I've recently discovered my new favorite website. It might just be as funny as Cake Wrecks; it's called My Life is Average. Anyone can post a couple sentences about what's happening in his/her life. Here's a sampling of my favorites from today:
Today, while walking around downtown, I saw a sign that said 'No Standing'. I stood under it. I got 6 high-fives, and a thumbs up from a police officer. MLIA
Today, my parents made me put a flashlight in my car because they didn't think the lightsaber in my trunk would help in a time of need. What fools. MLIA
Today after picking up my really expensive summer reading books, we drove past a Blockbuster. I had this great idea that they should invent places like Blockbuster where you can rent books. Then we drove past a library. MLIA
Today, my girlfriend and I just finished moving into our big new house that my grandparents gave us.There was one room left that we couldn't find a use for. We filled it with pillows and foam swords for forts. I'm going to get an engagement ring tomorrow. MLIA
Yesterday, I fell and a rock cut my arm. Today I looked and saw that the cut is in the shape of a heart. I felt like the rock was trying to apologise for hurting me, so I forgave it. MLIA
Today, my dad ran inside the house yelling my name. Alarmed, I asked what the problem was. He said the ice cream truck was coming and he couldn't find his wallet. He made me lend him a dollar. MLIA
Today, my dad found a gecko in my house. He then said to it "If you could make it past my two dogs and into my house, I'll let you live. You can kill all the bugs in my house, my little gecko bodyguard." I love my dad. MLIA
A few days ago, a friend and I discovered a new door at work. She exclaimed "WOAH it's like a secret portal to the next room." Then we realized that's what all doors are. MLIA
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
On a few things I love about Blake
One. While eating the dinner we made last Sunday, Blake said, "Oh, Babe, this is delicious. It's like my taste buds are making love to my brain." (chew, chew, another bite, chew, chew) "Mmm, seriously, it's like an orgasm of flavor!"
The dinner was delicious: lamb and rice meat balls with zucchini and red bell pepper made in our tagine. I love his enthusiasm and sense of humor. He can make me laugh harder than anyone else I know. During the above praise of dinner, I was laughing heartily, which, of course, is why he kept going.
Two. We were in the car together, I was driving, when Blake found some German music on his iPod he wanted me to listen to. The singer had put the Sermon on the Mount to music. The style of music couldn't really even be called Christian Rock; the best way I can describe it is EFY music. Apparently someone Blake knew in Austria while on his mission traded him this album for a Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD.
As we listened to the album, Blake translated most of the lyrics for me. The best part though, was that he sang along Broadway style--a big smile, mouth all the way open, voice booming. I was delighted to glance over at his happy face and see his little feet dancing across the dashboard. I just love him!
Three. We've been making some pretty big decisions lately. It's been really stressful. At these times he doesn't get over-stressed and snap at me or take his frustration out on me. He usually says something like "I love you so much. And I'm so glad I don't have to do this by myself." I love that these things are bringing us closer.
Four. He's my very best friend.
I love you, Blake!
The dinner was delicious: lamb and rice meat balls with zucchini and red bell pepper made in our tagine. I love his enthusiasm and sense of humor. He can make me laugh harder than anyone else I know. During the above praise of dinner, I was laughing heartily, which, of course, is why he kept going.
Two. We were in the car together, I was driving, when Blake found some German music on his iPod he wanted me to listen to. The singer had put the Sermon on the Mount to music. The style of music couldn't really even be called Christian Rock; the best way I can describe it is EFY music. Apparently someone Blake knew in Austria while on his mission traded him this album for a Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD.
As we listened to the album, Blake translated most of the lyrics for me. The best part though, was that he sang along Broadway style--a big smile, mouth all the way open, voice booming. I was delighted to glance over at his happy face and see his little feet dancing across the dashboard. I just love him!
Three. We've been making some pretty big decisions lately. It's been really stressful. At these times he doesn't get over-stressed and snap at me or take his frustration out on me. He usually says something like "I love you so much. And I'm so glad I don't have to do this by myself." I love that these things are bringing us closer.
Four. He's my very best friend.
I love you, Blake!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
On that day
The big news is that we have an offer on our house. Now then, let me explain the title of this post.
A few months ago I was asked to speak in church. I talked for a while about the people at the beginning of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, who are waiting for the sign of the birth of Christ--a day and a night and a day without darkness and a new star. The unbelievers chose a day and said that if the sign had not come by that day, they would kill anyone who believed. It came down to that day. It was the day before. If the sun went down that day--the most likely and certain thing in the world--the believers would be killed. And on that day, the sign was given. I talked about the incredible faith of those people and the fear they must have faced. I talked about how sometimes in our lives it comes down to that day, but that God always comes through.
