Shout out to single friends...

So, blog readers, please permit me to dedicate this blog to my single friends.

Have some of you resorted to ldslinkup? Or match.com? Or eharmony? I wouldn't dissuade you in the least. There must be a greater likelihood of finding someone who wants to have a real relationship, because they are looking for it too. I've yet to fully embrace such methods, simply because I don't have time. But, there really doesn't need to be such animosity towards such sites. Do you agree or disagree?

So, over Christmas, Katie expressed her gratitude in the fact that Ann and I are both still single with her. I had been thinking the same thing prior to her mentioning this. So, I then contributed this...that in the Mormon rhealm it is kind of surprising that all three of us are still a part of this singlehood. Later, Katie said something to the effect that she thinks Ann and I are both "really cool" (thanks, Kate) and so it makes her feel less "bad" for being single. I feel likewise and feel grateful to Ann and Katie for being so great and for still hanging on with me. We are ALL EXTREMELY cool people, and are bearing this singlehood well. We've all graduated from college, and have gone on to get Master's degrees. We aren't just waiting around to get married, because as much as our parents have pushed marriage, they've also stressed education...I'm learning many people don't value education as highly as I do. I firmly believe that we must continue in our endeavors to be happy and productive people in society maybe despite the fact that we just really want to be married and having kids. I think it is unfortunate that people (in the church, mostly) seem to suggest we are to be unhappy in our lives because we are not married. I admit to feeling a certain "mission" in my life is not being fulfilled, but we MUST continue in our lives, and realize that it is okay to be happy with where we are at presently in our lives. Now by stating that, I am simply saying that we CAN NOT dwell on being single because it gets us nowhere. "Am I bitter?"do you ask? Maybe just a little. And to this I can only say that I've never been in love and I don't even really understand well how a serious relationship works. I, unfortunately, also seem to feel Hollywood has misconstrued our perception of what love is. I just finished watching Pride and Prejudice, which I think is wonderful, but just maybe not as amazing as the BBC version.I was struck by this statement made by Mr. Darcy..."You have bewitched me - body and soul, and from this day forth I never want to be separated from you." Has Jane Austen pinned love for what it really is? I've come to feel the decision to marry is more a matter of fact one than being about finding someone you are "in love" with (i.e. you marry if you encounter a "right" person at a point in life where both of you happen to be ready and looking for it). I'm realizing I'm beginning to sound like Bridget Jones, which is okay, because I love her. I don't know if I'll ever find my Mr. Darcy, but if being single for the rest of my life is what's in store for me, then I have to be okay with that. Don't worry though, I still feel that I'm putting forth effort.

Is the "Hollywood" type of love portrayed in the correct light? Married people...enlighten us.

I think I'm beginning to realize that some people don't know how to bear singlehood well. I believe, it's a hard stage to be in. We don't have anybody to look after but ourselves. We make decisions as a sole, and I know that I've become a very independent person. My life is lived in the order of how, what, and where I want things to be carried out. My life is very scheduled, because I want it this way. Are we too comfortable in our singlehood? Maybe, but we have no choice. What I believe to be perhaps the most difficult of these issues is that we have no one else to attach our identity to. We must continue figuring that out on our own, and honestly, it gets exhausting. I know who I am and I don't think I need to continue redefining it because I'm confronted with new people who aren't comfortable in their singlehood (Now, I realize I may just be the taddest bit defensive about this because I'm ALSO not completely comfortable in my singlehood...So, you don't need to point that out to me). Don't make me uncomfortable just because you are. Can't we all just be happy with who we are and accept people for who they are? Most we ONLY talk to people we perceive as possible mates...this is a current annoyance of mine that perhaps is for another blog posting, but just a short rambling here...some people seem to ONLY want to interact with those with whom they have a high physical attraction. What ever happened to valuing ALL people's insights and opinions? I want to interact with people who stimulate me intellectually and make me laugh. If you can't do that, please don't approach me...just a heads up.

I'll get off my soapbox now, and again...single friends...I can't say enough that you are ALL wonderful and amazing people.

To all anonymous blog readers...

This posting is long in the making. The reason I hesitated for so long to start a blog is for the reason that I believe there are people who read other people's blogs anonymously and I think that's freaky. Now if you happen to be reading my blog anonymously, this is not meant to deter you. It's okay. I can handle it, and I think if you have a blog you just have to be okay with anonymous readers.

