minutes, two episodes in forty. And then we watch the weather before parting our ways to slumber peacefully.

Once I'm in my bed, all snuggled up and comfortable, I read a chapter in the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt--each chapter is only about seven to twelve pages long, and so it's perfect to end the evening. I'm finding that the more I learn about our Church's leaders, past and present, the more I discover (or just recognize) they were ordinary men and women dedicated and focused on extraordinary things. In short, they were humble, teachable, and letting faith pave the way before them.

So, as you can see, why would I have to have anything amazing to report? Nothing spectacular, just purely entertaining and enriching.

Business Travel

2009-01-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

Usually, my business travel deals with taking trips to local state parks, and the occasional 3-hour drive to Utah's infamous national parks. Oh yeah, and there's the weekly winter trip up to Sundance. But I had quite the unusual assignment just a few weeks ago. I had the glorious experience to fly to Las Vegas--in December, mind you--to enjoy it's wonderfully warm, sunny weather...in the airport.

Yep, that's right. I grabbed a plane from SLC, flew to Vegas, quickly grabbed dinner at the Quizno's in the slot-machine loaded airport, before I met up at the Delta ticketing counter with a new girl my work was admitting to our program. And, all by myself. I was a bit worried that I didn't know her background issues when special security decided to do a pat-down check. Luckily, she acted like a normal person and didn't flip out in tantrums or ninja moves, and I could rest assured for the rest of our journey. Granola bars, fruit snacks, crayons, and picture books filled the rest of our slightly-over-an-hour-flight back to SLC.

From 11:00 pm to midnight our drive to Springville was serenaded by Christmas carols over the radio waves in my luxurious company car, a 2001 Chevy Impala (with the "low tire pressure" warning light blinking the whole way). I checked her in with night staff as the rest of the girls' cottage slumbered away, and returned home at 1:00 am.

It was quite the interesting trip, just never lending itself to much tourism or site-seeing. No wonder businessmen never like to travel for work. Luckily, my next trip to Vegas will be for Ultimate Frisbee with Utopia. All play, and no work.

God Bless Us, Everyone!

2008-12-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

A star of light and guidance was prelude to the Birth of Light over two millenia ago. While we celebrate the Lamb of God's condescension to this earth, we declare the "good tidings" and "great joy" of His humble birth, His exemplary life, His noble ministry, and His infinite and eternal sacrifice for the Life of all.

In celebration to the Light and Life of this world, the Great Hope of all mankind, I bear my testimony that the only Begotten of the Father came to earth to mark the path, show the way, and provide grace and mercy to all men, as he succors us and strengthens us in our progression on this earth, preparatory of the world to come. And He still lives! May our faith and hope in Him--even though the size of a seed--continue to grow into a tree of everlasting happiness and life.

Joy to Everyone this Christmas!

The World (As I Now Am Beginning to Know It . . .)

2008-12-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

Barbara Walters. That's what I thought of too when I first heard "twenty, twenty" from the lips of one of the mischievous teenage boys that I work with. He walked right up to me and said, slightly sheepishly, "I need a twenty, twenty."

"Uh, okay. What does that mean?"

So then he explained, and thus began to open up the window shedding light upon the workings of teenage boys' minds. "It means you need to stand twenty feet away from everyone for twenty seconds."

"Mmmmmm......because?"

"Well, because, you know.......you don't want to make it smell bad with everyone else around."

Oh, okay. Since as a recreation therapist one of the primary goals I have with the kids that I work with is to make sure that they are well-rounded and appropriate in the many and various social situations they find themselves in, I had to give props to the kids. I mean, he--or whoever it was--came up with this one, and he was actually using it! One, he was saving himself and others embarrassment. Two, he was being considerate of others. And three, he wasn't drawing attention to himself (as long as he was far enough away, and wasn't asking out loud in front of everybody for the space and time).

Thus, "twenty, twenty" has another definition in my head, and it's now the one I think of first when hearing the double-word phrase. Who knew that teenage boys could broaden your vocabulary, AND your world by making this a simple part of your weekly routine? Gotta love it.

Come What May, and Love It!

2008-12-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

As my way to tip my hat off to an exemplary man, I thought it would be good to post some of his last words here.

Oliver Wendell Holmes penned, "If I had a formula for bypassing trouble, I would not pass it around. Trouble creates a capacity to handle it. I don't say embrace trouble; that's as bad as treating it as an enemy. But I do say meet it as a friend, for you'll see a lot of it and you had better be on speaking terms with it." Elder Wirthlin just took it one step further--thanks, Elder Wirthlin.

O Remember, Remember

2008-11-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

At this time of year, a glance back has gotten me to think about a few things that I'm grateful for in my life. While it is custom to take time once each year, to look back as Thanksgiving approaches, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans took many occasions to give thanks for the simple bounties that their God bestowed upon them. It is something that I hope to take time to do a bit more in my own life; it influences my own relationship with Heavenly Father, helping me to humble myself and recognize my dependence upon Him.

As a bit of a history treat and a way to remember our loving Eternal Father's hand in our lives, and His continued outpouring of blessings upon this promised land, I decided to find some of the original official Thanksgiving Proclamations made by William Bradford, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln in the United States. Enjoy, and give thanks!