As all of you know, we're selling our condo in Salt Lake. We have to sell it short because of how much our home has depreciated in value since we bought it; we won't be able to get enough money from the sale to cover the amount remaining on our loan. So, the bank approves a sale amount less than what we owe and forgives the rest of the debt--it's better for everyone than letting the home go to foreclosure. However, we have to miss at least one mortgage payment so that we are technically delinquent on our loan; this enables our bank to recoup the short amount from their insurance provider (this is why we've been paying mortgage insurance all along, I guess). We don't take this missing-a-payment deal lightly and were waiting until we got an offer on the house to miss the payment, so we'd only miss one. Every month we've been waiting until the last day to make our payment and then driving it in to the office.
We had been fasting and praying for an offer by August 16th. That's when our payment was due and would enable us to close in time for Blake to move with me to CA when I go back to school in September. We had a showing Thursday afternoon. Blake was in his car at lunch on Friday, about to drive out to make the payment when we got a call from our realtor letting us know that we had an offer. A half an hour later would have been too late. We haven't signed anything yet, but we've been negotiating back and forth since then, and everything looks really positive. The buyer is committed and we're just working out the details of appliances and closing costs and what not.
We're not out of the woods yet--we still need a job and an apartment in CA--but we are so grateful for this offer. Selling the house has been the biggest obstacle for us for the last 8 months or so. The relief in our house is palpable. Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes on our behalf.
A few months ago I was asked to speak in church. I talked for a while about the people at the beginning of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, who are waiting for the sign of the birth of Christ--a day and a night and a day without darkness and a new star. The unbelievers chose a day and said that if the sign had not come by that day, they would kill anyone who believed. It came down to that day. It was the day before. If the sun went down that day--the most likely and certain thing in the world--the believers would be killed. And on that day, the sign was given. I talked about the incredible faith of those people and the fear they must have faced. I talked about how sometimes in our lives it comes down to that day, but that God always comes through.
As all of you know, we're selling our condo in Salt Lake. We have to sell it short because of how much our home has depreciated in value since we bought it; we won't be able to get enough money from the sale to cover the amount remaining on our loan. So, the bank approves a sale amount less than what we owe and forgives the rest of the debt--it's better for everyone than letting the home go to foreclosure. However, we have to miss at least one mortgage payment so that we are technically delinquent on our loan; this enables our bank to recoup the short amount from their insurance provider (this is why we've been paying mortgage insurance all along, I guess). We don't take this missing-a-payment deal lightly and were waiting until we got an offer on the house to miss the payment, so we'd only miss one. Every month we've been waiting until the last day to make our payment and then driving it in to the office.
We had been fasting and praying for an offer by August 16th. That's when our payment was due and would enable us to close in time for Blake to move with me to CA when I go back to school in September. We had a showing Thursday afternoon. Blake was in his car at lunch on Friday, about to drive out to make the payment when we got a call from our realtor letting us know that we had an offer. A half an hour later would have been too late. We haven't signed anything yet, but we've been negotiating back and forth since then, and everything looks really positive. The buyer is committed and we're just working out the details of appliances and closing costs and what not.
We're not out of the woods yet--we still need a job and an apartment in CA--but we are so grateful for this offer. Selling the house has been the biggest obstacle for us for the last 8 months or so. The relief in our house is palpable. Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes on our behalf.
Friday, August 14, 2009
On "I'm Sensitive"
While I was working on the monstrous paper for my groups class last month, I started listening to my iTunes library alphabetical by artist. I just let it go and ended up listening to some stuff I love, some stuff I had forgotten I had, and some stuff that made me laugh. Alphabetical makes for an interesting playlist.
After I finished the paper (which I did well on, by the way--4.0 for the quarter--Yay me!) I kept up the experiment while I've been working on other projects. I'm in the Js now and ended up listening to Jewel this morning while baking cookies for our camping trip this weekend. Jewel's Pieces of You album was one of the first I ever owned when I was 13 or 14. This album is one that seeks to change the world by exposing the ills of society and singing about all the pain; it's so introspective and deep! Ah, it takes me back, back to Grandma Jean's basement and my own teen angst.
All silliness and drama aside, there is a lyric in the song "I'm Sensitive" that I had forgotten about but really like. It says,
After I finished the paper (which I did well on, by the way--4.0 for the quarter--Yay me!) I kept up the experiment while I've been working on other projects. I'm in the Js now and ended up listening to Jewel this morning while baking cookies for our camping trip this weekend. Jewel's Pieces of You album was one of the first I ever owned when I was 13 or 14. This album is one that seeks to change the world by exposing the ills of society and singing about all the pain; it's so introspective and deep! Ah, it takes me back, back to Grandma Jean's basement and my own teen angst.
All silliness and drama aside, there is a lyric in the song "I'm Sensitive" that I had forgotten about but really like. It says,
"I have this theory that if we're told we're bad,
then that's the only idea we'll ever have.
