The Big 2-7

I turned 27 last week. I must say, it was a most delightful birthday. Better than I expected, to be sure. Life is good. Since the blessed day, I've been wracking my brain trying to think about what goals I would like to set for my 28th year. I just don't know. Until I figure it out, my goal is to do more blogging. Stay tuned. Oh, and thanks for making my birthday super fab!

Paula the Dummy

Sometimes I feel like my blog makes me sound like a such an idiot. I guess I only have myself to blame for that, eh? That is all.

Rediscovering California

I went to the beach again this weekend. Utah Peeps, you have my permission to be so jealous. The weather was gorgeous and, for a few hours, life was so good.
So, I'm a woman on a mission. I've decided to dedicate my summer to rediscovering the joys of California. Right off the bat, it's pretty safe to say that I'll probably be spending in inordinate amount of time at the beach. Whut?! It's what we do here. Don't hate. Seriously, though. There is SO much to take in here - museums, plays, concerts, game nights and even the occasional rodeo thrown in. Good times, indeed. Anyhoo. I'm pretty pumped about the whole shenanigan. Even if I'm doing it all in hope that it will ease the pain of my Martha leaving me. Buh. Moving on. If you're feelin' adventurous, you give me a call or come visit. There are good times to be had in SoCal with Miss Paula!

Herding Cats.

There's a reason the phrase, "It's like herding cats," is used to communicate a sense of fruitless labor. Today, I'd like to make the blanket statement that Young Adults are like cats. And, for the past several months, I have been the shepherd. Lucky me. It's no wonder we're all single - we can't commit to the most basic of events or responsibilities. Buh.

California Livin'

I just realized that this month is my 3-year mark of California Livin' - livin' the dream and just livin' it up. I can't believe that it's been 3 years! I am dying right now! It's been an interesting few years, to be sure. There have been a lot of crazy goings ons (yes, it's a grammatically correct phrase) but they've all combined to teach me a lot of really great lesson.
And what better way to celebrate than going to the beach! Yes, indeedy. The Golden State seems to be holding a celebration in my honor with the weather this weekend! I went to the beach and had a most delightful time. The air was warm, the beach was packed, the water was freezing and a good time was had by all! It was a fantastic reminder that even though the cost of living is ridiculous and the Joneses are WAY too hard to keep up with, I sure do love it here.
And to those of you that aren't lucky enough to permanently reside in California (ahem, UPs), I say to you: "Get off your duff and come visit!"
You won't regret it. I'll make sure of it!

Miss Kyra

My little baby niece, Kyra, is sick in the hospital. She's had one surgery and it's lookin' like she'll have another in a few days. Our family has initiated a fast for her today. As I prayed for her this morning, I was reminded of Elder Bendar's words during his Conference address about praying for the mighty faith that can work miracles. I am so proud of my family for rallying around and calling upon the powers of Heaven to heal this little one. I'm grateful to have the gospel in my life - it instills peace and comfort in tumultuous times. I just want our little baby to get better.

American Idol is the Devil

Okay, American Idol isn't really the devil. But I basically spent the past two hours watching "American Idol: Idol Gives Back" and bawling over all the stories of the children and families in New York, Africa, New Orleans, Tennessee and a host of other places that are ravaged by crime, poverty, AIDS, lack of education, malaria and other horrifying things that are beyond my ability to comprehend. It makes me so sad to see the things that children are forced to deal with simply because they are victims of circumstance.
At the same time, I can't help but be so grateful for the fullness of the gospel that teaches us that this life is such a small part of our eternal existence. I know that, long term, those children that suffer will be the first to be enfolded in the loving arms of our Savior.
The other thing that always strikes me, is how incredibly happy and resilient these "suffering" people are. I once read a quote that said, "Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional." These people suffer from illness, fatigue and lonliness but there is a joy and hope in their faces that is incredibly inspiring.
I often feel helpless in my attempts to make this world a better place. The problems are so large and I am just one person. I have spent many hours traveling to Mexico to volunteer at orphanages and participating in ONE rallies to help fight the spread of AIDS. I don't doubt that these things contribute to the greater good, but I always think that it's never enough. Fortunately, there is something I can do, something we ALL can do that doesn't take too much time. Just a little paradigm shift. We can be grateful. We can pray for an understanding that less really is more and that we are too abundantly blessed to be unhappy over unfulfilled wish lists. And, as much as I hate to say it, there's always someone that has it much worse than we do. Always.
As for American Idol, I'll continue to dedicate a couple of hours a week to watching these talented people fight for their dream of making it big. Maybe American Idol really IS the devil. Well, add it to my list of flaws. What can I say? I love pop culture. David Cook is my one true love.