Oh It's TIme For Some Campaigning!

2008-11-10T22:37:00.001-07:00

American Tim Tam Slam

2008-10-24T22:18:00.000-06:00

Since it's been close to four years since I was living Down Under, I haven't had a Tim Tam Slam in a long time. With wanting a warm drink and cookie dessert one Sunday evening, I came up with this nice little recipe:

3/4 cup hot water
1 or 2 chunks (equal to 1 or 2 spoonfuls) of Milo that you can scrape off from the solid mass that is left from a few years ago
1 heaping spoonful of dark Belgian hot chocolate mix
1 to 2 tablespoons of milk
One chocolate chip cookie, warmed up in the microwave for somewhere between 10-15 seconds, depending upon your microwave

Pour water over Milo chunks in mug. Stir for about 20 seconds to make sure all chunks are dissolved. Add heaping spoonful of hot chocolate mix and stir in. Then add just enough milk to top off the mug (about 1 to 2 tablespoons). Dip the warm chocolate chip cook in the hot Milo/chocolate drink, and let it almost start to dissolve before pulling it out and taking a sumptuous bite. Then drink in chocolate-ty goodness. Repeat the previous two steps until finished.

PIcture Tag! If You're Reading This, You're IT!

2008-10-23T23:04:00.000-06:00

The rules of the game: go to your "Pictures" Folder and take the fourth picture from your fourth folder and post it; then write a little bit about it--it's fun!

As for the picture above.....really it's from my fifth folder "Bryce Canyon", and it's actually not even the fourth picture, but it's probably my favorite picture from our little jaunt throughout Bryce. (My fourth folder has only three pictures of me counting coins....a once favorite pastime of my childhood). That's Shelley Barrett, a good friend and past roommate, Christy my sister, and moi. A much more talented and knowledgeable photographer used my little digital camera to take this picture through a natural tunnel on the Peek-a-Boo Loop trail. Pretty awesome, if you ask me!

We also stopped by Zion's on our trip this past April--we were taking our own spring break--and thus the picture below from Weeping Rock. It's not raining in the background, that's just the drippy waterfall from the weeping rock.

A Pebble in a Pond

2008-10-10T09:18:00.000-06:00

Recently, much news has begun to swirl around us, giving us bits and pieces surrounding the upcoming Proposition 8 voting to be held in California.

While I am not always the fondest the Wikipedia, it seems to have the most brief, straightforward and complete explanation of the reason for Proposition 8, and I found it very helpful in understanding the reason for the issue at hand. Click here for that link.

As a Latter-day Saint, when I was first given news about all of this, my thoughts first turned to the The Family: A Proclamation to the World, where it states "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." This statement--as well as the entire Proclamation--are principles that I believe in. At http://www.preservingmarriage.org/ there is a link to the Proclamation, as well as links to the LDS Church's official stance on the issue.

Following my thought process, my first stance was that I should support those voting for Proposition 8. But, then I thought, was it intolerant and unfair to those who had chosen another lifestyle? What if my choice didn't pass--was it really so bad to let marriage be defined in another way if the only thing to happen would be the change of the definition?

While at first it seems that there are no ramifications, other than the actual definition and recognition of marriage to be between a husband and wife, the passing or non-passing of Proposition 8 will generate ripples that will be felt hereafter.

If Proposition 8 does not pass, marriage will be defined as a union between two persons. To ensure that there is equality for same gender unions, rights of free speech and actions based on religious beliefs will be challenged in the arena of public policy. This may* happen in:

Churches. Religious institutions may be banned from actions based on their doctrines or beliefs to ensure equality for same gender unions, and will thus lose government support or tax benefits if not following suit. This may happen with church operated adoption agencies that will be required to allow adoptions for same-gender couples; performance of same-gender marriages will be required to happen in churches and other sacred sites; the teaching and preaching of doctrines that do not condone same-gender relationships will be seen as a violation of equality, and may be banned.
Schools. Public education will most likely be required to include a curriculum that equates heterosexual and homosexual marriages and relationships, and will be taught in public schools. Student religious organizations that do not allow same-gender beliefs or members will lose their campus recognition and benefits; universities will lose their accreditation if they do not provide married housing to same-sex couples.

If Proposition 8 does pass, marriage will be defined as a union between a man and a woman. Domestic partnerships and civil unions (same-sex couples) will still have the same rights and marriage-related benefits. Religious and educational institutions will still be able to teach doctrines, principles, and ideas, along with receiving the same support from government as they have in the past.

From a moral standpoint, I also believe that the Proposition will have a far-reaching effect on our children, and thus the future of all on this earth. Research has concluded that children raised in a home with a mother and a father are given the best and opportunity for becoming socially adjusted, developing their own identity, and understanding their gender identity. Just another thing to consider in the mix of all of this.

A more thorough look at the issue is in place before one votes. I have found the following websites--for, against, or neutral--on Proposition 8 to be helpful in understanding the issue from legitimate sources.

http://www.preservingmarriage.org

http://www.protectmarriage.com

http://www.noonprop8.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_8_(2008)

http://whatisprop8.com

Each site has additional links, articles, and sources of information.