Now before I go any further let me say this, because I do not want in ANY WAY to seem hypocritical. I read someone's blog anonymously for about a year. Admittedly, I did have a crush on this person. This one time, Mary convinced me to post a comment on one of his postings (anonymously). My comment was in reference to a picture of some kitchen (the dishwasher in particular) included in his post that he kind of posed to be his kitchen (and his dishwasher), but it was not. So, how freaky am I... that I decide it would be funny to post..."That is NOT your kitchen." Now he sees this posting from an anonymous person telling him that they KNOW what his kitchen looks like and that is NOT it. Seriously, he must have been freaked out. I'm ridiculous. He even like posted some reply like, "Okay, kitchen nazi."

Recently, I was discussing with someone about the fact that I read this guy's blog anonymously, because I thought SHE was the one that knew about his blog and had directed me to it. However, she says that I came home one night (we lived together) and mentioned my crush because I had seen him somewhere, she then said she hadn't been that impressed with him, and then she says that I told her that he had a blog and that he actually was smart and funny. I just think it's funny that somehow I came across his blog and became a faithful reader. I really didn't ever see him after that one occasion and shortly thereafter he moved from D.C. and he's now married living in LA, doing his master's at UCLA, doesn't own a car, but prefers a bike for his method of transportation (I know all this from his blog, of course).

Now...I DO NOT read his blog anymore and the only reason I did so (for about a year), is because he really does write well, and it was interesting. I was introduced to South Park from his blog. Of course, I knew about South Park but had never really watched it. I was directed to the World of Warcraft episode from his blog and thought it was hilarious and seriously was impressed with his insight on how children are exposed to video games and media in this day and age.

I will also say that I recently "confessed" to Mandy Jensen that I read her blog. I told her and she started laughing so hard, because I phrased it in exactly that manner, "Mandy, I have a confession...I read your blog." Mandy and I aren't friends (I'm sure we would be though if we lived in the same place), but I am good friends with Mary who Mandy is good friends with. So, it was Mary that directed me to the blog.

It's so interesting - this world of blogging. I love it, but it may be a love/hate relationship. From it, I just have to ask myself questions like, "Am I happy to separate myself from other human beings and resort to getting to know and keeping in touch with people via the internet?" The answer to this question, is mostly "Yes, I do." I LOVE talking on the phone and keeping in touch with close friends, but there's just simply not time to stay in touch with everybody, and some people you maybe don't need to know everything that's going on with them, but really would love to see where their lives are taking them. Take Lynne for example...I LOVE her sugarcityjournal.com website. How creative and fabulous is she?! And it was my little blog that led me to her site...Jessi and Katie told Alexandra about my blog, Alexandra posted on my blog, then Lynne found me through Alexandra.

So, do see you see the results of this blog world? I think it's great. Now, just to close, I want to mention something Mandy Jensen said to me a while ago and the more I think about it the funnier it seems. She said that instead of dating and in order to get to know possible future mates they could just read her blog. I think we were talking about the fact that so many people read her blog that she doesn't even know about. So, she jokingly said that she could tell people about her blog upon first meeting them, and ask if they have a blog. How easy does that sound? "I have a blog. Do you have a blog? Why don't we just read each other's blogs and see if we are compatible?" It actually sounds kind of great to me. But, seriously...how hilarious would that be? Agree or disagree with the method?

Note: Go to YouTube. Find the South Park episode. It is insane and unbelievable and great and insightful (oh, and pretty crude) all at the same time.

Christmas Break in Review...

So, I just want to review the events of my Christmas break because it really has been wonderful...

1. NOT missing my flight coming home. (Last Christmas I missed my flight, because an airport worker gave me misguided information about how long it would take to go back down to the check-in area to check an extra bag. I was at the airport the rest of the day trying to get on stand-by flights, but there had been a huge storm in Denver and getting home without paying a fortune seemed like an impossibility. My dad didn't even think I'd get home at all, and of course, I completely broke down at that. I COULD NOT be in VEGAS for Christmas. My parents just helped out and paid for me to have a reserved place on a flight the next morning.)

2. Seeing my old students at First Steps. The school I used to teach preschool at now has a Kindergarten, so I was able to go see some of my old students. I love seeing them so much. They are darling. And I have to admit that what makes it so much fun is that they remember me and love to see me. It was also really great to see old friends I used to teach with at the school. Making cookies with Erin at her house and hearing all the gossip going on at school was wonderful.

Dinner with other teachers at the tappas place in McLean (I forget the name). Vilma, me, Erin, Nick, Amber, Adam, Matt, Kate, Laurie.