Cornerstones of Humanness

I recently read a quote by Sigmund Freud that said, "Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness." As hesitant as I am to agree with Freud (famous for his sexual repression theories), I must admit that this little psychological tidbit hit home for me. When there is a balance of love and work in our lives, we are happy. I am convinced of it.
As one who works just as hard as she plays (most days), I can tell you that the best times in my life, the times when I am most content and satisfied with the state of my life, are the times when I am working productively and still taking time to show love - to family, friends and myself.
Unfortunately, striking a balance between the two is not quite as easy as you would think. For me, work is a glutton who is never satisfied with the space it has been allotted in my life. It pushes and pulls and encroaches into every other aspect of my life. If I'm not careful, I can wake up to find the love cornerstone shivering in a cold, dark space alone and neglected - sometimes it goes on for months at a time.
I'm sure I'm not alone in this sort of human tug-of-war. It's a lifelong struggle that I'm only beginning to develop inklings of understanding about. That said, I know I can do better. As blessed as I am to have a fantastic job with great opportunities, I have a responsibility to those I love to maintain an awareness of the balance (or lack thereof) in my life.
In the October 2007, Elder Claudio R. M. Costa said, "We can lay down our lives for those we love not by physically dying for them but rather by living for them - giving of our time; always being present in their lives; serving them; being courteous, affectionate, and showing true love for those of our family and to all men - as the Savior taught."
I live a very selfish life. I have no husband or children to tend right now. I pretty much do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I come and go as I please and rarely have to consider other people's feelings when making decisions for my personal life. It's a gift and a curse.
I recently had the opportunity to sit in on a friend's family gathering. I only knew a handful of the people, but I was overwhelmed by the sense of love and camaraderie that was apparent among the group. I was only there a few minutes but everyone was hugging and chatting and laughing from the get-go. And their arms opened wide to a stranger. Seeing so many happy, familial faces that Sunday evening dedicated to taking time out of their day to lift and love the members of their family was a keen reminder that taking time to keep loved ones close is important.
When I spend time with loved ones, I realize that there is a certain satisfaction that comes from being with them that cannot be duplicated in any other way or by any other event. I need to have people in my life. It's part of who I am as a human being. It's the way Heavenly Father intended it. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
And so, to my work cornerstone I say: "Cram it and stay in your corner!" To my love cornerstone I say: "I'm trying. Be patient. I'll get there. Someday."

Giant Rockers and Poker Chips

It was another fun weekend in the great state of Utah. General Conference was the excuse, but the tickets fell through and we all know that I love my Utah Peeps. I kept the date and surely did not regret it.
As tradition dictates, Rachael and I kicked off the trip with some Cafe Rio. Matt and Sarah were kind enough to let me crash the newlywed party, so I called Magna home for the weekend. There were dance parties, poker games and even a giant rocking chair! I had so much fun, I didn't want to go home - even though there were rumors of snow in the coming days!
To all my UPs, I sure do love you! Thanks for all the dance parties, the Scattergories, the green visors, the pasta dinners, the digeridoo lessons and everything else that makes me love you.
I'm comin' back it 2 weeks - let's do it again!

Red Rock and Frisbee Circles

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I heart the Utah Peeps.
This weekend was the annual Moab trip. It was most assuredly a delightful time. We camped, hiked and laughed our heads off. It is so good to be around such a fantastic group of people. It was a comfortable and relaxing trip that was much needed. I spent the first day with Miss Brenda and the Barker Boys. Good times.
The rest of the Peeps rolled in on Friday night and that's when the insanity really began. I just can't even express the hilarious dynamic that exists among such a group.
Yay for friends.

Best Roommates

I entered Martha and me in "Rob & Big's Best Roommate" Search. Vote for us at: http://www.sugarloot.com/bestroommates. The winner will be chosen on March 12, so vote now!