*States in the United States and countries within the European Union where marriage has been redefined as a union between two partners have already taken steps in their governments to enforce equality of same-sex unions in religious and educational arenas, as cited in "The Divine Institution of Marriage" news release on 13 August 2008 at the LDS Church's website.

Are you his mom?

2008-10-07T00:39:00.000-06:00

Ummmm, no. Not even close.

When a boy befriended one of the boys that I work with at my residential treatment center, they came over to me to ask permission if they could begin the corn maze (we were at Thanksgiving Point enjoying the multiplicity of corn maze activities they have they aren't even mazes). With only about 20 minutes left before we were going to gather up and leave, I told them that we wouldn't have time for the big maze, but that they could try the kiddie maze, and then we were all going home to have dinner. Thus proceeded the question about whether I was his mom.

While totally warranted by my explanation that we were going home to have dinner, I felt unhip...maybe I really am getting wrinkles and the few white hairs I have really are showing through? Do I really look that old?

But, when we got back into the car, the boys wanted to listen to my iPod, so that made me feel hip again...at least I have cool music to teenage boys, for however old I am.

Odds and Ends

2008-10-04T23:23:00.000-06:00

This weekend is General Conference, and on Friday night I was worried that I might miss it. With Christy and I moving into the lovely new town home she bought, we weren't so sure how long our grace period for free cable would be. However, when we plugged in the TV last night to see if we could catch some of the BYU vs. USU football game, we quickly had a little set-up going and watched the game. Thus, today, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Conference at our new little place, albeit the TV is on the floor at the moment.

Unfortunately for me, I totally let sleep overcome me about two-thirds of the way through the afternoon session, so I'll have to wait for my podcasts to come in to listen to those. One thing I really enjoyed this year was President Monson's welcome to Conference. What a very aware, observant, and open man he is. While President Hinckley set us up to be more of a world-wide Church, President Monson--I believe--has carried on and furthered his, and thus the Church's, outreach to all; he doesn't just tell them who we are and answer the questions, but offers a very friendly and sincere invitation to all to come and partake. What a man to follow--he holds a worldwide vision while simultaneously conversing and becoming friends with the one.

Between the two sessions, Christy and I went singing in the rain (well, just jogging in the rain, and the singing happened afterwards while I was in the shower). I love it out here. Cute little kids in their rain jackets waved to us--or stared at us--as we ran past, the main attractions were a park and a descent sized field full of ready to be harvested pumpkins, and maybe two cars drove by us on our route the entire time. As we ran up to a bridge that goes over a small stream, we noticed a newly paved trail lining the stream's southern bank. Since we were pressed for time, and just a wee bit wet, we never saw exactly how far the trail extended east of 900 W (it stopped maybe 40 yards west of it), and will have to try that one again.

I looked up my goals on one of my previous blogs, and figured that I at least needed to update everyone on my progress on them since I haven't posted any official documentation of what I've committed myself to really do this year. Thus, things to check off the docket:

I am on an all-ladies Ultimate Frisbee club team that will travel to weekend tournaments this winter. This sounds mighty elite, and in a way it is, but each practice I go to, I'm learning tons, and the gals on the team have been awesome to teach me a few tricks of the trade and answer my endless questions. I may not be the best player on the team, but hey, I apparently made cuts.
I did cultivate one plant for a friend, and have been keeping up on mine quite well, except for those that need to be repotted. But the Christmas cactus just got a nice trim today and is looking much better.
As far as the 2012 Olympics in London, its looking like it's a definitely possibility for me to compete for......the cheapest plane ticket over there as a tourist. Speed walking is a bigger sport than I ever realized, and thus I don't think I have quite the chances for being the next Michael Phelps for women's sports like I thought I did. Ah well.
Did get a bookshelf, and yes, I did finish one book I was reading last night, The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz. True story that just makes my mind reel. Four thousand miles on foot over about twelve months at about 20 miles a day, through Siberia, the Gobi Desert, and over the Himilayas to freedom in India after escaping a USSR concentration/work camp. Slavomir's telling of his experience freely flows, and often caused my mind to wonder what the human mind and body can ultimately endure, and how much grace God showers upon us day to day. This may be the subject of an upcoming blog....
And, yes, I am in the process of applying for grad school Fall 2009. I went in and talked with three of my professors, and they even all remembered me quite well.....that bodes well for me, but it also means I have quite the standard to reach and live up to. Talking with Brian Hill, the graduate coordinator and my professor down in New Zealand, he was slightly disappointed in my above average scores on the GRE, and told me that he thought I would at least score above 1300, which he also told me would solidly solidify my spot as one of the nominees to begin the program. I need to have a strong showing since I already have two strikes against me: I'm from BYU, and I've already graduated with a degree from the RMYL department. Another quandry that I must address is if I really want to quit my job. I was thinking that I could work and go to school part time, but it looks like it is a full-time program only, and it is highly recommended that I don't work.

Oh, and the picture? That is a picture of Mike Haney and I, riding donkeys, all the way back from May. Since I didn't have any cool pictures to post yet, I thought this would keep things interesting. Probably about the coolest first date I've ever been on, Mike was a true gentleman and really kept things interesting as I rode Pedro, a past circus donkey.

