Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

You know, I have been thinkin' on this for quite some time and Miss Tania's blog about the books that have changed our lives lit a much needed fire under my behind. I was an English major in college (Literary Studies emphasis) and it was absolutely heavenly because I was constantly being bombarded by new (to me) and great (to some) works of literature. They were pretty much handed to me on a silver platter. Well, these days, I'm on my own in the world and don't have class after class and professor after professor to hold my hand on the path to the wealth of wisdom held within the world's troves of literary treasures. That said, I can't help but feel that I have been a bit of a slacker when it comes to my secular education. Now, that may be a bit harsh as I am currently enrolled in tap (dance) and guitar (music) lessons with a painting or drawing class (art) and piano lessons (music, again) on the back burner. All that aside, my literary education is lacking and it's time to step it up. To add insult to injury (sort of) I was toolin' around on the Church website and I found this tasty little lick of prophetic wisdom:

The thought might occur to some that it would be better to avoid all books and read only the scriptures. Brigham Young had some advice on that narrow approach to life. He said, “‘Shall I sit down and read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Covenants all the time?’ says one. Yes, if you please, and when you have done, you may be nothing but a sectarian after all. It is your duty to study to know everything upon the face of the earth, in addition to reading those books” (Journal of Discourses, 2:93–94). Brigham Young goes on to say that he encouraged his own children to study music and dance, to attend the theater, and to read novels, things that he said, “expand their frames, add fire to their spirits, and improve their minds.”

I was all gung-ho for about two seconds and I was a few clicks away from creating a whole new blog dedicated to my literary pursuits but I've drawn back and decided that this quest is as big a part of me as my trips to Disneyland, the Discovery Science Center and other far off places my travels take me wink, wink). That said, I'm keepin' it all right here at home. For those of you that do not enjoy the occasional literary masterpiece, you'll just have to skip those blogs 'cause they'll be mixed in with the joyous tails of my travails (hee-hee, I'm a poet).
And so, my darling blog-reading friends, any suggestions of works you dub to be worthy of a perusal would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna dig around Tania's blog, some websites and the brains of close friends to see if I can come up with a list but feel free to pitch in. Your two cents in welcome here.
Oh, I lovey-love-love you all for reading my blogs and loving me almost as much as I love you!

Discovery Science Center

Simple minds, simple pleasures. I'm pretty much the embodiment of that saying. Yep, it's true. On Friday, I went with 4 of my adult friends and 3 kids to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Now, in my defense, I didn't realize that it was a first grade field trip sort of place. But the reality is that I loved every second of it. Okay, maybe not every second but we definitely had a good time. I think that's pretty much the case anytime Angel and I are together. That said, lemme give you a little rundown of the joys that are to be found at the Discovery Science Center. Their big exhibit right now is "BubbleFest!" which consists of a crazy Euro-Asian man running around with giant bubble wands trapping people in a soapy substance while wearing iridescent magician's clothes. Get the picture? Needless to say, it was good times. After the bubble show, we dressed up like astronauts and played around in space shuttles, tested our hand-eye coordination and pretended we were birds with giant styrofoam wings! Okay, I was the only one that wore the wings but it was good times all around.

Ode to California

I love the beach,
I love volleyball,
I love In-n-Out,
Yes, I love it all.
Moving to SoCal
was the best choice I've made.
Since punching Peter Herb for kissing me
back in the first grade.

The end.

Miss Bristow.

It's been a long time,
but I'm right back where I used to be
On the edge of my seat,
too excited to leave.
I'm glad too see that
they've done it again.
Sucked me right into the drama
with Sydney's family and friends.
And little Vaughnie-Vaughn,
he so isn't dead.
His living in Buhtan and his name
is now Fred.
Okay, that Fred parts not true.
Not yet, anyway.
It will all iron itself out
in the next 5 Wednesdays.
So, patiently I'll wait 'til
Wednesday at eight and
I'll savor all that the next
5 weeks will bring.
And in the end, I will cry.
For the loss of dear Alias
certainly will sting.

Casa Hogar Sion

This weekend, I went to an orphanage in Baja, Mexico with a non-profit company called Corazon de Vida (Heart of Life). It was an incredible experience. There were about 100 kids and we just played and ate and laughed our heads off! We had an Easter egg hunt and did crafts and jumped rope. You know, when you're faced with the living conditions of 100 kids, you can't help but reflect on how good you've got it! The whole drive home, I kept thinking - how did I get so lucky? I mean, why did I get to be born in America with parents and a home and security and 3 meals a day. I dunno. It's the little things, I guess. The thing about it is that the kids are so happy. Well, for the most part, anyway. Some of them did seem sad and a little displaced but most of them were happy and so excited to have someone new to play with. It was awesome and I am headin' up there again in June to go back. It's just too wonderful of an opportunity to pass up.

It IS The Happiest Place on Earth

We all went to Disneyland for Kim's birthday and it was tons o' fun. Seriously, I really can't count the times I've said that I love Disneyland. Yep, it's still true. Disneyland is absolutely-tutely-fruitely what it professes to be - The Happiest Place on Earth.
So, when the Utah Peeps come down for the cruise-a-thon we'll have to make a special trip to the DL. Good times, good times.

Mueve Tu Cadera!

I went Salsa dancing with a co-worker last night - what a BLAST! We went to a club in Anaheim called J.C. Fandango's and it was so much fun! Everyone just laughs and dances and dances and dances! The live band they had was incredible! It was so fun! So, if you're ever in Anaheim, be sure to hit up J.C. Fandango's - you won't regret it!

