One Month Straight of Blogging - DONE!

Well I made it. I was a little nervous there that I wouldn't get in a couple of those days when we didn't have electricity. Thanks to a great roommate, it happened. It feels good to accomplish another one of my 30 by 30 goals. Let's see, here's what I have checked off so far from my 30 by 30 list (30 things that I want to do before I turn 30).

Learn a new instrument: the harp.

Buy a pencil skirt. (I bought 3 - only because it

was Black Friday, I had to).

Read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series.

Sing outside the metro for money. Which, I ended up changing to dressing up as an elf and singing at the National Christmas Tree.

Blog everyday for one month straight.

And here's what I hope to check off in February:

• Read "Jesus the Christ"
• Memorize the Gettysburg Address
• Memorize "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"
• Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Buy fancy perfume for the first time ever (I know, how grown-up of me)

Time's a runnin' out folks. I turn 30 in 42 days!

Best Sunday Ever

I wish this Sunday could be repeated every week. Church was incredibly uplifting from the talks, the music, the acappella singing in Relief Society and a whole RS meeting of testimonies. Can church get better than this?!

First of all, my dear roommate, best friend, Ashley, spoke in church. I knew it was going to be something special and I wasn't disappointed. The entire congregation was captivated with her talk about love, loneliness, and letting Christ penetrate into our hearts to fill in the gaps. The other two talks were fantastic as well. I felt like our whole congregation had been lifted to a holier place during sacrament meeting, like we were floating in the heavens, closer to God.

The choir also sang today. We sang "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need." As we were practicing I really started to ponder on the words we were singing. The men sing the first verse and every time they sang the following line, I was moved and comforted and I felt that our Savior was very near: "He brings my wandering spirit back, when I forsake His ways." I feel that as imperfect humans, we are in a constant battle in choosing between good and evil. The world around us forces us to be on guard at every moment. But I know that even when I make a mistake, He will bring my wandering spirit back to "paths of truth and grace." Then the women sing a verse. I love this line: "A word of Thy supporting breath drives all my fears away." That's the overall feeling I had today. I felt that as I was uplifted by the Spirit, the cares of the world seemed to blow away.

The talks in church were about Christ and I know that he supports, sustains, comforts, and loves us each individually. Ashley spoke about the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, "The Lord said, 'I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one, ye are not mine'." In sacrament meeting today we were one. It was a beautiful moment to feel that love, unity and peace with my ward. We were all feeling the Spirit and I really felt it drew us closer together.

During Relief Society today, we didn't have a piano available so we sang acappella. It was so amazing! Not only were the harmonies gorgeous, but I was able to really concentrate on the words more rather than the tune. We sang "I Believe in Christ" for the opening hymn and in the 4th verse, 1st line it says "I believe in Christ, He stands supreme, from Him I'll gain my fondest dream." All things are possible through Christ. I know that a lot of people my age, myself included, are trying to figure out our dreams and what would be most fulfilling in our lives. I know that if I follow God's commandments and keep the sacred covenants that I have made with Him, I do not have to worry about failing in life. Sure I'll fail at some things, everyone does, but that doesn't mean that life is over. I love to have an eternal perspective about things. I think that is one of the greatest blessings that I have, to view everything that I do and the decisions I make and the good and bad things that happen to me and others close to me, with an eternal eye. God loves us and wants us to succeed. What wonderful, beautifully blessed lives we all have!

More Awesome Disney Adventures

Sammie and I went on King Tritan's Carousel a couple of times and loved it. I also loved that there wasn't a line. She's so cute!

Katelyn, Dad and I all tried to pull the Sword out of the Stone. No luck, but KK was close!

The Mad Hatter's Tea Party is one of my favorite rides!
Fred, Eric, Dad, Katelyn and I went on the teacups and spun as fast as we could. I was laughing and screaming the whole time. It was just one of those moments in life that you'll always remember. Definitely one of the best moments of the trip!

Beautiful KK in a Teacup


Meeting Characters was a highlight of the trip. KK & Sammie had an autograph book and got pictures with a bunch of them. I loved watching their faces as they were in awe to meet them.

KK enjoyed talking to Snow White, but it looks like Sammie was struggling to focus on her.


But then we saw Cinderella. Sammie loves Cinderella. Look how she is staring up at her.

COLD!