One fun part of the night was when we turned around to head back home on our trail in Hobblecreek Canyon, and the donkeys knew it, and started trotting home, just like a horse. It was so funny that they really are as stubborn as can be and really whined and complained about going up the hills, but ran for home, even down steep hills that I thought they would be scared of with their poor depth perception. I think Pedro took on his fears, and sensed I wouldn't like going down a steep hill too much, and thus proceeded fearlessly. Feeling uneasy about my prospects of staying on Pedro, I quickly dismounted at the first sign of trouble (me starting to slip forward, feeling as if I might just use Pedro's neck as a slide if I slid any further)--Mike laughed so hard about my dismount, because the hill was so steep, I had to put my foot down and swing the other leg over, kind of like a cartwheel with no hands. As soon as Pedro recognized that I was off, he took off running, and Mike and I after him until when cornered him into some brush oak. Ah, that was a fun night. Good times.

Labor Day Trip to San Jose and Northern California

2008-10-04T21:37:00.000-06:00

It took me a while to get this blog posted because I was way too impatient with how long it took to upload all of these images in the order I wanted; thus, I would add a few at a time every few days or so, and now I finally finished adding them tonight.

So, now you have a picture timeline of my trip, which was fantastic, thanks to Tierney and Jared who really made it worthwhile with their generous offering of their home, time, food, and chauffering skills. People like people with skills.

Friday: Santa Cruz! While there was a heat wave sweltering over San Jose, Santa Cruz was carefully blanketed in fog, and thus we sported the sweatshirt look. We enjoyed garlic fries, the Big Dipper Roller Coaster (which I absolutely was not scared of as you can see on my face), and ended up leaving early from a disappointing concert--a little too liberal and on-the-end-of-th-limb-and-about-to-break-it type of stuff. Gotta love California.

Jared makes me look like even more of a wuss.

Lights, crowds, and fog . . . typical California beach line.

Fantastic tour guide Tierney, and excellent chauffer Jared.

Saturday: The Oakland Temple, San Francisco, and the John Muir Redwoods! A little bit of everything was fit into this day--even expensive metered parking (even I didn't bring enough quarters to cover an hour)--as we began with the Oakland Temple (wanted to start the day right!), hit Ghiradelli Square, China Town, and a windy ride down Lombard street in downtown San Fran, drove over the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate en route to San Fran and the John Muir Redwoods, and finished up the day in the quiet and solitude beauty of the redwood trees.

Alcatraz . . . never leave California without a picture of this beauty.

Ghirardelli would bring a smile to any chocolate lover's face.

A quick picture peek at China town . . . of course I got a picture of tourists instead of Chinese, just my luck.

Wow. Beautiful!

Bridges are cool, but no need to take choreographed pictures of them. Rearview mirrors and dashboards frame them quite nicely for me.

Did you know I love nature? Little known fact . . .

Monday: Monterrey Bay and Carmel! Monterrey Bay has the coolest aquarium I've ever been to--you could seriously spend all day there. While the jellyfish exhibit is amazing and affords some pretty sweet pictures, I wish I could have gotten a picture of the all to0 rambunctious sea otters, and seen some shows of trained animals--who wants to see them act natural when you can train them to be otherwise? But you can't expect to enjoy all those things when you show up on a holiday. And while the Carmel coastline is all brown in these photos, driving out there we drove through thick wooded forests of all sorts of trees, even my favorite, the fragrant eucalyptus.

In the background is a shark . . . this odd looking specimen, called the sun fish, is keeping itself at a safe distance. At least he's no dummy.

Shafts of light, fish, and vegetation. Need I say more? It's just beautiful.

Jared is hoping to get into yachting (i.e., the upper tier of the business world all owns yachts to enjoy keeping them in a bay, and maybe taking them out once a year). I told him he could always invite me along.

Old meets new.

He really didn't want to sit still, so I went for the action shot.

Tuesday: Yep, while the rest of the working world went back to work, I went to the beach, going to Rio Del Mar, just a little bit south of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. As you can see, I had it all to myself, and enjoyed the waves, sand, sun, and time to myself to relax after a whirlwind weekend--I was quite rejuvenated before coming home on Wednesday.

The end.

Those darn ink spots

2008-09-07T17:13:00.000-06:00

Tierney and Jared let me in on a very enlightening home-do-it-yourself-this-really-works-and-is-so-awesome trick. Whenever you get those blasted ink spots on your shirts from work, and you feel as if your shirt is ruined forever, because no matter how much you try to spot it and pre-treat it, they only slightly fade. Well--who knew?!-but use hairspray. Just spray the ink spot, and it will have a chemical reaction with the hairspray, and start to lift. When you wash, and it should come completely out.

I wonder if Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray knows about this one, because it's pretty awesome. Now I'm actually excited to get another ink spot on my shirt to try it out.

A bouquet of newly sharpened pencils.....ahhhhhh

2008-08-24T20:25:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since my last post. Since that time, three major events have happened. The most recent event was going to LA with my boss for work doing a Parent Support Group. He had me along for fun and entertainment, which didn't bother me since I got an all expense paid mini vacation from my work (wow, what a contrast to how I felt about my work in the last blog) besides having to do the support group on Saturday morning. I had an entire room to myself in a Marriott (very, very nice, especially since I have I never travelled for business before). Below is a picture from my little patio on the 14th floor.