3. Christmas presents! I pretty much asked for everything I got for Christmas, so none of it was a surprise, but it's great because you get exactly what you need! I love Christmas stockings. They might be my favorite Christmas tradition. In my stocking this year I got my MAC makeup (including a foundation brush...I had never had one before!), an eyelash curler (I had never used one before and was feeling the need to try one out! I think it works marvelously!). I also got work clothes (I just needed some button-down shirts and the like, so mom took me shopping. After a laborious shopping excursion of going back and forth between the regular Banana Republic store and Banana Republic Petites, we were able to narrow down exactly what I liked and needed. Leave it to us to be very particular and thorough), rollar blades (I love rollar blading! I'm good at it!), some black patent mary janes, the book Eclipse by Stephanie Meyers, running shoes, and that was about it.

4. Seeing old friends in Virginia...Ann, Ashley Gerber, Katie and all the Smiths, all the Johnsons, Liz Lindsey, Mary, and ALL the Melrose...

5. Some fun events in Virginia/D.C. ... Dinner at The Carlyle Grand Cafe/Restaurant - probably my favorite place to eat in D.C., Mount Vernon, the Christmas display at the U.S. Botanical Gardens right next to the Capital, caroling with my family (we do it every year to basically the same families. I feel bad we didn't make it to the Smith's this year, but you guys were going out to dinner Christmas Eve so we couldn't go then, and we didn't have another time to go), hiking down to the Potomac from our home (my family would hike the short distance probably weekly when we were young...I realize now really what a wonderful area I grew up in with so much available to me) seeing Juno, and the New Year's Party at 3078 (Mary is an excellent party planner...the fondue was SO good, Best/Worst of 2007 was a hit, and the Loaded Questions game was really fun - even if I did reveal too much information...why do I ALWAYS do this?)

Hunter as George and me as Martha Custis Washington.

This is the view of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon. I left my mom saving our place in line and went to wander the grounds a little. I couldn't help myself and started feeling like I was Elizabeth Bennett and longed to get my exercise wandering the moors of Pemberly. It would be a much simpler life. Marriages can be arranged that's fine with me. Well...not arranged, exactly, but based more on factual information. You marry if you are both of suitable standing in society, if the man can support you and a family financially, and if you both seem to have a good demeanor. It makes A LOT of sense to me. What's all this nonsense about knowing each other really well? Who cares?

The train display outside of the Botanical Gardens. It is beautiful and the detail is amazing. I wish we could've seen it at night as well.

My mom and I inside the Botanical Gardens in front of the replica of the Library of Congress. Yes, we look alike. I think we probably have EXACTLY the same smile. My niece Lesil (in St. George) told me the other day..."You smell like my faraway grandma" (which would be my mother)...Okay...so, I apparently smell like her too. I think it's cute they call my mom "faraway" grandma because she lives in Virgina, while their other grandma lives down the street .

Mary and I with the New York City backdrop on New Year's Eve.

6. Skiing with my family and the Clarks at Wisp. I hadn't skiied in forever, but I discovered I'm still pretty good! It felt great!

7. Going to St. George and seeing Spencer, Trina, and all the Coxs. They are such a wonderful family and they've had a really difficult holiday season with the unexpected passing of their husband/father. He was an incredibly kind, generous, and influential person.

8. Skiing with Hunter in at Sundance and running into Katie Johnson! What a great surprise.

9. Seeing Sierra and Elise in Utah (two of my best friends I made my freshman year at BYU. We've been close ever since). They are so great, and it makes me sad I get to see them so rarely. Playing Rock Band with Sierra and her family was the best! I loved it when Allie (Sierra's 4-year-old) was sitting on my lap "helping" me do the base and says, "I'm a rocker!"

10. Staying with Jane Partridge Anderson in Phoenix and running my 1/2 marathon!

11. Starting my blog! I now have a reason to "journal!" And I love keeping in touch with all of you.

Phoenix Marathon!

So, I'm running the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon this Sunday (Jan. 13th) and I just bought a new shuffle, and I want to put the best pump-me-up running songs on it. So... I need suggestions! Send me your favorite running songs...and I just might love you forever!

St. George, Utah

This is the backyard view from Trina's parents house.

I always love coming to St. George. Really, my decision to move to Vegas was based largely on the fact that I was scared to move somewhere completely foreign and not have anyone I knew nearby. Living in Vegas, I knew I'd get to see Spencer and Trina more. It was kind of killing me to live far away from them. Spencer and Trina got married August 24th, 2001, I believe, in St. George. Spencer had just graduated BYU and I was leaving on my mission. We both moved away from Utah at the same time. I entered the MTC August 31st, 2001.

