All Over The Place

Consider this fair warning: This post is going to be all other the place. There are so many thoughts rumbling around in my mind that I have to share them before I burst.

* Wednesday night, Erin and I went to see Reflections of Christ at the Mesa Temple Visitor's Center. It was amazing; words cannot begin to describe it. First, we viewed a short documentary about the process of the photos and then viewed the gallery of shots. The spirit there was incredible. I can't begin to express how those photographs made me feel. Over my life I've seen hundreds (literally) of paintings and drawings depicting Christ, but I don't recall ever having seen a photograph of a man as the Savior. The pictures made Him so real. If you have opportunity, you must go see this exhibit. I can only hope they will make a book or, even better, prints, of this project available in the future.

* I've been thinking quite a bit about the weekend Erin and I spent in Newport Beach almost 2 1/2 years ago. We went the weekend before my birthday mainly to tour the NB temple before it was dedicated. That trip will stand out as one of the best times in my life. Not because it was so spectacular, but because it was just me and my best friend being "us." We talked about so many different things, even some pretty serious ones, and it was amazing. Erin has always known just what I've needed and that weekend was no exception.

The other reason that weekend was so special was because we toured the temple. What an amazing spiritual experience. Even before it was dedicated there was peace that permeated that space. It was one of the richest spiritual moments of my life. When we toured the sealing room, I vowed that I would never marry anyplace else. And I haven't. :)

Shortly before Christmas, I was a Deseret Book and saw an amazing picture of the Mesa Temple that was distressed and very antique-y looking. Recently I went on line to find that print and I ended up finding the artist's website and, lo and behold, saw this:


Of course, it's now on my ultimate wish list.

* Speaking of wish lists, I've added a couple of items from Pottery Barn:

I envision my future home having a room I can dedicate solely to art and books. Well, crafts and books would be more appropriate. I can easily see my handmade cards displayed on the photo carousel.

* Everything seems to be changing in my life right now. People are getting married and having babies and moving and coming home. People are graduating and leaving me, others are simply moving on with their lives. Everything is positive, but it makes me anxious. I'm not a big fan of change and excitement. Yes, I love to have a good time and have things to look forward to, but I also like having roots. For the most part I like knowing what the future will hold. But right now I don't know. I only know that whatever happens I can handle, just as I've handled all the other changes in my life. And, no matter what, I know that I am loved and that gives me an immense sense of security.

Morning sadness

For some reason I can't even begin to explain, I've been very sad when I wake-up lately. Sometimes I can recall my dreams before they disappear into my sub-consciousness, but they aren't sad dreams. If anything, they are actually kind of comical. And yet, the sadness persists. I just don't understand why I am feeling this way. Of course there are some pretty big events on the horizon and a lot of doubt and insecurity in my life, but shouldn't I awake refreshed and positive? Shouldn't I be happy it's a new day?

If so, why am I so sad?

In my next life...

In my next life, I want to be:

• A librarian
• A private investigator
• An astronaut
• A photojournalist
• In the military (fighter pilot)
• The ambassador to a foreign country
• A competitive swimmer

dreams and stories

Years ago I had a crazy dream that played itself out over several weeks. Wait, that's confusing. Let me explain it this way: I had a dream one night. The next night the dream continued. And the next. And the next. It continued until the dream had become a story that I was living when I was alseep.

Of course, being the writer I am, I committed the story to paper and even began to "build it out." I began with just a couple of pages and the dream-turned-story became a several-page Word document that I would visit and add to whenever inspiration struck.

Fast forward four or five years and I'm browsing the local bookstore. A new novel by one of my favorite author's catches my eye. I buy the book and devour it in a day. And the similarities to my dream are uncanny. It's not compeltely the same, but it was eerily similar.

That's what I get for procrastinating.

blah

• I've completly given up the cookie diet. I've reached the point where I cannot stand to eat the cookies. I've also come to the realization that I just need to eat well and exercise and the weight will come off. Slower, sure, but healthier. Which leads me to...
• I start kick boxing classes tonight. I'm a bit intimidated considering our instructor is a martial arts black belt but that might just motivate me a bit more.
• Hayden Butte, a.k.a. A Mountain, isn't as difficult as it used to be. It's still tough but I'm adapting.
• I'm going to try and organize a monthly Saturday morning hike on the various trails at Usery Mountain Park. It's so close to home, I don't know why I'm not out there more.

Bruhaha

There is a bruhaha brewing for tonight. It has the potential to be awkward. It also has the potential to be a roaring good time with some fun mischief or a total disaster. Oh well...batten down the hatches, boys. ;)

Mickey & Us

An in-depth recap of my Disney adventure is forthcoming, with pictures, but to tie you over, here's a sneak peek.

Days Like This

It's been one of those days. I woke up late and came into the office with wet hair. I was moved to a much smaller workspace with zero storage. I went to the dentist for the first time in five years (I know, I know) and found out I have a massive jaw infection, need to go on antibiotics IMMEDIATELY, have to have a root canal in two weeks and also have 8 cavities (and I brush multiple times a day). I'm also berating myself because I'm so dang irresponsible with money and I procrastinate all the time.

Sigh...

Tomorrow is another day.

Seattle & UW

I truly think this is where I am going to end up for grad school (if I can deal with the rain). I've longed to live in Seattle for as long as I can remember and now it's more than just a dream: it's a very real possibility. It's exhilirating to think I could be here in a year and half. Of course, the future is uncertain and I could very well end up saying in AZ or even going to my second choice, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. But for now my instincts say I'm Seattle-bound.