Friday we checked in, went across the street for some dinner at the PF Changs at the mall, sat by the pool and read and relaxed (and I fell asleep, classic me) and then Larry and I split to our rooms across from each other and enjoyed the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in the privacy of our own rooms.

The next morning, we woke up, ate a sweet continental breakfast, and then did our support group. I had the participants play Tangoes, and then discussed with them what they experienced, how they felt, and how it was an example of what I do with their kids. After Larry gave his lengthy, but very informative, schpeel about why the kids we work with do what they do, we then headed off to the Santa Monica beach on a mountain highway, ate at Gladstones (which has some awesome ceviche and fresh seafood, and is the very first picture on the blog), and then drove back to our hotel via the major freeway system that goes through LA, and ended up passing by the LA temple. We filled out all our paperwork, and then went to the mall to window shop, get milkshakes, eat french fries, and philosophize, talk, and just people watch.

Sunday we left, flew back home, and Larry gave me a pep talk about how I can be the main presenter at the next LA Parent Support Group I go to..........right (in a Kronk-like voice).

One weekend before that, my family had a sweet reunion up in Idaho for the Johns. Love those people. We have entirely WAY too much fun. You can the pictures for those at my brother's blog, which is: dnewmanfamily.blogspot.com.

The other momentous occasion was our family's hike up to Lake Mary and Catherine in the Wasatch Mountains for our celebration of Pioneer Day. Enjoy the pictures of snow, moose, wildflowers, and of course, a family portrait.

Even with the forecast of 99 degrees tomorrow, fall is coming. Football is in the air, kids are starting school, and the days are starting to get a wee bit shorter. I love Indian Summer.....kudos to Mom and Dad for working it out so I was born this time of year.

As Meg Ryan exclaims in the movie, You've Got Mail, the smell of a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils brings to the mind the happy occasion of fall and the beginning of school. For me, I have always associated it with rededicating oneself to past goals, committing to new ones, and prepping for the challenges that might lie ahead. Since my one-year anniversary for work will be on October 8, I feel it is appropriate to reflect and continue this tradition, as a "new year" is approaching.

So, some things that I think I will work on for this coming year:

Work: compile all my plans and information from my activities this year into one binder, make a basic outline for the year, and come up with some pretty set-ready-to-go therapy plans for my groups that cover social skills.
Talents: practice the piano at least once a week, cultivate some plants for family and friends (and my enjoyment, too), find some tennis buddies, and join another ultimate Frisbee team to get even better. Also, after watching Michael Phelps and realizing the need for a lifeguard at work, I really want to take some swim lessons to learn how to swim the RIGHT way (yes, I can swim, thank you very much, just not the way you're supposed to). A more lofty goal would be to try for the 2012 Olympics in London.....I figure I have the best chance at speed walking. We'll see if I can't make it. If not, maybe I'll just plan to go there for a vacation :)
Personal: finish reading the three books I'm currently in the middle of, and then see if I can't get a pretty sweet bookshelf for all my books that are all over the place in my apartment, at Mom and Dad's house, and at my work. A paper shredder and a more intense filing system is also on order here. I got a hiking book, and I need to go on at least two new hikes in there. And, possibly most important, apply for the RMYL Grad program at BYU for Fall 2009.
Financial: set up a savings account completely dedicated to vacations/travel. Part of my intense filing system would also include some sweet and intense financial files that have my information at your fingertips for lightening fast checks of my net value. I may be dreaming, but hey, what can I say......it all began with a dream for Martin Luther King.
Service: keep working at the Temple, but maybe check out a few other service opportunities at the BYU service center. And keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities for my kids to work on service opportunities.
Gospel: consistently work at least once a week on the Family History assignment from my mother, do an in-depth study of the Pearl of Great Price, and have 100% Visiting Teaching for the year (I've come close, but not quite, and there's no excuse for that--this is a totally attainable goal).
Family: figure out how to go on some one-on-one outings with my family members, maybe twice a year with each of them. They are some pretty cool people, and it sure is nice to spend some tete-a-tete time with them (that's French).

If you have any suggestions or comments on my goals, all are appreciated. Look for the cool spreadsheet of them in coming attractions.....

I Passed!

2008-08-01T11:02:00.000-06:00

A while ago I posted a blog about the Jazz and the GRE, and the tough time I was having studying. While I never studied quite as diligently as I was hoping I would discipline myself to do, I did go on ahead and take the GRE on Saturday, July 19.

To throw some other distractions into the mix, just a week earlier the CEO of Provo Canyon School, my employer, decided to make a bunch of cutbacks and layoffs in order to please upper level corporate and save his little toosh. As my mother can attest, I've never been so distracted or upset about something....my job was secure (for now, until he decides that recreation therapy isn't something we need and costs too much), but I was so disappointed and frustrated that the cutbacks weren't fair to the employees that I knew, weren't fair to the kids who needed the help and guidance of some of these people, nor was it fair that layoffs affected those of us who were still working and would thus be pulled in more directions to try and cover everything, and thus the kids were going to suffer as well. Needless to say, I was very upset. And I wasn't sure if I should take my test on Saturday with such distraught emotions. I tried to change it, but I was past the deadline, and so decided I might as well take a shot at the test.