This morning I woke up and although our apartment is freezing, I was warm in bed. I wore sweats and a hat to bed and had layers of blankets on me. It reminded me of when I lived in the Brandon Ave. house. My room was not connected to the central heating system and every night was like that. It's just harder to get up knowing that you can't have a hot breakfast or a warm shower.

Anyways, I started thinking that there are so many people in the world that suffer each day. Surely I could "suffer" for a few days, if you can call this suffering. It reminded me that I am so blessed to have what I have and should stop complaining about our situation without power. I need to do the best I can to stay positive because I know that this is only a temporary situation. Still, I'd love to have the power back on when I get home from work. :)

UPDATE: The Pepco man came and turned on our power about 45 minutes ago. I regret not running out of my apartment and yelling a big THANK YOU to him. It's great to have the power back on.

Apt 102 Adventure

Wednesday, January 26, 2011
3:00 p.m. - We are released from work to hopefully beat the storm

3:00 p.m. - The rest of D.C. is released from work to hopefully beat the storm

3:30-ish p.m. - On GW Pkwy and the rain turns into sleet/hail. It's coming down harder

4:00 p.m. - Arrive at home

4:00 p.m. - The sleet/hail turns into snow

4:01 p.m. - Get into my sweats

4:15 p.m. - Eat 2 bowls of Quaker Oatmeal Squares (hint of Brown Sugar)

4:25 p.m. - Get in bed and read a book

5:00-ish to 6:00-ish p.m. - Fall asleep while reading and take a short nap

6:07 p.m. - Power goes out

6:08 p.m. - Power comes back on

6:17 p.m. - Power goes off again and never comes back on

6:30 p.m. - I'm hungry again so I eat a bowl of cold baked beans

night vision :)

6:30-ish p.m. - 8:10-ish p.m. - We sit around and chat about whether or not to drive down to our friend's house in NW DC to watch the BYU vs. San Diego basketball game.

Sometime in the 7:00 hour - I forgot about the strange light flashes that reminded me of what a UFO would put off, if they were real.

8:25 p.m. - Help some guy get his car unstuck. Yes, 4 girls pushing and he attempted to drive. Kelly had to keep telling him what to do. 4 broken backs later he was out. He apparently offered to help us get out of our spot, but I own a Subaru, 'nuff said.

8:31 p.m. - We leave our parking lot to head down to our friend's house. Approximate mileage from our house to his is 7 miles.

9:00-ish p.m. We have gone about .5 miles from our house and have circled back so we can get onto Beach drive. There was traffic everywhere with cars stalled and abandoned all over the street. This is what it looked like.

Us in the car having the time of our lives. What an adventure!!

10:15 p.m. We arrive at our friend's house. I look like a homeless woman and my knees hurt from pushing on the break, clutch and gas for the past 2 hours.

10:15 p.m. - 12:15 a.m. -Watch the most amazing basketball game. Watch Jimmer kill it.

1:00-ish a.m. - Arrive home to a cold dark apartment

1:00 - 2:00 a.m. - Keep reading that book, I'm hooked

2:00 a.m - Go to bed, after checking a strange beeping noise in our kitchen

Livin' the life!

power is out

We Work at the FB..."A"

I have the great pleasure of working with my best friend. Even if work is stressful, Ashley and I still manage to have a lot of fun!

Today Ashley and I went downtown for an event and then we went to the Old Post Office on our lunch break before returning to work. I have always wanted to go to the Old Post Office because I heard the view from the top is pretty great. And it was!

The beautiful Old Post Office.

In the tower of the Old Post Office

It is so exciting working in the DC area. I love being able to go downtown once in a while.

A Night at the Symphony

My roommates and I got free tickets to go see the National Symphony Orchestra tonight. The program is part of a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. They had a special short film featuring an interview with Ted Sorenson, Pres. Kennedy's special counsel and footage of the Kennedy Inauguration.

Then Richard Dreyfuss came on stage and performed a reading, intertwining words from speeches of Pres. Kennedy. He was a lot shorter and looked a lot older than I expected. As he read, the orchestra played a dramatic song that reminded me of the dinosaur section of "Fantasia". Some pianist played a Gershwin piece and it was pretty incredible.


BUT, my favorite part was the "West Side Story" medley. It was extremely beautiful, especially the parts with just a few violins playing softly. It was hard not to sing along. I forgot how enjoyable it is to see and hear live music.