Bowling for Spiderman

Everytime I see the Blogger.com bookmark on my web bar, I feel a flash of guilt for the lack of blogging. And, I occassionally get the non-confrontational guilt trip from the blogamaniacs I call friends. So, even though it's late, I still haven't read my scriptures and I have to get up in less than 6 hours, this one's for you.
Okay, so after class, I met up with some friends to go bowling. Why is bowling so fun? I'm not sure. My personal opinion (and Johnny Durmeier concurs), is that it's the large amount of high fives that are given and received during the course of a game. There's nothin' like gettin' a high five from those you respect and like a great deal, but don't know well enough to hug. Although, that doesn't really apply to me 'cause I've never met a stranger that I didn't want to hug. 'Cept maybe that freaky Spiderman wannabe on Hollywood Blvd. that Rachael took a picture with. But that's a story for another time.
Between work, school, piano lessons, Activities Committee, OCMCO and this craziness that we call life, I sure do miss you! If you're reading this, it means you love me. And that means I love you. Yeah, I'm fickle that way. But that's why you love me.
Until next time.
P.S. I bet on 4 games of bowling tonight. The good news is I won a dinner and an ice cream. The bad news is I lost two dinners. Serves me right.

Back in the Saddle

Shameful! I just realized that I can count on one hand the number of times I blogged last year. Okay, I don't know if I can count on one hand; the truth is, I didn't actually count. I just know that I didn't blog very much last year. But y'know, in an age of that insane busyness that is my life, it just hasn't been a priority. That said, here's what's up:
I'm pretty sure that 2008 is going to be the year of reconnecting for me. I've gotten in touch with a TON of old friends in the past few months. It's been very exciting for me. It gives me an opportunity to reflect on the kind of person I've been in different stages of my life. I've made a lot of mistakes in my relationships with people and I'm sorry to say that I haven't always been the kind of person I needed to be, but I'm lucky that real friends learn to love us despite our weaknesses and less than endearing qualities. The more people I get back in touch with, the more I realize that each of them had a decided affect on who I am today. It's pretty amazing to think about. It blows my mind, actually. And so, to that small number of you that read my blog, I want you to know that I love you and appreciate your contribution to making me the woman I am to day. Your suffering was not in vain! I'm happy to say that this point is probably the happiest I've ever been. Now, don't get me wrong, my life is most definitely less than perfect and I've got a fair share of problems, but amid all the fuss and bustle, I've learned how to be happy. It's the accomplishment I'm most proud of.

No Place Like Home

Ah, the Holidays. After months at the grind, it's been nice to spend the past few days bickering with my sisters and kissing my mom with ridiculous gusto. I love my family.
I'm totally diggin' on The Pierces right now - it's a couple of girls that hail from somewhere down South. They have a very avant-guarde, Frenchy sound. It's different but nice. It suits me right now.
What is it about the Holidays?

Gone in a Flash

July, August and September were all a blur. I started piano lessons (a life long dream of mine), went to a concert or two and celebrated a few birthdays. Work has been crazy but I'm trying not to let it get to me. Most days it does, but, all in all, I'm just livin' the dream and remindin' myself I'm a lucky little girl.
October was a flurry of material and plans for Halloween. And, boy, was it worth the tizzy! Four wigs and a few yards of fabric later, The Flinstones were in town! I still can't believe I was able to con our boys into wearing the costumes! I made the Wilma, Fred and Barney costumes and left Angel to work her Betty Rubble magic. It was seriously good times. We even won a Best Costume prize at the party we went to! Yabba-dabba-DOO!

Runnin' and Runnin'

Better late than never, eh?
Life is good, my darlings. Not as good as the UPs, mind you, but good enough. It's been a busy past few months and I thought my blogging days were over. But all that changed with a quick weekend trip to Utah. I was reminded how much I love the UPs and their blogging ways. And so here I am. Here's the latest and greatest:
March - missed out on Moab but made a trip to Vegas to see my auntie get hitched by Elvis. Good times, indeed.
April - scheduled a trip to Arizona, got stuck in the airport and ended up right back where I started withou actually going anywhere.
May - had a visit from my baby sister and her friend. Naturally, we hit DL and a few other prime SoCal locations. I tell you, this place never gets old.
June - headed to Washington for my sister's graduation and some family pictures. All the siblings were together for the first time in 6 or 7 years. Throw a game or two of RISK in the mix and you've got a recipe for a rip-roarin' good time.
July - headed up to the Hollywood Bowl in LA for an evening with Riders in the Sky. It was a tribute to Gene Autry and John Wayne. It's okay to be jealous - it was pretty much the best thing ever! Follow it up with a weekend trip to Salt Lake City and I'd say life is pretty close to perfect. Well, maybe not perfect, but good enough.
And here we are, mid-month and back to blogging.