All I can say is that there was a lot of divine intervention in my behalf. I was totally calm the day of the test, went in with some confidence, and was able to endure the 4 hour test with mind clarity and focus--that's a lot of help, I know. I haven't received the scores for my written essays, but for the rest of the test I passed with scores that even surprised me--I scored 150 points more than I had ever scored on a practice test. Talk about rising to the occasion!

Now, all I have to do is get into grad school to make these scores worth it....... :)

STRIIIIIKE THREE!

2008-07-09T17:48:00.000-06:00

Yes, those were the words coursing through my mind during FHE on Monday. As an athletic girl, this was a very humbling evening, and probably good for my pride in humbling me to be much more thankful for the gifts God has blessed me with, particularly a knack for sports.

Our ward decided to do a tee-ball tournament for our FHE activity. I was excited, and even felt good warming up to Kelson batting some line drivers to me in the in-field. I threw them back with ease, and felt very confident and comfortable that I would have no problems at bat--especially when the ball would be just sitting for me to hit there on the tee.

Our team had plenty of girls who had played softball before, and they made things look super easy. While not getting a chance to bat during the first inning, I was the first up for our second inning. I placed the ball on the tee, wound up, and--SLAM!--knocked over the tee and heard the ball drop to the ground with a chorus of "hey, batter batter batter!" from the opposite team in the background. I know that most of these people know that I'm athletic, so I'm sure they were enjoying this little mess up by me.

I lined up a second time, swung with all my might and--BAM!!--the top half of the tee went flying into the infield while my ball dropped once again to the ground. Now I was feeling pressure. I got the ball on the tee again, took another whack, fully expecting my ball to go flying out into the outfield. Nothing. I was defeated and deflated.

I figured since it was strike three, my turn was over, but no, I was to keep this publicly humiliating feat going with the instructions from the ump, a member of our Bishopric. It took me two more swings before I finally hit, and when I did, I still hit under the ball and managed to send it flying up in the air. At least I got a base hit, with a little help from my speed, which helped to dig me out the my deep whole of humiliation.

I keep hitting under the ball, and I can only think that I had a tendency to do this in large part from my tennis training and in small part from my golf experiences. Who knew that hitting a ball off a tee could be that difficult? Those little five-year-olds who play the sport have just earned a ginormous amount of respect and admiration from this fan.

All I can say is that you never know when you'll be humbled. Remember to be grateful for EVERYTHING you find yourself super capable of doing--you never know when you'll find yourself struggling to hit a ball that's a sitting duck.

Super Charged July 4th!

2008-07-06T18:07:00.000-06:00

Wow! I just finished watching one incredible Wimbledon final. I didn't watch the whole thing, just the 5th set of Nadal and Federer duking it out, playing with enough spryness and energy to convince you that it was the 2nd set if you didn't know the score. Incredible athletes and gentlemen.

What an end to an incredible Fourth of July week and weekend, a cap to some great activities that I participated in around the state--maybe next year I can extend the activities of this week to around the nation :)

The week kicked off with a little bit of a roller-coaster of emotions as I planned a trip to Moab, UT for 17 boys and 5 staff that I work with. Monday we loaded everything up, drove down south, and enjoyed testing the Moab waters (literally). We hiked up what is called Negro Bill's Canyon, an excellent canyon to hike during the heat--it is shaded with much vegetation and the stream is easily accessible for a quick dip. In our case, we spent about an hour in the stream catching and releasing crawdads--an excellently fun activity for all, a good "heat-breaker" for the week. We then drove a few miles down the road to our camp site and set up our tents in an afternoon thunderstorm--quite a refreshing break for the oven temperatures in the desert. That night we grilled hot dogs and had s'mores over the fire.

Tuesday we got up early to go and hike Delicate Arch, before the oven completely warmed up. All of my boys did it without complaint, and were super excited to get to and see their destination. With the incredible heat that had us even sweating a bit in the shade, we decided to cut out our afternoon hike and go back and have a quiet hour before we went and swam in the river. While the boys were at the river, I went into town with KJ and took care of paperwork for our river trip the next day, coupled with a few other errands. We came back and grilled up hamburgers--two grilled meals in a row in the outdoors is was quite the tasty treat! Dinner was followed by a solo--time for the boys to explore camp and be out on their own, to look for an object (or two) that could represent themselves to the group the following night. Due to the boys' bad behavior the night before (not going to sleep and inappropriate conversation), we didn't have any s'mores and sent them straight to bed to get rested for our river trip the next day.

However, having them go to bed earlier also meant that KJ and I could go and get a shower (since we missed the swimming) in the river. So, that night I had my first skinny dipping experience, but I can say that it was all well worth it---I was so sweaty and smelly, I'm sure everyone else appreciated it as well. I've never worn garments in Moab before, and don't recommend it--find activities to do that require you to go without them; even if you're super active and sweaty, it's not as bad as wearing two layers!