Maybe if we are surrounded in beauty
someday we will become what we see.
'Cause anyone can start a conflict,
it's harder yet to disreguard it.
I'd rather see the world from another angle,
we are everyday angels.
Be careful with me, 'cause I'd like to stay that way."
This fits in pretty well with my philosophy on life. There is a lot that's crappy and hard about life; if I think about it too long, I drown in it. Once I start getting down I have to make a concerted effort to stop my thought patterns and pull myself back up. There is so much that is sad and unfair. I choose to see the good. There is also much that is beautiful and kind. Despite the tragedy that exists in life, there is a lot of love.
I choose to believe that people are essentially good and do the best that they can. I believe people can change. I believe it's never too late to change who you are and how you treat those around you. I believe in forgiveness. I believe that we can heal.
It's easy (and human) for us to label those around us, to say "he's such a jerk" or "she only thinks about herself" or "they hate me so I'm cutting them off." I don't want to live in a world where people are bad or selfish or manipulative. That's a depressing world. I choose not to live in that world. I live in a wolrd where people are doing the best they can with what they've got, and mostly they're doing great. "I'd rather see the world from another angle: we are everyday angels."
As I've been writing this post, my playlist has moved in the Js from Jewel to Jimmy Eat World and another fanstastic lyric: "I'm not alone cuz the TV's on. Yeah. I'm not crazy cuz I take the right pills every day."
then that's the only idea we'll ever have.
Maybe if we are surrounded in beauty
someday we will become what we see.
'Cause anyone can start a conflict,
it's harder yet to disreguard it.
I'd rather see the world from another angle,
we are everyday angels.
Be careful with me, 'cause I'd like to stay that way."
This fits in pretty well with my philosophy on life. There is a lot that's crappy and hard about life; if I think about it too long, I drown in it. Once I start getting down I have to make a concerted effort to stop my thought patterns and pull myself back up. There is so much that is sad and unfair. I choose to see the good. There is also much that is beautiful and kind. Despite the tragedy that exists in life, there is a lot of love.
I choose to believe that people are essentially good and do the best that they can. I believe people can change. I believe it's never too late to change who you are and how you treat those around you. I believe in forgiveness. I believe that we can heal.
It's easy (and human) for us to label those around us, to say "he's such a jerk" or "she only thinks about herself" or "they hate me so I'm cutting them off." I don't want to live in a world where people are bad or selfish or manipulative. That's a depressing world. I choose not to live in that world. I live in a wolrd where people are doing the best they can with what they've got, and mostly they're doing great. "I'd rather see the world from another angle: we are everyday angels."
As I've been writing this post, my playlist has moved in the Js from Jewel to Jimmy Eat World and another fanstastic lyric: "I'm not alone cuz the TV's on. Yeah. I'm not crazy cuz I take the right pills every day."
Friday, August 7, 2009
On seven random things about me
So, I've never done one of these before, partly because they're usually so long and partly because no one I really know has ever tagged me. My sister-in-law, who I adore, tagged me for this one.
Seven "Random" Things About Me
(I put the word random in quotes because the majority of the times I hear that word, it's not used correctly, and that kind of bothers me. I still do it though. But, that's not one of the seven things.)
1. I could spend hours in Banana Republic. I don't always buy things there, but I still like to go in and just look.
2. According to Blake, I play racquetball like a maniac, no mercy. If you ever play with me, be sure to wear goggles. I hit someone with the ball almost every time I play.
3. Paella is one of my favorite foods. You wanna try some? I'll make it for you!
4. I like rollerblading, but I'm afraid of too much speed going downhill.
5. Once we've saved up enough money, I want to get a breast reduction. That's probably TMI, but I have serious TMB.
6. I don't like Guatemala. I have friends who are in love with the country and do humanitarian work there and what not. I don't get what the big deal is. I've been there twice and have no desire to go again.
7. I crave praise, and I'm not embarrassed about it.
Seven "Random" Things About Me
(I put the word random in quotes because the majority of the times I hear that word, it's not used correctly, and that kind of bothers me. I still do it though. But, that's not one of the seven things.)
1. I could spend hours in Banana Republic. I don't always buy things there, but I still like to go in and just look.
2. According to Blake, I play racquetball like a maniac, no mercy. If you ever play with me, be sure to wear goggles. I hit someone with the ball almost every time I play.
3. Paella is one of my favorite foods. You wanna try some? I'll make it for you!
4. I like rollerblading, but I'm afraid of too much speed going downhill.
5. Once we've saved up enough money, I want to get a breast reduction. That's probably TMI, but I have serious TMB.
6. I don't like Guatemala. I have friends who are in love with the country and do humanitarian work there and what not. I don't get what the big deal is. I've been there twice and have no desire to go again.