stranger than fiction

i just got back from the theater. stranger than fiction was the order of the evening. i've just added another film to my top 10 list. it's fantastic. the writing is absolutely brillant and the cast is genius. it's not often that i absolutely love a film so this is very exciting for me. i can't believe i waited this long to see it.
the whole premise of the show really got me thinking about my desire to expand my writing abilities. i don't know if i've got it in me to write something good but more and more lately, i'm willing to try. honestly, i wouldn't even know where to start. i think part of my problem is that i think too systematically. writing is an art form and it's not something you can learn, per se, from taking a class. i mean, you might pick up a few technical hints but you've either got it or you don't, right? hmm, i'll have to look into that more. i've always been pigeonholed as opinionated but sometimes i wonder if i really do have an opinion.
that's all i'm going to say for now. i've been thinking about how much people share in blogs and i'm rethinking my stance on the whole blogging thing. i mean, it's convenient when people want to check in and all - but can't they shoot you an email? that gives you WAY more control over who knows what information and how much of it they're privvy to. not that i have so many dark secrets to hide, but you know what i mean. right?
i'm going crazy.
i just loaded office for mac onto my laptop (well, it's been a few weeks) and i keep getting errors on msn messenger. it's totally annoying! just thought you should know.

Birthday!

Angel's birthday is today. I made her a cake. I totally validate your feelings of envy with regard to my cake-making skills. It's pretty much the awesomest cake ever.
I love birthdays so much! Sometimes I get sad that people don't share my love of birthdays. Come on - cake, ice cream, presents - does it GET any better than that?! I think not, my friend. Yay for birthdays!

Patches O'Hoolihan

In the past few weeks, I've definitely earned the the right to claim a love of travel - Hawaii, San Francisco and the great state of Washington in a matter of weeks! Life just keeps getting better and better, my friends. Granted, I don't have any vacation time left (in fact, I'm in the negative) but it was worth every minute. Every minute. Life is so good. Not perfect, mind you, but good.
Hockey games, tap classes and Disneyland - does it get any better?! I don't think so.
I did get a flat tire today but I'm not gonna let it get me down. Granted, I'm surprised they lasted that long (Thanks, Richard!) but there comes a time in every person's life when they have to buy new tires, right? I can handle it.
I wish I could provide a more exciting account of my life's activities but the truth is, it's not really that exciting. Shocking, I know. I'll keep you posted, friends. Just in case something exciting does happen. Just a warning - don't hold your breath.

I Like Life

Martha and I are watching "Scrooge" right now and Ebenezer is currently with The Ghost of Christmas Present. The Ghost is teaching Ebbie about all of the wonderful things that life has to offer for those who are willing to reach out to their brothers in loving kindness. Lucky for me, this version of "Scrooge" is a musical, so Mr. S and his supernatural friend are singing a delightful ditty entitled "I Like Life." In between getting the fire roaring in our fireplace and creating the masterpieces that are my s'mores, I managed to tune into their song. I caught enough of the song to start thinking about how much I like my own life. You know, I could probably find a million things "wrong" with my life, but the reality is that my life is most delightful. I really do like life. It's as simple as that.
This weekend, Martha and I got a Christmas tree. It's a delightful bit of four-footed (as in 4' tall, not as in it has four feet) beauty. It's been a few years since I've had a real tree in my home and having it here now, I can't believe I went so long without one. What a delight! Somehow, having a tree brings in the Christmas spirit faster than hot cocoa and caroling. Okay, maybe not faster than either of those things, but having a tree really is great. The end.
Tonight was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional and, I must say, I'm always surprised by the overwhelming love that I feel for the Brethren of the Church. They really are the sweetest, most Christ-like men who have a fantastic ability to motivate the members of the Church to be and do better. Elder Faust told a particularly sweet story about a single mother who was the beneficiary of several anonymous acts of kindness. I felt very inspired to reach out to my brethren and sisters in anonymous service. When we reach our to serve simply for the sake of serving, the rewards are much greater than the accolades of men could ever be.
Isn't it amazing how the Holiday season has such a power to instill goodwill among all? I think it is fascinating. I think I've been a bit Scrooge-y in my old age. I'd like to change that this year. This Holiday season, I want to focus more on the Savior and his example in reaching out to all those who are in need. I know that reaching out in love and service will bring a greater closeness to my Heavenly Father. I really am looking forward to it.
Happy Holidays, my friends. And it's only the beginning.