Wednesday morning lived up to all that we hoped it would, with quite a fun river trip. What was so funny, though, was to watch the boys watching and drooling over our young female guides--boys are boys. And, while they would struggle to paddle in sync when listening to commands, they were completely synchronized taking out their paddles and leaning into the middle of the boat when they were frightened....it made me laugh, especially when they would act all excited and brave for the rapids, and then pull themselves inside the boat!

We went back to our site for lunch, and then headed off for an uncomfortable hike--uncomfortable due to the heat and due to half of the group being blindfolded while their peers led them. Then they traded off. As a therapist, it was good to see emotions, frustrations, and fears come from the boys during this one. I had my youngest boy, 10 years old, cry because of the heat. But we quickly got him laughing and he was fine. To cool ourselves off, we went swimming once again and I joined them on this trip, scrubbing myself down while making sure all were safe.

That night we were treated to Dutch Oven chicken and veggies before we headed off into the sunset to check out some Native American petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks. While the Petroglyphs were delightful to stop and see, the dinosaur tracks were completely safe, as swarms and swarms of mosquitoes bombarded us as soon as we stepped out of our vans. We quickly retreated and headed back to camp for our final ceremony and ice cream.

The next day I led our caravan as quickly as possible (it took forever for the boys to pack), where we we greeted with 100 degree temps at our campus as we unloaded and put things away. The weather was just as hot as in northern Utah, but we had much more delightful activities and scenery to enjoy.

That night I slept....alot.....and even missed tennis with the family the following morning. However, I didn't miss watching Wimbledon or our family croquet matches, which were quite hilarious and entertaining. When we go to Wimbledon one day, I'm sure that we'll be practiced enough to make a good showing on their lawns. Nobody will suspect our kamakazi or poison death-strikes. And we have our own wicked wicket to prep us for anything that will come our way....

Saturday was the icing on the cake, and Mom, Dad, and I sacrificed our sleep to make it to the 9:30 a.m. session of the Manti Temple. Beautiful rolling hills and canyons, along with small towns dotting the way made for an enjoyable drive. And the Temple was much more than I could have hoped for. Our session was small, only about 15 people large, and watching the session live was very instructive, while the room decor added more depth and meaning (as well as focus) to the session. We got quite the lucky deal, as we were also asked to help with sealings, which was a beautiful and sweet experience as well. And to top that off, we got to go and see the spiral staircase!

After our spiritual hunger will filled, we satisfied our physical hunger at Miller's Drive In, just a few blocks south on the main drag from the Temple. The onion rings and fresh raspberry shake were worth it, but the chicken salad was eaten for nutritional purposes only.

The final part to this super charged, ultimate holiday week and weekend was......me cleaning and organizing my paper files. They had been waiting for me a while, and now my desk and filing area are so much cleaner.

So, a bit of everything this week. I even got in a few naps. All I can say is that I love my life!

Do You Have Your Hiking Buddy? It's Going to Be a Great Hike Today!

2008-06-11T22:50:00.001-06:00

An absolutely gorgeous view of Utah Valley from only half way up Grove Creek Trail (by the G in Pleasant Grove).

This past Saturday Christy and I planned to go hiking. As an apartment, Shelly and Christy and I decided that we should try and go hiking once a month together. While Shelly was with her family due to the new arrival of a beloved nephew, the two Newman sisters decided to take their chances on the ominous storm clouds and chilly weather and go for a hike. It was probably one of the best decisions we made!

With lots of wildflowers, a waterfall for a destination, and views of the gorgeously green desert environ to enjoy on every break--including parting clouds, sunshine, and a pleasantly warm temperature--we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Below are some pics so that you can feel like you went on a cool virtual hike yourself.

The end.

Family and Value

2008-06-09T21:50:00.000-06:00

What a great looking bunch! This is the family at Grandma Johns' home in Mountain Home, Idaho on May 25, 2008. Top Row L to R: Sumner Newman, Matthew Sederberg, Tricia Newman Sederberg, David Newman. Bottom Row L to R: Kari Newman, Janet Johns Newman, Barbara Mae McRae Johns, Christy Newman, Beverly Bott. (I'm saying all these details because I hate when there are no details for past family pictures and you can't remember who's who or what happened or when it was taken). Oh, and while Dave and Bev aren't married (or engaged) yet, I assume that will change very soon.

This was an awesome get-away weekend. Driving up I spent some great time with Matt and Trish. They helped me to study for the GRE as we looked up meanings and and made sentences of verbose words; we took time to play with my laptop my me randomly picking songs from Disney soundtracks and having them guess what the song was and what movie it was from. And we chatted. One of my favorite things was when Matt read to us from Letters, a collection of letters that Marjorie Pay Hinckley wrote throughout her life. Her letters were always about people. People were most important to her. Happiness was important. Her life was patterned after making these things number one in her life. And so it is with my Grandma.