Every Chapter is Better Than the One Before

I did it! I finished the Narnia series and now I am sad that it is all over. I literally cried through the last few pages and ever afterwards. The books are so beautiful to me and touched my heart beyond what most things in life have done for me. I truly felt the feelings that the books are supposed to have on you. They teach of Christ and His goodness, mercy, redemptive power and love. As the Kings and Queens of Narnia and all the Narnians loved Aslan, I love our Savior Jesus Christ. I am overwhelmed right now with the love He has for me and for all of God's children. I know that He is so close and easily accessible to all that believe in Him and seek after Him. I came to know Him so well through these books and come to know Him on an even deeper level as I read the scriptures and pray for His presence in my life. I love Him!

"All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."
-Final Sentence in the Chronicles of Narnia Series-

And so it is in life and in the life to come, when we once again are reunited with our Heavenly Father and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ, every chapter is better than the one before.

Animated Italian Opera?

Sometimes I like to look at the options available with our On Demand. I only search under the Free options, because, really, we already pay them enough just to watch TV, why pay any more. I saw the description for this Swedish made animated Italian Opera! Who could pass that up?! This short film won several awards. I personally think the music is beautiful. I was able to watch it with subtitles, but this clip doesn't have them; you should still be able to get the gist of the story. Let me know what you think.

A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes

This is what I would look like if I were a Disney princess. Maybe I should have tried out. I wonder if I'm too old now?! :) Hehe

Some things just get you through the day...

Aragorn. Need I say more?

I LOVE the Temple!

Temples are beautiful, both inside and out. But more important than their beauty is their purpose. Within temples, faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make covenants with God that will help qualify them for exhaltation. Certain ordinances within temples seal families together forever. I cannot even express the gratitude I feel that this is a reality in my life. I am sealed to my family and I will be sealed to my future family. And if we remain faithful to our covenants, we are promised to be together again even after we are separated by death.

I've been re-reading "The Holy Temple" by Elder Boyd K. Packer. I first read this book nearly 10 years ago when I was preparing to make higher covenants with my Heavenly Father in the temple. One of the chapters discusses symbols. Elder Packer says, "The temple itself becomes a symbol. If you have seen one of the temples at night, fully lighted, you know what an impressive sight that can be. The house of the Lord, bathed in light, standing out in the darkness, becomes symbolic of the power and inspiration of the gospel of Jesus Christ standing as a beacon in a world that sinks further into spiritual darkness."

One of my favorite sites to see in the Washington D.C. area is the Washington, D.C. temple. I live about 5 miles from it! It's awesome. As you're driving from the Baltimore or Silver Spring area of Maryland, going west, you come around a corner and at one point you will see the temple directly in front of you, as if you are going to drive right into it. It is most impressive at night. When I read that quote above, that's what it reminded me of. And as I look at any temple bathed in light, I am reminded of what it stands for. It is a place of power and learning. I invite you to go to the temple nearest you. If you are a worthy temple recommend holder, go often. So many of us live within miles of a temple. If you are not yet worthy to enter the temple, please take the time to go visit the temple grounds and feel of His peace, even as you sit and ponder outside the temple walls. And as you do that, make a plan to prepare yourself to enter the temple someday to make those essential covenants with our Heavenly Father.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Washington, DC temple once a week. It is a blessing because I get to escape from the world and feel true peace and happiness. If you are a temple worthy Young Single Adult and you are reading this right now, please consider volunteering your time as a temple worker. I know that you will see more clearly what Heavenly Father has in store for you as you serve Him.

If I remember correctly, I've been to 27 temples, but unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to go inside all 27. Here are pictures of the temples that I've been to.

Can you name them all?

The Big Freeze

Remember when we went to work on time and then found out that we had a two hour delay? Um, yeah, that happened to us this morning. So what did Ashley and I do? We went to Melissa's house and watched "Waking Ned Devine" (which if you haven't seen, it's a must see) and drank hot chocolate. Made for a great pre-work activity.

I was actually quite shocked when I walked outside to see a thick layer of ice over everything - trees, the street, my car....It was a Kristi Yamaguchi experience just getting to the car! AND It took us about 10 minutes to chip the ice off my car.

In case you want to see what it looked like, here you go!