Having Spencer at BYU with me was one of the best things about college. It seems like so long ago, but I remember going over to Spencer's place, or him coming to mine and we'd catch up on everything happening in our lives. Spencer would make me cut his hair, and we'd talk about our crazy roommates, or whatever. Sometimes I'd come home from school and see that Spencer had stopped by because he'd left me a note. When I was just home in Virginia I found one of the notes. I think I had had a hard day for whatever reason, and walked in to see that Spencer had arranged two beanie babies (I really have NO idea why I had these beanie babies in my room at the time) to show a scenario, and the accompanying text read, "Dog's sad because his friend the frog jumped off the desk and died" and then Spencer had arranged the frog with his hands like over his eyes and the dog upside down on the ground. Yes, dumb, but I remember laughing so hard about it. I think I was also pleased that Spencer was able to get past my dumb roommate who had an issue with boys (including my brother...are you kidding me?) in my room.

So, after they got married Spencer and Trina moved to Alexandria. Sammi was born there, and of course, my parents LOVED having them nearby. Not only were Steph and Aaren in Arlington, but they had Spencer and Trina in Alexandria. Spencer and Trina only lasted two years though. I think they always knew they wouldn't live in Virginia for long and also knew they'd end up in St. George. Perhaps, they felt they needed to be somewhere else before they settled down. So, when I got back from my mission. It was maybe two weeks that I was home, before we all drove to Utah. I was starting spring semester, and Spencer and Trina were moving to Provo for Trina to finish up her degree. I moved into Chatham Towne (on 9th East) and Spencer and Trina were in the "Mansion House" (I think that's what they call it), which is the house the Cox's (Trina Cox Swift) own and have their kids live in and they rent it out to friends/extended family. There's like different apartments within this one huge home. It's right across from the Creamery on 9th.

So, coming back from my mission was hard, just because you kind of have to start all over again. My best friends were all married. It would've been really hard had I not had Ann (good friend from Virginia) and MacKenzie (my sister-in-law's younger sister) who also had both just returned from missions to live with. Katie Smith was also in Provo, so that was good too. I just am so glad I had Spencer and Trina right up the street. I was over there all the time.

So, I go to St. George to see Spencer and Trina and my nieces and nephews. They are absolutely adorable. Spence and Trina have 4 kids now. Sammi, Lesil, Kimball, and Isabelle.

This picture was taken over Thanksgiving. We found this little arch hiking. Kimball's on Spencer's back, Me, Hunter, Sammi, Trina, and Lesil. I can't remember who we had left Isabelle with. Well, she wasn't with us.

Kimball just loves to play with Belle and to squash her. Today it looked like he blatantly stepped on her head, but he kind of skipped and got a running start, and I think he was really just trying to do what I was doing with him earlier, which was like a football hustle bridged over him and I run forward and then back. He LOVED it for some reason.

Izzy!

I was sweaty because I had been running around with Kimball. He's so fun to play with.

Visiting Virginia!

Katie Johnson, Jenny Johnson Champoux, Baby Justin Champoux, Me, Katie Smith, Liz Lindsey Weber, Ellie Stewart, Erin Johnson Stewart

Last week at the McLean II Ward we had the greatest reunion! I grew up with the women and their families in the picture above.

It was so nice to hear Woody and Page (Katie, Erin, and Jenny's parents) speak in sacrament meeting today. They are such eloquent people, who think creatively and are able to express themselves well. Jenny's newborn baby Justin was blessed in sacrament meeting. So, it really was a special time to be there. I probably hadn't seen Erin since 2000 or 2001. And Liz and I determined it had been ten years since we had last seen each other (we graduated high school in 1998). As we gathered out in the foyer after sacrament meeting, Kyle (Erin's husband) approached Erin at one point and asked her if we were going to go to other meetings. Um... no. We don't have other meetings in the McLean II ward.

We were only missing a couple people to make our ditching a reality. One of these people was Ann Colton. On Christmas Eve my family with the Johnsons called Kent and Kathryn Colton who are mission presidents in Florida. I also grew up with the Coltons and this past summer Kent and Kathryn went to Florida to be mission presidents. I was really glad Katie, Ann, myself were able to meet for lunch in McLean before she left for for Florida to be with her parents. So, when we called the Coltons Christmas Eve, Kathryn answered the phone and put us on speaker, so we could talk to Kent and Ann. We found out later we were also talking to 20 other missionaries who were over at the mission home for dinner.

Yesterday Katie, Liz Weber, and I met for breakfast at McLean Family Restaurant. Liz brought her little girl, Emily. It is so fun to see Liz as a mom. It's really amazing we all grow up and have really different lives, but are really just the same person. Liz is such a fun mom.

I am so grateful for having grown up with such substantial people in my life (that is: people of substance). So many people seem to lack substance to their lives and personalities. You all do amazing things with your lives, and live passionate lives with laughter and sarcasm always present. I so love interacting with you all.