While spending time with her over the weekend, people were most important. She talked with us till it was way past her bedtime. She praised us for all the little good deeds we were doing because we love her. She made homemade bread for the first time in about a whole year--and she shared her super supreme raspberry jam to eat on top of it. She made a whole entire roast dinner. She shared her small, single bath home with all of us, and even let me sleep on her nice, new sofa. She wanted us to sit by her at Sacrament Meeting. She washed all the dishes after all our huge mealtime messes. She prayed for us, and thanked the Lord for good people in her life. And best of all, she shared her memories, stories, and love. Yes, indeed, she is happy.

It makes me think about what I value. I realized that my choices don't always follow after these values, because I let life get in the way and then they get lost in all the humdrum, blurr, and noise. But yes, family is the best! And it brings the most happiness we can ever imagine. It's good to have family traditions to remind us of these things.

GRE or the Jazz?

2008-05-14T23:43:00.000-06:00

The coming of summer has once again become synonymous with the Jazz working hard in the NBA playoffs. This year, I've actually decided to watch the NBA again, something I haven't done since the Jazz lost to the Bulls while my brother was on his mission in Australia. That's the same time as when all my teenage boy clients were just born or toddlers. That's when the Spice Girls were hip. Let's just say that it's been a very long time. Thus, all the more reason why I'm so excited to actually be excited to watch the Jazz play some decent ball in the post season--I've waited a long time for this.

At the same time, I also have a sizable commitment to study for the GRE. My premier goal at this point in my life is to work on getting myself into the RMYL Youth and Family Recreation Master program at BYU. While the GRE is one of the key requirements of the application, luckily for me recreation students aren't known for their shining performances on this standardized test. We like to play too much to actually carry such obscure verbiage with us when explaining how to play a game. Nor do we worry about complex calculations--we just worry about solving life problems, such as how fast we need to drive to get to our favorite spot in the mountains that is X miles away in Y minutes, with only Z number of granola bars.

And now, I'm sure many of you see my dilemma. Which one, then, should take precedence at 8:30 at night, when an important playoff game is there waiting, but I'm probably at my most relaxed and and mentally alert to study that I'll be all day? Decisions, decisions.

Let's just say that I sure do hope the Jazz win the next one to keep their NBA hopes alive.

First Time Sushi, Gelato, and Connections

2008-04-05T19:08:00.000-06:00

So last night I went out with a friend, Ammon, (who I met after a social for us single Temple workers) to a Japanese restaurant on Center Street in Provo, to have sushi for the the first time in....my life. I was definitely a bit nervous for this new experience, but I was glad that I was going with Ammon--he's quite the world traveler and world food taster, so I figured that if I followed his lead, I'd do alright.

Now, for those who are food snobs, like moi, my rating of the restaurant in descent--good food, nothing that was disappointing, but not quite as high of quality as could be desired. However, since I'm not experienced in the Japanese restaurant area, I wouldn't know where to point you in a better direction. Yet, the one draw that it does have on it's side is the native Japanese that own and run the restaurant, so I'm pretty sure it's more authentic than not.

We tried three different sushi rolls, my favorite being the American Rolls which consisted of shrimp with tempera batter, avocado, rice, and wrapped in seaweed--great texture and taste! The other good one was the Smoked Salmon Roll with that had the salmon with green onions, rice, and wrapped in seaweed. I think eating with chopstick definitely added to the experience, as did the soy sauce with a bit of ginger and a tiny bit of wasabi (sp?) mixed in--every now and again I would get quite the sensation from the wasabi, but I genuinely have to say that once the fire died down in my mouth, it was pretty good. The next part was the most interesting....I had sashimi (sp?), the real raw fish...we chose salmon and yellowtail (I think that's tuna?). Bland, chewy, and not my favorite. Don't suggest it.

Once we stepped out of the restaurant, there was some live big band music outside of Maestro's Gelato, a little shop just a few doors east, so we stopped in for our dessert (and for me to wash down the raw fish). Can I just say that I found a new favorite?!! Gelato is definitely worth it's weight in gold, and with it being made with real fruit, my raspberry and peach scoops were divine! (Actual picture of Maestro's Gelato counter below).

After our delicious dessert, Ammon took me to a party that was being hosted by one of his friends, Tasha. I asked him what her last name was, and crazy enough, it was the same Tasha Antoniak that was in my freshman ward at BYU, and who went on my study abroad to New Zealand. Her roommate, Tuni (real name Camille) also went to New Zealand, and at the party I saw a few freshman friends that I never saw since that year--what a great night! (Below is a picture of Tuni, Tasha, and Kristen at Kaikoura in NZ).

Happy Day

2008-04-01T00:16:00.000-06:00

After doing much thinking about life of late, I've decided that I'm most happy when I'm connecting with people. My relationships are the drive and motivation behind 97% of everything that I do (the other 3% being my purely selfish desires). After reading family member's blogs, watching video, perusing pictures, and replaying in my mind meaningful and jovial interactions I've recently had with family, friends, co-workers, and my teenage boy clients, I've decided that these things need to be recorded and remembered. With so many memories faded or now lost, I've got to put them down.

I now, with great pleasure, invite you to be my guest. So, kick up your feet, relax in your chair, and hopefully grab a bit of sunshine and happiness (or just some quirky thoughts and laughs) from this newly created blog, which really will have the rambling thoughts, ideas, stories, events, and adventures of a happy girl. Enjoy!