I love you, David Tutera

My roommates and I have "My Fair Wedding" with David Tutera on our DVR recording series. Why? Because we love David Tutera and we love watching him transform weddings. More than once we have laughed out loud and the "Bling Bling" episode had us rolling; it was one of our favorites. Pay particular attention when she and David are talking about her ideas for her wedding.

About My Fair Wedding:
A bride knows what she wants for her wedding — the dress, the flowers, even the icing on the cake! But with only three weeks before the big day, wedding planner David Tutera shows up and changes everything. How exactly will he tackle these brides’ outlandish ideas to give them a wedding beyond their imagination? Watch My Fair Wedding, a WE tv original series, to find out... you won't want to miss these tranformations!

Did You Think to Pray?

Today in church, someone played a beautifully moving rendition of LDS Hymn #140, "Did You Think to Pray?" This guy plays the piano so well and with so much feeling (and I think he just came up with the arrangement on his own). It's incredible to listen to people with so much talent.
From the moment his fingers hit the keys, I was overcome with a strong feeling of the Spirit. Not only was the music beautiful, but the words are very inspiring. Read the words as you listen to the Tabernacle Choir sing this wonderful song.

1. Ere you left your room this morning, Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ, our Savior, Did you sue for loving favor As a shield today?

Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don’t forget to pray.

2. When your heart was filled with anger, Did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, That you might forgive another Who had crossed your way?

Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don’t forget to pray.

3. When sore trials came upon you, Did you think to pray? When your soul was full of sorrow, Balm of Gilead did you borrow At the gates of day?

Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don’t forget to pray.

LOTR Marathon

We proved that we could at least complete one marathon...a Lord of the Rings marathon! My roommates and I watched the entire Lord of the Rings series (extended version) today. I think it took about 12 hours and we didn't really even take any breaks in between. I actually only saw The Two Towers and The Return of the King. (I was running errands earlier in the day so missed The Fellowship of the Ring). But I'll make sure to watch that one again soon enough.

I just LOVE the entire story. It reminds me so much of setting off on a mission, being gone from my home for a year and a half and then returning home without a clue how to adjust back to "normal" life. I think that's why The Return of the King is my favorite. I watched it soon after I returned from my mission in the Philippines. I related very well to the Hobbits, especially when they return home and no one in the Shire even knows what they have been through and probably didn't even realize that they were gone (at least that's how the townspeople treat them). They truly built a fellowship and love for eachother and in many ways I feel like mission companions are like that. You are assigned to be with different companions throughout your mission and experience great miracles, enjoy fun times, and even go through difficult times as well.

Here's one of my favorite parts in The Two Towers:

Sam: I wonder if we'll ever be put into songs or tales.

Frodo: [turns around] What?

Sam: I wonder if people will ever say, 'Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring.' And they'll say 'Yes, that's one of my favorite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn't he, Dad?' 'Yes, my boy, the most famousest of hobbits. And that's saying a lot.'

Frodo: [continue walking] You've left out one of the chief characters - Samwise the Brave. I want to hear more about Sam. [stops and turns to Sam]

Frodo: Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam.

Sam: Now Mr. Frodo, you shouldn't make fun; I was being serious.

Frodo: So was I.

[they continue to walk]

Sam: Samwise the Brave...

I need to find myself a Samwise Gamgee. He is loyal, optimistic, brave, kind, helpful....He is by far my favorite character.

Saved By the Bell

Oh where to start?! I think most people my age spent a good portion of their adolescent years watching Saved by the Bell. And what's not to love about that show?! Everyone can relate to at least one character in the diverse cast comprising of:

• Zack Morris (sigh) aka "Preppy"
• Kelly Kapowski, the cheerleader and "All-American Girl)
• Lisa Turtle, the fashion expert and gossip queen
• Samuel "Screech" Powers, school nerd, but also very thoughtful and funny
• Albert Clifford "A.C." Slater (double sigh), the jock
• Jessica ("Jessie") Myrtle Spano, the know-it-all crusader and feminist

Actually, I don't think Saved by the Bell had a character like me - funny, charming, lovable, stylish....

My favorite snacks

I eat a Fiber One bar everyday! Why?

1) They are full of fiber

2) They have chocolate in them = delicious

I also enjoy a good peanut butter and banana combo once in a while. (The PB must be chunky!)

Happiest Place on Earth (first half of Day 1)

Welcome to Disneyland! The kids are in awe.

Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, Mary Poppins and Bert met us when we entered. A band played Christmas songs and the characters paraded around in a circle. Katelyn and Sammie got to walk around with Mary Poppins (sadly, they didn't know who she was; they still need to see that one).

The long wait to get onto the Finding Nemo Submarine was well worth it. Alex was mesmerized during the entire ride. Sammie was sitting on my lap and got a little scared at times. I really enjoyed the ride.

Everyone enjoyed the interactive Buzz Lightyear ride.

I came off CHAMPION with 208, 700 points!

Lauren, KK and Sammie then took a turn at the wheel and drove around Autotopia. Sammie and I were together in a car and she couldn't see anything, so I pressed the gas and she steered the wheel in a haphazard sort of way. We were laughing our heads off.

Next, we watched the Christmas parade. I asked Sammie to show me how excited she was for the parade and this was her reaction.

What a doll!

Lionel Lives

For those of you that don't know, I have a pet dragon named Lionel. He lives in the hood of my car and comes out when I turn on the heat (and when the A/C is on as well). As mentioned in a previous blog post, I took my car into the shop to fix an A/C related problem. This morning when I went to pick Big Red up from the shop I turned on the heat to make sure that Lionel was still around. At first I was shocked and saddened because I couldn't hear him. But not too long after that, he appeared. (I think he was just sleeping). I am so so happy that Lionel did not leave me and that we can continue our good times together on the way to work and on roadtrips and just zooming around town.

Here's to you, Lionel!

The Youngs

This is my Bishop and his wife Nancy and they are two fantastic people!

When I moved into this ward 5 months ago, I knew the first week that it was the right decision. Actually I already had a great impression on the ward based on the number of amazing women in the ward that work at the temple. I remember my first week at the temple, Sis. Young gave me a tour of the temple from top to bottom. I knew this was a special lady and when I found out that she was the wife of the Bishop of the DC 2nd Singles' Ward, I thought that I would really love to be in that ward. And by God's will and help, I moved in.

Bishop Young is so wonderful. He is incredibly funny, intensely spiritual, openly generous and has a heart of gold. He is a man of God that truly has a love for his calling and for each member of the ward. I don't know how someone could not feel and understand that.

Nancy has become such a good, sweet, and fun friend. I enjoy seeing her at the temple, at church and at FHE. Last month we gave her a fantastic surprise party for FHE; I could just feel the love our ward members have for her and for eachother. (This is a truly great ward!) Anyways, before the festivities, we asked her to get up and bear her testimony and it was so powerful. The room was mesmerized by her. Something that she said I will never forget. "More important than your job, than your school, than almost anything else in your life right now, is for you to focus on finding your eternal companion. That should be your main focus." When the ward mother speaks, we obey. :)

They are just so incredible and I feel extremely blessed to know them and to be associated with them. I can tell this is only the beginning of a beautiful time together.

Life's Voyage

"Please Aslan," said Lucy. "Before we go, will you tell us when we can come back to Narnia again? Please. An oh, do, do, do make it soon."

"Dearest," said Aslan very gently, "you and your brother will never come back to Narnia."

"Oh, Aslan!!" said Edmund and Lucy both together in despairing voices.

"You are too old, children," said Aslan, "and you must begin to come close to your own world now."

"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"

"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.

"Are-are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.

"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."

(The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis)

Can I just say, I LOVE reading the Chronicles of Narnia series!! I never want it to end. The symbolism is extremely beautiful to me. The passage above is probably one of my most favorite passages of yet.

Christ wants us to come to know Him. We spent time with Him and our Heavenly Father in the pre-mortal life. I do not remember much, but I do know that I was one that raised my voice in support of Jesus Christ's plan. My voyage on earth is to seek Him once more.

Over the course of their visits to Narnia, the Pevensie children came to know Aslan and trusted that He would be there always to help them. There were times that most of them had doubts and couldn't see him, but little Lucy was always a faithful disciple of his. In the end, they never wanted to be parted from Aslan again. They wanted to feel the warmth of his love and protection from harm.

I know that our Savior Jesus Christ is our protector, mediator, defender, and advocate and is tender, loving, kind, and forgiving. We can come to know Him and feel of His power if we believe with faith and seek Him. I am extremely excited about 2011 as I intend to more fully seek my Savior.