The Great Brendini

So, I've got this friend. Her name is Brenda. Now, let me tell you something about Miss Brenda - she's a woman after my own heart. She's always cookin' up some travel itinerary. And, wouldn't you know, I get sucked in everytime! That said, the Cali Girls and Utah Peeps are hittin' up Mexico in 2006, baby! Oh, I can't wait. It's gonna be some good times! Duh! When isn't it good times as long as the Utah Peeps are there?! So, to the Utah Peeps, I say: Quit flakin', you weenies! Gather your pennies and get the cash in! Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta?! You'd better believe I'm gonna be there! Yea-hoo!

Moab!

Oh, man! Moab was so much F-U-N! Camping and hiking aren't really my thing (those that attended that natural soiree can attest to that) but I am always down for some time with the Utah Peeps! Good times, good times.
We hiked around Canyonlands and Arches National Parks - it was most definitely a site to be seen. It was really beautiful and unlike anything I'd ever seen before. It's one of those experiences that reminds you how small man really is compared to the greatness of God's creations.
Even though I prefer (hands down, I might add) a hot shower and flushing toilets (no, the one we had to drive to that was cut into the rock doesn't count), I must say that I would have a go at it again if it meant I could chill with the Utah Peeps for another weekend.
And Mona was there! It was really good to spend time with her. She is so tender and seems like she's doing well in Salt Lake. I think the pace and culture agrees with her. Good stuff. She really is a doll.
So, next stop: Zion's?! Yeah, we'll see. I'm gonna work hard the next few months to try to get in shape for the Narrow's hike. I don't know if I can hack it but we'll see. Wish me luck!

Kiss Me, I'm Dressed in Green!

Bug Eyes

Disneyland never gets old. We went to A Bug's Life movie - it was so funny! And we rode California Screamin' (of course). A good time was had by all. You know, it's hard for me to believe that I went the first 24 years of my life without Disneyland. I would like to say that a life without Disneyland is a life half-lived. So, if anyone feels like they're missing that "special something" in their lives, you're more than welcome to come down to California. I'll take you to Disneyland and you'll experience a fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams! It's true. Really, it is.

Fat and Sassy

I just wanted to post a blog declaring that I am so happy right now. And not for any reason more than because I choose to recognize my blessings and appreciate all the great things in my life. My life is definitely not perfect - by any stretch of the imagination - but I am doing really well. I have a roof over my head that is quite cozy, friends that I love and who love me back, a great job and so many other wonderful things in my life. To top it all off, I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world (I know, it's all relative)! Anyway, thanks for indulging me in this burst of gladness and just know that I am more blessed than I deserve. Life is good for me and I wish the same for you.

Love,
Paula

Moments of Insanity

Memories

Do you ever just flip back through old pictures and laugh your head off at the memory associated with it?! Well, this is one of those old pictures! Oh, Rashawnduh, how I love you so.

Huh?!

What is it with movies that are so bad you just have to keep watching? Yeah, you know the ones I'm talkin' about. The ones that have bad acting, bad (or no) plots, bad wardrobe - everything is just plain BAD. Why is it that those are the ones you just have to keep watching?! You just can't seem to pull yourself off the couch and over to the TV to turn it off. I don't get it. Heck, 99.9% of households have remote controls so I guess that even eliminates the getting up from the couch step! I simply don't get. Maybe it's because there is a deep-seated hope that it will get better ('cause it certainly couldn't get worse) or a complete dumbfoundedness as to how such a bad movie got produced in the first place. Oh, buh. Either way, I'd like to say that I'll never allow myself to be in this predicament again but I know it'll happen. Probably tonight. Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment.

MOAB!

So, I've never been more excited to go camping in my whole life! And, believe you me, as someone who absolutely lived for Girls' Camp every year, that's really sayin' something! I'm goin' to Moab! I'm goin' to Moab! A long weekend up fun and fire. Campfire, that is. Mostly, I'm just pumped to see the Utah Peeps. I miss those little buggers. Hee-hee! And I get to see my cutie patootie sister, Mona. In fact, she's comin' down with us. Oh, it's gonna be so F-U-N!

Isn't She Lovely?!

Truly the face that only a mother could love! Okay, that's not necessarily true 'cause I sure do love this silly little girl! Truth be told, most people love her the very second they meet her. Ah, so tender.

24 Goin' On 30

Sometimes I forget that I'm still just a young'un. I find myself cutting out several years of my youth by developing attitudes generally reserved for people many years my senior. Now, I don't want to get too specific but I do want to say that, for the most part, I'm in a good place for someone my age and I need to remember to gauge myself by my own timetable - not by someone else's. Ultimately, it's the Lord's timetable that really matters. But until I understand that completely, I'm just gonna have to do the best I can. Know what I'm sayin'? Oh, good.

Fuh-Lap

So, I started tap lessons last week. Did I already tell you this? Either way, last night was lesson #2 and, believe you me, it was a real treat. On the positive side, I'm pretty positive that I can cross "Professional Tapper" off my list of potential life quests. That said, I do really enjoy it and I look forward to the day when I can not only tell the difference between a shuffle and a flap (pronounced "fuh-lap" by our delightful instructor, Gemma) but actually be able to do them both with some level of skill.
Here's to trying new things and looking like an idiot!

MySpace

I would just like to make it known that MySpace is the dumbest website ever. I mean, what's the point? I don't get it. My sister buzzes around it all the time and I succumbed to peer pressure and set up my own account. LAME! Okay, I'm done rippin' on it but I just wanted everyone to know that I just don't see the point of it or the reason for the MySpace craze.
I'm leanin' that way real quick with regard to LDSLinkUp, too. I just don't get the point of it all. I mean, I don't wanna knock it too bad 'cause I know that lot of people are into that kind of thing and that they meet a lot of people but it's just not for me. And that's okay, right?
In conclusion, I'm gonna stick with blogger.com, baby. That's right - bloggin' 'til the cows come home.
Peace, love and Internet dating.