7. I crave praise, and I'm not embarrassed about it.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
On pulling a Grandpa Hook
I finished classes last Tuesday, spent the day at the beach on Wednesday, and came back to Utah on Thursday. That "coming back" date was flexible, so I didn't make a big announcement about it. We decided on Wednesday afternoon that I would be coming back for sure on Thursday.
I packed up my stuff, cleaned the bathroom, and headed out. I realized as I was leaving the house that I hadn't told anyone there exactly when I was leaving, and no one was home to tell. So I left a note and drove away. As I drove down the street, I realized that I had just pulled a Grandpa Hook.
Apparently he didn't like saying goodbyes. When he came to visit he would get up early and leave before anyone else got up. It was an endearing and funny little quirk of his. Maybe it's genetic. I pulled a Grandpa Hook without even realizing I was doing it. I did leave a note though, and that's Becca original.
I packed up my stuff, cleaned the bathroom, and headed out. I realized as I was leaving the house that I hadn't told anyone there exactly when I was leaving, and no one was home to tell. So I left a note and drove away. As I drove down the street, I realized that I had just pulled a Grandpa Hook.
Apparently he didn't like saying goodbyes. When he came to visit he would get up early and leave before anyone else got up. It was an endearing and funny little quirk of his. Maybe it's genetic. I pulled a Grandpa Hook without even realizing I was doing it. I did leave a note though, and that's Becca original.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
On aunts
Our twin nieces got to come home from the hospital last Saturday. Circumstances worked out just right that Blake and I were able to visit them that day. They are awesome! Being there with these new little ones has gotten me thinking about being an aunt.
I am very excited about this, probably because I have such wonderful aunts myself. My aunts (and uncles) have been a part of every major event in my life and most family vacations as well. I remember them cooking for me, reading me books, telling me stories, and rescuing me from all sorts of childhood perils, from the too-tall tree house to a case of head lice. I know I could show up at any of their homes at any time and be welcome. It still is comforting to me to know that if something were to happen to my mother, my aunties would take care of me.
I love my nieces and nephew. I look forward to a literal lifetime of memories with them. I want them to feel welcome in my home and sure of my love and concern for them. Some of my favorite times with my family are when we just sit around and tell stories and share memories. We love to laugh about all the funny and exciting things that have happened to us. Planning for similar future conversations, I try to remember things that happen with my nieces and nephew. I file these memories away in a special I'll-remind-you-of-that-when-you're-older part of my brain.
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I'd like to remind Cora of how cute she was when she watched our fish, singing him songs and reading him stories. When Lachlan does something silly or makes one of those dumb mistakes that we all make, I'll let him know that we can just blame that on Uncle Blake, who let him fall back on his head onto the table on the family vacation in Hawaii. When Millie and Jo are fourteen and convinced that their parents are determined to make their lives miserable, I can tell them about when they were first born and how their parents spent days on end in the hospital just looking at them, how on their first day home their dad gave me the most detailed and adorable lesson on how to hold the bottle just right for Jo.
Mostly, I want to have lots of fun playing with them. Let's play, guys! (And we better do it fast, before I get all mom-ish and, therefore, by definition, much less fun.)
I am very excited about this, probably because I have such wonderful aunts myself. My aunts (and uncles) have been a part of every major event in my life and most family vacations as well. I remember them cooking for me, reading me books, telling me stories, and rescuing me from all sorts of childhood perils, from the too-tall tree house to a case of head lice. I know I could show up at any of their homes at any time and be welcome. It still is comforting to me to know that if something were to happen to my mother, my aunties would take care of me.
I love my nieces and nephew. I look forward to a literal lifetime of memories with them. I want them to feel welcome in my home and sure of my love and concern for them. Some of my favorite times with my family are when we just sit around and tell stories and share memories. We love to laugh about all the funny and exciting things that have happened to us. Planning for similar future conversations, I try to remember things that happen with my nieces and nephew. I file these memories away in a special I'll-remind-you-of-that-when-you're-older part of my brain.
.jpg)
I'd like to remind Cora of how cute she was when she watched our fish, singing him songs and reading him stories. When Lachlan does something silly or makes one of those dumb mistakes that we all make, I'll let him know that we can just blame that on Uncle Blake, who let him fall back on his head onto the table on the family vacation in Hawaii. When Millie and Jo are fourteen and convinced that their parents are determined to make their lives miserable, I can tell them about when they were first born and how their parents spent days on end in the hospital just looking at them, how on their first day home their dad gave me the most detailed and adorable lesson on how to hold the bottle just right for Jo.
Mostly, I want to have lots of fun playing with them. Let's play, guys! (And we better do it fast, before I get all mom-ish and, therefore, by definition, much less fun.)
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